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Toxic Toys Test High for Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, or Mercury
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, December 2, 2009 (ENS) – One-third of the nearly 700 children's toys tested by a nonprofit organization this holiday season contained one or more toxic chemicals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
The Ecology Center, a nonprofit based in Michigan, and partners across the country, today released the results of their tests in the 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys at www.HealthyStuff.org.
"The toxic chemicals that we find are a fraction of the thousands of chemicals that can be present in everyday products, including those intended for children," said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center's lead researcher, who founded HealthyStuff.org.
This Green Baby recycling garment tested high for lead and arsenic. (Photo courtesy HealthyStuff.org)
Researchers tested children's products for lead, cadmium, arsenic, polyvinyl chloride, and other harmful chemicals in time to help consumers make better choices for their families this holiday shopping season.
The researchers at HealthyStuff.org find that lead has been decreasing in toys over the past three years.
"The number of products with lead exceeding current federal standards for lead in toys of 300 parts per million decreased by two-thirds since 2007," the group said in a statement. Yet, three percent (17) of this year's products tested at levels above 300 ppm, the federal recall standard used for lead material substrates in children's products.
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances. The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system, both in adults and children. The U.S. EPA has determined that lead is a probable human carcinogen.
Of the 669 products tested, 119 contained detectable lead, including the Barbie Bike Flair Accessory Kit, Dora the Explorer Activity Tote, and the Kids Poncho from WalMart.
In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a level of 40 parts per million of lead as the maximum that should be allowed in children's products. Seven percent, or 44 of this year's toys tested at levels above 40 ppm.
"We need a major overhaul of our chemicals policies immediately to start phasing out these dangerous substances," Gearhart said.
This Bigtime Muscle toy car tested high for cadmium. (Photo courtesy HealthyStuff.org)
Cadmium was found at levels greater than 100 ppm in 3.3 percent of products tested – 22 of 669 total products.
Arsenic was detected at levels greater than 100 ppm in 1.3 percent of products tested – nine of 669 total products.
To sample the toys, HealthyStuff.org researchers used a portable X-Ray Fluorescence, XRF, analyzer that identifies the elemental composition of materials. "This accurate device has been used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to screen packaging; the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to screen food; and, by many State and County Health Departments to screen for residential lead paint," the group said.
Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear testimony from three key federal agencies about the need to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, the law passed in 1976 to regulate chemicals.
To date, the EPA has required testing on only about 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals that have been on the market since the Toxic Substances Control Act was enacted.
Senator Frank Lautenberg, a New Jersey Democrat, and Congressman Bobby Rush, a Democrat from Illinois, are expected to introduce a new bill soon to reform this law.
This stuffed animal tested high for lead and arsenic. (Photo courtesy HealthyStuff.org)
"There is growing concern from an array of voices about our weak federal law being helpless to prevent human exposure to toxic chemicals on a daily basis," said Andy Igrejas, campaign director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. "The time is right to enact strong reform to our toxic chemical laws, so that we can better protect our health and our children."
Environmental commissioners from 13 states today released principles that call for updating and strengthening the Toxic Substances Control Act while preserving state implementation and management rights.
These principles include: protecting the most vulnerable including pregnant women and children; requiring manufacturers to provide health, safety, and use data on chemicals; demonstrating that chemicals in commerce are safe; identifying safer alternatives to toxic chemicals in keeping with the principles of green chemistry; and, assessing the safety of emerging chemicals of concern including nanoscale materials before they enter into widespread commerce.
The following states joined in issuing the principles: California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
This year at HealthyStuff.org, holiday shoppers can search for toys by product name, UPC code, product type, manufacturer, or retailer to easily find products that have No, Low, Medium, or High levels of toxic chemicals.
Also available is a personalized holiday wish list that can be sent to family and friends, blog-friendly widgets in English and Spanish, a mobile application, and quick searches for toy rankings via SMS texting in English and Spanish.


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Obama to announce new tax hike 'Buffett Rule' once again ignoring need to create jobs. Doubling down on tax hikes in recession = not good.—
Rob Williams (@rwwillia17) April 11, 2012
Once again, President Obama stood at a microphone and made the case for his so-called "Buffett Rule." Heading to the House later next week, the proposed law would supposedly raise taxes on the wealthiest, most successful people in the country, while keeping the tax rate as-is for those who make less than $250K a year.
I *LOVE* when Obama's campaign says GOP wants to return to "politics/economics of the past" as they double down on 1930's thinking.—
Seth (@dcseth) April 11, 2012
Obama 2012 would call this the "fair" thing to do, while the majority of America would call this more of the same old, same old election-year political posturing.
As usual, Twitter is calling out the president. Yesterday, Twitchy wrote about conservatives hijacking the White House's hash-tag and letting the president know how this new rule should be used.
Today, the Twittersphere shot back with more anger and called out the class warrior-in-chief:
I notice Obama "forgot" to notice the IRS sued Warren Buffet's company to the tune of $366 million last week for not paying taxes. #tcot—
Ron Christie (@Ron_Christie) April 11, 2012
Has anybody brought to Obama's attention to lower everybody else taxes to the what the millionaires and billionaires pay. #tcot #ocra—
Dave Sanders (@LibralLiberator) April 11, 2012
If Buffett Tax was so essential, why didn't Democrat Congress under Pelosi and Reid pass it and Obama sign it? #Nonelectionyearpriorities—
Joe Pounder (@PounderFile) April 11, 2012
#obama is on a fairness jag. The problem isn't the tax code! It's a #spendingproblem—
David Boersma (@PrepHedz) April 11, 2012
A basic understanding that dividend income is not = to salary income is missing here. Apples/oranges. Intellectual dishonesty by Obama.—
Ian Essling (@ianessling) April 11, 2012
Obama taking Reagan's 1985 speech out of context. Reagan was pushing for tax reform. The #BuffettTax will increase the use loopholes.—
Richard Ward (@rwardIII) April 11, 2012
It's going to be a long seven months.

subset: commoncrawl


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SOCHI, Russia - Four years of work in the gym paid off after Colorado snowboarder Alex Deibold won bronze in the Olympics.
VISIT 9NEWS' OLYMPIC ZONE FOR MORE STORIES: http://on9news.tv/olympics
"In between, when the world isn't watching, is really hard. There's a lot of sacrifice. And to win a medal makes all that sacrifice worth it," said Deibold.
At the Olympics in 2010, Deibold was waxing gear. In 2014, he was winning gear.
Winning the third place spot has seen some bigger names in winter sports scoff, but not Deibold.
"It's not something you come by very often," said Deibold.
He's happier with a little bronze to go along with a golden Olympic experience.
"For those guys to come out and cheer for me and have excitement on their faces isn't something I can begin to describe," said Deibold.


text: Community Connections Susan Ballinger | New guide points out our native shrubs, trees by Susan Ballinger June 22, 2014, 9:19 a.m. June in the Wenatchee Valley is peak bloom time for many native shrubs that form dense thickets in foothill ravines and alongside streams. Have you caught a whiff of sweet citrus perfume wafting from Lewis's mock-orange? Or, been reminded of crashing ocean waves by the frothy sea-foam flower head of oceanspray? Have you cracked a smile at the over-sized flat-topped white mass of flowers on the gangly blue elderberry?


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A federal judge in Sioux City ordered the temporary return of a service dog to his disabled owner. In November, Jim Sak, a retired Chicago police officer, moved to Aurelia, Iowa with his pit bull mix, to help his ailing mother-in-law.
The issue is there's a ban on pit bulls within city limits. The dog, "Snickers", was taken away, and Sak sued the city of Aurelia to get him back.
In federal court Wednesday morning, a judge granted a preliminary injunction meaning Sak will get his dog back until the lawsuit is over.
The court will ultimately choose whether the dog can remain in the city permanently.
"The immediate remedy is getting Snickers back in the home, but like we said, that's a temporary fix. What we need is permanent order from the court allowing Snickers to remain within the Aurelia city limits. Then there's also a variety of requests under the complaint that was filed as well, so a regular lawsuit will proceed," said Sak's attorney Michele Warnock.
The next court date for Sak has not been set.


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Spring Competition Results Posted!
Congratulations to all the dancers at our biggest and final competition this season! Thank you to the dancers, parents, and teachers who have helped to make this season a success. Also special thanks to our 2013 - 2014 board members; Kathy Hall - President, Michelle Doerscher - Vice President, Tracey Conway - Secretary, Mike Hall - Treasurer, and Jacki Ochs - Registrar as well as Steven MacRae - Historian, Miriam Burbach and Evelyn Hall - Volunteer Coordinators, and Lynda Ochs - Webmaster. We look forward to seeing you later this year for our Fall Competition. Best of Luck to all of our Premier dancers competing at the Regional Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Spring Workshop!
Spring Workshop info is now posted on the Entries tab under Competition Info. SHDA is excited to announce that Bill Weaver, our judge for our Spring Competition on March 29th, has graciously agreed to put on a 2-hour workshop for our Premiers, 1.5-hour workshop for Pre-Premiers, as well as an info session for dancers and PARENTS discussing training and injury prevention. The workshop will be Sunday, March 30th and will be held at North Seattle Community College Please follow directions to register online! For any questions, please email our registrar Jacki Ochs.
Spring Registration Posted
We have now uploaded Spring Registration! We look forward to seeing everyone at our competition on March 29th at Sylvester Middle School. Our judge will also be hosting a workshop in conjunction with the competition. Look for more details to come. For any registration questions, please email Jacki Ochs. Happy Dancing!
Winter Results Posted
Congratulations to all of our competitors! It was a great day of dance filled with family and friends. We enjoyed watching our Premier dancers compete in the Choreography special and look forward to seeing more competitors next year. Look out for Spring registration in a couple of weeks. Our Spring competition will be held at Sylvester MS on March 29th. Please email our registrar, Jacki Ochs if you have any questions regarding registration. See you all soon!
FUSTA Workshop
REMINDER! NW FUSTA will be offering a FREE workshop to all dancers, teachers, & Judges (please no Primaries) on January 18th and 19th. There will be a Workshop Lecturer, Stretch & Strength Training as well as a session on Preventing Injuries. All dancers, teachers, and parents wanting to attend must register by January 5th Please talk to your teacher for more information.
Happy New Year!
We hope you have had a wonderful holiday season. Please find information regarding our Winter Competition under the Entries tab. The Winter Competition will be held at Sylvester Middle School on February 1st, 2014. Please remember that all dancers must have current FUSTA Registration cards to compete. For more info, ask your teacher or find a link to FUSTA's website under Competition Info.
Welcome to the
2013 - 2014
Welcome to the new website for SHDA! We now have Online Registration. Please find the new 2013 - 2014 dance season schedule as well as links to our online registration under "Competition Info". Membership is now included in the online registration form. Please note that if you would prefer not to register online, you may still print and mail copies of the entry and membership forms.


