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The 5 Best Game Consoles - A Review Of The Best Gaming Consoles
Now is the time to grab one of the best video game consoles (at a bargain price) as companies to try push for end of generation sales. By capitalising on these bargains you can pick up a great game console that will serve you for years to come.
I personally own every game console featured here (yes I do love my gaming), having hands on experience with each of these consoles has given me great insight into the benefits and disadvantages that each one provides.
The best game console for you will depend on your own personal preference towards usability, specifications, game availability and your wallet.
So which is the best game system for you? Read on to find out.
Content Overview
A Quick Overview Of My Favourite Game Consoles
- PlayStation 3: Perfect for the multimedia gamer that also wants a solid Blu-Ray player. Fans of action RPG games and racing games will want to consider the PS3 for its exclusive titles including God of War and Gran Turismo. The Uncharted bundle is the cheapest and most recommended bundle option.
- Xbox 360: Often considered the more gamer heavy console with a good mixture of exclusive games. If you are a fan of first person shooters you'll probably want an Xbox 360 as it offers the most FPS exclusive games of the consoles. Keep an eye out for bundle packs that include a controller to save big (one is featured above).
- Nintendo Wii: An attractive option for people looking for an active gaming option. Great for families and the perfect purchase for younger kids. The most popular bundles include Mario Kart or Wii Sports and are definitely the best option for your Nintendo Wii purchase as you'll instantly have some great core games for the Wii platform.
- Nintendo 3DS: Definitely the best portable console option for younger children and teenagers (I bought one for my 12 year old brother). Great collection of games and the XL version manages to provide large buttons and screen size without being too heavy or hard to transport. This definitely wins the "keep your kids entertained" award.
- PlayStation Vita: My favourite portable option for older games (late teenagers and above). You can access lots of games on the PlayStation Vita (lots of old games that you might have grown up playing). It also has a great amount of multimedia options which I enjoy.
The Best Game Consoles
A Gaming Console Analysis (From A Gamer)
PlayStation 3
Is The PlayStation 3 The Best Gaming Console?
The real strength of the PlayStation 3 gaming system is the inbuilt Blu-ray player which allows it to seamlessly swap between a gaming platform and multimedia suite. While it falls slightly behind on gaming power compared to its closest rival the Xbox 360 with exclusive games like Uncharted 2, God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5 and LittleBigPlanet the slimmed down PS3 is currently the best gaming system around.
The PlayStation 3 comes with a collection of bundles, which can be seen below. The bundles are my favourite part of the PS3 system and I strongly recommended grabbing a PS3 game bundle, the savings generally mean you get a game for free (saving you around $50).
The family entertainment bundle is the latest released PS3 bundle (June 2013).
If you are purchasing the console for your family then this is the perfect choice as you are getting two family friendly games with your purchase.
If you are a gamer at heart (like myself) you are better off buying one of the game bundle packs featured below.
Other PS3 Bundles:
Recommended For Gamers
PS3 Unboxing
By IGN Entertainment
Xbox 360
Is The Xbox 360 The Best Gaming Console?
I picked up my Xbox 360 over a year ago purely for its gaming abilities, so gamers will find themselves at home on this console.
If you solely plan to use your gaming console for games then the Xbox 360 is your perfect option. With the latest Xbox 360 release focusing on slim design and reduced power consumption the console has never been a safer buy, removing a number of previous issues that plagued the console (Red Ring of Death for example).
The Xbox Live Arcade is where the Xbox 360 really shines and offers a massive game library for arcade games and game demos (Minecraft is available!). Exclusive games for this console include the popular Halo series, Alan Wake, Crackdown and Left 4 Dead.
I've always found the bundles by Microsoft to be lacking compared to the PS3 in terms of variety so your choice comes down to 3 different options which you can see below.
Xbox 360 Purchase Options
Xbox 360 4GB Console
If you don't want any frills and a cheap option then this option is for you.
This product is only the console and does not include a controller but you can pick up a cheap one online or from your local game store to save money.
This is your budget Xbox 360 option.
Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle
If you want to get some added bonuses from your Xbox 360 purchase you'll want the Spring Value Bundle.
You get a game (Darksiders II), controller, headset and more. If I was to purchase a new Xbox 360 today this bundle would stand out due to all the extras without a doubt.
Xbox 360 Unboxing
By IGN Entertainment
Nintendo Wii
Is The Nintendo Wii The Best Gaming Console?
The Nintendo Wii falls short on power and multimedia features compared to its competitors instead choosing to focus on casual gaming by offering a number of family and party focused games.
With cheaper overall game prices and additional controllers the Nintendo Wii is the smart family choice and will help you keep the costs of birthday game gifts to a minimum. Stand out exclusive games for the Nintendo Wii include Smash Brothers Brawl, Mario Kart and Wii Sports.
The Nintendo Wii has a few a bundle options available which will depend mostly on which games you want to start your Wii console with. You can see them below with details:
Nintendo Wii Bundle Options
The standard Nintendo Wii console is always a great default option, don't forget that Wii Sports is included.
Wii Console with Mario Kart Wii Bundle - Black
If you think Maria Kart is more up your alley then the Mario Kart bundle is a great option and comes with a single steering wheel (so plan ahead if you have two kids!)
The console is available in black and white options.
The Different Nintendo 3DS Options
Nintendo 3DS XL - Blue/Black
The big brother of the Nintendo 3DS. After having my hands on both of the Nintendo 3DS consoles I much prefer the XL version.
Although ultimately the $50 price point will be a decision maker for most buyers.
The XL manages to be larger without adding lots of additional weight or clumsiness to the device.
Nintendo Wii Unboxing
By IGN Entertainment
Nintendo 3DS
Is The Nintendo 3DS The Best Gaming Console?
If your looking for the best game console for kids then this is it (older gamers may want to consider the PlayStation Vita featured further down this page instead).
The Nintendo 3DS incorporates iPhone style technology (motion and gyro sensors) to allow you to dodge enemy fire or race around the track. The Nintendo 3DS is a great way to keep your children quiet on those long cars rides and has no shortage of games that appeal to tweens and teenagers. The average price of 3DS game is around $30 with downloadable games starting from as little as $2.
The Nintendo 3DS is also backwards compatible with DS and DSi games. More recently the Nintendo 3DS has seen the release of the Nintendo 3DS XL, which is the same console on the inside but offers a size increase (both screen and buttons) which makes it an even stronger choice for younger gamers.
The Nintendo 3DS does not offer any game bundles currently so your choice is simply between the XL and non-XL version.
Nintendo 3DS Unboxing
By IGN Entertainment
PlayStation Vita
Is The PlayStation Vita The Best Gaming Console?
The PlayStation Vita also offers multimedia and internet connectivity allowing you to listen to music, watch your favorite movie or browse the web anywhere you like (I recommend a durable case for transportation though).
The PlayStation Vita is packed with features including powerful graphics, touch screen, dual analog stick design, double cameras (front/back) and Wi-Fi connectivity. Be aware that the PlayStation Vita does require memory cards (sold separately).
With a great launch list behind it the PlayStation Vita has been a hit and looks to continue to remain one of the best portable gaming consoles.
I haven't regretted purchasing my PlayStation Vita and overall I am very impressed with what it has to offer. Just take the time to consider how much gaming 'on the go' you do before committing to a purchase.
PlayStation Vita
The PlayStation Vita 3G/Wi-Fi option is the entry level PlayStation Vita that you should consider. There is a non 3G option available but the price difference is almost non existent now (it was larger on release).
I couldn't imagine my PlayStation Vita without its 3G options so I definitely recommend the extra few dollars for this edition.
PlayStation Vita Unboxing
By IGN Entertainment
- Free Games For PlayStation. Xbox & Nintendo Consoles
- Stop paying for all your video games, get some bargain prices or pick up games completely free instead and save your hard earned dollars.
So Which Game Console Is The Best?
Vote For The Best Game Console
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TwilightLurker Aug 23, 2013 @ 8:07 pmI grew up with the NES and Mario. Nintendo consoles have always had a place in my room. It's the first-party, core titles that come out every generation on each Nintendo system that I still enjoy to this day. For me, I'll always enjoy Nintendo games the most, but I think you provided a good overview of what's out there and what may appeal to the different kinds of gamers that are all around.
ucherdokoye May 28, 2013 @ 4:53 pmI have the Xbox 360, I used to own a Nintendo DS, however I originally wanted to purchase the Playstation 3, being a Playstation guy, but my friend convinced me to get the Xbox. I don't think I'll be buying it anymore, I'll just wait for Playstation 4.
jake May 11, 2013 @ 9:26 pmnes
Dec 15, 2012 @ 10:02 pmLove the information, now I can make an informed decision on which one to get my grandson.
ReliableE-Reviews Dec 03, 2012 @ 4:22 pmVery well written lens! I have an Xbox 360 but I really am looking into getting a 3DS might pick one up for Amazon as the price has come down a lot since it first came out. By the way I wrote a lens on how to fix two the best game consoles the PS3 and the Xbox 360, I would love if you left me some feedback on how I did. Thanks!
AussieWriter Dec 02, 2012 @ 5:05 amVery useful information. I like Playstation.
Rickbostick Nov 26, 2012 @ 9:23 pmGreat lens, I hope that some gamer's parents read it.
SilverSwan Nov 26, 2012 @ 8:27 pmiam a big fan of the xbox 360 , can you please like my leanse . thank you
Landers03 Nov 26, 2012 @ 1:37 pmThe Wii U does look pretty good with ZombiU, but PC is still the best 'console' for gaming.
artmarks Nov 23, 2012 @ 7:24 pmBuy Xbox 360 + Gears of War 1-3 + Halo 2 - 4. Play those games and some others than sell Xbox 360 and buy a PS3 + God of War + Gran Turismo + some others :)
TechInfoHQ Nov 23, 2012 @ 12:12 pmPlaystation 3 by far is my favourite... but they are all great.
lilPinkfairy288 Nov 22, 2012 @ 8:35 amWe almost have all the consoles you have listed except xbox. I think the Gamecub is the best console. I don't like the Wii that much because the controller is hard to control. Happy Thanksgiving!
Camden Nov 21, 2012 @ 11:07 amGlad to see that xBox 360 has gotten rid of the Red Ring of Death!
lejla1311 Nov 21, 2012 @ 9:34 amhonestly I love playstation 2 .. the best games are made for that console...
Immature_Entrepreneur Nov 21, 2012 @ 8:24 amAmazing quality lens and very helpful for gamers/shoppers this time of year! Squid Angel blessed.
About the Author
Looking for the best game console? With the number of consoles on the market it can be a tough decision. But by using this page you'll be able to find... See full bio


