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On Abstinent Nation
This was so fascinating. There are many many reasons offered in the article for the sharp decline in sex marriage and relationships, but to me the biggest lesson was "treat your women with opportunity and respect". If the math doesn't add up for a woman to get married and pop out kids, it ain't gonna happen.
On Film Programming for the Bedroom
@null upvoooote, sexy vintage political intrigue with an NC-17 rating
On "The digital porn guy wants a fantasy that doesn't exist, but the postfeminist girl wants one as well"
Don Jon was great, though
-it gently equated porn to unrealistic rom-coms. Really? The occasional romantic movie with some improbable male lead is equal to an internet filled with women getting their faces cummed on? False.
-Julianne Moore was entering older MPDG territory (a vessel for the male character to discover himself thru her whimsy) but the scene that really redeemed it for me was **SPOILERish** Juilanne's character sobbing on the steps of a house while JGL calmly waited it out. That felt real nice. And yes their sex scene is all kinds of long nightdress hot.
On Goodbye For Now, Giant Panda Cam
@turnipgreens thank you for this idea. I just donated to WIC in San Francisco (SFGHF? Not sure if this is the right place but hey) to feel like I have a tiny bit of control over the chaos.
On Wherefore Art Thou, Sex Scenes?
I immediately disagree with this list because I looooooved the sex scene in the Matrix Reloaded.
On This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
I had a friend who's parents were "european'. They kind of taught me, more so than my parents, that a credit card is a month long loan and that carrying debt is BAD and paying in cash is GOOD. guess who paid off her student loans at age 26 and never carries a credit card balance? THIS GIRL. (but then again, guess who has ZERO savings or safety net?? THIS GIRL......)
On The Best Things Christian Women Told Me About Sex This Year
and me reading The Woman's Bible by Elizabeth Cady Stanton....
On Our Pregnant Week
@Nadine Friedman@facebook , these things MUST be personal and in your own control, not interfered with in any way or in any direction by clueless politicians. reading about your turmoil just further proves how complex and fiercely intimate events like this are. thanks again for your story, and sorry you went through such stress :/
On Our Pregnant Week
I can no longer read these types of articles without making them political. it's because I am terrified to the core of my being that Republicans will gain enough power to turn these kind of personal female narratives—that play out in many different shades all day every day—into a Christian/Puritanical/Legal gameshow, where women lose.
On Stay-at-Home Dads and the Confrontation-Averse
as Mitt Romney says, women in the workforce come with the BURDEN of needing a FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE so they can GO HOME AND COOK.... err


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THREE northern fishing spots have won total funding of nearly $80,000 to improve the fish habitats around them.
The Guyra and Inverell shire councils and Upper Gwydir Landcare group are among
30 fish habitat projects announced to share an allocation of $570,000 in grants from the NSW government.
The money will go towards improving local creeks, riverbanks, wetlands and better access for fish through the work of recreational angling clubs, community groups, landholders and local councils.
The Gwydir Landcare association has been funded $40,000 to bring back fish into the Horton River.
The work will protect and improve an area with 12km of fencing, four kilometres of seeding, and resnagging and road barrier removal along
the Horton River in that catchment.
Guyra Shire Council gets $25,000 to put in a fish-friendly box culvert to replace an existing pipe culvert fish passage barrier that has poor inlet conditions. It should reduce headloss in stream flow.
At Inverell, $13,625 will go towards getting rid of invasive weeds along a 800m riparian zone of the Macintyre River. Volunteer help will contribute to maintaining and revegetating another area of public reserve with native species.
Ms Hodgkinson said 71 applications had been received under this funding round and the successful
projects included ones from Bathurst, Berry, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, to Lismore, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Taree and Taylors Arm, and also in Sydney.
The projects have been backed by nearly $1.1 million also committed as in-kind support from the successful applicants.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Bill Burt
---- — Big chasm ON RED SOX
Jose Iglesias has hit well with the Red Sox since being recalled in late May.
But to really understand how, you want to compare him to the guy he replaced, Will Middlebrooks.
Middlebooks' average was .196 heading into last night's game, with 39 hits in 199 at bats.
Iglesias remarkably has one more hit than Middlebrooks but in 105 fewer at bats, which puts his batting average at .426.
Middlebrooks would have to go 211 for 388, or average .544 to catch Iglesias by the end of the season. Or Igleslias would have to go 0-for-107 to be averaging .196.
Red Sox wrecking rookies
The Red Sox are 8-3 in 11 games this season when the opposing starter is a rookie.
Those rookies have combined to go 1-7 with an 8.72 ERA — 42 earned runs in 43.1 innings — against Boston, and none completed the sixth inning.
NA host lax school
The North Andover Lacrosse School for boys 9-16 will be this Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the turf fields at North Andover High.
The cost is $125, which includes a jersey.
The drills are run by the North Andover High coaching staff, including Ryan Connolly, Ross Marchegiani, Steve Connolly and Ron Pollina. There will also a specialized clinic by MLL professional's players Jim Connolly (Ohio Machine) and Craig Bunker (Boston Cannons).
For more information, contact Community Programs at 978-794-3080.
UMass Lowell soccer hits road
The good news for the UMass Lowell men's soccer team is that it returns nine starters and 25 veterans from a squad which went 15-6-1 and advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA Division 2 Tournament.
The not-so-good news is all but four matches in 2013 are away in its inaugural Division I season.
That type of schedule is typical of a college making the transition to NCAA Division I competition. The River Hawks will be eligible to play in the NCAA Tournament and America East Conference Tournament in 2017.
On the docket this season are two NCAA Tournament teams, two conference tournament and regular season champions, as well as three of the top seven teams in the neighboring Northeast Conference. The River Hawks open the season with a two-match swing in Florida — Aug. 30 at Stetson and Sept. 1 at Florida Atlantic.
Bergeron's lucrative picture
At the CLASS Inc. of Lawrence annual golf tournament, which is now entering its third decade, one of the auction items was a photo of the Bruins celebrating after Patrice Bergeron scored the overtime game-winner against the Maple Leafs.
The 16x24 photo, signed by Bergeron, was expected to net about $500.
It raised $1,000. In other words, the Bruins are red hot around here.
Austin Prep honors
Four local students were honored at the Austin Prep Spring Athletic Awards Night.
They were sophomore Elijah Harris, of Haverhill, who received the Boys Tennis Award of Excellence.
Sophomore Isabella Pandolfo, of North Andover, who was named a Catholic Central League All-Star in girls tennis.
Freshman Jake Reid, of North Andover, who received the Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse Award of Excellence.
And junior Stephanie McQuaid of Windham, who was named varsity softball MVP.


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With a new semester comes new goals for Texas Tech University. In the last four months, Governor Rick Perry has named five new regents to the Tech board from across the state. One of those regents is former Lubbock mayor Windy Sitton.
NewsChannel 11 sat down with Sitton this week to talk about her new role as a Tech Regent and what exactly the job entails.
"I'm honored that the governor would select me, and I'm so excited about being a part of a board that will help make I hope Texas Tech become the next flagship university," said Windy Sitton.
Sitton says the main job of the regents is to set policy for the university, establishing long term goals for the whole university system.
"I don't know why I was chosen, but I would like to think that it's because I love Texas Tech. I recognize the importance of Tech and what it does in general for Lubbock. Having been the mayor, it gives me a different perspective than other regents. Additionally, having served on the coordinating board in Austin, understanding education, higher education from a state perspective gives me additional insight," Sitton said.
Sitton, a former teacher, says she's always loved education and looks forward to the opportunity to continue to improve higher education. However, she says there will be challenges, one of those will be regulating tuition rates.
"We will have to raise tuition rates some, but I think what we need to look at is maximizing financial aid. There are a lot of grants out there. There is a lot of money out there that is not used. Our challenge is to get the word out that if you really want to go to college, you can afford it," said Sitton.
She says the idea of raising tuition rates is a double edged sword because their goal is to increase enrollment.
"Often those who don't attend college have financial problems, so I think we as regents have to really look at balancing that scale. We're trying to attract more students, attract a lot of first generation students, so we have to be very careful that we don't raise tuition so high that those students can't afford higher education," Sitton said.
According to Sitton, overall, the regents act as a governing body to the university system. They do not get involved with day to day campus issues, that's what the chancellor and presidents are for, instead their goal is to improve Tech and diversify the university from others. Sitton says with good growth and a focus on academic excellence Tech can become a flagship university.
The other newly appointed regents include: Scott Dueser of Abilene, Rick Francis of El Paso, Frank Miller of Dallas, and Bob Stafford of Amarillo. They'll be joining four current regents: Chairman Bob Black of Horseshoe Bay, Vice Chairman Brian Newby of Fort Worth, Carin Barth of Houston, and Dick Brooks of Dallas. The regents have their first meeting with the new group on February 28th.
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LAS VEGAS -- High school seniors planning to go to college could get some financial help with a scholarship.
The Public Education Foundation plans to award more than 360 scholarships totaling around $600,000. The scholarships will range from $500 to $40,000.
"These scholarships make an enormous difference for so many graduating seniors who wish to continue learning," said Judi Steele, president of the Foundation.
Interested students can get an application online and may apply for more than one scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by March 7, 2011. Applicants must also deliver their applications to the Foundation's office at 3360 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 160, Las Vegas.
The scholarships are provided by businesses, community leaders, and individuals.


