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HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC)—On Wednesday morning, the Henrico County Police Division confirmed that the body discovered at Watkins Landing boat ramp in Powhatan is that of 24-year-old Jaime Cruz-Avila, who went missing earlier this month.
Police are now treating Cruz-Avila's death as a homicide. The Henrico County Police Division is working with the Powhatan Sheriff's Office on the investigation.
Anyone with information about Cruz-Avila's death is asked to contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000 or Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC)—A body discovered in Powhatan could be that of a missing Henrico County man; the Henrico County Police Division is now working with the Powhatan Sheriff's Office on a death investigation.
A body has been discovered at Watkins Landing boat ramp in Powhatan, near where missing 24-year-old Jaime Cruz-Avila's burned car was discovered last Thursday. Police are not releasing any details regarding the date and time of discovery, nor the exact location where the body was found.
Though Henrico Police say the remains have not yet been identified, the division posted the discovery of the body on its Facebook page Thursday morning as an "Update to Missing Person Investigation" above information about the missing man.
Cruz-Avila, of the 2500 block of Dickens Glen Court, has not been seen since Wednesday, Feb. 5. Henrico Police officers responded to his residence on Thursday, Feb. 6, for "a suspicious situation." There, they discovered evidence indicating the young man may be in danger. Cruz-Avila's vehicle was found burned in Powhatan at Watkins Landing boat ramp the same day at Route 711/Huguenot Trail, west of Route 288/World War II Veterans Memorial Highway.
Detectives continue to investigate this incident and are working the medical examiner's office.
On Thursday morning, Henrico Police said Cruz-Avila is still considered missing. He is Hispanic, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 178 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket or sweater with a white graphic design on the front.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000 or Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
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Arlington News
Flash Flood Watch Issued for Arlington
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 04:05pm EDT
Candidate Essay: Greg Greeley
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 03:30pm EDT
Candidate Essay: Barbara Kanninen
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 03:00pm EDT
Candidate Essay: Nancy Van Doren
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 02:30pm EDT
Arlington Could Move to Year-Round Yard Waste Collection
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 01:30pm EDT
Arlington Pet of the Week: Addy
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 12:30pm EDT
Affordable Housing Planned on Four County-Owned Sites
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 11:15am EDT
'Intersection of Doom' Safety Improvements Coming
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 10:00am EDT
Morning Notes
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 09:15am EDT
Home Listing: 3511 16th Street S.
Wednesday - 05/14/2014, 07:00am EDT
Cost of Pike, Crystal City streetcars estimated at $585 Million
The combined cost of the Columbia Pike and Crystal City streetcar systems is now estimated at $585 million.
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 05:00pm EDT
Wilson Tavern to Throw Closing Party Tonight
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 03:30pm EDT
Ask Adam: Should We Stage Our House?
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 02:30pm EDT
Gravel Truck Overturns Near Marymount University
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 01:30pm EDT
Arlington Gets Another 'F' For Smog
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 12:15pm EDT
'Micro-Unit' Apartments Proposed for Crystal City
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 11:00am EDT
Photos: Peace Officers Memorial Day
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 10:10am EDT
Arlington marks 150th anniversary of first burial
Descendants of private who was 1st burial at Arlington Cemetery to be at 150th anniversary
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 09:14am EDT
Morning Notes
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 09:10am EDT
Help Wanted: Rental Agent
Tuesday - 05/13/2014, 07:00am EDT
, October 1, 2014
Washington, DC
Now: 71 °FTonight: Partly cloudy
Hi: 74 °F | Lo: 56 °F

subset: commoncrawl


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Environment / Nature - Community Service
Wednesdays, January 18, 2012 - December 26, 2012
Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Avenue
Worcester, MA 01604
Google Maps - MapQuest
Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment. Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers. Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information. Some tasks may require heavy lifting. Ability to work without supervision required. Carpentry skills welcome. Nature lovers appreciated. Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information call 508.753.608
Cost: FREE
Suggested Audiences: Elders, Adult, College
Last Modified: January 11, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Add/Suggest Event | Edit Your Events |
Powered by the Social Web - Bringing people together through Events, Places, & Common Interests


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When's LongHorn Steakhouse opening?
The locally based LongHorn Steakhouse, being built on Milan Road next to Olive Garden by Ohio 2, should open by early April.
Company spokeswoman Vanessa Tostes said the popular eatery will create up to 100 new jobs for the surrounding community.
Business reporter Melissa Topey plans to write a more in-depth story on the opening soon.
This is the first LongHorn Steakhouse in Erie County. Can you think of any other popular restaurants missing from the local area that should come here? Let us know in the comments section.
Cool to know, sweetness! I'll stop in the next time I'm in town.
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Personal attacks (including: name calling, presumption of guilt or guilt by association, insensitivity, or picking fights).
I hope you aren't referring to me.
Wait a second, shouldn't trustafagian start the comment first then you do the follow up? What did you two decide to change things up? If thats the case, who will be reaching around who tonight?
My schedule shows your turn
Not until he addresses his smegma issue.
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Off-topic comments.
I must say, I do enjoy the back and forth comedy banter between you two. There are two of you right? It would take a sick mind for one person to create 2 separate signons for the sake of a comedy routine don't you think? Sold on Fox would agree wouldn't ya!
Thanks Tmm. Yes, there are two of us. We do it for the kids. Just seeing their smiles make it all worthwhile. Please feel free to jump in the banter at any time. Just be creative!
I find their banter hilarious as well
However you sir, are a negative nelly
Boston Market and even Chick-Fil-A for fast food!
We need a place that makes pizza and delivers. And the Demmas did reopen a couple years ago I think. Just found out about that 2 months ago. That Chicken Parm taste like it did back in the late 80's. Got C/O twice, pretty good. I wish they would run a special one day a week for spaghetti only.
I would love to see joes crab shack,popeyes,or jamba juice.
A Planet Hollywood needs to be located on the Bay in downtown Sandusky. Clearly visible from Cedar Point, such a draw would surly bring million$ into the city proper.
I would like to see Max & Erma's come back and would REALLY enjoy having a bd's Mongolian Grill in town.
White Castle!!!!!!!!!!!!
Red Robin, White Castle's, PF Chang's, Trader Joes, or Chick Fil A would be awesome!!
Don't we have a chick fil a its just in cp when its open?
Golden Coral, Bd's Mongolian Grill, White Castle
I would like to see the Market come back. Maybe Red Lobster will move.
I wouldn't mind a Culvers their butterburgers are the bomb!
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Off-topic comments.
Geppetto's Ribs and a Rascal House Pizza. Both downtown.
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Many dogs can be trained to sit, fetch and roll over. Now, pups are being trained to detect disease and help patients in distress. Rebecca Johnson, director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri, explains how dogs can be useful in the medical field.
Dogs can be trained to sit, fetch and roll over, but they can also be trained to detect disease. A look at how dogs are used to detect cancer and detect low blood-sugar levels in diabetics. Pups can also be trained to help people who suffer seizures and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sanette Tanaka has details on Lunch Break. (Photo: Getty Images)
Dogs can be trained to detect low blood sugar levels in diabetics by picking up scents that go unnoticed by humans. Upon detection, the dog springs into action—"kind of like sounding an alarm," Dr. Johnson says. Dogs may nudge the diabetic, fetch a blood-glucose monitoring kit or press a button on the phone to call 911.
Researchers don't know what exactly enables a dog to detect seizures, but some dogs may notice a certain scent or subtle behavioral change that occurs right before an attack. Teaching a dog to pick up on these signs is difficult, Dr. Johnson says, and many seizure-response dogs simply have an innate ability to recognize when something is wrong. During the attack, dogs can seek help, move dangerous objects out of the way and lie next to the person.
Walking the dog burns about 200 calories an hour for a 150-pound person. But the health benefits don't stop there. Getty Images
A relatively new type of service dog can aid people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These dogs typically serve as companions to war veterans. Dogs can help ease the anxiety and panic that often comes with the condition by leading the way around a corner or positioning themselves between people and their handler. In a stressful social situation, the handler can signal the dog, which then barks loudly and gives the handler a reason to make a graceful exit.
Dogs can also put their acute sense of smell to use by identifying certain cancer cells. Dr. Johnson notes that dogs have been trained to pick out bladder cancer cells by sniffing urine samples, while other researchers report that dogs have been able to identify lung and breast cancers by smelling patients' breath, and melanoma by licking their owners' skin.
—Sanette Tanaka


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Clair de lune from Scratch: YouTube Piano Lessons for BeginnersPiano pedagogy has taken a fascinating life online, most notably within the video juggernaut YouTube. While the vast majority of video lessons appear to range from homemade "how to's" for a few phrases from popular songs to samples for subscription lesson sites or DVD packages, one thing is clear: there is a huge demand for video instructions on how to play the piano.
Can an absolute beginner use videos to learn to play a classical masterpiece with real music notation? That's the question we'd like to explore in this experimental new video lesson series, "Clair de lune from Scratch", where pianist Hugh Sung teaches Claude Debussy's masterpiece a measure at a time, combining cutting edge technologies with traditional piano pedagogy:
Participants can submit questions or comments via YouTube's comment feature, or by joining the PianoWorld.com Adult Beginners Forum. A public domain version of the "Clair de lune" score is also available as a PDF or MusicReader file from the AirTurn Piano Solos Library. MusicReader makes it easy to draw digital ink markings on the music for effective study of the score - free demo versions of MusicReader for Mac and PC can be downloaded from http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader. No Trackbacks |