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« Thousands protest in St. Paul | Main | Former senator calls evangelicals 'on board' with Republican ticket »
September 1, 2008
Richard Land glows over Palin pick
Richard Land is "ecstatic" over Sen. John McCain's decision to pick Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as vice president, and the women in his office are just as excited.
"They were absolutely giddy, and saying 'I'm going to volunteer' after Sarah Palin was picked," said Land, who is president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "There's something going on in the conservative independent sisterhood that I can't tap into. I can't comprehend it, but it's there."
I spoke with Land just before news broke that Palin's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.
"I recommended her but I had no reason to believe that they would do it, but I'm happy they did. I think it's going to tap into all kinds of things. I must say I've been pleasantly surprised at the depth of the response among women, among evangelical and Catholics. Clearly, her nominations tapped into something, which I can observe as a white male but can't experience. My wife says to her Sarah Palin is what the feminists' movement was all about. You can have a family and a husband and a career, that you can do it all. My wife has a Ph.D. in psychology, she's in private practice as a psychotherapist.
I find these questions about 'how can she take care of her children and be vice president' sexist. Nobody asked that question to any of the male candidates. That's a family decision. As long as she and her husband are comfortable with it and they seem to have done a wonderful job with the children they have, it's nobody's business.
What will this do for John McCain?
The enthusiasm gap has been closed considerably. Let me answer a question you haven't asked me. I had two secular reporters ask me, 'Dr. Land, you as a Southern Baptist believe that women are not to be pastors of churches and women are not to be head of the home. Wouldn't it mean that if Sarah Palin were elected vice president, her husband would tell her what to do? And I said, 'If you don't mind my saying so, that's an asinine question, but I'll answer it.' Mrs. Thatcher said that her husband was head of her home and she ran the country. Queen Elizabeth said that Prince Phillip was head of the home and she was head of the country. If Mrs. Thatcher had been an American, I would've enthusiastically supported her for president of the United States.
The only restrictions we find in Scripture are, that for whatever reason women are not to be in charge of a marriage and women are not to be in charge of a church. That has nothing to do with governor, or senator or the House of Representatives, or president, or vice president.
I was just in Denver where there were several religious outreach events. There are very few things officially scheduled at the Republican National Convention. What does that say about the parties?
The party that feels they're not getting the fair share of a constituency are the ones who practice outreach. If the constituency is an integral part of the decision making part of your party, you don't have to practice outreach. It's not going to fundamentally shift things. Obama's not doing as well as John Kerry so far. He's the most radically pro-choice candidate ever nominated by a major party. That's a vertical mountain to try to climb with evangelicals and with pro-life Catholics. He's going to get 20 to 22 percent of the evangelical, because 20 to 22 percent of evangelicals are liberal evangelicals. That's fine, but I don't think he's going to do any better than John Kerry did.
Does he get any credit for trying?
Sure he does. You're going to attract more voter support in the long term with honey than with vinegar. If you can demonstrate that you at least respect people of faith and that they're important to you, you're going to do better than Howard Dean who said Job was his favorite book of the New Testament. If he had been running against Rudy Giuliani, he might've gotten half of the evangelical vote, but he's not, he's running against a pro-life candidate who has picked a very strongly pro-life running mate."
Thank you Sarah for doing this by the way. I've been reading for several weeks but haven't had the opportunity to post anything. Mr. Land's vote of confidence is encouraging regarding Mrs. Palin, but I'm still questioning the judgment of the man who thought it would be wise to bring her family under this microscope. I'm just praying for them now, that they get through these earthly fires with their faith in tact.
Keep up the good work, Sarah!
What does "He's the most radically pro-choice candidate ever nominated by a major party" mean?
He's pro-choice.
That in itself may be "radical" to you but please explain how his interpretation of Roe-v-Wade is any more "radical" than John Kerry's, Al Gore's or Bill Clinton's.
Heck, after 8 years of Bush, 4 years of his father, and 8 years of Reagan (20 total years) abortion is very much a legal medical option.
Republicans only claim they'll fight the procedure for political gain, not a single one of them will ever seriously work at the executive level to overturn R-v-W, that should be obvious.
That said, your verbose language shows passion, to be sure, but also a need to exaggerate in order to dehumanize Obama.
Sad. I'll pray for you.
Perhaps it refers to Obama's opposition to laws banning infanticide? One of his explanations for why he opposed it was that he thought that protecting children born despite an abortion attempt could be used against Roe.
Considering that the same bill passed the U.S. Senate with the support of such pro-choice luminaries as Barbara Boxer and Hillary Clinton, many pro-lifers see him as particularly vociferous in his opposition to the right to life.
Or perhaps it's because he told NARAL Pro-Choice America that his first act as president would be to pass the Freedom of Choice Act.
Christians are so weak in their thinking. You only focus on gay rights and abortion. If Jesus was living he would probably ostracize himself from all of you....As for Palin you all know she is a big mistake, but, you refuse to accept it. This only shows you that McCain doesn't make wise decisions and that you are so naive and stubborn to accept McCains error because of abortion and gay rights...I am against abortion and gay marriage, but, I know McCain made a big mistake in selecting Palin. Additionally, I know that Obama could potentially be placed by God for this season in our country. So, get your head out your @#$% and smell the coffee.
Dr. Land and the rest of the Southern Baptist leadership have really misconstrued the Bible when it comes to the role of women in the home and in the church. Basically, they base their beliefs by taking verses out of context (prooftexting). There's a reason why membership in the Southern Baptist denomination is falling.
Richard Land does not speak for many of us Baptists! Never has. Never will. His kind of litmus test for Christians, churches, preachers, etc. is an embarassament at the very least to those of us who used to be proud of being a Baptist! The prideful, arrogant, ego that thinks they have the only interpretation of scripture (what ever happened to the priesthood of the believer Baptist held so dear?)is so off-putting that many of us have to hide our Baptist name to be able to get to know those outside the church. His endorsement of Palin would be enough for me to not be able to consider her, if there weren't any number of other reasons.
Does this mean that a woman can now be president of the SBC? The rather narrow and restrictive reading of the New Testament by Dr. Land opens the door for women to be moderators of local churches, associations, and the president of the SBC. But of course that won't happen, will it?
Actually, RW, yes, a woman could be SBC prez. Just not a pastor of a local church. Scripture never addresses parachurch roles, just pastoral and deacon roles in the church and the spiritual leadership of the home. Dr. Land is not alone in his view, though some Baptists who criticize him know very little of the priesthood doctrine of which they hide behind. It's priesthood of believers (plural and corporate), not priesthood of the believer (singular and individual).
Will the misogyny never end?? I never realized how many people hate women and FEAR women in power even among Christians.
GOV. Palin has more experience than B. Obama and her "scandal" pales compares to Joe Biden's whose son ,HUNTER, the invisible one,and brother have been taken to Court for FRAUD in Delaware for embezzling money from clients.
Shame on all you BIGOTS.
Am I the only one turned off by this headline: "Richard Land glows over Palin pick." Why should I care that he's so enthused? If a woman is fit to lead the most powerful country in the world, then she's fit to co-lead at home and lead a church. I agree with the previous post that said that the Southern Baptist position on women is based on taking verses out of context. Shame on them!
Dr. Land,
I heard your comments on Fox News concerning the selection of Mrs. Sarah Palin as a vice presidential running mate and read the post on "Christianity Today" about how "giddy" the women in your office were. They are now going to volunteer to work for her. That means even more time away from the own husbands, children and homes. With the time that it takes to prepare their bodies for work: hair, nails, make-up, clothing etc and then the commute in to the office, the stop by the dry cleaners, the nail and hair salon and oh yes, the need for a massage to relieve the stress, I hardly think there is any time left for their own families. Who is seeing to it that their family is getting the necessary servings of vegetables, fruit, calcium etc. each day? Who is monitoring what goes into the "eye gate" via the media? Even more important who is teaching them the word of God daily? Deut. 11:19 "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up".
With the revelation that Mr. & Mrs. Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant, it seems that Mrs. Palin has not "guarded" her own home as Paul instructed Titus to teach the women to do in Titus 2:5. That verse went on to explain the reason: "so that no one will malign the word of God". The words of Solomon in Proverb's 29:15 have proven true: "…a child left to himself disgraces his mother"
When President Clinton was caught in his act of sodomy with Monica, that sin became rampant and still is today even among the youngest in our society. If we allow Mrs. Palin and their lack of parenting to be our leader we can expect to see more of her same problem because "as goes the leaders, so goes the country".
It is very doubtful that the father of Bristol's child can even pay for the birth of his own child, let alone support a wife and family on the income he can make at age 18. It seems that the religious conservative leaders only want us to focus on two issues when voting, anti-homosexuality and pro-life. I am certainly in agreement on those issues, but not at the exclusion of the whole word of God. We are all going to stand before the "beama" seat of Christ to receive the things done in our bodies. For this reason I will not be voting for McCain or Obama. God does not care more for this election than he does his Word!
One of many stay-at-home moms
Dear Dr. Land,
Thank you so much for speaking up regarding the issue of Sarah Palin's qualifications. It is time that all of our religious leaders stand up & be heard on the issue of Ms. Palin's qualifications. It will be a real pleasure having any leader with high moral standards, such as those of Palins. AGain, I say thank you for speaking up. You made my husband and me proud of our SBC!
Joyce Dobbs
does Joe Biden have a plagarizing problem (in his remark re: Ginger Rogers dancing ability) or is he incredibly lucky to, on his own, think up the exact quote shown on NBC on 9/3/08 from Linda Fairstein's book LIKELY TO DIE page 11 on 9/3/08 as an insult directed to Sarah Palin! Cute....real cute.
Joyce, What high moral standards are you referring to concerning Mrs. Todd Palin? By her own words, she is a Feminist, her best friend for over 30 years is a lesbian and she would not judge that situation. Her two older children do not have a good reputation with the outside world. She couldn't be home to teach her children much of anything. And she has no problem identifying with "Joe six-pack". If you are referring to the choice she and her daughter made in keeping their babies, that is no choice when it comes to Christians. Where is the shame? Do we just say, "Well, that is the real world"? More power to her for relating with "real people"!

