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Firefighters gained ground in recent days in the battle with a wildfire that burned 84 buildings and blackened 28,000 acres of dense forest in northern California.
California is poised to become home to the nation's first truly high-speed rail system with Gov. Jerry Brown's signing Wednesday of a law authorizing the first leg of construction for a line that will eventually connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Facebook's upcoming IPO could be a golden egg for the Golden State.
The California Supreme Court handed Gov. Jerry Brown a victory Thursday by ruling the state legislature had the authority to eliminate more than 400 redevelopment agencies funded with property tax dollars.
Warren Buffett's utility company is making a big buy in the turmoil-filled solar energy market.
In the latest case of government belt-tightening, a Southern California county is charging prisoners for the daily cost of their stay.
Just how bad is the civil unrest associated with the Occupy protests in some U.S. cities?
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Sunday a bill that prohibits most teenagers from getting bronzed in tanning beds, making the Golden State the first to do so.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Sunday a bill that prevents local governments from banning the practice of male circumcision.
A fire caused by a plane crash that destroyed 27 homes in Tehachapi, California, was 83% contained by early Thursday, according to state and local officials.
A fire caused by a plane crash threatened 800 homes or structures in Tehachapi, California, on Monday, with nearly 5,000 acres ablaze in rugged terrain, according to state and local officials.
Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown said Thursday he had signed a bill that will require public schools in the state to teach students about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
Amazon said Thursday it is terminating its relationship with thousands of California associates because of a new law that would require the online mega-retailer to collect sales taxes if it has affiliates in the state.
California lawmakers approved an $86 billion budget late Tuesday that imposes deep spending cuts but does not extend tax hikes.
First the good news: State and local tax revenues climbed 4.7% in the first quarter, fueled by a surge in personal income taxes.
Conceding defeat on his tax extension proposal, California Governor Jerry Brown unveiled a budget Monday that imposes deep spending cuts.
California lawmakers will forfeit their pay until they pass a balanced budget, the state controller said Tuesday.
California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Thursday the budget passed by state lawmakers the day before that relied on spending cuts, fund transfers and one-time revenue boosts.
California lawmakers passed a balanced budget Wednesday that relies on spending cuts, fund transfers and one-time revenue boosts, but allows them to keep collecting their paychecks.
California lawmakers unveiled a balanced budget Tuesday that cuts billions from education but likely allows them to keep collecting their paychecks.
California lawmakers can kiss their pay goodbye if they don't pass a balanced budget by June 15.
California is enjoying an unexpected $2.5 billion spike in tax revenue, which could help the state close its massive budget shortfall.
Keep paying higher taxes or face deep, painful cuts in services. Those are the options Californians are faced with.
California Gov. Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. had a cancerous growth removed from the right side of his nose, his office said Saturday.
California's San Quentin prison, famous for hosting both Johnny Cash concerts and the state's most dangerous inmates, won't be getting a new death row facility as planned.
There is a bipartisan tide of lawmakers who are trying to fix our nation's out-of-control corrections system, and make funding for education the priority.
Always wanted to own a little piece of your local incinerator? Well you might be out of luck.
The U.S. Justice Department is suing the state of California and Gov. Jerry Brown because prison authorities required a Sikh prison inmate to cut his beard.
California Governor Jerry Brown is getting serious about his state's $25 billion shortfall. He has frozen state hiring, cut official cell phone use, and now, he's cracking down on coffee mugs and key chains.
The California Supreme Court unanimously agreed Wednesday to take up the issue of whether state or county officials have the authority to defend Proposition 8, the 2008 initiative defining marriage as only between one man and one woman, court spokeswoman Lynn Holton said.
Rolling out more draconian measures to deal with a $25 billion budget deficit, California Governor Jerry Brown imposed a statewide hiring freeze Tuesday across all government agencies.
California Gov. Jerry Brown canceled Wednesday the proposed sale of 11 government buildings, an Arnold Schwarzenegger initiative that Brown called "shortsighted."
Californians should decide whether they want to pay $12 billion more in taxes to help plug the state's massive budget shortfall, Gov. Jerry Brown said on Monday.
Malcolm X once said that the one man you should be most afraid of is a man who is willing to die for what he believes.
California authorities were investigating graffiti Friday that threatened the life of Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department.
New York's new governor, one of several greeted by billions of dollars in budget gaps, acted to cut his salary Monday amid reports he will freeze the pay of most other state workers.
After years of cutting billions and billions in spending, California has to do it again.
California Gov. Jerry Brown unveiled Monday a draconian budget plan that would slash $12.5 billion in spending and extend $12 billion in tax hikes.
Don't get too attached to those work cell phones, California employees. Half of you are going to lose them in coming months.
Yo, Mayor Bloomberg, you ready to try again?
From coast to coast, new governors warn of tough times ahead but vow a commitment to bi-partisanship.
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown returned to his state's highest office Monday -- restoring an old political dynasty while helping to usher in a new balance of power in statehouses across the country.
Wells Fargo, in an agreement with California's attorney general announced Monday, said it would provide $2 billion worth of loan modifications to nearly 15,000 homeowners.
Thanks to voters, alcohol will no longer be taxed in Massachusetts. Candy won't be subject to a levy in Washington anymore. And California drivers won't have to pay a proposed $18 fee to fund state parks.
On a day that millions of Americans in other parts of the country turned the electoral map red by electing a sea of Republicans, California voters stayed true blue and kept doing what they usually do on Election Day -- elect Democrats.
Editor's note: There are five days to go before voters cast ballots in the hotly contested midterm elections. In this special feature, CNN's political contributors share their quick thoughts on what's making news.
Editor's note: There are 15 days to go before voters cast ballots in the hotly contested midterm elections. In this special feature, CNN's political contributors share their quick thoughts on what's making news.
A Green Party candidate in the California's governor's race was arrested Tuesday after trying to get into a debate she was not allowed to participate in.
Talk about burying the hatchet. When former President Bill Clinton turned out to rally for California Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jerry Brown on Friday night, the former rivals hugged and made up. Really, they embraced.
American Morning's Kiran Chetry talks to Joe Hagan with New York Magazine about the upcoming California governors race.
Now that she has cluttered a controversy over an undocumented housekeeper by making excuses, refusing to admit mistakes and blaming opponents for her troubles, Meg Whitman needs to go on eBay and buy a clue.
Meg Whitman's former housekeeper responds to allegations that she is part of a scandal orchestrated by the opposition.
The husband of Meg Whitman, California's Republican nominee for governor, said "it was possible" he saw a 2003 letter that questioned his housekeeper's Social Security number, but he insisted it did not make him suspect she was an undocumented worker.
During an interview with Rick Sanchez, Jerry Brown vows to chase down corruption in other California cities.
State Attorney General Jerry Brown will announce a development Wednesday in the investigation of high salaries of several leaders of the small California city of Bell.
The Bell City Council is expected to be asked Monday to approve a property tax rate that meets state law. The California city, which has drawn anger for the high salaries paid to its leaders, plans to repay $3 million in property tax overcharges.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked a federal judge Friday to allow same-sex marriages while an appeal over the struck-down law that banned them makes its way through the courts.
Three officials in a Los Angeles suburb whose high salaries sparked statewide outrage will step down from their jobs, the city's mayor said Friday.
California Republicans nominated two women Tuesday to lead their political ticket in November, bringing an end to two bruising GOP primary battles for governor and Senate.
Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman wins the Republican nomination for governor in California.
First-class commercial air travel for two or a private jet -- "must be a Lear 60 or larger" -- from Alaska to California and back. A deluxe hotel suite "registered under an alias." And two unopened bottles of still water with "bendable straws."
CNN's Brian Todd reports on the financial controversy surrounding one of Sarah Palin's speaking engagements.
The California Medical Board will start its own process to strip Dr. Conrad Murray of his medical license, state Attorney General Jerry Brown said Tuesday.
The attorney for Michael Jackson's father announces that a lawsuit will be filed against Dr. Conrad Murray.
Actor Corey Haim was the "poster child" for the problem of addicts "doctor shopping" for dangerous drugs, California's top law enforcement official said Tuesday.
California is referred to as a bellwether, a state that produces social trends and political movements that spread throughout the country.
A string of "brazen attempts" to kill members of a gang task force in Riverside, California, has led to a $200,000 reward for information.
An arrest has been made in the investigation of an illegal prescription drug ring connected to actor Corey Haim, a spokesman for California's attorney general said Wednesday.
Democrats opposed to Meg Whitman's gubernatorial campaign are hoping to get an assist from the public in their latest bid to push voters away from the Republican candidate.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced Tuesday his candidacy for governor.
Jerry Brown wants another shot at running California. Jessica Yellin looks at this unique politician.
You could make a serious argument that Jerry Brown is the most unconventional politician America has ever known.
Jerry Brown: California's attorney general on Tuesday launched his bid to regain the top office in Sacramento. Brown was California's governor for two terms from 1975 to 1983. His father, Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Sr., was also a two-term governor.
They've been committed to each other for eight years and have four sons together, but there's a component missing in one Berkeley, California, couple's life that's out of reach for them: getting married.
The most ridiculed players in the financial markets have found a new tormentor.
Is Jerry Brown planning to run for governor of California next year? He sure sounded like it when I spoke with him this week.
A defense attorney used the courthouse steps Tuesday for a blistering attack against the California attorney general for bringing conspiracy charges against his client, Howard K. Stern, in the Anna Nicole Smith case.
Anna Nicole Smith's boyfriend appears in court as his attorney blasts the felony charges
Stern knew Smith was an addict when he provided her with drugs, alleges Calif. Attorney General Jerry Brown
A lawyer for Howard K. Stern says the longtime partner of late sex symbol Anna Nicole Smith will fight conspiracy charges announced Thursday.
Dangerous cocktails of prescription drugs were pumped into Anna Nicole Smith "almost to the point of stupefaction" and eventually led to her death, California Attorney General Jerry Brown said Friday.
Gay couples from around California and the nation are feverishly tying the knot ahead of Election Day to avoid missing out if voters approve a ballot initiative aimed at banning same-sex marriage
Four food manufacturers agreed to reduce levels of a cancer-causing chemical in their potato chips and french fries under a settlement announced Friday by the state attorney general's office
Why waiting to announce a running mate until the conventions might be a boon for Obama -- and a liability for McCain
Toy recalls this year have shocked America but dangerous items are still on store shelves, an advocacy group says.
California's Jerry Brown, age 68 and ageless, is running for statewide office this year, 36 years after he did it the first time, and the question you have to ask is, Why doesn't he give it up? It's Thursday morning, and Brown, mayor of Oakland, is standing in incandescent sunshine outside the renovated Sears store he calls home. Not much is going smoothly this morning: the city had its 50th murder the night before, adding to a huge spike above 2005; his opponent in the race for California attorney general has just called him soft on crime; one of the two charter schools he helped start is in need of cash; and now Fox television wants him to go on camera as a commentator and defend a new text-messaging service being marketed to teens that offers information on sex. "I am a little stressed today," he says.
While nobody has made a big deal of it yet, there is a baby-boomer running for President. Bill Clinton, born August 19, 1946, rides the leading edge, the fortunate foam, of that demographic tsunami...
Education is, as most Americans will readily admit, one of the big issues of the '90s. And now the twin questions of how to improve our troubled public schools and make top-quality higher education...
As the race for the Presidency intensifies with as many as 14 primaries scheduled for Super Tuesday on March 10, MONEY offers the first of these monthly spotlights on the candidates' economic views...
Who are those guys? We allude to the six (as of 5 P.M., September 24) shadowy characters competing for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, collectively the subject of the following pop ...
Hey, remember windmills? They were going to help solve the energy crisis. Or at least that's what Jerry Brown said, according to this little mountain of faded clips on the desk. That was when Jerry...
Half-baked as it is, Jerry Brown's flat tax idea has provided the single most useful economic proposal of the presidential campaign so far. Why not get rid of the rat's nest that is the Internal Re...
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Fire and rescue crews were called to The Andersons' complex on Illinois Avenue in Maumee around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Crews responded to a report about a minor fire at a fertilizer facility.
A spokesperson for The Andersons says a small fire broke out in a dust collections system at its dispersible granular plant where grass and turf fertilizer is processed. In-house fire and safety personnel were able to put out the flames before fire crews arrived.
"What we make is not combustible. It actually happened in the dust collections system and it was immediately found and extinguished by our internal folks. But we did contact the fire department to come out just to make sure as a precautionary measure," said Debra Crow with The Andersons.
No injuries were reported.
Copyright 2013 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.
730 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH 43604
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subset: commoncrawl