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He looks at me and asks,
What did he do to deserve someone like me.
While I admire his inner and outer beauty, & wonder the same thing about him.
He looks at me and asks,
What did he do to deserve someone like me.
While I admire his inner and outer beauty, & wonder the same thing about him.
Most people believe that you need a reason to be kind, or nice to someone.
I disagree, strongly disagree.
Giving without expecting anything at all has to be the most beautiful thing.
It's heartwarming knowing you can brighten up someone's day. Helping people is honestly the key to happiness. Being kind can go such a long way, It doesn't matter if people have been mean to you all your life or if nothing's going your way today. At the end of the day, what someone else is doing isn't your problem. KEEP SMILING. What you give is what you'll receive. Even if at times it seems like no matter how good you are nothing ever goes your way. Take those times as lessons, not a curse. Learn to get up and be better. Overcome the obstacles and fight those thoughts that say "there's no point on being kind, no one ever appreciates it"
You need to remember that if you do a nice gesture, Do it because it makes YOU happy to do it. Not for an applause, do it out of the goodness of your heart.
The one that's in charge of sending us our blessings is watching. Sometimes it takes awhile for us to see it, but being kind really pays off. He knows when & how he will repay us. Don't question it. Don't ask for it, just have faith in Him.
I miss you,
But I don't need you.
Maybe that's my biggest fault.
I push people away when I care too much,
I'll rather go on alone..
But when I feel lonely,
I've already let you go.
8 years ago today..
Never thought that would be the last day I would hold you.
Didn't even get to tell you I loved you.
Never crossed my mind that I would have to face struggles, laughs without you.
Wonder how would it be if you were still here, would I still be this strong?
Would I be able to stand alone?
You've showed me a lot when you were here, but I learned more when you were gone.
It's not fair for me to go on without you, hoping that ill see you soon.
But as of now, dreams is the only place we'll meet. The only place where I can see your beautiful face.
You believe sorry fixes everything.
But sorry didn't change anything then & it won't change anything now.
Show me you're sorry, don't give empty apologies.
You know those days when you feel like crying, but don't know why?
When you just don't feel like socializing or seeing anyone?
Just be home doing nothing.
Yeah, it's been that kind of week.
It's not about walking alone or with someone but walking and knowing who you are. Walk in a room with confidence, and everyone will admire the rhythm of your walk.
Some people just play way too many games. Either you want to be with them or you don't. Don't wait around for anyone who is undecided or doesn't know what they want with their life. Your worth is not a dice anyone can just throw and decide. You are worth way more, you deserve someone who deserves you and appreciates who you are. Never let anyone take you for granted, you're worth more believe it or not❤
Whether you want to lose weight or gain it, my word of advice is throw away your scale. That scale is not your friend. Don't let that number define YOU. Work out, watch what you eat & be happy… Be happy with yourself.


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September 4, 2007
Clark College will host a public forum
on its updated facilities master plan on September 13
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- For nearly 75 years, Clark College has prided itself on being the community's college. With its beautiful main campus located in Vancouver's Central Park just east of Interstate 5, the college is growing and is looking to the future by updating its facilities master plan.
The public is invited to provide input on the facilities master plan update during a community meeting on Thursday, September 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The forum will be held in Rooms 258 B& C in the Penguin Union Building. Public parking for the meeting will be available in the college's green #1 parking lot. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.
The plan identifies new construction and building renovation projects that are anticipated to occur over the next six to 12 years on the main campus.
The college's most recent facilities master plan was approved by the City of Vancouver in 2003. Since that time, the college has made significant improvements including the construction of the Penguin Union Building and Joan Stout Hall as well as renovations to central Gaiser Hall and the O'Connell Sports Complex.
Through discussion and presentations, the community meeting will include a review of recent campus development, demographics and other influences on the plan update, and key features of the plan. Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information, contact Jim Green, Director of Plant Services, at 360-992-2336.


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The Phoenix Coyotes could soon have a new owner, according to a report Tuesday morning in the Phoenix Business Journal.
Former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison could be close to working out a deal to buy the NHL team.
The deal would keep the team in Phoenix.
The NHL is trying to keep the sale price at $170 million, in part to help the value of other franchises.
The league bought the coyotes out of chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009 for $140 million.
Copyright 2012 KPHO (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Online Public File
All content © 2014, CBS 5 (KPHO Broadcasting Corporation), Phoenix, AZ and WorldNow. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service..


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About the Author
Pat Fitzmaurice
Contributing writer
Recent posts by Pat Fitzmaurice
Related Stories
Updated Oct. 31, 2011 @ 7:49 p.m. ET
Byes: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers
Here are our fantasy rankings for wide receivers:
- Mike Wallace, Steelers vs. Patriots
- Wes Welker, Patriots at Steelers
- Steve Smith, Panthers vs. Vikings
- Calvin Johnson, Lions at Broncos
- Hakeem Nicks, Giants vs. Dolphins
- Marques Colston, Saints at Rams
- A.J. Green, Bengals at Seahawks
- Vincent Jackson, Chargers at Chiefs
- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs vs. Chargers
- Anquan Boldin, Ravens vs. Cardinals
- Stevie Johnson, Bills vs. Redskins
- Miles Austin, Cowboys at Eagles
- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals at Ravens
- Jeremy Maclin, Eagles vs. Cowboys
- DeSean Jackson, Eagles vs. Cowboys
- Dez Bryant, Cowboys at Eagles
- Brandon Marshall, Dolphins at Giants
- Mario Manningham, Giants vs. Dolphins
- Pierre Garcon, Colts at Titans
- Antonio Brown, Steelers vs. Patriots
- Brandon Lloyd, Rams vs. Saints
- Deion Branch, Patriots at Steelers
- Michael Crabtree, 49ers vs. Browns
- Reggie Wayne, Colts at Titans
- Sidney Rice, Seahawks vs. Bengals
- Steve Breaston, Chiefs vs. Chargers
- Victor Cruz, Giants vs. Dolphins
- Demaryius Thomas, Broncos vs. Lions
- Robert Meachem, Saints at Rams
- David Nelson, Bills vs. Redskins
- Percy Harvin, Vikings at Panthers — INJ (ACTIVE)
- Eric Decker, Broncos vs. Lions
- Jerome Simpson, Bengals at Seahawks
- Torrey Smith, Ravens vs. Cardinals
- Jabar Gaffney, Redskins at Bills
- Lance Moore, Saints at Rams
- Nate Washington, Titans vs. Colts
- Greg Little, Browns at 49ers
- Jason Avant, Eagles vs. Cowboys
- Michael Jenkins, Vikings at Panthers
- Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers vs. Patriots
- Braylon Edwards, 49ers vs. Browns — INJ, UP (ACTIVE)
- Davone Bess, Dolphins at Giants
- Nate Burleson, Lions at Broncos
- Josh Cribbs, Browns at 49ers
- Kevin Walter, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Jacoby Jones, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Doug Baldwin, Seahawks vs. Bengals
- Devery Henderson, Saints at Rams
- Jason Hill, Jaguars at Texans
- Chad Ochocinco, Patriots at Steelers
- Mike Thomas, Jaguars at Texans
- Brandon LaFell, Panthers vs. Vikings
- Eddie Royal, Broncos vs. Lions
- Anthony Armstrong, Redskins at Bills
- Derrick Mason, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Brian Hartline, Dolphins at Giants
- Malcom Floyd, Chargers at Chiefs — INJ, DOWN (ACTIVE)
- Devin Aromashodu, Vikings at Panthers
- Legedu Naanee, Panthers vs. Vikings
- Damian Williams, Titans vs. Colts — UP
- Laurent Robinson, Cowboys at Eagles
- Patrick Crayton, Chargers at Chiefs — UP
- Brandon Gibson, Rams vs. Saints
- Titus Young, Lions at Broncos
- Naaman Roosevelt, Bills vs. Redskins
- Andre Roberts, Cardinals at Ravens — UP
- Donnie Avery, Titans vs. Colts
- Lavelle Hawkins, Titans vs. Colts — DOWN
- Greg Salas, Rams vs. Saints
- Mike Williams, Seahawks vs. Bengals
- Ben Obomanu, Seahawks vs. Bengals
- Austin Collie, Colts at Titans
- Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars at Texans
- Ted Ginn, 49ers vs. Browns
- Andre Caldwell, Bengals at Seahawks
- Terrence Austin, Redskins at Bills
- Jon Baldwin, Chiefs vs. Chargers
- Niles Paul, Redskins at Bills
- Kyle Williams, 49ers vs. Browns
- Kevin Ogletree, Cowboys at Eagles
- Hines Ward, Steelers vs. Patriots — INJ (INACTIVE)
- Danario Alexander, Rams vs. Saints — INJ (INACTIVE)
- Early Doucet, Cardinals at Ravens — INJ, DOWN
Not listed: Santana Moss, Redskins; Donald Jones, Bills; Andre Johnson, Texans; Lee Evans, Ravens; Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns; Mark Clayton, Rams
The above player rankings are based on expectations for this week only, not for the entire season, taking into account this week's specific matchups and injuries. The initial rankings are compiled before the release of the NFL's early injury report and are updated Thursday to reflect the status of each player.
We base our rankings on the following scoring system: For skill-position players, one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards, one point for every 30 passing yards, six points for a TD run or catch, four points for a TD pass, two points for a two-point conversion run or catch, two points for a two-point conversion pass. For kickers, three points for FGs of 18-39 yards, four points for FGs of 40-49 yards, and five points for FGs of 50-plus yards. Defensive rankings are based primarily on points allowed, yardage allowed and sack potential.
Glossary of notations
INJ — player has an injury that may affect productivity or availability.
ILL — player has an illness that may affect productivity or availability.
UP — player was moved up on draft board after original posting.
DOWN — player was moved down on draft board after original posting.
Not listed — player is temporarily sidelined due to injury or suspension but otherwise would be ranked.
ACTIVE — on game day, player has been designated active (posted shortly before kickoff, when available).
INACTIVE — on game day, player has been designated inactive (posted shortly before kickoff, when available).
Players and/or notations added after the original posting are shown in boldface.
Note: Remember to check back for late-week and weekend updates, as well as game inactives (when available) in the 90 minutes preceding the 1 p.m. Sunday kickoffs. You'll also find regular updates in our live fantasy injury reports on Sundays.