subset: commoncrawl


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The S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 for C++ SDK Beta went live on Forum Nokia October 9th, 2007 and that included a Web Runtime (WRT) testing environment. Note, this is a beta version, but the included WRT engine is close to final and developers are encouraged to use it. See the Tools and SDK's: Nokia Tools web page
Additionally, a number of docs went up including
- Introducing Web Run-Time
- Getting Started with Nokia web Widget development
- Web Run-Time API Reference
- Porting Apple Dashboard widgets to S60
The getting started and the Porting guides include example widgets.
See http://www.forum.nokia.com/main/reso...ion/index.html


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Law Firms
After Lengthy Confab, Manatt Offers 'Warm Wishes,' with Disclaimer, on Holiday E-Card
Posted Dec 6, 2010 7:36 PM CDT
By Martha Neil
Choosing a law firm holiday card might seem like a simple matter ... but when attorneys are concerned the nuances of even seemingly straightforward terms tend to be carefully considered.
Hence, at an apparent partner meeting featured on its animated holiday e-card, Manatt Phelps & Phillips lawyers debate at length such issues as whether "happy holidays" is an appropriate message.
"What if their holidays aren't happy?" points out one attorney. "Could we be liable?"
After a considerable confab, the team agrees on a "warm wishes" e-card message ... with a lengthy disclaimer. Among other provisions, it includes a statement that "the sender reserves the right to deny the sender ever wished the recipient wishes, whether warm, cold or any temperature whatsoever."
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CATEGORIES Interviews, Movies, Summer MoviesThis weekend's "Godzilla," from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros, is a big movie.
It's a massive reboot based on the classic Japanese character of Godzilla, a towering behemoth that rises out of the ocean and destroys many, many cities. But at the heart of this new "Godzilla," directed by "Monsters" filmmaker Gareth Edwards, is a very human story, concerning an army technician (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), who has just come home to his lovely wife (Elizabeth Olsen) while also dealing with his crackpot father (Bryan Cranston). The monsters may offer the most dazzling set pieces but it's the humans who will really get you invested.
We got a chance to sit down with Taylor-Johnson and Olsen to talk about what it was like to try and find emotional realism in a film about radioactive dinosaurs, whether or not they would be back for a sequel, and what personal connection they had to the character. Of course, we also try to pressure them for details about their next project together -- a little Joss Whedon art-house romp called "Avengers: Age of Ultron." While they don't give a lot away, there are some intriguing bits they let slip...
How sick of each other are you?
Olsen: Not! It's like seeing your brother!
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, I must say when I found out that we were going to work together again it was a delight...
Olsen: There's a potential for disaster.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, it made me feel safe and it was like, Well that's good.
Were you fans of the Godzilla character?
Olsen: I have a history of my brother going, "Look, there's Godzilla!" [impersonates bad dubbing] And that's about it. He would just make fun of the dubbing.
Taylor-Johnson: I don't have any history with it, really.
Olsen: I knew it existed.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, I knew it existed, and if someone said "Godzilla," I'd say, "Yeah a dinosaur-y T. rex-type thing?" But I had it so wrong because I sat down with Gareth and he said, "You know why they created Godzilla?" And I said, "No, I don't actually." And he said, "It was just after the second World War and the Japanese needed a way to be able to vent. They weren't allowed to make any movies about WWII so they created this character of mass destruction. It's all metaphor."
So it came from a really symbolic place. I was like, "That's f*cking impressive." Imagine how it must have felt for that movie to come out and change the way people saw things. And I think because of that, because it had such a huge message behind it, that he wanted to do the same but in today's society. So it was really intriguing -- his metaphor for it.
Was that what got you hooked, Gareth's take on the character?
Olsen: Yes, for sure. It was the grounding of the story and the true thing is that every good sci-fi movie or alien movie or whatever always has a larger metaphor and there's always more things to look into besides some monster coming in and destroying. And that is what roots it. It was a combination between that and Legendary, and just knowing you're in good hands and trusting Gareth's vision and taste. Gareth put together a teaser with Legendary almost three years ago for Comic Con, and it was in such great taste and it's a beautiful-looking film.
Taylor-Johnson: It's amazing how classy and artistic he took it. Gareth already has a cinematic eye because with "Monsters," I thought, Man who shot that? Because it was really beautiful and handheld and I asked him about it and he said, "I've got a f*cked-up shoulder because of it." And I said, "Wait you were the camera operator on that movie?" He said, "Yeah, it was me and a camera and I did it on nothing." He's just an all-around great filmmaker who understands every aspect. And he's got a real great way of working with actors. He gave us time and we got to explore. I've never had a luxury of being able, especially on "Avengers." It's like, "Wait, we shot the whole scene?" Because they put four cameras on us at once and it's quick, quick, quick...
Olsen: Yeah, not used to that.
Taylor-Johnson: It's like, "I thought I maybe had a few other ways of doing that." And they're like, "Nope, done."
May 2nd, 2015 -- the clock is ticking, guys!
Taylor-Johnson: But they're shooting until August.
How is "Avengers: Age of Ultron" going?
Olsen: It's so fun. I'm laughing all the time. The crazy thing is that it's like, I'm throwing sh*t with my hands, that's cuckoo! But it's also like, We're saving lives. And it's very serious. There's always that reminder that it's very serious.
Will you guys be in full costume by the end of the movie!
[in unison]
Olsen: Can't talk about it! [laughs]
Taylor-Johnson: Can't say!
We've seen enough of these movies to know that you're going to be in a suit by the end of it.
Olsen: Well, we're not part of the team, so it's not the same thing...
But you're new Avengers, right?
Taylor-Johnson: Can't say.
God, this is so frustrating.
Olsen: But it's fun for us.
But it's getting there?
Olsen: Yes. So fun.
Taylor-Johnson: Oh yeah. And I think Marvel and Legendary are very similar in that they're very similar. They're very big but they're also very boutique. Marvel is specific to their own characters and, because it's their own characters, they're protective of them. But they also want them to look great and they also care about them. They've got a backlog of knowledge...
Olsen: And they just give it to you!
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, so you know you're in good hands.
Olsen: It's the same thing with Legendary. You feel like you're in really safe, good hands with them.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, you talk to Thomas Tull [CEO of Legendary Pictures] and he's just a really big fan of movies. Yes, he's got all these huge projects -- Batman, Superman, Godzilla -- but he gives them to really talented, interesting directors.
Olsen: And he doesn't step on their toes.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, he's not pushing them around trying to edit their movie.
Godzilla was obviously not on set. What was it like finally seeing the movie? And how did Gareth explain what was on screen?
Olsen: Gareth explained it very technically. He had it all on his computer in pre-viz.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, and also there was a lot of artwork around you.
Olsen: Yes, and that's something you can work with. You could choose to use it or not.
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, it's not a movie where you're working with an animated pet or something where you have to constantly interact with. You're just reacting.
Olsen: Have you ever worked with an animated pet?
Taylor-Johnson: No. But I imagine it'd be a f*cking nightmare.
Did anything surprise you about the final version?
Taylor-Johnson: There's a scene towards the end of the movie where I'm looking at Godzilla, and when I finally saw it I was like, Whoa! I didn't realize his head was going to be that close and that big.
Olsen: You didn't realize he was looking at you?
Taylor-Johnson: I didn't realize he was looking at me! But I think that's why Gareth is so great. It's always evolving, even though you filmed it months before. Like he looked at it and he's like, "Maybe there's a connection there." So you give him so many variations on that because they're still considering all the possibilities. So you never know. I also thought he was about ten or twenty blocks down the road, not right f*cking there!
Olsen: My biggest surprise was how much I liked Godzilla and how much I hated the MUTOs. I felt very bad for the people Godzilla was accidentally killing, but I feel like he had very good intentions.
Taylor-Johnson: He's got to do what he's got to do!
Olsen: He's restoring nature!
Well, it seems nice because everyone was so upset last summer about "Man of Steel."
Taylor-Johnson: Yeah, how many buildings did they go through?
But you guys are actually giving screen time to the people who are being affected by these monsters.
Olsen: Yeah, that was, for me, really my main part of the film. That was my piece of it. I was a piece of a very big puzzle. And I was holding down what was happening on the home front, so that was really important -- to put a lot of care into it. We're almost becoming numb right now to the riots in Ukraine because it's just statistics but if you heard one family's story, you'd have a whole new experience. So the goal was to have this huge world disaster and have this family who is having this one singular experience. It happens to be very important and prominent with getting Godzilla taken care of. But you want them to get together. You want to make sure you care about him getting home.
Taylor-Johnson: And Gareth was very much about making it so that it's not just coincidence that you're always there. He wanted to really ground them in that work aspect of their lives and that it just so happened to be on the path and that it's all tied in to Bryan's character and Lizzie's character. He just wanted to follow Godzilla but through someone's perspective. So he was like, "How are we going to follow him from Japan to America?" That was nice because we had been introduced to Ken Watanabe's character and everything is interlinked really beautifully without being too on-the-nose. He gave us jobs that felt real and naturalistic.
If Godzilla rises out of the ocean again, will you be back?
Olsen: I would love to. I would love to see what that world would be like that they would create.
Taylor-Johnson: I would be as well.
Olsen: Especially if it's Gareth and the same gang.
Godzilla needs to fight another big monster of his caliber. Did he talk to you at all about that?
Olsen: No. Did he talk to you about it? I'd like to know.
"Godzilla" crashes into theaters May 16.