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A rough fourth quarter doomed Will C. Wood's boys junior varsity basketball team in a 60-45 home loss to Armijo.
The Wildcats trailed just 43-41 after three periods, but were outscored 17-4 down the stretch.
Tristan Kelly led Wood with 10 points. Brendon Lee scored eight, and Tim Stevens and Wellington Balsley added six apiece.
Wood plays at Rodriguez on Tuesday.


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Welcome to PCDoch
Your personal computer support resource
Computers are an accepted part of everyday life providing instant communication, picture and video sharing and online chat.
However, some people, especially the older generation, find the use of computers and computer technology daunting and are missing out on the opportunity to have video chats with their kids and grand kids, or exchange pictures and videos of outings, vacations and milestone family events.
A recent BBC report http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12813311 stated that the internet represents an opportunity for the over 55s to stave off isolation and to better connect with their loved ones and distant friends.
Unfortunately, they can be intimidated by the technology and concerned about the prospect of security, virus intrusion, identity theft and the often confusing array of options offered on the internet.
Many have tried and have been left floundering after the initial installation and enthusiasm and are further discouraged by the high cost and the remote, impersonal support offered by the big box stores.
PCDoch is a local company dedicated to provide personalized coaching and assistance on the most commonly used facilities in Windows PCs to help you:
Navigate the internet safely and easily
Use common email, social media and online chat programs to communicate with family, friends and peer groups
Protect yourself from viruses, spyware, computer scams and identity theft
Customize your PC for commonly used programs and regularly visited web sites
Store videos and pictures to share with family and friends
Back up and restore files from your PC
Install and manage a home network to share wifi and files
Graduate to the use of common applications such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint
We will customize personal or group coaching for you and be available to assist you whenever you have questions to ensure that you get the most pleasure and satisfaction from your computer use.
Our rates are reasonable and affordable, providing a substantial discount over the big box store charges.
We cover Somerset County in New Jersey and are available 12 hours a day from 9am till 9pm on Monday to Friday. Weekends by appointment.
Give us a call on 908 393 9028 today and let's have a wee chat about your PC objectives and challenges. We'll listen closely, and together we can devise a program to bring you up to speed at your own pace and equip you to realize the full potential of your home computer.


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News: Young Buck's Prison Release Date Emerges, Days Behind Bars Numbered
Tuesday, Sep 17, 2013 11:55AM
Former G-Unit member Young Buck is reportedly on the verge of becoming a free man as an alleged prison release date for the Southern hip-hop artist has started to circulate online.
According to recent reports, Buck Marley is expected to get his first taste of freedom two weeks from today.
Yo its been way too long since we have heard some new material from the Cashville, Tennessee native wordsmith, Young Buck. But that is about to change, as word came down today that Young Buck is about to be a free man once again. Word on the E-streets, and coming out of Buck's camp is that the former G-Unit lyricist will be released from prison on October 1st, 2013; which is right around the corner. This is definitely good news for the fans of Buck that have been patiently waiting some new material, and great news for the wordsmith himself. Mark your calendars and prepare to welcome Young Buck home on October 1st! (Stupid Dope)
Last year, Buck claimed he was thrown into solitary confinement for 60 days.
"Dear Fans, I was in the hole 4 the last 2 months, so it's been slow on the mail, so Im back to writing y'all this week! I appreciate y'all!," Buck tweeted November 24th. (Young Buck's Twitter)
Over the fall, reports surfaced and claimed Buck wanted his 18-month sentence nixed.
Nashville rapper Young Buck wants a federal court to toss out his prison sentence. The rapper, whose real name is David Brown, is currently in a Mississippi prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. However, he claims the 18-month prison term handed to him is a "complete miscarriage of justice." Brown claims he couldn't have been a felon in possession of a firearm, since a previous felony conviction was expunged from his record. Brown was also involved in a bankruptcy case that led to the IRS auction of thousands of dollars' worth of his belongings earlier this year. (News Channel 5)
In September 2012, Buck Marley gave fans the inside scoop on his living condition.
"Man, sh*t man, let eveybody know that I'm good. I'm 100. I'm well taken care of. I'm straight, under the circumstances I'm in. This is prison, you know what I'm saying? At the end of the day, I'm making the best out of prison. I don't even like to call it prison. I call it Chain Gang College now. I'm handling it, I'm handling lt like a real man gotta handle it. There ain't no other way once you're back here. Either you do the time or let the time do you. I choose to do my time, you know what I'm saying? I stay out the way, I got a couple good brothers I do roll with, they my partners. Other than that, sh*t, I'm doing time. You feel me?" (Back On My Buck Sh*t)
The Southern rapper officially turned himself over to authorities a month prior.
Young Buck is back in prison ... TMZ has learned the former G-Unit rapper has officially begun his 18-month sentence for gun possession. Sources connected to the rapper tell us ... moments ago, Buck checked into Yazoo City Medium Security Federal Prison in Southern Mississippi. As we previously reported, federal agents recovered multiple guns in Buck's home during a 2010 raid. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing any sort of firearm because he was already a convicted felon. (TMZ)
Need to expand your Blu-ray collection? Money too tight to blow? Win your own Blu-ray unrated copy of Brad Pitt's World War Z today!


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Thief escapes despite crashing into glass door
A man collided with a glass door while attempting to flee with a woman's purse.
The YouTube description said the man grabbed the 50-year-old's bag at a shopping center in Perth, Western Australia. What appeared to be a clean getaway initially turned into a jaw-dropping crash with glass. The thief's accomplice subsequently arrived and threatened people who were unknowingly attempting to help the criminal.
The two men proceeded to escape in a stolen green Lexus and have not been found since the incident occurred.
Attention ArizonaSports.com Comment Users: We have recently changed our comments boards.We would like you to be part of the conversation with all fans of Arizona sports teams by logging in with your Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Disqus account. Existing Arizona Sports (KTAR) account members will need to create a Disqus account or use one of the aforementioned social media logins. Thank you.


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Speights skips pre-draft camp
Per Andy Katz, Marreese Speights is skipping the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando. Quoth Katz, "Big-name college players who are hyped throughout the season and considered a first-round pick and even a bubble first-round pick usually refuse to play at the camp." What do you guys make of this? Has Speights gotten a guarantee? If not, it seems to me he should be playing; I don't think anyone's calling him a lock at this point. Is he willing to put that much confidence in his ability to impress at individual workouts? Sorry, I know this isn't exactly UK-related. I just found it interesting.


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The school board will not extend the current agreement between the teachers union and Jeffco Public Schools.
Members of the Jefferson County Education Association asked for the contract to be extended March 10, when negotiations began. District employees gave an update to the school board during an executive session March 13 and informed board members of the JCEA's desire for an extended contract.
The current contract expires Aug. 31, 2015.
A trip down memory lane led to a sentimental journey at Columbine Hills Elementary on Feb. 26, as the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. The school was decorated in old photos and artistic creations representing the year 1964.
Through the years, the school has been expanded and remodeled, said current principal, Maureen Kelly, as she busily guided students and visitors through the school.
As the 2014-15 budget begins to take shape for Jeffco Public Schools, increasing employee compensation and keeping class sizes small are top priorities for South Jeffco residents.
"I'm delighted to see how many of you care and want to give feedback regarding Jeffco education," school board President Ken Witt told budget forum attendees at Chatfield High School on March 5. "Your input today is critical."
Ray and Associates has begun the process of searching for Jeffco Public Schools' new superintendent.
Bill Newman of the Iowa-based search firm said at the school board meeting March 6 that he had interviewed all the board members and was getting an idea of what they are looking for in a new leader for the 85,000-student district.
The board finalized some details so that Ray and Associates can start recruiting candidates.
$280,000 salary
The Jeffco school board is expected to approve the district's 2014-15 budget at a special meeting June 19, when the board also will hear public comments.
Two issues likely to come up are charter school funding and free full-day kindergarten.
On a 3-2 vote in April, the board decided against earmarking $600,000 to fund free full-day kindergarten at schools with 35 percent or more of their students enrolled in free or reduced-cost lunch programs.
Board members John Newkirk, Julie Williams and Ken Witt voted against the expansion.
At the June 5 Jeffco school board meeting, the board will discuss and vote on the contract agreement reached by bargaining teams for the teachers union and the district.
The agreement, reached last month, includes an average 2.5 percent increase in salary for teachers rated "effective" or "highly effective," an increase in pay for new teachers, and class sizes remaining the same.
Former Jeffco schools Superintendent Cindy Stevenson received $204,194 in her separation agreement with the district after her last day Feb. 21.
On Nov. 7, two days after the new conservative majority was elected to the school board, Stevenson announce she would retire effective June 30. On Feb. 8, she said she wasn't trusted by the new board majority and asked the board to approve an earlier exit.
Jeffco Public Schools has announced that KC Somers will be the new principal at Columbine High School starting next school year, succeeding longtime leader Frank DeAngelis.
"We are confident that Somers will continue to model and foster a welcoming climate and culture of excellence at Columbine," said Dan Cohan, executive director of school effectiveness for Jeffco Public Schools. "He has already developed strong relationships with many families in the south area."
Jeffco schools' leadership team will act as the district's superintendent for at least one week, the Board of Education decided on Feb. 18.
The leadership team is made up of Marcia Anker, chief school effectiveness officer; Heather Beck, chief academic officer; Lorrie Gillis, chief financial officer; and Steve Bell, the district's chief operating officer.
The arrangement will most likely be short-lived, however, as the board will discuss and vote on an interim superintendent at its Feb. 27 meeting.
The Jeffco school board has selected a search firm to help find the successor to former superintendent Cindy Stevenson.
The board heard presentations from two search firms at its Feb. 18 study session, and Ray and Associates was selected to find potential candidates to lead Colorado's largest school district.
Iowa-based Ray and Associates will charge $44,580 for its search, which will include conducting community meetings, recruiting, screening, interviewing and selecting a final pool of candidates.
Copyright © 2014
Columbine Courier is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in South Jefferson County, Colo., and the surrounding area.