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2 bed, 1 full bath. Highly sought after Chevy Chase area condo! Walk to everything Chevy Chase & University of KentuckyMore info
1 bed, 1 full bath. Fabulous City Court Condo in better than new condition. Great corner unit with lots of floor to ceiMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath. Care free living at it's finest. Citation Point offers a great location to I-75 or I-64, Horse ParkMore info
2 bed, 2 full bath. Prime location - First floor unit in Hanover Towers. Offers foyer, living room, dining area, galleyMore info
2 bed, 2 full bath. Great location close to University of Kentucky, Chevy Chase and downtown Lexington! Newer windows,More info
2 bed, 2 full bath. Ready to move in and lay by the pool? This condo has undergone a recent renovation and is ready forMore info
2 bed, 1 full bath. Close to UK. Loaded with updates. Great investment property!More info
2 bed, 1 full bath. Seller offering a $5,000 Refurbishing ALLOWANCE! Own your own condo that is as close to campus as tMore info
1 bed, 1 full bath. Seller offering a $5,000 Refurbishing ALLOWANCE! This unit features tall ceilings & windows,contempMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. Maintenance free living lets you enjoy life! Live like you are on vacation every day. Onsite fitnesMore info


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MacLean talks to NHL.com about Devils
As far as the look of his team, MacLean said Elias likely would assume his natural position at left wing, and prospect Matthew Corrente, who dabbled at wing and defense last season, would compete for a job on defense since "that's where he played (for MacLean) in Lowell." Hmm. I wonder what this means for Kovalchuk.... If its accepted..


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« NASCAR's Chase will involve very few owners | Main | Richmond race full of intriguing storylines »
NASCAR did the right thing
By admin | September 6, 2008
By Richard Allen
It is often that NASCAR is criticized on this site and others so this time they deserve some praise. The sanctioning body did the right thing by announcing that the weekend races at the Richmond International Raceway were postponed until Sunday.
Perhaps the announcement could have come just a bit earlier in the day on Friday but NASCAR was in a tough position. Had they made a postponement announcement early and then Tropical Storm Hanna had taken a sudden turn, weakened or sped up there would have been criticism for not running the race at its scheduled time.
As a teacher in a county that is partially located in the mountains of east Tennessee I have a certain degree of empathy for the spot NASCAR was in. Our school system is often criticized or ridiculed for calling school off when there is just a trace of snow. However, think of the criticism that would be levied if school were not called off and a bus slid off the road and injured even one child.
People sometimes complain that we are out of school and there is barely any snow on the ground. In instances where weather and people's safety are involved it is usually better to be safe than sorry.
NASCAR had the same type of decision to make. They did not want people to travel to the track only to have it rain all night, or worse, find themselves in harm's way. At the same time they did not want to call off the race only to have the weather clear.
It was a tough call. NASCAR did the best they could with the cards dealt by Mother Nature.
Richard Allen is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association. His weekly column appears in The Mountain Press every Wednesday.
Topics: Articles |


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San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Jared Gaither is still not close to returning to practice, according to Scott Bair of the North County Times. Gaither has struggled through training camp with what is being classified as back spasms. He signed a lucrative contract this offseason after shutting down pass-rushers and protecting Philip Rivers' blindside for the final five games of the 2011 season.
Analysis: Philip Rivers suffered a down year in 2011. Many speculate that he may have had an undisclosed injury. With the offensive line still a huge question mark in San Diego, Gaither's health is of huge importance. Without a healthy Rivers, the Chargers' offense will not function. Considering the contract Gaither signed this offseason, pressure will start to mount if he does not return to the practice field soon. His lazy habits already got him cut from the Chiefs and Ravens.
For more on the Chargers, check out Bolts From The Blue.


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Find great deals on quality Niigata, Japan hotels & resorts, or indulge at one of our luxury resorts. Take advantage of the many amenities that can be included with your stay such as in-room internet access, wifi, room service, fitness center, pool, hot tub, steam room, and shuttle services to and from the airport. Browse our Niigata, Japan hotels and resorts and plan your Niigata, Japan vacation today!
|Page:1 of 1
|Sort By:
Niigata, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Taking pride in the great altitude of the Sea of Japan, Hotel Nikko Niigata is situated at the Niigata Convention Center, near the mouth of the great Shinano
Niigata, Japan Hotels & Resorts - The Crowne Plaza Ana Nigata is located in the heart of the city of Niigata, the largest city on the Japan sea coast located a mere 75 minutes from Tokyo
Niigata, Japan Hotels & Resorts - This hotel is located in front of JR Nigata station, near the bus terminal . 2 restaurants are included in the hotel, serving buffet and Japanese meals
Hiroshima , Japan Hotels & Resorts - REINO INN HIROSHIMA PEACE PARK is nearby the Peace Memorial Park. Our backpackers hostel accepts individuals to families and group tourists at low rates. We have an "International Lounge" and workshops where you can experience traditional Japanese cu
Mount Fuji, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji & the good hospitality on offer at Sunnide Resort!
Izu Peninsula, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Kurhaus Ishibashi Ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn with many hot spring baths, located in
Nagoya, Japan Hotels & Resorts - The Business Inn Tsuchiya is a business hotel located adjacent to the Tsuchiya Hotel. It provides a comfortable atmosphere at reasonable rates.
Kobe, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Hotel Kobe Shisyuen is very well located in the city center of Kobe.
Tokyo, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Hotel Kamogawa is an affordable ryokan ideally located in the heart of Asakusa, one of the most famous to
Tokyo, Japan Hotels & Resorts - Asakusa Central Hotel is located in the center part in Asakusa, and is very convenient for the business and sightseeing.


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La Jolla's Pink Lady gets a new 'dress'
A crew for local contracting firm Hamilton-Pacific Inc., is presently working at the Village's historic La Valencia Hotel. Hamilton said the exterior coating job, costing approximately $500,000, has been under way for about a month with another couple of weeks to go before it's finished.
Related posts:
- Avant joins Grande Colonial in La Jolla
- Pacific Host Hotels assumes management of La Valencia
- La Jolla's La Valencia Hotel reportedly in escrow
- Best of La Jolla 2010 winners announced
- Memorial services set for Peter Niiler, world authority on ocean circulation
Short URL: http://www.lajollalight.com/?p=32189


text: We have several leg styles and you get to choose the color for the felt, stain and vinyl. We offer custom felts personalized to reflect your passions. We have many different accessories and options to choose from. If you don't see what you are looking for or if you have any questions just ask us. We hope we will have an opportunity to quote and then build your dream custom poker table.