text:
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text: Jan. 14, 2014 – The $1.1 trillion spending package released by House-Senate negotiators Monday leaves the Central Liquidity Facility's borrowing authority unchanged from 2013, which means the facility can borrow up to 12 times its capital stock and surplus to meet credit unions' emergency liquidity needs.That formula is set under the Federal Credit Union Act. As of last October, the CLF's borrowing authority totaled about $2 billion based on stock subscriptions, down from its $40 billion peak during the corporate crisis. NAFCU strongly supports allowing the CLF full access to its authority under the FCU Act.The spending package, which still needs to clear the House and Senate, also provides $1.2 million for technical assistance grants to low-income credit unions from the NCUA Community Development Revolving Loan Fund.Reports said the package also keeps funding for the president's healthcare initiative under the Affordable Care Act at sequester level, but builds in some flexibility in financing for health exchanges.


text:
From a trainwreck in 2010, to a red carpet fashion show with sexy models strutting Spring Street in the newest spring and summer fashions. In a nutsheel, that's the three-year turnaround of Fairview Corner in West Roxbury.
Back in 2010, Kalembar Dune owner Shirley Walsh bought the block of stores she has since named Fairview Corner. Kalembar Dune had been in business on the block since 2005.
"In 2010 there was just the barber shop, and a real estate office. It was a trainwreck before," said Walsh, before the second Fairview Corner Fashion Show on Thursday night. The first one took place in November last year. She added, "I'm so excited. It's like when your kids come home with straight A's on their report card."
Since Walsh's acquisition of the block at the intersection of Spring and Baker streets, Top It Off Accessories, Fabutique, and Baker Baker, all women-owned businesses, have moved in.
"It just pops when you drive by (now)," said Clare O'Brien to Walsh, before Walsh handed out pizza to audience members who lined the red carpet to take photos.
All of the businesses had a hand in the fashion show, with 10 models donning goods from Top It Off Accessories and Fabutique.
"It is a gorgeous sunny night. We're using natural lighting," said Elizabeth Hoenscheid, owner of Top It Off Accessories. Hoenscheid said a new facet to the second show was audience members were handed out sheets to vote for their favorite look. Audience members selections were then pulled randomly and the individual selected received a gift certificate from all four stores at Fairview Corner.
And pies from Baker Baker were even shown off down the red carpet by a model or two, including West Roxbury's District Councilor Matt O'Malley, who rocked a sequined-apron with sunglasses on the last round of runway strutting.
"This a great cause with all pie proceeds from Baker Baker going to the Pan Mass Challenge," said O'Malley. "This a true example of a thriving corner in a small business district. It's been great to see Fairview Corner transformed by these businesses all owned by women."


text:
David Hasselhoff's Daughter Charged with DUI
The Hasselhoff Apples Don't Fall Far From the Tree
David Hasselhoff's 20 year-old daughter, Hayley, has been charged with driving under the indluence of alcohol in connection with a late Decemeber arrest.
Hayley, who's not even old enough t drink in the state of California, has been charged with both driving under the influence and speeding and could face up to six months in prison.
You'll recall, no doubt, that The Hoff has had his own issues with alcohol - notably a 2007 video made by his oldest daugter Taylor Ann which portrays a shirtless, very intoxicated Hasselhoff eating a hamburger on the floor of a Las Vegas hotel room.
Hayley's mom, a formerly successful German actress, has also had her issues with alcohol. She, too, was popped for DUI -- twice. Once in 2009 and then again in 2010 and had to spend 90 days in the clink for the offence and then had to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet for six months as a follow up.
No word yet as to when Hayley will face the judge and learn her fate.


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Who Here watched 10, 000 BC??
and who here wished they didn't................
It was honestly the worst movie of 2008..
The CGI....:banghead:
The acting....:cursing:
The story.....:cuss:
15 minutes into the movie my friend asked if we should leave! I should have agreed, but I hate when people do that!! So we stayed!
Haven't seen it, but don't have plans to either. I've yet to hear/see anyone say anything good about this film! Ishtar/Waterworld/Ultraviolet level bad from the sound of it.
I thinking was this...
If it was supposed to be such an epic film and so great, why was it not released in May, June, or July. That tipped me off that the movie may not be so good.
ur right num nums....but Rambo was so good and was released in January!!
It looked stupid...i don't think there was even any speech in the trailer so I knew this wasn't worth my time.
It seems more of a "rent it" on DVD type movie...
OH you know it...would rather spend four dollars than 9 or 10
Or $1.00 at Red Box
Free on cable in a couple of months....realitively.
I was hoping this would be good... but it seems to be so terrible with people who've seen it. It's time I went back in time myself, instead of depending on these ancient era movies.
*builds a time machine*
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text:
Howland, Other Elite Coaches Visit Bishop Gorman, Shabazz Muhammad
Ben was in Las Vegas to watch ShaMu, the crown jewel of the 2012 class, and easily target 1a of Coach Howland (1b likely being LJ Rose, or at least it should be). ShaMu plays on the same AAU team as one of Ben's other big prospects, Robert Upshaw (6'11, likely still growing, excellent athleticism). Discussions on PGU, an Arizona website, say Howland will be tough to beat for Mr. Muhammad. Here's hoping! Keep it up, Ben!


text:
A lot of people are very upset about the rapidly increasing U.S. national debt these days and they are demanding a solution. What they don't realize is that there simply is not a solution under the current U.S. financial system. It is now mathematically impossible for the U.S. government to pay off the U.S. national debt. You see, the truth is that the U.S. government now owes more dollars than actually exist. If the U.S. government went out today and took every single penny from every single American bank, business and taxpayer, they still would not be able to pay off the national debt. And if they did that, obviously American society would stop functioning because nobody would have any money to buy or sell anything.
And the U.S. government would still be massively in debt.
So why doesn't the U.S. government just fire up the printing presses and print a bunch of money to pay off the debt?
Well, for one very simple reason.
That is not the way our system works.
You see, for more dollars to enter the system, the U.S. government has to go into more debt.
Post Continues on theeconomiccollapseblog.com


text:
DescriptionGo Golden Rams! Albany State University is now accessible at the touch of a button.
With the Albany State app, you can read the latest Campus News, view Events on campus, and Share the app via Facebook, Email, Twitter and Text Message.
Take a look at Athletics to view Golden Rams schedules, news and FanZone information.
Open the Campus Map and select a building to see where it is located, and search the Admissions module for your counselor profile, Admissions Events, or to request more information about Albany State University.
Current Students can log in through the Campus Life feature to view Courses and other important information.
Participate in Polls, view the latest Tweets and YouTube videos, or select a photo from the Pics section to display as the wallpaper on your iPhone.
Download the Albany State University iPhone App today! Albany State: Potential. Realized.


text:
Saturday Supermarket Smarts: How to Pick the Perfect Avocado
The best guacamole is made with creamy fleshed Hass avocados at the peak of ripeness.
Here's how to pick 'em:
1. Look for a forest-green fruit. Darker skin means riper flesh.
2. Cradle it in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze. Guac-ready fruit will give slightly.
3. Flick off the stem. If it pops off easily and what's underneath is bright green (brown means it's overripe), you're good to go!
Once your avocados are ready to be used…
Spread 'em on toast with eggs for the perfect protein-packed breakfast.
Blend 'em up with sweet ingredients for an Avocado Semifreddo.
Or, mix 'em up with all sorts of ingredients for 11 different twists on guacamole!
Related Links
How to Make a Guacamole Mix-in Bar
Categories: Food, Supermarket, Technique | Tags: avocado, How-To, jan supermarket, Supermarket, supermarket smarts
4 Comments
4 Responses to "Saturday Supermarket Smarts: How to Pick the Perfect Avocado"
January 25, 2014 at 3:10 pm, by Renee Kretlow
Love all of the suggested recipes, and love your hot topic on avocados / guacamole… Going to make some tonight…
January 26, 2014 at 10:44 am, by email@example.com
Healthy and nutritious! Thanks, Rachel!
February 8, 2014 at 9:01 am, by Saturday Supermarket Smarts: Egg Whites | Every Day Scoop
[...] How to pick the perfect avocado [...]
February 15, 2014 at 9:01 am, by Saturday Supermarket Smarts: Vegemite | Every Day Scoop
[...] How to Pick the Perfect Avocado [...]