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By STEVE MEGARGEEAP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Bashaara Graves matched a career high with 23 points and set a new career high with 18 rebounds to help No. 4 Tennessee remain undefeated with an 87-76 victory over Georgia Tech on Sunday.
Isabelle Harrison added 10 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for the Lady Vols (4-0). Mercedes Russell had 14 points and Meighan Simmons added 13.
Kaela Davis scored 28 points to lead Georgia Tech (2-1).
Davis, the daughter of former NBA forward Antonio Davis, was verbally committed to Tennessee before eventually signing with Georgia Tech. Davis' twin brother, A.J. Davis, plays forward for the Tennessee men's basketball team. He was in the stands Sunday wearing Tennessee gear and cheering for his sister.
Tennessee led by 18 points in the first half before Georgia Tech (2-1) used exceptional 3-point shooting to rally. Georgia Tech trailed 70-65 before Tennessee put the game away with a 12-0 run.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
KSAZ-TV & KUTP511 W. Adams St.Phoenix, AZ 85003Phone: (602) 257-1234Fax: (602) 262-0177


text: After giving viewers a look into the Jamaican Music culture last year, Noisey is back this year with their second season of "Noisey Jamaica". Dubbed "Welcome To Noisey Jamaica", the first episode looks into the new Reggae Movement which is led by the likes of Chronixx, Protoje, and Jesse Royal. Also featured is the controversial Dancehall artist, Alkaline, and they look into how Vybz Kartel has influenced the Dancehall culture. Hosted by Major Lazer's Walshy Fire, soak up some knowledge by checking out the video below and share your thoughts in the comments section.


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Why Use North Dakota Shuttle
When you compare the North Dakota Shuttle to the competition, there is none. North Dakota Shuttle drivers are each specially trained in safety and have a chauffeur's license. Our drivers are not over-worked, making for fresh, rested drivers ready to get you safely to your destination. Our drivers always arrive and depart on time to ensure prompt arrival so you don't miss your flight, gathering, meeting, or anything else you have planned for your day. Your luggage is handled with care and treated as if it were the driver's own. When it comes to customer service, our competition has missed the bus! Ride with the best transportation company in North Dakota.
Oil Workers
You've had a long day or week in the oil fields. All you can think about is getting to your destination. Don't drive fatigued and spend your hard earned money on gas! Let the North Dakota Shuttle get you where you need to go! You can sleep peacefully and let our drivers focus on the road ahead. You deserve the rest and the savings! There is no better way to get to and from the oil fields than the North Dakota Shuttle.
Work in or near the Bakken Oil Fields? Let the North Dakota Shuttle get you there. Don't drive your truck all the way to work! The North Dakota Shuttle will take you and your team to the Bakken Oil Fields in the morning and pick you up when it's time to head home. If you have a larger group that needs to get out there, charters are always available for you and your team.
When you're planning your next trip to North Dakota, don't forget to plan out your transportation while your here. The North Dakota Shuttle makes several daily trips between Williston, Minot, and Dickinson, prime areas for pheasant hunting. Don't waste money on a rental car. If you need a little more flexibility, charters are available to take you and your group wherever you need to go.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Thousands of people every year visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. If you're thinking about visiting this amazing place, let us get you around. The North Dakota Shuttle is available to take you and your travel group from the hotel to the park, and anywhere else you may need to go. Don't take the chance of getting lost by trying to drive yourself. Relax on your vacation and let the North Dakota Shuttle show you all there is to see in North Dakota.
Business Trips to North Dakota
Need to visit North Dakota on business? Then you need to make sure you have the right transportation to get you to your meetings on time. Our charter service will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and be available for you and your party for the entire day. And compared to the cost of renting several vehicles, the North Dakota Shuttle costs pennies on the dollar. How's that for smart business? Don't miss the bus, get your business trip booked with a special charter from the North Dakota Shuttle.
There are dozens of conferences throughout the year in North Dakota. If you want to get to them on time, you'd better book a seat on the North Dakota Shuttle. We have several shuttles daily that can get you there. Don't miss the bus! Ride easy with the North Dakota Shuttle.


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October 7, 2014 all day – Paviljoen
Question: I am 19 years and I have my fathers last name. How can I go about making my last name my moms maiden name?
Summer is soon coming to an end for those of us in the northern hemisphere. It is a time when many of us plan to spend time working on our genealogy research. We hope you set aside some time to attend a virtual meeting that is applicable to your research. Below is the virtual meeting the line up for the month of September.
If you have not attended a Virtual Meeting before, read the Instructions available at…
Created by Gena Philibert Ortega Sep 9, 2014 at 8:33am. Last updated by Gena Philibert Ortega Sep 9.
1101 members
1046 members
802 members
765 members
679 members
672 members
605 members
465 members
437 members
437 members
Started by Jennifer in Genealogist Connection on Friday.
Posted by Beverly Carpenter on September 16, 2014 at 5:07pm
Posted by Christine Thomas on September 5, 2014 at 5:18am
Posted by Gena Philibert Ortega on September 4, 2014 at 7:47am
Posted by Susi (Susan C Jones) Pentico on August 30, 2014 at 6:20pm
Posted by William Douglas on August 29, 2014 at 11:00am
Posted by Gena Philibert Ortega on August 26, 2014 at 4:26pm
Posted by Christine Thomas on August 22, 2014 at 12:43pm
Posted by Adrian R Ottaway on August 21, 2014 at 7:23am
Posted by Christine Thomas on August 21, 2014 at 3:21am
Posted by Gena Philibert Ortega on August 17, 2014 at 4:34pm
Added by Geoff Rasmussen
Added by William Bosi
© 2014 Created by Nat Ins for Genealogical Studies.


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MS Support Services
TYSABRI ActiveSource™ Coordinators are here to help.
We at Biogen Idec want to maintain a healthy dialogue with you about TYSABRI. That's why we're committed to providing you with comprehensive support services that offer information about TYSABRI and relapsing MS.
TYSABRI ActiveSource Coordinators are available to help answer your questions and to provide additional information on how to enroll in the services listed below.
Cost and insurance support with TYSABRI ActiveAccess
- Help paying for your treatment, regardless of your income or insurance coverage
- Comprehensive insurance support
Ongoing therapy support with TYSABRI ActiveSupport
- Individualized health and wellness coaching
- Help with setting treatment and lifestyle goals
Peer-to-peer support with TYSABRI ActiveVoices
- Share treatment experiences and advice
- Personal profiles and stories to provide inspiration
Professional support with TYSABRI ActiveNurses
- Guidance on managing your TYSABRI treatment
- Phone counseling available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
To speak one-on-one with a TYSABRI ActiveSource Coordinator about these services, call 800.456.2255, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM
to 8:00 PM (ET).


text:
College Prep DaysCollege Prep Days is Madonna University's required extended-orientation program for First-Year Students. Once students have attended their New Student Orientation, they sign up for a three-hour College Prep Days session. College Prep Days takes place during mid-August and consists of sessions from either 9 a.m. to noon, or 2 to 5 p.m.
During College Prep Days, students are able to do the following:• Ask last-minute questions• Network with other new students, including upper-class students• Purchase books• Navigate around campus to find classes• Attend a Blackboard training workshop


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Holiday greetings from the Green Bay PackersPosted by on December 24, 2012 – 1:34 pm
The Green Bay Packers wish all their fans a happy holiday season. Players would also like to extend their holiday greetings. See what the players have to say:
Holiday greetings from Packers players
Players pick their favorite holiday movies
Sample: Donald Driver's favorite – "A Christmas Story"
Packers reveal their favorite childhood toys
Sample: Mason Crosby's favorite – Red Ryder BB Gun
Which holiday songs are players listening to?
Sample: Brett Goode's favorite – "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"
Tags: a christmas story, grandma got run over by a reindeer, happy holidays, red ryder bb gun
Posted in Packers.com Blog | 28 Comments »
28 Responses
to "Holiday greetings from the Green Bay Packers"
By MontanaPackfan on Dec 24, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas Packers….thanks for another great regular season!!!
Roll on Green Roll on
By KevKev in Apache Junction on Dec 24, 2012 | Reply
Randall Cobb is one smart son of Packer!
Happy Holidays to the Cobb family.
By kyannalashae on Dec 24, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for taking the time out to wish us Packers fans a Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to the Packers and their families!:)
By Greg on Dec 24, 2012 | Reply
i don't understand what you saying.. i am deaf.
By designlessthts on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Happy Christmas Packers! And A Special Happy Christmas To You Duke! I Got My Gift November 1St When I Talked To Jordy! -Jordynator Brittany!
By paul on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry christmas to all the players and coaching staff.
By rlt on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas to all the Packer Players,coaches,management,employees and fans. Enjoy the time with family/friends.
Next on the list: Victory over the Vikings.
By Pati Beckman on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
MERRY CHRISTMAS PACKERS! I AM SO PROUD TO BE A HUGE FAN! I COULD NOT HAVE PICKED A BETTER TEAM!………..I have a friend here in Montana who moved here to live with his daughter and they are also huge fans! He is in his 80's and she in her early 60's! I have adopted him as my grandfather since I don't have one! We just found out she only has 3-weeks – 2. 1/2 months to live due to Cancer! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers?! Thank you!
By Jaime on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
@mason Crosby… You'll shoot your eye out kid! Lol! Merry Christmas to the whole packer nation and your families! GO PACK GO!!!
By Melissa on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Thanks, guys, for taking the time to share with the fans. May you have a blessed Christmas with you families.
By jerry melton on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the Packer team,coaching staff and their family's. GO PACK GO! Victory over the Vikings!
By Jeff on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for making us proud again Packers players. Merry Christmas, Happy New year, and then take the SB Championship again!!
By Brian on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
No Greater Team – PACKERS & FANS in the NFL!
Happy Holidays!!! Beat the Vikings!!!
By Jody Teague on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas packers!! Love u all, thx for a great season! See u for playoffs!!
By DGK58 on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas to the Packers and all their faithful fans from South Texas!
By Alice on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from a Wisconsin born and bred Packer Backer!
By greylorn on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Thank you, and Merry Christmas to the folks who put this great Packer website together!
Thought and good work prevail off the field as well as on it.
By Geralyn on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas to the Packers. Born and bred WI Packer fan transplanted to Atlanta. Thanks for a great season!
By tbhebert on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
merry christmas to the packers family and the shareholders/families.peace, joy and goodwill to all people. shalom
By Darrell on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
All I want for Christmas is a Jennings return with a new contract!
By floridapackerbacker on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
In Florida the weather isn't frightful, but the Packers winning the SB will be delightful. Blessings and peace to the entire Packer organization, and the Packer Nation too. GO PACK GO!
By Tom on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas to the REAL "America's Team" Go Pack Go! A great team from a great city in a great state in a great country.
By Donny on Dec 25, 2012 | Reply
Thank you all !! From 1972 to 2012 the Packers have been my inspiration . Best wishes for a happy holiday , and may we all enjoy many more of them .
By Bill U on Dec 26, 2012 | Reply
Thanks to the Green Bay Packers for providing me with some
of the greatest moments & memories with my son & daughter.
No other professional sports organization conducts business
at the highest standard of professionalism and integrity as the Green Bay Packers
By Mike from Chicago on Dec 26, 2012 | Reply
I hope you all had a great Christmas! Happy New Year to all.
Our team this year should be measured by what they do off the field as well. With that, they should be considered one of the greatest teams! We are fortunate to have such a great franchise, top to bottom. Thank you Packer management for giving us some much to cheer for!!
By James on Dec 26, 2012 | Reply
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year Packer Nation!
By Jan on Dec 26, 2012 | Reply
My hope is that everyone, everywhere in Packerville will have a wonderful New Year fill with all the Blessings their football hearts can hold!!
By John on Dec 29, 2012 | Reply
Happy new year it's your turn to be tops good luck
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.


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By: PRESS RELEASE
January 3, 2012
All New Burton Mountain Festival Coming Soon to a Resort Near You
BURLINGTON, Vt. (December 22, 2011) For the first time ever, Burton is launching the Burton Mountain Festival tour, a completely new experience that offers riders a full day of FREE on-snow entertainment, including Burton 2012 product demos, live music, sponsor giveaways, mini parks for the smallest snowboarders and amateur snowboard contests at select stops.
Presented by MINI, the Burton Mountain Festival kicks off on December 30th at Copper Mountain and then will travel on to nine additional resorts around the US, which are all listed below.
Dates Location
Dec 30–Jan 1 Copper Mountain, CO*
Jan 6–8 Mammoth Mountain, CA*
Jan 14–16 Mt. Hood Meadows, OR*
Jan 20–22 Park City Mountain Resort, UT
Feb 3–5 Northstar, CA*
Feb 10–12 Keystone, CO
Feb 18–20 Boyne Highlands, MI
Feb 24–26 Waterville Valley, NH*
Mar 2–4 Killington, VT*
Mar 16–18 Mountain Creek, NJ
*Features a Burton Pro-Test amateur snowboard competition.
Burton Mountain Festival stops will include up to four key elements: Burton Test Ride, Riglet Parks, Pro-Test and live music for an entire day of good times. And while each festival stop will be unique, the foundation of the festival is the Burton Test Ride program, which will be at all 10 stops.
Test Ride is where virtually the entire 2012 Burton hardgoods line will be on tap for riders to test at absolutely no charge. Riders can try out a variety of boards, boots and bindings to get a feel for their ultimate set-up.
In addition to Test Ride, six of the Burton Mountain Festival stops (noted with an asterisk above) will have a Pro-Test event, which is an amateur snowboard competition for men and women featuring halfpipe and slopestyle contests that will award a total of $7000 at each stop.
At every Burton Pro-Test event, riders can also win four wildcard spots to compete in the US Open pre-qualifiers, and all Pro-Test events are 4Star TTR World Snowboard Tour events. A few of the Pro-Test competitions will be extra amazing, including the stops at Killington and Northstar where the contest will run through the Burton Stash parks.


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The 2008 season is former Trojan short stop and NAIA All-American Chris Collins' second year at the helm of the Trojan Baseball Program. Collins is coming off of a 44-18-1 record in his first season which saw the Trojans capture their second TranSouth Conference title in three years.
The Trojans saw steady improvement throughout the 2007 season, piling up numerous team and individual records. The return of key pitchers and an experienced and deep recruiting class has given the Trojans another shot at winning the Region XI Tournament and making their first-ever trip to the NAIA World Series. Last season the Trojans finished at No. 12 in the final national poll, with Collins receiving the TranSouth and Region XI Coach of the Year Awards. With many new faces and a 2008 pre-season national ranking of No. 17, the Trojans are focused on what it takes to build on their recent success. The Trojans are "Constructing Champions"!
Trevecca's success in recent years is a direct result of the pitching staff for which the Trojans have become known. Second-year pitching coach Jonathan Burton has made an impact on a pitching staff poised for another great season.
The conference weekend staff will be led by senior right-handed pitcher Barrett Brown. Brown returns with his dominating breaking pitch and improved command. Brown will certainly add to his already impressive résumé. Right-handed junior Nick Shoup, with command of three pitches, was the Trojans' go-to-guy in 2007. He possesses a fastball that runs into the upper 80s and is developing into one of the best pitchers in the NAIA.
The contenders for the third and final conference weekend spot include juniors Wesley Griggs and Drew Durrossette. Griggs, a left-handed pitcher, possesses great command with a fiery, competitive attitude. Griggs should make an impact on the weekend rotation while also earning time out of the bullpen. Durrossette, a junior college transfer who brings it from the right side, should make a huge impact. He can throw significant innings both as a starter and reliever. He owns good command of three pitches and challenges every hitter. Senior right-handed pitcher Steven Brown returns after an All-Conference 2007 season. Brown will be the late-inning stopper getting the tough outs in the closer role.
Right-handed sophomore Chris Sutherland will see increased action in 2008 after improving his overall mechanics and tempo. He will get innings out of the bullpen during the mid-week.
Left-handed freshman Ben Johnson will provide stability and depth for the staff. The Nashville Overton product will face left-handed matchups out of the pen while serving as a mid-week starter. Freshman left-hander Brent Amburn will see time out of the bullpen while he learns how to get outs at the college level. He always gives the defense a chance to play behind him because he throws a lot of strikes.
With key arms returning at the top and experienced junior college arms, the Trojans will once again be leaning on their pitching staff to lead them again in 2008.
Many new faces will patrol the outfield in 2008 along with a few returnees. Back for his senior season is Wade Angel, who had a great junior season and will be a mainstay in left field. The left-handed hitter adds power at the top of the lineup as a leadoff hitter and run-producer. Junior Chris Lowe had his best year as a Trojan last year when he racked up 95 hits and led the team in runs scored. Lowe is a cornerstone in the outfield and provides consistency and leadership at the top of the lineup. Lowe is a sure-handed defender with an above-average arm. Junior Omar DeJesus is an athletic player who is ready to be a factor. His improved defensive abilities and his speed will allow him to play a key role for this year's team.
Newcomers Marty Parks, Blair Haskins and Nathan Wright are key additions for 2008. Parks, a junior transfer from Hiwassee CC, will provide stability at the top of the lineup and in centerfield. He will get the offense moving with his above-average speed, and he has game-changing ability. Junior Nathan Wright, from Meridian CC, will fight for an everyday job in the outfield. He has great overall strength and will be a middle-of-the-order hitter. As Wright continues to improve in the system, he should have a very good year in the purple and white. Haskins is a sophomore transfer from Motlow State CC. Blair is a plus runner who will fit in nicely with the Trojan's offensive scheme. His playing time will increase as his skills continue to develop. Roaming the outfield for the first time are sophomore Jason Pope and red-shirt freshman Trevor Green. Both are transitioning from the infield to provide depth in key areas. Pope is a talented athlete with the ability to make an impact with his speed as well as his improved arm strength. Green is still developing his outfield skills. His arm strength and range improved in the fall. Green has continued to improve daily and will see time as a pinch-runner and pinch-hitter.
The infield expects to continue its solid defensive effort, despite replacing two significant contributors from last season. Newcomer Aaron Bree, a defender, will be the mainstay for the Trojans at shortstop. The Chandler Gilbert CC transfer displays great range and the ability to make things happen at the plate. He should find himself hitting at the top of the order, setting the table for the middle of the order.
Junior second-baseman Ross Muirhead brings good range and an unbelievable work ethic in his first season in the purple and white. Muirhead will team with Bree up the middle to provide great defensive stability. Senior third baseman/first baseman Dylan Lynch is great defensively and offensively. Lynch was chosen as a Rawlings Region XI Gold Glove winner in 2007 and provides the leadership necessary to make great things happen. The tough competitor has a relentless work ethic, and his energy makes him an important cog in the Trojans' success.
Senior transfer Landry Walker and junior Angel Bermudez will battle for time at third base. Walker, a transfer from Ohio Dominican University, provides significant depth at third and second base. He will play important innings and supply offensive reliability at the bottom of the order. Bermudez provided depth at third base last season and has a strong work ethic that will see him produce more in 2008.
Battling for the first-base position will be juniors Cody Heggie and Adam Bland. Heggie, a Jackson State CC transfer, has great offensive promise and is working to become a middle-of-the-order hitter. He's a steady defensive performer with a proven track record of success. Bland, the only returning first baseman, provides depth at the position and experience off the bench. He continues to improve defensively and will hit in the middle of the order.
Sophomore Seth Hawkins, a second baseman, continues to develop offensively and defensively and will have the opportunity to earn the everyday job. He has overall great strength and understands the team scheme. Freshman Chase Birdwell has improved during fall workouts and has an unbeatable work ethic that has infected the entire team and earned him time in the spring. His best days in the purple and white are ahead of him.
Seniors Brett Thaler and Justin Mundy will battle for the everyday job behind the plate in 2008. Thaler is tenacious behind the plate and exudes confidence in his abilities. He has improved offensively throughout the fall and will be a significant contributor in 2008. As for Mundy, the pitching staff has a great deal of confidence in him and his ability to understand the game. Mundy's leadership will keep the pitching staff comfortable and confident. Brian Dirheimer, a junior transfer from Columbia State CC, will see significant time behind the plate as well. Dirheimer, who will serve as the designated hitter at times, will provide a much-needed power boost in the middle of the order. His offensive potential should get him into the line-up.
The 2008 Trojans are planning to continue their recent success. This year's team has the potential to be one of the better teams in recent years. The depth on the mound, returning offense, and new contributors should prove to be a winning combination. As with any team, there are obstacles to negotiate to reach the ultimate dream of an NAIA World Series; a tough TranSouth schedule, a stern non-conference schedule, and a region chockful of top 25 talent. For the 2008 Trojans to make their mark with a NAIA World Series berth, they must continue to build on the foundation that has been laid. The Trojans are "Constructing Champions"!


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Secular Coalition for America - Privileging Religion http://secular.org/taxonomy/term/8/0 The Constitution prohibits our government from advancing any particular religious belief or religion in general, and from inhibiting individual religious beliefs. The Secular Coalition for America opposes government actions that privilege religion in over non-religion in public policy or society. en SCA to Organize Protest at Supreme Court Tuesday http://secular.org/news/sca-organize-protest-supreme-court-tuesday
Washington, DC - The Secular Coalition for America will organize secular and nontheistic protestors outside of the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday morning, as the Court hears two cases: Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius.

The cases concern two for-profit companies whose owners do not want to comply with the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, arguing that it violates their religious freedom.

The Secular Coalition takes the position that every American is entitled to their personal religious beliefs and practices, but citizens-including employers-do not have the right to impose those beliefs on others or ask for privileging from the government. The Secular Coalition supports the rights of individual employees to make their own moral and health care decisions.

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm

Location: U.S. Supreme Court, 1 First Street, NE, Washington, District of Columbia 20543

"In seeking a special exception based on a for-profit business owner's religion, Hobby Lobby and similarly situated employers are effectively imposing their religious preferences and practices on their employees," said Secular Coalition for America Executive Director, Edwina Rogers. "Granting these employers a religious exemption would be a clear violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause."

 The Secular Coalition will be available on-site to offer the secular and nontheistic perspective on the cases.

 CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, SCA Director of Communications, at email@example.com, office (202)299-1091 ext. 205, cell (202)630-9725.

 Press Releases Privileging Religion Reproductive Rights Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:56:41 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1913 at http://secular.org Model Secular Policy Guide for Legislatures http://secular.org/content/model-secular-policy-guide-legislatures
The Secular Coalition's Model Secular Policy Guide is a collaboration of the entire nontheistic movement, endorsed by 86 nontheistic, secular and affiliated organizations across the country. The guide covers a multitude of issues affecting secular and nontheistic Americans in public life including health policy, science education, tax exemptions, religiously-based discrimination, and the treatment of nontheists in the military, among others.

The Model Policy Guide is meant to help educate legislators on the views of secular and nontheistic Americans on pertinent issues, and includes historical background and legal precedent. It will be distributed to every office on Capitol Hill, state legislative offices across the country and will also be available on the Coalition's website following the launch events.

Areas of focus include:

Health and Safety

Education

Discrimination

Tax Policy

Military

International

View or download the guide here >>

 "under God" in the Pledge Acknowledging Nontheists Boy Scouts Christian Nation Civil Rights/Religious Discrimination Conscience Clauses Court Stripping Research Creationism/Intelligent Design Faith-Based Programs Judicial Nominations LGBT Civil Rights Marriage Amendment Member Organizations Executive Branch Nontheist Public Officials Official Prayers Our Constituency Privileging Religion Religion in Political Campaigns Religion in the Military Religious Symbols on Gov't Property Reproductive Rights RLUIPA/RFRA Sex Education Stem Cells Vouchers for Religious Schools Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:54:03 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1800 at http://secular.org Atheist to Congress: Balance Budget by Addressing Religious Privileging in Tax Code http://secular.org/news/atheist-congress-balance-budget-addressing-religious-privileging-tax-code

WASHINGTON, DC-In light of the government shutdown, The Secular Coalition for America today urged Congress to address religious privileging in the tax code as a solution to balancing budget shortfalls.

Monday at midnight the government shut down, fueled by a bitter budget standoff which contributed to Congress' inability to pass a spending bill.

"In the lead up to this standoff, fundamental tax reform has been all but forgotten-a shame since almost $100 billion a year is being donated tax free with little-to-no oversight," said Edwina Rogers, executive director of the Secular Coalition. "While Congress argues about the budget, millions of dollars are being left on the table. Not only would addressing these concerns make the tax code fairer and simpler, it would free up millions in the budget."

Earlier this year the Secular Coalition urged Congress to address religious privileging in the tax code, including requiring religious nonprofits to submit 990 forms like other nonprofit organizations, and enforcing IRS rules that bar churches from endorsing political candidates.

In May the Joint Committee on Taxation included the SCA's recommendations on removing religious privileging from the tax code, in a report submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee. Also in May, the Secular Coalition for America sent a letter to the White House, pointing out additional Internal Revenue Service failings, including neglecting to investigate churches and religious charities that engage in "politicking from the pulpit."

Charitable contributions by individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations reached $298.42 billion in 2011, with religious organizations receiving the largest share - 32 percent-of total estimated contributions, according to Giving USA.

Rogers said part of the original logic behind giving religious organizations tax exemptions was that they were viewed to be providing charitable services to the public, but with the lack of transparency it is impossible to know if the money is actually being used for its intended purpose.

"Not only are churches shielded from basic investigations in a way that no other non-profits are, but the laws that are in place for them are nearly impossible to uphold," Rogers said. "Because churches do not have to submit a 990 form how then can the IRS hold them accountable for breaking other IRS laws that limit the amount the amount of political lobbying they do?"

A July 2012 poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found 66 percent of Americans believe churches or other houses of worship should not endorse political candidates and the majority of Americans (54%) say that churches and other houses of worship should keep out of political matters.

In December, the Secular Coalition held "A National Summit: Correcting Religious Privileging in the Tax Code" and will continue to ensure there is a level playing field for all nonprofits when it comes to the tax code.

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, SCA Communications Manager at email@example.com or (202)299-1091 ext. 205, cell (202)630-9725

 Press Releases Privileging Religion Tue, 01 Oct 2013 20:11:00 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1740 at http://secular.org Nontheists Meet with White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships http://secular.org/news/nontheists-meet-white-house-office-faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships
Washington, DC--The Secular Coalition for America is pleased to announce a positive step in establishing open lines of communication between the White House and the nontheistic community.

This month, Secular Coalition for America Executive Director, Edwina Rogers, along with several representatives from the nontheistic community, held a meeting with the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The purpose of the meeting was to brief the Administration on secular and nontheistic issues, and to establish better lines of communication that can ultimately lead to greater nontheistic involvement.

Representing the Administration in the meeting were Melissa Rogers, Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Reverend David Meyers, Director of the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Edwina Rogers described Melissa Rogers as being welcoming to the secular community and said the Coalition is delighted she has accepted the Director position.

"We are pleased that the White House is looking at ways to better include the nontheistic community," said Edwina Rogers. "The Administration seemed to recognize the need for nontheistic inclusion and seemed open to finding areas where we can work together. We hope this meeting will lead to increased cooperation going forward."

The Secular Coalition represents 11 member organizations, over 120 endorsing organizations and advocates at the federal level to strengthen and protect the secular character of the government and to increase the respect and visibility of nontheistic viewpoints. The Secular Coalition also has chapters in all 50 states that advocate at the state level.

Edwina Rogers led a group of several representatives from the nontheistic community including several of the Coalition's member organizations, which included Aisha Goss, Deputy Director of the Secular Coalition for America; Wendy Kaminer, Secular Coalition Advisory Board member; Amanda Knief, Managing Director of American Atheists; Maggie Ardiente, Director of Communications and Development at the American Humanist Association; Greg Epstein, Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University; Jason Torpy, President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers; and Michael DeDora, Director of the Center for Inquiry's Office of Public Policy and CFI representative to the United Nations.

Edwina Rogers said it was important that a variety of Coalition members were at the meeting in order to show that the movement is unified. The religiously unaffiliated or "nones" now account for more than 19 percent of the American population. Among people aged 18-29 that number is even higher, with a full 35 percent identifying as unaffiliated, and 42 percent of that segment identifying as atheist or agnostic. The religiously unaffiliated are a growing and politically important demographic-the nones now represent the largest "religious" bloc of registered Democratic voters, comprising 24 percent, according to statistics from the Public Religion Research Institute and the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.

"It's impossible for the White House to work individually with every organization, but as a unified group the Administration can more efficiently work with us as a community," Edwina Rogers said. "The role of the Secular Coalition is to be the unifying voice that speaks on behalf of the nontheistic and secular community--we feel this meeting was a prime example of our mission in action."

Maggie Ardiente, Director of Communications and Development at the American Humanist Association, said it was an important part of ongoing work the nontheistic community is doing.

"Doors are opening for the secular community like never before, and we thank Melissa Rogers for recognizing the significant contributions nonbelievers can make toward a better society," said Ardiente, noting that the religiously unaffiliated will continue to be a large voting bloc in upcoming elections. "We're making tremendous progress and we must continue to connect with lawmakers at the federal level to make our issues known."

Edwina Rogers said the Coalition looks forward to continuing to work with the White House and the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the future.

Pictured above from left to right: Wendy Kaminer, Michael DeDora, Amanda Knief, Greg Epstein, Melissa Rogers, Jason Torpy, Edwina Rogers, Maggie Ardiente, and Aisha Goss.

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, SCA Communications Manager at email@example.com or (202)299-1091 ext. 205, cell (202)630-9725

 Acknowledging Nontheists Press Releases Civil Rights/Religious Discrimination Faith-Based Programs Privileging Religion Mon, 24 Jun 2013 15:58:55 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1599 at http://secular.org Nonreligious Coalition Urges HHS to Drop Proposed Contraception Rule Changes http://secular.org/news/nonreligious-coalition-urges-hhs-drop-proposed-contraception-rule-changes
WASHINGTON, DC—The Secular Coalition for America on Monday submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to the proposed rule changes for "religious employers" regarding preventive healthcare services. The comments were signed by a coalition of 12 organizations representing atheists, agnostics, humanists and other secular Americans.

If adopted, the proposed rule changes will have a significant impact on American women across a wide spectrum of the workforce. The changes would broaden the religious employer exemption to include all non-profit organizations that self-certify as a "religious employer." Furthermore, the changes put the religious interests of a few employers ahead of immense health and social benefits for all Americans.

"The proposed exemption set a terrible precedent for religious interference in individual choice," said Edwina Rogers, Executive Director of the Secular Coalition for America. "If adopted, this exemption gives employers the ability to impose their particular religious beliefs on employees, infringing on the religious freedom of potentially millions of Americans."

In February 2012, the HHS announced final rules regarding exemptions to contraception requirements that exempted Houses of Worship and other "religious employers." However, in February of 2013, pressured by religious groups including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the HHS rescinded three out of four requirements needed to comply with its earlier definition of "religious employer" broadly expanding the number of qualifying exempt organizations.

In the submitted comments, the Secular Coalition makes several points:

The Cost-Free Contraceptive Coverage Requirement Is Constitutional

The SCA's Suggested Alternatives are More Appropriate and Clear than the Proposed Rule

Any Employer Exemption Imposes the Employer's Religion on Employees

The Proposed Exemption Change Will Deny Thousands of Women Contraceptive Coverage

The Proposed Rule Leaves the Exemption Open for Abuse

The Eligibility Requirements for the Accommodation are Vague and Overly Broad

The Secular Coalition urged the Administration to keep intact the four-pronged definition of "religious employer" proposed in earlier drafts of the rules. The previous definition adequately accommodated religious institutions, by insuring that women employed by nonprofits with an expressly religious mission employing a majority of people of the same faith, could obtain contraception directly from the insurance provider.

Alternatively, the Coalition encouraged the HHS to adopt the religious employer Social Security exemption, which requires that both the employer and employee must be of the same religious faith and adherent to the religion's established tenets or teachings. Additionally, the organization would be required to file an application for the exemption, which would be then approved or denied by the Administration.

If HHS adopts the newest version of proposed rule changes, not only will 317,751 congregations across the country be eligible for the exemption, but the expanded definition will also include 7 percent of the American workforce currently employed by nonprofit charities. Many of these nonprofits are in health care, social assistance and educational services—fields where women are strongly represented.

Over 90 percent of nurses and 74 percent of private school teachers are women. In many areas religiously affiliated hospitals are the only local available employment options. In any already difficult employment climate, the rules would require many nurses and teachers to give up their religious liberty and important personal health considerations for employment.

"Employees should not have to choose between their career and their religious liberty—and these rules would force millions of American women to do exactly that." Rogers said. "The values of an employer that happens to be a parochial school or a Catholic hospital, should not supplant the personal values and religious liberty of its employees any more than a secular school or hospital should."

Rogers added, "In an already difficult employment climate, are we asking our nurses and teachers to give up their religious liberty and important personal health considerations for employment."

The comments submitted yesterday were signed by 12 organizations, including:

Secular Coalition for America
American Atheists
American Ethical Union
American Humanist Association
Atheist Alliance of America
Camp Quest
Council for Secular Humanism
HUUmanists
Institute for Humanist Studies
Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
Secular Student Alliance
Society for Humanistic Judaism

View the SCA's comments at http://secular.org/content/secular-coalition-comments-hhs-proposed-rule-0. The Secular Coalition has previously submitted comments to the administration with each proposed rule change.

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, SCA Communications Manager at email@example.com or (202)299-1091 ext. 205, cell (202)630-9725
 Press Releases Privileging Religion Reproductive Rights Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:27:29 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1530 at http://secular.org Secular Coalition Comments on HHS Proposed Rule http://secular.org/content/secular-coalition-comments-hhs-proposed-rule Official Coalition Letters Privileging Religion Reproductive Rights Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:52:18 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 1528 at http://secular.org Secular Coalition Condemns Passing of Missouri Amendment 2, Continued False Definitions of "Religious Liberty" http://secular.org/news/secular-coalition-condemns-passing-missouri-amendment-2-continued-false-definitions-%E2%80%9Creligious-
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Secular Coalition for America today expressed disappointment at the passing of Missouri Amendment 2, the so-called "Public Prayer Amendment."

The vague wording of the amendment to the state constitution has the ability to institute a slew of religious privileges that include everything from sectarian prayer at school board and legislative meetings to exemptions from school assignments for religious students.

 Several provisions in the amendment are blatant overreaches that could cause harm to Missouri's public education system by expanding the role of religion in the public sphere and jeopardizing established First Amendment protections. The few legitimate protections of religious freedom included in the amendment were already provided for in both the U.S. and Missouri state constitutions.

Edwina Rogers, Executive Director of the Secular Coalition for America, said this amendment is one of many recent attempts throughout the country to redefine "religious freedom."

Other recent examples are the "Florida Religious Freedom, Amendment 8", which seeks to legalize public funding of religious institutions on the ballot in November, and North Dakota's recently defeated Measure 3, the so-called "Religious Freedom Amendment," which also sought to publicly fund and privilege religion.

"The passing of this amendment is a symptom of a larger attack on true religious freedom that we are seeing introduced throughout the country via ballot initiatives, in state legislatures, and through public relations campaigns run by groups such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops," Rogers said. "Although it was sold to the voters as an issue of religious freedom, Amendment 2 actually attempts to write the privileging of religion into law."

Amendment 2 has the ability to:

 Allow for the commingling of religion and government, by creating an opening for-and in some cases, encouraging-sectarian prayer in unconstitutional settings such as school board and legislative meetings.

 Violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, by allowing government employees to openly pray while performing their duties, which infers a government establishment of religion, as employees are an extension of the state.

 Create a series of privileges and educational loopholes for students who claim their homework assignments and/or classes conflict with their religious beliefs, despite the courts repeatedly ruling that teaching science-based topics such as evolution in public schools does not violate students' free exercise of religion.

 Further exacerbate America's poor standing in science education, which already lags behind many other nations.

"This amendment is full of blatant overreaches and inconsistencies with federal law and court precedent-it attempts to chip away at true religious freedom and ultimately will cost the taxpayers millions in litigation fees," Rogers said. "The ongoing attempts to redefine religious privileging as 'religious freedom' is a dangerous attack on the very principles our country was founded upon, and we will continue to fight similar attempts across the nation."

The Secular Coalition for America is in the process of rolling out 50 new state chapters across the country to fight legislation at the state level that seeks to insert into law religion, religious privileging or exemptions from generally applicable law based on religion. The Missouri chapter held its initial organizing call in June.

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, Communications Manager
O: 202-299-1091 ext. 205
E: firstname.lastname@example.com

 Press Releases Conscience Clauses Creationism/Intelligent Design Privileging Religion Sex Education Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:18:25 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 972 at http://secular.org Government Funding of Boys Scouts' Discriminatory Policies Unacceptable http://secular.org/news/government-funding-boys-scouts-discriminatory-policies-unacceptable
WASHINGTON, DC-The Secular Coalition for America is disappointed at the recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America to continue its policy of discrimination against nontheists and the LGBT community.

The Boy Scouts of America announced Tuesday that after a two year review, it is reaffirming its ban on gay and nontheistic members. While the Boy Scouts claim they can discriminate because they are a private organization, they hold a Congressional Charter and enjoy support and participation from government agencies and officials.

The Secular Coalition for America calls on the United States government to end any taxpayer funding of the organization while it continues its discriminatory practices.

"It is unconscionable that an organization that discriminates against Americans based on religion and sexual orientation is permitted to do so with the support of the taxpayer funding," said Lauren Anderson Youngblood, Secular Coalition for America communications manager. "If the Boy Scouts is determined to continue discriminating, it should be stripped of all public funding and support from public agencies."

Some of the support the BSA receives from the government are:

The US Code authorizes the Secretary of Defense to lend supplies and equipment and transportation for Boy Scout events.

All branches of the military issue a promotion (to E2 or E3) for Eagle Scouts, the highest Boy Scout rank. This constitutes discrimination in hiring by the military as well as government approval of the Boy Scouts' discriminatory policies.

Equal Opportunity regulations in the military explicitly prohibit support of organizations that discriminate. Yet there is a close collaboration between the military and the Scouts. Department of Defense Instruction 1015.9 directs the Secretary of the Army to the Executive Agent for all components of the DoD to promote scouting among military families as directed by the President.

The U.S. President traditionally serves as the honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America, a tradition which President Obama has continued.

In early 2005, Congress passed a resolution expressing a sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should support BSA activities through the use of military personnel, federal land use, and other assistance for their massive Jamborees. The 2005 Jamboree cost taxpayers approximately $8 million.

In 2008, Congress voted to pass the "Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act" (H.R. 5872). The bill mandated that the U.S. Mint create and sell as many as 350,000 one dollar coins commemorating the Scouts' centennial in the year 2010. A ten dollar surcharge on each coin goes directly to the Boy Scouts of America, who will net as much as $3.5 million in the deal.

"The Boy Scouts enjoy special privileges from the Department of Defense, including funding, facilities, organization, advertising, and incentives in hiring for their Eagle Scouts," said Jason Torpy, President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers. " The BSA should reject public promotions if they wish to operate as a private organization. If they wish to be quasi-government youth development agency, then the federal government should require they abandon discrimination based on belief and sexual orientation."

Anti-discrimination laws as well as the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment should prohibit federal support of the BSA. The courts have allowed the BSA (as a private membership organization) to discriminate, but the U.S. government must not be permitted to aid in such discriminatory behavior.

"When Congress gives money to the Boy Scouts, it is implicitly endorsing the religious discrimination practiced by the organization," said Youngblood. "They are implying to young boys that only those who believe in god can be good citizens-not only is that immoral, but also unconstitutional."

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, SCA Communications Manager, at 202-299-1091 ext. 205 or firstname.lastname@example.com
 Boy Scouts Press Releases Civil Rights/Religious Discrimination Privileging Religion Religion in the Military Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:45:38 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 890 at http://secular.org Secular Coalition for Colorado First Official State Chapter to Launch http://secular.org/news/secular-coalition-colorado-first-official-state-chapter-launch
Washington, D.C-The Secular Coalition for America is excited to announce the official launch of the Secular Coalition for Colorado, expected to officially launch on Saturday. The Secular Coalition for Colorado is the first chapter to launch as part of the SCA's greater effort to establish 50 new state chapters throughout the country this year.

The Secular Coalition for America is a lobbying organization representing nontheistic Americans and advocating protecting and strengthening the secular character of our government. The Secular Coalition for Colorado will lobby state lawmakers in favor of a strong separation of religion and government.

Secular Coalition for Colorado Executive Board Co-Chairs, Ben Donahue, 29 of Longmont, CO, and Murray Wallace, 31 of Longmont, CO are expected to sign the "Memo of Understanding" that marks the official launch of the chapter, on Saturday at the Colorado Secular Conference:

Date: Saturday, July 21st, 2012
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Colorado Mesa University Ballroom (2nd floor of University Center), Grand Junction, CO
Press: Welcome to attend the event-no registration necessary

"Secularism is one of the most important and fundamental necessities of any government, and for years I have watched that being continuously and persistently eroded both at the federal and state level," said Secular Coalition for Colorado Co-Chair, Ben Donahue. "Colorado is a keystone state when it comes to secular politics. It has long been a kind of Mecca for certain groups of Evangelical Christians such as Focus on the Family, with a history of attempting to insert their particular brand of theology into our politics."

A recent Pew Forum study indicated that 37 percent of Colorado residents do not express an absolute belief in God, and 59 percent disagreed that "religion is very important to their lives," both of which contributed to Colorado's rank as the 41st most religious state of 46 (some small states were grouped together for purposes of the study). Still Colorado has seen its share of attempts to insert religious theology into law, including numerous personhood ballot initiatives.

"Colorado, like many places, has a small but very vocal theocratic movement said Secular Coalition for Colorado Co-Chair, Murray Wallace. "To ensure freedom for everyone, it's imperative we do not allow religion to be imposed on our secular laws.

The most recent of these personhood amendments is being pushed by the Colorado Personhood Coalition for inclusion on the November ballot. The amendment seeks to define a fertilized egg as a "person." The proposed personhood amendment is based on religious dogma and has the ability to prevent people who don't agree-both believers and non-believers-from receiving health services such as common birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs), the morning-after pill. Additionally, the amendment has the potential to criminalize abortion in the state and could render illegal some fertilization methods, such as in vitro procedures, which actually help families having trouble conceiving to do so

The chapter will likely take a stance on the so-called Religious Freedom Amendment, being pushed by Focus on the Family, for inclusion on the November ballot. The amendment seeks to protect a "person or religious organization's right to act or refusal to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief", which is already protected in Article II, Section 4 of the Colorado Constitution. The bill instead is a thinly veiled attempt at creating exempting religious groups or people from following the law.

Donahue says the Secular Coalition for Colorado is important to protect the state from attempts to insert religion into government that could have a drastic impact on the state "within a generation.

"Groups like ours must be in place to ensure certain groups are not able to cross the line of separation between church and state," Donahue said. "I hope to be instrumental in battering down egregious legislation, informing the public to the inherent dangers of religious bills, and making sure that the voters of Colorado realize that regardless of their political affiliation or religious beliefs, the separation of religion and government is there to protect all of us."

Following the announcement of the Secular Coalition for America chapter, Secular Coalition for America Research and Advocacy Manager, Kelly Damerow, will give a speech titled, "Ignorance Becomes Intolerance: The Truth about Religious Liberty."

Since June, the SCA successfully held initial organizing calls for new chapters in 26 states. The remaining 24 states will hold initial organizing calls in August and September. The Secular Coalition plans to have all chapters up and running in every state, D.C. and Puerto Rico, by the end of the year.

Edwina Rogers, Secular Coalition for America Executive Director said she is excited to see the Colorado chapter launch. The state chapters play an integral role at the state level, as well as the national level, she said.

"In our current U.S. Congress, 38 percent of Representatives held local office first," said Rogers. "When we get to law makers at the local level, not only are we going to help curb some of the most egregious legislation we're seeing, but we are also building relationships and working to educate legislators on our issues, before they even get to Washington."

The Secular Coalition, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, represents 11 nontheistic member organizations and has as traditionally focused advocacy efforts on federal legislation. The SCA will continue to lobby at the federal level, while state chapters will lobby at the state level. Participation in the Secular Coalition for Colorado is open to all Coloradoans that support a strong separation of religion and government, regardless of their personal religious beliefs.

CONTACT: Lauren Anderson Youngblood, Communications Manager
 O: 202-299-1091 ext. 205
 E: email@example.com

Contact the Secular Coalition for Colorado via email at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Reach Chapter Co-Chair, Ben Donahue at (720) 378-8495
Reach Chapter Co-Chair, Murray Wallace at 720-378-8504

For Bios, please visit: http://secular.org/states/chapters/colorado
 Acknowledging Nontheists Press Releases Conscience Clauses Our Constituency Privileging Religion Reproductive Rights Government Actions Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:48:26 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 888 at http://secular.org Battling the False Definition of "Religious Freedom" http://secular.org/news/battling-false-definition-religious-freedom
The Secular Coalition does not take a stance on whether the government should mandate health care coverage. However, it is our position that if it does, there should be no religious exemptions provided. While every American is entitled to their personal religious beliefs and practices, they do not have the right to impose it on others, including employees, or expect privledging from the government.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and opponents of the Health of Human Services rule on contraceptive care are pushing a false definition of religious freedom. This is part of a larger attack on the separation of religion and government, being waged at the state and federal levels via several avenues. The USCCB is asking the government to privilege its particular brand of religion over others--and over non-religion--and the worst part is that they are doing it under a smoke screen of religious persecution. True religious freedom allows for individuals to make their own decisions, not have the religious beliefs of their employer forced upon them.

The Supreme Court has ruled on this issue several times:

In its 1878 decision on Reynolds vs. the United States, the Supreme Court took up the question of whether the government's laws overruled religious belief and found that they did. The decision read, in part, "Can a man excuse his practices to the contrary because of his religious belief? To permit this would be to make the professed doctrines of religious belief superior to the law of the land, and in effect to permit every citizen to become a law unto himself. Government could exist only in name under such circumstances."

In the 1986 case, Bowen v. Roy, the Court ruled that "Free exercise clause does not require Government to conduct its internal affairs in ways that comport with the religious beliefs of particular citizens."

In 1990, in the case of Employment Div., Dept. of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, the Court's decision read, "…the right of free exercise does not relieve individual of obligation to comply with valid or neutral law of general applicability on ground that law proscribes, or requires, conduct that is contrary to his religious practice, as long as law does not violate other constitutional protections."

The Secular Coalition for America has been working in conjunction with other groups--both religious and secular-- that allign with us on these principles.

Here, some of the actions the SCA has taken to protect the secular character of our government, as it relates to this timely and important issue, as well as several closely-related issues:

SCA-SUBMITTED COMMENTS:

June 19, 2012: Comments on Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on "Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act"

September 9, 2011: Interim final rules comments on the "Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Issuers Relating to Coverage of Preventive Services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."

ACTION ALERTS:

June 28, 2012 - TAKE ACTION: Send a Letter to the Editor Regarding Bishops' "Fortnight for Freedom"

June 21, 2012 - Tell Your State Senators to Oppose Religious Discrimination in Counseling (Michigan Residents)

June 11, 2012 - Vote NO on Measure 3, "Religious Freedom Amendment," Tomorrow (North Dakota Residents)

May 11, 2012 - Tell HHS to Stop Funding Abstinence-Only Education Programs

March 8, 2012 - Tell N.H. State Senators to Vote "No" on Religious Refusal Bill (New Hampshire Residents)

February 29, 2012 - Tell the Senate to Vote "NO" on the Blunt Amendment

February 9, 2012 - Tell the U.S. Representatives to respect individuals' religious freedom in contraceptive coverage

September 22, 2011 - Tell HHS to Provide Contraception Coverage for All Women

PRESS RELEASES:

Secular Coalition Urges HHS Not to Expand Religious Employer Exemption
Tue, 06/19/2012 - 16:57 Washington, D.C. – The Secular Coalition for America today submitted comments on the proposal to amend the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) final regulation on Preventive Services under the Affordable Care Act.

In Face of Lawsuits Secular Coalition Supports HHS Contraception Rule
Tue, 05/22/2012 - 16:52 WASHINGTON, DC--The Secular Coalition for America today expressed disappointment at the 43 Catholic institutions that filed 12 lawsuits against the Obama administration yesterday.

Catholic CEOs Paint False Definition of Religious Liberty with Lawsuit
Wed, 05/09/2012 - 16:46 Washington, DC—The Secular Coalition for America today expressed disappointment that the Health and Human Services (HHS) contraceptive rule continues to be used to promote a false definition of religious freedom by some religious employers seeking to push their religious beliefs on employees.

Secular Coalition Applauds Senate on Voting Down Blunt Amendment
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:29 WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. Senate voted down the Blunt amendment—a bill introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) that would allow employers to exclude any insurance benefit they deem immoral or "contrary to their religious beliefs." Herb Silverman, president of the Secular Coalition for America said the Senate was right to vote down the amendment.

Secular Coalition Supports Administration's Shift in Policy Regarding Contraceptive Care
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 14:09 WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Secular Coalition for America supports the Obama Administration's shift in policy announced today, that will allow employees of religiously affiliated employers to obtain contraceptive services free of charge, directly from insurance providers.

Secular Coalition Calls for Boehner and U.S. House to Respect Individual Religious Liberty in HHS Ruling on Contraceptives
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 12:53 WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Secular Coalition today called for U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and fellow members of the U.S.

The Secular Coalition for America Applauds Mississippians for Voting 'No' on the Proposed 'Personhood' Amendment
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 00:19 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Secular Coalition for America applauds the people of Mississippi for voting against Initiative 26, an amendment to the state constitution that would have defined a person as a human being "from the moment of fertilization."

BLOG POSTS:

Religious Health Care Exemptions for Children Reward Neglect
By Lauren Johnson, "In March 2009, 17-year-old Zachery Swezey complained to his parents that he didn't feel well. His parents believed he had the flu. Zachery suffered fevers and vomiting for days as his condition worsened. Finally, when he could no longer walk to the bathroom, Greg and JaLea Swezey called church elders to come over and anoint their son with olive oil."

Victory for Secularism in North Dakota on Measure 3
By Nathan Cox, "It was a welcome victory for secularism on Tuesday, as voters in North Dakota soundly rejected a proposal that would hand broad privileges to the deeply religious."

Ruling That Stops Taxpayer Funding of Catholic Beliefs to be Appealed
By Kelly Damerow, "The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are appealing a recent federal court ruling that found unconstitutional the government authorization and funding of their religious-based restriction on services to help sex trafficking victims. Congress appropriated up to $10 million for the U.S."

Catholic Bishops Wage War on True Religious Freedom
By Lauren Anderson Youngblood, "Last week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a proclamation that called for every priest, parish and layperson to participate in a 'great national campaign' to 'defend religious liberty', which they said is 'under attack, both at home and abroad.'"

The Secular Movement Can Save Your Birth Control
By David Niose, "It's almost surreal that in today's America, birth control can be seen as a 'controversial' issue. A serious presidential contender strongly advocates against it, and Congress recently was just a few votes away from allowing employers to deny contraceptive coverage based on vague 'moral or religious' objections."

Romney Comes out Against Blunt Amendment (UPDATED)
By Lauren Anderson Youngblood, "Note: This posting has been updated to reflect a statement released by the Romney campaign."

Who's Afraid of Virginia? Rather … Who Isn't?
By Lauren Anderson Youngblood, "The Virginia state legislature is ruffling a lot of feathers recently—and heavily blurring the line between religion and government."

Attacking Religious Liberty? Churches Aren't People.
By Lauren Anderson Youngblood, "In the last few weeks the issue of religious liberty has exploded nationally. The spark that lit the flame was the implementation of the Department of Health and Human Services' rule requiring that all employers include contraceptive services coverage in the health insurance they provide to employees."

Contraception choices belong to employees, not employers
By Nick Fish, "We must draw a distinction between an individual's right to practice his or her religion without interference from the government and an organization's "right" to impose its religious views on its employees."

For Sex Slaves, Catholic Bishops' 'Help' is No Help at All
By Lauren Anderson Youngblood, "In the United States, every year an estimated 50,000-75,000 women and children are trafficked into the country and forced into sexual servitude. As startling as that number is, it doesn't even include the hundreds of thousands already residing within our borders forced into the commercial sex industry."

 Civil Rights/Religious Discrimination Conscience Clauses Privileging Religion Reproductive Rights Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:32:08 +0000 Lauren Youngblood 886 at http://secular.org seo google sıra bulucu kanun script encode decode google sira bulucu google pagerank sorgulama seo google sıra bulucu ukash kanunlar


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Pentax K-30 Review
Image Quality
Pentax K30 Review - Image Quality
Tone & Exposure
In the past Pentax D-SLR's have been known to underexpose a touch, however we experienced no such concerns in our tests. Even in tricky situations where the lighting was harsh and the colours were vibrant, the K30 handled situations well. Loading a large selection of RAW files into Photoshop revealed histograms that shared a uniform shape and it was only when we turned the highlight and shadow clipping warnings on that we realised shadows were clipped ever so slightly. In areas where there were extremely bright highlights, the 77-segmented metering system delivered excellent results and retained superb detail, leaving little, if any work to be carried out with the recovery slider in Camera RAW.
RAW vs JPEG
As can be expected, there is a difference between the compressed and uncompressed files the K30 produces. Viewing our selection of shots in Adobe Bridge revealed JPEG's are far richer than RAW's in terms of saturation. Red, green and blue tones appear deeper and as an image the RAW file offers a better representation of the scene as it appeared to the eye. JPEG's also receive a strong level of sharpening which is made more noticeable when images are viewed up against their RAW counterparts.
Pentax K30 RAW example.
Pentax K30 JPEG example.
ISO sensitivity & noise
When we previously tested the K-01 we were extremely impressed by the way the sensor handled noise at its high sensitivity settings. The level of detail the sensor resolved up to ISO 3200 was exceptional and only began to fall away at ISO 6400. In regard to the K30, the ISO performance is nigh on identical, which is no great surprise considering the fact that it features an identical sensor. Ultra fine detail is controlled exceptionally well up to ISO 3200 and it's only when you push beyond this point that some of the finer details in an image become less distinct. Noise is evident at ISO 6400 and the two highest settings - ISO 12,800 and 25,600 should be avoided as the results at these sensitivities contain strong signs of colour noise.
To view images taken through the K30's ISO range click here.
Sharpness & detail
As far as sharpness and detail goes you can't fault the K-30. The 16.3Mp chip that Pentax has made clear is produced by Sony delivers outstanding levels of sharpness. Images are bursting with detail and to view the test images for yourself, make sure you check out our image sample gallery by clicking here.


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Reasonably priced name brand 4KTVs may still be on the horizon, but affordable 4K monitors are quickly coming within our grasp. This 28" Dell 4K Monitor is down to $560 today, and a great deal if you're dying to get 4K on your desk. [Dell] »


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10 monthly bills you can slash
Whether it's your cellphone bill, household necessities or groceries, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality of life.
This post comes from Camilla Cheung at partner blog Wise Bread.
Bills! Bills! Bills! Sometimes it seems as if everyone's got fingers in the pie when it comes to your hard-earned money. Electric bills, water bills, cable bills, cellphone bills, doctor's visits -- the cost-of-living expenses never seem to end.
However, if you're smart about it, you can work the system and save some money on these so-called necessary expenses. (See also: "6 tips to shrink your bills every year.")
1. Cellphone plans. Do you really need that $80-a-month smartphone plan with unlimited data? Unless you work in social media or your smartphone is essential for your job -- in which case, consider asking your company to provide a cellphone plan, or look into writing it off on your taxes if you're self-employed -- most people don't need a smartphone.
I've lost track of the number of people I've heard complaining about the abysmal state of their finances and all the debt they have, and yet they are still paying for two iPhone plans per household. What if you saved yourself $40 a month and put that money toward paying down your debt? Consider a far less expensive family plan where calls between family phones are free. You may even be able to share with family members even if you don't live in the same household. (Do you have too much debt?)
2. Internet. If the extent of your Internet usage is surfing the Web, streaming Netflix movies and sending emails, do you really need super-high-speed Internet? Your Internet service provider might have a lower-speed plan that is sufficient for your needs but may save you $20 a month or more. Even one of the slower Internet speeds may be more than enough to stream movies and music.
By the way, if you are getting an introductory deal on your Internet that is expiring, call your provider and suggest (politely) that you may want to cancel your service unless it can offer you a better price. It might extend the deal for you or slash a few bucks off your monthly bill.
3. Land-line phones. If you have a good cellphone plan, consider canceling your land-line service. Alternatively, look into one of the Internet-based phone systems like Ooma, Vonage or MagicJack. These VoIP phone systems feel just like land-line, have 911 support, offer inexpensive long-distance calls and often cost just a few bucks a month (though there may be an upfront cost for the hardware).
Personally, I use Google Voice, which is free (but doesn't offer 911 support), which I have connected via my router to a phone in my home. It works just like a land line and doesn't cost a penny.
4. Cable TV. I don't have cable TV, and I don't miss it. I can stream almost everything I want to watch through websites like Hulu and Netflix, from sports to my favorite TV shows. If you must have TV, consider switching to basic cable and bundling your TV service with your Internet and phone services for a better deal. Post continues below.
5. Energy bills. You can obtain significant savings in your energy bills by being more energy-efficient in your home. Insulate your water heater, and turn down the house thermostat by a couple of degrees. Do laundry using cold water -- your clothes will last longer, and you'll save energy. If you're buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star logo, and see if you can get a rebate from your local water or electric company for getting a more efficient appliance. Oh, and your city may even pay you to let it cart away your old cruddy fridge, too (or you could sell it on Craigslist).
6. Doctor's bills. If you have health insurance and you receive a bill from a medical provider, don't just blindly send a check. The provider may have neglected to bill your insurance or sent you a bill "by accident." For instance, I received a bill from the California Prenatal Screening Program -- they assumed I didn't have health insurance until I provided proof, even though I was tested through my doctor's office (which has my insurance information). Be sure you know how much your co-pays should be according to your insurance plan, and when in doubt, call to clear up any misunderstanding.
By the way, going to your routine checkups at your doctor or dentist is an important way to maintain your health and avoid bigger expenses in the long run. You don't want an unfilled cavity to turn into a root canal, which means more pain and more money.
7. Coffee. If you spend $3.50 on a latte every day, that adds up to $1,277.50 a year. At those prices, you could have an espresso machine at home and still save money. Save the coffee shop for special occasions, or limit yourself to once a week. Meanwhile, invest in a good-quality coffee maker at home for your morning java fix.
8. Groceries. The grocery bill is a significant chunk of your spending every month. I'll be the first to admit that I am not as diligent at finding bargains as I'd like. This year, my resolution is to clip coupons, look for deals and shrink my grocery budget by 20%. My first step is to create a coupon folder in which to store coupons so I can find them when I need them.
There are other things you can try too. Buy less meat and eat more vegetables; both your body and your wallet will thank you. Try growing, canning and pickling your own produce. Cook from scratch instead of buying preseasoned or prepackaged foods. Buy generic brands.
9. Household necessities. Almost anything can be cleaned up with baking soda or vinegar, which are cheap and natural alternatives to pricier commercial cleaners. Good for tasks like scrubbing baked-on food off dishes, cleaning the oven, washing windows, fending off ants, cleaning silver and brightening laundry, these two basics will have you pretty much set. As for other household necessities such as paper towels, over-the-counter medicines, trash bags and toilet paper, opt for the generic brand and/or buy in bulk.
10. Credit cards. Not everyone can handle having a credit card. If you can, be sure to pay off your balance every month to avoid being charged interest. If you're the forgetful type, consider setting up automatic payments through your bank (just be sure you have enough money in your account to pay your bill, or you'll be charged by your bank too).
Don't get a credit card that you have to pay a yearly premium for. There are lots of free options that offer cash back, points or other bonuses. By the way, if your credit card offers cash back, you may have to claim your cash-back bonus in the mail. Be sure to do that to avoid losing the money you've earned. If you can handle the temptation of having that plastic card in your pocket, credit cards can work in your favor and actually earn you money.
In general, setting up automatic payments for all of your bills is a good idea, as long as you're sure you'll have the money in your account. You'll save on postage and avoid late fees if you forget to pay a bill. Also, some of your bills may be payable by credit card. If you pay your bills by credit card and set your card to be paid off in full automatically, you can earn cash back on your bills too.
How do you keep your expenses down every month?
More on Wise Bread and MSN Money:
The author makes some valid suggestions. Most of my friends and I, for that matter, have been doing these things (and more) for years. Not because we had to, but because we wanted to be good stewarts of our resources. We have also been nuts about recycling items. Our bank accounts grew beyond expectations. I woke up one day and it hit home. Being frugal becomes a safe and comfortable way of life. The transition may be difficult, but take one step at a time and you will be happy you did. I remind you, the results are not instant, but rather, accumulative.
Good luck to any of you who have the desire to go the frugal and debt free life.
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(WNFL)- You won't miss the crowd yelling "Kuuuuuhn" when the Green Bay Packers play this fall. Free-agent fullback John Kuhn signed a one-year contract today to stay with the Pack. His agent says the deal is worth just over a million dollars when bonuses are added in. Kuhn will be 32 in September. He's been with Green Bay for seven years as a key blocker, and a short-yardage rushing specialist -- especially near the goal line. Kuhn has 488 rushing yards in a Green Bay uniform, with 478 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Last season, he did not allow a pressure on the quarterback.
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