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Here we go. Its kinda long, but hopefully you guys like it. Brief preview: You'll like how it ends!
2009 NFL Season Predictions
A few notes before I start. I have tried to be as unbiased as possible. Sure, my overtly optimistic view of both the Colts and the Raiders may be very biased, but other than that, I think I have been fair to all teams. Secondly, I am not putting out the disclaimer that (if everyone stays healthy) as this is the NFL, people get hurt. I will only assume that every major QB stays healthy except for one, as there is always one major QB that gets hurt every year and screws his teams chances – this year, it will randomly be Phil Rivers. Anyway let's begin.
AFC East
1.) New England 12-4 (3)
2.) Buffalo 8-8
3.) Miami 6-10
4.) New York 5-11
Analysis: For all the crap I give New England, they are still a very good team and the class of the division. They are only not better since I can't assume a 32 year old QB can come back from a MCL/ACL tear, when a 25 year old couldn't (Palmer), and that defense, especially with the loss of Seymour, is untested. Guys like Vrabel, Bruschi, Harrison, Seymour, they were old but they were special. As for the other teams. Buffalo has quietly a very nice, young defense. They have TO, who has shown that at least in year one he produces nicely. Miami was nowhere near a true 11-5 team last year. They will fall. The Jets are starting an untested rookie with limited COLLEGE experience. Their defense will take time to adjust to the Rex Ryan D, and they simply lack offensive playmakers.
AFC North
1.) Pittsburgh 13-3 (2)
2.) Cincinnatti 10-6 (6)
3.) Baltimore 9-7
4.) Cleveland 3-13
Analysis: This is a power division at the top. Pittsburgh is probably the most undervalued defending champ ever. They are returning 20 of 22 starters, and there is a case that the two they replaced were upgrades (especially Timmons). That running game can only improve with Mendenhall returning. They have the best D, they have the best crunch-time QB, they are loaded. Call me a sucker for buying the positive energy coming out of Cincinnatti. When healthy, Palmer is a top-5 QB, Chad had one of the greatest runs with Palmer from 04-07. Chris Henry seems to have gotten over his problems of carrying illicit materials on his person. Even more stunning, they were a top-12 defense last year. I'll buy it. Baltimore has not had consecutive 10 win seasons since 00-01. It will continue. They still are a very good team, but Flacco will take a micro-step back, and Rex Ryan's loss will hurt for the first year. The Brown are a mess, and they still don't have a true QB. Not much to say there. Maybe they should stop hiring Belichick and his protégés.
AFC South
1.) Indianapolis 13-3 (1)
2.) Houston 12-4 (5)
3.) Tennessee 9-7
4.) Jacksonville 3-13
Analyisis: Why shouldn't Indy win 13 games. They won 12 last year with Manning hobbling for a half, a makeshift running game because of them playing musical chairs in the O-line. Even their defense has injuries. I believe that Caldwell will be a Seifert like presence, where he keeps running the same ship. This team has improved in nearly every area, and with Gonzo, and some of the LB and DB's taking a step up, this team should likewise improve. Houston is probably the most underrated offense out there. Matt Schuab was only injured as the result of an illegal hit. When he's there, they have the best O in the NFL. They are the new greatest show on turf in the wa injured as the result of an illegal hit. When he's there, they have the best O in the NFL. They are the new greatest show on turf in the way they move the ball all over the field, and are turnover prone. I see them essentially as the 2003-04 Colts. Both of those teams won 12 games. So do they. Without Haynesworth, the Titans take a step back, as I cannot simply trust Kerry to play well again. As for Jax, Del Rio seems to have lost that locker room, and a team with a banged-up MJD, and a quickly becoming bad defense, is just bad in the NFL's best division.
AFC West
1.) Oakland 10-6 (4)
2.) San Diego 7-9
3.) Kansas City 5-11
4.) Denver 2-14
Analysis: As I said before, I'm saying Rivers gets hurt for some period of time. LT will continue his decline. For all the talk, that team needed miracles (plural) to make it to the playoffs. Oakland has improved. They now have a legit left side of the line. They have a great running game. Seymour can only help their biggest weakness, and the rest of the division (other than SD, is a joke). Also, JaMarcus is better than what most people believe. Kansas City and Denver are jokes, as are any teams with a Belichick disciple. Denver lost their best player, and did nothing to better a ridiculously bad defense. KC is just a run of the mill below average team. Also, can the top four teams (NE, PIT, IND, SD) really all win the division? I say no, and SD is the most inconsistent of the four.
NFC East
1.) New York 12-4 (2)
2.) Philadelphia 11-5 (5)
3.) Washington 7-9
4.) Dallas 6-10
Analysis: Back in July, I would have reversed the top two. Since then, Philly lost Jim Johnson, Stewart Bradley, and gained Michael Vick. On the other hand, New York is a team that won 12 games last year, lost Plax, but vastly improved their Defense. They got Canty, Boley and Bernard, and got Osi back from injury. That front four rotation is sick. This is a great, great team. Philly is still good enough, with enough playmakers on both sides to be a good but not great team, and with the depth in the division lessened, that should be enough. Washington has no offense. They were pathetic at the end of last year. With their defense improving with Orakpo and Haynesworth, and their offense worsening, as Campbell seems like a section eight, they are the same team. Dallas will fall apart. Romo did at the end of last year, that defense is overrated, they lost TO, and they seemed to quit on Wade.
NFC North
1.) Green Bay 13-3 (1)
2.) Chicago 10-6 (6)
3.) Minnesota 6-10
4.) Detroit 4-12
Analysis: Green Bay is an excellent team. They are essentially the same team, if not better, than the 13-3 version of 2007. Rodgers is an improvement over Favre from that year, Ryan Grant came on on the end of the last year. Their defense seemed to seamlessly adjust to the attack 3-4, as they have the personnel to play it, especially since BJ Raji got to them. They have tons of DBs, and good special teams. Chicago was a 9-7 without Cutler. They got Cutler, and the rest of the team has stayed the same. Their defense is finally healthy, and I would not be shocked if they beat my expectations. Favre was a mess last year for NYJ, and there is no reason to believe he will play better now that he is on a team in a better division. For all the talk, Peterson is fumble prone, and with Favre's penchant for INT's they will be a turnover machine. Also, I feel like sooner or later the Williams wall will be suspended. The Lions cannot be that bad. I like Schwartz as a coach, and Stafford, Smith and Calvin are a good young trio.
NFC South
1.) New Orleans 10-6 (4)
2.) Carolina 9-7
3.) Atlanta 7-9
4.) Tampa Bay 4-12
Analysis: Let me apologize, New Orleans is probably the best O in the league. That defense should also slightly improve under Williams, but not much, as Gregg is highly overrated, but still effective. It is a tough division, and they have tough outer games, so its hard to give them a great record. Carolina overachieved last year, and stayed unsustainably healthy last year. They are still a good team, but like Baltimore, just not good enough this year. Atlanta, like Miami, was a smoke and mirrors 11-5 team. The addition of Gonzalez should offset the impending Turner injury, but Ryan was overrated last year. In big games, he was outplayed, and that defense has a huge lack of playmakers on defense. Tampa is a team that is not as bad as some say. Remember, until the day that Monte announced his retirement, they were 9-3. However, they are QBed by Leftwhich, have no good receiver and an old defense.
NFC West
1.) Seattle 11-5 (3)
2.) Arizona 9-7
3.) St. Louis 6-10
4.) San Francisco 4-12
Analysis: Seattle was comically injured last year. When healthy, they are the class of the division. Now, with TJ (a vastly underrated pickup, as he is by far the best weapon Matt has ever had) in the fold, that offense should get back to at least the 2007 level. In 2007, they were a good but not great team at 10-6. This is a similar team, and Aaron Curry should make them better. Arizona is down because that happens to every team that loses the Super Bowl. Kurt Warner cannot be healthy again. It can't happen, it never has at his age. The other two teams are nondescript. I think the Singletary factor will wear off, as the rah-rah coach never works longterm in the NFL. St. Louis should rebound with an improved O-Line and Bulger's not being sacked a million times.
Wild Card Weekend
Houston beats Oakland – too much offense, beats an Oakland team that is the perfect example of just happy to be there.
New England beats Cincinnatti – They never lose home playoff games, and I'll take my chances with them here. Although I think it will be a shootout, and Cincy can shred that D, but so can Brady.
Philadelphia beats New Orleans – This was a very underrated game three years ago, and should be a good shootout. New Orleans and Philly are speed offenses, so the dome will help create a chaotic game.
Seattle beat Chicago – I don't think a good Seahawk team will lose in the best current home-field in the NFL. Not to a team with its QB playing its first playoff game.
Divisional Weekend
Pittsburgh beats New England – Great defense beats great offense. I don't think New England, a track star team, can go into Heinz and beat a defense that has every reason to be better than last year.
Indianapolis beats Houston – We own Houston in Indy. That shouldn't change. We can control Houston's O just enough to put up points. This will be another shootout, and Peyton never loses shootouts in the playoffs (except to Billy Volek).
Green Bay beats Philadelphia – The Pack is just better. They have the better offense, and the have the better defense. They have the DBs to control the spread of Philly, and stifle the already skittish running game.
New York beats Seattle – I wanted to pick one upset, but I don't think Seattle can fly cross-country and beat the Giants in what would probably be the last game at Giants Stadium. The Giants won't lose off a bye two years in a row.
Championship Weekend
Indianapolis beats Pittsburgh – The Colts have the perfect team to beat Pittsburgh. They can get pressure on a suspect line without blitzing, which Ben kills. They have the ball control offense that can beat that defense. It should be a colossal battle, much like the Baltimore game three years ago, but the Colts will exact revenge for the Bettis game.
Green Bay beats New York – Green Bay gets revenge for the 2007 title game. Rodgers and that offense can pass its way, with its great YAC ability, around a great front seven. The Giants offense can run, but will be very overmatched in the passing game. Should be a good 20-17 type chessmatch of a game.
Super Bowl XLIV
Indianapolis beats Green Bay – Indianapolis is Green Bay, but with a better defense. Defense has won championships every year in recent memory (except arguably 2006). They will be able to force GB into FG, and will play the ball control O that won them over the Bears. The Colts will join Pittsburgh with two titles in the last five years.