text:
To download a copy of the current constitution in pdf format, please click
To download the latest version of Acrobat reader, click on the icon.
The constitution is reproduced in full below if you would rather view it online.
The name of the society shall be 'The Astronomical Society of Glasgow', hereinafter
referred to as 'The Society'.
On 19 October 1994, the International Astronomical Union approved the name GLASGOW
for Minor Planet No. 5805 (originally discovered on 18 December 1985 by Dr Edward
Bowell at the Anderson Mesa Station of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona), it
being "named for the City of Glasgow and the Astronomical Society of Glasgow whose
100th anniversary is this year being marked by a civic dinner hosted by the Glasgow City
Council". The approved name contains at its centre the Society's abbreviation, namely the
three letters ASG.
The name of the minor planet was formally announced at the civic dinner on Wednesday
23 November 1994, the exact centenary of the founding of the Society. During the dinner,
the President of the Society was presented with a suitably inscribed silver salver to mark
the occasion.
The object of the Society shall be to promote interest in Astronomy by presenting an
annual lecture series and observing programmes for society members and to engage with
members of the public by organising outreach events.
Membership of the Society shall be open to all persons interested in Astronomy. The
Council shall have discretion to withhold Membership. Life Membership shall be awarded
at the discretion of the Council.
The Council may also award Honorary Membership to individuals who make a significant
contribution to the Society. Honorary Membership will last for a period of one year and is
subject to annual renewal.
The amounts of Annual Subscription shall be fixed by the Council, who will notify the
Membership accordingly at the Annual General Meeting.
Subscriptions shall be payable to the Treasurer at the first Ordinary Meeting of the Society
following the Annual General Meting. No one shall be entitled to the privileges of
membership of the Society until their current annual subscription has been paid.
Subscriptions shall be waived for those holding Life or Honorary Membership.
The Council shall be responsible for the business and activities of the Society and shall
consist of a President, three Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and not more than
eleven Ordinary Members. All Members of Council shall serve for one year, from one
Annual General Meeting to the next. If any Council position becomes vacant for any
reason, the Council shall have power to co-opt another Member to fill that position until
the next Annual General Meeting. The Council shall appoint from among the Ordinary
Members duly elected to Council two persons to be specifically responsible for Membership,
and for Publicity. The Council shall have discretion to delegate other responsibilities as the
need arises. The Council shall also have discretion to invite persons of distinction to serve
as Honorary Presidents.
Any person who has occupied the position of President for two consecutive years or the
position of Vice President for three consecutive years shall not be eligible for re-election to
that position the following year.
At the Ordinary Meeting of the Society immediately preceding the Annual General Meeting,
the Council shall submit a list of Members recommended by them to constitute the Council
for the ensuing year. Any member of the Society shall be entitled to put forward
additional names of Members, either at the Ordinary Meeting preceding the Annual General
Meeting or in writing to the Secretary not less than ten clear days before the Annual
General Meeting, such nominations requiring to be duly seconded. If no nomination for a
position has been made, the Council has discretion to co-opt another Member to fill that
The president or, in his or her absence, a Vice President, shall chair Council Meetings.
Otherwise, the Council Meeting shall elect a Chairperson. The Chairperson shall have a
casting vote. At Meetings of the Council five members shall form a quorum.
In the event that more than the required number of Members are nominated for any
position, a ballot shall be taken of the Members present at the Annual General Meeting.
The vote shall be verified by two tellers appointed by the Chairperson.
At the Annual General Meeting in April the silver salver referred to in sub-clause 1.3 above
shall be on display and where appropriate, shall be formally handed over to the incoming
President by the outgoing President along with the badge of office which was crafted by
ASG member Mr Martin Donoghue and gifted to the Society by Mrs Margaret Morris during
her Presidential term 1998 - 2000.
The Council shall be responsible for arranging all Meetings of the Society, which shall
generally take the form of a lecture by an invited speaker. Advance notice of each Meeting
shall be given, and a syllabus card containing the full programme shall also be distributed
to members. Not less than seven days' notice shall be given for Annual or Extraordinary
General Meetings. The Ordinary Meetings of the Society shall generally be held monthly
from September to April, and one of them shall be designated the O'Neil Lecture, in
recognition of the late Barney O'Neil and his bequest to the Society. The Council shall
have discretion to arrange further Meetings at other times. All Meetings shall require a
quorum of five members.
The Annual General Meeting shall be held in April, for the presentation of reports, the
election of the Council and any other competent business
An Extraordinary General Meeting must be called by the Council if the Secretary receives a
written request, signed by a minimum of five members, and stating the purpose for which
the meeting is required. Such a Meeting may also be called at any time by the Council.
The President, or in his absence a Vice President, shall chair all Ordinary, Annual and
Extraordinary General Meetings. Otherwise the Meeting shall elect a Chairperson. The
Chairperson shall have a casting deliberative vote.
An independent Examiner shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting and shall
examine the accounts for the ensuing financial year which shall end on the last day of
March. The examined Financial Statement and Balance Sheet shall be distributed to the
Membership a minimum of seven days prior to the Annual General Meeting.
In the event of an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting agreeing to
the dissolution of the Society, any property that it owns, including books and telescopes
and other assets, shall be sold and the monies realised added to any other Funds of the
Society, so that its outstanding debts may be settled. If thereafter there are any surplus
monies, the sum remaining shall be given to the British Astronomical Association.
The Society shall be affiliated to the British Astronomical Association, with which it has
historical links.
The Society is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Charity for Tax purposes, and has
been registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), who is
responsible for maintaining the Scottish Charity Register, under Scottish Charity Number
SCO 15035. The Society shall therefore conform in every respect to the legal obligations
incumbent upon it because of charitable status, and shall thereby be entitled to the
privileges and benefits of such recognition.
The Society shall each year award a prize to the best first year student at the University of
Strathclyde, who shall either be from the faculty of Mathematics or from the faculty of
Physics. The successful student shall be nominated to the Society by the University, and
the amount of the prize shall be decided by the Council.
Notice of any proposed alteration or addition to the Constitution proposed by a Member
shall be lodged with the Secretary fourteen days before an Annual or Extraordinary
General Meeting. Proposed amendments cannot be adopted unless approved by a
majority of the Members present at such meetings.
The Constitution was approved by the ASG Council on 28 October 1993, formally adopted as the
new ASG Constitution at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society on 20 January 1994,
then amended to include sub-clauses 1.2, 1.3. 5.6 and 7.2, at the Annual General Meeting of the
Society on 18 April 1996 and further amended to amend clauses 1.2, 2.1, 4.2, 5.6, 7.1, 9.1 and
10.0 when clause 3.2 was added at the Annual General Meeting on 19 April 2007 and at an
Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society on 20 March 2008 when Clause 5.1 was amended.
20 March 2008


text:
To change the face of men's health
Go Bruins!
Thanks for being an amazing team - on and off the ice!
Вперёд Бостон!
Go Team Bruins! Thank you for all that you do on and off the ice.
Hey everybody, I am a freshman in college and this is my first year doing this and I figured why not raise money for a good cause. Thanks.
I am a little late to the game this year, but the MO is growing fast!
Hey guys, just want to throw it out there that fellow MoBros (and MoSistas) of Stanley Cup of Chowder are trading $50 donations for blog posts on any topic you want. Give at my Movember page, which you can find by clicking my name.
I've enlisted in #Movember to change the face of men's health.
So I "Mustache" that you donate & join the good fight!
If I reach my goal of $1,000.00, I will raffle off a pair of my personal Bruins tickets. Anyone who makes a donation of $5.00 or more to my Movember page http://mobro.co/tommychernicki will be eligible to win. If I don't reach my goal, I will raffle of a $20 Target Gift card in replacement of the Bruins tickets.
Thanks for your support!!
You guys rock, way to Mo! Fuzzy smooches, Mo Sista Lisa at Mo HQ
Black, gold and hairy lips for life
Go Team Bruins!
Love that you guys are doing this and loved all the Movember announcements at the game last night. Way to use your influence as professional athletes to promote such a strong message. Happy MOing!
Trucker stache it is!


text:
Actual Dr. Bruce Banner on Colbert Report talking about environmental protection.
This man is just too adorable for his own good.
Best Part? He really does believe in these causes. Good.
Gentlemen, Can I just…like….touch your faces?
Jeremy Renner pretending to be The Hulk and getting embarassed [x]
Okay, so we all knew that Hiddleston is actually Loki.
And we all knew that RDJ is actually Tony Stark.
And speculations have been made about both the Chrisses actually being Thor and Steve.
But now Mark Ruffalo is actually Bruce Banner too?
Did Marvel have to write any of their own characters?
The Avengers is actually just a documentary on all their day to day lives.
Mark Ruffalo acts out a fan's dream conversation
I just peed my pants
I paused this at least 15 times,
I could not
handle myself
you angel babe
How do you find reactions from fans or kids to Loki's character?
TOM HIDDLESTON: Mark Ruffalo's son. I kind of dedicate my performance to his son, his ten-year old, because he was on set a lot. Joss Whedon and Kevin Feige, the producer, they were enormously supportive on set. They were very complimentary when they liked something that I was doing. I would do a take, and they would say, "Awesome. You got it. Let's — " And Kevin Feige would be like, "God, that was great. Let's move on." And you get on with the day. The days that Mark's son was there, he was like, "Awesome job, Tom. We got it. Let's move on." Kevin would say the same thing, and then Mark's son would say, "Oh, my God! Tom! That was incredible! That was the most awesome thing I have ever seen!" And I'm like, "I am doing this for you." And, you know, there were days when Mark would come in with him just to watch, because he wanted to watch. He'd be like, "I'm sorry. We're here again. He just loves you." And then you realize that that's the power that these films can have.
It's such a beautiful thing. It's a really amazing privilege.


