text: How-To Guide for Families In Need of Family Mediation? When is mediation a good choice for family matters? When is mediation not the best choice for me? What other choices do I have? How do I find a mediator? How are mediators trained? What questions should I ask before I hire a mediator? How do mediators get paid? What do mediators do before the first mediation session? What can I expect in a mediation session? How do I negotiate during mediation? If I mediate, do I still need a lawyer? What is family mediation? Family mediation is a way for you and someone with whom you have a conflict or dispute to: Sit down and talk about a conflict/dispute Define problems and issues that need to be decided Decide how your needs can best be met Address and/or resolve problems Decide certain issues Figure out your needs Work with a neutral person in a confidential way Encourage communication so you and the other person will be able to solve future problems on your own Resolve the conflict and create an agreement that can be made part of a court order Family mediation is an alternative to trial for family disputes ^ return to top When is mediation a good choice for family matters? Mediation may be a good choice for family matters: Before you separate Before, during, and after the divorce process When you want to end a significant relationship with someone that you are not married to When ending a relationship with someone with whom you have children or own property that needs to be divided After the divorce decree is final and problems arise If you need to make decisions about how to share time with children When you need to discuss child support When you need to decide about parenting responsibilities such as: Child rearing styles Disciplinary decisions Access to medical and school records Choices about schools Notice of school performances and conferences Scheduling time with the children including weekdays, weekends, vacations, holidays, birthdays and other special times Clothes and extracurricular activities Working out grandparent visits Telephone calls Transportation and costs Blended family issues When you are discussing spousal maintenance When you have property to divide (your home and what's in it, cars, boats, etc.) When you have credit card debt to divide When you have checking and savings accounts, pension plans, mutual funds, money market funds, stocks, bonds, other investments and financial assets to divide ^ return to top When is mediation not a good choice for me? Mediation may not be a good choice for you if: You or your children have been verbally, physically, emotionally or sexually abused by the other person You do not feel safe, for any reason, in mediation sessions You are afraid of the other person The other person is intentionally trying to cause you emotional pain You or the other person are too depressed to make good decisions You don't trust the other person to be fair or honest You don't trust yourself to be fair or honest You or your therapist believe you are not mentally or emotionally able to mediate You or the other person abuse drugs or alcohol You feel the mediator is not treating you or the other person fairly You have a lot of trouble making decisions for yourself The other person is trying to keep the conflict going to maintain a connection The other person is acting like a martyr For whatever reason the other person does not want to end the conflict If you believe that you and the other person have different levels of power It is important to note that the court cannot order you to mediate if you are in an abusive situation! If in an abusive situation, before you consider mediation, thoroughly talk with someone you trust about the risks and benefits of mediating, like a: Domestic abuse counselor Women's or men's advocate Therapist or counselor Lawyer experienced in family matters and domestic abuse Religious or spiritual counselor Domestic abuse advocate As much about your situation as you can, giving facts and recent details The effects of the abuse on you and the children That you have or want an order for protection Whether you want to mediate or not What protections you need if you do want to mediate, such as a sheriff, advocate or other person with you during mediation If you are in an abusive situation and you still wish to mediate, it is a good idea to ask the mediator some questions first. Some mediators will not work in situations where they know abuse is a problem. You can ask the mediator the following questions, and any other questions you feel you need to ask: Do you mediate cases where there is domestic abuse? If not, do you know someone who does? What kind of training have you had in mediating domestic abuse cases? When and where did you take that training? How many cases have you mediated where there has been domestic violence? What happened in those cases? What questions will you ask the abuser before the first mediation session? If the abuser denies there is abuse, what do you do? What do you need to ask me about this situation? What do you see as the risks and benefits of mediation where there are control, abuse and violence problems? Can I have someone with me during mediation like an advocate or a therapist? Can that person be in the room with me at all times? How do you reduce the risks to me? How do you promote safety for me? How do you promote safety for everyone else who participates in mediation? If there is an order for protection in place, will you mediate? ^ return to topWhat other choices do I have? Mediation is not your only choice. There are other options you may wish to consider. All involve different costs, risks and benefits that you should check into before you decide. Some of those options are: Negotiate with the other person on you own without a mediator Negotiate with the other person with the help of a family member, trusted friend, etc. Go to trial and represent yourself Go to trial with a lawyer Hire an appraiser for some or all of the property Hire someone impartial to give an opinion about issues and then use those opinions to negotiate with the other person Take your dispute to arbitration In arbitration, you and the other side sit down with a third person who will decide your case for you. That person can decide some or all of the issues. This is more like going to court because someone else makes the decisions for you. There are other methods available in Minnesota courts to help you resolve your conflict. You will need legal advice about these methods and how each would work for your situation. ^ return to top How do I find a mediator? There are many different ways to find a mediator, such as: Ask someone you know and trust for a referral Family, friends or neighbors An attorney Your therapist or your social worker Your probation officer or the local court services clerk Your religious or spiritual counselor (pastor, priest, rabbi, etc.) Ask for a referral from someone who has had a good experience with mediation Talk with a professional who is familiar with mediation Use lists or referrals from an agency or mediation group You don't need to hire the first mediator you find. First you should: Get a few names of mediators Talk with each mediator Compare the information you get from each mediator Consider how you felt when talking with each mediator Feel comfortable with the mediator you finally choose ^ return to topHow are mediators trained? The state of Minnesota does not license mediators. Minnesota law does not require mediators to take any kind of training. To be on the Minnesota Statewide ADR Rule 114 Neutrals Roster, family mediators must take training that has been approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court.To meet that requirement, most family mediators take a 40 hour basic course in mediating family matters. That course includes information on domestic abuse. Some first take a 30 hour basic course in mediating civil cases, and then take another 25 hour course that covers information about mediating family cases. To stay on the Minnesota Statewide ADR Rule 114 Neutrals Roster, a mediator must take 6 hours of additional training each year. Although some basic training courses include information on domestic abuse, a mediator can take an additional 6 hour domestic abuse screening course. Mediators have backgrounds in different professions, trades and lines of work. They are not required to have any other training or experience. ^ return to topWhat questions should I ask before I hire a mediator? You may want to ask questions in addition to those on this list. Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions; you have the right to interview someone you might hire. The more information you have, the more likely you will feel comfortable with your final choice of mediator. If you are comfortable with the mediator, you are more likely to feel comfortable during the mediation session. To ensure that the mediator is and will be neutral you can ask: Do you know the other person involved in this conflict socially, professionally or any other way? Do you have any financial ties to any of the people involved in the dispute? Have you ever done mediation for that person? Have you ever done any other kind of work for the other person? Would you ever do work for that person after the mediation is over? Does your employer or organization do any work for the other person? Most mediators have had some type of training. You can ask: When did you take your basic course in mediating family matters? What training have you had in screening out domestic abuse matters? Since your basic course, how many hours of mediation training in family matters have you taken? Mediators should have experience, so you could ask: How many family matters have you mediated? How many years have you been mediating? How has your training and experience prepared you to help us work out an agreement to our dispute? Do you have other work experience? If yes, what is it? Who do you work for? Are you licensed in another profession? If so, what profession? What is the phone number of the Minnesota agency that licensed you? What is your license number? Have you ever had a professional license suspended, restricted or taken away? If yes, ask when and why. Did you get it back? If so, is that license now current and unrestricted? Has the Supreme Court ever taken any action against you in response to a complaint? Has any professional organization ever disciplined you? If yes, ask when, how and why? What is the organization's name, address and phone number? Do you have a copy of the report? If so, may I have a copy? Mediators have different styles and practices. You can ask: Do you work alone or with another mediator? If they work in pairs be sure to ask how they charge. Which mediator code of ethics do you follow and will you send me a copy? Do you schedule the mediation sessions based on my particular situation? Can you handle any special physical needs I have and how? How will you handle it if I want to have a support person with me? How do you conduct mediation sessions? Do you give an orientation and what does it include? Do we sign an agreement to mediate and if so, can I have a copy before mediation? Do you encourage parties to talk directly with one another? Do you keep us in separate rooms? Do you ever talk separately with either person in a private meeting during mediation? If so, why and how? How do you decide when to talk separately with each person? Do you write up mediated agreements? If so, can I see a sample of one you have done before I hire you? If you do not write up mediated agreements, how do I go about getting my agreement written? See questions regarding payment under "how mediators get paid." In the event that the mediation programs are sponsored by a community of faith or are community based, you may want to ask: How long has your program been mediating family cases? How many family mediation cases has your program done? How long have you been in operation? How will you choose a mediator for my case? Do your mediators work in pairs? How are the mediators supervised? Do your mediators charge or are they volunteers? What training and experience does the mediator have who will take my case? How do you select mediators for your program? Are your mediators on the Minnesota Statewide ADR Rule 114 Neutrals Roster/Family list? Do you have insurance for your mediators and if so, in what amounts? ^ return to topHow do mediators get paid? Usually mediators are paid by the two people or "sides" in the dispute. Often each person pays half the cost of the mediator. But: You can ask the mediator to include the cost as a topic to be talked about during mediation You may decide to split the cost based on your incomes or any other way that both of you see as fair Unless otherwise agreed to by the mediator, the mediator usually gets paid at the end of each session. Most mediators charge by the hour. Most have a set hourly fee. Some mediators have a "sliding scale" and charge according to your ability to pay. Mediators should not charge a percentage of the value of your property and incomes. Other than the hourly rate, some mediators may charge fees for: Working in pairs To cover administrative costs and overhead For time to write up your agreement It is advisable to ask any mediator the following questions How much do you charge and when do I have to pay you? Do you charge for drafting the agreement or for administrative time? Will you make arrangements for a payment plan? Do you reduce your fees or have a sliding fee scale? Can each of us pay based on our own income? If you have tried to find a mediator, but cannot find one you can afford: Ask the judge or court administrator where to find an affordable one Use the court sponsored program in your county Ask if the judge can help settle your case Mediation Center offers a sliding fee scale from $15-$200/hour based on combined annual gross incomes. ^ return to top What do mediators do before the first mediation session? You may be asked to fill out forms to gather the following information: Your name, address and phone number Where you work Days and times of day you could attend mediation session(s) Financial status, such as income, expenses, debts, assets Names and ages of children, where and with whom they live Health and other insurance information Information about the issues you want to cover in mediation Most mediators will tell you: About their education and training About their mediation experience About any other professional experience they may have What they charge Whether they mediate alone or with another mediator They should provide a reason why they mediate with another person Offer a female/male balance Train a new mediator Most mediators will: Set up a neutral place to mediate Contact the other person, explain the mediator's services and ask him/her to participate Schedule the mediation at a time that works for all of you ^ return to topWhat can I expect in a mediation session? The mediator will give some kind of orientation at the first session. Even if you received some of the same information over the telephone, most mediators will talk about: The ground rules for mediation sessions Their training, experience and charges An explanation of mediation and why it is confidential How no one, not even the court, can force the mediator to repeat what either of you said during mediation The schedule for sessions Each person's responsibilities and the agreement to mediate Any concerns and questions you have about the process you are about to go through After the orientation session, if you all agree, some mediators may talk separately with each person. That private meeting may be called a caucus. In mediation, a caucus is a private, confidential discussion between the mediator(s) and one "side" or person involved in the conflict. A mediator: May have a caucus with you or the other person, one at a time May have several caucuses with you or the other person throughout the mediation Should never tell the other person what was discussed during a caucus with youunless you tell the mediator it is OK to do so Should never tell you hat was discussed during a caucus with the other personunless that person tells the mediator it is OK to do so A mediator uses a caucus: To give you a chance to say anything you want So you won't be nervous about saying things in front of the other person When emotions are running high or they get in the way of working toward an agreement When you need help identifying the issues or developing your questions When you need the mediator to help you think about how you are negotiating To get information you may not yet have provided Some mediators will welcome the opportunity to meet with each of you separately. You can ask to have a private caucus whenever you feel you need to. ^ return to topTips for preparation and negotiation for and during mediation Before coming to the first mediation session, it is a good idea to Take the time to gather all the information you will need to resolve all the issues Identify your needs in the following areas and be prepared to tell them to the mediator Financial, real estate and property needs Parenting needs and needs of your children Determine what you need to put into a mediated agreement You should figure out how much it costs you each month for the following kinds of expenses. You also need to know how much of each amount is spent on your children. Housing and utilities Food and clothing Life and health insurance premiums, as well as insurance co-payments Medicines and prescriptions Car payments, insurance and gas Child care, day care, school tuition and fees Child support and/or spousal maintenance You need to have information about the following, including account and policy numbers, balances, beneficiary names, policy limits, and who owns each account, fund or policy. Checking and savings accounts, as well as certificates of deposit Accounts that have stocks or bonds Money market accounts and mutual funds Retirement funds and all other investments you have All insurance policies, including life, health, property, car, etc The cash value, if any of any insurance policies It is a good idea to know in advance how you would like to divide things. Be open-minded about other ideas that come up during mediation, but be ready to tell the following about how you would like to see things divided The value of your home and any other real estate and how you figured out the value for each The value of your household goods and how you figured out that value How you want to divide each piece of property and the household goods and why It is also advisable to know before mediation what kinds of decisions you want to make about the children. Take time to figure out what issues need to be resolved, and have some ideas on how you want to decide on them. Be prepared to explain how you decided, and again, be open minded to new ideas that may come up during mediation. Examples of parenting issues that may need to be decided include: Where the children will live What child rearing style and value system will be used and how the children will be disciplined How each parent will get to see the children's medical and school records How to share notice of school performances and conferences How to schedule time with the children, including weekdays, weekends, vacations, holidays, birthdays, and other special times How the visitation schedule will work with the children's school, social, and religious activities Whether the children will have any type of religious or spiritual upbringing and if so, what type? How time with grandparents will be handled How you will handle telephone calls with the other parent Transportation arrangements, including costs How you will make decisions, including major medical decisions How you will resolve problems in the future Mediation works best if you both come to the session willing to: Work to create solutions Accept that you are going to have to give in order to receive Work to control your emotions so that you can think clearly Tell the truth and give accurate information Give all the information needed to solve problems and reach agreement Treat each other respectfully and fairly Listen carefully and communicate clearly Ask lots of questions Remember that you are acting on behalf of your children, who cannot negotiate for themselves When in mediation, you should try not to: Make unreasonable demands or be inconsiderate of the other person Ignore the other person's needs Be rude or lose your temper Overestimate your needs or underestimate the other person's needs Hesitate to ask questions or be too scared to negotiate what you or your children need Make promises that you cannot keep Lie or exaggerate Pass up what's in you own or your children's best interests because of past conflicts Let the other person intimidate you or intimidate the other person Agree to anything that you don't feel safe with Expect the mediator to give you legal advice, therapy or counseling Think your way is the only way ^ return to top If I mediate do I still need a lawyer? Before or during mediation it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities concerning: Child custody and visitation, child support, child care and/or paternity Spousal support Pension or property division and health insurance It is advisable to have a lawyer look over the agreement to make sure that it includes things required by Minnesota law. You may want to talk with a lawyer throughout mediation; it may help you decide what is best for you and your children. While many mediators are attorneys, they are unable to give legal advice to individuals as mediators. There are many ways to find a lawyer who practices in family law, including: Ask friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers Ask your therapist, counselor, social worker, probation officer, pastor, rabbi, etc. The yellow pages section for family law or divorce lawyers Lists from the following professional organizations or referral services: Statewide Resources MN State Bar Association Attorney Referral Service: (612) 292-4152MN Women Lawyers Referral Service: (612) 338-3205 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Resources Attorney Referral Service of Ramsey County: (651) 224-1775Chrysalis Legal Assistance for Women: (612) 871-0118Dakota County Bar Association Referral Service: (952) 431-3200Hennepin County Bar Association Attorney Referral: (612) 752-6666 Statewide Legal Services Programs Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project: (612) 343-9842 / (800) 313-2666Immigrant Law Center of MN (oficina legal): (651) 291-0110 / (800) 223-1368Legal Assistance for MN Prisoners: (612) 625-6336Migrant Legal Services: (651) 291-2837 / (800) 652-9733MN Volunteer Attorney Program: (612) 333-1183 Twin Cities Legal Services Programs Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis: (612) 334-5970Centro Legal (for all metro counties): (651) 642-1890Judicare of Anoka County: (763) 783-4970Legal Assistance of Dakota County: (952) 431-3200Southern MN Regional Legal Services (SMRLS): (952) 440-1040 (Carver and Scott Counties) (651) 222-5863 (Ramsey and Washington Counties) ^ return to top


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Westfield High School graduate Emily Tebbetts enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime when she won Sony's "Up Close" contest and had the chance to spend the day as Taylor Swift's personal photographer.
A commercial featuring the 21-year-old communication studies major and the 23-year-old singer/songwriter has been airing since November (see attached video) but for Tebbetts the excitement began in September when a friend from Westfield suggested she enter the Internet-based contest.
The Northeastern University student said she was just settling into her Boston apartment when she submitted her work online and life has been a whirlwind ever since.
Jason Cromer, senior manager for Brand Experience at Sony Electronics, explained what he described as the rigorous review process that garnered more than 2,800 applicants in the mere 80 hours the contest was live. After being voted through to the top 100 by her peers, Tebbetts was still standing as the pool was whittled down to 20. Cromer said when it came time for the final five to be interviewed, Tebbetts' name was the only one that appeared on each of the lists of Sony's panel of judges, which included photographers Nigel Barker, Matthew Jordan Smith and Brian Smith.
Tebbetts traveled to Nashville in late September for the final round. "It was kind of surreal," she said. "It was so crazy but yet so normal at the same time. I wasn't really nervous. I felt more like I was in a dream—is this really happening?"
A Swift fan since before the crossover country star "blew up," Tebbetts said Swift, whom she documented for a day, lived up to her lofty expectations.
"I'd heard how kind she was and she was really nice and funny and sarcastic," Tebbetts said. "She made me feel comfortable and welcome."
The self-taught photographer said the experience was invaluable. From seeing how an entire day of work is edited down to a 30-second commercial to working with professionals and observing how numerous moving pieces come together, Tebbetts, who "thrives on craziness," said working with Sony's equipment was eye-opening as well.
While shooting the Grammy award winner, Tebbetts used Sony's new NEX-5R camera, which she said was easy to use and just as sharp but much less bulky than her usual "huge" camera that can quickly become a literal pain in the neck.
Cromer said Tebbetts had "a lot thrown at her" and "handled it all with incredible poise." Since the commercial, Sony has continued to partner with Tebbetts by asking her to serve as a camera assistant for the hitRECord Tour, featuring actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Tebbetts has also had the chance to test drive some of Sony's newest creations, including the A99, which she noted she's "in love with."
"She's fantastic," Cromer said. "We're definitely fans of her work. She's a great photographer and we can't wait to get the equipment into her hands and get her feedback."
Tebbetts said she never could have dreamt things would have turned out as they have since she entered the contest, especially when she recalled that she really didn't pursue her passion for photography until her senior year at WHS. In what she described as her "defining moment," Tebbetts said as her senior project she decided to create a portfolio and challenged herself to find a designer who would hire her to shoot her line.
"Everything's happened so quickly," she said. "It's been such a blessing. I'm so grateful and I know how lucky I am to have this opportunity."
Since her commercial with Swift began airing, Tebbetts said she has received a tremendous outpouring of support and good wishes.
"Everyone has been so kind about it and wished me the best," she said. "I didn't realize how many people would see it. I never imagined I'd be in a commercial."
The artist looks forward to returning to Westfield this spring to pursue professional opportunities while completing her degree. She will be available for family and individual photo shoots while in town.
For more information, visit Tebbetts' website, Facebook page or email email@example.com or call 908-279-3508.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Katrina fraud case under way may be the last time federal proceedings will take place inside the courtroom on the second floor of a classic, gray building where history was made during the height of the Civil Rights movement.
Meridian's federal court is among six in the South that will close in the next few years in a cost-cutting measure expected to save $1 million a year in rent.
The decision to close the federal courthouses was announced last September by the Supreme Court of the Judicial Conference, the federal judiciary's policy-making arm.
Upstairs from the Central Post Office in the heart of downtown Meridian, lawyers, judges, jurors and defendants in the Katrina fraud trail are sitting in many of the same places that in the 1960s saw historic decisions made that helped shape Meridian and the nation. It is a history some say should not be forgotten with the impending closure of the federal courthouse.
"It is an injustice to let that history just fade away," said Roscoe Jones, a prominent member of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and former Meridian Civil Service Commission member. "It is a travesty they will close this down without so much as a whimper as to what happened there. Our children need to know this legacy."
In the summer of 1964, what is now known as Freedom Summer began as thousands of civil rights volunteers, mostly college students from other states, poured into Mississippi to help African American residents register to vote.
On June 21, 1964 three young civil rights workers, Andrew Goodman 20, Michael Schwerner 24, and James Chaney 21 — who were working out of the Council of Federated Organizations office in Meridian — disappeared while on a trip to Philadelphia. Their car was found burning late in the day. Forty days later their bodies were found buried in an earthen dam near Philadelphia.
"I was supposed to go with them," Jones said of the slain civil rights workers. "But I already had a speaking engagement at the old Fifth Street Baptist Church that evening so I didn't go."
Eight Klansman went to prison on federal conspiracy charges but none served more than six years and murder charges were never filed. The event inspired the 1988 film Mississippi Burning.
In 2005 Edgar Ray Killen was arrested in Philadelphia and convicted of manslaughter in the abduction and killing of the three voter-registration volunteers. He was sentenced to three 20-year terms. Billy Wayne Posey, a key suspect in the killings, died in 2009.
Before the trails began, Bill Gordon remembers Meridian being the typical lazy Southern town. Little did he know that the trials that would take place would turn Meridian into the epicenter for the Civil Rights movement.
"At the time we didn't think it was that big a deal," said Gordon, who has operated Bill Gordon and Sons Barber Shop across Ninth Street from the court house since 1962. "Not that I had a great deal of time to really think about it."
Gordon said for the duration of the trial he had 50 FBI agents who judiciously walked across the street each week to get their haircut.
"I hate to see the federal court room go away and close," Gordon said. "It is a beautiful building and to think there might not be but just a post office in it on the ground floor, well, that is just a waste."
Bill Ready Sr., made his living in the turbulent '60s as a young, brash Southern attorney who would take civil rights cases no one else would touch and had to pack a firearm just to practice law in Meridian. Ready echoed Gordon's sentiments.
"It is a shame and many of the Civil Rights laws we follow today were written right inside that court room," Ready said. "That is where the foundation was laid that the United State Supreme Court has upheld."
Ready said he has seen the slow progression of racial tolerance in the South and Meridian. He said he sees whites holding doors open for blacks and vice versa. He said he sees hands of different color being clasped in friendship instead of raised fists against each other in conflict.
"You do see more tolerance of race," said Ready. "You see more mixed marriages and the children that come from these vastly different backgrounds. People tolerate that now more than ever before and it is partly because of what happened in that court room up there."
Jones likes to point out that if you don't know your history then you don't know your future.
"We still have more progress to be made," Jones said. "In order to do that we need to know what has happened for us to get to this point. People say you can't predict the future. Well, I believe to some extent you can."
It is Jones' hope that the history of the decisions made in the federal courtroom won't go away with the last trial. He thinks maybe the lessons have slowly taken root.
The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors have expressed an interest in the courtroom. Last year Joe Norwood, then president of the board, said the county been in contact with state and national political leaders in an attempt to be first in line whenever the Department of Justice decides to sell the property. Joe McCraney, Lauderdale County Administrator, said Friday those talks are ongoing.
"The board is still planning to address the possibility of the county purchasing the property," McCraney said. "We certainly want to remain in the conversation as a possible buyer."
Lauderdale County Circuit Court Clerk Donna Jill Johnson said there is one more reservation for the federal courtroom in February.
"This might not be the absolute last trial to be held here but there is a chance it will be because the next case is a very small one and it may be settled before reaching us here," Johnson said.
Johnson said the federal clerk in Jackson told her the eight counties that have been served for decades by this court will be split up between Jackson and Hattiesburg.
Local News
History fading away
A Katrina fraud case under way may be the last time federal proceedings will take place inside the courtroom on the second floor of a classic, gray building where history was made during the height of the Civil Rights movement.
- Local News
City to crack down on unsightly properties
Work is under way to beef up the city of Meridian's code enforcement efforts and aggressively target owners of decaying buildings, overgrown lots and debris-strewn properties.
Man arrested following car chase
A man accused of stealing money from a convenience store clerk Monday night was arrested following a short car chase, according to an official with the Meridian Police Department.
Civil Service Commission short of quorum
Meridian Civil Service Commission member Alexia Rushing has resigned, marking the third resignation from the commission in less than three weeks.
Principals prepare for new school year
A principals' retreat at the Riley Center Tuesday is getting Lauderdale County School District administrators focused on the upcoming school year, according to LCSD Superintendent Randy Hodges.
- Two injured in Poplar Springs wreck
- Star of the Week: Rusty McAlister
- Gun ban in county annex building dropped
- Heart attack victim in wreck dies
- No injuries in shooting
- More Local News Headlines
- City to crack down on unsightly properties


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The Hyattsville City Council got an update last night on progress towards implementing the city's bicycle and pedestrian improvement plan. Now, in addition to the approved plans to build the first phase of a network of bicycle lanes throughout Hyattsville, city leaders have to decide wether or not they want to add another $20,000 to upgrade pedestrian crosswalks at several intersections along the planned bicycle routes.
Back in in March, , which will cut north and south and east and west across the city along 40th and 41st avenues, Nicholson, Hamilton, Gallatin and Farragut streets.
Since then, engineers have returned with designs which call for pedestrian improvements like wheelchair accessible curb cut-outs and crosswalk striping at a number of intersections. These details were not a part of the basic scope of design work called for by the city council back in March. As such, it would cost roughly $20,000 to add them to the plans and construct them.
The Bike and Pedestrian Improvement project is funded with $110,000 with a matching 2011 Community Legacy grant from the Maryland Department of Community Development. The grants require that at least 50 percent of the grant be spent within one year of being awarded. So far, the city has spent $55,000 on a number of bicycle racks which have been installed throughout the city.
The remaining half of grant funds are earmarked for the implementation of the bike lane striping and signange.
If the city decides to proceed with all work, including the pedestrian intersection improvements, the city would have to authorize the expenditure above the remaining grant funds to cover the costs of the total project, estimated at $72,320.
If approved soon, Hyattsville cyclists could see the first of the new lanes laid down by early spring of next year.
That would only be the first of a planned three-phase series of bicycle route improvements throughout the city.


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Tips & Strategies for Living Gluten Free
Gluten-free kids want to have their cake and eat it, too. Visit this blog for simple ideas to make the gluten-free journey easier for you and your family!
My Tipping Point
Talk to anyone who has gone gluten-free for good, and they'll tell you about their tipping point. My moment where everything changed came three years ago. I couldn't be more grateful. Not only did going gluten-free restore my health, it opened my eyes to struggles my son had been having. But more about that in a minute.
About four years ago, I developed Lyme disease. Even after a few rounds of antibiotics, I couldn't bounce back. I went from being an active mom, graphic designer, and avid runner, to barely being able to make it through the day.
My joints hurt, my brain fogged, my facial muscles twitched, my cuticles bled, and I felt faint. I was 36 going on 60. Finally, a doctor realized I was vitamin deficient and started me on a regimen of supplements to restore my levels. I followed the plan for a year, but still fell short of my old self. I was happy to be better, but frustrated about my plateau. I didn't know what else to do.
One night I was watching the news, and they did a story on a woman with celiac. I had never heard of the disease, and I couldn't believe my ears. I could relate to almost all of her symptoms! I immediately booted up my laptop and started researching. I was struck by the match-up of symptoms. Then I read that intestinal cancer can be a side effect of celiac. This worried me because my father's mother had died of colon cancer. Still nervous about making a self-diagnosis, I decided to think it over for a couple days before changing my diet.
Two days later, my mother called with the news that she had colon cancer. I now had two immediate family members diagnosed with intestinal cancer. I couldn't ignore this. I decided to cut gluten from my diet for a week and see if it made a difference.
It took a week before I started seeing improvements, so I committed to another gluten-free week. That's when the benefits began kicking in. I felt more energy, my thinking sharpened, my ever-present mouth blisters cleared up, and I had less joint and muscle pain.
I was nervous to report my findings to my doctor. But as I talked through my symptoms and changes since going gluten free, I saw the same expression of recognition come over her face that came over mine when I watched the news show.
She referred me to a specialist, who scheduled me for a small intestine biopsy to determine if I had celiac. Unfortunately, this meant I had to return gluten to my diet for the next six weeks so they could get an accurate assessment of how my body responded to it.
As mentally and physically stressful as it was to start eating gluten again and watch my progress unravel, I wanted to know whether I was gluten intolerant or had celiac disease. The treatment is the same—complete avoidance of gluten—but I wanted to know for my kids. I have two sons, and I had started to suspect that my youngest might have gluten issues too. My biopsy came back negative, but I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant.
Which brings me back to my youngest son, who this blog is named for. My eight-year-old was a fussy eater, had problems concentrating in school, and was plagued with skin ailments and joint pain. I was nervous about asking him to change his diet because kids don't want to be different. When I explained how going gluten-free might help him, to my surprise, he was eager to give it a try.
Since going gluten-free, his school frustrations, aches and pains, and poor appetite are gone. Still, I knew there would come a day when a slice of birthday cake would test his resolve. I knew I needed to educate myself and others, plan well, and always have a list of gluten-free treats at my fingertips!
And while this blog is called "My Gluten-Free Kid," it's really about "our" gluten-free kids. I hope that the tips and strategies I share make life easier for you and your loved ones!


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The Journal Sentinel's team of Packers beat writers provide the latest news, notes and analysis
McCarthy not overly concerned about Candlestick turf
Green Bay - If you feel comfortable interpreting an upper deck photo that was on Facebook and no longer is a certain way, you might have some concerns about the condition of Candlestick Park Sunday in San Francisco.
Photos taken of K Billy Cundiff's tryout at the stadium last week show a natural grass field that looks seriously warn between the hashmarks.
Anyone who has been to Candlestick knows that it can be a quagmire, especially if the rains hit. Just think back to the scene in January of 1998 when the Packers won their second straight NFC Championship game on a field that looked more like a horsetrack the way clumps of dirt were coming up.
The good news for the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers, participants in an NFC divisional playoff game there Saturday night, is that there has been no precipitation this week and none is expected. In fact, while temperatures will be in the low 50s, it is expected to be sunny Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Plus, to expect a natural grass field to actually be sporting green grass in the middle where it is trampled constantly is wishful thinking. Lambeau Field has synthetic fibers on it that make the field tougher.
Coach Mike McCarthy, who spent one year with the 49ers, knows the field well and already put in his two cents with the players about the right cleats to wear. He hadn't heard that the field wasn't looking that great, but he also wasn't fretting about it too much.
"I just know the year I was there I was actually impressed with the field at Candlestick," McCarthy said. We'll have to look at that, but there's nothing we can do about it. We'll go out there in pre-game and our equipment staff will have the recommendations for which shoes to wear.
"I already told them what shoes I think they should wear this morning. But we'll take a look at it and go play."
The Packers won't do a walk-through in the stadium prior to the game, so their first look at it will be Saturday night.
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If you can play on the cow pasture they called Soldier field you can play on anything. Moving on to something that we have control on or worthy to discuss.Hide replies
The field is below sea level, however. This causes issues you don't see elsewhere - except Oakland, which has the same issue.
P man, I doubt you are awake yet even on the left coast but if you are or see this, what would below sea level cause as far as problems with the field? It has been so many years since I had Geography 122, weather and climate, I may have missed something we don't experience in frozen tundra land. Thanks guy.
Old66, you are aware that San Diego is two hours behind us right?
worn not warn Tom


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Mesh Fabric for the Phil and Teds Smart Buggy, designed to keep the harmful rays of the sun and insects off your baby but still allows air circulation, perfect for those hot summer days.
very easy to pop on the buggy,everything is great about this product looks fab to, i cant really say anything bad at this time has i havnt used this product but will add im sure there isnt anything bad!!!!!!!
It is good for the sun...but since we have only had it for the last few days...it can be a bit more fiddly than the ones that connect to the other inline phil and teds...as this one does not get zipped on but velcroed on the top and the bottom. But it is a necessity for the harsh sun, and it is easy to get on and off mostly. I do recommend it.
This mesh cover is suitable for the Phil & Teds Smart pushchair. The cover will help keep the harmful rays and insects off your precious little ones. The mesh has been designed to still allow air circulation so there is no need to worry on those hot summer days
These are exclusive customer reviews unless otherwise stated. Specifications of goods are subject to change.
Click for audio and text help.
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This product is available as a pre-order. This means that we do not currently have the item in stock but we are expecting it shortly. You can place an order for this product now your expected shipping date will be 02-08-2014
A place where people come together to discuss our products and services, ask questions and seek advice.
to be a part of it.


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If you are passionate, disciplined and motivated in your art, Cornish is the right place for you. We're looking for students of all ages who have the potential to succeed and grow artistically, personally and professionally in our Bachelor of Fine Art and Bachelor of Music programs. We encourage you to use our website to investigate Cornish in-depth and apply for admission. If at anytime you have questions do not hesitate to contact Admission.
Introduction to Cornish
Because we are a small college of 800 students, personal contact is an important aspect of the admission process. We recommend all applicants, if possible, visit our campus and talk with an Admission Counselor prior to the audition or portfolio review. Your interaction with us will enable you to ask questions about our college, as well as provide you with insights about the audition/review process. The more we are able to learn about you and your artistic vision and ambition, the better we are able to provide you with the information you need to make the right educational choice for your artistic future.


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By Tim Graham
Since we launched the Press Coverage blog, we've tried to deliver more than just Buffalo Bills items to our Western New York readers.
We've made it a point to highlight our hometown boys scattered around the league, whether it's Jay Skurski's weekly roundup of how the locals fared or articles on the Gronkowski clan, UB alums such as James Starks or the recent run of St. Francis High grads landing prominent NFL jobs.
Now ProFootballTalk.com brings to our attention a rather incendiary item from Canisius High graduate Phil McConkey.
The towel-waving Super Bowl winner was a guest of "Boomer & Carton" today on WFAN in New York. He attacked one the NFL's most beloved players, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, over a lack of respect for older players who are suffering.
Brees serves on the NFL Players Association's executive committee and infamously suggested a couple weeks after the 2011 lockout began that struggling former players have only themselves to blame for their woes.
"There's some guys out there that have made bad business decisions," Brees said." They took their pensions early because they never went out and got a job. They've had a couple divorces, and they're making payments to this place and that place. And that's why they don't have money. And they're coming to us to basically say 'Please make up for my bad judgment.' "
That sentiment still stings McConkey, who played seven seasons with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, San Diego Chargers and Phoenix Cardinals in the 1980s.
McConkey wondered why more former players aren't suing the NFLPA along with the NFL over brain injuries. McConkey claimed the union is more responsible than the league.
"I see so many of my colleagues suffering terribly," McConkey said in quotes transcribed for WFAN's website (the link also has an audio file). "And I don't blame ... I really don't blame the owners and the management. I don't. It's the Players Association. They're the ones that should have taken care of the guys that went before them. And they didn't, and they still don't."
McConkey, the first Navy Midshipman since Roger Staubach in 1969 to serve his full tour before joining the NFL, participated in the 1987 NFL strike.
The strike, McConkey said, "benefited ... some of the guys of today. There are some guys today that have absolutely no clue and that run their mouths. And Drew Brees is one of them
"I know he's canonized, and people think he's great. If he got in front of a group of ex-players, I don't know what would happen. ... It's disgusting, but that's some of the mentality that's around."


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You know you would like a private home, but how will you choose? At The Clear Creek Group we're here to help you find a luxury rental home ideally suited for your Jackson Hole vacation. Peruse our portfolio, which contains some of the most exceptional homes in the valley, then give us a call.
Many of our clients come to The Clear Creek Group for investment advice. We welcome such inquiries, and we are glad to share our knowledge and love of the area. Should you choose to pursue an investment property, we would be delighted to help identify properties that best meet your needs, whether solely for your personal use, or to place in The Clear Creek Group's portfolio of luxury vacation rental homes.
For many homeowners, having The Clear Creek Group keep a watchful and loving eye on your home when you're not in residence can be both reassuring and helpful. We inspect your home on a regularly scheduled basis, and if anything needs attention, we have developed trusted relationships with a network of the best tradesmen who ensure repairs are performed properly, with sensitivity to the needs of you and your guests.
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The Clear Creek Group properties overseas are as beautiful and unique as our luxury rental homes in Jackson Hole. We have affiliated with experienced and dedicated teams in each locale - people as passionate as we are about providing exceptional properties and outstanding experiences.
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The high mountains crowned with snow, the blue cathedral of sky. Something about the air here makes the heart beat strong, clears the vision. Suddenly what's important is right in front of you. Jackson Hole distills the spirit of Wyoming — Sophisticated and wildly beautiful, vigorous and welcoming. At the Clear Creek Group, we love this land.
We want to share it with you.
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September 17, 2013
Donald E. Geist
Donald E. Geist of Newfane, NY, husband of Karen Stout Geist entered into rest, suddenly, on Monday, September 16, 2013. He was born in Lockport, NY on May 7, 1961, the son of the late Lloyd and Annie Lindemuth Geist. Don married Karen Stout on October 17, 1981.
Don was a member of the Ridgewood Bible Church, where he was a Leader of the Boys Brigade and was also a member of the North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Don started working as a meat cutter for Bell's IGA in Newfane in 1980, he currently was the meat manager for Budwey's Market in Newfane.
Father of Scott D. (Katie) Geist and Christopher (Cassy) Geist, both of Lockport. Grandfather of Gabriel Geist. Brother of Shirley (Richard) Bickel, Lois (Douglas) Farley, Diana (Rodney) Burnett, Wayne (Susan) Geist, all of Newfane and the late Sandy Wing. Brother-in-law of Kevin (Faye) Wing of Lockport, Beverly (Larry) Bowerman of Olcott, Lou Ann (Jeffrey) Lindemuth of Newfane and Debra (Mike) Langford of Stafford, NY. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2670 Main St., Newfane, NY on THURSDAY from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral Services will be held on FRIDAY at 11:00 AM in Ridgewood Bible Church, 7073 Ridge Road Lockport, NY. Burial will be in Corwin Cemetery, Newfane, NY. Memorials to Ridgewood Bible Church, 7073 Ridge Road, Lockport, NY, would be appreciated by the family.
Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send a condolence to the family.


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The Times-Tribune
By Jeff Noble / Staff Writer
Your name and your credit card information may be part of the game being played by someone using a phone scam in the Corbin area. That is what police reported Tuesday, and they advise you to use caution.
In fact, several residents across the city have advised Corbin Police that a person has contacted them in order to obtain their credit card information.
According to Maj. Rob Jones, the scam is done by a man posing as an investigator for a debt collection agency. The man advises the caller that his agency has purchased the debt on a bad check or unpaid bill from several years, and if that person doesn't pay it with their credit card by giving him the credit card numbers at that instant, a warrant for their arrest will be issued.
Sgt. Glenn Taylor is continuing the investigation into the phone call scam.
If such a call should happen to you, Corbin Police advise not to give out any information whatsoever over the phone. You can also call them at 523-1122 if you have information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the scam artist.
In a non-related matter, Corbin Police are reminding motorists that traffic checkpoints will continue throughout the rest of this year.
A total of 10 highways have been approved for the checkpoints in the city — U.S. 25W (including Cumberland Falls Highway), U.S. 25E (Cumberland Gap Parkway), KY 26 (South Main Street), KY 312 (including Master Street and Gordon Hill Pike), KY 3041 (Corbin Bypass), KY 727 (including 5th Street Road), KY 830, KY 1232, KY 1259 and KY 1629.
Police say traffic checkpoints will be set up on roads with visibility in all directions of travel.
Checkpoints are used to enforce laws relating to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants, driver's licenses, motor vehicle registration and vehicle safety, and proof of insurance. If other actual or suspected violations of state law are observed at the checkpoints, police note they will investigate and enforce them.
Corbin Police noted determining where and when a traffic checkpoint will be held will be done whenever traffic violation problems have been experienced or anticipated at a particular location.


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Hey fellas, just in case you missed it - The Rodder's Journal and The Jalopy Journal is celebrating 20 years of bringing you traditional hot rods and customs by offering you a one-year subscription to TRJ and a H.A.M.B. Alliance membership for only $75. Click here for details.
I really need to win the lottery
Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by JeffB2, Nov 21, 2012.


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A move to classify Illiamna Lake harbor seals as endangered has stalled, since the US National Marine Fisheries Services says the Center for Biological Diversity's November 12th petition contained "numerous factual errors."
The NMFS released an announcement over the weekend, saying:
"We have reviewed the petition, the literature cited in the petition, and other literature and information available in our files; we identified numerous factual errors, misquoted and incomplete references, and unsupported conclusions within the petition. Our review indicates that there is uncertainty and conflicting information specific to harbor seals in Iliamna Lake."
There's also ongoing confusion about whether the seals in Iliamna Lake are genetically different enough from Bristol Bay seals to warrant a listing.
Addressing suspicion that the listing would affect a potential Pebble Mine project, the Pebble Partnership said that regardless of the seals' endangered status, they are "confident that development of the project by the Pebble Partnership will not affect their habitat or their numbers."
Public comments on the Harbor Seals Petition should be submitted by to Jon Kurland, Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian, and identified by FDMS Docket Number NOAA-NMFS-2012-0236. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
** Comments on this story do not represent the thoughts and / or opinions of KSRM Radio Group, Staff, Management or Sponsors. **
Once again, the anti-Pebble people were in a hurry.


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Top 100 - Lowest Acceptance Rates
Many students aspire for admission to a prestigious college or university, but the supply of open seats often does not meet the demand from applicants. Earning admission to the schools on this list can be especially difficult. With the lowest acceptance rates among all undergraduate institutions surveyed by U.S. News, regardless of ranking category, the 100 colleges and universities listed here are among the most selective, based on the fall 2012 entering class.


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Tagged: COP 17
From East Africa to Japan, from Ivory Coast to Pakistan, the year 2011 has been marked by tragic disasters and crises, which seriously hit the most vulnerable people. Oxfam has responded to these crises, with both emergency and long-term programs, and launched a new global campaign, GROW.
Just hours before the UN climate talks taking place in Durban (South Africa) wrap up, Oxfam Global Ambassador and photographer Helena Christensen urges ministers to agree a deal which delivers for the world's poorest people who are already suffering from the impact of climate change.
Oxfam organized a dinner party in the sea at COP 17 in Durban to provide a stark illustration of the effects that extreme weather will have on our already creaking food system.
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, the global shipping industry, Oxfam and WWF have joined forces to suggest to governments how the further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping might best be regulated.


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July 29, 2014
VERONA, Va -- Several volunteers and employees have headed to Florida from across the country to help if Tropical Storm Isaac makes landfall. Other volunteers from the Valley may make the trip depending on the amount of damage.
A Red Cross employee from Verona says he is ready for the challenge.
"We're just hoping that when we get down there, we'll be able to meet whatever need is necessary down there. We'll stay there two weeks if necessary, or longer," said Disaster Services Manager Raymond Watson.
Tropical Storm Isaac could hit this weekend.
Operation Blessing out of Virginia Beach is on the way to Haiti to help clean up any damage there after the storm.
© Copyright 2014 WHSV / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Browns Bank: Synopsis
Technical Marine SynopsisIssued 3:30 PM ADT 25 July 2014 Tonight and Saturday At 3:30 p.m. ADT today trough located from Newfoundland to East
Scotian Slope.
By 3:00 a.m. ADT Saturday departing trough located from the Avalon
Peninsula to Laurentian Fan.
At 3:30 p.m. ADT today ridge located from Prince Edward Island to
New England.
By 9:00 a.m. ADT Saturday departing ridge located from Newfoundland
to Laurentian Fan.
- Date modified:


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Right now, I just want to see if a request would be reasonable ... as in BEFORE I post to request assistance ... I used to be able to do that but I can't figure out any more how I did it ... I can calculate miles on the ground but am wondering about miles in the air.
Is there a way to use the "map a request" tool before posting a request?
--wb rescue and ground volunteer BCB


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Um novo conceito de hospedagem: Andarilho Hostel
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil Youth Hostels
Um albergue de charme com estrutura moderna, alegre, aconchegante e, sobretudo com foco na hospitalidade através do bem acolher planejado e prestação de bons serviços. Sua estada será uma experiência agradável, divertida e confortável....
Starting at 3,000 Per Night
Porto Alegre Eco Hostel
Porto Alegre, Brazil Youth Hostels
Porto Alegre Eco Hostel is an excellent hostel for backpackers, travelers, and tourists visiting Porto Alegre. We have rooms for all tastes and budgets and excellent services. Our location is right in the heart of the city and nightlife....
Starting at $20 Per Night
Manaus Jungle Hostel
Manaus, Brazil Youth Hostels
The Manaus Jungle Hostel located at the Ariau River is a popular basefor guided JUNGLE TOURS. Rates do include accommodation, meals,transfers, bi-lingual guides and all activities....
Starting at 90 Per Night
Big Hostel Brasil
Manaus, Brazil Youth Hostels
O Big Hostel Brasil, esta sendo considerado o melhor do Amazonas, nosso alojamento s�o todos novos, possuimos uma ampla area de intera��o, wi-fi gratis, bar, e muito mais para o lazer e descanso dos nossos hospedes. O Mundo se encontra aqui!!!...
Starting at 38 Per Night/Pers
Bamboo Rio Hostel
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Youth Hostels
Welcome to the wonderful world of Bamboo Rio Hostel, the newest hostel in the Marvelous City. Our location couldn't be better: 3 blocks away from Copacabana beach, the most famous in Rio and worldwide, surrounded by clubs and backpackers points. ...
$15 Per Night/Pers
Hostel Planeta Itapu�
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With accommodation available year round this is the ideal place to stay in the Brazilian state of Bahia. Come and experience with us Carnival, Christmas, New Year�s Eve, and the celebration of the discovery of Brazil!We also offer city tours....
30 Per Night
Saqua Hostel & Surf
Saquarema, Brazil Youth Hostels
Looking for sunny days, nice beaches and friendly locals? ...The best surf spot with perfect waves? ...A cool & cozy beach house? ...and only 100 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro city ... enjoy our warm welcome, hospitality & good vibes in paradise !!!...
35 Per Night
Albergue O Pharol
.Brazil, Brazil Youth Hostels
Our Hostel is located downtown, a 5 minute walk from the bus station and 4 minutes from de Concha Beach.......
$13 Per Night
Hi Curitiba Eco Hostel
Curitiba, Brazil Youth Hostels
Curitiba Eco Hostel is a quiet, beautiful place to stay! We are easily reached by bus from downtown....
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Hostel/ Albergue Estrelas No Mar
Florianopolis, Brazil Youth Hostels
The Hostel is in front of the Atlantic Ocean. We Have an excellent guest service and tourist guide, a familiar ambience, but with a lot of privacity....
$21 Per Night
Surf Camp Brazil Pipa
Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil Surfing
We are Surf Camp & School in Praia da Pipa Brazil , Ours instructor are certified from Brazilian and Australian Federation ISA and ILS (international Life Saving) . Surf with the dolphins in a tropical Paradise . Surf courses for all Level ....
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Active Adventures in Florianopolis
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See Florianopolis and surrounding areas in an adventurous way: a 5 days tour with day trips for rafting, biking and trekking your way around and free time to enjoy the beautiful beaches....
Starting at $798 Per Trip
Sugar Loaf Climbing tour in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rock Climbing
Climb by the easy route up to the summit of the Sugar Loaf Mountain with Crux Ecoaventura. We do have everyday availability. Experienced mountain guides will lead you in a safe way up. Includes all gear, insurance and snacks....
Starting at $100 Per Night
Amazon Jungle Tour
Manaus, Brazil Birdwatching
Amazon Jungle Tours by Manaus Booking to Juma River Reserve, 100km south of Manaus. The region is famous for its primary rain forest with vast wild life of birds, monkeys, sloths, dolphins, alligators, snakes, spiders....
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Brazil Manaus Amazon Jungle Tours
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Amazon Riders Tours is the most experienced travel agency leading the special Jungle tours in the Brazilian Amazon, our guides are the specialist leading the real Amazing tours in Manaus - Amazonas - Brazil...
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Amazon Lake Lodge
Manaus, Brazil Eco Tours
AMAZON LODGE LAKE Located two hours 45 minutes ride from Manaus boat motor & Vam south of Manaus, and is situated above what experts feel is the rain forest lake lake Mamori Mamori Amazon more attractive in the south of Manaus, one of most beautiful...
Starting at 440 Per Couple
Writing & Yoga Workshops
Santa Catarina, Brazil Yoga
These writing and yoga workshops aim to kindle your creative fire and liberate your authentic voice and deepest truths. A writer often needs time without demands to connect with the Muse, and to bring concentrated effort to complete a project....
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Gota do Mar, an Elemental Intersection
Ilha Grande, Brazil Spiritual
Gota do Mar is intended to be a tranquil, nonjudgmental place devoted to the efforts of people seeking physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development while communing with nature....
Starting at $150 Per Night
brol - Travel to Brazil with Experts
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Adventure and explore in a cruise in the Amazon
Manaus, Brazil River Cruises
We are ready to give you a wonderfull time in a boat cruise in the middle of the river Amazon or Negro. With a lot of activities for the custommers enjoy much as possible!...
600 Per Night/Pers
|Link Code


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A 11-month-old Thoroughbred colt was evaluated for acute signs of severe abdominal discomfort. The colt had a history of poor growth and a rough coat. A fecal egg count had revealed a large number of intestinal parasite eggs (see photo above), so he had received an anthelmintic 24 hours before the onset of the clinical signs of colic.
An abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed a small intestinal impaction due to an accumulation of dead parasites (see arrow in the photo below).
Which parasite is most likely involved in this case?
a) Strongyloides westeri
b) Gasterophilus intestinalis
c) Parascaris equorum
d) Strongylus vulgaris
e) Oxyuris equi
Click here for more image quizzes


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By Mike Schneider and Kyle Hightower
The Associated Press
SANFORD, Fla. — A jury of six women was picked Thursday to decide the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer who says he fatally shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in self-defense.
Prosecutors have said Zimmerman, 29, racially profiled the 17-year-old Martin as he walked back from a convenience store on a rainy night in February 2012 wearing a dark hooded shirt.
Race and ethnicity have played a prominent role in the case and even clouded jury selection. While the court did not release the racial makeup of the jury, the panel appeared to reporters covering jury selection to be made up of five white women and a sixth who may be Hispanic.
Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic.
After Thursday's hearing, Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara was asked what he would say to people concerned there were no black jurors.
"People can look at it and have this response — that there's no blacks on the jury, or no this or no that, or no men on the jury," he said. "Tell me that we did something wrong in the process and I'll agree with you."
Two of the jurors recently moved to the area — one from Iowa and one from Chicago — and two are involved with rescuing animals as their hobbies.
One juror had a prior arrest, but she said it was disposed of and she thought she was treated fairly. Two jurors have guns in their homes. All of their names have been kept confidential and the panel will be sequestered for the trial.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday.
The central Florida community of Sanford is in Seminole County, which is 78.5 percent white and 16.5 percent black.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys chose the panel of six jurors after almost two weeks of jury selection. In Florida, 12 jurors are required only for criminal trials involving capital cases, when the death penalty is being considered.


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Christina Settimi, Forbes Staff
I focus on the business of sports.
In September 2012, two games into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Catholic Youth Organization's football season, coach Chip Ross of Romans in Doylestown, PA, got an unexpected and unpleasant call about one of his players. Jason Budd, the Deputy Secretary in the Archdiocese's Office of Education who oversees the CYO program, told him that 11-year old, sixth grader Caroline Pla, a Junior Varsity player, was not allowed on the team and had to be removed from the roster immediately. Citing the CYO handbook, Budd said football is a full-contact sport designated for boys. The Archdiocese claimed, without sourcing, that this was a necessary safety measure.
Up until that point, no one in the Romans Football organization was aware this rule existed. "It never crossed our minds," said Jim Reichwein, Pla's former JV football coach, her current basketball coach and father of her best friend. He said he had a handbook and he recalls most of the language used male pronouns but that he never read anything explicitly stating 'no girls allowed'. "And at no point did anyone say 'no way' when she signed up and first showed up," he added.
Maybe that was because no one that knew Pla or her family had ever thought anything unusual of her playing. She fell in love with the sport as a 3-year old who used to tag along to her older brother's Pop Warner games and recalls telling his coach that one day she would play too. True to her word, when Pla turned 5-years old she asked, and her parents enrolled her in that youth organization's flag football program. She spent four more seasons progressing through divisions there. She even played with one or two other girls along the way, in the organization that allows co-ed play all the way up to its 11-12-13-14-year old, 105-pound division.
"Girls make up 1-2% of our total football playing population across all age groups in any given year," said Josh Pruce, Pop Warner's National Director of Media Relations. "We welcome girls who want to play football."
Pla's parents, Seal and George, recall only wondering about their daughter's safety once, before she moved into the 70-pound weight tackle division as a second grader. So her father decided to coach the team to make sure she would be alright. After his first time seeing her play with the other kids, George confidently reported back to Seal that Caroline had no problem holding her own.
In 2011 when Pla entered fifth grade at her local public school, she joined her church's CYO team. Reflecting on her entire seven seasons playing the sport, most recently as a defensive end and offensive guard, she recalls no major incidents or injuries.
"Just the normal bumps and bruises," said the 5-feet, 3-inches tall girl, one of the tallest on her team, in response to being asked about ever getting hurt. "I did put a hit on a boy when I was 7- or 8-years old that resulted in him getting a concussion though."
Of course there were boys on opposing teams along the way who would taunt her for being a girl, or her teammates for playing with a girl. But the girl poised beyond her 11 young years dealt with it with a level head and explained that revenge was best taken out on the field in the next play. That and her supportive teammates usually handled things and smack talked back for her.
It was baffling then to the Plas why all of a sudden Caroline playing became an issue in CYO. After all, it was her second season on the team. Both years she followed the proper protocol to join. She was a registered and active member of one of the five Catholic churches that made up the Romans Football team, filled out the necessary form with all her vital information including her gender, got her parents' permission who signed off on both a concussion and sudden cardiac arrest waiver, paid a registration fee, and had her paperwork appropriately filed with the CYO office.
She never hid her gender from anyone, she never sought attention for being a girl on the team, and no one ever had any problem with her. Rather, no one on her team, in charge of her team, in charge of CYO, or in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia had any problem with her until that point. But the perception the Romans Football organization got from the phone call from the Archdiocese was that one of their recent opponents did and they successfully forced the issue to have Pla removed.
After Seal and George Pla were told the bad news, they immediately set out to challenge the decision. George and Coach Ross corresponded back and forth for a week with Budd. Included in their arguments was a letter of support for Caroline from Monsignor Joseph Gentili, the pastor in charge of their church, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also included was a copy of a letter Caroline had written to the program at the end of the previous season, expressing her joy for playing and thanking the organization.
"We pleaded, are you really now going to kick off this 11-year old with this kind of support and character who has been playing for over a year and working hard?" said Seal Pla. "We tried to appeal to common sense and asked Budd to consider the kind of message the Archdiocese was sending with this ban."
Budd and the Archdiocese conceded and agreed to let Pla finish the season, but said no more CYO football for her after that.
Pla's parents and coaches decided to wait to tell Caroline and her teammates about the situation until the end of the season, to spare her feelings. They all agreed there was no need to make an 11-year old feel unwanted because of what they felt was the poor judgment of a few who had never seen her play, especially when they had seen performance from her that displayed the exact opposite about her worthiness on the team.
Seal finally broke the news to Caroline after a second-round playoff loss. Both mother and daughter recall her initial reaction was the same.
"What about Gracie?" She being the 4th grader who had started following Caroline around at practices, talking to her about how she was going to play just like her. Gracie wanted to play next season when she was in 5th grade. If Caroline couldn't, that meant Gracie couldn't either.
"She's a good sized girl and she wants to play," said the young Pla. "It's not fair if she doesn't get her chance just because she's a girl."
For the team's final game of the season, a consolation playoff game the Romans won to capture third place in their CYO region, Pla was named sole captain. In a show of support and to her surprise, at the start of the game as she stood in the center of the field with the opposing team captain, her teammates ceremoniously locked hands and stood behind her.
"I was happy," said Pla, "but I had to keep my game face on."
My issue is that you, like many others with access to a huge media outlet like Forbes, branded the "Catholic Church" as discriminatory against yet another female, this young lady who wants to play football with the boys. To attract the reader to an otherwise interesting story, you fell into the "Catholic Church wages war against women" routine that we hear and read constantly. The fact that you attended Catholic school does not sanctify each word you write. I went to Catholic school through college, and am a lawyer, but that doesn't make every one of my closing arguments an encyclical. At last learn to admit your headline was sensationalistic and misleading. Admit it and regain some integrity.
Interesting article. When I was in High School in the 80′s, they allowed women to play on baseball and football teams with boys. The interesting thing is that the high school did NOT allow boys to play on girls volleyball teams. I recall a boy 6'9″ who was well coordinated and tried out for the volleyball team, but to no avail.
I would be very interested in how school districts would treat these kind of cases in terms of discriminatory or not.
"The Catholic Church" that makes a huge generalization, an Archdiocese does not represent the whole of Catholicism nor The Catholic Church like you make it sound. Using generalizations in support of your article makes your argument circular because you want to change a discrimination by using one.
Well hell… These guys are ridiculous… I wanted to play football at school when I was little with all the boys at recess and they were constantly throwing out rules that I was a girl and they were afraid id get hurt, so I gave up… Now I play Roller Derby and I laugh in the faces of all the boys that cry about a bruise during football in high school. If a girl signs up to play in ANY sport, they should let her. If she knows what she's getting into, why should some high and mighty jerk say she cant? I'm familiar with the catholic religion but I can never bring myself to actively follow it because of all the stupid crap the church and the Vatican do. I say if a little girl wants to play football, let her. She'll probably whoop the boys anyway.
As the mother of female football player, Erin DiMeglio, I understand the concern for safety. However, Erin sustained many more injuries playing girls high school basketball than she ever did playing on her boys high school football team. I was the hold out in signing the consent- but after the discussing with the coach and the support of the players, I agreed to allow her to play. SHe did get some bruises, but concussions and fractured nose and finger came from girls basketball. Erin earned her position on the team adn participated in each adn every work-out including two-a-days inthe South Florida summer heat. If this young lady has the support and encouragement of her family she be allowed to play. I am sure they are aware of the risks involved. As long as she can compete and earn her position.


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Grilled Tomatoes
Grilling plum tomatoes gives them a smoky flavor -- ideal for use in many recipes.
Get MoreSubscribe to Martha Stewart Living
- 3 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and halved lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Step 1
Heat grill to high. In a bowl, toss tomatoes with oil and thyme; season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Starting with cut sides down, grill tomatoes until soft and charred, 8 to 12 minutes per side.
Step 3
Return to bowl; cut into rough pieces with kitchen shears.


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Sylke Boyd, PhD
Professor, Physics
SB's Work schedule for spring semester 2014
UMM Student Research in Physics
UMM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Current Courses: (Spring 2014)
Office hours for Spring 2014: Tuesday 10:30 – 11:30 am, Wednesday 2:00-3:00 pm, Thursday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, and with arrangement (check my Google calendar for options)
Courses taught recently:
IS1806 Bottomdwellers in an Ocean of Air (F2013), Atmospheric Physics Phys2301 (F2013), Phys4101 Electromagnetism (F2013), Phys3501 Statistical Physics (Spring 2013), (Phys1063 Physics of Weather (F2012), Phys3003 Computer Modeling of Materials F2012,(Classical Mechanics (Fall 2010), Computer Modeling of Materials (Fall 2012), FYS Bottomdwellers in an ocean of air (fall 2006), Physics of Sound and Music (fall 2005)
Courses that may never come to pass:
Alles klommt vom Bergwerk her – A journey to the roots of modern science
This course would take us to Freiberg, Sachsen, Germany. We would explore a beautiful gentle mountain range with an 800-year history of mining.
Student Research Projects:
James Froberg '14 Development of a ray tracing program for halo simulations in Matlab (Summer 2013, UROP Spring 2014)
Stephen Sorensen'14 Halo observations with the All-sky camera (Summer 2013, UROP Spring 2014)
Zach Klassen'14 and Josef Wieber'14 Climate variability and land use – and analysis of long-term weather records in the upper Midwest (HHMI, Summer 1013)
Robert Smith'13 RDX elastic constants in RDX and the influence of voids on the elasticity tensor (Summer 2012, UROP Spring 2013)
Chad Reverman'13 Bulk modulus of RDX and the influence of voids (Summer 2012, UROP Spring 2013)
Matthew Kroonblawd'12 Energy distribution in RDX during shock (Summer 2010, UROP spring and summer 2011)
Jerry Kessler'11 Statistical analysis of 90-year longitudinal weather record in Morris (UROP Spring 2010)
Johanna Martin'10 Water droplet formation in clouds (MAP 2008/9)
Anna Schliep'07 Dislocations in RDX (GIA, URS 2007 poster)
Sound generation by wind in Strings (UROP, finished, presented as poster at MAAPT Fall 2006 meeting, URS 2007 poster)
Sam Geller'07 Monte Carlo Simulations of Vacancies in a Crystal (GIA, active, presented as poster at MAAPT Fall 2006 meeting)
Matt Gravelle '05 Point defects in RDX (UROP and GIA, finished, presented posters at URS and CCTCC, coauthor of publication)
If you are interested in any way to collaborate in a research project please do not hesitate to stop by or drop a line by e-mail.
Research Interests:
In recent years, my interest has shifted toward atmospheric physics. Droplet formation, cloud formation, ice crystal growth, the use of optical phenomena to observe and measure aerosols, in particular droplets and ice crystals are at the center.
During the past decade, my research interest has been in computer simulations of materials, including force field development, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. Materials modeling allows to address questions that are either hard to access experimentally, or for which experimental results are in need of explanation. To some degree, reliable models can have predictive power, but also provide insight into the mechanisms of otherwise inaccessible phenomena. A successful computer model for a materials problem rests is based on three elements:
Current Projects:
Left to right: 22°Halo and parhelia; 22° and 46° halos, parhelia and upper-tangent arc; sun pillar and a Parry arc; Light pillars above campus; 22° halo in cirrus(photos by S. Boyd); ray tracing in a hexagonal platelet (James Froberg, MATLAB)
These optical phenomena are caused by refraction and reflection in ice crystals that form in the air. Ice crystals may form as hexagonal platelets, columns, pencils, needles, hollow columns and a wide variety of combination forms. Their shapes are related to temperature and supersaturation conditions in their local environment. Observing and interpreting Halo phenomena can give us information about atmospheric conditions in elevated layers without direct probing. This project addresses two questions: (1) How frequent are halo phenomena, and which kinds are observed in our local area? (2) Which ice crystal shapes would favor particular halo appearances in the sky? Such observations and studies are performed throughout locations all over the world, as a means of passive remote sensing, and a pathway to understand cloud composition as it relates to the origin of the clouds. A new allsky camera is currently in the testing phase. It will be installed on the roof of the science building in January 2014.
Stephen Sorensen has been working on controls for the allsky to allow recording images of sky conditions throughout the daylight hours. He will work on the development of an image-processing program to recognize and categorize various halo appearances. James Froberg has developed a MATLAB program that runs statistics on optical rays through ice crystals and provides an angular distribution of the exiting intensity. He will expand this program to 3d ice crystals and to allow for variation in orientation of the crystals through the academic year 13/14.
2. Weather and climate: I am interested in using long-term weather records to assess local climate variability. After Jerry Kessler's analysis of a 90-year temperature record taken in Morris MN (2010) it appeared that the minimum temperatures have increased dramatically throughout the record period, while other climate markers were variable and showed no significant trends. Results of the analysis are given here. One could speculate about an increase of water vapor due to an intensification of agriculture throughout the period. The data only included monthly mins, maxes and averages, and were limited to 90 years. During summer of 2013, Zachary Klassen and Josef Wieber conducted an extensive study on twelve locations throughout the Midwest, using daily data and up to 130 years of record-keeping. It is a search process for possible correlations in land-use and variations in climate markers. It appears that the increase in minimum temperatures is a trend observed in all land forms.
Maps of the trends in February minimum temperatures, the August daily temperature range and the January mean temperature. Circle size relates to slope (max +-8°C/100yrs); colored = "+", white = "-"; all plots use the same scale. Winter minum temperatures have increased everywhere. The daily range has decreased in rural areas, and slightly increased in urban areas. The January mean temperatures have small and varied trends.
Animations: NPT simulation of a water droplet of 4000 water molecules at 275 K and 1 atm, water particles shown only.
Recent publications and presentations:
Sylke Boyd, Jane S Murray, and Peter Politzer, Molecular dynamics characterization of void defects in crystalline (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane), J. Chem. Phys. 131, 204903 (2009).
Sylke Boyd and Kevin J Boyd, A computational analysis of the interaction of lattice and intramolecular vibrational modes in crystalline alpha-RDX, J. Chem. Phys. 129, 134502 (2008).
Boyd, K. J. Boyd, Vibrational
properties of RDX, presented as poster at the 16th Conference
on Current Trends in Computational Chemnistry (CCTCC)
Boyd, M. Gravelle, Computer Simulations Of Point Defects In Crystalline RDX, presented
as poster at the 2006 Gordon Research Conference on Energetic Materials in
Sylke Boyd, Matthew Gravelle, and Peter Politzer, Nonreactive molecular dynamics force field for crystalline hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine, , J. Chem. Phys. 124, 104508 (2006).
M. Gravelle, S. Boyd, A computer
study of point defects in the RDX crystal, presented as poster at
the 14th Conference on Current Trends in Computational Chemistry
(CCTCC) in
Outreach activities:
Super Saturday Science: a science experience for girls 5-8th grade (activity: Air pressure)
Plan-It-Green: Activity "Are greenhouse gases really green?"
Miscellaneous stuff:
My take on creativity and perseverance
Just in case you were wondering what a Nischel is…
Intersection of Math, physics and computer: Ave verum corpus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Mathematica notebook that produced it
Personal stuff – for friends and family
Any views and opinions in this page have not been reviewed by a campus committee.
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The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.


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Donating through Laparoscopic Surgery
At Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), our commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients includes using the most advanced medical technology available. The most recent development is laparoscopic removal of the living donor kidney (laparoscopic nephrectomy), which greatly reduces the recovery time and discomfort for the donor.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive technique being used for many abdominal operations. Prior to laparoscopic surgery, all abdominal surgery involved making a large incision and performing the operation (under direct vision) through the opening that was created.
In laparoscopic surgery, a few small openings into the abdominal space are made. Through one of these openings a small telescope, with an attached camera, is placed. This allows the surgeon to view the abdominal contents. Through the remaining opening, instruments are placed, and the operation is performed while viewing a video monitor.
How is laparoscopic nephrectomy performed?
With the donor lying on their side, four or five small incisions are made, allowing access to the abdominal cavity. The laparoscope with the camera attached is placed through one of the incisions located below the navel. The other incisions are placed at strategic locations on the abdomen and is located, and surrounding tissue is moved away. The blood vessels to the kidney and the ureter are identified and freed from surrounding tissue. The blood vessels are securely closed and divided using a special stapling device. After the kidney has been totally freed, it is placed into a plastic pouch to protect it. The incision below the navel is extended to two inches, and the kidney (in the pouch) is removed through this incision. Once the kidney is brought to the outside, a special cold solution is flushed through the blood vessels, and the kidney is cooled. This preserves the kidney while it is outside the body. The kidney is then transported to an adjoining operating room where the recipient is ready to receive it.
What is the advantage of having laparoscopic nephrectomy?
In the conventional open surgery, an incision is made on the donor's side. This involves cutting muscles and occasionally removing a rib in order to create a space where the surgeon can safely remove the kidney. The patient's recovery from this surgery is often uncomfortable and requires a significant recovery period until they are able to return to normal activity.
Patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy have experienced much less discomfort following this surgery. This has enabled them to leave the hospital sooner and return to normal activity and employment much earlier. As compared to the conventional open surgery, the donors feel better and recover faster.
Who is able to have laparoscopic surgery versus conventional surgery?
Most donors are eligible to have the surgery laparoscopically. Previous surgery or unusual blood vessels to the left kidney may eliminate the possibility of removing the kidney safely so that it can be transplanted. Fortunately, these circumstances are rare.
What are the risks of having a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy?
With any surgery, whether performed in an open or laparoscopic technique, there are risks of bleeding, infection, blood clot formation, wound problems, and with the anesthetic. Laparoscopic nephrectomy has been shown to be safe, and many of these complications are less likely to occur.
How well do kidneys function that are taken out laparoscopically?
The recipients of laparoscopically removed kidneys do as well as the recipients who receive a conventionally removed kidney.
Do all transplant centers perform laparoscopic donor nephrectomies?
No, there are very few transplant centers that have surgeons who are skilled at performing laparoscopic surgery. Due to the level of surgical skill necessary, it is extremely important that a surgeon experienced in performing laparoscopic nephrectomies for donation perform the surgery.
For more information about laparoscopic nephrectomy, contact the HCMC Transplant Coordinators at (612) 873-7705 or toll free at 1-888-345-0816.