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Cursed Seal Sasuke - Page 34
Naruto-Arena forces you to select 3 characters when you start a new game. This page gives you an overview of all characters available in the Naruto-Arena game. Not only can you view each character's skills, you can also discuss the characters by posting comments.
Cursed Seal Sasuke
When Sasuke releases the full power of his cursed seal his body and chakra become a twisted vision of his inner self and his strength is amplified greatly.Requirement to unlock: Mission: Descent into Darkness
Corrupt Chidori
Using a cursed seal chakra corrupted Chidori Sasuke does 45 piercing damage to one enemy and for 2 turns non-affliction damage dealt by that enemy is reduced by 50%.
Cooldown: 1
Chakra required:
Classes: Chakra, Instant, Melee, Unique
Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu
Sasuke launches a giant fireball dealing 20 damage to one enemy. If that enemy uses a skill for 1 turn they will take 10 affliction damage that ignores invulnerability..*
Cooldown: 1
Chakra required:
Classes: Chakra, Instant, Ranged, Affliction*
Cursed Seal Activation
Sasuke activates his cursed seal and he gains one ninjutsu chakra but takes 15 affliction damage*. Sasuke is invulnerable to enemy melee skills for 1 turn. Skills that ignore invulnerability may still be used on him.
Cooldown: 1
Chakra required:
Classes: Chakra, Instant, Unique, Affliction*
Sharingan Evasion
This skill makes Cursed Seal Sasuke invulnerable for 1 turn.
Cooldown: 4
Chakra required:
Classes: Mental, Instant, Unique
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 15:05
Posts: 10
|Www.Twitch.TV/NarutoFAN19 - FIRST Naruto-Arena LIVESTREAM !
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 20:07
Posts: 0
Satorad wrote:
whats a good tam with sasuke to get +6 winning streak
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 16:00
Posts: 0
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 20:05
Posts: 0
::::::::::::::::::::: Recrutamento ::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::Clã Arankar(HCMD):::::::::::::::::
*HCMD Está Recrutando A todos sem discriminar nen um jogador
* Vantagens: Avatares Personalizado com a sua Preferência,Torneios e Breve Bg ,OBS : so para aqueles que frequentao o xat
* Xat do clã>> http://xat.com/Arankar
Duvidas Por favor comunique a GrimmjowArankar pelo site ou pelo xat
Obg pela atençao de todos e tenha um bom jogo!
Posted on April 17, 2014 at 11:49
Posts: 0
|HEY EVERYONE RIVER1999 HERE. I have just started a clan {Warrior society AKA WASO} and I am looking for new recruits. anyone and everyone is welcome to join and the first few people who join up will get a high rank in the clan. Good luck to everyone playing and thankyou
Posted on April 18, 2014 at 11:54
Posts: 0
Win 1 battle with Uchiha Sasuke versus Momochi Zabuza. (1/1)
Win 1 battle with Uchiha Sasuke versus Haku. (1/1)
Win 1 battle with Uchiha Sasuke versus Rock Lee. (1/1)
Win 1 battle with Uchiha Sasuke versus Zaku Abumi. (1/1)
Win 1 battle with Uchiha Sasuke versus Gaara of the Desert. (1/1)
Win 2 battles with Uchiha Sasuke versus any Sound Four Ninja. (2/2)
Win 2 battles with Uchiha Sasuke versus Uzumaki Naruto. (2/2)
Win 6 battles in a row with Uchiha Sasuke. (6/6)
Posted on April 18, 2014 at 16:12
Posts: 0
pleas play whit haku
Posted on April 18, 2014 at 16:12
Posts: 0
Posted on April 18, 2014 at 23:10
Posts: 0
Do you wanna create your own way of ninja ?
Do you wanna have a lot of possibilities yours character development ?
Do you wanna fight for Kage title in your village ?
Do you wanna catch one of nine bijuus and be the jinchuuriki ?
Try the best online Naruto MMO !! Just simply try and you will not regret !!!
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Related subjects:
page 34,
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NARUTO © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO. All Rights Reserved.


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Beware - The BetterPaste download from PCWorld has a trojan in it.
Windows 7 Bling for Your Older OS
These five free utilities will give your Windows XP or Vista machine some Windows 7 pizzazz.
AeroSnap: Maximizing a window on today's large monitors is often a waste of screen space. In Windows 7, a feature called Aero Snap lets you automatically resize a window to fill half of your display when you drag the window to the screen's edge. Kick a space out of the feature's name, and you have AeroSnap, an app that brings the same feature to XP and Vista.
Seven Remix XP: Windows 7's visual appeal definitely sets it apart from its aging sibling Windows XP. But this transformation pack makes XP's buttons, boxes, icons, and Start menu look remarkably like the new OS's versions.
Taskbar Shuffle: The new supercharged Windows 7 taskbar allows you to reorder any of your taskbar items with a drag and drop. XP and Vista users can enjoy the same functionality with this lightweight system-tray utility (also available in a 64-bit version).
Windows 7 Shortcuts: Windows 7 introduces gobs of time-saving keyboard shortcuts for moving windows around your desktop, focusing on specific windows, or taking a quick peek at the desktop. This download installs a tiny system-tray utility that adds them to your XP or Vista machine.
WinShake: Windows 7's Aero Peek feature turns windows transparent, giving you X-ray vision for determining what lies beneath. Its Aero Shake function lets you minimize every window but the active one via a simple shortcut. This application brings similar capabilities--and then some--to most of Win 7's precursors.
Your PC, Just the Way You Want It
Find a missing Recycle Bin, make your mouse more useful, and eliminate other annoyances with these eight utilities.
Using Windows Update keeps your OS current, but what about third-party apps? Ketarin scans your installed programs and then checks for and downloads any updates to ensure you're running the latest versions.
Ever copy and paste text from one document to another only to discover that unwanted text formatting came along for the ride? It can be downright maddening. Keep your sanity with Better Paste, a tiny utility written for Lifehacker (employer of Adam Pash, coauthor of this story) that automatically strips formatting from text when you press Ctrl-V to paste. Pressing Ctrl-Shift-V lets you retain the formatting.
Recycle Bin inexplicably missing from your desktop? Thumbnails not working? The easy-to-use utility FixWin repairs, with point-and-click ease, common annoyances related to Windows Explorer, the Internet, Media Player, and other system tools.
You don't have to install an entirely new OS if you ever feel the urge to experiment with Linux, specifically Ubuntu. Just install Portable Ubuntu Remix, and you can run Linux apps seamlessly on your Windows machine.
If you get impatient while waiting for Windows to copy large files from one folder to another, try Teracopy, which can copy files significantly faster than Explorer can. The utility has advanced features that allow you to pause and resume transfers, too.
In the golden days of XP, a small utility called TweakUI was every system tweaker's dream--unfortunately, it doesn't exist for newer Windows releases. But Ultimate Windows Tweaker lets you optimize every little corner of your Windows 7 or Vista installation.
Windows 7 aggregates files and folders from all over your PC into a few special groups, called Libraries. Make your libraries even better with Zorn Software's Win7 Library Tool, an easy-to-use download that can add the contents of networked folders to libraries, back up library configurations, and even change your library icons.
Say that you're working in another window when a picture in your Web browser catches your eye. You move your mouse to the image and spin the scrollwheel to enlarge it--but nothing happens, because the browser isn't your active window. Wizmouse is a small, single-purpose app that makes your mouse's scrollwheel work with whatever window your mouse is hovering over, active or not.
Next: Improve Your Windows Desktop
Beware - The BetterPaste download from PCWorld has a trojan in it.
Hi Steve. This note has been added to the download description @ http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,83295-order,4-page,1/download.html
"Note: This open source program is written in AutoHotKey, which many virus checkers interpret as a Trojan. The software's author is aware of this, and he stands by the program."
I enjoy my PC World every month but can not find any of your Tips for Windows 7.You list a # like 69949 or W7TTC for short but when I enter it in the search bar I get-Nada whats up? Some of these tricks look very good but I can not find them. Please help
Where's W7TTC ? It sounds great but WHERE IS IT ???
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers
Visit our shop for the best deals on hot products
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Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles

subset: commoncrawl


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unsuccessful with Snow 10.6 (432) GM-v3.5 on VMWare workstation 6.5 installation.
I'm getting this message the first thing I bootup.
"*** Virtual machine kernel stack fault (hardware reset) *** The virtual machine just suffered a stack fault in kernel mode. On a real computer, this would amount to a reset of the processor. It can be caused by an incorrect configuration of the virtual machine, a bug in the operating system, or a problem in the VMware Workstation software. Press OK to reboot virtual machine or Cancel to shut it down."
I've tried different OS configurations without luck. I did look into wiki here the problem described on COMMENT 11 suggest to use Windows/NT config but doesnt work for me. Vmware - OSx86
Various F8 cmd such as -v -s, -legacy, cpus=1, -v -f busratio=7 cpus=1, ect.. with no results
Cpu: Intel E6320
mobo: Gigabyte EP43-UD3L
I tried out leopard 10.5.2 over a year ago i believe and it worked on this system. Any thought would be helpful.


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StartUpHire is the place to find Software Engineers jobs. Review the list of Software Engineers career opportunities to the left. These Software Engineers jobs represent some of the most rewarding careers available.
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Don't see the employment opportunity you're looking for? Check back soon for more Software Engineers jobs, or sign up for an email alert (link below) to receive periodic updates on new Software Engineers jobs.
Create features for a top-peforming mobile gaming studio4/4/2014 Palo Alto, CA Save This Job
We are seeking a Senior QA Engineer to help improve the quality and performance of our flagship product. Specifically interested in people who have worked with the virtualization platforms such as KVM, Xen/Xen Desktop, and VMware's vSphere vCenter & NSX.4/11/2014 Mountain View, CA Save This Job
We have immediate openings for all position levels. These positions will be responsible for specifying and implementing software for Advanced Intelligent Systems for telephony and IP networks. Additional responsibilities will include coordinating activities required to port3/8/2014 San Mateo, CA Save This Job
We are looking for several full-time mid to senior level Software Engineers who are well versed in Microsoft Technologies, specifically SharePoint and Enterprise Search. These positions will be involved in all aspects of product development and support, from planning to the2/19/2014 Boston, MA Save This Job
Overview: The Senior Software Engineers (multiple open positions) at Everyday Health Media, LLC in New York, New York Responsibilities: he Senior Software Engineers at Everyday Health Media, LLC in New York, New York will be responsible for communicating complex concepts in a3/18/2014 Manhattan, NY Save This Job
Netronome is currently seeking Senior Software Engineers to work as part of a team responsible for the design, development, debugging, testing and support of high-performance networking software. Contributions to include embedded system software development. Experience and3/23/2014 Pittsburgh, PA Save This Job
We're looking for Management System Software Engineers to work on application and systems management software for a large, distributed Linux-based environment. This engineer will play a central role in the re-imagining, implementation and delivery of a new, distributed management2/19/2014 Sunnyvale, CA Save This Job
Are you interested in developing software that analyzes and recovers data from hard drives and mobile devices? Basis Technology is looking for several senior software engineers to join our growing and dynamic digital forensics team in Northern Virginia (near Tysons Corner, VA).2/18/2014 Tysons Corner, CA Save This Job
At our office in Palo Alto, California, help build the next generation of our proprietary payments and integration engine. Evaluate current payments architecture and business requirements, and architect integrations to various payment systems, which may include ACH, RPPS, credit2/18/2014 Palo Alto, CA Save This Job
About EMN8 EMN8 is a world class provider of self-service ordering solutions for the restaurant industry. Our customers include Arby?s, Burger King, Carl?s Jr., Domino's, Hardee?s, Jack in the Box, The Counter and YUM International. A great opportunity exists for a Senior3/24/2014 San Diego, CA Save This Job
About the Job You?ll put your skills to use implementing new audio, video, and display capture and streaming capabilities; working on our distributed system for capture and data processing control and; supporting and maintaining the existing product line to meet the demands of an3/23/2014 Dulles, VA Save This Job
Derry, NH area. Implement Gruntworx' web app. Participate in detailed design, dvlpmnt & architecture for core software platform. Responsible for external interfaces & generating product output. Responsible for all customer facing tax software specific error checking & correcting.3/2/2014 Derry, NH Save This Job
The Azul JVM delivers performance that far exceeds anything else on the market. We?re looking for people with experience in compiler optimization, garbage collection, and/or Java Virtual Machine internals to help take the Azul JVM to a new level of performance. Minimum2/19/2014 Sunnyvale, CA Save This Job
Technical staff have the opportunity to support the selection, development and implementation of leading-edge emerging technologies. You will be working closely with clients to develop tailored solutions or with internal technical teams to research and develop our platform. It is2/18/2014 Harrisburg, PA Save This Job
About Tillster: (CONTRACT - 6 MONTHS) We are a successful, growing, and well-funded start-up in beautiful, sunny, San Diego with sub-offices in Los Angeles and Alpharetta GA. Due to company growth we are looking to hire some supplemental Java Developers to join our growing4/23/2014 Los Angeles, CA Save This Job
About Tillster We are a successful, growing, and well-funded start-up in beautiful, sunny, San Diego with sub-offices in Los Angeles and Alpharetta GA. Due to company growth we are looking to hire some key Java Developers to join our growing team and drive processes. You will4/23/2014 Los Angeles, CA Save This Job
If you have any of the following experience: C/C, Delphi, Access, Real Time Systems. We are looking for great people to staff projects across the country. Individuals seeking full-time positions.3/4/2014 Middletown, CT Save This Job
BlueStripe Software, a Morrisville-based start-up recently recognized as an "Application Performance Management Innovator" by Gartner, is seeking talented individuals to help grow its expanding Engineering team. BlueStripe's award-winning application management product ?3/15/2014 Morrisville, NC Save This Job
Responsibilities: We?re on the hunt for passionate mobile development leaders to join our growing team of talented software engineers at Red Arrow Labs. If you want to be a contributor to an energetic team focused on solving client problems by developing Android and iOS apps that3/10/2014 Milwaukee, WI Save This Job
Red Arrow Labs is looking for a mobile development leader to join our growing team of talented software engineers. Location:Milwaukee Responsibilities: We?re on the hunt for a passionate mobile development lead to join our growing team of talented software engineers at Red Arrow3/10/2014 Milwaukee, WI Save This Job


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Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
SOURCE Shopko
GREEN BAY, Wis., Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopko and Eagle Graphics are proud to announce that together they have donated $35,525 to local high schools during 2013.
Shopko and Eagle Graphics, an apparel and promotional product decorator, first announced their partnership in March of 2012 with Eagle Graphics serving as the exclusive manufacturer of high school sprit wear to Shopko Hometown stores. The partnership included a commitment to donate a percentage of the royalties from the sale of the logoed apparel and other merchandise to the local high schools located in Shopko Hometown communities. Over the past two years, Shopko and Eagle Graphics have donated $88,498 to local high schools.
"There is a high degree of school pride in these communities as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive response to our line of high school spirit wear," said Peter McMahon, CEO Shopko. "This has been a great partnership on so many levels in that our customers have access to high quality merchandise that demonstrates their school pride, and with every purchase they make, a portion of the sale goes back to support their local high school. This is just one more way Shopko is committed to supporting schools in the communities where we do business and we look forward to adding more schools to this line of merchandise in the future."
The high school spirit merchandise is currently carried in 181 Shopko Hometown stores and benefits 186 high schools.
About Shopko
Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is a $3 billion retailer that operates 326 stores in 21 states throughout the Midwest, Mountain, North Central and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 134 Shopko stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in small to mid-sized cities; 5 Shopko Express Rx stores, a convenient neighborhood drugstore concept; 6 Shopko Pharmacy locations; and 181 Shopko Hometown stores, a smaller concept store developed to meet the needs of smaller communities. For more information, visit www.shopko.com.
About Eagle Graphics
Eagle Graphics provides in-house printing and promotional products to retailers, school and businesses throughout the Midwest. Eagle Graphics operates its corporate headquarters from a 14,000 square foot production and sales facility in Kaukauna, WI. In-house printing includes screen-printing, embroidery, applique, signs, banners and business printing. To learn more about Eagle Graphics, visit their website at http://www.egpromo.com.
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


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Joshua in UT
awesome gift idea for the kidsRead All Reviews
Terry in UT
Very durable jersey, even breathable. I will buy again.Read All Reviews
MIKE in Idaho
I ride hard and when I wreck I wreck hard! Never Ripped still holding up!Read All Reviews
Craig in MN
nice comfortable good looking hatRead All Reviews
Kyle in OR
These socks are a great thickness and good material, but they are too long for me. I am 5'10" tall with a size 11 foot and these socks go all the way to the bottom part of my thigh. It's not a huge deal, as I can just fold the top 5" back down over itself, but it would be nice to have them just come to the top of my calves.Read All Reviews
BEN in WI
would definatly buy againRead All Reviews


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High and Dry Dishrack - Lime
Product Details
A highly functional dishrack inspired by architecture. The High and Dry Dishrack from Black + Blum takes a sculptural shape that folds down to a flat compact shape for easy storage. The wave of spikes can be used to hold even your most delicate champagne glasses upright. There is a drainage tray which has an ingenious flip up spout so that you can chose to drain or not, depending on your kitchen set up. - GG.
- Spikes hold glasses upright
- Folds down flat for easy storage
- Drainage tray with flip up spout
- Removable cutlery holder
- Material: polypropylene and stainless steel
Delivery & Returns
Express Delivery - if ordered before 8pm, delivered by courier next working day. More Info »
How long will it take to arrive?
Please check the stock availability notice on your item when placing your order. This item is: In stock | Usually dispatched within 24 hours
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
How will I know it has been sent?
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing My Account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from dispatch of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbours to see if a parcel has been left with them, check any outhouses you might have where it may be left if it cannot fit through your letterbox and contact your local sorting office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
If I'm not completely happy with my item?
Please see our returns policy.
Customers who bought this also bought:


text:
Eric is a full featured Python and Ruby editor and IDE, written in Python. It is based on the cross platform Qt GUI toolkit, integrating the highly flexible Scintilla editor control. It is designed to be usable as an everyday quick and dirty editor as well as being usable as a professional project management tool, integrating many advanced features that Python offers the professional coder. Eric includes a plug-in system, which allows easy extension of the IDE functionality with plug-ins downloadable from the net. Current stable versions are Eric4 based on Qt4 and Python 2 and Eric5 based on Python 3 and Qt4.
QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting (CAD) in two dimensions (2D). With QCAD, you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts, or schematics and diagrams. QCAD can be easily extended through plugins and its very powerful and complete ECMAScript (JavaScript) interface.
Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer electronic cash system that is completely decentralized, without the need for a central server or trusted parties. Users hold the crypto keys to their own money and transact directly with each other, with the help of a P2P network to check for double-spending.
Calligra is an integrated suite of applications that cover office, creative, and management needs. It offers applications on both desktop computers and mobile platforms like tablets and smartphones. OpenDocument Format (ODF) is used, making it compatible with OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice, and Microsoft Office. Calligra Suite contains the following applications: Calligra Words (word processor), Sheets (spreadsheets), Stage (presentations), Flow (diagrams and flowcharts), Kexi (visual database creator), Braindump (note taking), Plan (project management), Krita (drawing), and Karbon (vector graphics).
BitRock InstallBuilder allows you to create easy-to-use multiplatform installers for Linux (x86/PPC/s390/x86_64/Itanium), Windows, Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris (x86/Sparc), IRIX, AIX, and HP-UX applications. The generated application installers have a native look-and-feel and no external dependencies, and can be run in GUI, text, and unattended modes. In addition to self-contained installers, the installation tool is also able to generate standalone RPM packages.
QtitanDataGrid provides a complete set of wide range of unique features that cannot be implemented using default Qt components and methods. It is a pure grid for business application in Qt. It enables you to load various types of data from different sources into a fast, flexible, and functional editable grid supporting sorting, grouping, reporting, creation of banded columns, drag'n'drop for buttons, and plenty of other handy functions. This data grid helps novice and experienced Qt developers with Delphi and C++ backgrounds to use the same comprehensive advanced editable grid capabilities that they've grown accustomed to in corresponding IDEs and that are not part of the standard Qt library.


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• Pride and Prejudice was only half the story •
If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats, Sarah often thought, she'd most likely be a sight more careful with them.
In this irresistibly imagined belowstairs answer to Pride and Prejudice, the servants take center stage. Sarah, the orphaned housemaid, spends her days scrubbing the laundry, polishing the floors, and emptying the chamber pots for the Bennet household. But there is just as much romance, heartbreak, and intrigue downstairs at Longbourn as there is upstairs. When a mysterious new footman arrives, the orderly realm of the servants' hall threatens to be completely, perhaps irrevocably, upended.
Jo Baker dares to take us beyond the drawing rooms of Jane Austen's classic—into the often overlooked domain of the stern housekeeper and the starry-eyed kitchen maid, into the gritty daily particulars faced by the lower classes in Regency England during the Napoleonic Wars—and, in doing so, creates a vivid, fascinating, fully realized world that is wholly her own.
Excerpted from Longbourn by Jo Baker. Copyright © 2013 by Jo Baker. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Jo Baker was born in Lancashire, England, and educated at Oxford University and Queen's University Belfast. She is the author of the novels The Undertow, Offcomer, The Mermaid's Child, and The Telling. She lives in Lancaster.
Q: Is it safe to assume you have long been a fan of Jane Austen and in particular of Pride and Prejudice?
A: That's pretty safe. In fact, I can't even remember when I first read Pride and Prejudice – it seems like I've always known it. Jane Austen's work was my first real experience of grown-up literature, and I've kept on returning to her work throughout my life; I just love her books – I'm a sucker for all that buttoned-up desire and wish-fulfillment. But also, as a writer, I admire her – the immaculate prose, the deft plotting, the briskness of the characterization. I didn't, though, for a moment consider trying to write like her. It's impossible to do nowadays without shifting into parody – which is something I really did not want.
Q: When did you first get the idea to write LONGBOURN and was there a specific incident that sparked the idea? Can you talk a bit about how your family history in some ways inspired this book?
A: As a child, reading Jane Austen, I became aware that if I'd been living at the time, I wouldn't have got to go to the ball. I would've been stuck at home, with the housework.
We've got some battered old silver cutlery at home, which we inherited from my great aunt. She and her sisters had been in service, and she always said the silverware was a gift from her employer when she left—my grandmother maintained, however, that she'd nicked it. Just a couple of generations back, my family were servants.
And so once I was aware of that – of that English class thing – Pride and Prejudice began to read a little differently. I noticed other presences. A footman enters, a housemaid is told to run along and do something. I also began to realize that some things that seemed to just "happen" – notes arriving, carriages being brought round, meals being served – would of course require human agency to make them occur. I became fascinated by these little flickers of activity: I started to see a whole other life going on below the surface of the book.
But Longbourn really began to take shape when I got snagged on the line "the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy". It's the week before the ball, the weather is far too bad for the Bennet girls to venture forth, and so they send a servant out to get soaked on their behalf. And that made it really stark for me. A maid has to trudge out in the rain, and get soaked to the skin, just to get these frivolous little decorations for the other women's dancing shoes.
Then, reading Jane Austen's letters, I stumbled across a reference to two sisters whom she employed to do some sewing for her. Their surname was Baker. Okay, it's a common name, but still, the coincidence struck me! It seemed a confirmation of my instincts.
Q: Any hesitation about reimagining a classic? How did you dream up your main characters?
A: I did hesitate. I hesitated for ages. I'd been thinking about this book for years before I first put pen to paper. That said, I don't really think of it as a "re-imagining". For me it's a "reading" of the classic. I just happen to "read" it a bit more intensively than might be usual, to include some elements that Austen didn't actually write.
I'll admit that Austen was peering over my shoulder while I was writing. Metaphorically speaking. But, again, when it came to characterization, I didn't want to write like her; I wanted to develop characters who could hold their own alongside hers, who would create space for themselves, who would be noticed in a crowded room. On a more personal level, I wanted to write characters who interested me, and kept surprising me. And they did.
Q: The Bennets don't always come off as very sympathetic to their servants. Do you think there was a real divide in terms of those upstairs having any remote idea of the sheer amount of work being done downstairs?
A: There certainly was a sliding scale of familiarity between servants and their employers. In the poorer households, family members would work alongside their servants, and the relationship could be quite close – a servant would often be thought of as a family member. But the richer and more elite the household, and the more servants there were, the less personal contact there would be between the family and the staff. In the grander houses, lower servants were not expected to make eye contact; it's as if they're not really there – or not fully real, not considered persons in their own right. Everything would be managed through the senior staff. And yet the relationship there is also incredibly intimate, in terms of personal care, nakedness, and the body.
So the Bennets are somewhere in the middle of that scale. Not as aloof and distant as relations between staff and family might be in the grandest houses, like Pemberley, or even Netherfield, but not as informal as they might be between a grocer's family and their maid. Mrs. Bennet is, in her own way, very attached to Mrs. Hill, and entirely dependent on her. But she never once thinks of Mrs. Hill's wellbeing; the very idea would be ridiculous. She is there to perform a function. When it comes down to it, servants are the white goods of their day – the washing machines and dishwashers. One only really gives them any thought at all if they stop working.
Q: I'm sure it was daunting but was it also fun to write this book, to bring to life in your own way all these delicious characters—the Bennets, Mr. Darcy, Wickham, Collins etc.—and have them mingle with your own?
A: It was. Both things. Daunting and fun. One thing that quickly became apparent as I was writing, was that I began to care a good deal about some of Austen's less prepossessing characters – the embarrassing mother, the gauche sister and the socially inept cousin. We aren't all blessed with confidence and wit and beauty – some of us find ourselves standing alone at the edge of the party, clutching a warm glass of white wine and trying to look like we're having fun – but that doesn't make our feelings and experiences any less valid.
Writing the book was also a chance to examine some of these characters from another angle – Wickham, for example. When you consider the age of the girls he preys upon, from a modern perspective, his behaviour seems more sinister than just fortune-hunting.
Q: What kind of research did you do into what working class/domestic life was like at that time?
A: The domestic detail in Longbourn was gathered from a lot of sources: history books, contemporary domestic guides and recipes and practical research – like cleaning the floors with tea, which I still do. And some of it just comes out of my lived experience. In the village where I grew up there was an old Georgian vicarage, rather decrepit, that still had all its outbuildings – stables, stores, even a (disused, thankfully) "necessary house" with multiple wooden seats in a row; round the back, in the lower garden, there was a door that opened into the space underneath, so that it could be shoveled out. We used to play in the outhouses and grounds as children – it's all been redeveloped now, but this became Longbourn, when I was writing the book.
I was keen, too, to show that there was more heterogeneity below stairs than we might otherwise realize. Austen herself, living in rural Hertfordshire, mentions in a letter the black servant of a neighbouring household; these servants were often freed slaves, brought over from the family's estates in the Caribbean.
This seemed to fit with the Bingleys in Pride and Prejudice, who had been in "Trade" in the north of England. The Triangular Trade – in slaves, and sugar – was the foundation of much of the wealth of the period, and there were centres in several northern ports, particularly Liverpool and my hometown of Lancaster. So that's where that aspect of the book came from.
Q: One of the most striking parts of LONGBOURN takes place during the Napoleonic war. It's a chilling description of the wartime experience. Why did you choose to tell this part of the story?
A: There's a throwaway line of Lydia's, when she's filling her sisters in on gossip that they'd missed while Jane was ill at Netherfield: "a private had been flogged." To the family it's not a subject for polite conversation, but I found myself stuck on this line, thinking about what it really meant, about the reality of soldiering in this period. I found myself thinking about not the dashing Militia officers in their scarlet coats, but the ordinary foot-soldiers who came back from the front lines damaged, scarred.
Q: What do you think Jane Austen would make of LONGBOURN?
A: I dread to think.
And I'd be terrified to meet her (if such a thing were possible). Aside from the outrage I've committed in writing Longbourn, I have such a massive crush on her, as a writer, that I'd be completely incapacitated by it. I'd be shambolic, stammering and self-conscious, and if she deigned to say anything to me at all, I wouldn't be able to put two words together in reply.
But then I also identify with her. The Letters – which are of course incomplete – really do give an insight into the woman, as well as the writer, and the work. She can be sniffy and irritable, as well as loving and loyal and brilliantly generous – there's a wonderful sequence where she writes warm and supportive letters to her niece, advising her about a novel she has written. But then, when you read on, you come upon another letter to someone else, in which she gripes about the unrealistic niece, the messy book, and the bother of it all. To get these real, honest glimpses of her is brilliant.
Q: So what is next for you? Any other classics you are thinking of taking on?
A: Moby Dick from the whale's point of view.
Not really.
But I have started work on the next book. I'm really excited about it. It's different to Longbourn in many ways, but there are similar themes – war, exodus, love; finding a place for yourself in an uncaring world.
I've completely fallen for my central characters again.
1. What did you think of Jo Baker's stylistic choice to include multiple characters' perspectives in a single chapter? Do you think it enhanced the book?
2. What were your thoughts on the beginning of Volume Three, which was dedicated entirely to James Smith?
3. How would you compare and contrast the love stories between Sarah and James, and Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy?
4. Longbourn provides an alternative angle to Pride and Prejudice. Can you think of a classic novel that you would like to see rewritten in another character's voice?
5. What did you make of each chapter's introductory quote? Were there any that you were particularly drawn to? Why?
6. Lizzie Bennet is a much-loved heroine. Has Longbourn changed your view of her at all? Do you think she acts selfishly in relation to Sarah?
7. For those who have read Pride and Prejudice recently, do you know the significance in Pride and Prejudice of the whipping that Sarah witnesses in Longbourn?
8. Longbourn is a book that stands alone as having its own story, characters and themes–how far has the author ensured her novel is not pastiche, that it is a novel with a separate identity?


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Workplace interventions to promote smoking cessation (PH5)
Fast, easy summary view of NICE guidance on 'smoking'
This guidance is for all those involved in providing employees with help to stop smoking.
NICE recommends the following to help people stop smoking:
- Brief interventions (including opportunistic advice, self-help materials and referral for more intensive support)
- Individual behavioural counselling
- Group behaviour therapy
- Pharmacotherapies (for example, nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion)
- Self-help materials
- Telephone counselling and quitlines.
The recommendations include the following advice:
- Employers should develop a smoking cessation policy, provide employees with information on local stop smoking support services, publicise the interventions above and allow staff time off to attend smoking cessation services.
- Employees and their representatives should encourage employers to provide staff who smoke with advice, guidance and support on quitting.
- Employees who want information, advice or support to stop smoking should contact a local service such as the NHS Stop Smoking Services.
- Smoking cessation services should offer one or more of the recommended services listed above, delivered by trained staff and tailored to the person's needs. They should also offer employers support to help their employees quit. If demand exceeds the resources available, services should focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Other information
NICE Pathways
This guidance has been incorporated into the following NICE Pathways, along with other related guidance and products.
Visit the NICE Pathway: smoking
How this guidance was produced
Background information
This page was last updated: 08 April 2014
Guidance formats
Implementation tools and resources
- Audit support
- Business Case
- Costing template
- Implementation advice
- Slide set
- Workplace interventions to promote smoking cessation: what you can do to encourage your employees to stop smoking
- Tobacco control return on investment tool for local government
See this guidance in practice
The summary of the key recommendations in the guidance written for patients, carers and those with little medical knowledge and may be used in local patient information leaflets.
Quick Reference Guide
The quick reference guide presents recommendations for health professionals
NICE Guidance
The published NICE clinical guidance, contains the recommendations for health professionals and NHS bodies.
Full Guidance
The published full clinical guidance for specialists with background, evidence, recommendations and methods used.


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SJV students show their geography savvy in National Geography Bee school competition
On Thursday, December 6th, SJV students participated in the National Geography Bee school competition held at St. John Vianney. Each classroom from fourth through eighth grade entered one winner and one alternate.
Contestants needed to know more than just where places are located on a map. They had to understand global concepts such as international trade and foreign culture in order to answer the questions which included inquiries such as, "to see ships loading and unloading goods in Riga, a major port in the Baltic, you would travel to which European country?"
First Stage play gets SJV students in the holiday spirit
In an effort to expose children to the performing arts and get the kids into the holiday spirit, St. John Vianney third grade teachers took their students to Milwuakee's own First Stage Children's Theater on December 6th for its production of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
The children got up close and personal with the actors as they brought Rudolph and his friends to life onstage in the cozy, small-scale theater. According to First Stage, the play emphasizes the importance of our differences, a concept in-line with SJV's goal of respecting individuals and fostering a Christ-like community.
Republicans stuck between 'a Barack and hard place' must unite, stand firm, and go on offense
We averted the so-called fiscal cliff this week with mixed results: some say Republicans caved on raising taxes, some say Republicans protected most taxpayers, some Democrats thought Obama lost. I was surprised that Conservative Senator Ron Johnson voted for it and pleased that Senator Marco Rubio and our Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner didn't. But honestly, with our poor GOP leadership and under the no floor debate, lame duck, back room negotiating circumstances, I don't know how this could have been resolved in a positive way. If Republicans had voted it down, Obama would just have come back later to play the role of hero by enacting a middle tax cut, knowing he had already turned up the tax heat on all those evil rich. We would have needed more proactive leadership in Congress and have been discussing this all year long, not just in the eleventh hour.
The only positive thing to come out of the deal was that the Bush tax rates were made permanent for 98% of American earners. (Permanent as long as Republicans hold the majority in the House, that is.) But even this is Kabuki theater because our tax burden is still going up with other tax increases already in place as of Jan. 1st and new revenue increases via eliminating some deductions that were part of the fiscal cliff deal as well.
With the Bush tax rates now at least set for the 113th Congress, Republicans could for once in their lives go on the offense and get the message out that our out of control spending cannot, cannot continue. Republicans could redeem themselves by presenting a united front in the House and Senate and standing firm against increasing the debt ceiling by another 3 trillion dollars as the president wants.
But this will only work if they start talking about it now and are willing to draw the line in the debt ceiling sand and say, no further.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Pat Toomey talked about this on Jan. 2nd. McConnell said, "'We have an immediate opportunity to act: the debt ceiling,' McConnell said. 'Washington's credit card has reached its limit again, and the Senate majority must act on legislation early in February—rather than waiting until the last minute, abdicating responsibility and hoping someone else will step in once again to craft a last-minute solution for them.'"
Toomey was more emphatic, "'[Obama] got a $2 trillion debt limit increase just 17 months ago — blew through all that,'Toomey said on Morning Joe.'We will only solve this problem when we finally get the spending under control. And the debt ceiling, and after that, the continuing resolution expiration — those are the vehicles that give us the opportunity to insist on making progress on the real problem.'" He "suggested" a "partial government shutdown" may be necessary to make the point. That's where truly necessary spending is continued and funded via tax revenue income; non-essential spending is stopped.
Getting the Republican message out is a problem with the pro Obama Praetorian press ruling the media markets. Maybe Republicans could hire the same people who created Senator Ron Johnson's ads for his senate campaign. Johnson's ads were short, concise, and explained just what was at stake with our out of control spending. We really need messaging like that in the GOP. RNC, are you listening?
I urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to stand firm on the debt ceiling. We have less than a month to do this.
Contact your Representatives and Senators
Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653
Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111
More Reading:
Norquist: Take 'fiscal cliff' deal
Morning Bell: Fiscal Cliff and Tax Hikes to Start the New Year
Mitch McConnell: Debt ceiling offers opportunity to cut spending
Strassel: The Debt-Ceiling Fight Will Be Dirty h/t Jay Weber
Greenfield & Moorland Walmart Public Hearing, 6 pm, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013
Brookfield District 7 Aldermen Lisa Mellone and Renee Lowerr sent out this email to alert Brookfield residents of New Berlin's proposed Walmart store Public Hearing:
"This email serves to inform you of a Public Hearing that is scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2013 at 6 p.m. at New Berlin City Hall, 3805 S. Casper Dr. for the newly proposed Walmart development which will replace the Charcoal Grill currently located near the southeast corner of Moorland and Greenfield roads. Please note, this is a NEW BERLIN proposal not Brookfield, and only New Berlin officials have authority on whether this project moves forward. However, any citizen is able to attend any municipal public hearing and you do not have to be a New Berlin resident. If you would like to find out more about this proposal then I encourage you to attend. No action will be taken by the New Berlin Plan Commission until February 4, 2013."
Thank you Lisa and Renee.
Let me repeat, this is NOT a City of Brookfield proposal; it is a City of New Berlin proposal, so do not contact your Brookfield officials or representatives about this. Only New Berlin has the authority to move this project forward or stop it.
The proposed Walmart would be on the south side of Greenfield Avenue, west of Highland Memorial Cemetery (I guess those neighbors won't complain), which makes it IN New Berlin, not Brookfield. It will be on the site the Charcoal Grill currently occupies. There is one homeowner on the edge of the proposed store property, marked as R-5 on the maps, the one east or right of the other R-5, which is a house owned and rented out by the cemetery, according to New Berlin Now. Other than the east R-5 there are no other privately owned and occupied homes near the store frontage.
This Walmart proposal would be for a 24 hour store with pharmacy and groceries. Should the proposed Walmart be approved, the current Walmart, on National and Moorland, which is the closest store to our area, would be closed.
Contact Information Developer: Jim Frayn ,Manhard Consulting Ltd. ,Vernon Hills, IL 60061,Ph: (630) 925-1206
New Berlin City Staff
St. Mary's Visitation - International Chess and other ways we can wow you with our Technology
Come see why St. Mary's Visitation received the Exemplary Recognition Award from the Archdoicese of Milwaukee in the areas of Information, Technology and Media Skills.
Bald Eagle swims to capture prize; Conservatives must not give up either
I watched the following video clip with amazement. Since the American Bald Eagle is our national bird, I couldn't help but think of the symbolism of it all. Watch.
The eagle would not give up. He/she needed to get that fish to feed itself and possibly its young.
It did not succeed the 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. try but kept at it until it succeeded.
But then the prize was too heavy to carry to safety in the traditional way. It had to do something I have never heard of or even knew was possible. IT SWAM with its WINGS as paddles!
Our liberties, our rights, our future, our constitution are all on the chopping block. We conservatives, who have been fighting against tyranny, have made a few valiant efforts to push back against those who would seek to change America as we know it. However, because we didn't prevail in the last presidential election, and many of our Republican representatives are backing down on fiscal restraint or standing up for our freedoms and Constitutional rights, we might feel like throwing in the towel on it all.
But keep fighting the fight to preserve our God-given rights.
Watch the eagle again, and take heart that sometimes the impossible is possible...if you don't give up..
Sandy Hook - And an Unweeded Garden
Without the aid of pictures, I try to remember what they looked like. I try to remember their voices when I walked through the door at day's end, and they would scream, "Daddy"!
2013 Predictions
Just for fun here are some of my 2013 Predictions. Your comments are most welcome.
1. Packers fire Capers and look for new defensive coach.
St. Mary's Visitation - Archbishop Listecki will be visiting SMV on Monday
Archbishop Listecki will be celebrating Mass with us on Monday, January 21 at 8:00 a.m. Please come and join us! We will be taking an all school picture afterward and then he will be visiting the classrooms.
Golden Mornings, Fairness, and Discourse
October 27th was a morning both glorious and sad.
Glorious because of the brisk tempreratures and pristinely drenching sunshine enjoyed on my weekly walk to the Farmers Market; sad because it was the last Market of 2012. I love those walks - the jumbled worries of the week put aside; the attendant endorphin rush of exericse, fresh air, and sunshine never failing to rejuvenate.
I always listen to music on the way, and that morning featured an eclectic mix: The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, a hauntingly brooding depiction of a descent to madness started the playlist. Others included the lovely ballad Romeo and Juliet by Mark Knopfler, The Killers fabulous cover of Ruby, the richly resonant chords of Take it Back by The Barenaked Ladies, and finally, the epic, prairie sweeping harmonies of Mumford and Sons.
As I walked and listened, spinning the I-Pod like some miniature roulette wheel, I was staggered by its power and reach. I thought of the old clanking turn table and speakers I had in High School; recalling their weight and size, compared to the matchbook-sized device in my hand, and its capacity to play any one of 20,000 songs at the touch of my finger. Finally, I thought of Steve Jobs; the man who more than any other individual, was responsible for putting it in my pocket.
The hypocricy of Obama's gun control to save just one life
Yesterday the President unveiled his 23 Executive Orders pertaining to gun control. There really wasn't much new in what he said. In fact, he relied heavily on that all too familiar plea: If gun control saves just one life, its worth it.
Is this the same man who wouldn't give so much as palliative care for a baby who survived a late term abortion? Is this the same father who said he didn't want his daughters "punished" with an unwanted baby?
Of course no legislation or executive order can prevent gun violence or violence of any kind. But the President loves to tug at the heartstrings when trying to push his agenda, especially when that agenda usurps our Constitutional rights. So he enshrouded himself with a group of young children to crank up the emotional response.
If only he would have the same concern for the million plus children aborted during his first term.
Obama, are you for or against Partial Birth Abortion? Yes
Walter Williams: Americans misunderstand point of the Second Amendment
St. Mary's Visitation - Science Teacher honored, Pirate Day and Open House
Another example of how our St. Mary's Visitation teachers are the best.....
Junior high science teacher Kathy Biernat was recently named to the NASA National Explorer School Merit Roll based on her "stellar ideas and successful teaching strategies," according to NASA. Mrs. Biernat was one of 10 teachers nationwide to receive the honor. We are so blessed to have such an exemplary science teacher for our Junior High students.
Only Disney's Obama swears to uphold Constitution daily
On President Obama's first Inauguration, he put his hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. During his first term, however, he did everything but.
Yesterday he swore in for his second term, using 2 Bibles. But before he even reached that date, his actions already negated many of our Constitutional rights with the sweep of his Imperial, Executive pen.
He circumvented the Constitution and our Congress with his Executive Order on immigration. His EPA sends out its decrees that usurp our liberties and property rights. His 23 Executive Orders relating to gun control infringe on the 2nd Amendment.
In recent days, some Democrats allude to the 14th Amendment as justification for a president raising the debt ceiling without Congress! (The 14th Amendment dealt with Reconstruction: Citizenship, Civil Rights, and paying Civil War debt. It was not meant to authorize a carte blanche credit line.)
The President is acting more and more like an Imperial President, not a co-equal branch of the government.
Alas, only the animatronic Disney version of our president swears to uphold our Constitution multiple times a day. The real President Obama thwarts our Constitution every chance he gets.
Mark Levin: If Obama sidesteps Congress on debt ceiling, 'no choice' but impeachment
Mark Levin refers to Obama as the Imperial President in his book Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America .
Archbishop Listecki visits St. Mary's Visitation school
Archbishop Listecki visits SMV!
St. John Vianney kicks off Catholic Education Week 2013
What's so special about Catholic educatoin when other schools also offer excellent education? It's the religious aspect intertwined with the school's goal of providing superb academic instruction. Classes, service projects, field trips, religious retreats and many other activities are always connected to Catholic teachings. "Our religion is integrated into the overall educatoin of our students, " wrote Principal Pam Pyzyk, in the school's newsletter, the Shamrock Weekly.
This week, St. John Vianney, along with 115 schools in the Archdiocese, joins thousands of schools nationwide to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2013. The week kicked off with an Open House and each day will be marked with a special activity including service projects, school-wide competitions, and a special Mass held at St. John's Cathedral with Archbishop Listecki and Father Bogacki, among others. The week will close with the annual eighth graders versus staff volleyball game.
SJV students evaluate Caldecott Award book candidates
Chances are you have a book or two with a Cldecott Medal in your bookcase. Did you know that books with the Caldecott Medal have been chosen as the year's best American picture book? SJV students in the mock Caldecott Medal Club experience what it's like to decide the Caldecott winners.
The SJV Caldecott Medal Club meets several weeks in a row and includes fourth tand fifth grade studnts. They read and critically evaluate several books carfully chosen by SJV librarian Christine Weichart, who does extensive research to determine which books may be consdiered for the award. In fact, her choices have been spon-on as last year the SJV studnets correctly picked three-of-the-four actual Caldecott-awarded books.
Scott Berg shows Statesmanship
Scott Berg, City of Brookfield Alderman, show Statesmanship by introducing a proposal to reduce the size of local government. His proposal, already frought by criticizm from his peers, is to reduce the number of Aldermen from 14 to 9. There are 7 aldermanic districts and reducing them in half would result in 7 aldermen. Alderman Berg has a plan to reduce the number of Aldermen fro 14 to 9, which is close to the 50% reduction.
Local conservative politicians for years have been preaching that government must be smaller to be more functional and yet nothing has been done on the local level to accomplish that goal.
The Godfather - Feelings - and the Saga of Manti Te'o
In an early scene from The Godfather, a depressed and wilting Johnny Fontaine mutters in the shadow filled study of Vito Corleone, "Oh Godfather - I don't know what to do; I don't know what to do". As he absored his Godson's tale of woe, Marlon Brando's visage tightens, gathering the shadows of the darkened office into an all but visible storm cloud on his brow. Finally, unable to endure the singer's maudlin wallowing a moment longer, Corleone explodes out of his chair, gives his Godson a vigorous shake, and screams, "You can act like a man"!
Can we please talk 'Debt Control'? It's For the Kids
Congress is poised to kick our debt ceiling crisis down the road to May, but instead of using this breathing room as an opportunity for getting our message out, we are still distracted by the topic of the day--gun control and now amnesty.
Debt Limit USA crafted this easy to understand 3 minute piece that explains what our government is doing--borrowing more money than it takes in. They call it Debt Limit - A Guide to American Federal Debt Made Easy, or as I call it, The Debt Crisis in Terms Even a Low Information Voter Can Understand!
It doesn't get much easier than this; watch the whole thing. The ending is applicable to our unsustainable debt problem.
In case you didn't catch the last slides from the clip, the dad's annual household budget had $140,000 household debt, income of $21,700, $38,200 in spending, $16,500 in new bank to loan (debt), budget cuts $385--about 1% of their total household budget. Sound familiar?
Our Federal Budget Deal to Raise Debt Limit was: $14 Trillion total debt (obliviously, this was from the last 2011 debt crisis because we are well over $16T now!), $2.17 T federal income, $3.82 T in Fed. spending, $1.65 T in new debt, and the amount "cut" (from future spending)? A measly $38.5 Billion, about 1% of the total budget.
No matter, our children, grand children and great, great grandchildren will be picking up this tab.
Unlike other It's for the kids pleas, this one IS for the kids! Us too.
More reading:
House Votes to Temporarily Suspend U.S. Debt Ceiling
Obama's Now Borrowed More Than All Presidents from Washington to W
US Debt Headed Toward 200% of GDP Even After 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal
Speaker: Fitch: Cut Spending or Risk Credit Rating Downgrade
Morning Bell: Don't Raise Debt Ceiling Without Balancing the Budget
I urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to talk about our spending crisis and then stand firm on more debt. We don't have much time.
Contact your Representatives and Senators
Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (202) 224-5653
Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111


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Please enter your travel dates.
Downtown Charlotte hotel near major sports venues
By convention center
The hotel is across from the Charlotte Convention Center, 1 block from EpiCentre Entertainment Complex, and within 3 blocks of Time Warner Cable Arena.
Breakfast buffet
Coastal Kitchen at Hilton Charlotte Center City serves a breakfast buffet, along with lunch and dinner; room service is available.
High-definition TVs
Guestrooms at Hilton Charlotte Center City feature 42-inch high-definition plasma TVs, MP3 docking stations, and Hilton Serenity Beds.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
- General
This smoke-free hotel in downtown Charlotte is located directly across from the Charlotte Convention Center. EpiCentre Entertainment Complex is 1 block, Time Warner Cable Arena is two blocks, and Bank of America Stadium is three blocks from the hotel.
Hilton Charlotte Center City offers a restaurant and lounge along with room service. Guests have access to the 50,000-square-foot Childress Klein YMCA facility (surcharge), offering an indoor pool, indoor running track, fitness equipment, free weights, and a sports court (the YMCA is closed on Sundays).
In addition to a business center, the hotel offers meeting space, audiovisual equipment, and banquet facilities. Wireless Internet access and airport transportation are available (surcharge).
- 24-hour front desk
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- ATM/banking
- Audiovisual equipment
- Ballroom(s)
- Wireless Internet access - surcharge
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Parking (surcharge)
- Banquet facilities
- Bar/lounge
- Beauty services
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Business services
- Coffee shop or café
- Concierge desk
- Multiple large conference rooms
- Currency exchange
- Doorman/doorwoman
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Event catering
- Exhibit space
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Hair salon
- Health club
- Laundry facilities
- Shopping on site
- Parking limited (surcharge)
- Luggage storage
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Medical assistance available
- Multiple small meeting rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 22
- Total number of rooms - 400
- Secure parking
- Parking garage
- Porter/bellhop
- Restaurant
- Room service (limited hours)
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Security guard
- Smoke-free property
- Smoke-free property (fines apply)
- Swimming pool - indoor
- Use of nearby fitness center (discount)
- Wedding services
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Wireless Internet access (surcharge), Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
Available in some public areas: Wireless Internet access - surcharge
- Parking
Parking (surcharge), Secure parking, Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge), Parking garage, Parking limited (surcharge)
- Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- Pillowtop mattress
- Plasma TV
- Climate control
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Designer toiletries
- Desk
- Direct-dial phone
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board
- Pay movies
- Premium bedding
- Premium TV channels
- Shower only
- Video-game console
- Dining
Coastal Kitchen - Serving Breakfast by Hilton breakfast buffet seven days a week. Also open for lunch and dinner. Menu includes sandwiches, salads, and daily chef's specials. Extensive wine list.
Coastal Bar - Open each evening. Serving international and domestic beers, martinis and cocktails, an extensive selection of wines, and appetizers.
Room Service is available (early morning - late night).
- Recreation
Hilton Charlotte Center City is connected to the Childress Klein YMCA, a 50,000-square-foot health club that includes an indoor pool, an indoor running track, basketball courts, and a range of free weights and fitness equipment (surcharge).
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Golf - driving range nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
- Dock nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Rowing or canoeing nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Boating nearby
- Boat launch nearby
- Motor boating nearby
- Yoga classes/instruction nearby
- Tennis nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Horse riding/rental nearby
- Fishing nearby
- Hunting nearby
- Playground nearby
- Aerobics on site
- Basketball on site
- Pilates classes on site
- Running track/path on site
- Swimming on site
- Volleyball on site
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Braille or raised signage
Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, JCB International, MasterCard, Visa
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No rollaway/extra beds available
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 9.95 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): USD 9.95 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
- Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: USD 9.95 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 18.00 per night
- Valet parking fee: USD 25.00 per night
- Late check-out fee: USD 50.00
- Refrigerator fee: USD 15.00 per night
- Details
Free Valet Parking Promotion
Book a stay in a qualifying rate category and receive free valet parking for one car.
Must book a stay in a "Parking Package" rate category to qualify. Amenities have no cash value and are nontransferable. Other restrictions may apply.


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Make the call and order ONLINE now!
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Western Rivers™ Comanche Game Caller, Black
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CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Two layers of sleek protection in a single-piece case
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 10 ratings. 116 user reviews.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Two layers of sleek protection in a single-piece case
Currently not available on speckproducts.com
Our patented CandyShell is the best of both worlds: a case that looks as good as it protects. Its patented dual-layer construction absorbs shock, yet it's slim enough to slide in and out of pockets with ease. So for sleek style and military-grade protection in one durable case, get CandyShell from Speck. Backed by a one-year warranty.
- Dual-layer protection. Patented design provides two layers of protection in a single-piece construction that's easy to put on and take off.
- Impact resistant. Hard shell exterior guards against impact, while glossy finish helps these covers slide in and out of pockets with ease.
- Shock absorbent. Soft, rubbery interior and reinforced corners absorb shock from occasional bumps and drops.
- Detailed to defend. Raised bezel protects screen from impact and adds grip so your phone can lie face down on tables or dashboards without sliding. Rubberized covers shield volume and power buttons while keeping them fully accessible.
- Lab-tested proven protection. Like all Speck cases, this CandyShell stood up to extreme temperatures, repeated functionality testing, and even everyday spills like greasy suntan lotion.
- Long live promise. Backed by Speck's 1 year warranty.
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CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
great case
posted by krissy fradellaPrice Value Quality3.7Bought this because of the slim fit and style. I wish they had more colors to pick from, I know its old but come on. Anyway its thin ,I dropped it once so far and it was protected. Slides easily out of a purse etc. Does not attract lint . Plan on purchasing the green one next. Have no complaints !!!
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Daily Driver Case?
posted by Akash DansinghaniPrice Value Quality2.3I got it free with my purchase of the handset. I thought it was going to be a great case versing the otter box commuter, but the quality of the case isn't the greatest. I kept the film on the back side of it, until it came off. Once it came off, I used the case for only a month, maybe two and the case looked ruff. It looked like I was a person that was careless, and did not know how to take care of my device. I always take care of my device and never lost or damaged one. The case is great for protection, but has a bad result of durability in my perspective.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Bridge for charging
posted by JeanettePrice Value Quality2.7Had this item only a few months and the bridge where you plug in the charger broke. Nothing but a run around to do a Warranty On The Item.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Daily use review
posted by HaleePrice Value Quality2I purchased my S3 CandyShell on February 15th. I am a heavy phone user as I work at a mobile store, but I treat my phone carefully and do not drop it or treat it roughly. The case has since split in two locations. The plastic below the USB slot and the plastic below the volume down button have both cracked through. I have exchanged it once through my own store and have another crack showing. These seem to be minor issues, however I do not want to pay this much money for a case that breaks with normal wear-and-tear. I will continue to use the CandyShell as it provides great protection, I just wish these small cracks would stop appearing from normal use.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
More Colors!
posted by SeanPrice Value Quality3.7This case completely protects my phone from drops, but the color options for guys aren't great. I know it's an old phone, but if you guys pay attention to the comments, bring the white/charcoal that you make for the iphone!
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Avoid this case at all costs.
posted by JakePrice Value Quality1.3I bought this case a while back, and let me tell you, it does NOT protect your phone from drops. It fell out of my pocket (properly attached to my S3), and the screen cracked. That should not happen if it lands on the case.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Great... For a While
posted by NayrPrice Value Quality3Don't get me wrong I LOVE the color and it has protected my phone from various drops, but the edge of the front bumper is starting to tear off slowly leaving the face of my phone very unprotected and only after about 6 months. Its a good thing that they have a 1 year guarantee.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Love the look, but not the quality
posted by AndreaPrice Value Quality1.7I purchased this case a month ago and it's already cracked at the bottom where you plug in the charger. I've never dropped it, so I am disheartened that it's already cracked. I really love the look of this case, the color especially. I just wish that it would have lasted longer than a month since I paid $35 for it.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
I Love This Case
posted by BarbPrice Value Quality4When I first bought this case it was perfect. Loved the color, nice tight fit, doesnt interfere with the operations of the phone at all. It has withstood A LOT of wear and tear. I have dropped it more times than I should and the case has protected my phone. Its a really nice case ~ I wish there were more options available for the S3, like there are for the Apple (I do not like the iphone). In any event, the only downside is that just recently all of the function areas, ie, charger port, volume and power buttons, the casing has cracked in all of those areas. Plus some of the rubber on the edges are starting to peel away from the case. Ive had this for nearly a year, so overall not too bad. However because of the cracks I am looking to purchase a new one. But I am having a tough time paying the price again. Maybe Ill check into the warranty.
CandyShell Cases for Samsung Galaxy S III
Takes a drop but not the power cord
posted by Java evePrice Value Quality3.7I love the design and it has protected the glass with the front bumper. However, the hard plastic by the power and headphone slots chipped after a few months. Both jagged now and scratch my hand whenever I reach into my pocket.


text:
Hog WR Whitehurst Busted For Weed After Squealing His BMW's Tires
April 2nd, 2012 01:36 PM║ Posted By: John Pennington ║ Permalink
║ Schools: Arkansas
Tags: BMW, CT, Johnny Law, Kane Whitehurst
Redshirt freshman receiver Kane Whitehurst ran afoul of the law yesterday. He was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia (a grinder and a pipe).
A teen football player with pot? No shock there. But what is interesting is how Johnny Law came to catch Whitehurst.
According to ArkansasSports360.com, the player was arrested at 3:39am CT after complaints were made that "a black BMW sport utility vehicle" was "squalling his tires and traveling at a excessive speed" through a parking garage on the Arkansas campus.
Smart. And a black BMW SUV is a pricey little ride, too. I'm sure no one will ask questions about that one.
When the arresting officer pulled Whitehurst over for going 25 in the 10 mile-per-hour parking garage, he "smelled burnt marijuana."
Bobby Petrino said the situation "will be handled appropriately."
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posted 11/23/2012 by
Dave Gamble
other articles
by Dave Gamble
I have to admit it: I was intrigued when I first heard of Codemasters' F1 Race Stars, which was presented to me as an arcade style Formula 1 racing game. I'm a more-or-less fan of the
series of sim-cade games - they aren't quite as sim as I'd prefer, but they are close enough. And, of course, they benefit from being the only F1 game worth the name for so long as Codemasters holds exclusive access to F1 licensing. I was curious about what a pure arcade version would look and play like. In fact, I had pretty high hopes for it. I was visualizing a game that I might be able to convince my teenaged daughter to play with me. Perhaps, I hoped, it would be something like Formula 1 meets Need For Speed. Fun, kind of realistic but too much, and easy enough to understand without all of the arcane rules and the black art of car setup.
If you've read this far because the above sounds like something you too would want too, you can stop right now. It's not happening with F1 Race Stars.
I am going to digress for a bit here to tell you that there are many times when I first start playing a new game or simulation and try to put myself in the shoes of the publisher's marketing department. I try to imagine what/who they determined to be their target market, how they intended to differentiate their title from other games in the same genre, and how successful I believe their ostensible marketing strategy will be. Using my understanding of their intended audience, I try to view the game through that filter. It would hardly be fair to evaluate an arcade game by comparing its merits to, say... iRacing, right?
All of that fell apart with Race Stars, though. Frankly, I have no idea what they were thinking. But we'll get back to that.
As mentioned above, Codemasters holds a license that allows them to use Formula 1 properties such as drivers, team names, and tracks in their games. Knowing that, I wasn't surprised to see plenty of familiar names and faces in the game, even if they were heavily caricatured. The game definitely has an arcadish look to it, but they told me that right up front so I wasn't surprised to see it. I actually found it to be visually appealing, albeit clearly with a much younger audience in mind. I found nothing to object to with the look of the game, and in consideration of it started to formulate my ideas concerning the target audience: I was thinking ages 6 - 12. That was personally a little disappointing since I was hoping that my somewhat-older-than-that daughter would deign to play with her old dad, but that's my problem, not Codemasters'.
The 6 - 12 age group is interesting because it is pretty much the last age group that doesn't always get to pick games for themselves. That age group is, in my opinion, still well into the parental programming stage. This is the stage in growth and development where parents can still delude themselves into thinking that they can program their kids to enjoy the same things that they do. My own daughter could fill a small barn with gifts that I bought for her because they appealed to me and I still futilely harbored the dream that we would someday share interests. The older, wiser me shakes his head at the complete naivety exhibited in the preceding sentence as he writes this one, but I suspect that I am not alone in having gone through this. And so it transpired that I decided that Codemasters marketing had selected the younger me as the target audience for F1 Race Stars. They were looking squarely at the parent that was interested enough in Formula 1 to want to try to pass that interest on to the kids.
I remain undecided as to whether they hit the mark or not.
What they did was to take the standard kids console kart game (think: Mario Kart. Think: Crash Team Racing. Think: Dozens of other nearly identical games) and merge in the F1 branding. Nothing more, nothing less. See if any of this sounds familiar: you race as a cartoon avatar against other cartoon avatars in a virtual fantasy world. The karts are enabled with forward-firing weapons, rearward "mine" type weapons, and various power-ups. The races are short, and the rubber-banding is applied with all of the subtlety of a tire iron used to de-seed a grape.
It does sound familiar, doesn't it? They haven't completely ignored the F1 branding, but the game mechanics for the most part are nothing new. The F1 properties are reflected in the design the cars and avatars of real drivers (although on the Xbox you can choose to use your Xbox Live avatar, but it doesn't make much difference since everyone is wearing helmets), and the locations of the tracks. The cars and driver avatars are fine, but the tracks are a bit off. Rather than use the entire F1 track, they chose to use short lengths of the real world track but then divert off into purely fantastical tracks. So it is that you will find yourself thinking, "Ah, Eau Rouge! How cool!!" just before being diverted off to drive in a river. The dichotomy between the two sides of the same track was so jarring that It was like a bad LSD trip. Or so I assume.
Now here's what the should have done:
I will again speak from the position of an adult F1 fan looking for a fun game that will introduce his progeny to the world of Formula 1 in an approachable and fun manner. I won't look at it from a 6 - 12 year old's point of view because frankly, that kid really wanted Mario Kart because that's what all of the other kids have. First of all, they should have used shorter, cartoonized versions of the entire real world tracks. Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Monaco, Suzuka: these are all distinctive, challenging, and universally known tracks. Sure, they're long and would take way too long to get around at their actual length, but they could have been scaled down easily enough. Using the real tracks would have given Dad something to enjoy, and the kids wouldn't have known the difference. In a few years, they would have been able to walk into Codemaster's F1 2016 with no problem at all.
Rather than ruining the racing with offensive weaponry, they should have simply dropped the entire concept of combative racing and gone with a somewhat forgiving pure racing model. Ignoring the weapon power-ups, this is one thing that they did pretty well in the game as it is today. You can bump and push and shove the other karts, but you will pay a price in damage to your own kart. Damage comes at a cost to performance, which is as it should be. Damage can be repaired by passing through the pit area which also comes with a cost in the form of a track position penalty. This too is already in the game and works well. Split screen and online multiplayer work well, but there is no option to turn off the AI cars. Because of the weaponry model, the AI cars can be detrimental to racing with live friends to the point of being irritating, so it would have been nice to get rid of them if you wanted to have a pure race with your buddies. I also would have liked to see more customization options in the races; the ability to set the number of laps and the weather conditions would have been nice.
Carrying on with the idea of more emphasis on racing, I would like to see a more opaque way of providing rubber-banding. It is a fact that at some point someone will fall too far back from the rest of the cars and get bored. This is addressed in the game with a super-powerful power-up that completely takes over control of the car and zooms it back up to the rest of the field. It's really a bit too much. In a more realistic model, this could be accomplished in a number of more subtle ways. One way is already built into the game: a safety car can be brought out to slow down the leaders. I never did figure out what was bringing the safety car out, though. It might have been a power-up triggered by another player, or it might have been an attempt at a more subtle rubber-banding. Either way, it could be used in the latter case anytime someone gets too far back from the next closest car.
There is one power-up in the current game that is very well designed. They call it KERS (which is a performance enhancement in real F1 cars), but it is very different from the real thing. What they have done is created "KERS corners" and they way that they offer the performance boost actually requires a bit of skill to use. I really like the way they implemented it, and I would keep it in my version of what the game should have been.
At the end of the day I see F1 Race Stars as it stands today as a missed opportunity. Rather than use the F1 license in a unique way that would have differentiated the game from the large pack of other similar games, Codemasters simply used it to put the F1 tag on what is really just another mundane entry in an already crowded genre. Rather than providing an upgrade path to their more sophisticated titles, they have chosen to dumb down their brand.
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I'm ticked off that medical offices, where it is not uncommon to wait an hour to be seen, don't provide Wi-Fi for patients to access. They all have computer systems. How much could it possibly cost to provide this pleasant and useful service?
I'm ticked off about all the medical radiation I ever received for no good reason; those shadowy X-ray pictures that so often had no bearing on whatever happened next, except one day to contribute to fear of cancer.
I'm ticked off at drivers at Dixie Belle and Curry Ford. There are two signs that say do not make right turn on red light. Every day there are cars making that right turn on red.
I'm ticked that this country is full of amoral people having children that will never have a chance at a normal life.
To the drivers parking their SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and full-size cars in the compact car parking spots at our local organic foods grocery store: What part of compact car parking do you not get? Small-car drivers can barely squeeze into the parking spaces thanks to all the over-sized vehicles squeezing into compact car spaces.
I'm ticked off because young actresses and actors will of course behave badly, when every media outlet glorifies their bad behavior, but we are all sick of hearing and seeing this.
The flip side
To the wonderful lady that works in a medical center who helped me find my car in the parking garage: Thank you so much. You are an angel.


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text:
Divided Court Confronts Gay Marriage
By Jake Grovum, Staff Writer
A divided Supreme Court waded into the nationwide debate over gay marriage Tuesday, considering the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8 that bans same-sex unions, and weighing society's interest in restricting marriage to only one man and one woman.
Dispensing with some of the more complex legal questions surrounding the case, the justices and attorneys quickly moved into a discussion about whether the government could constitutionally exclude certain couples from marriage and whether laws that do so protect society, the institution of marriage and even children.
Eight of the justices seemed divided along ideological lines, with the four liberals questioning laws that ban same-sex marriage and three of the conservatives appearing to support. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas remained silent.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is seen as a crucial swing vote in the case, seemed to doubt the government's justification for excluding gay couples from marriage. At the same time, he voiced worry about going too far in establishing a nationwide right to gay marriage, saying at one point the court was heading into "uncharted waters."
Attorney Charles Cooper, arguing in support of Proposition 8, looked to put the question before the justices in context, pointing to established nationwide tradition of marriage comprising a union between one man and one woman.
He cited past Supreme Court precedents, including Baker v. Nelson from 1971 that's seen as the first decision by the court upholding limits on gay marriage. That understanding is changing, Cooper conceded, pointing to an "ongoing debate" around the country on same-sex marriage. Still, he said that understanding should not simply be cast aside.
"The question before this Court," Cooper said, "is whether the Constitution puts a stop to that ongoing democratic debate and answers this question for all 50 states."
Tuesday marked the first of two days of arguments on same-sex marriage. Wednesday the court will hear a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, as it is known. The law bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages even if they're allowed in a state.
In Tuesday's arguments, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg set the tone early for the discussion over the definition of marriage, pointing out how much had changed in the four decades since Baker v. Nelson, and how quickly that debate has moved across the country.
In 1971, she said, "The Supreme Court hadn't even decided that gender-based classifications get any kind of heightened scrutiny...Same-sex intimate conduct was considered criminal in many states in 1971. So I don't think we can extract much in Baker v. Nelson."
From that point, the court's more liberal members pushed Cooper to justify why the government should be allowed to treat gay couples differently than straight ones. Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked whether there was "any other rational decision a government could make" to discriminate against gay people, whether in employment, government benefits or anything else.
Cooper admitted there wasn't, but cited procreation as one reason for limiting marriage to heterosexual couples. That drew a quick response from justices Elena Kagan, who asked whether people older than 55 should be allowed to marry, and Stephen Breyer.
"There are lots of people who get married who can't have children," Breyer said. "Couples that aren't gay but can't have children get married all the time."
Kennedy asked whether Cooper was conceding there was no immediate negative outcome from allowing same-sex marriages.
Cooper said it was too early to tell, and Justice Antonin Scalia picked up that point of view, pointing to conflicting evidence about the effect on children of being raised by same-sex couples.
"There's considerable disagreement among sociologists as to what the consequences of raising a child in a single-sex family, whether that is harmful to the child or not," he said.
Kennedy moved the discussion from the hypothetical to the situation in California, where an estimated 40,000 children are already living with same-sex couples.
"There is an immediate legal injury or what could be a legal injury, and that's the voice of these children," Kennedy said. "They want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of those children is important in this case, don't you think?"
When the discussion turned to Theodore Olson, arguing against Proposition 8, he offered a full-throated denunciation of the ban.
"It walls off gays and lesbians from marriage, the most important relation in life, according to this court," he said, "thus stigmatizing a class of Californians based upon their status and labeling their most cherished relationships as second-rate, different, unequal, and not OK."
Chief Justice John Roberts looked to reframe the question, saying that perhaps marriage should be understood as an inherently heterosexual institution that some are now looking to expand.
"I'm not sure it's right to view this as excluding a particular group," Roberts said. "You don't have to include everybody."
Scalia went further, pressing the long-standing notion that marriage was a union between a man and woman, and therefore there was nothing wrong with excluding gay people.
"When did it become unconstitutional to exclude homosexuals from marriage?" he asked. "When did the law become this?"
Olson replied that society has increasingly come to accept homosexuality over the years and that marriage had become a fundamental right for all people.
Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, last to address the court, offered the United States' strong denunciation of Proposition 8.
"Proposition 8 denies gay and lesbians equal protection under the law," he said, saying that the defense of the law asks the justices to ignore several "warning flags" of potential discrimination.
The more conservative justices pressed Verrilli on whether he, and by extension the U.S. government, was arguing for a nationwide right to same-sex marriage.
"You want us to step in and render a decision based on an assessment of the effects of this institution which is newer than cell phones or the Internet?" Justice Samuel Alito asked. "On an issue like that, why should it not be left to the people?"
Scalia, too, asked whether Verrilli was advocating such a far-reaching outcome. "The rest of the country has been cautious, and you're asking us to impose this on the rest of the country."
In response, Verrilli stopped short of advocating a nationwide right to same-sex marriage, saying "we're not prepared to close the door" on arguments in favor of such bans from other states.
Ultimately, the court could rule in a variety of ways that could mean a historic victory for either supporters or opponents of same-sex marriage. Or the court could strike a tempered result, maintaining the current patchwork of marriage laws found today. The state of that patchwork: 34 states ban same-sex marriage. Six allow civil unions along with the nine plus the district that offer full marriage. Four other states offer neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions but allow some level of domestic partnerships.
The split among the states was apparent in filings made by more than half of the country's attorneys general ahead of the arguments. On California's ban, 20 states have argued the law should stand, while 13 plus DC and the state of California argue it should not. Meanwhile, 17 states filed a brief supporting DOMA. Fifteen plus the district filed a brief arguing against it.
Each case offers a slate of potential outcomes that could affect citizens, individual states and the country as a whole in myriad ways.
With Proposition 8, for example, the court could simply uphold a lower court's ruling that nullified the law. Such a decision would allow same-sex marriages in California, but likely wouldn't affect bans elsewhere. Or, the court could find Proposition 8 broadly unconstitutional, presumably declaring similar bans elsewhere unconstitutional as well.
The court could also overturn the lower court's ruling, reaffirming the right of California and its voters – and likely every other state – to enact a ban on same-sex marriage. That outcome would be a significant victory for proponents of the bans in the states that have them.
On DOMA, the outcome is potentially equally significant for the states and the country as a whole.
Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that the federal law is unconstitutional because it discriminates against couples legally married under a given state's law. They point to a long history of state-based marriage laws, saying states should have the power to determine who can marry – and that the federal government should recognize those legally performed unions.
For the opponents, though, the DOMA case represents a potential undermining of their marriage laws. Many state bans also block the state from recognizing marriages performed elsewhere. Supporters say if the federal government recognizes same-sex marriages it will be a matter of time before they'll be forced to recognize such unions performed elsewhere. Such a ruling, they say, could mean the beginning of a slow end for same-sex marriage bans around the country.
Or, as in the Proposition 8 question, the court could uphold DOMA and refuse to declare laws that treat same-sex and heterosexual couples differently unconstitutional. That, too, would be a significant victory for opponents of same-sex marriage.
The court is expected to issue its rulings by the end of its term in June.


text:
Northern District of Oklahoma Other Statutes Cases
Cases filed
Cases 1 - 10 of 779
Plaintiff v. Defendant
as 4:2014cv00177
Plaintiff: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Defendant: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Cause Of Action: Fair Debt Collection Act
Keith Connell, Inc. v. Crossroads Fresh Connections, Inc. et al
as 4:2014cv00166
Plaintiff: Keith Connell, Inc.
Defendant: Crossroads Fresh Connections, Inc., Brett Puckett
Cause Of Action: Agricultural Commodities Act
Type: Other Statutes > Agriculture Acts
Plaintiff v. Defendant
as 4:2014cv00168
Plaintiff: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Defendant: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Cause Of Action: Fair Debt Collection Act
Bladen v. Walgreen Co.
as 4:2014cv00161
Plaintiff: Douglas S Bladen
Defendant: Walgreen Co.
Cause Of Action: Family & Medical Leave Act of 1993
Plaintiff v. Defendant
as 4:2014cv00158
Plaintiff: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Defendant: Plaintiff v. Defendant
Cause Of Action: Fair Debt Collection Act
State of Oklahoma, The et al v. Department of the Interior et al
as 4:2014cv00123
Defendant: Fish & Wildlife Service, Sally Jewell, Department of the Interior and others
Plaintiff: Domestic Energy Producers Alliance , State of Oklahoma, The , State of Kansas, The and others
Cause Of Action: Endangered Species Act
Type: Other Statutes > Environmental Matters
United States of America v. Nickel
as 4:2014cv00124
Plaintiff: United States of America
Defendant: Jerry Allen Nickel
Cause Of Action: False Claims Act
Type: Other Statutes
Mares et al v Bank of America, N.A.
as 4:2014cv00115
Counter_claimant: Michael Mares
Plaintiff: RAS, Inc. , GM4US, LLC , Deana Mares
Counter_defendant: Bank of America, N.A.
Cause Of Action: Fair Credit Reporting Act
Unit Petroleum Company v. Veitch et al
as 4:2014cv00105
Defendant: Ashley Tumelson , William A Veitch , Steven Simonyi-Gindele and others
Plaintiff: Unit Petroleum Company
Intervenor_defendant: Petrohunter Energy, Inc.
Counter_claimant: William A Veitch , Petrohunter Energy, Inc.
Counter_defendant: Unit Petroleum Company
Cross_claimant: William A Veitch , Petrohunter Energy, Inc. , KT Capital Corp.
Cross_defendant: KT Capital Corp. , Steven Simonyi-Gindele , Ashley Tumelson and others
Cause Of Action: Interpleader Action
Crittenden v. Crittenden
as 4:2014cv00092
Defendant: Jennifer Aileen Crittenden
Plaintiff: Dale Lee Crittenden
Cause Of Action: Fed. Question
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text:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Several people were injured Saturday night in a CATS bus accident along West Trade Street in uptown.
Five people were injured in the accident and transported to area hospitals, according to Medic.
It's not clear at this time what the bus collided with or what caused the accident.