text:
Richter's fiance, Russell Schertz, told News 4 that the family is "disappointed" in the court's decision. He says the family has "faith in God and the justice system that eventually this wrong will be set right."
But, Schertz admits the decision will cost Richter, and her family, "years that they cannot get back."Richter's appeal was what's called a "direct appeal", which means it could only include evidence in the court record from the trial. But, Schertz says he's uncovering new information about "prosecutorial misconduct and witness tampering" that he thinks should allow for a new trial in the future.
For now, Schertz says the family will file an appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court in the next 20 days.


text:
Hailey Combs, a sophomore at Northeastern Junior College, was one of the five students to receive a scholarship from the Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association this year.
The scholarship awards were announced at the RMAA's annual Winter Conference & Trade Show held in Denver.
The association awards three $1,200 scholarships to students who are currently studying agriculture or a related field at Colorado State University, Northeastern Junior College and University of Wyoming. In addition, two $1500 scholarships are awarded to the son or daughter of RMAA members.
"It is so important to invest into the future leaders of our industry and RMAA gets that," Combs said when receiving her award.
She is working towards a goal of teaching agriculture education and hopes to one day work with kids.
Combs and most of the other recipients attended a luncheon ceremony to receive their scholarships.
Tiffani Walker, was the CSU recipient of a $1,200 Scholarship. She was joined on stage by the 2013 RMAA educator of the year, Gary Peterson, who recognized Walker for being an Air Force veteran who is now dedicated to her education and making an impact in soil and crop sciences.
Additionally, Daniel Adamson was awarded a $1,200 scholarship for the University of Wyoming to be used towards tuition and other educational costs.
Chantel Campbell, a student at Colorado State University, received the $1500 Bill Gordon Scholarship. In honor of RMAA member, Bill Gordon, the scholarship is available to the son or daughter of any RMAA member who has demonstrated excellent academic leadership ability and community service.
Even though the recipient is not required to study an agricultural discipline, Campbell's study of agricultural education made her a deserving candidate for the award.
Campbell's father joined her on stage when she received her award to show his support. They both expressed great gratitude to RMAA for its scholarship fund and dedication to students. "It truly means a lot coming from an association invested in the future of agribusiness," said Campbell when accepting her scholarship award.
Jana Elrick was the recipient of the Dale Seyler Scholarship, another $1500 scholarship awarded to the son or daughter of an RMAA member. Elrick is studying business with an emphasis in service management at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
Fitting the theme of the ceremony, Elrick was also joined on stage by a mentor who strongly recommended her for the scholarship. Kristi Kremers, director of the Chancellor's Leadership Class at UCCS, said, "We at CU are so proud and excited to see what the future holds for Jana."


text:
From: http://amacombooks.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/podcast-john-goodman-on-the-future-of-customer-service
AMA Edgewise, the American Management Association podcast series, spoke to John Goodman, author of Strategic Customer Sevice: Managing the Customer Experience to Increase Positive Word of Mouth, Build Loyalty, and Maximize Profits and the interview is out today.
Listen to the podcast HERE.
Most executives still view customer service as a cost center, a necessary nuisance that drains funds from other more strategic investments. But for companies with a strategic approach, the customer service function itself is an unbeatable marketing machine, a word of mouth monster that directly drives sales, repeats business referrals, and increases the bottom line.
John Goodman is one of the originators of the customer experience industry.
His new book is entitled Strategic Customer Sevice: Managing the Customer Experience to Increase Positive Word of Mouth, Build Loyalty, and Maximize Profits.
John is the Founder and Vice Chairman of Arlington, Virginia based TARP Worldwide Incorporated, the organization Tom Peters called, "America's premier customer service research firm."
Thank you to John Goodman and the AMA Edgewise team. Listen to the podcast HERE.
Read more at http://amacombooks.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/podcast-john-goodman-on-the-future-of-customer-service
Related articles by Zemanta
- 5 Myths of Customer Service (custserv.gbwatch.com)
- The five myths of customer service: What you don't know is hurting your business | Retail Customer Experience (fredzimny.wordpress.com)
- Love at first sight: On John Goodman's Strategic Customer Service (fredzimny.wordpress.com)


text:
"hear God's call and the voice of the poor" ST JEANNE ANTIDE is a Saint suited to modern taste a Saint with whom many young women today can identify. Though she was a women of her time, in revolutionary eighteenth century France, her mission has enduring qualities. She initiated services for the poor food, nursing care and education.
Today the Sisters of Charity, the Order she founded despite many hardships, are to be found working in missionary countries, in jails, with drug addicts, and those with AIDS and HIV as well as among the elderly, teenagers and families, in schools and hospitals, in parishes and in the streets.
If you want to live the Gospel, to foster Community love and to be a woman of prayer, risk, daring, trust, hope and strength, the mission of St. Jeanne Antide may well be for you. Today there are Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide serving the poorest of the poor in 25 countries and on four continents of the world.
Reaching out to young people
St. Jeanne Antide often said to young people: "When God calls, and His voice is heard, He gives all the graces necessary to answer that call." And again: "The Star of our vocation is at your door and above your house. If you have eyes and good will, you will see it and understand it."
To find out more about this remarkable woman and the work of her order in today's world, contact: Sr. Mary losephine O'Connor,
St. Jeanne Antid,e's Convent, 6, Woodfield Road, Ealing, London W5 1.5.7 THE CONGREGATION OF the Poor Sisters of Nazareth was founded in London in 1852 by Victoire Larmenier (Mother Sr. Basil). The work of the Sisters serviced the needs of the time to provide residential care for the aged poor and homes for deprived children.
After a rapid expansion in the British Isles, the Congregation extended to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and America where, in all our Houses, the Sisters of Nazareth continue to devote their lives to caring for and giving a permanent home to the elderly and in some places, to teaching in our own schools or caring for children in need.
The word "Nazareth" sums up our spirit and charism. 'We endeavour to model our Communities on the Holy Family of Nazareth to live united in love of God and one another in joyful simplicity, humility and trust and we strive to have this selfless, caring spirit an:mate our apostolate to the elderly and the young.
Our work is about the celebration of life in every form of living about the quality of life at every age and so we are concerned for the spiritual as well as the material needs of our Residence in order that the evening of life may be for them, one of peace, security and happiness. Working for the elderly, whether in residential or skilled Nursing care, requires great compassion, dedication and understanding.
One factor to bear in mind is that one never outgrows one's need to be loved and understood and so the Sisters must be prepared to give themselves completely: they must strive to be ever-patient, to smile, to hold a hand, to listen with attention and to build up the elderly person's self-esteem and sense of worthiness through constant support, love and encouragement.
It is the special privilege of the Sisters to assist the elderly to surrender their lives freely and cheerfully to God at the end and to see death as a beautiful event a gateway to their transformation into Christ in glory and to help those who are terminally ill not to be frightened, depressed or lonely.
Prayer is the most essential element in our lives as Poor Sisters of Nazareth in fact, prayer is the powersource behind our apostolate and through it, we seek to perfect our love and dedication and are strengthened to carry out our duties to the old and young.
Doing all this for the love of God is not just a job but a vocation a holy ministry. It is a giving which brings an inner peace and love which surpasses all understanding and makes all of life including our own, more worthwhile.
Can you help the SPA fulfill their obligations?
A message from Mgr John Corcoran
National Director, SPA The number of priests continues to increase worldwide. In Nigeria, for instance, the number of diocesan priests more than doubled in the ten years up to 1993, increasing from 829 to 1,920. Every one of those priests is desperately needed by Nigeria's growing Church. During the same period the Catholic population more than doubled, to over 11 million people, while the number of missionaries drastically decreased.
This increase in priests is good news but a crisis follows in its wake. More priests means more seminarians. The number of major seminarians training for the diocesan priesthood in mission areas increased last year by 490, raising their numbers to 25,834. Each of these young men has to be educated, housed, clothed and fed.
In addition the SPA helps to train religious priests, brothers and sisters. Nigeria, for instance, has founded its own mission society, whose 90 missionary priests arc at work in 10 countries. Their seminary this year received maintenance grants of £43,000. Last year alone the SPA had to build 1 1 new major seminaries.
Fortunately, Catholics in England and Wales are responding to the escalating demands made on the SPA. Last year we were able to send overseas a creditable £689,950 an increase of £179,482 over 1994.
At the same time we managed to squeeze our administrative costs to just 3.1%, making us one of the most cost-efficient charities in the country. Yet despite our best efforts, excellent candidates for the priesthood are still being lost simply because there are not sufficient places in seminaries.
The bishops of Eastern Nigeria are looking to build a fourth seminary to ease congestion in the present buildings and cater for those unable to gain admittance. The Archbishop of Onitsha explained to mc that in his province there are 160 students in the first year of spiritual formation.
All have the requisite university entrance qualifications with five credits including English and have passed the diocesan and seminary selection boards but only 100 of them will be able to go to the seminary when the year ends. Similar examples can be provided from around the world.
The students do, of course, contribute to their own keep. In Bigard Memorial they grow crops, keep a poultry farm, repair furniture and maintain the seminary's plumbing and electrical systems. A student is trained in glazing and student paramedics help the 16 doctors who offer their services free of charge to the students. The seminary printing press not only prints for the college but also accepts outside work.
In Europe, where vocations arc decreasing we look askance at the Third World vocations boom and many ask whether those young men are becoming priests to escape poverty and unemployment. There is no doubt that the priesthood is held in high esteem in Nigeria and carries status.
But these arc not the reasons for the increase in vocations. Nigerians, like people throughout the developing world, are more spiritually aware than we are in the West and religion is an integral part of everyday lite.