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News: John Legend Names What Record Blew Big Sean Up: "It Really Put Him On The Map"
Saturday, Nov 17, 2012 9:05PM
G.O.O.D. Music's John Legend recently reflected on lablemate Big Sean blowing up over the past year and what record, in particular, helped skyrocket his career to the top.
In Legend's perspective, Sean's 2011 "My Last" collaboration with Chris Brown blew up for him.
"Yeah, he's a star now. He's like, a legitimate star. It's exciting to see it happen. I remember just hearing that song he had with Chris Brown in the studio," Legend said referring to "My Last." "It was crazy seeing it blow up the way it did because it felt like it had the possibility of doing that a few months before it came out. When it came out, it did its thing and it really put him on the map. And he just followed it up with quality, fun records. He's really established his own persona. I think that's really what you have to do. You have to use that push you've gotten from working with someone like Kanye, and use it to establish your own persona and have your own space in the game." (Complex)
Over the summer, Sean said he wanted to reach beyond the fame of rap stars like Jay-Z.
"He actually told me that I was going to be the best. But I took that as the potential, because he speaks with so much passion," Big Sean said in an interview. "What he meant was, I'm his protégé, he took me under his wing. I'm in the studio hanging with him and Jay-Z, I'm in the studio with Nas, I'm in the studio with everybody, and it's like, if I don't take it past where they took it, then what the hell am I doin'?" (MTV)
Last fall, Sean said mentor Kanye West previously proclaimed his future outlook alongside rap mogul Jay-Z.
"I think he wants the best, just somebody that he thinks has the potential to be bigger and better than him, his protégé or whatever," Sean told Peter Bailey. "I remember we were standing next to Jay-Z and he was like you're gonna be the best rapper, talking to me. And Jay was looking like, 'Yeah, whatever.'" (NBC Nitecap)
In June 2011, Yeezy appeared at Sean's Finally Famous debut album listening session and proclaimed the rapper's greatness.
"Big Sean's story is one of the most amazing ever because he literally got signed off of a freestyle, to now...having the potential to be one of the biggest artists in the world," Ye said. "What Beyonce is to R&B...Big Sean can be to rap." (YouTube)
Check out the "My Last" music video:


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Actor Matthew Rhys plays a spy posing as the average American in the new FX series 'The Americans. ' Rhys co-stars in the Cold War drama with actress Keri Russell. Rhys spoke with GDNY on Monday.
WJBK-TV | Fox 2 16550 West Nine Mile Rd.Southfield, MI 48075Main Station: (248) 557-2000Newsroom: (248) 552-5103


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The Liberty County Development Authority approved the transfer of the lease of Harbin Lumber Co. in the Midway Industrial Park to Vidalia Naval Services during a called meeting last week, a move they hope will mean more jobs.
Crumbling business on Wall Street has made its way down south to Liberty County as
ATLANTA (AP) _ Leftover sawdust and wood chips will eventually provide electricity in Georgia under a deal state officials announced Thursday.
ATLANTA (AP) _ Leftover sawdust and wood chips will eventually provide electricity in Georgia under a deal state officials announced Thursday.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Urgently moving on multiple fronts to stem the worst financial crisis in decades, the government moved Friday to protect money market mutual funds against losses and temporarily banned short-selling of company stocks. The Treasury Department asked Congress to give it sweeping power to buy up toxic debt that has unhinged Wall Street.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Urgently moving on multiple fronts to stem the worst financial crisis in decades, the government moved Friday to protect money market mutual funds against losses and temporarily banned short-selling of company stocks. The Treasury Department asked Congress to give it sweeping power to buy up toxic debt that has unhinged Wall Street.
County Clerk of Courts Barry Wilkes could not explain why Liberty County is seeing a decrease in creditors suing for property or forfeited wages while metro Atlanta offices recently have been falling behind because of so many garnishment filings.
Gov. Sonny Perdue started urging people last month in a press release to prepare now for the upcoming switch to all digital broadcast television, but Comcast cable, the area's only cable provider, said there's no need for its clients to worry.
Unemployment across the country is the highest it's ever been in five years, according to a federal report released last week. The country saw unemployment jump from 4.7 percent in July 2007 to 6.1 percent last month. State and local officials acknowledged the soaring statistics and tried to explain why so many more people are without work.
The press that prints the Coastal Courier broke down Thursday night, delaying delivery of the Friday's paper.
Citizens at a public meeting in March were united in saying a new SNF-Chemtall permit needed more study and more input, but the state Environmental Protection Division has approved the permit.
It's been less than a year since North Main Construction started work, but Centre Plaza on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is now complete and will open as early as next week.
Food Lion is set to open a new store at 2389 W. Highway 196 in Hinesville later this fall. The store will be Food Lion's second in Hinesville, and the city's fourth grocery store overall.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Judy Carter of Hinesville recently celebrated 10 years as a Creative Memories consultant as well as a significant birthday while visiting her home state of Minnesota and attending the 2008 Creative Memories National Convention, "Showcase," in Minneapolis.
Islands Real Estate and Appraisal Company is adding Sarah McCartney to its team. She joins the company as a licensed real estate salesperson. The company has offered real estate sales, rental and appraisal services to coastal Georgia for 20 years. McCartney, her husband, Carey, and their two children have a long-term connection to Liberty County.
The area's phone company is in the final stages of transition from Coastal Communications to new ownership under CenturyTel, Inc.
Diane Goins, a Richmond Hill resident, recently was slapped with a judgment for producing and selling counterfeit computer programs. The Southern District Federal Court of Georgia hit Goins, 55, with a $250,000 fine for selling bogus versions of Corel software on eBay.
Tom Hassett joined Coastal Home Care's leadership team as the chief operating officer.
Ludowici B-B-Q held its grand opening last week, bringing another eatery into Long County.
ATLANTA - Metro Hinesville's unemployment rate for July was 9.3 percent, up 0.5 percent from 8.8 percent in June, the state Department of Labor reported this week.
The Hinesville-Fort Stewart metropolitan statistical area recently was featured in the top 2 percent of MSAs nationwide for its workforce attributes in Area Development magazine's 100 Leading Locations for 2014.
The Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a revised subarea land-use map for the Fleming community.
During its Monday morning meeting, the Liberty County Development Authority approved the site plan for SNF Chemtall's warehouse expansion, Floquip. The approved plan included some variances, such as removing three parking spaces from the visitors' entrance in the cul-de-sac. It also included an exception to the minimum-standard required between the truck/visitors driveway and employee driveway.
The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce recently added Melissa Bloom to its staff as administrative assistant. She replaces Krista Maines, who recently moved to the finance-assistant position.
Georgia's net tax collections for July totaled nearly $1.49 billion for an increase of $78 million, or 5.5 percent, compared to the month-ended July 2013, according to Gov. Nathan Deal.
Dr. James Graham owns and directs Excelsior Ambulance Service, Long County's new service provider. He addressed the county commission Aug. 5.
MidCoast Regional Airport's Local Joint-Management Board on Thursday approved a new fuel-supply service contract with World Fuel Service.
The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce recently added Krista Maines to its staff as administrative assistant.
The Liberty County branch of Ameris Bank recently donated $1,500 to the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) marketing campaign.
Jones Medical Equipment, with support from the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the company's one-year anniversary Aug. 1 at 481 E.G. Miles Parkway in Hinesville.
John Caravella, a Vietnam veteran and board member of Veterans Heart Georgia, was the guest speaker Tuesday at the Hinesville Rotary Club's weekly meeting at the La Quinta Inn & Suites.
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As part of the citywide Completion Counts initiative to raise college graduation rates, both Riverside and Alvord unified school districts are having Education Trust – West audit transcripts of the Class of 2012.
Both districts are considering raising their high school graduation requirements to match requirements to be eligible for admission to UC or Cal State.
Only 36.2 percent of students in Riverside Unified and 28.7 percent of Alvord students in the Class of 2010 passed all the college-prep courses need with a "C" or better.
School leaders want to know how many students missed the goal by just a little — maybe a "D" in 12th grade English because they didn't do their homework — or a lot — they never took any foreign language classes. Or if too many students are failing Algebra 2.
The state universities have lettered the high school requirements by subject from A through G.
"A" is two years of social studies.
"B" is four years of English.
"C" is three years of math.
"D" is two years of laboratory science.
"E" is two years of foreign language.
"F" is one year of visual or performing arts, and
"G" is one year of a college-prep elective.
The universities also require the classes to meet college-prep rigor. They can't be the easy classes.
Schools are also starting to incorporate more nonfiction writing across the curriculum, Riverside Unified's director of secondary education Chuck Hiroto told me Tuesday night.
San Jose, San Franciso, Oakland, East Union-San Jose and San Diego school districts already require the A-G courses to graduate, and the two districts that cover the city of Riverside are not the only ones considering the requirements, said Alvord Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Glover Woods.
She explained the similarities and differences in graduation requirements at Tuesday night's Completion Counts Community Conversation.
The math required for university admission must include geometry and Algebra 2, whereas only Algebra 1 is required for high school graduation. School leaders say more employers and trade schools now expect mathematics ability from Algebra 2, but they want to proceed slowly.
Children who couldn't count, and understand one-to-one correspondence, when they start kindergarten may not understand fractions in third and fourth grades. Kids who don't understand fractions aren't likely to understand algebra.
Children who don't read confidently and fluently by third grade are unlikely to ever catch up.
RCC officials have said that the vast majority of new students have needed remedial English, math or both before they can take classes to earn college credit. High schools are now getting the message and starting to change their coursework to set students up to succeed.


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Danny White was a gifted athlete at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona. Although he was a fair quarterback, he was more highly regarded as a baseball prospect. He was double teamed by Arizona State football coach Frank Kush, who wanted him as a punter, and the baseball coach, Bobby Winkles. Eventually Danny signed a baseball scholarship with the condition that he would also play football as the Sun Devils punter. Under Kush's tutalage Danny White also worked on developing his quarterback skills, and by the middle of his sophomore season he had become the ASU starting QB in addition to his punting duties. During his tenure as a starter, Danny White went 33-4 and he set 7 NCAA passing records. He was also the All-American QB for the 1973 season. During his time at Arizona State, White passed for almost 6700 yards and 64 touchdowns. He also earned the honor of being named as ASU's Athlete of the Century.
The Dallas Cowboys used their 3rd round pick on Danny with the intention of him serving as punter and emergency quarterback. Instead, White chose to sign with the World Football League where he led his teams to the playoffs in both of the WFL's two seasons. When the World League folded, Danny finally joined the Cowboys. From 1976 to 1979 he was the teams punter and the backup to Roger Staubach. When the legend retired, Danny took over as the starter and responded by leading Dallas to the NFC Championship Game each of his first three seasons at the helm. Despite being favored in each game the Cowboys never returned to the Super Bowl. Fans and media called for him to be replaced by Gary Hogeboom, and by the start of the 1984 season Landry made the change. Hogeboom was not up to the task, and White returned as quarterback. In spite of his best efforts Danny could not lift the Cowboys into the playoffs that year. In 1985, he led the team back to the playoffs. For Danny, however; that season was his last hurrah as injuries began to effect his play. After successive seasons were ended by first a broken wrist, and then a knee injury, the Cowboys opted to not to exercise a team option on his contract. He was replaced by rookie Troy Aikman.
During his Dallas career Danny White threw for over 22,000 yards and 155 touchdowns. He also added 8 rushing touchdowns and two more as a receiver. He is also the most successful punter in the teams history. Tom Landry said of Danny White that "no one could have performed better in following Roger Staubach". Despite a very good career, White has never been given the recognition he deserved. He will forever be known as the guy who filled the space between Staubach and Aikman. Danny White deserves better than that.
After his playing career, White turned to coaching. As head coach for the Arena Football League franchise in his native Arizona, he won multiple Arena Bowls and he has been inducted to the afl hall of fame for his success as a coach. After leaving Arizona Danny also built a successful team with the Utah team in the Arena League.


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Ten Tips for Vacationing with Your Child – Part 2
This guest post is by Elaine Hall, author of the memoir NOW I SEE THE MOON: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle and founder of The Miracle Project, a theatre and film arts program for children with special needs. She is also the mother of a fifteen-year-old son with autism. Discuss the book on Facebook and follow Elaine on Twitter @CoachE.
This is the second post in a three-post series about vacationing with your child who has autism; read the first post here.
Tip # 4 Expect the Unexpected. Go with the Flow (as if we had a choice!)
As well-prepared as Neal was for his flight, once he got to the airport, he was so excited he couldn't contain himself. At the airport, as we waited to board, Neal stared at the huge planes out the windows. He had great anticipation. I turned my head for a moment. I then heard the sound of an alarm. Neal had raced to the exit door and tried to open it so that he could go outside and be with the airplanes. He panics. People glared at him. Security raced over. "It's okay sweetheart," I told Neal, trying to comfort him. To the security guard and the concerned onlookers, what could I say? "He has autism! He just likes airplanes!"
I remember early on in our diagnosis becoming outraged at others for making what I thought were "stupid comments" about my child and his behavior. Too, I resented their judgment of how I handled unexpected situations based on Neal's reactions to circumstances. Now I understand that such reactions come from ignorance (just plain lack of knowledge). I now try to use every occasion as an opportunity to educate and sensitize others to the special needs of my very special child and others like him.
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism Now) has cards that you can present to strangers to help them understand autism.
Tip #5 Call the airline (cruise line or hotel) in advance and let them know you are traveling with a child who has special needs.
Our choice to go with the flow continued throughout the flight. Once we boarded the plane, Neal remembered all that we had practiced (backpack under his chair, seatbelt snapped closed, and ears covered at take-off). Success! Until beverage service does its thing in the aisle, blocking the path to the bathroom in coach (where we are seated) and Neal indicates that he needs to go NOW. This we hadn't practiced.
At my husband's suggestion, Neal and I make our way forward to the first class restroom where the flight attendant recites the usual "first class passengers only" spiel. As I try to explain the situation of my son's special needs, a man from first class, clearly able to overhear our conversation, heads into the bathroom, pushing ahead of Neal. "He's going to have to wait like everyone else," she prattles on. As I start arguing with her, Neal sees an opening. He darts towards the bathroom door. And yet another man jumps in front of the door with the cocky condescension of a first-class citizen. Neal tantrums. "Return to your seats," demands the flight attendant. Neal grabs her eyeglasses off her face. She panics and calls for security. All this happens within twenty seconds. I'm losing it. My husband steps in. He calms me and quiets Neal enough to get him to wait behind the cart as it passes each seat. He then takes Neal to the bathroom. I return to my seat, fuming. If that stupid flight attendant hadn't been so stuck on her rules, if that guy in first class hadn't been so arrogant, none of this would have happened. How can people be so cruel?
Now I know to phone the airline in advance and tell them about my child's special needs and apprise the flight attendants, that if something unusual presents, they need not be afraid. My child has the best intentions and he has autism. Things happen. I believe that people really do want to help families like ours if we tell them how by sensitizing them to our circumstance.
Airlines are becoming more accommodating. When I do the work beforehand, they offer comforts including letting us board early, being kind, patient, and attentive to Neal. I have found that, generally, fear of the unknown creates discomfort and anxiety which manifests in judgment or unkindness. The more we proudly travel with our children or go to movies, malls, or neighbors' homes, the more they too will come to learn compassion, understanding, and non-judgment, just as we have.
Tip # 6 When traveling long distances prepare activities to keep your child engaged.
For older children, this might include computer games, DVDs, magazines, etc. When Neal was younger, I wrapped up little "gifts" in aluminum foil and let him unwrap them periodically on the trip. I remember going to a party supply store and buying bags of favors, little match box cars, airplanes, bubbles on a string, animated characters, plastic pretend food, etc. Unwrapping each package took up to three minutes. He would then take another three minutes to play with the toy car, spin the wheels, flicker it in front of his eyes, and then line the cars on the tray before he would get bored again. I also wrapped his favorite foods in little packages, a couple crackers here, a piece of string cheese there, three apple slices. Once we we're in the air, he was intrigued and distracted by his little presents. Once in a while he ran up and down the aisle. I just ran with him. Life happens!
Check back later this week for the rest of Elaine's tips and subscribe to the Autism Speaks Blog to make sure you don't miss out!
In Their Own Words – Expectations
This "In Their Own Words" essay is written by Erin Perry. Her son was diagnosed in March of this year. You can read more about Erin and her family at their website Autism Village.
Life is full of expectations. From the minute we all enter the world, we are expected to do things like walk, talk, go to school, have a first kiss, graduate, get a job, have a family – the list goes on and on. So entrenched are these expectations that we live our lives by them, become upset or disappointed when we don't meet our own (or more likely when other people don't meet ours) , and we judge others according to them. Expectations are a powerful tool – but when you have a child with autism, in an instant every expectation you once had, is ripped away leaving you feeling raw, vulnerable, and frankly, scared.
I have always been a very driven person. I expect a lot of myself, and I expect a lot of others. So when I found out I was pregnant, I built up in my head what my life would be like with a child. I imagined taking family vacations and watching my son play sports. I thought about the late night conversations we would have when he came home too late for curfew. I expected that it would all be typical, normal, and even (dare I say) easy.
With Brayden's diagnosis, I have learned there is only one thing to expect – the unexpected. The first adjustment I had to make was letting go of those later in life dreams, for now. No more thinking about college and grandkids – my son lives in the moment, and I had to learn how to alter the way I thought to only include the immediate future. Instead of looking forward to college, we work with every breath to hopefully get Brayden to kindergarten, and maybe even in a mainstream classroom, but that is about as far in the future we go.
On the other side, when we heard the final diagnosis of autism, certain expectations also go along with it. It's the long list of things your child may not and will not ever do. But that's the funny thing about autism – just when you expect your child to never do something, he will blow away that expectation. My child has a frequent habit of doing just that. For me, I believe it's his own little way of saying, "See, mommy, I can do it – keep pushing, keep going."
Today at Brayden's new developmental preschool, he sat in a classroom full of seven or eight of his peers, and when the teacher sang "Old McDonald had a…" and stopped, waiting for one child to shout out an animal so the song could continue – my son screamed out, "A COW!" For those unfamiliar with my son, he very rarely says anything without a prompt by an adult to do so. What most people would expect a child of 2 1/2 to do naturally and easily…turned out to be the best unexpected surprise of my day – and another little moment that whispered in my ear, "Keep going, Mommy."
When Brayden was diagnosed, we expected many things that never came true. We expected to have a better support system, we expected insurance would cover therapy, we expected that people would be accepting of our son. But when our support system crumbled, insurance wouldn't pay, and people started judging our son and us – other, more positive things, have filled the damaged parts of us. We never expected the support and kindness of so many strangers. We never expected so many people to reach out to us the way they have – and fill our lives with hope again. And we never expected people to be willing to give up time, money, thoughts, and prayers – all for our little boy.
So while we now are learning to let go of expectations – it is these positive unexpected things – that make me still have faith in the world (as cliche as that sounds), and push me to keep going for Brayden every day.
"In Their Own Words" is a series within the Autism Speaks blog which shares the voices of people who have autism, as well as their loved ones. If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to firstname.lastname@example.com. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
Introducing Autism Talk TV
This is a guest post by Alex Plank, an autistic adult who founded the online community Wrong Planet. Alex is a graduate of George Mason University. (*Editor's note: Autism Speaks typically uses person-first language. Alex prefers the term "autistic adult" to describe himself.)
After years of wondering why I was different from the other children, I was finally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of nine. I tried to find other people like me on the Internet, but was disappointed at the resources available for connecting to other individuals with autism.
Consequently, I decided to create an online community for people with autism. I was living at my grandparents' house at the time and they didn't have internet access, so I had to ride my bike to the library just to work on developing the site. Since I started Wrong Planet, more than 37,000 people have registered as members.We get around two million page views per month.
I graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in Film and Video Studies. My senior project was a documentary on autism. One thing I have always wanted to do is create a TV show about autism.
Autism Talk TV is a new online television show with the goal of spreading awareness and educating the public about autism. I created this television show because there really wasn't anything like it in existence. Autism Talk TV will provide in-depth coverage of all issues relating to autism. Jack Robison (John Elder Robison's son) and I attend autism conferences around the country and document people's stories in crisp high-definition video, which I then edit into seven-to-10 minute segments.
I am continually impressed by the diversity of the autism community. Autism Talk TV gives a unique look into the varied lives of individuals related to autism and provides insight for those of us already living with autism.
Autism Speaks and WrongPlanet.net have graciously agreed to sponsor Autism Talk TV and we hope this partnership will help our show to reach as many people as possible.
Here is the latest episode of Autism Talk TV, which features an interview with Wired magazine writer Steve Silberman, who wrote a very popular article called "The Geek Syndrome," which chronicled the rise of autism in Silicon Valley. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Check out Wrong Planet's YouTube channel, where Autism Talk TV is hosted.
Autism in the News – Tuesday, 07.27.10
Autistic man dies in hot van in suburban Philly (Langhorne, Penn.)
Police say a 20-year-old autistic man died after being left in a hot van following a trip to a suburban Philadelphia theme park. Read more.
DHHS Blamed For Delay In Private Autism Funds (Omaha, Neb.)
A funding fight is brewing that could affect dozens of autistic children and their parents in Nebraska. The state's Autism Action Partnership has pulled millions of dollars meant to help kick off a new program for critical care. Read more.
Children's museum to host workshop on Asperger's, autism (Suburban Journals)
The Children's Illustrated Art Museum is hosting an educational and interactive workshop for the parents, professionals and teachers affected by the challenges of caring for a child with Asperger's syndrome or autism. Read more.
Camp attendance triples for children with autism (Democrat and Chronicle)
Ten-year-old Steven Moore of Pittsford wasn't sure archery was safe for children. Holding a bow and arrow, his voice grew louder as he said that pulling the bow string hurt and he didn't think he could do it. Read more.
Columbia mom applies for Pepsi grant to support children with autism (Columbia, Miss.)
When Ella McPheeters was 3, she spoke her first word, "bubbles." Before then, Ella was entirely nonverbal. At age 2, she was diagnosed with "pervasive development disorder, not otherwise specified," a type of autism. It was only when she started therapy a year later that "her language completely blew up," her mother, Hope McPheeters, said. Read more.
The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A time to Celebrate and to Review our Commitment
This is a guest post by Steven Beck, Vice President of the Down Syndrome Society of Northern Virginia and father of a 10-year-old daughter with Down syndrome.
My name is Steve Beck and I am, most importantly, the father of two beautiful 10, and 13-year-old daughters and husband to Catherine. My 10-year-old daughter has Down syndrome. One result of my younger daughter having Down syndrome is that I have become increasing involved in volunteer work at both the local and national levels. Currently, I am Vice President of the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia and a Board Member of the National Down Syndrome Society.
As we spend time this week celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act we need to also re-commit ourselves to moving forward. By prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications, the ADA has provided people with disabilities access to all parts of our community both socially and economically. Guaranteeing access is one step, but providing the tools and supports needed to fully engage that opportunity is a different issue. One of the primary tools needed for all Americans and their families is the opportunity to plan, save, and invest money that can be used to pay for critical needs such as education, healthcare, and retirement.
Over the past four years I have been working with group of national organizations, including Autism Speaks, to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience or ABLE Act of 2009. While government systems such as Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI provide a wide variety of critical supports for our community they simply cannot cover the full array of needs. In addition, many of the rules that govern them drastically limit individuals and their family's ability to plan, save and accumulate assets to help fill these gaps. As a result, people are forced into poverty just in order to maintain access to these government benefits.
The ABLE Act would establish a savings instrument similar to ones that all other Americans have access to through 529 College Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts, and 401Ks. Like these accounts, ABLE Accounts could be set up and managed with little or no cost. The money can be controlled by the individual, their parents, a guardian, or third-party based on decisions made by the individual and their family. There is a very broad array of qualified expenses the money can be used for including healthcare, transportation, education, housing, community based support services, employment training and support and other life necessities. The money in the accounts grows tax-free and can be distributed tax-free as long as it is spent for a qualified expense. Most importantly, the assets held in the accounts cannot be used to disqualify individuals from critical means tested programs such as Medicaid, SSI and SSDI.
Now is the time to provide individuals with disabilities the same types of financial tools that all other Americans use to save for their future needs and to pay for critical parts of everyday community living. The ADA was passed 10 years before my daughter was born and I was still in college. I started working on the ABLE Act when she was eight, and she will be 11 in November. We cannot afford to wait much longer to start saving for her future and neither can millions of other Americans. I want and demand that she have the same opportunities to attend college, get a job of her choosing, and live independently, just like her older sister.
The ABLE Act (H.R. 1205) has 190 co-sponsors in the House and (S. 493) has 24 Senate co-sponsors as of July 24, and well over 40 national organizations supporting its passage. Please, visit www.autismvotes.org/able to contact your members of Congress and ask them to pass this important bill into law this year.
To learn more about Autism Votes, take action today on autism insurance reform legislation in your state, or find out about Autism Speaks' federal legislative advocacy agenda, please visit www.autismvotes.org
More Information on Research and Clinical Trials
This is a post by Autism Speaks' Assistant Director of Science Communication and Special Projects Leanne Chukoskie, Ph.D.
On Friday, a short post with a link to a clinical trial led by Curemark was highlighted in e-Speaks and on Autism Speaks' Facebook page. The post generated a many questions and comments, some of which could be addressed with more information about clinical trials in general.
Clinical trials are research tools for studying the health and well-being of people. Clinical trials are not always focused on treatment, but may include studies of better methods for diagnosis, screening or improving quality of life. A description of types of clinical trials is available at an informative website provided by the National Institutes of Health in the FAQ.
In addition to the different types of trials conducted, any clinical trial involving a new drug enters a phased series of tests to assess the safety and efficacy of the drug for a particular population. A Phase I clinical trial is small and establishes safety and appropriate dosage. In Phase II, the trial is expanded to include more subjects so a better estimate of effectiveness and safety can be established. Phase III trials can be conducted after preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the drug has been favorable. In this phase of study, the effectiveness of the treatment, any potential side effects of the treatment are closely monitored in a larger population. Also this phase typically includes a comparison of the treatment under study with other drugs available for the same condition. A Phase IV clinical trial is called "post-market" research because it is conducted after a drug has been made available for use in the general population. Phase IV studies typically include several thousand participants and help to refine aspects of the treatment's best usage and ideal treatment candidate.
The Curemark study noted in Friday's post is a Phase III treatment trial that aims to compare the effectiveness of a compound called CM-AT versus a placebo administered 3x per day for 90 days. This particular trial is "double-blind" meaning that neither the research participants nor the clinical staff administering the treatment know whether a subject is receiving the active compound or a placebo at the time the treatment is given. Double-blinded studies are believed to produce more objective results because the outcomes are not influenced by the subjects' or clinicians' expectations about the treatment. Treatment information will be revealed for all subjects when the blind is broken at the end of the study at which point an analysis of the effectiveness of the new treatment versus control can be compared.
The clinicaltrials.gov website lists 219 studies that result in a search for "autism." A smaller number (110) are seeking volunteers. The treatments being assessed include behavioral therapies, different drug compounds, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and others from researchers all over the world. 12 of the 219 studies were sponsored by Autism Speaks and nine of those are actively recruiting. We encourage anyone interested in participating in research to seek more information about these studies.
Autism in the News – Monday, 07.26.10
Disabilities act anniversary, but there's still long way to go (msnbc.com)
James Hill was fired from his job several years ago because of visible disfigurements from a fire that left him burnt over 85 percent of his body. Read more.
They just can't stand it: The smallest things bother kids with sensory processing disorder, but skeptics scoff at the diagnosis (Kentucky.com)
It's unbearable to wear clothing with tags. It's impossible to use scissors, no matter how many times you try. All mushy or soft foods are unbearable – not because of the flavor, but the consistency. Read more.
Laughter lines (UK)
Comedy script writer Dean Wilkinson tells Lucy Richardson about his passion for children's entertainment and why he's creating the new Wombles on Teesside. Read more.
Katy is poised to take to the air (UK)
A teenager who suffers from cerebral palsy is preparing to leap from a plane to raise money for a north-east residential school. Read more.
Motorola accused of poisoning workers and their kids (Techeye.net)
Maker of the Razr phone, Motorola has been accused of poisoning its workers and their children. According to the Sun Times, a group of former Motorola workers and their children claimed toxic substances used to make Motorola products caused serious birth defects in at least 30 children born to workers employed by the company since the 1960s. More than 71 people have filed the suit in Cook County Circuit Court. Read more.
Making physical education fun for children with autism (The Brownsville Herald)
Betty always had lots of energy for the children in Room 103. She was the adapted physical education teacher for the special education program there. Betty came every Tuesday and Thursday, rarely missing even a day with these children. At the beginning of the year, she saw that the class had a couple of new students. Read more.
The End of the IEP and the Beginning of "Reasonable Accommodations"
This guest post is by Autism Speaks staffer Kerry Magro. Kerry, an adult who has autism, is a rising senior at Seton Hall University, majoring in Sports Management. He started an Autism Speaks U Chapter: Student Disability Awareness on campus to help spread awareness and raise funds for those affected by autism. Autism Speaks U is a program designed for college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events. It is an exciting and collaborative way for students to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks, while supporting their local autism communities.
In June 2007, I graduated from high school. It was an amazing time for me. The majority of my classmates and I were off to great new beginnings. My new beginning began at Seton Hall University. "This is going to be great!" I thought to myself on many occasions before the first day of classes.
Before this day happened however all new incoming freshman had to attend a summer "Orientation Period." During this period we would have the chance to spend the night in the freshman dorms, receive our laptops and also get to meet several faculty members at the school. In addition to this, I had one additional separate meeting that most of the other freshman didn't – an accommodation meeting with The Director of Disability Support Services at SHU. This is when the ball dropped for me.
During the meeting I learned many intriguing and frightening things about how college was going to be a huge difference from high school; the main difference for me was going to be "The IEP." When I asked what the difference would be, I was told the difference was I would not have one. I can't believe I was that oblivious that this was going to happen. Later, I learned that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) the IEP only exists K-12th grade. At the college door you get a Section 504 accommodations plan.
In college, you only receive "reasonable accommodations" to help make the classes accessible to those specific students with disabilities. The bottom line: there is no plan for you. The only way to receive what you need is by being independent and advocating for your needs. But what does anyone need? If you are a freshman and have autism how do you explain what you need?
At times, this led to many distractions that never would have occurred when I was younger. Sometimes I thought it was unfair. I had to advocate for my own single room in the dorms due to my social complications, extended time on tests for my reading comprehension, a note taker for my classes due to my lack of motor skills and many other complications. For someone trying to fit in it seemed like it was designed to make you stand out like a sore thumb. It even seemed as if as soon as I accomplished one of these tasks, the next semester would begin and it would start all over again for my new courses which required different accommodations.
When you add this to managing a full course load, trying to socialize with your fellow peers, along with being involved in extra-curricular activities, it can sometimes feels like you are drowning. I mean, "reasonable accommodations" are supposed to help level the playing field, not hinder you in any way. There isn't a "reasonable accommodation" for that.
Although getting accommodations sometimes was daunting, I was still able to get by and will be going through the same process again with Disability Support Services come this September in my senior year at Seton Hall. For several semesters now I sit up front and tape most of my classes and download the recordings onto my computer, instead of utilizing a note taker. Never would have thought of that freshman year. For those reading who are younger and not yet in college, my advice is to sit in on as many IEP meetings as you can. Learn and ask as many questions as possible. The letters after your diagnosis don't tell you if you need extended time or a note taker, but knowing if you are a visual or auditory learner may. Within this I would also strongly consider letting your parents be involved in some of your early decision making, especially when it includes freshman year accommodations. Independence is not grown over night and we all need that added voice sometimes to make sure we are level-headed and knowing exactly what we are getting ourselves into.
As many say early intervention is the key once first diagnosed, early intervention for those on the spectrum in college (and high school for that matter as well) is the key to ultimate success. What I've noticed about autism over the years is that it's not a weakness unless you let it become one. Don't let it hinder you. Let the advantages of who you are and what you have to offer be your ability to make it at the college level; just always know what your weaknesses are so you can be ready for whatever is to come next!
The Million Dollar Phone Call
When the phone rings at Autism Speaks, you never know what to expect. It could be a parent, who has a child newly diagnosed with autism, searching for resources. The caller could planning her wedding; she and her husband want to make a donation in lieu of wedding favors.
Or it could be a gentleman who is auctioning off the world's largest centrifuge (starting at $12 million) on eBay, who will donate 10% of the proceeds (over $1 million) to Autism Speaks, if it sells.
Upon relaying this story to my co-workers, my favorite response was, "I always wanted to go to space camp!" Yes, for that special someone out there who has an extra $12 million, it would be pretty cool to have your own space camp.
Check out the eBay auction page, which includes a description and some unbelievable photos – it is certainly one of the most interesting items I have ever seen, let alone one which will greatly benefit Autism Speaks if sold.
Join us in thanking the donor for his generosity – we hope it sells!


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I have an .aspx page with multiple .ascx (User Controls on it). One of the User controls is very slow in loading (calls a very slow webservice for the data.). Now, my question is how to render all the controls on the page (so the User can view those) and have a rotating icon for this control (slow one) (till it loads) (Like the polling section in teh Sitepoint homepage!). I know, I need to bring AJAX into picture, but any clarification on that would help as I will be new to AJAX programming.


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See this BBC link to confirm Man Utd needed the help of a dodgy penalty to secure the Premiership title. Who was the ref??? Phil Dowd, hmmmmmm. Blackburn keeper clearly acting as a spring board for a gymnastics routine for a player heading away from the goal.
The BBC confirm the title is won with a controversial penalty
65 Responses to "The BBC confirm the title is won with a controversial penalty"
As usual Manc shite get a biased decision as they always have down the years.
Dowd (who gives fuck all to us when he refs at Anfield) doesn't see the incident properly but gets swayed by Mancs protests and linesman who does not flag decide to have a little chit chat together then Dowd shits his pants and gives a penalty to Manc shite which the Blue Nose Manc Fat twat converts and hey ho Fergie gets his way again…….Nothin changes
Yeah A thing about Man u is the decision always againts them. I hate MAN UNITED…
No surprise there really!!
haha your trying to say it wasn't a penalty cause hernandez was going away from goal? then why did lucas get a penalty against arsenal in the 103rd minute of their game then?
the fact that you have a website dedicated to your dislike of manchester united is ridiculous.. cant you see how much of a fuckwit you all are? focus on your own team instead of spitting bile at others. or are you all just cunts?
glory glory
matt ur the cunt…evryone in the country hates you …except for the cockneys who go to old twatford..
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By Don Curren
TORONTO--Canadian bonds are drifting lower with U.S. Treasurys Monday morning, as investors ponder a calendar heavy with economic data and other potential market movers later this week.
Canada's two-year bond yield is at 1.153% Monday, from 1.148% Friday, according to electronic trading platform CanDeal. The 10-year bond yielded 2.471%, from 2.452%. Bond yields move inversely to prices.
There were no first-tier data releases in Canada on Monday.
In the absence of any domestic drivers, the Canadian market edged lower with U.S. Treasurys, which were under pressure from corporate bond issuance, as investors sold Treasury bonds to hedge against interest rate increases.
On Wednesday, Statistics Canada will release gross domestic product data for May.
In the U.S., second-quarter GDP data will be released on Wednesday, the same day the Federal Reserve will release a monetary policy statement.
Write to Don Curren at email@example.com


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The NFL season is done, for now and maybe for a bit longer, and the baseball season is upon is in just a few days. The big free agent signings and trades of the offseason are all but finished, and mlbdepthcharts.com is a great place to look at expected lineups, benches, and rotations if you want to participate in the comment section.
Here are a few words on my personal predictions, which are sure to be at least a bit off, but there is some rational thinking behind the picks. I'll start with the AL.
AL EAST: Boston. I actually don't think this team is as dominant as most are expecting. While adding Gonzalez they lost Beltre, and Beltre was a huge part of their defense and run production last year. While Gonzalez should get a boost from Fenway, I don't think he'll be as productive as Beltre was last year. Even so, with Crawford and the bullpen acquisitions, this team has set itself up as the best team in the tough A.L. East.
AL CENTRAL: Chicago: The Chi Sox didn't do too much in the offseason, but their pick-up of Adam Dunn should do wonders for the offense, along with expected improvements from Gordon Beckham and at third base with their No. 2 prospect Brent Morel. Chris Sale should make some type of impact this season, and they have a sturdy rotation. This was probably the toughest decision, but I think the Sox can get it done. Detroit and Minnesota are both very reasonable picks as well.
AL WEST: Oakland: The Rangers haven't gone down as many assume. If Feliz is used as a starter, which seems possible although a tad unlikely, they should have just as formidable of a rotation (they only had Lee for some of last year) and Beltre is a big addition offensively and defensively over Michael Young. Even so, I'm sipping the A's Koolaid. They have some power with Willingham and Matsui (old, but 21 HR in '10) as well as tremendous defense and some decent OBP guys. They'll need the rotation to be just as stellar as last year, and Trevor Cahill be more good than lucky unlike last year, but an underrated bullpen, solid rotation, and great defense should give them a serious chance this season.
AL WILDCARD: Tampa Bay: The Rays are going to be a different team in '10, but not necessarily a worse team. Damon will need to improve and Manny will have to show more power, but Ben Zobrist should be able to up his ISO this season. I love the young arms and the defense more than anything involved with this team, and they have some very nice pieces in reserve roles that could end up playing a big part later in the year. The bullpen took a big hit, but they are relying on young arms to do the dirty work, and it is not unfathomable to expect a decent year from Kyle Farnsworth.
NL EAST: Philadelphia: The Phillies are definitely the most talented team in the NL, but they are full of older players in the rotation and in the lineup. The injuries last year were not exactly fluke injuries, so a few bad breaks could keep them with the rest of the pack or even worse. With that said, going into the season it is tough to say the odds aren't in their favor.
NL CENTRAL: St. Louis: The Cardinals have a lineup with a few top notch bats but not much depth. The rotation is definitely impressive, and the bullpen is not terrific nor terrible. The division is not all that competitive, and I haven't been sold on the Reds despite their nice '10. I would project the Cardinals to have the worst record of any of the four playoff teams.
NL WEST: Rockies: Not much to dislike about them. The Giants will be the only legitimate competition, with the bottom three teams all having at least a chance to stick around, but the Rockies are the more talented team. Although their rotation is far from the same quality as San Francisco, the lineup has a lot more potential and they have some depth in case of injury.
NL WILDCARD: Atlanta: The Braves biggest losses were Wagner, Saito, and Infante, but with the bullpen depth they have developed and the fact that Infante was simply a super-substitue, the Braves should not be too hurt by any losses. The Dan Uggla acquisition is huge for the offense, but should not help an already bad defense. Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson are near locks for a quality season, barring injury, but there are at least a few questions about the rest of the rotation. They have the depth to compete even with injuries, and are probably the second best team in the National League entering the season.
That's my take, what's yours?


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Why Read This ReportMedia buying technology and operations are undergoing a dramatic transformation — marketers are replacing traditional relationship-marketing tactics and opaque ad networks with programmatic media buying that includes transparent, real-time biddable media and audience targeting. These new options give interactive marketing professionals what they crave: improved targeting, less waste, more efficiency, and better results. However, marketers who don't get educated and involved in this model will pay the price, either by dealing with inefficient buyers reluctant to abandon the old ways or by ceding control to a demand-side platform (DSP) or central trading desk without entirely understanding its methodologies, not to mention missing the boat on serving their increasingly demanding, always addressable customers. To take full advantage of the opportunity, interactive marketers must jump into programmatic media buying by evaluating their current media-buying partners against a new set of programmatic vendor and agency options to determine their ideal balance of service and control. This report is an update to the report of the same name, originally published in September 2011.
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- Consumer Expectations Have Changed — Media Buying Must, Too
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Investigators Find No Electronic Flaw in Toyotas
Topics: Toyota, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
VOA Breaking News
Voice of America
February 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm
A lengthy U.S. government investigation into Toyota safety problems has found no electronic flaws that would account for problems with unintended sudden acceleration.
The study, unveiled Tuesday in Washington, was conducted by engineers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. space agency, NASA.
Toyota welcomed the findings. In a statement, the automaker said it believed the findings should "reinforce confidence" in the safety of its vehicles, which Toyota said were "well-designed and well-tested" to ensure they did not accelerate accidentally.
Toyota recalled millions of cars worldwide after reports of vehicles accelerating when their drivers did not want them to do so. Some critics had said the electronics and computers that control many functions in the car might have been to blame.
But the 10-month study says the problems were mechanical rather than electronic. Engineers had said previously that sticking accelerator pedals caused some of the problems, while loose floor mats sometimes accidentally pressed accelerator pedals.
Toyota surpassed General Motors to become the world's largest automaker in 2008, and is projecting increased profits in spite of setbacks caused by the recalls and a rising Japanese yen.
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