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Pointe Shoes
Review: The Pointe Book: Shoes Training, Technique
The third edition of The Pointe Book, published in 2012 (previous editions were released in 1998 and 2004), covers aspects of pointe shoes and pointe dancing past, present, and future. This edition has been extensively revised and includes one entirely new chapter of sample pointe classes.
Barringer and Schlesinger have compiled a quantity of hard data related to pointe work and pointe shoes. Included are lists of manufacturers of pointe shoes and accessories, shoe size charts, and diagrams of the foot and pointe shoe with accompanying anatomical and functional information. The authors also offer thoughtful discussion on such subjective matters as pointe readiness, training methods, and the relevance of pointe dancing today and in the future. Considerable space is also given to the issue of pointe-related injuries, their causes, and different treatments and therapies.
There is a wealth of valuable insight in these pages. The authors have consulted teachers, professional dancers, and medical professionals with extremely diverse backgrounds, and do a thorough job of presenting the many (sometimes conflicting) viewpoints of their interview subjects. Barringer and Schlesinger do justice to pointe dancing as both art and craft.
The value of The Pointe Book for today's teachers and students is perhaps best summarized by a passage from the authors' interview with Kirk Peterson, from the final chapter of the book, "Will Pointe Work Be Relevant in the Twenty-first Century?" Peterson states:
"A healthy respect for ballet's time-honored traditions, an educated understanding of twentieth-century concerns for artistic relevance, and a respect for the public's very real love affair with ballet as a theatrical art form, will point a contemporary ballet choreographer in the direction that will guide him or her in a way that embraces ballet's traditions, yet stretches its potential and still uses pointe work as a valid tool for creativity and artistic expression."
In The Pointe Book: Shoes Training, Technique, Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger write with evident respect for the traditions and history of classical dance, and carefully provide the most current information on the state of our art and craft. This compendium also raises provocative questions regarding training methods, injury, and general attitudes of teachers, artists, and audience toward pointe dancing. The authors have given a useful resource to teachers, dancers, and parents for the development of the kind of artists Peterson describes above.
Disclosure: Janice Barringer is a contributing writer at 4dancers.org
Pointe Shoes – The Dancer's Glass Slippers
by Emily Kate Long
Currently I'm in rehearsals for Cinderella, so the next few installments of Finding Balance will explore a range of topics relevant to that story. For this post, I'll begin at the bottom with pointe shoes. They are a dancer's glass slippers, and this is my own personal fairy tale: the search for my most appropriate shoe.
I've worn pointe shoes for twelve of my fifteen dancing years. In middle and high school I tried what seemed like almost every shoe out there, then performed surgeries major and minor on the shoes I chose to try to engineer the perfect pair. Darning of toes, slicing of vamps and shanks, re-threading of drawstrings, stitching of sides—so much fuss over footwear! It shouldn't be that complicated, right?
Towards the end of January I found myself at my first pointe shoe fitting in nearly ten years. After flip-flopping between Freed and Chacott for all that time, I decided to try once again to explore some other options. I had one rule: I wanted to be able to put them on and dance. No fuss, no alterations. After trying on half a dozen or so different styles and brands, I decided to go right back to Chacott Veronese, the very first type of shoe I wore when I started pointe at age 12.
I was nervous! All those things I had been doing to my shoes to "enhance" them had become like security blankets or crutches. I felt like my feet were naked! The reality check was recognizing how much about my pointe work has changed over the past few years and trusting that I no longer need those crutches.
I spent much of my pre-professional training trying to compensate for what I believed were inadequate ballet feet. I wore "farches" (arch pads, like a padded bra for your feet). I stuck my feet under a dresser for twenty minutes each morning (a terrible idea, in case you were wondering). I wore my shoes really soft so I could push far over them and superficially achieve a more curved foot. Yikes!
Placing undue stress on the distal joints of the foot.
The result was that I never knew where my foot was going to be until it rammed into the floor. Slips and falls over the medial corners of my shoes were daily events. Bunions, bruised toenails, chronic ankle pain… I cringe to think of the gambles I took with the health of my feet, knees, and ankles. I believe that ballet is not inherently harmful to the human body. Distortions (even minor ones) cause injuries, and good equipment and good technique prevent them. I was due for an overhaul!
Re-learning pointe technique in my early twenties was confusing and frustrating at first, but patience and persistence have paid off. The changes have made it possible for my feet to be in control of and in harmony with my shoes instead of at their mercy! I learned how keep my toes vertical and allow the arch and instep to do the bending.
Examples of vertical toes with articulated arch
The ankle is designed to do this job because it is a weight-bearing joint. The metatarsals, phalanges, and the dorsal metatarsal and medial collateral ligaments are not. (Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy, 4th ed., plates 527-8)
Working on pointe in a more anatomically correct way has also had a positive effect on the overall muscular shape of my legs and the structure of my feet. Where I used to feel it necessary to fake a good arch, I now feel confident that the shape and articulation of my feet complement my overall line.
Which brings us to the heart of the matter: the importance of finding a shoe that a) fits and functions well and b) aesthetically matches one's foot/body/leg line. Our style is partly dictated by our function, our function is partly dictated by our structure, and our shoes should complement both of those things.
To illustrate, here's a bit about some of the shoes I've tried:
Chacott Veronese: My very first style of shoe. I loved them always and let myself be talked out of them time and time again. It feels good to be home! I can sew them and go, and their minimal shape complements my slight feet. They are made with a bouncy kind of glue instead of paste, and need some extra glue before wear because of the softness of the box relative to the shank.
Freed Classic and Classic Pro: I chose these partly for aesthetic, partly for the Pro's 3/4 shank. I loved the minimal-ness of Classic and the U shape vamp but the paste consistently gave out after less than thirty minutes of rehearsal! Eating through pair after pair of shoes was not a good use of my time or my company's money. They were loud because of the amount of extra glue it took to make them worth it, which was awfully distracting. My preferred makers were also not always available. Pro lasted much longer, but felt like too much stuff on my foot.
Ushi Nagar: These were professional hand me downs. I liked that they had the same bounciness as Chacott, and it felt glamorous to wear somebody else's special order shoes. They were a shoe of convenience, suitable but not ideal.
For me, this Cinderella story is also has a moral: if it ain't broke, don't fix it! I was born with feet that go with my body—not the "ideal" ballet foot by any stretch, but aesthetically adequate and sufficiently functional. Optimizing their work has refined their appearance. I've learned to love and appreciate them for what they are and what they do for me. As good workers, they deserve equipment that helps them out and shows them off!
Assistant Editor Emily Kate Long began her dance education in South Bend, Indiana, with Kimmary Williams and Jacob Rice, and graduated in 2007 from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School's Schenley Program. She has spent summers studying at Ballet Chicago, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Miami City Ballet, and Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive/Vail Valley Dance Intensive, where she served as Program Assistant. Ms Long attended Milwaukee Ballet School's Summer Intensive on scholarship before being invited to join Milwaukee Ballet II in 2007.
Ms Long has been a member of Ballet Quad Cities since 2009. She has danced featured roles in Deanna Carter's Ash to Glass and Dracula, participated in the company's 2010 tour to New York City, and most recently performed principal roles in Courtney Lyon's Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella. She is also on the faculty of Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance, where she teaches ballet, pointe, and repertoire classes.
Shoes For Irish Dance
In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday (and because one of our themes this quarter is dance shoes) today we're taking a closer look at shoes for Irish dance. We asked the well-known Chicago-area Irish dance instructor, Sheila Tully Driscoll to share some information about these shoes with us – and she was kind enough to oblige…
What are the main types of shoes are used in Irish step dance?
Irish dancers wear two types of soft shoes called Ghillies & Reel Shoes. Ghillies fit more like ballet slippers and are made of black leather, with a leather sole and a very flexible body. They lace from toe to ankle and do not make sounds against the dance surface. They are worn by female dancers for the light jig, the reel, the single jig, the slip jig, and group dances with two or more people.
The second kind of soft shoe is worn by male dancers – these are called "reel shoes" and are similar to jazz shoes in black leather, with fiberglass heels that can be clicked together while dancing. Some male dancers do not wear fiberglass heels. The men's steps may be choreographed in a different style to girls' in order to take advantage of the heels and to avoid feminine movements in steps.
Irish dancers also wear a pair of hard shoes, which are much bulkier and typically have fiberglass tips for a louder sound. dancers often refer to them as "Heavies" or Jig shoes. Both are traditionally made of black leather.
Do the shoes require breaking in, and if so, how is that typically done?
Hard shoes need breaking in by wearing them in as much as possible! Doesn't matter if you're walking, running, dancing, skipping – the shoes need to be worn in. Repeatedly bending the shoe also helps soften the leather. Some of the dancers use leather softener like Hot Glove cream.
Additionally, make sure the shoes fit CORRECTLY. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting shoe! The shoes should have a snug fit at the start, allowing for possible stretching of the leather.
On average, how much do the shoes cost?
Soft shoes are around $90 and hard shoes around $180.
Can you share any interesting information about Irish step dance shoes in terms of their history?
The first hard shoes had wooden taps with metal nails. It was common practice in the 17th and 18th century to hammer nails into the soles of a shoe in order to increase the life of the shoe. Dancers used the sounds created by the nails to create the rhythms that characterize hard shoe dancing.
How important are the shoes to overall performance?
Since Irish dance is focused on rhythm and foot placement, it's ALL about the shoes.
How young can an Irish Dancer start?
We start dancers around 5 years old although we have had a few younger dancers if they are ready.
What is some advice you would give to new dancers?
Anything new is hard. A lot of practice trains your mind, body and feet to move correctly and helps you practice timing as you learn to step to the beats. Also, you may be sore once you start dancing. Buy Sportscreme (or Flexall, or Icyhot, etc.) – its proven to be a lifesaver for many dancers! A little dab of Sportscreme after you dance takes all the pain away.
About Sheila Tully: As Founder and President of the Tully Academy of Irish Dance, Sheila Tully Driscoll has been teaching Irish Dance lessons for over 45 years. A champion Irish dancer herself, she began teaching Irish Dance in her mother's basement while she was in college. Sheila received her T.C.R.G. designation (official Irish Dancing Teacher certification) in 1972 and her A.D.C.R.G. designation (official Irish Dancing Adjudication certification) in 1976. Today, she is the longest tenured Irish dancing teacher in the Chicago area and is highly regarded nationally and worldwide. She is a member of An Coimisian Le Rinci Gaelacha, the international governing body of Irish Dancing and adjudication as well as a member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America and the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Mid-America. Taught by Pat Roche, one of the pioneers of Irish Dancing in Chicago, Sheila continues her hands on teaching in the classroom as well as participating as a judge at Irish dancing events.
Sheila's Irish Dancing Academy, which opened its beautiful new studio in Glenview in 2003, is highly regarded in the Irish Dance community as her programs have produced many champion dancers and winning teams. Tully Dancers have successfully competed in many regional and national competitions as well as the World Irish Dance competition in Ireland. Her dancers have also performed all over North America entertaining a wide variety of audiences.
Visit our Website: www.tullyirishdancers.com1
Vegan Ballet Slippers
Interesting! I had never before heard of vegan ballet slippers, but I've tried them myself and they are terrific! Better still, they are cruelty-free–not made with any animal products! We caught up with Cynthia King who sells these unique shoes and asked a few questions about how all this got started…
1. How did Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers begin?
Knowing animals suffered for ballet shoes takes away from the uplifting and unifying spirit of dance. As a teacher, dancers were asking me for shoe recommendations and there were none I could recommend in good conscience (since they all contained animal products). So I decided to create my own.
2. What exactly does it mean to have vegan slippers?
Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers are vegan because, unlike other ballet slippers, they are not made using leather. When dancers wear them, they are not dancing on the skins of dead animals.
3. Was it difficult to get this endeavor up and running?
To start the ballet slipper line, I did a great deal of research in the areas of textiles and manufacturing; I went door-to-door where synthetic textiles were being sold and talked to everyone I could. After a lengthy development process, the first shoes were ready in 2003. Today they come in three colors, sized for children and adults.
4. How have the slippers been received in the dance community?
The reception has been fantastic across the board because so many dancers love animals. The slippers were selected as the required shoe by world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two of the organization's innovative camps, in 2011 and 2012. We receive orders from dancers and dance studios around the world. The shoes have been embraced by non-vegans and vegans alike. Dancers love our shoes!
5. What has been the high point in all of this for you thus far?
The high point is each time we sell a pair of slippers, knowing another dancer is taking a kind step for the animals.
If you are interested in ordering a pair of these shoes, visit their site today.
Disclosure: 4dancers has been compensated for the ad and post on 4dancers.0
En Pointe! An In-Depth Look At The Pointe Shoe
The National Museum of Dance has an exhibit about pointe shoes that dancers and dance-lovers will want to check out…
We reached out to Assistant Director Sarah Hall Weaver to learn more about it and are excited to share some of the details with you here…
Tell readers a bit about your upcoming exhibition, En Pointe!
En Pointe! is an exhibit that explores the pointe shoe from many different angles – how they are made, how they are designed to suit individual feet, how they came to be what they are today, and how they are integrated into the lives of both amateur and professional dancers. We know that the public is fascinated, and even sometimes daunted by these unique shoes. For a lot of people they are the very symbol of everything they love about dance but for others they can be very intimidating if you have never experienced them on your own feet or had someone give you the opportunity to get closer. The exhibit will suit both audiences – we want young dancers to learn more about their shoes, and we want people that know nothing to learn to love them as much as we do!
Where did the idea for this particular exhibition come from?
The idea for this exhibit came from one of our Board of Directors members, Leslie Roy Heck. Leslie is a former soloist of the New York City Ballet and during her time with the company she was privileged to work with George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Peter Martins. Leslie now owns a dance retail store in our city of Saratoga Springs, NY called Saratoga Dance, Etc. where she and her staff fit shoes for students of all ages. She is also the founder of Bunheads Dance Accessories, a product line that was acquired by Ballet Makers Inc., the worldwide distributor of Capezio footwear and apparel. What can I say?…We couldn't have asked for a better expert to lead this project!
What was the process like of getting the items together for this exhibition?
Every exhibit is its own unique experience, but this one was pretty intense. We worked with six sponsoring pointe shoe companies [Bloch, Capezio, Freed, Gaynor Minden, Grishko, and Suffolk], over ten different dance companies, six individual principal dancers, dozens of national participants in our pointe shoe decorating contest, several fine artists, and a slew of other collaborators. There was a lot of communication and organization back and forth but the overwhelming positive responses we received assured us of how important this project was. If anything, the hardest part was making the decisions of where to draw the line. There is so much to say about these seemingly simple, little, pink objects, we could probably have filled the entire Museum. We just had to keep in mind our mission to explain the essential basics to pointe shoe newcomers, and to present some new ideas to pointe shoe pros.
Would you share some of the highlights of the exhibit?
One of my favorite sections is the interviews from five principal ballerinas from five different American companies. I think it's really important for pre-professional dancers of all ages and levels to hear from their on-stage heroes. The advice they give can't be said enough and it is so encouraging for young students to hear that these stars had similar struggles when they were beginning dancers. I also love the section that talks about men dancing en pointe. It's very forward thinking in terms of strengthening and training, and it is always interesting to see on stage. My favorite thing about the exhibit as a whole though is that the shoes and accessories that are attached to the text boards are there for guests to actually touch. Just being able to feel the texture and strength of the items is a great way for people to become familiar with the strange world of ballet.
Can you share a few of the other exhibitions that you will have coming up this year?
We have a lot coming up for our 2013 season! We will be welcoming an incredible bronze sculpture and pastel exhibit from artist Andrew DeVries, and this year's Art in the Foyer photography exhibition will be a selection from Jordan Matter's Dancers Among Us series, which has become a national sensation. Like many other organizations all over the world, we are also joining in on the celebration of the Rite of Spring's 100th anniversary with a special exhibit spanning the history of Nijinsky's original ballet and the dozens of choreographers since that have braved Stravinsky's brilliant score. And perhaps one of our most highly anticipated projects in the last several years is the complete renovation of the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame. The new space will honor its forty-eight amazing inductees with more video, more images, and more artifacts than ever [though there will be fifty by August as we will be inducting two HUGE dance icons in coming months]. It's going be an exciting season, and we can't wait to share it with you!
En Pointe! is scheduled to run from March 20, 2012 through November 24, 2013 and is sponsored by Bloch, Capezio, Freed, Gaynor Minden, Grishko, and Suffolk.0


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SPRING VALLEY (CNS) - A woman suffered major injuries early Friday when she crashed her car into a light pole along state Route 125, causing her body to be thrown several feet from the vehicle upon impact, authorities said.
The crash on the southbound side of the highway, south of Jamacha Boulevard, was reported at 1:21 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.


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Since guys at dot.kde.org are procrastinating with publishing submissions again (sorry for nitpicking :)), here goes the interview I did with Hal Engel in December (Russian version is available for two weeks already). Hal is lead developer of LProf — the only open source ICC profiler with QUI (Qt based).
Edit: The interview with Hal has been moved to Libre Graphics World.


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Zero Coverage of Malaysian Airspace?
In the recent seating of Parliament, Minister of Defense Dato' Seri Zahid Hamidi had revealed that there was a total of 2058 intrusion into Malaysian airspace by Singaporean aircrafts.
In a reply to that revelation, Singapore Defense Ministry official Colonel Desmond Tad said that the Defense Ministry of Singapore had replied to those allegations which was inaccurate via a protest note through the Foreign Ministry.
Whilst both side insist that they did no wrong, TnT looked into the affairs of certain defense contractors in the country to find out more about the state of our hardware. Naturally, the equipment of interest would be the country's radar, the frontline of air defense.
Here is what we found through public domain information readily available for those who looked hard enough.
The Royal Malaysian Air (RMAF) & Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) as early as 2008 announced that a new ground radar defense system contract was awarded to a European company.
But perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the contract, detailed information proved more difficult to obtain.
The Malaysian Government through MOF first issued approval in 1997 for the 'Contracterisation of RMAF Aircraft Maintenance which includes avionics of all RMAF aircraft'.
In 1998, MOF approved Zetro Services to undertake maintenance of all RMAF aircraft avionics (previously carried out by AIROD).
In November of the same year, both parties further signed an agreement for avionics and ground electronics maintenance which resulted in Zetro effectively controlling the contracts for these equipment.
Whilst the contract commenced officially in May 1999, guidelines for the 'contracterisation' was finalised in December of 1998.
The initial term of the contract was from January 1998 to December 2000. It was further extended for another 2 years with another 1 year option for the period of January 2001 to December 2003.
In January 2004, Zetro's contract was renewed for a 5 year + 5 year option, effectively extending it to December 2013.
That was as far as contract details are concerned.
Sometime during that period, the Auditor's General report had highlighted several areas within the contract that was held by Zetro.
These include, excessive charges for 'Rate of Transportation' in which contractual amount of RM50 was different from those that were billed by Zetro which was between RM150 and RM200.
The Purchase of Test Equipment that was stipulated and required in the contract for maintenance was not adhered to, with Zetro claiming that such investment by them for a 'short' term contract was not reasonable. Having got the contract from 1998 to 2013, one can hardly call that short term. Without this investment, Zetro had depended entirely on OEM and third party vendors thus effectively dissabling themselves as effective contractors which resulted in long periods of parts unavailability and turnaround time.
The Auditor General's report also highlighted the contractors long leash on Late Delivery penalties that was 'overlooked' by contract administrators. It also made clear that the entire contract with Zetro resulting from the 'contracterisation' policy had no affective ceiling amount and lacks clear and precise minimum operational guarantees which allowed the contractor to not meet acceptable standards.
With all these points, and the Singapore Ministry of Defense refuting these allegations by insinuating that there is a serious flaw in our 'eyes and ears' of Malaysian airspace, it gets even more curious with the deafening silence of parties involved in the maintenance and operations of these radars.
Radars aside, in 1997 Zetro had obtained another contract to upgrade RMAF Trainer aircrafts to the PC7 type Mark II, a product of Pilatus of Switzerland. An audit by the principal was done as a standard requirement and it was revealed that Zetro had only scored a 3% pass. The contract was then awarded to another capable contractor.
With all these alarm bells ringing out loud, it remains to be seen if the sovereignty of our skies are more important or that of the landlord of a building that houses the MINDEF Industrial Defense division (Bahagian Industri Pertahanan).
Our efforts to get confirmation of our report with ZSSB received no positive response. - TnT


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Hello one and all. I'm Will and I unofficially represent BBV for the wonderful "Ask a Giants fan" Posts.
11 months ago to this day, I wrote:
On Sunday, the Giants, in first place with a 2 game lead in the division, will play the 1st place 49ers, who lead their division by 5 games.
Just like everyone thought in August, right?
Today is a little different. Both teams are tied for the lead in first, something that shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone. Two great teams should put up a classic, like the last two games. Some stats below, and then lets get to the questions!
Luckily for me, it isn't too hard to update the head to head records from last year.
The 49ers win last year means there is an even 14-14 split between the two teams in the regular season, while the Giants win in the playoffs means the two teams have an even 4-4 record in the postseason, marking an even 18-18 overall record. The winner will obviously take the all time head to head lead, for now.
No injuries and let's hope for a good game on Sunday


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Salute to Senator Jesse Helms
Family and friends, including members of Congress and prominent conservatives, came together to celebrate the publication of former Senator… read more
Family and friends, including members of Congress and prominent conservatives, came together to celebrate the publication of former Senator Jesse Helms' book Here's Where I Stand: A Memoir, published by Random House. The Rev. Jerry Falwell, former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, syndicated columnist Robert Novak, and former Louisiana Rep. Bob Livingston were among those seen at the opening reception. A tribute video, which included members of the North Carolina Republican Party, was shown to begin the program. Participants spoke about Senator Helm's life and influence during his terms as a North Carolina Senator. Also shown were video presentations from President George W. Bush and James Dobson, neither of whom were in attendance.
Before the opening reception, Mr. Dodd was interviewed about the tribute to celebrate Senator Helms and the publication of his memoir. close
*The transcript for this program was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.
People in this video
- Abraham, Spencer Secretary (Former) Department of Energy
- Allen, Claude Adviser White House->Domestic Policy
- Baum, Danielle Member University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill->College Republicans
- Burr, Richard U.S. Senator [R] North Carolina
- Bush, George W. U.S. President [R] United States
- Costas, Tripp Chair University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill->College Republicans
- Dobson, James
- Dodd, John President Jesse Helms Center
- Dunlop, George S. Aide (Former) U.S. Senate->Helms, J. (R-NC)
- Falwell, Jerry Founder, Chancellor and President Liberty University
- Helms, Jesse U.S. Senator (Former) [R] North Carolina
- Keene, David A. Chairman American Conservative Union
- Kirkpatrick, Jeane J. Ambassador (Former) United States->United Nations
- LaHaye, Beverly President Concerned Women for America
- LaPierre, Wayne Executive V.P. and CEO National Rifle Association
- Larson, Reed Treasurer National Right to Work Committee
- Livingston, Bob Co-Bureau Chief Center for Democracy
- McHenry, Patrick U.S. Representative [R] North Carolina
- Novak, Robert D. Syndicated Columnist Chicago Sun-Times
- Peaslee, Bill Chief of Staff Republican Party->North Carolina
- Rouzer, David Senior Adviser U.S. Senate->Dole, E. (R-NC)
- Schlafly, Phyllis Founder and President Eagle Forum
- Tyrrell, R. "Bob" Emmett Jr. Founder and Editor-in-Chief American Spectator
- Uribe, George Member Republican Party->North Carolina
- Weyrich, Paul M. Chairman and CEO Free Congress Research and Education Foundation
Related Video
Conservative Conference Day 2
Jesse Helms Tribute
One by one, Republican leaders approached the podium to pay tribute to the life and career of Senator Jesse Helms.
Tom Delay Tribute Dinner
The American Conservative Union hosted a dinner in tribute to House Majority Leader Tom Delay, honoring his years of…
After-Dinner Speeches
Participants talked about conservative issues, the new Bush administration, and presented awards to leading…


text: South Africa Walks Series 1 - 4. The Green Kalahari Share: About this programme 4/4. Julia Bradbury's final walk is her most adventurous yet, taking her to the edge of the Kalahari Desert in the remote north-west corner of the country. In Augrabies National Park, she encounters the simple rural lives and remarkable agriculture that are reliant on the waters of the Orange River. Cast and crew Cast Presenter Julia Bradbury Crew Executive Producer Eric Harwood Series Producer Owen Rodd Categories Documentary Share:


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Layton Watch: Clues to a Sequel at GDC? (Update: YES.)
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SAN FRANCISCO — Did Akihiro Hino just drop a clue about an English release of the second Professor Layton game? (Update: Yes he did. Check below.)
Judge for yourself: Beginning his speech at Game Developers Conference, Hino, the head of publisher Level 5, showed a list of the games the company had released, with English language titles displayed on screen.
The second game was listed as Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box.
That's not an explicitly literal translation of the title, which is often translated as "devil's box." It seems a bit too perfect — more like Professor Layton and the Curious Village than "Mysterious Town." Could this be an official English title? Or did someone just take a bit more flair than usual making the Powerpoint presentation?
Beats me.
Update: Actually, it doesn't beat me anymore, because in the Q&A session, someone asked this directly, and Hino's answer was that he wants all six Layton games to eventually come out in the U.S. and Europe. As to when this would happen, he said that they are currently working on the localized version of Diabolical Box, and that he hopes it will be out in six months.
Image: Level-5


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Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013
Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013 > Schools > Lubin School of Business > Degree Programs > Accounting > Accounting, Combined BBA/MBA Program in Public Accounting
More Info and Campus Tours
The Combined BBA/MBA Program in Public Accounting provides students with an excellent preparation for the CPA Profession through specialized study in accounting within the broader context of global strategy, global markets and data-driven decision making. Students benefit from taking additional graduate courses required as part of the MBA Core that develop their managerial and decision-making skills and provide a global prospective for the study of accounting. In addition, students also take two courses in another business discipline at the graduate level to satisfy their Breadth Elective requirements, giving them an opportunity to focus in a second business area.
(See University Core Curriculum Requirements for Lubin Students. CIS 101 or TS 105, MAT 104, ECO 105, and MAT 117 are required as part of the University Core.)
(See Lubin Foundation Requirements in Quantitative Reasoning. Includes ECO 105, ECO 106, MAT 111 and MAT 117. ECO 105 and MAT 117 are applied to University Core AOK- HSN (formerly AOK 5).)
(See Business Core Requirements. MAR 250, FIN 260, MGT 355 and MGT 490 are satisfied in the MBA portion of the Program.)
4 credits
3 credits
(ACC 203 and ACC 204 (8 credits) are applied toward the Business Core.)
Includes UNV 101 (1 credit) for all first-year students.
Business Writing Proficiency Requirement: Satisfactory performance as demonstrated with a score of 4.5 or higher on the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) portion of the GMAT. A student whose grade on the AWA demonstrates weakness in writing is required to complete and pass a seven-week, pass/fail course in Business Communications (BUS 043).
1 credits
0 credits
2 credits
Choose two of the following courses
Select two graduate 600 level courses from a discipline outside of Accounting offered by the Lubin School. MBA 676 and MBA 678 may be taken to satisfy this requirement. MBA 640 and MBA 644 may not be taken since they duplicate ACC 203 - ACC 204 and ECO 105 - ECO 106 completed as a part of the BBA Requirements.
Total Credit Hours: 151-152
For additional information you can visit the school Web site:Lubin School of Business
Sign up for a campus tour:Visit the New York City campusVisit the Pleasantville campus
Undergraduate Students
To begin the application process you may either apply online or download our application for
undergraduate admission. Follow all steps (pay the $50 application fee, write an essay, send
transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores) and submit your application.
Pace admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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Online dating can be a wonderful way to meet new people, find romance, even forge a lifelong relationship, but it's not all hearts and flowers, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which warns that online dating sites are sometimes used by scam artists more interested in your money than your sparkling personality.
How Online Dating Scams Work
According to the FTC's OnGuard Online site, an online dating scammer typically creates a fake profile designed to attract the attention and gain the trust of potential victims, but soon starts asking their new love interest to send them money.
"Scammers look for targets of any age and in any location, who they can convince to send money in the name of love," warns the FTC, which advises "people active on dating sites to use their heads as well as their hearts."
How to Identify Online Dating Scams
Knowing the difference between true love and a scammer who is masquerading as the man or woman of your dreams can be tricky, but the FTC offers a few warning signs to help you determine whether the person wooing you is really just in love with your money:
- They want to leave the online dating site right away and to start using your personal email or instant messaging (IM) account.
- They claim to be in love with you almost immediately.
- They claim to be from the United States but currently located overseas, often because of business commitments or military service.
- They say they want to come visit you but are unable to travel because of some traumatic event, which has left them without sufficient funds.
- They ask you to wire them money to pay for travel expenses, visas or other documents, medication, hospital bills for a child or relative, recovery from a temporary financial setback, or as a loan until a big investment or business deal comes through. Some scammers ask their victims to do them a favor, such as making a purchase online or forwarding a package to another country.
Differences and Similarities in Online Dating Scams
Not every online dating scammer operates in the same way. While some profess undying love in record time, others patiently woo their victims for months before asking for money. "Some scammers even make wedding plans" with their victims, the FTC reports.
But one thing is absolutely universal among online dating scammers: eventually, they all ask the people they claim to love to wire them money, usually somewhere outside the United States. And once the requests for money begin, they don't stop. If you respond by sending money, there will be more and more requests, each accompanied by a plausible reason why only you can help.
The FTC warns that if you send money to someone you haven't met, chances are the money will be gone for good. Wiring money is the same as handing someone cash: once it's gone, there is no way to get it back.
"It can be heartbreaking to think of being so disappointed by someone you thought you knew," the FTC says, "but it doesn't have to bankrupt you, too."
How to Report Online Dating Scams
You can report online dating or social networking scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint, or by calling toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or TTY: 1-866-653-4261.


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Hi all, I was thinking earlier and my thinking gave way to writing on this here topic, lines for the upcoming season. These lines and defensive pairings are based on the current roster, with injuries factored in. First off I will be speculating/analyzing on lines for the beginning of the season. These lines will be balanced, therefore having ice time all round in the beginning of the season and not having guys be exhausted or injured in November from too much ice time. Quick note on these lines: I tried to have one or two players who could be a puck mover/playmaker, essentially a scorer, one player who could screen the goalie or stand in the slot area, and one tough/scrappy player on each line (not to say I'm playing Tom Sestito, I'm talking about players like Simmonds, Hartell, etc.) I also tried to not make a line full of defensive liabilities.
Line 1: Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek: No brainer here. Hartnell and Giroux are magic together, Voracek is a young Jagr. I'm exicted to see these guys play, and I'm sure you are, too. Giroux and Voracek can score, Hartnell can screen and fight. Slightly above average defense for all of them.
Line 2: B.Schenn-Briere-Simmonds:Briere is going to have to slowly start giving way to the duo of Schenn and Couturier, and it starts by having Schenn on his wing. simmonds is a solid second line piece, but I wouldn't be suprised to see Read in this spot, either. Schenn and Briere are playmakers. Simmonds can screen and fight. Average defensively (that's where Read can help out, if he's put here.)
Line 3:Read-Couturier-Fedetenko: Matt Read can pass and shoot. Sean Couturier can pass and shoot. Fedetenko can stand there. All three can play defense. Done.
Line 4: Wellwood-Talbot-Rinaldo: A typical fourth line. Talbot and Wellwood can be your offensive pieces, and Rino can screen/fight . With that being said, I wouldn't expect this line to generate much offense. Average Defense.
Defense Pairings
I tried to have a Defensive D-man paired with a puck mover on each pairing, but it was kinda difficult. You'll see.
Pairing 1:Timonen-Coburn:I would love to give Kimmo second pairing minutes, too. But with Mez's recent injury, we just can't do that. Coburn isn't bad offensively, but I'd say his defense is his strong point.
Pairing 2: Grossmann-Gervais: If your screaming at your computer screen right now, hear me out. Gervais is an average puck mover, but he's our second offensive defenseman right now. Another reason I did this is that if we put Bruno on the third pairing, it means he's going to be paired with a young defenseman like Gus, DSOD, MAB, Manning or maybe Lilja. Doing this strengthens the bottom pairing, improves the defensive depth, and means Kimmo won't have to take those hard minutes in October and November.
Pairing 3: L. Schenn-Syvret: Luke Schenn may deserve better minutes, but he'll have to prove it first. If he plays very well here, maybe he'll be playing in Nick Grossmann's spot. I think Syvret is the most NHL-ready defenseman of him, MAB, Gus, and Manning, but it's a toss-up, really. Here is how I see it working out: The best of Syvret/Gustafsson/Bordoun/Manning will take the 6th spot on the team, and Lilja will be the 7th defenseman. The other players will start the season in Adirondack. Shit, I just realized we have 3 #26's on the team.
So we have too many defensive defenseman and the only developed/good offensive defenseman we have is 37 years old. I would reccomend some sort of trade or signing, but that's not what I'm here for.
Special Teams PP1: Simmonds-Giroux-Couturier, Timonen-Voracek Last year we had a double screen format on our number 1 power play, but I'm going to split Hartnell and Simmonds up.
PP2: Hartnell-Briere-Schenn, Coburn-Read I trust Coburn more than Bruno Gervais on the power play.
Alternate PP: Hartnell-Giroux-Simmonds, Timonen-Voracek The double screen that we used last year could be an alternate option, or could be used in key situations.
PK1: Talbot-Giroux, Grossmann-Coburn
PK2: Fedetenko-Couturier, L. Schenn-Timonen
Other forwards that could be used on the PK: Read, Wellwood, B. Schenn, Briere (just kidding)
Specialized lines:
Shut down line: Fedetenko-Couturier-Talbot: Used when we need to shut down a player like Crosby, Malkin, or Stamkos.
Scoring Line: Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek: If these guys get split up at some point, expect them to be back together late in the game. If they aren't split up, you might see Briere replace Voracek.
Energy line: Rinaldo-Schenn-Read: We've seen Dan Carcillo on a top line with Mike Richards, so this wouldn't be a strech
Energy line: Simmonds-Briere-Wellwood: I actually really like this combonation for some reason.
With these combonations, the Lines would be as follows:
1. G's line
2. Coots' line
3. Briere's line
4. Schenn's line
Because these lines are so mixed, I would expect just about even ice times all around. S
pecialized D-pairings:
Shut down: Grossmann-Coburn: we've seen this before.
2nd: Timonen-L. Schenn
The third pairing would be Gervais-Syvret, unless Syvret's spot is taken by saomeone else. Mez would replace Gervais when he returns.
That's all I've got to say, folks. Please comment if you agree or disagree.UPDATE Another injury. Fantastic. Well, with this new injury, I expect The second-most impressive of Bourdon, Gustafsson, Manning, and Syvret to take the spot of Lilja. If two of them are exceedingly impressive during camp, don't be suprised to see Gervais be the 7th and see (most likely) one of Gustafsson or Bourdon on the second pairing/


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Warroad advanced to the state championship game for the fifth time in school history with a convincing 4-1 win over South St. Paul and in the process extracting some revenge on the team that knocked them out of the championship hunt a year ago.
"We talked a little bit about it," said head coach David Marvin. "We don't want to play at nine o'clock in the morning. South St. Paul got us last year and we got them back this year."
Coaches search for any edge they can get to help motivate their teams and although the Warriors who have been to the state tournament six times in Marvin's seven years as coach don't really need any help a rally cry never hurts.
"We owed them one," said senior Lisa Marvin. "We feel like they took one from us last year and we didn't want it to happen again."
Marvin was great along with fellow senior Kayla Gardner who paved the way offensively in the win. Last year, the power play didn't produce a goal in six tries against the Packers, this year was a different story as the Warriors picked up two goals with the skater advantage in the first and second periods.
The Warriors will face Blake in the state title game tomorrow afternoon and their head coach was already playing the revenge card again.
"Go ahead KG (Kayla Gardner), tell them about how we owe Blake from five years ago," said Marvin with a grin on his face when asked about the match up with the Bears.
His senior forward didn't take the bait.
"I think everyone will come ready to play tomorrow," said Gardner.
The puck drops at Xcel Energy Center at 12PM.
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text:
2088 Posts in 1008 Topics by 455 members
E-Commerce Modules
SilverStripe Forums » E-Commerce Modules » Setting up Ecommerce Module
Discuss about the various e-commerce modules available:
Ecommerce, SS Shop, SilverCart and SwipeStripe
Alternatively, have a look the shared mailinglist.
Moderators: martimiz, Nicolaas, Sean, frankmullenger, biapar, Willr, Ingo, Jedateach, swaiba, simon_w
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Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 10:35am
Hi, I am having a problem setting up the e-commerce and payment module.
After running dev/build and displaying a lot of changes to the database I am still getting the following error:
- There are no OrderSteps ... please Run Dev/Build
I have Silverstripe version 2.4.5 with other modules successfully installed (blog, dataobject_manager, image_gallery, uploadify)
Thanks for any help.
Forum Moderator
227 Posts
Re: Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 11:40am
Hi Web2Works ...I'm guessing you're using the svn trunk. I wouldn't recommend this. Try the 0.8.1 release candidate instead.
Re: Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 12:19pm Last edited: 9 February 2011 12:32pm
Ok, I didn't even realise. I just hit the big download button. Thanks
Re: Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 12:34pm
This didn't fix it, still having a problem.
Do I need the payment module? maybe this is breaking it. Although when I dont have the payment modules installed I get the following error:
Warning: Unknown class passed as parameter in C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Object.php on line 568
Fatal error: Uncaught exception 'ReflectionException' with message 'Class Payment does not exist' in C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Object.php:385 Stack trace: #0 C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Object.php(385): ReflectionClass->__construct('Payment') #1 C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Object.php(543): Object::uninherited_static('Payment', 'extensions') #2 C:\wamp\www\ecommerce\_config.php(9): Object::add_extension('Payment', 'EcommercePaymen...') #3 C:\Windows\Temp\silverstripe-cacheC--wamp-www-manifest-main(9256): require_once('C:\wamp\www\exp...') #4 C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\ManifestBuilder.php(74): require_once('C:\Windows\Temp...') #5 C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Core.php(232): ManifestBuilder::include_manifest() #6 C:\wamp\www\sapphire\main.php(61): require_once('C:\wamp\www\exp...') #7 {main} thrown in C:\wamp\www\sapphire\core\Object.php on line 385
Community Member
49 Posts
Re: Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 1:19pm Last edited: 9 February 2011 1:27pm
Have you tried taking the payment module and ecommerce out and run a new dev/build/, then put in the payment module and dev/build and then put in ecommerce after and run the dev/build?.
i had something similar, (but i cant recall the errors) but it was something to do with payment module and ecommerce and thats how i got around it (also be sure to check your folder names)
Forum Moderator
227 Posts
Re: Setting up Ecommerce Module
9 February 2011 at 4:27pm
@web2works: the Payments module is compulsory.
Yes, make sure you do a dev/build?flush=1 as Mrfixer says.
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(Raheem shows his team some signs of encouragement during an "upset" of the Green Bay Packers in Raheems first year.)
Raheem Morris has taken a lot of criticism over that last 2-3 years since being "promoted" to Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There are many that have defended him and his decisions, and then there are far more who have scrutinised and lashed out against him and GM Mark Dominik
For one, I think we as fans have been overreacting on the "Morris needs to go" rants. I've been looking around and reading articles and he is actually on pace for a good career according to his win totals in his first 3 years. Bill Belichick (20), Bill Walsh (21), Bill Parcels (22), Dick Vermeil (18), and Sean Payton (25) all have had/have great success in the NFL and by my count Raheem has 17 with 7 games left in his 3rd year. Granted this is just speculation over what other Head Coaches have done after their first 3 years, but if you look at the way things have played out...no matter what happens the rest of this year, I see good things for the future.
Raheem started off his tenure in controversy and pretty much dumped all of the veterans on the Bucs roster to "scout" his young players. The first year was an evaluation for what this team needed when rebuilding from the ground..up. Quickly we learned the answer....this team needed A LOT of help. In the 2nd year it was about putting his drafts to the test and getting them to "gel together" and get some wins. Given the bad (em...awful) 1st season, we were graced with a fairly easy schedule. However, even having an "easy" schedule we have to keep in mind we had the YOUNGEST team in the NFL with the YOUNGEST Head Coach. Getting 10 wins in the NFL with the youngest team is a pretty good feat (no matter who you play). After all, this is still the NFL. In gaining those 10 wins, I believe the fan base has become unrealistically optomistic as to how good this team was suppose to perform this year. The Bucs have played each of the leagues top 3 teams, the 5th best team twice, and the leagues 9th best team in just the first half of the year. Coming away with 4 wins and 5 losses. Even if we finish out the year at lets say 7-9....we then have another draft, with young players getting older, with more experience, a full off-season AND a somewhat easier schedule to play. Then if we talk about pairing the draft talent with previous years draft talent and experience, I think we find ourselves back near the top of the NFL heading into another off season with ANOTHER draft class to pair with the previous (that was a mouthfull right?).....suddenly I find a "difficult" schedule (seemingly) much LESS difficult. Give Raheem some help with a better Offensive Cordinator and I'm predicting a pretty solid team for years to come. Possibly throw in a D Corrdinator to top it off, and Raheem might be sitting with the rest of the coaches mentioned above. We've seen the good, and we've seen the bad (errr...down right ugly) ....the real question is....is this all just a dream? Or is Raheem on pace to make something real out of this team? Possibly create a future in which we have only had a small glimspe of? It's easy to want MORE.....faster. Especially with coaches like Jim Harbaugh bursting on to the scene...but he brought help with him. A coaching staff who had been together and already knew how to win...as well as the experience of his own NFL career AND his brother already being a successful Head Coach for the Ravens. Maybe Raheem and our Buccaneers aren't as far away from greatness as it seems...with a little help and his contract exstention....only time can really tell. Just food for thought. GO BUCS!!! :)


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March 7th is Casimir Pulaski day, a holiday observed in honor of the revolutionary War officer.
In Chicago, members of the Polish-American community and Governor Quinn were on hand to honor the American hero.
Pulaski fled Poland and came to the United States where he fought along side General George Washington for the freedom of this country.
"And that is really what we are commemorating and honoring today. Casimir Pulaski believed in democracy. He believed in freedom and liberty both in Poland and right here in the United States of America," Quinn.
In 2009 Casimir Pulaski was made an honorary American.


text: I'm starting to get a little nervous about basing the future of the franchise on next summer. Sure the draft picks may become more promising as the season progresses (here's hoping NY continues its streak and goes 0-82), but the free agents list looks horrible, and much worse with Nene having another serious injury. But something I find interesting is that 1) the T-wolves have looked awful so far and may not make the playoffs a second straight year, and that 2) the Bulls are one of the only teams that can make a realistic trade offer for KG, who is making 18/year now and is signed through 08/09 when he'll make 24/year. Seems like for a team to have that much $ tied up in one player and still be competative, they would have to be a top revenue team like Chicago (I think the Bulls were 3rd last year). If Pax could pull that off and still keep most of the core intact (maybe deal Deng, Sweetney, maybe a draft pick, and Thomas for his contract) wouldn't that put the Bulls somewhere in the top 4 in the East this year, and arguably with the Pistons and Pacers in the years to come? I imagnie this only works if KG pushes to be dealt, but not only is he one of the only true superstars in the league that look like they may be able to be traded for this season, he seems like he would be a great fit in Skiles' system.


text:
I was in high school 20 years ago. It was an age of great pop music, mullets, and impending U.S. victory in the Cold War. If that sounds like a long time ago, it was.
Which is why I find it odd that The New York Times buried this fact in its story about a Catholic priest who has been removed from ministry because of allegations that he fondled two teenage boys.
Reporter Paul Vitello's story was curious. It had strong virtues but also strong defects.
On the one hand, Vitello showed that in some cases at least, the Catholic Church's new policy about removing alleged abusers is severe:
Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the archdiocese, said the first accuser came to the archdiocese in June. After an internal investigation, he said, the church sent the case to the district attorney's office, but did not remove Monsignor Harris because it is church policy "not to alert the target" of a potential criminal investigation.
During the district attorney's investigation, the second accusation against Monsignor Harris emerged, and the diocese ordered him to step aside, Mr. Zwilling said. The five-year statute of limitations has lapsed in both cases, and charges are not likely to be brought, said Alicia Maxey Greene, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office.
The archdiocese still must decide whether Monsignor Harris will be returned to his duties, "returned to the lay state," or permitted to retire to "a life of prayer and penance," an inactive status, Mr. Zwilling said. Monsignor Harris is one of 15 archdiocesan priests who have been removed since 2002 on sexual abuse allegations, with just one returning to his post, he said.
Also, Vitello showed that the priest, Monsignor Wallace A. Harris, was no recluse or loner; on the contrary, he was popular and influential:
Monsignor Harris, 61, is widely known in Harlem for his church's charity works, and known in the community of 648 priests who serve in the Archdiocese of New York as an expert organizer and charismatic leader. He is the chairman of the archdiocesan priests' council, a position to which he was elected by the priests. He was appointed by Cardinal Edward M. Egan as vicar of central Harlem, one of five vicariates in the five boroughs.
Later, Vitello added
The monsignor was assigned to coordinate Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Yankee Stadium in April — and it is part of local legend that the task involved making sure that 100,000 ponchos were ready in case of rain. "How many people could do that?" Ms. Tuckett said. "He is a very smart man; he makes things work like clockwork."
On the other hand, the story's lede was buried. The story opened not with the allegations against Monsignor Harris, but rather about the fact that one former pastor was addicted to cocaine and booze while another one was convicted of molesting a 12-year-old girl. What this angle has to do with the main story line I don't know.
Also, the fact that the alleged abuse 20 years ago was buried. Here is the relevant paragraph:
Neither the archdiocese nor the Manhattan district attorney's office would provide more details. But people familiar with the district attorney's investigation said the complaints involved the fondling of two boys, about 13 or 14 years old, when they were students at the Cathedral School in Manhattan, where Monsignor Harris was assigned before becoming pastor at St. Charles Borromeo.
Readers only learn that the alleged fondling occurred two decades ago comes via a quote from an upset parishioner. By contrast, Oren Yaniv of The New York Daily News highlighted that the alleged abused occurred 20 years ago:
A popular Harlem priest accused of sexually abusing two minors 20 years ago will not be charged because the statute of limitations has expired, prosecutors said yesterday.
The allegations against Msgr. Wallace Harris of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church on 141st St. date from the late 1980s.
The Catholic Church's new policy is strict in many ways. Yet I think that the Times' story needed to explore the question of why abused teenage boys would come forward 20 years later. Is this unusual? Is it possible or likely that the boys' memory is faulty? (In the early- and mid-1990s, the question of recovered and repressed memory was a big one.)
As is, the story conveys the impression that the church, St. Charles Borromeo, is somehow to blame. As one parishioner says,
"Must be something about that building," said Roger Firby, 50, a retired corrections officer who has lived most of his life within walking distance of the church. "Always got some trouble."
Yeah, I guess. But that is a strange way to explain the abuse and the allegations.


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CATEGORIES Comedy, Documentary, Independent, Tribeca, Festival Reports, Cinematical Indie, Tribeca Film Festival, CinematicalOverheard in the ladies room after yesterday's press screening of Caveh Zahedi's I Am A Sex Addict:
Woman #1: I can't imagine any woman putting up with the hooker thing.
Woman #2: Yeah, but do you really think those were his real girlfriends?
Woman #1: Oh, well, yeah - I have no idea how that guy got those girls to date him.
When Super Size Me came out last year, and made a bunch of money and won a bunch of awards, I remember thinking, "Huh. So in order for the first-person documentary to hit the mainstream, it had to go political." Caveh Zahedi has been making his all-about-me pictures for years with very little success, and whilst a lot of people seem to attribute this failure to Zahedi's personal irksomeness (I don't think anyone has any idea how he got those girls to date him), I think it has more to do with the overall solipsism he traffics in. He's not just irksome - he draws you into his irksomeness, and then he won't let you out. Some people suffocate under his neuroses; some of us can't get enough of Caveh's World. And that's the thing: there is no "real world" outside of "Caveh's World" - even when, as in I Don't Hate Las Vegas Anymore, the whole point of the film is to connect to something larger than himself, Caveh gets impatient waiting for the universe to reveal itself and just takes Ecstasy instead.
Which is why it's rather fascinating, then, that Zahedi's latest film is about the various ways that his real-life inability to live outside of his own fantasy world has totally ruined his life.
I Am A Sex Addict opens on Caveh at age 43, dressed in a tuxedo, and talking to the camera mere minutes from his third wedding (the press notes call this "documentary footage" but, uh, I don't know ... it seems unlikely that even Caveh Zahedi would ask the wedding party to wait whilst he recorded b-roll for his new movie). Caveh explains that he's a little nervous about this wedding, because he's screwed up every other relationship he's ever been in with his obsessive thirst for prostitutes.
We quickly flash back 20 years, to meet Caveh's first love and the French siren that seperated them. This initial story is interrupted several times so that Zahedi can reveal the various accidents that comprise his filmmaking process: he couldn't actually afford to shoot in Paris, so he substitutes that city with the back alleys of San Francisco; he can't find anyone to play a certain prostitute, so he goes online looking for real-life hookers who might want an acting job; this search reveals that the actress already cast as his first wife (Rebecca Lord) is, in fact, a real-life porn star. Meanwhile, the story he's trying to tell is itself largely predicated on his failure as a filmmaker - he can't find anyone in the States to fund his Arthur Rimbaud biopic, so he allows one of the two women he's in love with to lead him to France; at a crucial formative point in his sex addiction, he's forced to refuse a blow job because he's just been hired as a film critic and has to make it to his first screening.
All of this should be annoying, but it's actually charming. At some early point, work and life threatened to impinge on Caveh's budding fantasy life; rather than capitulate to real-world responsibilities, he chose to go the other way, committing himself to full-time sexual obsession. Throughout the film, Caveh rationalises absurd behavior on the grounds that each escalating transgression might help him "get it out of my system." The fact that he's not just saying that - that he really believes that total self-indulgence will lead him down the path to some sort of enlightenment - makes it hard not to sympathize with him in advance of his inevitable (and repeated) comeuppance. By the time he declares that the only way to deal with his third serious girlfriend's intolerance of his compulsive sluttery is to "get a better girlfriend", you almost believe him. His self-concious presentation of everything he's ever done wrong somehow just leads one to shrug and say, "Caveh knows best."
The fact that none of the sex in the film is sexy goes a long way towards making his psychological condition of sex addiction seem very real. He admits that everytime he gets a blow job from a prostitute, it makes him feel "empty inside"; the fact that he keeps going back makes him a comic fool. At the zenith of his affliction, he purchases oral sex in a subway entrance from a gal who could very well be a guy. As Caveh's gaze bounces back and forth between his/her bobbing head and the guy on the sidewalk who seems to be watching, we can see that there's nothing but anxiety and even terror available for him in this experience.
Such depths of degradation make it a little hard to believe that Caveh can solve his problem by going to Sex Addicts Anonymous, and the "redemption" portion of the film is thus dissatisfyingly rushed. As Caveh leads us through his current relationship with the woman he's about to marry (there's a second marriage brushed over in less than 30 seconds), he seems uncharacteristically unwilling to tackle the meat of what makes that relationship work sans hookers. How can a man whose entire life has thus far been defined by spectacular failure suddenly about-face for a happily-ever-after? Not so fast: the film closes on what is probably real footage of the wedding, and after kissing the bride, Caveh walks past the camera with a familiar look of terror in his eyes. Oh, right - Caveh knows best - we just have to wait for the next film.


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UKIP Leader Nigel Farage dismissed today's report that 100 Tory MPs had signed a letter demanding a referendum on the EU.
It was reported that the MPs had put their name to a letter calling on the PM "to place on the Statute Book before the next General Election a commitment to hold a referendum during the next Parliament on the nature of our relationship with the European Union".
Mr Farage said: "It's all very well these Tories writing a letter to David Cameron calling for a referendum, but what happens next if he simply says 'No'?
"Where do they all go from there?
"What many Conservatives are coming to understand is that Cameron has no intention of ever delivering on his promise of a referendum on the EU.
"They understand that it is UKIP alone calling for immediate withdrawal from the EU and that's why they're jumping ship and joining us in droves."
News from The United Kingdom Independence Party website: http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/2702-what-happens-when-cameron-rebuffs-mps
Please feel free to comment on the UKIP news article below.
Copyright ©, The United Kingdom Independence Party, Lexdrum House, Unit 1, King Charles Business Park, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6UT. All rights reserved. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.


text:
BOWLING GREEN – Bowling Green State University welcomes back hockey great George McPhee this Friday. McPhee, the current general manager of the Washington Capitals, will take part in a special fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 26, in the Center Ice Lounge at the BGSU Ice Arena.
The event will start at 12 p.m. and will run until roughly 2 p.m. Those wishing to participate can click the link above to register, or call (419) 372-2401 to register and pay on-site. Cost to attend the event is $50, which includes a $30 charitable gift to the hockey program.
McPhee burst on the scene as a Falcon in 1978-79, leading the team and the CCHA in scoring with 88 points as a freshman, and earning the honor of CCHA Rookie of the Year. A two-time team captain, McPhee became BG's career scoring leader with 114 goals and 153 assists for 267 points (a mark that was topped one year later).
McPhee earned All-American and All-CCHA honors as a senior, before being named the 1982 Hobey Baker Award winner, college hockey's equivalent of the college football's Heisman Trophy. He was the CCHA's first Hobey Baker Award winner, and was inducted to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.