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Ranjan Pal
Provost Fellow
Department of Computer Science
Viterbi School of Engineering
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
Email: rpal[at]usc[dot]edu
Research Interests
Economics of Information Security and Privacy, Risk Management in Cyber-Security, Mathematical Modelling in Computer/Network Security and Reliability
Network Economics, Game Theory in Network and Information Security, Network Algorithmics and Optimization
Security Analytics and Applications of Machine Learning in Security
Applications of Secure Multi-Party Computation and Differential Privacy in Network Security
Ph.D - Computer Science, University of Southern California, USA (Advisors: Professors Leana Golubchik and Konstantinos Psounis)
M.S - Computer Science, University of California Davis, USA
M.S - Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and National University of Singapore
B.E - Computer Science, Birla Institute of Science and Technology, Mesra
Research Affiliations During Ph.D
VSRC (Visiting Student Research Collaborator) - Princeton University, USA [2010] (Mentor: Professor Mung Chiang)
Visiting Researcher - Deutsch Telekom Research Laboratories (T-Labs), Berlin, Germany [2011-2012] (Mentor: Dr. Pan Hui)
Research Intern - Cyan Inc., USA [2013] (Mentor: Dr. Xin Huang)
Visiting Researcher - Center for TeleInfraStruktur (CTiF), Aalborg University, Denmark [2009] (Mentor: Dr. Ramjee Prasad)
About Myself
I am a recently graduated Indian Ph.D student in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California's (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering. My current major research interest lies in the area of cyber-security - especially the economics, performance modeling, strategy, and data analytics aspects of it. I also have a minor research interest in network economics, network privacy and its economics, applied game theory and mechanism design, secure multi-party computation in networks, differential privacy in networks, and smart grid analytics. I am a recipient of the prestigious Provost Fellowship at USC. In the past, as an undergraduate and as a masters student, I have held research positions related to network reliability and network optimization at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India, Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, India, and Center for TeleInfrastruktur, Aalborg, Denmark. My Erdos number is 4. In my spare time I do international travel, listen to music, watch movies, swim, and play/watch cricket.
The Flavor of My Research
I am an applied theory guy primarily interested in the mathematical modeling and analysis of several aspects in the security of networked and distributed systems. My main goal is to reveal fundamental insights into the efficient design of secure communication systems. I like to solve problems that are challenging, interesting, and have good practical value and social impact. My Ph.D research was on investigating the important role of cyber-insurance markets in achieving a robust level of cyber-security, which is currently not present in the Internet due to several techno-social-economic constraints. Cyber-security is one of the most important and pressing issues in the current Internet age and doing research on improving cyber-security has been a great challenge for me, but at the same time gave me lot of fun. In general, my research was (still is) inter-disciplinary in nature and lied at the boundary of information security, micro-economics, game theory, algorithms, stochastic processes, social graph theory, and systems optimization. As secondary Ph.D research, I also worked on practical problems related to network economics, applied game theory and mechanism design, and applications of secure multi-party computation in networking. In the near future, I plan to keep adopting the "theory-to-practice" approach in designing, analyzing, and building robust and efficient communication systems.
Ph.D Thesis Statement
Most defense, corporate, and civilian systems today are Internet-based. The trustworthiness of Internet-based systems heavily depends on their security characteristics. It has been forecasted by national defense experts that the next big terrorist threat is a cyber-war. Thus, strong data protection and efficient cyber risk management is the need of the hour. Despite the increasing amount of research in strengthening security solutions, and large body of products being designed to increase security, e.g.,anti-virus software, anti-spam software, and firewalls, such self-protection tools can at best reduce the risk of end-users but cannot eliminate it. One of my main reasons for this is the effect of misaligned incentives between security product vendors, network users, and regulatory agencies. To this end, in this thesis I propose to address residual risk elimination through cyber-insurance - simply put, I consider solutions where risk is transferred to another entity (i.e., insurance company) in return for a fee (i.e.,the insurance premium). Cyber-insurance is a promising, potentially multi-billion dollar industry that can help secure the cyber-space, with profound benefits to individuals, corporations, security product vendors, and the government. I am not the first to argue in favor of cyber-insurance. Economists have attempted to extend conventional insurance models into the cyber-insurance context, and, quite recently, a few researchers from the broader networking and performance analysis communities have attempted to shed some light on the issues associated with cyber-insurance. However, despite this body of work, cyber-insurance has not yet become a reality due to a number of unresolved research challenges as well as practical considerations. A number of these challenges are rooted in some fundamental differences between cyber-insurance and other forms of insurance. Most notably, the networked environment over which cyber-insurance operates implies that the usual assumptions of independent security and non-correlated risk among end-users cannot be made. Moreover, information asymmetries between insured and insurers are particularly pronounced, making the modelling of such entities quite complex. My goal in this thesis has been to focus on those aspects of the problem that are particular to cyber-insurance (in contrast to other forms of insurance), with the end goal of moving towards the realization of efficient cyber-insurance markets that benefit cyber-users, security product vendors, cyber-insurers, regulatory agencies, and the network as a whole.
Tools used in my thesis: Microeconomics, Algorithms, Game Theory, Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes, Mathematical Optimization, Social Graph Theory
My PhD Thesis
USC Graduate School writes about my research, USC News reports my research
Publications in Ph.D (On Main Thesis)
My publications here cover "cyber-insurance" and its impact on improving cyber-security. In my thesis, I have solved a hard and challenging problem by first splitting it up into fundamental sub-problems, and in the end combined the solutions and insights gained from those subproblems to weave a complete story. My publication list reflects the solutions to the sub-problems as well as the combined story. I have been the first author in all of the papers.
Publications in Ph.D (Other Topics)
My publications here cover topics that I got associated with during course projects at USC, and my summer visits at Princeton University, Aalborg University, Deutsch Telekom Research Laboratories, and Cyan Inc. I have been the first author in all of the papers, except two.
Academic Materials
Full Resume
My research output during PhD
Publications prior to joining Ph.D (UG, MS)
Selected Graduate Coursework
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Mathematical Analysis
Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes
Mathematical Optimization (primarily convex optimization, slight emphasis on vector space optimization)
Network Economics and Network Game Theory
Performance Analysis of Systems
Computer Networks (The Internet, wireless networks, and distributed systems)
Software-Defined Networking
Cloud Computing
Database Systems
Statistical Machine Learning and Graphical Models
Teaching Activities
1. (Graduate) Analysis of Algorithms: Teaching Assistant, (Fa '13, 'Sp'13, Fa'12, Sp'12, Fa'11, Fa'10), USC Exceptional TA citation from the USC Computer Science Department, 2012-2013
2. Unix and C Programming (Undergraduate Level): Teaching Assistant, Sp'06, UC Davis
3. Research Seminar: Teaching Assistant, Sp'14, USC
4. Fundamentals of Database Systems (Undergraduate Level): Teaching Assistant, Sp'14, USC
Summer Research Appointments
1. Research Intern- Cyan Inc. USA, Summer of 2013
2. Visiting Researcher - Deutsche Telekom Laboratories (T-Labs), Berlin, Germany, Summers of 2011 and 2012
3. Visiting Researcher - Electrical Engineering Department, Princeton University, USA, Summer 2010
4. Visiting Researcher - Center for TeleInfrastruktur (CTiF), Aalborg University, Denmark, Summer 2009
Invited Talks
1. Improving Network Security Through Insurance: A Tale of Insurance markets - A Tale of Insurance Markets: IBM Research Labs, India and USA, March 2014.
2. On Security Monitoring in Software-Defined Networks - A Game-Theoretic Perspective : T-Labs, USA, March 2013.
3. On Improving Cyber-Security Through Insurance - A Tale of Insurance Markets: Symantec Research Labs, USA, December 2012.
4. Real-Time Pricing in Power Grids: Ecole Polytechnique Federal De Lausanne (EPFL), June 2011
5. An Insurance Approach to Internet Risk Management , Technical University of Lisbon, December 2009.
6. An Insurance Approach to Internet Risk Management , Nokia-Siemens Networks, Portugal, December 2009
I love to travel. Life is boring without it!!!. I consider myself immensely lucky to have travelled to various parts of the world for both, academic as well as for holidaying purposes, at a young age. I generally make short yearly trips with friends, and really enjoy and relish the culture, food, nature, and monumental architecture in all the countries I visit. Listed below are the countries I have visited (airports not included :) ).
Asia: Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia
North America: USA, Canada
Europe: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Russia, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, England, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Spain, and Portugal


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RSPCA calls for investigation into pollution
The RSPCA are calling for an investigation after pollution harmed hundreds of seabirds for the second time in two months. More than 170 birds, most of them guillemots, were treated at the charity's West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton after they were washed up covered in a sticky substance.
They were found as far west as Mevagissey and round to Plymouth, Looe and Whitsand Bay. Many more birds were found dead on the beaches. Experts from Plymouth University have confirmed the chemical as polyisobutene (PIB), the same substance affecting birds in February.
– Peter Venn, Manager, RSPCA West Hatch
It was bad enough seeing so many birds come to us in such a terrible state last time but for it to happen again and so soon is devastating.
It is a huge concern to learn that it is the same substance coating these birds. It makes you wonder whether it could keep on happening unless a serious effort is made to look into where these spills are coming from and how they can be stopped.
A proper investigation is needed to stop this happening again and again, or else our wildlife are likely to go on suffering and dying.
Anyone who finds a bird covered in the chemical should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and should not try to touch the birds or catch them.