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Mule skinner Stephen Clinch and 8-year-old Cindy Lou made
their rounds at the durst-taylor historic house powering an 1880's sugar cane
"I'll lead her, it's
easier to lead her than to drive her from behind I'll just lead her around a
circle and she'll be sweating a little bit when we get done I imagine," said
This is the 5th year for the Old Fashioned Sweet Tooth
Sugarcane Festival , Clinch says using the press the cane will be pressed and
boiled down to make ribbon cane syrup.
"This beam turns
gears that turn the drums and the cane goes between the drums and there is very
little clearance in there and it squeezes the juice out of it," said Festival.
The entire process takes about four to five hours, once all
the juice has been collected it's boiled until there is no water left then it's
made into syrup.
"There's so many people here in Nacogdoches that have never
seen this done, especially the younger generation, it was very common in our
grandparents day but as the kids get younger and this isn't really happening
anymore so its great to show the old farming techniques," said Jessica Sowell,
Assistant Historic Sites Manager.
As visitors waited for the sweet treat, they enjoyed a
journey back in time filled with music, a blacksmith and arts and crafts.
Volunteer Chandler McDonald says events like this teach
everyone the importance of recognizing the past.
"Just know how it
used to be done, now we go to the grocery store to get syrup before that it
would have been a lot more difficult," said McDonald.
The Nacogdoches Kiwanis Club was also on site making
fresh pancakes to enjoy with the fresh cane syrup.
Copyright 2014 KTRE.
All rights reserved
358 TV Road,
Pollok TX 75969
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Carter deserves to win the Batman contest!!! He lives in his batman suit 24/7. He is 5 years old and wears his new wings everywhere!!!
The Little Batman that could!!!
By: flightnurse1Subscribe Channel: Contests
1 Comment
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says ... on Friday, Jul 18 at 3:25 AM
He is adorable!!!!!! The cutest so far!!!!


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2010 MAZDA MIATA GRAND TOURING HARDTOP CONV!!! 1-OWNER NEW CAR TRADE!!! PERFECT IN EVERYWAY!!! 22,271 ORIGINAL MILES!!! SAVE TONS OVER NEW ON THIS HARD... More
1990 Mazda Miata Convertible, serial 00064. March 1989 build. Earliest verified Miata east of Mississippi. Shocks are dated Feb 1989, Wheels and center caps are dated... More
1980 Mazda RX7 GLS, Rarely driven, single owner, all original paint with pristine interior. Alway's garaged with cover with no rust. Runs and shifts... More
1988 Mazda RX7 Convertible, Father has moved (hence the New Vernon NJ address from Ridgewood for anyone who noticed the prior listing) and is... More
Beautiful 1983 Mazda RX7 This car has lived a very protective life. Orginially owned by older couple. Only 52,500 Miles........all Originial A real show car. 5 Speed Manual Transmission Black... More
1985 Mazda RX7 GS "IMSA Package, A true "Preservation Class" example of the first generation RX-7 this exceptionally clean original condition car has under... More
Read more about this car and see more pics at ROAD SCHOLARS HIGHLIGHTS: Two owner car with extensive documents (receipt of purchase) All original with 36K miles Chateau Silver... More
Contact Information Cruisin Classics 3575 Fisher Road Columbus OH 43228 LARRY AND JACKI PENDLETON OR SALES MANAGER DAVID REECE (866) 230-2851 1988 Mazda RX-7 Convertible Sellers Notes CRUISIN CLASSICS IS PLEASED... More
One in a Million: 1990 Mazda Miata Bright Orange Factory Color Test Car Truly one of a kind! To date, Mazda has produced approximately 960,000... More
The Classic Car Gallery is proud to offer this beautiful low mileage MAZDA MIATA MX-5. She is finished in CLASSIC RED over BLACK cloth.... More
MAZDA: 1985 RX7, mint condition, original owner, always garaged, no accidents, new engine, clutch plate, motor mounts dealer installed at 140,000 miles, new tires,... More
MAZDA: 2011 MX5 retractable, like new, 5,300 miles, standard trans, $23,900. Rocket Motor Sales, 860-489-5280, CT.... More
MAZDA: 2009 MX5 convertible, auto trans, blue/black top, 9,000 miles, $18,500. Rocket Motor Sales, 860-489-5280, CT.... More
MAZDAS: 1990-97 Miatas, nice selection of original and unmolested early Miatas; original parts available also. Miatas R Us, 217-734-9400, IL.... More


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Butterfly 2
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Designed by
Fiona Richards
Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
Fiona Richards grew up in her grandparents' 300 year old house in Scotland. It was filled to the brim with strange and curious mementos from their lives as textile dealers in old world India.
Fiona Richards and Cartolina products are represented by Lilla Rogers Studio.
Each Tattly is:
- • Safe & non-toxic
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text:
STARmeterTop 5000
Up 72 this week
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker was born March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio to parents Stephen Parker and Barbra Forste (who remarried Paul Forste after divorcing Sarah's father). After her mother wed Forste, she had four more children, bringing the total to eight. Sarah Jessica now had 3 full siblings and 4 half siblings. Trained in singing and ballet, ... See full bio »
Born:in Nelsonville, Ohio, USA
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You see them everywhere on the local sports scene.
They are the Moms whom we honor on this special day. Really, every day could be "Mother's Day" as they are the best friends we will ever have.
These games we play and watch would not be possible without all the Moms of the world.
This spring you see them in the bleachers or in lawn chairs at softball, baseball, track and tennis events.
Or, they might be strolling the course at golf matches.
They're also in great numbers at our Little League and Youth Soccer fields, nervously watching their little ones learn a game and how to be a good teammate.
Those Moms with boys and girls in multiple activities have grand scheduling challenges, but somehow make it work.
There are uniforms that need washing, transportation to practice or a game and not a very consistent dining schedule.
They want their sons and daughters to perform well, not get hurt and learn to play these games with true sportsmanship. And, they gather clippings from this newspaper.
Even on the college and professional level, you hear the athletes talking about what a great influence their Moms have been on their careers.
Often times during a National Football League game, the camera zooms in on a player on the sideline and he responds with "Hi, Mom."
Goshen High School athletics lost a "Super Mom" recently with the passing of Janet Swihart, a 1956 GHS graduate.
Janet's husband Keith, a 1955 GHS alum, played in both the first regular-season game and the first sectional contest at North Side Gym in Elkhart.
They raised three sons — Steve, Rob and David — who became Redskin athletes in multiple sports.
All have contributed greatly to GHS.
Thankfully, Janet lived long enough to see son Steve inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame and granddaughter Aimee become the career scoring leader in GHS girls basketball.
Activities at our house over the years often centered around sports-related events and Mom was our biggest supporter. She still lives in a home which has been in the family 101 years.
My father, Dick, was a boys basketball referee from 1946-63, ran the boys baseball league at Rogers Park in the 1950s, the men's fast-pitch softball program at Shanklin Park from 1960-73 and the Monday Night Golf League at Maplecrest from 1974-98.
I played baseball in the city park leagues through high school, helped at many GHS events and then started writing for The News while a junior at GHS in 1966.
Sisters Margaret (Class of 1970) and Sandy (Class of 1974) were both in the cheerblock for Redskin boys basketball games and Sarah (Class of 1986) was a cheerleader.
Today, we honor those Moms we are blessed to still have with us and remember those who have departed and blazed the trail for this generation.
Here is one final thought for Mother's Day 2013 —
Mom may not always be right. But, she is never wrong.


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Secluded Upper Canyon with awsome views yet close to town in Ruidoso
- bedrooms 3
- baths 2
- sleeps 6
- pool no
- hot tub no
- pets allowed no
- type House
- community
rates (USD)
/ night
$ 1,100 - $ 1,700 / week
$ 2,500 - $ 3,800 / month
vacation rental description
1950 square foot Ruidoso cabin built in 2005 with awesome views in the Upper
Conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood with lots of wildlife,
mountain biking and hiking. Dyer Straits is a three-bedroom, two-
bath cabin, which accommodates six guests. Secluded yet close to
shopping and skiing. Dyer Straits is also with in walking distance
to the Lincoln National Forest.
The loft is the master suite and is furnished with a king-size bed,
flat panel color television and includes a sitting area. The master
suite also has its own private bathroom with a shower.
The main floor has a level entry with a covered porch and includes a
nicely decorated living room with a wood burning fireplace, a fully
stocked kitchen, dining area, full bathroom and bedroom with a queen
size bed and a color television. There is also a 500 square foot
deck with awesome views, patio furniture and a gas grill.
The lower floor has a full size pool table, foosball table, board
games and a large TV with DVD for family entertaining. There is also
a bedroom with bunk beds. In addition there is a secluded 500 square
foot deck on the lower floor.
vacation rental location
property availability
- dates with deals
- unavailable dates
Last modified on 08-26-2014 at 12:33 PM.
email owner view full calendar
Grant & Dennean Dyer 575-522-4663
house rental amenities
Everything you need in this upper canyon cabin to make your stay
relaxing, comfortable and fun. Whether it be outside on a beautiful
ruidoso day or maybe the weather does not permit. There are many
things to do inside. Play a game of pool or hang out and watch a
movie together. The cabin now has internet and cable and air conditioning. Go out for dinner or make dinner in. This newer 3 bedroom 2 bath cabin will take you away from all your worries.
activities and attractions in Ruidoso New Mexico
Shopping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, snow skiing, performing
arts, horse racing and casino gambling, restaurants and many other
outdoor activities are available.
vacation rental rates
Apr.1,-Apr.14,and Oct.1,- Nov.15,. $200.00/night.
3 night minimum stay is required.
4 night minimum stay is required during holidays and spriing break
December 12, through January 12, is a 5 night mimimum, rates are
Call for special rates.
Cleaning fee $95.00
Grant & Dennean Dyer 575-522-4663
accepted payment methods
Prior to paying a reservation deposit, always verify payment instructions by calling the phone number displayed on this listing page. By contacting the owner directly and paying by an approved method - credit card, paypal, check or bank transfer - your reservation payment will be protected up to $1,000.Learn more in our Security Center
Top things to do in Ruidoso
- Skiing
- Casinos and Horse Racing
- Shoping at local shops
- Dining at a wide range of restaurants
- Fishing and Hiking
Grant & Dennean Dyer , owner


text:
By JEFF MEYERS
---- — PLATTSBURGH — With a couple of weeks of winter still on the calendar, a return to the links is little more than fantasy for the region's golfing enthusiasts.
But some golfers have enjoyed a head start on the season through an exercise program hosted by the Wellness Center of CVPH at PARC.
The center's eight-week Golfer Rx Program helps to improve strength and power in the golf swing and to minimize the potential for golf-related injuries during the season.
"It has focused mostly on fitness," said participant Mal Cutaiar, as his group neared completion of their seventh week in the program recently. "We've progressed through various stages with strength and stability exercises."
The program also included a series of tips on improving the golf swing itself from local golf pro Sean Loughan, director of golf at Harmony Golf Club.
But participants rarely pick up golf clubs during the program, focusing rather on medicine balls and exercise mats to tone muscles that haven't been used on the golf links since last year.
"Think of your swing when you're doing these exercises," said program instructor John Vasile as he prepared the participants for their hour-long workout.
"We want to work on those muscles that are vital in the golf swing," he added moments later as the golfers began working through a series of exercise stages. "We want (participants) to focus on balance as it pertains to strength, mobility and flexibility."
Those taking part range in age and have a variety of golf skills, added Vasile, a personal trainer at the Wellness Center who is working toward certification in golf-fitness instruction.
"A lot of golfers don't know what muscles to work (during the off-season). These exercises can help golfers prevent injury while increasing their ability to hit the ball better. They add to the consistency of the golf swing."
Golfers pick up skills to improve their swing and overall game while concentrating on the muscles used most often during 18 holes.
"We give them techniques they can use in the future and especially during the off season," Vasile said.
Dennis Bardelak has been involved in the program for the past three years and praises the support he has received.
"I was having posture problems (with his swing) that they were able to find here," he said. "The exercises have improved my posture; they also help keep us from getting hurt (during the season)."
The first year of training added 50 yards to his drive, Bardelak said. He has seen improved consistency in his game each year, he added.
"I'm 63, and I recommend (the course) for anyone interested in golf," he said. "As we age, our muscles get stiffer, and we lose mobility. This has allowed me to enjoy the game. I'm feeling really good."
Jack Orr, 73, signed up for the course to help improve his physical conditioning as he prepares to return to the links after a couple of years off.
"It's gone very well," he said of the program's first seven weeks. "I can do a whole lot more with my body than I could when I first started."
Orr has spent some time on the driving range at the City of Plattsburgh's Recreation Department on U.S. Oval and believes his swing has also improved.
"I can't wait to get out (on the golf course) and try it," he said.
Vasile's sister, Mary Vasile, is the only woman participating in the session. She decided to sign up to improve her overall game.
"I'm strictly a beginner (at golf), but I'm feeling a lot more proficient with my strength training," she said. "I feel more flexible with my golf swing."
She also said the program has given her more energy in her job as a laboratory analyst.
"This is the second time for me," said Scott Hughes of the program. "It's training that has helped me improve my hobby, helped strengthen the skills we need in golf.
"It's also helped with stamina," he added. "I don't get as winded (on the links). I have the ability to finish 18 holes strong.
Hughes has also been to the Recreation Department's indoor driving range, where he hit about 100 balls during his last visit.
"You can see where the golf swing has improved," he said. "My strength, my agility, they're much improved."
Email Jeff Meyers: email@example.com
GOLF Rx PROGRAM


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Michael Riley: Providence Vying for Worst Funded City in America
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Last week, Moody's Credit Rating Agency, using new metrics that should surprise no one, unceremoniously dropped Chicago three notches to BAA1. This is three levels above junk and affects $8 billion in GO (General Obligation Bond) debt. Similarly, Providence is also rated BAA1 but that was done in September 2013 prior to Moody's change in methodology and after Providence's mild reform effort. The difference between Mayor Taveras of Providence and Rahm Emanuel as individuals is obvious. One mayor is aggressively seeks a solution to an impending calamity and the other Mayor tinkered, caved to union demands and is done, thereby dooming Providence to receivership. Mayor Emanuel thinks the city of Chicago is in dire straits, is pushing the unions, and is looking for solutions. Mayor Taveras has fooled around with the accounting; made the laughably courageous call to end 6% COLAs (Cost of Living Adjustments) and now now everything is fine.
From Moody's perspective, they both have ratings that fairly "reflect the city's massive and growing unfunded pension liabilities, which threaten the city's fiscal solvency absent major revenue and other budgetary adjustments adopted in the near term and sustained for years to come."
Mayor Emanuel has resorted to taxable bonds for funding the city and Providence's next Mayor may adopt this tactic. But unless both cities can significantly renegotiate the contracts with their respective unions soon and raise taxes, they both have very few options other than Bankruptcy or receivership.
Did Providence mislead bondholders and citizens?
In Providence there is an additional issue of answering charges that Providence has mislead bondholders and citizens by false and inflated reporting of assets in the pension plan. We were the first in the country to expose this and we are awaiting an answer. Calls to Segal, who recommended Providence discontinue their practice in the audit produced a few weeks ago, have not been returned. We have studied hundreds of cities nationwide, especially poorly funded pension plans and have been unable to find similar asset treatment that used by Providence officials and their accountants.
In July 2013, Miami and its former budget director were charged with securities fraud related to several municipal bond offerings. The SEC alleged that misleading financial information was given to investors. My readings of the last few reports from Providence to its citizens and to the RI Municipal Pension Study Commission show that their numbers will require significant changes to comply with regulators and ratings agencies. Pensions and accounting can no longer be swept under the rug. Providence will have to explain its accounting treatment for assets in the plan and why the auditor told them just a few weeks ago, to end those accounting practices.
An interesting battle in Coventry
Rhode Island has already begun implementing an interesting municipal incentive program known as RIGL 45-13.2-5 and 2-6. This program seeks to reward good behavior in pension management by localities. Coventry believes it deserves its share of "incentive", approximately $166,000 out of a $5 million program. The idea of the program is to encourage local pension plans to reform and/or join the state pension system. Coventry's Town Council and town manager argue that the dispute over the $20 million of liability in non-certified school employees should not affect this aid. The town believes the liability and the lack of solution are the schools problem and not the town's problem. The town has been contributing their required amount for decades. The interesting juxtaposition of funding responsibilities and obligations has created quite a stir and the town of Coventry believes that the state and revenue director may be acting "unlawfully" by withholding aid from Coventry. Coventry claims it is the only town that has had aid withheld. This is especially surprising considering the wide range of compliance and talks associated with Funding Improvement Plans.
From Coventry Town manager Thomas Hoover:
Mr. Hoover said it is very curious to the town that the Town of Coventry is the "only one" in the State of Rhode Island that this has been withheld from. He said the town is working on this issue; however he cannot say that the town is at a conclusion on their discussions, but they are continuing to talk. Mr. Hoover said as you can see from his letter, he is hopeful that the Department of Revenue and the Governor changes their position on the municipal aid since the town is adamantly against the action that was taken, and he said "it not only is it unfair, but the town believes it is unlawful.
While this is all very interesting, it doesn't change the math and Coventry will be unlikely to make it to year-end 2014 without a receiver. The town awaits a huge arbitration ruling on a police contract that may render this whole discussion mute and trigger bankruptcy. We should know by the end of this month. In addition, the town understates its liabilities by about $64 million. We show Coventry's Unfunded Pension Liability as $134,000,000 using Moody's and GASB 2014 metrics. We also have not included the effects of the liability of CCFD liquidation, which is in the tens of millions.
Coventry's Unfunded Pension Liability
Source: http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/documents/Pension-Study-Commission/2014.1.27%20PSC%20Minutes%20Package.pdf " target="_blank">Pension and OPEB Study Commission
In addition, Mr. Hoover said it is very curious that the Town of Coventry is the "only one" in Rhode Island that this has been withheld from. He said the town is working on this issue; however he cannot say that the town is at a conclusion on their discussions, but they are continuing to talk. Mr. Hoover said, as you can see from his letter, he is hopeful that the Department of Revenue and the Governor changes their position on the municipal aid since the town is adamantly against the action that was taken. He also said, "it not only is it unfair, but the town believes it is unlawful."
Related Slideshow: Providence Pension Liability
A new report shows that Providence's pension fund—even after the recent reform—is still in trouble. The below slides break out the key numbers for the pension fund, including the unfunded liability, the assumed and actual rates of return, the current level of benefits, and how long it will take the city to pay off the unfunded liability. Figures are current as of July 1, 2013 and are taken from the new Jan. 31 actuarial report from Segal Consulting.
Impact of Lower Rates of Return
$72 million:The city unfunded liability increased by this amount when the city lowered its assumed rate of return by a quarter of a percentage point, from 8.5% to 8.25%
$506.2 million: The estimated increase in the unfunded liability were the city to use the 6% assumed rate of return recommended by Moody's Investors Service.
Current Cost of Pension Fund
For 2013
City Contribution: $58.1 million
Employees Contribution: $10.9 million
Net Investment Return: $18.1 million
Cost of Retiree Benefits: $95.4 million
Note: Net investment return is the return on investments after investment and administrative fees have been paid.
Related Articles
- Michael Riley: Analysing A Crisis
- Experts React to Rhode Island Pension Reform Agreement
- Michael Riley: Is the RI Pension Commission Making Up Numbers?
- Providence Pension Crisis by the Numbers
- Michael Riley: The Harsh Reality of the Pension and OPEB Crisis
- See How Much Providence Pays in Pension Fund Fees
- Michael Riley: The Municipal Pension Study Commission Is A Failure
- Michael Riley: The Pension Study Commission Needs To Face Reality
- Michael Riley: West Warwick Is Headed For Disaster
- PowerPlayer: Republican Congressional Candidate Michael Riley
- Guest MINDSETTER™ Michael Riley: Rhode Island's Leadership Problem
- EXCLUSIVE: Providence Unfunded Pension Liability Now At Least $831M
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Comment #1 by LENNY BRUCE on 2014 03 11
Regrettably, despite your good intentions, I think your well written (and documented) articles are for the most part falling on deaf ears (eyes).
With regard to Mayor Taveras & his lackluster performance in Providence, it's quite clear he, as you adeptly put it,"tinkered" with the financial crisis and, upon a second look at the road ahead, decided discretion was the better part of valor. Hence he's bailing out as quickly as possible. A true profile in courage.
Thanks for your efforts to educate RI taxpayers. Not certain what fruit they will bear but you are a welcome breath of fresh air as the Pro-Jo and other media continue to be no show's on major public issues.
Please consider a future run for public office. Your honesty and expertise is needed badly.
Comment #2 by Walter Miller on 2014 03 11
Comment #3 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 11
Those are just my thoughts on your last couple of sentences. I do hope things work out for you. Heck, I hope things work out for all of us but I think we all know how poorly this is going to play out for everybody with the exception of some lawyers and politicians.
Comment #4 by Patrick Boyd on 2014 03 11
Comment #5 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 11
Comment #6 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 11
You sued Cianci and lost. How much longer was he in office after that? Like I said, the power of the union vote should never be underestimated.
Comment #7 by Patrick Boyd on 2014 03 11
Comment #8 by bill bentley on 2014 03 11
Comment #9 by Redd Ratt on 2014 03 11
Comment #10 by Hal Simms on 2014 03 11
Comment #11 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 11
it isnt a conspiracy. these 5 points are all connected ,
Comment #12 by michael riley on 2014 03 11
Comment #13 by Redd Ratt on 2014 03 11
Once again you are attempting to be rational with irrational people.
Don't you understand, there is little interest in these facts, just what they have coming.
Just like Steve made his pension contributions, so all we property owners paid our taxes. Overly generous salary & benefits, unsustainable COLA's, insufficient municipal contributions, weak leadership, all leads to one inescapable conclusion, NO $$.
So where do we go from here? Regrettably we can't unring this bell.
Comment #14 by Walter Miller on 2014 03 11
"If the City had just paid annually the full contribution into the pension system in the first place there wouldn't be a problem" -
Like the City withheld the full pension contribution so that it could do something un-beneficial to public employees, like give property tax refunds to residents.....
NO, the City did not make full pension contributions BECAUSE the City budget was strained PAYING OVERTIME BENEFITS TO POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS. The City budget was strained giving mandatory raises to teachers and hiring substitutes for teacher absences. The City budget was strained paying unionized bus drivers and janitors.
Look, I would also be upset if my pension wasn't what I agreed to, but guess what??? There is no money. Providence County has almost 400 active foreclosures. How many people have to lose their home so you can have a second one??
Retirees real legal claim is against current employees, and vica verca, the taxpayer has nothing to do with the current or past City budgets, the taxpayers have always paid, it's the individual City departments that NEVER stayed on budget.
Comment #15 by George Costanza on 2014 03 12
Welcome to Rhode Island!
Comment #16 by George Costanza on 2014 03 12
Comment #17 by Patrick Boyd on 2014 03 12
I hope the Municipal Finance Committee and the Gov. hold firm on Coventry paying their pension ARC's including the one that Coventry wants to walk away from. Perhaps when this community collapses it will also find the stamina to consolidate all the separately taxing fire districts. I'm awaiting to see what Ms. Nolan proposes in Narragansett since it seems like a done deal to not fund pensions, but build athletic fields. I will be interesting to see where our elected Council members fall on paying the Town's existing obligations. I'm pretty sure the retirees intend to hold their feet to the fire before giving up a cent for retirements they paid for in full. Since Narragansett receives so little State Aid other than Education, would it not be cheaper for the Town not to comply than fund their ARC?
Comment #18 by Gansett Proud on 2014 03 12
Comment #19 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 12
Comment #20 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 12
Comment #21 by Stephen DeNinno on 2014 03 12
Coventry has a similar problem but the town doesnt have as much room in term of current tax rates (currently double the rate of Narragansett).Both have statutory room to take on debt though neither can solve it by debt issuance alone.
In terms of council behavior, Coventry is begging to have an overseer come in a dictate,so is West warwick and even maybe Narragansett is also begging for some "judge or commission" to do the dirty work. Its very cowardly behavior by all. Narragansett can not claim bankruptcy or hardship , at least not at this point, they just have to act. Coventry cant avoid true hardship much longer.
You made a reference to "priorities" in Narragansett. I agree that the Narragansett Council is behaving bizarrely by recommending harsh cuts to public employees retirement money, reneging on promises and at the same time they are pushing the idea to borrow millions in order to build a new high school football field.A Football field vs retiree promises? Thats just wrong.It is tone deaf and mean.
Comment #22 by michael riley on 2014 03 12
I have to agree with you on several points. I'm just amazed that I actually agree with Stan W. regarding the grand scheme for the athletic complex in light of the debt Narragansett already owes. Every time we hear it's for the kids, and taxpayers don't consider the long term. Narragansett is like a freshman in college with a new credit card. Everything is great until that first statement shows up in the mail. In the case of Narragansett, they have only been paying the minimum balance (paygo) for over a decade. I don't think the Town's retirees many of whom are elderly are going to give back any easier than Chase or Bank of America. Talking with friends who negotiated the benefits the Town now wants back, the Town did discuss the cost of every benefit as part of their bargaining so those discussion did exist. Also in the atmosphere that the Town would tell employees the pension was 102% funded. Until Ceasrine and the Council ignored what Loonjens and Krugman created and Almonte blew the whistle did it become a hot potato with negotiations. Meanwhile, several connected administrators and dept heads bought into the plan and left with COLAS using time bought from other communities. No wonder the employees are pissed! They get whacked while the people who created the problem get a free ride.
Comment #23 by Gansett Proud on 2014 03 12


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CATEGORIES MoviesBad news: It's still February, it's still freezing cold out, and we still have have four months until summer officially starts. But, not to worry -- we have a solution.
To break the winter blues, Moviefone has put together a list of the 10 most memorable bikinis in movies. No, it's not quite as good as lying out on the beach with the waves crashing at your feet and the sun hitting your face, but it's a
From Ursula Andress's legendary beach walk in "Dr. No" to the Phoebe Cates dream sequence in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," check out the entire list below.


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Credit: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times
It's been a quiet summer in the Atlantic, weather-wise. But on the shore, there's a noisy argument taking place between Jersey shore property-owners who support a federal effort to build sand dunes between their homes and the water, and a minority of holdouts who fear that signing an easement to allow the work will take away too much from their property rights.
The New York Times is following the story here: ("Trying to Shame Dune Holdouts at Jersey Shore," by Kate Zernike). The question is personal for one store owner, the paper reports: "Anchor Produce Market sells homemade mozzarella, its own fresh salsa, and what many regulars swear is the best sweet corn on Long Beach Island. But, a sign on the counter declares, it will not sell anything to the owners of 63 Long Beach Boulevard, 7 Coast Avenue, 12 Sea View Drive South, or 34 other nearby oceanfront properties. Those owners have refused to grant easements to allow the federal government to build a massive dune along a 50-mile stretch of the Jersey Shore. Without the protective ridge of sand, engineers predict it is only a matter of time before homes, neighborhoods, even entire communities are wiped out by rising seas — a reality brought into stark relief by the devastation from Hurricane Sandy. So until they sign the easements, holdouts should buy their groceries elsewhere."
Despite the public, and sometimes personal, pressure, a few holdouts remain in most barrier island towns. But their options are dwindling after a New Jersey Supreme Court decision held that when a town seizes property for dune construction, the owner need not be compensated to the extent that the dune itself adds value by virtue of its protective nature. Mantaloking, where five holdouts remain, has announced its intention to seize the necessary rights from those owners, the Times reports. And in Ortley Beach, Tom Cangialosi, the treasurer of Surf Cottages Homeowners Association, says he thinks association members should read the writing on the wall. "There are some people who will be screaming and going down with the drum and fife," he said. "But anybody who really thinks about things and considers the alternative will see: they want this, they're going to do it. Your choice is sign, or face the consequences."
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Our Safe Bet campaign to be raised in Parliament (From Wimbledon Guardian)
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Our Safe Bet campaign to be raised in Parliament
Updated 9:04am Wednesday 5th February 2014 in News By Mike Murphy-Pyle, Chief Reporter
Our Safe Bet campaign will be raised in Parliament today as MPs debate safety for bookmakers in Westminster.
Chris Evans MP will talk about the campaign, which the Sutton Guardian launched after the tragic death of North Cheam man Iacovou who was murdered as he worked alone at Ladbrokes in Morden.
During a debate in Westminster Hall in which he will call on the Government to deal with issues caused by single staffing at bookmakers.
Mr Evans, MP for Islwyn in Wales, is a former betting shop worker himself and was alerted to SafeBet by Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake.
He said: "I have called for this debate as I have become concerned that the single staffing of betting shops is making workers vulnerable to incidences of violence and anti-social behaviour.
"I would like to see betting industry figures and ministers get around the table to discuss ways to protect shop workers and ensure that staff are able to deal properly with issues such as problem gambling."
Mr Iacovou, a 55-year-old father-of-three, was bludgeoned to death by 21-year-old homeless gambling addict Shafique Aarij ion May last year during a bungled robbery.
Shafique Aarij
Aarij knew Mr Iacovou, whose wife Anita has backed the SafeBet campaign, would be working alone when he tricked him into opening the door to the secure area behind the counter at the Aberconway Road bookies.
Aarij was given a life sentence in January.
Westminster Hall debates give members the chance to raise issues that are of importance to them in front of other MPs in the hope of gaining enough support to get them raised in the House of Commons.
Today's debate comes in the same week that a masked robber forced a lone worker at Ladbrokes in the Broadway in Stoneleigh to open a safe and hand over cash.
The raider was caught on CCTV entering the shop at 8.50pm Saturday and threatening the member of staff before fleeing with the money in a bum bag.
To watch the debate in Westminster hall, click here from 11am to 11.30am.
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With Internazionale struggling in Bremen, today's match in Enschede is looking increasingly meaningless. That doesn't mean it lacks for entertainment, with Twente and Tottenham Hotspur trading goals in the first 11 minutes after half time. Now in the 60th minute, Twente and Spurs are drawn 2-2.
The second half's goal started with Spurs and Jermain Defoe. The Tottenham striker, still returning from early season ankle problems, was the recipient of a pass from Aaron Lennon, the substitute winger cutting a ball back from the right side. Defoe came onto the ball and beat Sander Boschker two minutes into half, giving Spurs a temporary lead.
Ten minutes later, a brilliant header from Roberto Rosales equalized for Twente. Rising onto a cross from the left flank, Rosales powered a ball to Heurelho Gomes's left post from 14 yards out, leaving the score tied 2-2.
In all likelihood, though, this match does not matter. Inter Milan is trailing at Bremen, meaning Spurs can take first place regardless of the outcome in Enschede. Twente is already locked into third.


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Buffco USA, LLC is a partnership between life long friends Gary Elmer and Wade Carrell. Launched in 2002 Buffco developed a wide variety of polishing products for the auto industry. Looking for new innovative ways to replace Petrol-Chemical based products they developed the Coco Clean scouring pads.
They strongly feel that all of us can make a difference in the lives of others. Their ultimate goal is to share their products and ideas with everyone who cares about making the world a better place. A portion of the profit from each sale will be donated to causes that they feel make a difference!
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By Danny the (Solar) Manatee on 10/24/2013
All Hallows' Eve is drawing nigh and "energy vampires" are once again terrorizing the nation. Well, these plugs actually don't prefer a time of year and terrorizing may be exaggerating slightly…but that doesn't make them any less vamp. Or vampirey. Vampiric? I digress… You probably have appliances in your home and office that are plugged […]
Posted in Efficiency Tips | Tagged appliances, awesome, blog, clean, efficiency, energy star, green tips, power strip, save money, savings, smart power strip, solar, tip, twilight, utility bill, vamp, vampire | Leave a response


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10 reasons you know you grew up in Bexleyheath in the 1990s (From News Shopper)
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10 reasons you know you grew up in Bexleyheath in the 1990s
6:00am Friday 21st February 2014 in News
IT may only be 14 years since the 1990s ended but quite a lot has changed in Bexleyheath since then.
Inspired by our reporter Melissa Hills' list of 15 reasons you know you grew up in Bexleyheath in the 2000s, Helen Clark got in touch via Facebook to say she grew up around Bexleyheath in the 90s and would like to share her memories of that decade.
So, here they are – Helen's 10 reasons you know you grew up in Bexleyheath in the 1990s.
Share your favourite memories of growing up in Bexley using the comments box below.
1. You remember Townley Grammar being Bexley Technical High School for Girls.
Below: Linda Hutchinson above, pictured in 2010 at her farewell party, was head of Townley Girls' Grammar School for nearly 18 years. When she took over it was Bexley Technical High School for Girls - girls of the 90s may well remember her
2. You shopped in Zodiac and the Bexleyheath branch of Miss Selfridge and Topshop with your friends on a Saturday.
3. You bought crystals and hippy jewellery from the shop in Trading World.
4. The Cineworld cinema was a new exciting place to go.
5. You bought random odds and sods in Mumsy's.
6. Woolworths' pick 'n' mix was a perfect after-school snack.
7. ...as was the chocolate fridge cake in Safeway.
8. You used to see Malcolm, the model from Just Seventeen wandering around with his dog.
9. You didn't need a PCSO to supervise you getting on the bus. you managed it yourself.
10. You remember the shopping centre being clad in weird coppery stuff and having fountains in the middle.
Do you have a list in you? Maybe you have facts about where you live that other people might not know, or you have some nostalgic memories of where you grew up. Perhaps you just have some nuggets of information about a random subject that others would find funny or interesting. Send a list for us to look at by clicking here to email
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- Tesco Bromley questioned after offering chocolate hamper as 1st prize in diabetes raffle
- Top 10 facts about baby name trends as Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones influences grow
- VIDEO: The semi-naked Catford man strikes again!
- Forest Hill man died after vibrator became stuck in his bottom
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Families are settling back into the school day routine of getting kids up and out the door in time to catch the bus or make it to school before the bell. That means drivers need to be on the lookout for children walking along the streets in the morning and afternoon, and be sure to follow traffic rules around buses that are picking up and dropping off. They should also be aware of young, inexperienced drivers heading to and from high school.
NJC's student body consists of students from across the state, country and even the globe. While many of the students are from right here in northeast Colorado, others may be hundreds or thousands of miles from home -- perhaps for the first time. Their return to campus yields a positive economic force as they shop in local stores, dine in local restaurants and provide job security for the college's workforce. It also brings a youthful energy to the community as the campus comes alive with activities and events in addition to the education the students receive.
We hope the community will join us in welcoming our local students at all levels back to school, and doing what they can to make our temporary residents feel welcome and at home. We also again remind everyone to be conscious of the safety issues that arise along city streets, and cautious during the times of day that students are likely to be out and about.
To the students themselves, we say welcome back, and we hope that your year is full of successes and achievements. May you make the most of the opportunities that present themselves throughout the school year, in and out of the classroom, and may the lessons you learn leave you better prepared to take on whatever life brings your way.


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Mission statement our mission is to develop and market health, fitness, and exercise products that measure, encourage, and improve physical well-being of people of all ages. Sequoia fitness products USA is an international health and fitness product development company. Our products focuses on helping our customers achieve their fitness and weight or body fat goals. Collectively, our staff has over 50 years of experience in the design, manufacture, sales, and marketing of health, fitness, and medical devices. Most of our products are first tested in the bodybuilding industry, where the needs of elite athletes are extremely demanding.
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No school, no work and snow on the ground made for a huge lure for adults and children alike this week.
Time to go sledding!
Suicide Hill in Brookside was especially popular on New Year's Day.
"It's really fun," said Colin Jasper who moved with his family from Arizona to Kansas City. "You get to throw snowballs at people, sled and go down Suicide Hill, which is just a blast!"
Others enjoyed using a makeshift ramp to get some thrills by soaring high into the air. Dogs were even among those hitting the hill via sled, tube or other device.
Copyright 2013 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.


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The Registry of Lobbyists
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The Commissioner's Newsletter: Read the Summer 2014 edition.
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Lobbying Act
The preamble of the Lobbying Act states:
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- It is desirable that public office holders and the public be able to know who is engaged in lobbying activities.
- A system of registration of paid lobbyists should not impede free and open access to government.


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Lips Of Faith - Sahti - New Belgium Brewing
Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse.
Ratings: 192 | Reviews: 139 | Display Reviews Only:
Reviews by Sorcerer:
United Kingdom (England)
3.75/5 rDev +10%
Poured slowly into an Imperial pint glass.
No head whatsoever. Really beautiful copper color.
Smell, dry malt, some lemon, but nothing leapt out (maybe my nose was not working right after work with solvents today).
Tastes interesting - unlike anything - perhaps distantly reminiscent of Alaska Spruce Ale - but the Juniper was not the steamroller flavor I expected. Juniper there for sure, putting on a solid baseline to the floral bitterness of the Amarillo Hops. Then there's some rye into the barley malt. Then there's the lemon and orange peel, nicely under-done, but plays a light sky over the forest of deep flavor.
Finnish is the nationality of this brew.
Finish is long lasting and complex, sweet and bitter, and deep in the forest of beer flavors. Does not anesthetize the tonsils. I think the finish of this beer is one of the best things about it. An alpine meadow of herbal flavors. Since the scoring system here doesn't allow any weight for this category, my review will be lower.
Flavor was good. But this isn't a session beer. It is something to sip and savor.
7.2% ABV makes it a strong ale, and it is.
I liked it a lot, but an honest score for this beer is not possible in the beer advocate system.
02-07-2011 03:52:02 | More by Sorcerer
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3.55/5 rDev +4.1%
Pours a bright, crystal clear orange with a quarter inch of white bubbles on top of the brew that leaves some stringy lacing. Citrus peel mixes in with a nice juniper accent. Sweet malt backbone along with herbal undertones.
First sip brings somewhat sweet malts upfront mixing with juniper and citrus flavors that roll across the palate. Spicy and herbal with earth tones as it flows down. Mild bitterness on the end with a lingering juniper flavor.
Mouthfeel is smooth with good carbonation. Goes down easily and ends up being rather refreshing. I personally would've liked the juniper to be a little more forward, however it's still a tasty brew, if a tad on the sweet side. Thanks to Jeff and Debbie for this one!
12-12-2010 22:01:08 | More by orbitalr0x
3.25/5 rDev -4.7%
04-27-2014 05:12:51 | More by DaftPatrick
3/5 rDev -12%
22oz bottle. Pours a clear copper gold with a medium creamy white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is bready malts and a little spice.
The flavor is bready malts and some rye and juniper with a decent sized hop finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied and creamy.
Overall, not a lot going on. It's interesting to try a different traditional style, but sounds like they didn't really hit the style like the Berliner Weisse (at least that one was more interesting).
09-29-2010 05:43:36 | More by Beaver13
3.9/5 rDev +14.4%
The beer has a nice rusty orange color and about 1/3 inch head. I'm picking some earthy, yeast and nutmeg scents. Very smooth taste with little carbonation and a light oiliness in the aftertaste. I can sense a few spices, but nothing distinctive enough to call out. I'm enjoying it on a very hot summer day and it works well (although it's not a summer ale). Overall it's a very nice beer which I would try again.
07-31-2011 00:53:07 | More by mikechance
3.05/5 rDev -10.6%
Thanks to thirdeye11 for sharing this bottle. Excited to try this one as it is only my second sahti.
The beer pours a golden-orange color with an off-white head. The aroma is heavy on the grain and spices, but I can't identify any of the individual notes. The flavor is a mix of pine (or is it juniper), grass, grain and spices. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. Not much going on here, one of the least exciting Lips of Faith beers.
12-15-2010 05:10:31 | More by Mora2000
3.08/5 rDev -9.7%
Serving glass: Poured from bottle into dimpled mug.
Appearance: Clear amber with thin white head that disappears leaving no lacing. I thought a Sahti should be cloudy?
Smell: Bready with a decent level of spiciness, citrus and a somewhat metallic bitterness (this may be the juniper).
Taste: Very bready, caramely and spicy, with citrus and juniper. The juniper just seems a little strange to me, as if some gin was poured into my beer. Surprisingly simple, and almost ordinary, compared to my expectations.
Feel: Moderate carbonation, medium body with a juniper-driven dry finish. Strangely boozy for the moderate alcohol.
Drinkability: Hard to review a style I have not had before. It is hard to know if it is indicative of the style or not. My guess is not, since I thought it would be much more yeasty, both in appearance (cloudy) and in taste (banana, maybe slightly tart). As is, this seems to be simple English Ale with a bunch of juniper. I will need to try one of the better reviewed examples of the style to know if I am the problem or if the beer is (I have a sneaking suspicion it is the beer).
01-23-2011 21:02:34 | More by bsp77
3.68/5 rDev +7.9%
On-tap at the Porter Beer Bar in Atlanta.
Pours a crystal-clear copper color with a one-finger white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving decent lacing.
Smells of muted pale malts with moderate amounts of earthy hops. Also present are slight amounts of spiciness, not unlike the hop presence in a year-old IPA.
Tastes similar to how it smells though more one-dimensional. Somewhat grainy malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by solid amounts of earthy hop flavors. The malt flavors sweeten up midway through the sip before hints of spiciness dry things out and carry through to a moderately bitter ending. The alcohol is fairly well hidden and the aftertaste is medicinal.
Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with solid carbonation.
Drinkability is also good. I finished my glass without a problem and could have another.
Overall this beer was drier and had less juniper influence than other Sahtis that I've had. As I noted in the aroma section this beer is more reminiscent of an IPA (or maybe an APA would be more apt) past its prime than anything else.
12-04-2010 23:15:30 | More by glid02
3.25/5 rDev -4.7%
10-31-2012 19:42:56 | More by ste5venla
4.43/5 rDev +29.9%
picked up a bottle of this stuff at green's in the atl! rare find!
the appearance is brown with not much head and splotchy lacing
smells bready to malty, maybe a hint of fruitiness in there as well
the taste is very smooth...but the malt comes to my taste buds more than anything else, then a bready flavor comes over....the traditional recipe uses bakers yeast so i think new belgium did a great job on recreating this traditional recipe
the feel is dry as i would think it should be
overall this is a lovely ale...i really should have picked up a few of these bombers!
01-05-2012 01:04:37 | More by nickthegun12
3.83/5 rDev +12.3%
According to the bottle, a rye ale brewed with Juniper, hopped with cascade and amarillo hops, and flavored with orange and lemon peel.
Served cool into my New Belgium goblet, Sahti is a hazy golden pumpkin color with thick creamy head. Good retention and a sheet of lace left behind as it settles.
Aroma is surprisingly mild given all of the flavoring used in the brewing process. I can pick up the citrus peels and a little spice but the hops are not as much in the forefront.
Flavor is still on the subtle side but the vast array of ingredients start to come out of hiding. The juniper provides a piney bitterness that combines with the citrus nicely. The hops are still not a major contributor but they start to assert themselves as the beer warms. A sweet, biscuit malt body is familiar to drinkers of NB beers as is the yeast.
Mouthfeel is medium-light in body with very good balance. Carbonation is on the low side, which I like.
Overall it's a tasty Sahti. It is certainly a rare style so I'm glad to see a major craft brewer (other than Dogfish Head) taking a stab at it.
09-22-2010 22:19:59 | More by GilGarp
North Carolina
3.4/5 rDev -0.3%
Pours a coppery amber color, sort of sunset orange maybe, with remarkable clarity. Bubbles are numerous, like in champagne, and they feed a white and fairly thin head.
Getting hardly anything from the smell. Just a light shade of herbs of no particular variety and a faint whiff of citrus. With all the stuff this was made with (rye, juniper, orange & lemon peel, Cascade and Amarillo hops) you'd think there'd be more in the sniffer. Let's hope so for the taste...
A mild, almost timid flavor, although its subtleties come through with patience, and with warming. A dab of orange molasses peeks through the rye base, the rye only showing a trace of the coarseness that other rye-based beers can have (I mean "coarse" in a good way, rye is tough to describe). There's a mingling of citrus and, again, unassuming and indistinct tea-like herbs, other than a fairly prominent ginger-like character. Maybe that's the juniper, but I would have liked it to come through stronger. I remember smelling juniper on a recent walk through the Hollywood Hills and thinking "I need to find more beers brewed with juniper!"
Feels slick and smooth, yet the carbonation is strong enough to offer a gentle prickle, which is fitting for the various flavors happening in the taste. A bit dry, quite crisp, very clean overall.
Overall a subtle yet satisfying beer. Earthy all the way. Just wanted a little more "oomph" to it, that's all. Maybe Dogfish Head's excellent Sah'tea set the bar too high for Americanizations of this Finnish style?
03-01-2011 22:36:13 | More by Metalmonk
4/5 rDev +17.3%
07-08-2012 04:45:42 | More by beerbrains
2.7/5 rDev -20.8%
Clear and somewhere between golden and bronze in color. The thin off-white head is low and fades fast, leaving some scattered lacework.
Neutral, floured dough aroma. Some backing toast and lowly evergreen notes, presumably from the juniper. There is not much to smell here.
It hits the mouth toasty, lightly toffee sweet, with some pecan nuttiness. Doughier as it sits and that carries it through the middle and later portions, all dusted with flour. Jupiter and piney hops add a late evergreen needle-y bitterness, dotted with phantoms of citrus. Some boozy heat dots the swallow.
Medium bodied with a bustling CO2.
I'm not an expert on the style, but this is nothing like the few I've tried. The rye doesn't pop, the juniper doesn't pop, the citrus peel spicing doesn't pop,the non-traditional hopping doesn't pop either, and the fermentation/yeast profile is bland. It's far more reminiscent of an American Amber ale, and a bland-ish one at that. New Belgium already does one of those, without the exotic name, fancy bomber, and inflated price tag.
10-25-2010 08:06:03 | More by cokes
Ontario (Canada)
3.88/5 rDev +13.8%
Ken's bottle.Light orange with carbonation bubbles, two inch head. Funky and malty aromas. A spicy taste, with some pine and spruce. A smooth mouthfeel. Sweet, then a bitter finish with mint aftertaste. I am not the biggest fan of Juniper. Lacey. Drying.
01-19-2011 04:48:39 | More by Sammy
3.58/5 rDev +5%
Poured orange-amber with good amount of carbonation evenly spaced throughout glass. Head was small and evacuated quickly. Aroma is biscuity malt with spices. Taste is pine and spicy with a caramel base and subtle fruit in background. Getting more lemon flavor as it warms. I would have enjoyed more body, as it is on the low end of the medium body spectrum. For the price it is a good beer which I may pick up again, but for the style I'm not so sure.
06-23-2011 23:21:38 | More by tetu
4.03/5 rDev +18.2%
Appearance: golden orange
Smell: almost smells like a Extra Pale Ale
Head: Very Little
Taste: has a bit of a hop note going on with a small amout of bitter and malt, more like a very lite epa
Weight: lite on the palate
Finish: a little hoppy lingering
01-27-2011 05:01:13 | More by Snow81
3.65/5 rDev +7%
A: Clear and golden-brown with a thin but steady head; lacing is okay
S: Really not a lot going on; a bit earthy and grainy with some subtle hops and maybe a touch of spiciness
T: More going on in the taste; a nice balance of malts, hops, and spiciness--just a touch of juniper berries; also a touch of rye--but still all pretty subdued
F: Nicely carbonated with decent mouth coating
D: It's a pretty easy drinking beer; nothing amazing here but it's interesting enough and it's pretty drinkable--it does grow on you throughout the glass
01-02-2011 16:32:36 | More by dbossman
3/5 rDev -12%
11-15-2011 15:35:34 | More by kkrez
2.3/5 rDev -32.6%
I had this on tap as a taste sample, about 4 oz. It didn't taste at all like a sahti. It didn't taste bad at all, and if it didn't have "sahti" in the name, I would probably have liked it for a summer day. It tasted like a session lager, clean. I could barely taste the juniper because the citrus additives (!!) got in the way. At least to me, a sahti doesn't have any hops, there's a strong taste of buckwheat and the juniper comes across first on the nose and then as an oily aftertaste. Also, it was carbonated like an american lager. My first thought was Old Style, which I don't hate.
10-28-2010 04:42:15 | More by lungboy
3.85/5 rDev +12.9%
Picked this up at Goebbel's in Wichita. I believe this is the first Sahti I've ever had, was tempted to drink outta my cow horn flagon!
Pours a bright honey/amber colored with 2+ fingers of cream colored head. Much clearer than I figured it would be, average head retention & lacing
S: Yeasty, bready & slight pear notes when warm
T: Honey, lemony faint yeasty flavors up front, slight peppery notes to this as well. I pick up some medicinal notes, peppery notes as this warms, along with earthy yeast notes, a touch of honey dryness, also just a touch of lemon. Finishes with pear fruittyness, a touch of honey sweetness & a bit medicinal & woody bitterness, a bit of yeasty bite, plus almost a doughnut type flavor, wild! along with some peppery notes
Medium bodied, a touch over carbonated based on the style profile. Something in this is making my lips tingle, perhaps the ABV ( I doubt it ) or the Juniper
This is drinkable enough, would love to try some Finnish stuff to compare & contrast. I would drink this again if was an option & I was looking for a break from hoppy beers/something different. I'm betting this isn't quite as old school as it could be. Still, here's to New Belgium for taking a shot at this obscure style!
04-02-2011 01:57:43 | More by russpowell
3.45/5 rDev +1.2%
Served from a 22 oz. bomber into a wine glass. This New Begium offering pours a clear golden with a light transient cap of foam. Pours clear for the style yet not unexpected from a 'modern' brewery.
Nose starts a bit funky but improves with exposure. Offers an herbal and sour juniper sense to it, along with a slightly funky/sour apricot nature. Odd but intriguing.
Taste is pleasant and light and with a light citric sweetness with just a touch of pine.
Smooth and clean with a light piney bitterness, otherwise offers a sweet and lightly viscous feel with a nice bubbly carbonation.
11-11-2010 07:25:38 | More by HalfFull
2.65/5 rDev -22.3%
Poured a slightly hazy copper color with a light white ring of head.
Has a funky musty and bready smell.
The flavor is surprisingly boring, just a light bit of bready malt and a touch of bitter juniper, not much going on here.
Mouthfeel is fairly thin and a bit flat.
Pretty bland and poor overall.
11-29-2011 00:23:35 | More by bashiba
North Carolina
3.25/5 rDev -4.7%
Poured from a 22oz bottle into a DFH snifter. As this is the first "Sahti" I've ever had, I'm judging this based on what I assume the style should show.
A: Clear, medium amber beer with a thin layer of white foam that recedes to a ring rather quickly. There is a tiny amount of lacing apparent. Based on the style, it is far clearer than it should be, presumably due to the boil.
S: Faintly sweet fruitiness, notes of peach. A bit of a peppery note as well. Very faint notes of what might be juniper wood, but it is not as apparent as you would expect for the style.
T: Sweet toasted grains, low to moderate hop bite in the finish that is non-traditional for the style. A bit of lingering herbal tea flavor in the aftertaste.
M: Medium carbonation, mostly clean finish outside of the herbal tea notes.
D: It's a relatively drinkable beer, but nothing about it screams Sahti. I was hoping for something a bit more out of the ordinary.
10-02-2010 23:01:46 | More by ewright
South Carolina
3.5/5 rDev +2.6%
Served from bottle into a New Belgium globe. Poured red-orange with a half finger off-white head that subsided to a minimal amount quickly. Maintained excellent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, BIG wheat, BIG grain, spice, and big sweetness. The flavor was of sweet malt, spices, grain, subtle tea, sugar, and earth. It had a light feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was a decent brew. With this being my first brew from the style I can honestly say that I don't have a refined palate for this style, however, I was not a massive fan of it. The aroma was very sharp when it came to sweetness/maltiness. The flavor was a little bit better with a bit more balance. That was a very welcomed change as based on the aroma, I was rather concerned once I smelled it. Glad I got the chance to try this one though, but don't think I will go out of my way to do so again.
11-21-2012 11:44:22 | More by thagr81us
Lips Of Faith - Sahti from New Belgium Brewing
78 out of 100 based on 192 ratings.


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The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains and/or operates many sports facilities throughout the county, including ball fields, courts, gymnasiums, and a roller hockey rink. Below is a list of these facilities with directions and reservation information.
Designated Sports Facilities
Organized groups must have a reservation with the Department of Parks and Recreation to use these designated fields described below. Please contact the number listed for information on reserving these fields.
Please contact the parks below at the numbers indicated:
Additional Ball Fields
These additional County owned facilities are currently operated by other entities; their contact information is listed/included below.
*** SEC. 41.102. Definitions
(c) "Designated sports facility" means a baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, tennis court, hockey rink, volleyball court, bocce ball court, or other park sports facility that the Parks Department has posted as requiring a reservation when used by certain groups.
SEC. 41.124. Use of designated sports facilities by certain groups.
In order to provide a shared use of some highly desirable park sports facilities, between members of the community and groups that need a regulation field for league play or other organized sports activity, no person, as a member of a club, association, organization, company, league or organized team, shall use a designated sports facility in a County park for practice or games without written authorization from the Parks Department.


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FIRST-PERSON: Social media & political rants
Ed Stetzer
Posted on Oct 14, 2013
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NASHVILLE (BP) -- You can't blurt at a people and reach a people at the same time. This is true no matter how satisfying it feels to add your voice to the political rants on social media.
In the current political climate, with shutdowns and blame, I have watched the volume grow and the civility shrink.
I believe in the importance of civility for civility's sake. Yet I think it goes even further if you are a Christian who wants to reach those disconnected from the church. The way we handle political issues has a missional implication.
A few days ago I posted this thought to Facebook (and a shorter version on Twitter): "Statistically, the unchurched lean heavily Democrat. So -- and I know it's just me talking crazy now -- if you want to reach the unchurched, maybe constant Facebook/Twitter posts about how stupid Democrats are might be a bad idea."
The post was shared hundreds of times on both social media outlets and appeared to draw a largely positive response, so I thought it may be appropriate to elaborate a bit on this idea and why it's important.
With the angry accusations flying around Washington, that's one of the reasons people don't like Washington, think it is broken, and give it such low approval ratings. Yet, as I observe the relentless mudslinging between professional politicians with less and less surprise, I've sadly concluded that Christians often are unnecessarily burning bridges on the altar of political partisanship.
In 2012, Election Day exit polls reported 12 percent of Americans who voted in the presidential election had no religious affiliation (otherwise known as "Nones."). Of those who have no religious affiliation, 70 percent said they voted Democrat.
It's not just the "Nones." There is a strong correlation between church attendance and political party. It's been called the "God gap" in the media. As the Pew Research Center reported last year, "Those who attend religious services frequently have been more likely to vote Republican while those who attend religious services less frequently, or are nonreligious, have been more likely to vote for Democrats." Even when some thought the gap might be narrowing, it showed up again last year just as before.
Now, I am not saying that all Christians are Republicans, Democrats are of the devil, or whatever else people will read into this. But knowing the data helps us better discern our surroundings. Facts are our friends, and those facts have some implications that I think we need to consider -- in this case, significant missiological implications if you really want to reach the unchurched and not just talk about them in an abstract way.
So, here's the challenge in the age of political opinion frequently posted on social media. Constantly posting your opinions to a variety of social media outlets creates a barrier you may have not considered, particularly when your friends and family read them. When you don't have to look at someone's face while sharing your thoughts, you won't notice the wall that is being built between them and you.
Yes, I am fully aware you have a right to your opinion, and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures your freedom to state that opinion. However, I am saying that it may be an appropriate missional decision to voluntarily restrict your own freedom to constantly blurt about politics in order to reach your neighbor who holds a different view.
Now, there are times to speak up, particularly when issues of justice are involved, but an endless stream of calling people fools or liars -- people whom your neighbor voted for -- just does not make sense for the Christian. Unless, of course, you just want to preach to the choir and not reach the unchurched. The end result is another stumbling block for those we are trying to reach.
You can complain on Facebook about who shut down the government but you might just shut down a more important conversation. I'm not perfect on this, but I try to be careful and wise. Most of the people who connect with me on social media are not my neighbors, but I do know that my neighbors (and unchurched people) are reading my social media posts. And, I engage in social media with that in mind.
People often ask me why I don't join in on some of the President Obama bashing that takes place on social media, and at times even say something appreciative. Well, part of the reason I don't constantly bash the president is because I find it best to speak well when I can, leading some people to ask if I am a Democrat (which I am not). The other part of it is that I want my unchurched neighbors (who are statistically more likely to be Democrat) to know they are welcome in my home and my church, and that I do not hate them or the president for whom they voted.
I suggest we tweet thinking more about Jesus and less about politics. That's just basic Christian prioritization.
Ed Stetzer is president of LifeWay Research (www.lifewayresearch.com), a division of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. This article first appeared at his blog site, The Exchange, www.edstetzer.com.
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The shrimp cocktail tray at a party is always the first one empty, and why? Because this shellfish star is just so good.
Season: Year-round.
How to Choose Shrimp
Whether they're pink, white, or brown, look for fresh shrimp that feel firm, smell fresh, and are free of dark spots. But since they're almost always shipped frozen and defrosted before they hit the fish case in the market, save money and be assured of freshness by buying bagged frozen shrimp; for best results, look for IQF (individually quick-frozen) on the label. Shrimp are usually sold by count per pound, which varies but is generally: small, 41 to 50; medium, 26 to 30; large, 16 to 20. The most eco-conscious choice is farmed or wild-caught shrimp from the United States and Canada. Imported farmed shrimp are often crammed into pens, which breeds disease (which farmers then fight with large doses of antibiotics), and fisheries elsewhere have fewer safeguards in place to protect the environment. Supermarkets are required to label fresh and frozen fish with the country of origin and the method of production (wild or farmed), but this law doesn't apply to fish markets and restaurants, so consumers must ask more questions in those places.
How to Store Shrimp
Fresh shrimp should be rinsed under cold running water, drained thoroughly, then tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Frozen shrimp keep their flavor well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost shrimp, place them in a colander under cold running water or let them thaw overnight in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
How to Prepare Shrimp
To peel a shrimp, hold it in one hand. Slide the thumb of your other hand between the legs at the head end. Push your thumb under the shell and slide it around the body, separating the two. Leave the tail on for presentation, or pinch the section where the tail and body are joined and pull the tail away. To devein a shrimp, use a sharp paring knife to cut ¾ inch deep down the length of the shrimp's back. Remove and discard the vein and run the shrimp under cold water.
What's your favorite shrimp recipe?
what's in season
Fruits and vegetables at their peak right now.
Find out what's in season in your area right now, then locate a farmers' market near you.