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Dabe Alan
Why the Chinese government wouldn't let PAR cover the League of Legends All-Star Game
"I better not mess around with the Chinese government," I thought as I filled out a visa application that would allow me entry into the People's Republic of China to report on the League of Legends All-Star Game being hosted by Riot Games in Shanghai.
Riot went all-out with this tournament, and seemed determined for this to be a showcase for their efforts to expand eSports in Asia. They had an entire sports arena booked for the event, along with a custom-built stage that rivalled most music concerts, and they were offering to fly journalists from around the world to see the next step in the evolution of eSports.
What I didn't count on was that the Chinese government wouldn't want me there.
"They don't like journalists"
I arrived at the Chinese Consulate early in the morning in my finest slacks to get my Visa application submitted and verified. Riot instructed me to be prepared to conduct a short interview with a Chinese representative in which I would have to promise them I'd be on my best behavior and "practice strong morals." Riot even gave me a letter to give the consulate from Riot's parent company, the Chinese gaming giant, Tencent, promising that I'd practice those strong morals.
They are big on morals.
I got my visa application submitted at the Chinese Consulate in downtown Chicago early one weekday morning without any immediate difficulties, but I returned home to a phone call from someone higher up at the consulate.
"Is this Andrew Groen," the woman asked with a thick Chinese accent. "What will you be doing in China?" she asked. Her voice was more accusatory than curious.
The government asks you about the nature of your visit on your application: vacation, business, temporary news coverage, etc.
I checked "temporary news coverage" because I figured it was best to be honest about my activities in the country. I've heard more than one story about overbearing Chinese security forces harassing tourists that were deemed suspicious. In one case, an acquaintance claimed their access to Google was revoked after they searched for information about the Tienanmen Square protests. In another case, an acquaintance of a friend was rumored to have been visited by police after watching the Tibetan national anthem online.
These were anecdotes, sure, but it would be too easy for anybody at the consulate to run a search on my name and come up with hundreds of articles under my byline. It's better to be honest, right?
Besides, I had a signed letterhead from a multi-billion dollar Chinese company vouching for my strong morals! That had to be enough to get me to Shanghai even after declaring myself a journalist, I thought. I underestimated how sensitive the Chinese government is about allowing journalists - even video game journalists - into the country.
State Council Information Office
I explained the situation to the woman from the consulate. I was going to be documenting a big, beautiful event at the behest of one of their more successful corporations! Sure, it was journalism, but it was journalism that was almost certain to capture China in a positive light. I wasn't going undercover to expose corruption, I just wanted to watch a video game being played.
"No," she said curtly. "You must submit an application to the State Council Information Office." I asked how long that would take, because there was only a week before the trip. "Depends when you submit," she said as she hung up on me.
I got in touch with Riot and tried to figure out the best way to proceed.
They determined that I should get the application rescinded, and submit it again without mentioning that I'm a journalist. The hope was that I'd slip back through the system, and we could pretend the first application never happened. I was to become a "businessman" on a "business trip" in order to sneak past the watchful eyes at the Consulate.
When I explained the situation to the visa company I'd been using to navigate this whole process, the man I'd been working with, Rob, was shocked. "Wait, they called you?" he asked with bewilderment. "Wow…they never do that."
"Oh yeah," he noted later in the conversation. "They don't like journalists," thanks for the timely intel, Rob.
Rob was a kindly man though, and he helped me resubmit the new application which no longer mentioned that I'd be doing anything related to journalism. Even though I would have been. That night I had melodramatic nightmares about Chinese secret police dragging me out of bed and hauling me off to secret police prison high in the Himalayas. Probably the same place they took Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins.
International man of business
I got a call from Rob the next day. His tone was cheerful and reassuring so I began to hope that my visa had been approved, and I'd be on my way to Shanghai in a matter of days.
"Everything looks good," he said. "You and your host company just have to sign and return this document that promises you're not affiliated with any media organization and you wont be doing any journalism in the country."
Gee, thanks, Rob. Is that all? All I have to do is renounce my new job and swear not to work on a work-trip. Piece of cake!
As tempting as it was to daydream about being a political prisoner for the cause of video game journalism, I draw the line at outright lying to the Chinese government in official documentation.
Ben and I were both excited about the prospect of bringing live coverage of the All-Star game to PAR, and the access I would have had to Riot employees, players, analysts, and Chinese fans would have resulted in some fantastic coverage. But this document was one step too far, and after seeing how vigilant the consulate had been in ensuring they didn't let a journalist slip through the cracks I wasn't willing to test their limits.
It's a strange feeling, knowing that a government is looking at you. It's an even stranger feeling to imagine what it might be like for a government to consider you unwelcome.
Ultimately, I missed out on what would have been an incredible trip both for personal and professional reasons, but in exchange I earned the right to say the Chinese government wouldn't allow me into the country. In some ways that's even cooler.
Ben's note: during a recent event I bumped into a buddy who works in PR, and I mentioned this story. "Oh yeah," she told me. "You have to say you're an English teacher." She then shared a few stories about getting journalists in and out of China to cover gaming events. It's apparently always an adventure, no matter what you're trying to cover.


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Audio books, newspapers and magazines are available to listen to on CD, cassette tape, and in digital formats like MP3.
- Digital: You can download and listen to digital audio books, magazines and newspapers on your computer, MP3 player (such as an iPod), tablet (such as an iPad or Galaxy Tab) or mobile phone. You can listen to eBooks using an ebook reader (such as a Kindle) with text-to-speech.
- CD, cassette and DAISY : You can listen to CDs and cassettes on a stereo or other music system that has a CD and/or cassette player. You can listen to RNIB Talking Books using a DAISY player.
If you've never used an audio book, newspaper or magazine before, especially if you're planning to download a digital audio file, it may sound like a daunting prospect. Don't worry! It's usually quite straightforward once you know what's what.
Audio book, talking book or eBook?
Audio books are primarily recorded by actors and other professional readers, although some are recorded by the author. If you're listening to an eBook, the voice will be synthetic.
- 'Audio book' is a general term for books that you listen to, usually narrated by a real person. Audio books are sometimes also called talking books (written with lower case t and b) or spoken word books.
- Talking Books (with a capital T and B) is the name of an RNIB service that provides audio books in DAISY format. We call this a Talking Book.
- Downloadable audio books are electronic versions of an audio books that can be read on a phone, computer or MP3 player.
- eBooks can be read using 'text-to-speech'. This is when computers and eBook readers read out the text on screen in synthetic speech.
Text-to-speech (TTS) is when computers, eBook readers and other devices read out text on screen in computer-generated synthetic speech. It can be used to listen to books and newspapers but also things like menu options on electronic equipment and computers. Listen to some samples of text-to-speech in eBooks
Audio formats
Audio can be in traditional formats such as CD or cassette tape which you can play on a stereo or other music system that has a CD and/or cassette player. You can also get audio on DAISY CD which is a special type of CD played on a DAISY player or on DAISY software on your computer.
Audio can also be in digital formats. You can download and listen to digital audio on your computer, MP3 player (such as an iPod), tablet (such as an iPad or Galaxy Tab) or mobile phone. You can listen to eBooks using an ebook reader (such as a Kindle) with 'text-to-speech' enabled.
File types
It isn't necessarily important to understand the precise differences between digital formats, but you need to ensure the book or newspaper you want to listen to can be played on the audio player you choose. The most common format is MP3 which is a digital audio file similar to a track on a CD or LP which is stored digitally.
Downloading audio books
When you 'download' something you save it from its original source (often a website) and save it somewhere else (on your computer, on a memory stick, on an MP3 player, or on an eBook reader for instance).
There are lots of places to download audio, and there are thousands of books to choose from and also newspapers and magazines. You often have to pay to download audio, but some older or classic books that are no longer subject to copyright are available free, recorded by volunteers.
Our beginners' guide to getting started with download audio covers everything from what are download audio books, to the devices you can use, where to find downloadable titles and also where to get support:
Getting_started_with_download_audio_books (Word, 252 KB)
Alternatively, you can order a copy in large print, audio CD or braille by calling our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
Our guide and our page on buying audio is full of links to websites where you can buy (or get free) audio books, newspapers and magazines. All these places want to make life easy for their customers, so that you choose to buy from them again! This means that they usually offer clear instructions, good help pages or FAQs and a contact number or form. Take the time to read the help pages and advice offered by each website.
DAISY format explained
DAISY is a special kind of CD that lets you have greater control over the audio books or publications you listen to. RNIB's audio books service - Talking Books are produced using DAISY format.
With DAISY CDs you can:
- Change CD or take a break from reading without losing your place. The player will remember where you stopped, even if you eject the CD, and will restart exactly where you left off.
- Bookmark a section or passage for future reference - perfect for study material or finding a favourite recipe.
- Skip quickly and easily to the right chapter, page, section or subsection in your talking book.
- Customise the volume and speed of the audio on the player to suit you.
DAISY CDs can hold large amounts of information - around 25 hours of audio can fit on one DAISY CD. It can also incorporate text and graphics with the audio.
DAISY can be played on a standalone DAISY player or by using DAISY software on a computer, both of which can be purchased from the RNIB online shop.
DAISY stands for Digital Accessible Information System. It is now a recognised worldwide standard for audio, developed by the DAISY Consortium which includes charities such as RNIB and commercial organisations like Microsoft.
Equipment needed for audio
Listening to audio on a CD or cassette simply needs a stereo or other music system that has a CD and/or cassette player.
Using DAISY CDs needs a DAISY player or DAISY software on your computer, or it can be played on some normal CD players.
Downloading audio needs an internet connection and a computer, MP3 player, tablet or mobile phone to save the audio on. Some specialist MP3 players like the Victor Reader Stream or the Milestone can be used to listen to downloaded audiobooks. Read our guide to audiobooks_on_specialist_devices (Word, 158 KB).
Help with technology
If you're a bit green when it comes to technology, don't fret. Our technology section has some useful beginner's guides to get you started. We also have a Technology Support Squad - a team of UK-wide volunteers who can visit you to help you understand your gadgets and gizmos.
Reading services from RNIB
We make it possible for you to get access to books, newspapers and magazines in the format you prefer, whether that's braille, audio, large print or digital. You can borrow from our library service – the largest of its kind in the UK – or buy from our online shop.RNIB reading services

subset: commoncrawl


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Michelle Betos
Number: 18
Gaining experience as a starter for Seattle Reign FC during the first half of the 2013 NWSL season, Betos joined Thorns FC for the 2014 season following a draft-day trade on Jan. 17, 2014.
2013: Made seven appearances (all starts) for Seattle in the first half of the inaugural NWSL season ... Made 34 saves for Seattle ... Loaned to Cyprus club Apollon Limassol following the season and appeared in two Round of 32 2013-14 UEFA Women's Champions League matches for the team ... Traded to Boston in November with midfielder Kristie Mewis.
2012: Made five appearances for Apollon Limassol during the 2012-13 UEFA Women's Champions League tournament, recording three shutouts ... Helped lead the New York Fury to the WPSL Elite semifinals.
2011: Was a member of the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves during the WPSL season ... Named to the All-WPSL Second Team ... 2009: Helped guide the Atlanta Silverbacks Women to the Southeast Division title and a 10-1-1 record, while earning W-League Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
COLLEGE: Finished her career at the University of Georgia ranked third all-time in career saves (316) and second overall with 26 career shutouts and wins (48) ... Holds the top two spots in Bulldog history for wins in a season with 18 in 2007 and 15 in 2009.


text:
No one was injured in a fire that broke out in a Zachary home Monday morning. The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. in the 23000 block of Jaycocks Road.
Neighbors saw flames coming out of the roof of the two story home and called the fire department.
The fire is under control thanks to the help of multiple fire departments. Zachary, Central, Slaughter and Baker Fire Departments all responded.
Initial reports say 25 percent of the home was damaged in the fire.
Witnesses say the homeowners were not home at the time of the fire.
Copyright 2012 WAFB. All rights reserved.
844 Government
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 383-9999
EEO Report
Closed Captioning
WAFB FCC Public File
WBXH FCC Public File


text:
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text:
10 First Quarter Bank Stock Winners
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The best-performing bank stocks during the first quarter represent a wide variety of business models, with one major credit card lender, some troubled institutions on the rebound, and others benefiting from government-assisted acquisitions of failed institutions.
TheStreet has narrowed down the first-quarter winners list by only including bank stocks with average daily trading volume of at least 50,000 shares and with consensus earnings estimates available for 2011 and 2012.
10. United Community BanksShares of United Community Banks (UCBI) of Blairsville, Ga., closed at $2.33 on Thursday, returning 19% for the first quarter of 2011. The company's shares rose 29% to close at $1.98 on March 17, after United Community announced plans to raise $380 million in common equity through a private placement to a group of investors led by Corsair Capital LLC, and plans to sell $293 million in problem loans during the second quarter. The shares popped another 16% on Thursday, after the company announced it had completed the capital raise. The company owes $180 million in government bailout funds received through the Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, and in February deferred its most recently quarterly dividend on preferred shares held by the U.S. Treasury Department. United Community is scheduled to announce its first-quarter results on April 28, before the market opens. The consensus among analysts polled by Thomson Reuters is for United Community to post a net loss of $1.07 a share for the first quarter and a loss of 60 cents a share for all of 2011. The consensus EPS estimate for 2012 is 15 cents. Out of eight analysts covering United Community, one rates the shares a buy, while the remaining analysts all have neutral ratings. On Thursday, Sandler O'Neill analyst Kevin Fitzsimmons upgraded the shares to a buy, saying that the "risk-reward on UCBI [was] more intriguing with the sizable raise complete, problem loans down to a much more manageable level, and an accelerated return to profitability." Sandler O'Neill was one of United Community's advisors for the common equity raise completed in March.
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Heeding the Voice of the 99 Percent
by The Opportunity Agenda, Mon Oct 17, 2011 at 02:58:02 PM EDT
When a group of young people camped out in Zuccotti Park near Wall Street in mid-September to express their disappointment toward the way corporations have mishandled the economy, it barely made the local newspapers' front pages. Four weeks later, and with hundreds of thousands of people joining the movement, Occupy Wall Street has captured the attention of national and international media, and it has provided a golden opportunity for lawmakers, intellectuals, unions, and President Obama to channel the participants' efforts into their agenda.
Inspired by the Arab Spring and the indignados from Madrid, Occupy Wall Street seeks to "restore democracy in America" by using one of the very tenets of our First Amendment: the right to peaceably assemble. NYPD and protesters, however, have clashed a number of times as newscasts and photographs show law enforcement officers making use of batons and pepper spray.
Undeterred, people are joining the protests in droves. Indeed, Occupy Wall Street has spun off other protests across the nation (from Boston to Washington, DC, to Memphis, among others), and it has served as an inspiration to many who also feel worn out by corporate greed and government inefficacy.
Not only do Occupy Wall Street protests take place in public spaces, but also on social media platforms: "We are the 99 Percent" is a Tumblr blog where people post notes and pictures depicting their economic hardship. Likewise, Jennifer Preston from The New York Times' blog Media Decoder offers a by-the-numbers analysis of social media's impact on the protests:
The online conversation about Occupy Wall Street grew steadily on social media platforms in recent weeks and increased among users abroad in the last week as the global demonstrations approached. According to Trendrr, a social media analysis company, the number of posts about Occupy Wall Street on Twitter outside the United States grew to more than 25 percent of total posts on Friday, up from 15 percent during the same period the week before.
One may think that equal opportunity for all is a fair claim, but political deadlock continues to push the country to the brink of hopelessness and despair. To make matters worse, the jobs bill proposed by President Obama stalled in Congress after a Republican filibuster, denying the chance for millions of unemployed Americans to regain economic mobility and make ends meet.
As some political experts have pointed out, Occupy Wall Street is not just about corporate malfeasance; it's also about lack of adequate political representation in Capitol Hill. Ninety-nine percent of the population is raising their voice in order to move our country forward with economic opportunities, education for everybody, and universal health care. Are Congress and the Obama administration listening?
See also:
Tags: Occupy Wall Street, 99 Percent, Economy, New York, civil rights, social media, Wall Street, Arab Spring (all tags)


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MILLVILLE, MN (July 21, 2014) - Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's James Stewart has suffered a considerable amount of bad luck in the last few races and, unfortunately, he experienced more of the same at round eight of the 2014 AMA Pro Motocross Championships in Millville, MN, on Saturday. This... READ MORE
Celtic Hudson Valley Motorcycles Suzuki riders Corey Alexander and Wyatt Farris had very different weekends at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. This was the second two day event on the AMA Pro Road Racing schedule, and with the heavy rains and reduced track time, all the teams had very limited... READ MORE
For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing when riding any motorcycle or ATV. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Study your owner's manual and always inspect your Suzuki before riding. Take a riding skills course. For the MSF street course nearest you, call 1-800-446-9227. Off-road riders can enroll in the DirtBike SchoolSM by calling 1-877-288-7093. ATV riders can call the SVIA at 1-800-852-5344 and we'll even pay for the training. Suzuki engineered the GSX-Rs™, Hayabusa, and the QuadSport Z400 for experienced riders.
Specifications, appearances, equipment, color, features, materials and other items of "SUZUKI" products shown are subject to change by manufacturer at any time without notice.
Suzuki, the "S" logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. 2014.


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During the first year of the M.Div. program, students enroll in Contextual Education I unless they are enrolled in the Teaching Parish or Episcopal Studies track. Students choose one of ten sites where they will work with ten other Candler students, four hours per week throughout the academic year.
Each week that group of students meets together. In the fall that group meets for 90 minutes each week with the Site Supervisors for the Reflection Group. Some of those weekly Reflection Groups meet on campus while others meet at the site. In the spring, the group's faculty advisor joins the Supervisor for the weekly two-hour Integrative Seminar that meets on campus. The site work combined with the weekly seminar accounts for two-academic credits per semester.
Another component of Contextual Education I is the Pastoral Care (PC501CE) course. Students will enroll in this course in either the fall or the spring semester, depending on the site they choose. The PCE501CE course provides pastoral care skills needed for the site work while integrating practices of ministry with theoretical and theological education.
As a result of the year of site work and related course work, students are expected to gain the ability to engage in praxis-reflection learning; that is, the communal practice of integrating ministry with theological reflection. Students have the opportunity to expand their self-understanding of vocation and ministry, deepen their understanding of the work of the church in the world, and reflect on critical theological notions such as theophany, incarnation, justice, friendship, hospitality, and moral agency, as well as civic and congregational leadership.
In the summer as incoming students enroll in their fall courses through the Registrar's Office, they simultaneously select their Contextual Education site and enroll in the corresponding Reflection Group (CE 551a) and Contextualized Pastoral Care (PC501CE) course that is paired with their particular Con Ed site. The Registrar will give students instructions in this enrollment process prior to the enrollment period. The Reflection Group (CE 551a) is two credit hours and the Contextualized PC501CE course is three credits. The Contextualized PC501CE course is taught by Candler faculty and contextualized with the Con Ed sites in mind. Teaching Parish and Episcopal Studies students will also enroll in one of the Contextualized PC501CE courses, as well as the Reflection Group designed for those students.
The Candler Contextual Education web site identifies the ten Con Ed sites, their locations and distance from the Emory campus, the Site Supervisors, and other critical information about the site. Students can view on-line the hours available to students to fulfill their weekly four-hour and on-site requirements. Students will know from the fall schedule of course offerings the day and time of the weekly Reflection Group (CE 551a) and Contextualized Pastoral Care courses.
Students will remain at the same Con Ed site in the spring semester.


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Riverdance--The Show officially made its Broadway debut on March 16 at the Gershwin Theatre. In the weeks leading up to the big night, the cast and crew were spending morning, noon, and night refining this latest incarnation of what has become the world's most-copied dance/theatre sensation. Set designer Robert Ballagh was in the midst of the harried rehearsals, and no one was more thrilled--or surprised--to be there than he.
Originally educated as an architect, Ballagh's main profession is actually painting; his work is represented in many important collections, including the National Gallery of Ireland and the Albrecht Durer House, in Nuremberg, Germany. He has also worked as a professional musician, an engineering draftsman, and a graphic artist--most notably of many Irish postal stamps and the country's current banknotes (until the Euro completely takes over). As a theatrical set designer, his singularly minimalist style has led many innovative directors to seek him out. Still, designing sets was only a fraction of his artistic pursuits until the phenomenon known as Riverdance burst upon the world.
"Most people in the States don't realize that Riverdance began as just a seven-minute slot during the Eurovision song contest," Ballagh explains. "Eurovision consists of mainly amateur acts from about 30 European countries singing original songs, and then the judges vote for a winner. It's mainly an exercise in mediocrity, but it's incredibly popular. So, while the TV stations are hooking up to all the countries, an interval act performs. Normally, the act is just a filler, but Moya Doherty, the show's producer, wanted to do something different as well as something very Irish--but Irish in a very modern and exciting way."
Working with composer Bill Whelan, Doherty came up with Riverdance, and Eurovision's huge audience of 500 million was blown away by the performance. "I wasn't involved at all at that stage, but I had worked with Bill Whelan before, so I just called him up to express my delight in the show, never thinking that I was going to get involved in it. Some time later, Moya contacted me because they were considering doing a theatre show built around the performance they'd done. Slowly but surely, the package was put together and I became involved."
Doherty's vision for the theatrical production featured several immense images behind the dancers. "The only way we could do it was through big back projection, so that's how that concept developed," Ballagh explains. "In talking with her and John McColgan, her husband, who became the director of the theatrical production, we developed the idea that the space should be very simple and clutter-free. It was going to be a dance show with quite a lot of dancers, so you couldn't have scenery all over the place."
Also, Doherty clearly stated that she didn't want computer-generated images. "She felt that in tune with this kind of traditional music and dance, the images should be hand-crafted," Ballagh says. "So I generated all the images by creating small oil paintings on canvas. I did about fifty or sixty 2' x 1' paintings, which became the source of all the imagery we use. Then modern technology took over and the images were photographed and digitized so they could be rear-projected onto a screen behind the dancers. We designed it for the first time in Dublin, but it's been a very organic project. In the beginning, most of us thought we'd get maybe six weeks of work out of this project and then we'd all go on to something else."
That was five years ago. Following its wildly successful run at Dublin's Point Theatre, Riverdance--The Show moved onto London and into the Apollo Hammersmith, where it ran for over a year (with some breaks). "The show had to be completely redesigned for that space because we couldn't use rear projection, so we used front projection and that brought with it all sorts of new problems," Ballagh explains. "There were two projector stations. One was up high, just behind the proscenium, projecting down onto a screen just behind the dancers. Then we had another projector stationed in the theatre's projection box (because it was an old cinema), which projected onto a very large, built proscenium. It was very difficult for the dancers, because there were no wings, so they had to be quite careful as they exited the stage. Still, the show had a wonderful intimacy there."
New York City's Radio City Music Hall was the next big adventure. With its huge stage and auditorium, it was the opposite scenario. "We completely redesigned it again," Ballagh says. "We set up three screens, so it was quite a panoramic view."
That production extended its run, which more than paid off the cost of the new set. Having achieved international success, the next decision was to tour. "All of these had been one-off presentations in theatrical situations, so we built an amended version," Ballagh says. "We toured both in the UK and America and then the company split into two companies. So we developed an arena version, which went into large theatres in the US. It was the three-screen version and it was carefully designed to travel. All the flats broke down to fit into trucks and the lighting trusses were folded down so they could meet the tight schedules."
However, this large-scale touring production could only fit in so many venues. "The continuing problem was that there is quite a large band which is not a pit orchestra, so we had to accommodate them on a bandstand stage right," Ballagh says. "The downside of that is that you lose anywhere from 100-500 seats in any theatre you go into, which doesn't make sense to promoters. So the producers came up with a question for the design team: could we come up with a version of Riverdance that would be just as exciting but could travel faster and play in 2,000-seat theatres with smaller stages?"
Answering the challenge, the design team created yet another version of Riverdance that was launched two years ago in Vancouver. It's called the Lagan company. (All the companies are named after rivers in Ireland.) "This was truly a complete change from a design point of view," Ballagh says. "The real task was to change it and yet retain the original's energy and excitement. The first element to go was projection, because we had to get the band out of the audience and up onto the stage. In this version the band is centerstage, on a specially built bandstand. I joked that after designing the bandstand, I'd be qualified to design submarines because it was so meticulous and done on two levels."
Finally, with Riverdance on Broadway, the creative team has put together a show that incorporates the best elements from each one of the different productions. "For Broadway, you naturally want to put your best foot forward, as it's the musical theatre pinnacle in the world," Ballagh says. "We have a show here that has both back projection and flying scenic items. That's fine on paper but, when you start to put it all together, it gets tricky. We've got sliding, traveling goods and moon boxes and suns flying in and out. The difficulty is getting them out of the way when we go to projections. Of course, we're also flying the projection screen in and out because it's in the way. The concept seems to be working."
Ballagh created new images to go with new numbers that have been added to the show. "Otherwise, the core images have remained fairly constant throughout this whole period," says the designer. "When we started out, the projection represented a huge learning curve for everyone, because we were doing it on such a grand scale. Since we've beendoing this, the technological developments on that side have been extraordinary. What we're doing now on Broadway would have been impossible two years ago because of the space available; for back projection you need a lot of room."
Hardware Xenon projectors provided by Creative Technologies Ltd. have eradicated an initial flicker problem. "Mainly, depth was the biggest issue, so they finally developed a lens that can project an image about 20' wide with the projector only about 12' away," Ballagh explains. "It's extraordinary. There has been technological development that has gone along hand in glove with our very traditional design approach. Actually, that sums up Riverdance--it's a cultural expression of tradition both in music and dance but presented in a modern and sophisticated way."
Ballagh's partner in the show's visuals, lighting designer Rupert Murray, enjoys collaborating with the designer. "Since Bobby is also a painter and an architect, among other things, he has a very broad design and artistic background," says the LD. "That makes him rather good fun to work with because he doesn't necessarily approach design the way a lot of other set designers do. He's always very much aware of what lighting can do to and for a set. Other designers will sometimes just present a set and that's that. But Bobby will always include me in his thoughts and approach to the design. We understand each other and what each other does, so our method of working is very in tune."
Murray first worked with Ballagh on the 1984 production I'll Go On, a one-man play based on three Samuel Beckett novels. "It was a huge success--and it still is, really," says the LD. "We're actually doing it again at the Barbican in London later this year. We just understood each other from the word go. It's fun to work together on a little jewel like that and then come and work on a huge and wonderful Broadway megashow like this."
I'll Go On also marked Ballagh's entree into theatre design. "Michael Colgan [director of Dublin's Gate Theatre] asked me to do it," the designer says. "My design was apparently viewed as both startling and original--probably due purely to the fact that I knew nothing about it. Sometimes that can happen. You try approaches that other people wouldn't dare because you don't know any better. It was a very minimal set, but it was dressed in neon, which became an integral part not only of the design, but of the performance. Rupert and I worked very closely on that production; he was very good about answering all my questions."
As a theatre novice, Ballagh admits he had a lot to learn. "All the terms that everyone who has grown up in the theatre know, like upstage and downstage, meant nothing to me," he says. "Indeed, the honest approach is to say, 'I don't know,' when you truly don't know, but you can't keep saying that all the time. So I pretended to understand the language and slowly picked it up."
With his architectural training, Ballagh did not have the same learning curve for set construction. "the actual craft, or trade end, of theatre is no different than building a house," he says."So I found all of that very easy."
The designer soon developed a reputation for his particularly striking design style. "I did Oscar Wilde's Salome with director Steven Berkoff in 1988. The Gate is actually resurrecting that same production later this year. That set was quite a simple--all of my sets are," Ballagh says. "If somebody is discussing theatre design with me, it means that they are already thinking of a particular approach, which tends to be minimal or abstract.
"Theatre, to me, is about artifice," he continues. "I've never designed naturalistic sets. Some people are very good at that, but I'm not interested in perfectly recreating a natural situation. I'd much prefer working with people and designing a space that actors can perform in and create the magic of theatre. Obviously, it only suits certain kinds of shows and plays."
Director Patrick Mason enlisted Ballagh to design his 1987 adaptation of Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest for the Gate Theatre. "He wanted to do a very different production and it was very minimal," explains the designer. "Most people's memories of this play stem from the film version with Michael Redgrave and all the pretty frocks and beautiful rooms. Ours was not like that; it was modern dress. It was quite a good production, although very controversial. Lots of people hated it because they go to shows like that to see the frocks.
"We didn't change the text at all. There were a few anachronisms, but Patrick decided better to live with those than interfere with Wilde's words," Ballagh continues. "The whole idea was to point out the validity of Wilde to his time as well as to ours. As this was in the 80s, Margaret Thatcher was always talking about a return to Victorian values. Wilde spent his time pointing out the hypocrisy of so-called Victorian values. So Lady Bracknell, instead of being a dotty, crinoline-garbed old lady, was a much younger actress. The girls were very much like Diana and Fergie and the guys were like the kind of stockbrokers you find in London. None of this was laid on with a shovel, but it certainly pointed out the validity of the text. It was still very witty and funny, but there was also an undercurrent of strong social commentary, which was still relevant to our time."
To counteract the lavishness of a traditional version of this show and point out the artifice of it, Mason had Ballagh build a huge gilt frame for the set. "Then, the space that was created had a perspective checkerboard floor, so there was a hint there that they were all pawns. At the back, echoing the frame in the front, there was a big, framed portrait of Queen Victoria staring down on everyone. I even designed furniture for that because Patrick was fussy about every detail."
In 1993, Ballagh added another design aspect to his resume when the Central Bank of Ireland held a closed competition for the design of its new banknotes and his submission won. They are still in circulation today, although they will be phased out in about two years, when the country begins using the Euro exclusively.
Other plays Ballagh has lent his talents to include: Bat the Father Rabbit the Son, The Wake, and A Night in November. Last summer he oversaw the set design for Brian Friel's Aristocrats at Lincoln Center. And he continues to work on unique projects. "One of the biggest clients I have is the Druid's Glen Golf Club, where the Irish Open is held every year," Ballagh explains. "I did a few artworks myself, and also supervised the commissioning and purchase of other artworks. Because the clubhouse is quite a nice old 18th-century house, the artworks had to be very well chosen. You couldn't put avant-garde modern art in there."
Having finished his work for the time being on Riverdance, Ballagh has returned to Ireland, where his numerous portrait commissions have been piling up. But before he departed, the designer branched out into yet another design avenue by contributing several jewelry designs for the show. They are being sold in the theatre's lobby. "It will be nice to be home for a while, but the best part of Riverdance for me was that it's given me the opportunity to work with some really wonderful people all over the world," he says. "I've met and worked with some extraordinarily talented backstage people. That's been a great experience."


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SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP -- Things got heated when Sylvania Township trustees met Tuesday night to discuss their budget problems. The problem? Two of the three trustees don't want to attack their $2.4 million deficit with a tax hike -- but the third does.
And here's a twist: one of the trustees who's against boosting taxes admits that it may be necessary as both time and money are running out. Other than layoffs, a levy appears to be the only option for now.
Trustee Carol Contrada says a maintenance levy is the way to go -- but just last year Township voters turned down fire levies earmarked for building and expanding. But that was then and this is now -- when the issue is something different.
"The community has not had an opportunity to say whether they want to maintain their services," Contrada said.
Trustee Pam Hanley, who doesn't like the idea of raising taxes, said, "It's very typical for politicians and governments to look at ways to take more money and more money."
Voters turned down two fire levies in May of 2005. One would have paid for a new fire station and a realignment of the department, and the other would have paid operating expenses. The levies were turned down by a 7-1 margin.
In its proposed fire budget, the department wants to add three positions to help staffing. Trustee Dee Dee Liedel says a big problem is with the firefighters' contract. She says, "Eighty-five percent of our fire calls are EMS -- and yet we staff, pay and schedule as though it was a fire department."
Liedel also says the current contract was negotiated by the last board, but the current board had to sign it to avoid labor violations.
One thing the trustees do agree on is this: they want the union to come back to the negotiating table. Union leadership says it will -- but they say firefighters already made concessions in pay, health care, and personnel.
Firefighters Union President Chris Nye says, "Our wage package is not out of line with anybody else's wage package."
Trustees have asked the Township administrator to come back Tuesday with a budget composed under three different options:
The closure of Station 1 would leave downtown Sylvania without its own fire station. Some say that would increase response times in the city, and leave residents in danger.
If cutbacks are part of the solution, they'd likely start the first of the year.
Trustees could vote on the matter as early as Tuesday.
Posted by PJS
730 North Summit Street
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Back in September I heard from a lot of you who had dreaded trimming shares in Apple ahead of the iPhone 5 release. Because the stock had continued ascending, you felt like you had "missed the top."
What I said at the time was that our "buy and hold and trade frequently" strategy has worked quite well over the years and that's why we buy on weakness and sell after a run. I added:
"Guess what? There will always be ways you could have nailed that trade even better. By adding on weakness and trimming on strength, you're having your cake and eating it too. You're making more money than you would have in a buy-and-hold approach, and you're also reducing your overall risk by keeping flexible as stocks move over the long run."


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The H.A.K.E.T. (Hawk And Knife Emergency Tool) from TOPSÛ knives was a focal point for visitors at the 2010 Shot Show. This new wilderness tool, which can be a field hatchet/hawk and pick until you take it apart and it becomes a knife/scraper, chopper combo. The HAKET'S blade is 1095 steel with a small tomahawk blade on one end and a knife blade on the other end. The blade slides into a slot on the chrome-moly alloy handle and fastens with a special heavy duty bolt. The hollow handle is built to hold numerous survival type items comfortably/p>
ñEpoxy coated chrome-moly alloy hollow handle
ñHeavy duty bolt fastener
ñBolt compatible lanyard hole with 550 paracord wrapping
Outfitter Hawk Head Features:
ñ1095 carbon steel construction with gray epoxy coating
ñ2-9/16" blade
ñ1-15/16" Cutting edge
ñThickness: 3/16"
ñWidth: 1"
ñ8-1/8" overall hawk head/knife
ñLeather edge covers when not in use
Alligator Alley Features:
ñ1095 carbon steel construciton with gray epoxy coating
ñ2-1/8" Blade
ñThickness: 3/16"
ñWidth: 1-1/8"
ñ7" overall
ñKydexÛ sheath
ñHandle measures 14-1/2" overall
ñBasic black nylon carry bag sheath holds everything
ñMade in the USA


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Metal gates stolen in Herefordshire (From Hereford Times)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting HT NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Metal gates stolen in Herefordshire
4:25pm Tuesday 18th February 2014 in News
POLICE are investigating a series of metal gate thefts from properties in the county.
A total of 12 gates were stolen in Hereford and Lugwardine between January 22 and January 31.
The thefts in Hereford occurred in Whitecross Road, Edgar Street, Barrs Court Road and Grandstand Road.
"The thefts in Lugwardine all happened on the same night in the same area and we urge anyone who heard anything or saw any suspicious behaviour or an unfamiliar vehicle to contact us," said Sergeant Emma Freer.
"The gate thefts in Hereford all happened within a week and we are linking these crimes."
Anyone with information can call police on 101.
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Discover Adionomy, Your Online Radio Advertising Campaign, Fast, Easy and Custom-Made!
Windmill is Matthew Thomas Dillon, a wide eyed but insular songwriter fueled by imagination and displacement anxiety. Raised in the dense suburbs of a small English town, Dillon came to writing music in his late teens. A four track and a piano were the catalyst for dozens of homemade epics that never left the bedroom. It was some 8 years later that a demo tape finally graced the online community.
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Stella C. Probst, 93, of Effingham, formerly of rural Sigel, died at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at The Glenwood Assisted Living Center, Effingham.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Sigel. Visitation will be from 4 t8 p.m. Thursday with a 7:15 p.m. rosary, followed by a wake service, at the church. Swengel-O'Dell Funeral Home, Neoga, is in charge of arrangements.


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Paris ! GO TO JAIL !
This petition is a reaction to petition of Paris and her friend Joshua about not sending Paris into JAIL ! WE! Worldwide public thinks that you are STUPID, AROGANT WHORE and you deserve to go to jail. You can´t to avoid prison only because you´re rich and famous ! SEND PARIS INTO JAIL !
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XC Teams Ready for Another Win
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --
Director of XC
Ron Grigg
said he's not worried about Friday's FLrunners.com 14 Invitational in Titusville, Fla., partly because he believes the men's team is the best that JU has had in 10 years.
"I don't know where we're going to place in the conference, but I know that the level of our [men's] team is as good as it's been in a decade." Grigg said.
Both the men's and women's XC teams are coming off 3-0 sweeps at the JU Short Course Duals from August 30 that opened their respective seasons. That meet was only five days into the school year and the teams had been training for four of them. Grigg said the intentionally low-key competition was an evaluation of their summer training.
"For the women the win was expected; for the men, not so much. They hadn't won that race in a number of years so we were excited about the improvement on the men's side."
Since that meet, the men and women have been training to improve and ready them for Friday. JU's training has been going fabulously, Grigg exclaimed, adding that he's very excited to see how "the middle of the pack kids" will perform. Five women and six men will race. He's pretty confident in how the number one runners will do on both sides, being veterans, but after them are sophomores and freshmen.
The men's roster is composed of two sophomores and six freshmen, while the women have one sophomore and two first-years.
"I'd really like to see how they're going to respond in their first real racing opportunity," Grigg said.
Nick Dale
Andrew Merrill
were JU's two top runners for most of last season as freshmen, Grigg said, and even though they're only sophomores now, they're team leaders and have done well.
"There's a lot of camaraderie. The guys hang out together and just make it for a much better training group when you have that many guys who can run together and push each other, so we've just seen a lot of quality training."
To pair with good training is the familiarity that a few of the JU XC runners have with the Chain of Lakes Park in Titusville. That -- and the course isn't too challenging, Grigg explained.
"Svenja (Meyer), our top woman, she's run this race on two or three other occasions so we'll be able to tell, if the weather is similar, where she stands in relationship to how's she's been running in the past. Where her current training is, she should go out and have an opportunity to be in the top two or three in the event and maybe even challenge for the win," Grigg said.
Katy Solis
will probably be JU's number two runner, he said. Solis ran this race each of her last two years of high school, the exact same course, so the coaches will be able to compare her performances too.
Most of the other JU runners will race for the first time on the course, but he's not at all worried.
"It's flat and fast. We train on campus … we have challenging terrain here on campus that will be more difficult than anything we face racing over the year and that's the way that we want it. So the course itself shouldn't be a challenge. It's known to be a fast course and really there are no obstacles."
The women race at 5:56 p.m. and the men begin at 6:20 p.m.
JU has competed in the meet for four of the last five years.
"We're very familiar with the course and it'll provide adequate competition for both the men and the women."
The Florida men's team will compete, along with Stetson, Grigg said. On the women's side, UCF will be the biggest competition. Other teams that JU has raced before, including Bethune-Cookman, will run, alongside four or five other division I schools and a number of division 2 and NAIA schools.
Copyright ©2014 Jacksonville University. All Rights Reserved.


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As of Tuesday, December 27, 2011
© Copyright 2014 Clayton News Daily
Officials in Henry County's Parks and Recreation Department hope to expand the agency's Therapeutic Recreation Division, by launching a Special Olympic Kayaking Team.
The kayaking team would be part of many offerings the agency provides to Henry County residents with special needs, according to county spokesperson, Julie Hoover-Ernst.
She said county commissioners recently accepted a generous donation of kayaking equipment from the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association.
"The donation of four kayaks, a wrap, and an enclosed cargo event trailer with a total value of $8,500, is expected to be enough to propel Henry County's pilot program with the hopes of making kayaking an official Special Olympic Sport in the state of Georgia," said Hoover-Ernst
"We have one of the best therapeutic recreation programs in the state," said Tim Coley, director of Henry County's Parks and Recreation Department. "I believe that's why we've been asked to take off with this program."
The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department's Therapeutic Recreation Division, along with the Georgia Kayak Fishing Foundation, sponsored a Kayak and Fishing Field Day for the special needs community, in June, at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center, in Locust Grove.
"Special athletes had a chance to whet their appetite for the water sport," added Hoover-Ernst. "It was because of that special program that the organization was honored with the Innovative Program of the Year [recognition] for their efforts."
For more information about the Therapeutic Recreation Division, or any of the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department's programs or activities, visit www.hcprd.org
More like this story
- Kayak gift bolsters Henry's Special Olympics Program ( December 27, 2011 )
- Special Olympics Henry hosts fund-raiser ( November 29, 2010 )
- Special Olympics Henry hosts fund-raiser ( November 30, 2010 )
- $6 million Rock Quarry Road construction begins Friday ( October 12, 2011 )
- Henry's summer camps kick off today ( May 30, 2011 )


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LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, celebrated its 16th anniversary as a company by challenging the Louisville community to combat hunger.
Hundreds turned out early to the company's corporate headquarters on Gardiner Lane to help collect more than 16,000 pounds of food for Dare to Care.
Nearly one in six Kentuckiana families struggles to put food on the table and organizers hope this drive can chip away at that number.
"When we raise the 16,000 pounds it's going to provide 13,000 meals for people here in our community," said Angela Osting of Yum! Foundation.
Last year, Yum! Brands collected more than 15,000 pounds of food.
Copyright 2013 WAVE 3 News. All rights reserved.
725 S. Floyd Street
Louisville, KY 40203
FCC Public File
EEO Report
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JOHANNESBURG — Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa's first black president, has been admitted to a hospital with a recurring lung infection, South Africa said Thursday.
Mandela, 94, has become increasingly frail in recent years and has been hospitalized several times since last year, most recently earlier this month when he underwent what authorities said was a scheduled medical test. The Nobel laureate is a revered figure in South Africa, which has honored his legacy of reconciliation by naming buildings and other places after him and printing his image on national banknotes.
"I'm so sorry. I'm sad," said Obed Mokwana, a Johannesburg resident. "I just try to pray all the time. He must come very strong again."
The Nobel laureate was admitted to a hospital just before midnight Wednesday "due to the recurrence of his lung infection," the office of President Jacob Zuma said in a statement.
"Doctors are attending to him, ensuring that he has the best possible expert medical treatment and comfort," the statement said. It appealed "for understanding and privacy in order to allow space to the doctors to do their work."
It did not identify the hospital. In December, Mandela spent three weeks in a hospital in the South African capital of Pretoria, where he was treated for a lung infection and had a procedure to remove gallstones.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj acknowledged there was cause for worry, but said the medical specialists treating Mandela were very competent.
"The health has been OK given his age, but the downturn last night — obviously when the lung infection recurs, the doctors will want to do everything possible and make sure that they don't allow the infection to spread, that they arrest it as quickly as possible," Maharaj said in an interview with eNCA, a South African news channel.
He said there had been a global outpouring of messages expressing concern for Mandela's health.


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Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
Farming and rural life discussion forum. Cooking, hunting, gardening, fishing, critters, etc.
Moderator: Team Cub
Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
One of my dogs, Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain, aka Shanny, born Thansgiving of 1993 will be put to rest this coming Friday at 3:30 pm. She is survived by one son, Maxwell. She was preceeded in death by her life long companion and half brother, MacGuyver, and all of her remaining pups. Her she is as a pup so long ago.
Her she is just a couple of days ago.
More pictures here.
http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/v ... 1993-2008/
Here are pictures of her half brother and her son.
http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/v ... /Samoyeds/
Calling the vet was the hardest thing i have ever had to do. Driving her to the vet Friday, is not going to be fun, i am sure. But she has not ate anything for several weeks now, and i can no longer stand by and watch her waste away. She has been with us for 15 yrs, this will be hard on the kids, as she has protected them all their lives.
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
John, Sorry to hear about that. I know how hard it is to loose a dog. But it always seems like a new puppy tends to temper the sadness.
"We don't need to think more,
we need to think differently."
-Albert Einstein
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
I have to put Bowser to rest a couple of months ago...I know your pain...it stinks badly! Keep in mind that it is for the best for your buddy to be going "across the rainbow bridge" ...
Mike in La Crosse, WI
Mike (Happy as a Lark in Allison Park, PA)
Check out my Restoration Thread (1955 Cub, Lewis)
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
John, it was very hard for Rosanne and me just a couple days after Christmas last year when we had to put "Sarge" down after 14 years of faithful service. I remember us standing in the back room with him while we waited for the vet. All the robust life he had in him for so many years had slowly drained from him and he tried to look at us.
Like your beloved pet, Sarge hardly ate and could barely get up to go to the bathroom. His dignity was going fast and he had no quality of life. One of the bazillion tennis balls that he had always played with and lost now just layed between his paws for him to stare at.
We couldn't let him go on the way he was and finally made the decision. Several hours after we had been home I saw Rosanne sitting at the dining room table just staring. I asked what was wrong (full well knowing the answer). She just stared ahead and said "We did the right thing". She had finally assured herself that things were okay.
It won't be easy for you, I know. But sooner or later, you too will finally say to yourself "We did the right thing".
It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt -
Barnyard Bash CubFest May 30th - May 31st, 2014
Click here for info http://www.barnyardbash.com
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
Hate to hear that John. I remember the night I stayed at your place and waking up with the 2 of them watching me.
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government
to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the
government lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
John it is a sad and my heart goes out to you. A dog it truly part of the family . Friends and family can betray you on occasion,
but a dog will stick by your side for life and expect nothing but a pet on the head from time to time
All others pay cash
Boss Hog
Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely byJohn Emerich Edward Dalberg
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
Sorry to hear about your dog. My dogs are a big part of our lives, nothing harder than doing whats best some time.
22 mower 5', grader blade, 189 two way moldboard plow, cultivators ,danco C2 mower,1961 Comet, 1984 BMW 318i
Part of life is falling down, living is getting back up.
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
John - I know your pain. I have been there too many times myself. You are right not to let her go on suffering. One thing I have done that I thought I could never do is to be with some of mine as they were released from the pain of this life. Being there to hold, pet and comfort a companion as they leave this world lets them know we are with them to the end. I thought I could never do that but I found that it was much easier than I thought. I have watched them peacefully slip away while I was petting them and they were at ease because I was there and they were not among strangers. It assured me that I was doing the right thing.
I will be thinking of you Friday. Peace my friend.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
My wife says I don't listen to her. - - - - - - - - Or something like that!
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
Thanks for all the kind words. It means a lot. It has been a tough week. This board has always been there when i needed them to be. I think she new she was dying, she would go off into the woods each day and i would have to go and find her each night. Even today i had to go and find, huddled under some branches and carry her in. I was able to get one last nap in with her today before we went to the vet. The wife even got a picture to mark the event. She is always getting a picture of me sleeping, guess i sleep to often. I hate it when she does that. What a woman, huh. Anyway, off to the vet, stayed with her the whole time, kept her calm, until she passed. She is with the rest of her family now in heaven. I hope to meet up with her in heaven some day. She has been a big part of our lives for 15 yrs. Alex was quite the trooper, he went to the vet with me, helped me dig the hole and cover her up. She is under the flowering tree out in the front yard where Big Dog got stuck in 2007. She liked to lay there and protect us from people coming down the lane. She is laying facing the road, so she will always be on gaurd for us. She is wrapped in her favorite blanket as well. Here is that picture the wife took.
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
John, I think you picked the perfect spot to lay her to rest.
It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt -
Barnyard Bash CubFest May 30th - May 31st, 2014
Click here for info http://www.barnyardbash.com
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
I understand how you feel completely.
It has been a long while since we lost Spook. I remember Amanda and I cradling him as he finally passed from this realm to the next. He died in my arms, faithful friend and family member to the end. Funny, cause a little while ago as Kristina, Em and I came in from shopping.. we went down by the shop to turn off the lights/heat etc., and Kris said looking at Spook's dog house, how it was still kind of weird to look and not see him waiting for us there as he always did when we went shopping.
I still cannot bring myself to have another dog, it may be a long, long time if ever for me. We had dogs all of our lives, mostly German Shepherds cause my Dad loved em, but I loved my Great Pyrennes.. Spook was the first and the last..
Em and I had decided that we needed to get a dog after I got sick in 1991. We did not want a puppy mill puppy, we wanted to give a dog who truly needed a loving family a chance at a home, so we went to the Moncton SPCA. This is where we first saw Spook. I am not sure who picked who.. most of the time we are pretty sure he picked us, and it was only a matter of time before we realized it. He stole our hearts immediately. He got a name change real quick after he and I adopted each other back in 1992, we found out when we were ready to take him home that his name was Rudy yeah, that's right, his name was mine... .. but he looked like a ghost so that was why we named him spook. He never answered to Rudy, just to Spook.
He was the kindest gentlest creature on earth. A great farm dog and a great family dog. He took care of each of our children protecting them from just about anything including PO'd turkeys.. and then he would protect the critters as well.
We still miss him terribly. It is funny how an animal such as a dog can warm up your heart so much, that the animal is part of your family, somehow loosing the persona of a critter and taking on the aura of a family member.. almost a humbean.. totally amazing.
I still can hear him...
It still breaks my heart.....
My family feels for yours John, and we send along our best wishes as you all try to get through this... it never is easy.
Confusion breeds Discussion which breeds Knowledge which breeds Confidence which breeds Friendship
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
I'm just now seeing this post and it brought a tear to my eye - OK, several... Alright, I cried like a baby.
Just last summer, Sheri and I had to make that tough decision about the first dog we'd gotten as a married couple. Harry was I believe 11 years old and had been companion to us, a protector when our son was born and a patient "brother" to several other pets. He'd been racing arthritis for years and it finally and suddenly caught up with him. It seemed like overnight we went from full-functioning to not being able to walk at all.
I made the call to the vet on Tuesday to arrange things for Thursday morning. Then, I called work and took Wednesday off. We spend the next day as a family, seeing to Harry's every whim. Cuddling with him, giving him treats and otherwise loving the heck out of him. Then, Thursday morning, before anyone else woke, I carried him to the car (not easy, given he weighed 90 pounds) and we snuck away.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to stay with him until he was resting, but somehow I found the strength to do so. And, I'm so glad I did. I held his head and pet him while his breathing slowed and swear I saw for at least a moment a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. I practically ran back to the car where I bawled for a good five minutes before I left the vets.
We had him cremated and I went back in a few days to pick up the remains. When I picked up the box, I knew he was truly coming home just by the weight of the box - it really was him. He now rests on a shelf in our living room and we still talk to him from time to time.
A few months later, we got a new puppy, which unfortunately ended badly. We got him from the local shelter and quickly lost him to Parvo. We still had another dog, Odie, and were contemplating sticking with one. Then, in February, we fell in love with a black Lab mix and brought her home. She's no Harry, but she seems to finally fill the hole that was left by him.
My prayers are with you and your family that you will remember Shanny well and that you may see her passing not as a loss, but as an opportunity for your family to grow.
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
Sorry for your loss. And you did it right friend. As I read this thread Sun. Pm all the memories of my past animals came flooding back to me. I remember sitting in a 5th grade classroom watching the clock as the Vet appointment my mother set for my trusted Smokey came and went. I knew then that from then on, if at all possible I would be present at the end of my animals life. Many say that they can't bring themselves to be present during this time, but to me this is part of being a responsible pet owner. I would want them there for me. I've hand dug graves, and been present for my animals last moments for the years since that day in class. Cats, dogs, a Mule....doesn't matter. Favorite blanket, favorite old Carhaart coat....I am there with my smell, touch, and companionship as they get their freedom from their pains. For me it is the right thing to do. It helps give me closure, and you too I hope.
Chris Todd
55 Cub (Red), 47 Cub #2752 (Roosevelt), 61 CCO
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
So sorry to hear of this John.
I like everyone else here have had to deal with loosing a dog.
My farm dog died in our arms after being hit by a car about 35 years ago. I decided then I'd never have another animal with a shorter life span than ours because everyones going to deal with this sometime down the road...
Just my way I guess
My dad lost his Newfoundland a couple years ago and it was rough on everyone in the family.
That's the only time I've seen my dad cry in 48 years.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Ben Franklin
Re: Shannon Ohara of the Orkdomain
I have attempted send my thoughts and prayers your way several times over the last few weeks, each time emotions have taken over. I am sorry for your loss and you should take comfort in the time you had and the respectful way you handled things. I have two Llewellin Setters and one, Rudy, is 13 years old, he has been a family member and faithful hunting companion since the day we were blessed with him. He has slowed down over the last year and last season I only hunted him in small fields and around abandoned farmhouses. I got the same feeling the last time I hunted with my Grandpa, somehow you know it is the last time.
In mid-summer the Vet diagnosed him with a stomach tumor and didn't expect him to make it until the opening of this hunting season (1st of Nov.). Well, he made the trip to NE for opening week, though in the back seat of my truck, I know he appreciated being there. He went along for his last trip around all our beloved hunting places, though only as a spectator. He still has spunk and the tail wags as high and fast as ever, but does have a "bad day†every few weeks. The Vet said I will know when it's time, as has others. I have not been in this position before and pray for strength when the time comes.
My sincere condolences and thanks for sharing your experience and adding some comfort to someone else soon to be in your shoes, David
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Updated Mar 20, 2013 - 8:13 am
More than one killer in the Jodi Arias case?
By Mac & Gaydos
Originally published: Mar 19, 2013 - 3:53 pm
Originally published: Mar 19, 2013 - 3:53 pm
The plot surrounding the Jodi Arias trial has just gotten thicker.
According to ABC15, a man in Iowa, HJ Blankenship, claims that a reflection in the eyes of Travis Alexander shows multiple people standing in front of him just before he was killed.
"I am convinced she had somebody there, there were two other people there," said Blankenship in an interview with ABC15.
The report from ABC is below, followed by Blankenship's video that he claims proves his theory.
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LAS VEGAS Nev. -- If you want a unique wedding, Las Vegas is certainly your best bet.
Now you can have a shotgun wedding there, of course it's not a real shotgun wedding.
More like an automatic weapon wedding.
The Gun Store now offers...along with reloads and target practice, a wedding service.
Ashley and Luis Tovar have been married for seven years and Saturday was their anniversary, and they wanted to renew their vows in style.
Style includes the zombie poster hanging over the bride.
The Gun Store just started hosting weddings when marketing director Emily Miller got her license to wed.
Shotgun wedding prices start at 310-dollars, but that doesn't include the limo, flowers or the pink AR-15 for the bride.


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Repair Our Streets ~ No more pothole killer
We, the undersigned, can no longer standby and watch our streets be filled with asphalt. The streets are beyond being filled. We want our neighborhood streets repaired just like they repaired Robert E. Lee Blvd from WestEnd to Wisner. It\'s looks like the City of New Orleans are still doing it\'s citizens a great injust. They repair streets in certain neighborhoods and we are sick and tired of it. Let\'s make them hear our voices.
Citizens of New Orleans tired of streets that are damaging their cars.
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Former President George H.W. Bush is in stable condition in the Texas Medical Center for complications related to bronchitis.
The former President, who was admitted to The Methodist Hospital, is expected to be released from the hospital within three days, according to a statement released Thursday morning by his office.
President Bush, 88, was admitted to Methodist originally with viral bronchitis, which was treated with intravenous steroids and antibiotics. He developed a secondary bacterial infection which has also improved.
"This was never a serious or life-threatening situation," Mynderse says. "We simply wanted to prevent the progression of the disease into pneumonia, which is possible in any patient at this age."
He is recovering from the effects of a lingering cough which caused him some discomfort. Mynderse says she is surprised at how quickly President Bush has recovered from his illness.
"He is definitely in great spirits," she says. "He is happy, joking and definitely getting better."


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TACOMA, Wash. -– What a difference a day makes. After the GSL went 1-4 in the first day of the tournament, the league responded with a 3-1 showing in consolation games to start day two.
For Gonzaga Prep, the entire state took notice of sophomore sensation Oti Gildon, who led the Bullpups with 30 points on the way to a 59-44 win over Kentwood.
Gildon went 12-22 from the field and 6-8 from the free throw line.
Prep led 21-8 after the first quarter, and never surrendered the lead from there.
Central Valley faced Richland for the third time this season, with the Bears taking the grudge match 63-37. The Bears shot lights out for the game, shooting 60% in the first half, and finishing 50% from the field.
Beau Byus led the cause going 9-9, with 20 points for Central Valley. Three other Bears finished in double figures with 12 from AJ Knudsen and Austin Rehkow, plus 10 from Adam Chamberlain.
Richland had a disappointing finish to their season, as they shot just 22% from the field. Payton Radliff led the Bombers with 10 points.
In 3A, it came down to the wire as the University Titans fell to Mountlake Terrace 59-56. Trailing by three in the final seconds, Brett Bailey missed a long three that would've tied the game.
Bailey had an impressive performance in his final game with University, finishing with a team high 28 points.
For the girls' team for U-High, the team hung tough with Glacier Peak and pulled out a 49-44 win. The Titans began to pull away in the second quarter, taking a 29-19 lead and holding that lead the rest of the way.
Kayleigh Valley led the Titans in scoring once again with 11 points and six rebounds.
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On View: "Numero Uno" Armchair
Today when we think of where inventive contemporary design is manufactured, we often think of Italy. This, however, was not always the c...
Hiroshige's One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
Hiroshige's 118 woodblock landscape and genre scenes of mid-nineteenth-century Tokyo, is one of the greatest achievements of Japanese art.
Painted in Paris at a time when Robert Henri was determined to make his professional mark as a young artist, this work—in a dark, smok...
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum
Wednesday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.


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Updated Feb 14, 2013 - 5:01 pm
Athlon Sports: UA has best football/basketball coach duo in Pac-12
Originally published: Feb 14, 2013 - 4:51 pm
As it pertains to football and men's basketball, he may be right to have zero interest in parting with his coaches -- at least, for any in the Pac-12.
Athlonsports.com ranked the conference's coaching tandems, and Arizona's combo of Rich Rodriguez and Sean Miller ranks number one in the conference.
In his first season at Arizona, Rodriguez won five of his last seven games as the Wildcats ranked in the top 25 nationally in rushing, passing, total offense and scoring offense. The 8-5 season was a good indication Rodriguez may put up results more similar to his tenure at West Virginia (60-26) than his tenure at Michigan (15-22). In basketball, Sean Miller has restored stability to a program that had two one-season coaches after Lute Olson's legendary run. Arizona's not back to level of prominence it enjoyed through the '90s and into the early 2000s, but Miller has already taken Arizona to an Elite Eight and has the Wildcats in contention for its second conference title in his tenure.
UCLA's duo of Jim Mora and Ben Howland comes in second, while Cal's tandem of first-year coach Sonny Dykes and Mike Montgomery ranks third.
Arizona State, with coaches Todd Graham and Herb Sendek, is ranked seventh.
Jokes aside about Graham's wandering eye for open coaching jobs, he's proven himself as a winning coach. He ended a bowl drought at Rice, won at least 10 games three times in four seasons at Tulsa and exceeded expectations with an 8-5 season and 5-4 record in the Pac-12 for the Sun Devils' best season since 2007. After two losing seasons, Sendek has Arizona State back in NCAA Tournament contention this season. He entered the season on the hot seat, but at least for a season, he's showing he can win in Tempe without James Harden.
That's not exactly where the Sun Devils would like to be, but another couple of years with Graham and improved play under Sendek could have them rise in the rankings.
Trailing ASU are Washington, Oregon, Washington State, Utah and USC.
Adam Green, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com
- Mark May, ESPN College Football Analyst - Tuesday September 2Should UCLA be concerned about their performance against Virginia?
- Rich Rodriguez - UA football coach - Tuesday September 2Doug and Wolf catch up with the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, Rich Rodriguez.
- Greg Byrne - Arizona Athletic Director - Friday August 29Arizona Athletic Director Greg Byrne previews the 2014 Arizona football season
- Bearing Down with Adam and Jarrett - Aug. 28 - Thursday August 28Adam and Jarrett preview Arizona's 2014 football season and season opener vs. UNLV.
- Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach UA Football - Monday August 25Who will be his starting quarterback and how will he replace Ka'Deem Carey?


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I was recently diagnosed with polyps on my ovaries. Is this a serious condition? What are the risks and how concerned should I be about potential problems?
In middle school, Taylor LeBaron struggled to fit into his seat. The desks in class had a ceramic plate attached to the chair.
Switching shampoos often? Shivering through a cold rinse? It's time to rethink your routines.
Women age 65 and older who fracture a hip are much more likely to die from any cause during the following year than they would be if they had avoided injury, a new study suggests.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke at an early age, but that's not the only worry. Diabetes appears to dramatically increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia later in life, according to a new study conducted in Japan.
I'm 40 and stopped taking the pill a year ago, after using it for some 20 years. Since then I have developed persistent, painful, cystic acne. My periods have also become very irregular and heavy. Could these problems be linked to quitting the pill? Could I have thyroid or ovarian problems?
Children whose mothers take Zoloft, Prozac, or similar antidepressants during pregnancy are twice as likely as other children to have a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder, according to a small new study, the first to examine the relationship between antidepressants and autism risk.
Women who gain weight after giving birth for the first time dramatically increase their risk of developing pregnancy-related diabetes during their second pregnancy, a new study suggests.
Some doctors proceed with caution when treating ear infections. CNN's Judy Fortin reports.
I have been bleeding during sex. An ER doctor I saw said it could be precancer cells. I am just wondering what causes these cells. Why does it happen, and what are the symptoms? I don't have a gynecologist because I lost my insurance.
Heart attacks dropped by 24 percent in a large cross section of Northern Californians over the past decade, most likely due to less smoking, better blood pressure control, and lower cholesterol, a new study reports.
Worried about toxic waste and chemical exposure, more and more companies and hospitals are moving away from polyvinyl chloride.
When you get your insurance, you probably get a stack of papers about your plan's details, but going online can help you find benefits you may not even be aware of.
When you get your insurance, you probably get a stack of papers about your plan's details, but going online can help you find benefits you may not even be aware of.
A 10-year study examining 4.9 million births in the 1990s has found more evidence that there's a link between autism and the mother's age at conception.
A new study finds the risk of having a child with autism increases with a mother's age.
People as young as 40 with borderline or high cholesterol levels are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, said a Kaiser Permanente study released Tuesday.
For years, hospitals have embodied a paradox.
The hospital where a California woman gave birth to octuplets in January has been fined $250,000 by the state because nearly two dozen medical workers, including doctors, illegally viewed her medical records, according to state health officials.
Everyone seems to think electronic health records are a great idea: going digital cuts down on paper storage, makes it easier to transfer patient information from one provider to another, and ultimately will enable the medical industry to create immense clinical databases. Electronic health records are a key component of the Obama Administration's stimulus plan, and dozens of corporations claim they are lined up to create more jobs when the government releases funds for digitizing medical files and other improvements to healthcare information technology.
Fifteen employees were fired for improperly accessing medical records of Nadya Suleman, the mother of octuplets, a Kaiser Permanente spokesman said Monday.
Nadya Suleman's brood welcomes sons Makai and Jeremiah on Thursday night
Hospital officials say it's "another important milestone" for Nadya Suleman and her brood
"I'm anxious, but I'm ready," Nadya Suleman tells PEOPLE as sons Noah and Isaiah head home
A weekend of packing, painting, cleaning – oh, and Disneyland – for Nadya Suleman
With the babies due home soon, an army of nurses plans for 64 feedings a day
Nadya Suleman says hospital getting ready to release her kids – two at a time
Doctors at the hospital say Nadya Suleman's children are making incremental progress
California mom introduces her eight babies – by name – on national TV
Nadya Suleman gives NBC first TV interview since expanding her brood to 14
The babies will remain at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California for several more weeks
Did Octuplets' mother do it for the fame and fortune? CNN's Randi Kaye reports.
In a case that's captured international attention, Nadia Suleman, the mother of six children, gave birth to octuplets in Bellflower, California.
As more details of the mother who gave birth to octuplets come to light, ethicists are debating the moral quandaries involved.
CNN's Joe Johns reports doctors say octuplets born to a California couple are doing well.
A woman in California delivered what may be the nation's second live-born set of octuplets on Monday morning, surprising doctors who expected seven babies.
"My family and I are ecstatic about all of their arrivals," the anonymous mom says in a statement
The mother of a woman who gave birth on Monday to octuplets said her daughter already has six children at home and was undergoing fertility treatment.
She couldn't hold them yet, but was allowed to view them sleeping in their incubators
It was described as one of the most grisly scenes Los Angeles police had ever encountered: the bodies of five young children and their parents, all shot to death, in two upstairs rooms of the family's home.
CNN's Ted Rowlands reports a father apparently distraught over his job loss kills his wife and five children.
It took 52 medical professionals doing a "well-choreographed baby dance" to deliver the eight babies
California octuplets believed to be the nation's second live-born set were "doing very well" one day after their birth, and aside from some oxygen assistance, all the babies were breathing on their own, doctors said Tuesday.
Six boys and two girls were born Monday and are doing well, say doctors
Depressed moms-to-be are more likely than nondepressed women to have a preterm birth, and the worse their mood, the greater their risk, says a new study published in Human Reproduction. In fact, women in the study who were severely depressed during early pregnancy more than doubled their risk of giving birth to premature babies.
A new study shows that turning on a fan at night can protect infants from sudden unexplained death
Good chronic pain treatment can be hard to find. A chronic pain patient has every right to believe that his or her doctor will listen sympathetically and prescribe the appropriate treatment, but that is not always the reality.
A determined reporter -- and a new study -- suggest writing down the things you eat might keep you from overeating
Consultations: Dr. De-Kun Li of Kaiser Permanente on what pregnant women should know about caffeine
CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on a study that links abdominal fat to an increased risk of dementia later in life.
New research out Monday may have expecting moms rethinking their drinking habits.
CNN's Kiran Chetry talks with Dr. Jennifer Wu about just how a little caffeine can put a woman at risk for miscarriage.
We've heard for nearly a decade about the benefits of alcohol -- red wine in particular. It's good for your heart and may have other positive effects. In moderation, we thought, it's not only OK, but actually good for us.
Women must decide for themselves whether the heart benefits of drinking red wine outweigh increased breast cancer risks.
A new report says gestational diabetes is strongly linked to childhood obesity -- but there's a lot you can do to treat the condition
Effecting change in most organizations, even in places with dynamic and omnipotent leaders, is a lot harder than most people think.
Bill Halcomb's three-times-a week sessions at a local dialysis center used to consume a total of 15 hours, depriving him of time to run his kidney patient website, Ihatedialysis.com.
Bill Halcomb's three-times-a week sessions at a local dialysis center used to consume a total of 15 hours, depriving him of time to run his kidney patient website, Ihatedialysis.com.
There's one word that never fails to raise the blood pressure of my friends in business: unions. In the minds of many executives, organized labor is the archenemy of the basic prerequisites for bus...
"I wondered if it would be inevitable" that I would get breast cancer, says a young brunette in a dramatic TV ad that has been airing in Denver and Atlanta for the past six months; soon the campaig...
First it was kidney failure and diabetes. Then, for a 40-year-old Michigan woman this June, the diabetes led to foot ulcers and gangrene. One toe had to be amputated, then a second, then a third.
Outside of online investment chat rooms and job reviews, resumes rule the genre of personal business fiction. The first-person characters are heroic, always seeking new and challenging opportunitie...
"Customers' power just keeps increasing," says William Stavropoulos, CEO of Dow Chemical. In Dow's industry, as in many others, they have taken heartless advantage of overcapacity, but customers' p...
If you're among the millions of smokers who resolve to quit each New Year's Day, only to find yourself a few days later dejectedly puffing away, take heart. A revolution in medical understanding of...
CHALLENGE: Once a human-resources executive at Kaiser Permanente, Tracy Brown, 44, now earns $175,000 a year from her speeches and training seminars on improving workplace diversity. But she's stil...
GET READY FOR a pleasant shock: Runaway medical care spending has decelerated to a brisk walk. It could be down to a saunter in the next few years and might even stop and rest a bit -- without the ...
EPOCHAL EVENTS often go unnoticed at the time they occur. The morning after the Wright brothers proved that heavier-than-air machines can stay aloft, no metropolitan dailies proclaimed MAN FLIES in...
MOST CURES for America's ruinous, $800-billion-a-year medical bill focus on changing our profligate insurance system, which encourages patients to consume -- and doctors to provide -- too much heal...
Q My husband and I recently moved to New Hampshire, where he is self-employed and I'm looking for work. We previously got our health care at group rates through Kaiser Permanente's HMO (I used to w...
Q I recently won a free trip for two to Hawaii from WOR-AM radio. The station intends to send me a 1099 income-reporting form for $3,500 -- supposedly the value of full coach air fare. But two trav...
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