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Comment: Now's the time to bring back bus conductors (From Chorley Citizen)
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Comment: Now's the time to bring back bus conductors
12:04pm Monday 11th June 2012 in Helen Mead By Helen Mead, Lancashire Telegraph columnist
WHEN I was a teenager I'd walk down to the garage just outside our village and sit with my friend who had a part-time job manning the petrol pumps. Every time a car pulled in, up she jumped and ran out to fill it up.
It was easier then, not having to get your hands dirty. And now pump attendants are coming back – reintroduced by Shell at some of its garages. They will even check your tyres. How great is that? Creating jobs and saving motorists time.
New innovations are all well and good, but sometimes you just have to admit, certain things were better in the old days.
So why stop there? Now is surely the time to bring back bus conductors.
Not only did having someone on board taking the cash mean that services ran on time – I'm sick of people boarding at peak commuter times and wrangling for 15 minutes with the driver over change or routes – but it also meant that order was preserved. You didn't get people taking over the three back rows for an on-bus party, or teenagers (adults too, sometimes) resting dirty trainers on seats, or families chucking sticky coke cans and McDonald's wrappers on the floor.
Cinema ushers and usherettes should be given another chance.
As they led you in, walking ahead in their braided suits and hats, flashing their little torches, the experience felt special. And they policed the place, ticking people off for talking, or fooling around. People knew they had to behave. There was no danger of them throwing popcorn, or slurping drinks.
And what about lift attendants? Most department stores had them and they were brilliant. I can still picture the little man who sat in the lift in Binns department store, in Middlesbrough. As well as moving the elevator for you, he recounted the list of what was on each floor. If times have moved on, why do we now have to do these things ourselves?
A few things I thought we'd seen the back of have made a comeback. Small high street supermarkets – although sadly they all happen to be Tesco or Asda – are re-emerging, and banks have begun bringing services once farmed out to foreign call centres, back to the high street.
People want to revive all sorts of things. A glance on the web puts British Rail high on the list. I don't have great memories of BR – waiting forever on Darlington Station for trains that took 15 hours to reach King's Cross. And only a fool would want to bring back the legendary BR sandwich.
National Service too is something many people want to see reintroduced. That was before my time, but I'm sure my daughters would benefit.
Comments are closed on this article.


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The most current version of the site as always is available at our home page. To view an earlier snapshot click here and then modify the date indicated.
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29 May 2010 17:45:07 PM
UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans — Live Results + Commentary
("I dare you to open your mouth, Rashad. Just give me one reason to tell you yo breff stank." Photo courtesy of the UFC 114: Weigh In Pics gallery on CombatLifestyle.)
It's been a long time coming. Tonight in Las Vegas, after sixteen-and-a-half years of promoting fights, the UFC is putting on its very first event headlined by two African-American competitors. It's a historic moment that's sure be the talk of MMA news and speaks volumes about the development of the sport in this country, as well as the shifting attitudes toward…oh, who the hell am I kidding, THERE'S GONNA BE SOME BLACK ON BLACK CRIME!!!!!
Tonight's lineup features the grudge-iest of grudge matches between TUF 10 rival coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans, in a fight that will most likely determine the UFC's next light-heavyweight title contender. Also: Michael Bisping battles Dan Miller in the co-main, Todd Duffee gets his long-awaited second course, Lil' Nog toys with late-replacement Jason Brilz, and Diego Sanchez returns to familiar welterweight haunts against tough British prospect John Hathaway. But first, Spike TV gives us a couple of guaranteed bangers in their Prelims broadcast. Round-by-round UFC 114 results will be piling up after the jump, beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Hit refresh every few minutes for all the latest, and pass the wings, bitch, because it's about to pop off…Read More DIGG THIS


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In his first 2004 presidential debate, Senator John Kerry began the night in the favor-of-the-day. Answering his first question, Kerry explained that America needed to isolate the "radical Islamic Muslims".
"I have a better plan to be able to fight the war on terror by … beginning to isolate the radical Islamic Muslims, not have them isolate the United States of America."
At first, the statement sounded redundant-even uneducated. A Muslim is, by definition, a follower of Islam, and is therefore, by definition, "Islamic". Saying "Islamic Muslims" was a lot like saying "American Americans".
So was Kerry just being repetitive? Or was his statement perhaps more telling that even he realized? Are all Muslims "Islamic"? Well, the truth is-no. Not the good ones, at least.
More and more the underlying assumption seems to be that Islam is the problem. If Islam, as a faith, is in essence radical, the less "Islamic" something is the better. And thus a 'moderate Muslim'-the much coveted title-is only moderately Muslim and therefore only moderately bad. Saying this would be like telling someone to only be 'moderately black' so as not to be too violent.
Conversely, a Muslim who is too "Islamic" is then by definition "radical" – a "radical Islamic Muslim" – and must be dealt with (isolated).
In fact, Mona Mayfield understood these rules well when she defended her husband – wrongfully accused of participating in the Spain bombing.
"We have a Bible in the house. He's not a fundamentalist — he thought it was something different and very unique," Mayfield told the associated press of her husband's conversion to Islam.
To prove his innocence, Mayfield tried to downplay her husband's commitment to Islam. She even felt the need to justify his conversion-as if that were his crime.
Mosque administrator Shahriar Ahmed took a similar approach to defend Mayfield. "He was seen as a moderate," Ahmed told reporters. "Mayfield showed up for the Friday ritual of shedding his shoes, washing his bare feet and sitting on the carpets to hear services. He did not, as some devout Muslims do, pray five times a day at the mosque."
The implication here is that Brandon Mayfield's guilt or innocence was in some way related to how many times he prayed at the mosque. Ahmed even went on to assert, "He was on the less religious side if anything."
These 'less religious' icons of what an 'acceptable' Muslim should look like can be found all over the media. Irshad Manji, media entrepreneur and author of The Trouble with Islam, is one of the most celebrated of these icons. Manji is widely published and has appeared in all the top media outlets. She even received Oprah's Chutzpah Award for "gustiness".
Although Manji refers to herself as a "Muslim refusenik", the media refers to her as the model of a "practicing Muslim". Daniel Pipes, a board member of the United States Institute of Peace, calls her a "courageous, moderate, modern Muslim". But interestingly, Manji's ideas have less to do with Islam than Pipes' ideas have to do with peace. A Washington Post article describes Manji's epiphany about prayer-the cornerstone of the Islamic faith:
"Instead, she said, she began praying on her own. After washing her feet, arms and face, she would sit on a velvet rug and turn toward Mecca. Eventually, she stopped this as well, because she did not want to fall 'into mindless submission and habitual submissiveness.'"
Manji is welcome to her opinion about this practice of 1.5 billion people worldwide. She is also welcome to abandon any and all of these practices. But Manji is not simply depicted as an insignificant woman who decided not to pray. Her personal decision to abandon central tenets of her faith-so long as that faith is Islam- is portrayed as a fight for freedom. A fight against tyranny. She is 'courageous' and 'gutsy', a model for other not-too-Islamic Muslims to follow.
Making this the model is like asking someone not to be 'too black' or 'too Jewish' as if these were in essence bad or violent and anyone who struggled only to be 'moderately black' or 'moderately Jewish' was a freedom fighter.
For example, Manji told the Washington Post, "The violence is going to happen, then why not risk it happening for the sake of freedom?"
Yes. Freedom is good. Manji may have said it better. Kerry may have said it subtler. But a business management professor at California's Imperial Valley College said it truer: "The only way to end Islamic terrorism is to eliminate the Islamic religion."
But regardless of how you say it, one thing is for sure: when it comes to Islam these days-less is definitely more.
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August 05, 2013
In observance of Child Support Awareness Month, the Placer County Department of Child Support Services will hold an open house from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 at its offices in Rocklin, 1000 Sunset Blvd.
Throughout the month of August, child support professionals will seek to emphasize the benefits of parents working together for the betterment of their children. The open house will focus on the importance of keeping both parents involved in the child support process.
On July 9, the Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation adding Placer County to the list of jurisdictions nationwide that observe August as Child Support Awareness Month
"When children can count on their parents for financial and medical support, their future becomes a lot brighter. Our job is to assist parents in achieving that goal, when needed," said Susan Dunlap, the department's Program Manager. "Supporting children can take on many forms: from providing love and support to making sure they are properly fed and clothed every day. Taking care of children can be as challenging as it is rewarding."
The department currently has more than 9,000 active child support cases. Its services are available to any parent, guardian, or caretaker regardless of income. They include establishing paternity, establishing and enforcing child and medical support orders, accounting, and locating parents.
Last fiscal year, the department collected more than $20 million for families. It expects approximately $21 million in total collections this fiscal year. This jump in collections can be partially attributed to the over 260 legal agreements the department facilitated last year between parents.
"When both parents are involved in the child support process, we tend to see a higher level of satisfaction with the customers we serve," Dunlap said.
The department's core mission is distributing collected funds to assist clients in providing food, clothing, and shelter for their children.
Copyright 2014 County of Placer, California


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Made in the USA
About the Author
Vaclav Smil is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. He is the author of more than thirty books, including most recently Made in the USA: The Rise and Retreat of American Manufacturing (MIT Press).
In 2010 he was named by Foreign Policy as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers. In 2013 Bill Gates wrote on his website that "there is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil."
"There's no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil. With his vast knowledge of science and energy, history and business, he brings new insights to every topic he examines."
—Bill Gates
"Another irreplaceable entry in Smil's chronicling of the modern world. If anyone needs help understanding why making 'things' still matters in a digital world, start here. The US position as the world's reserve currency probably rests on the outcome."
—Michael Cembalest, Chief Investment Officer, JP Morgan Asset Management
"Vaclav Smil is one of our time's most insightful, thorough, and prolific analysts on the history and state of technology, humanity, and industry. Every book Smil has written has made an important contribution, but none may be more important, more timely than Made in the USA. Smil's fascinating and lucid exploration of the history and state of manufacturing in America comes at a critical time and should be the starting point for any discussion about the future for the USA."
—Mark P. Mills, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute