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The STEM Support of Computer Science working group made the recommendation Tuesday. Group co-chairs Mark Gruwell and Ann Watts discussed a list of recommendations to integrate computer science into Iowa schools, including an endorsement to recognize teachers and technology professors qualified to teach courses.
According to authorities, police and rescue crews responded to reports of someone jumping into the river and not resurfacing just after 5 p.m. Saturday. Two men were taken out of the water uninjured.
According to police, the two men had jumped off a ledge near the Riverwalk Hub. The Iowa Craft Beer Festival was just ending in the area, and Iowa Brewers Guild President Dave Ropte said this was the lone incident at the sold-out event.
AMES — Ames police say one man has died and another was critically injured in a construction accident at Iowa State University.
Emergency crews were called Friday afternoon to an apartment building under construction across the street from the ISU Memorial Union.
Police say the accident that killed one man and hurt another involved a fall from scaffolding.
DES MOINES — A New York City company the Iowa attorney general says was running a fraudulent psychic mail campaign targeting elderly Iowans has been ordered to pay $200,000 to a state consumer protection fund.
Court documents filed Friday say Faircom New York Inc. and company senior account director Audrey Corvino agreed to the restitution and will permanently halt mailings to Iowans. Faircom was further ordered to ensure that no one else uses Iowa mailing lists it compiled.
Attorney General Tom Miller says the company helped fraudulent operators in Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom distribute mailings to older Iowans and people in other states promising psychics would miraculously deliver health, wealth and happiness for a fee of $20 to $35.
He says Faircom acknowledges helping with hundreds of thousands of mailings nationwide.
IOWA CITY — The new Iowa Utilities Board chairwoman is explaining her decision to participate in a vote on a major oil pipeline despite a potential conflict of interest.
In a June 8 filing, Geri Huser told parties in the case that her brother is no longer representing a farm family that has filed an objection to the pipeline proposed by Dakota Access LLC.
Huser noted that she wasn't on the board when her brother wrote a December objection letter, which will remain part of the case file. She said any appearance of a conflict of interest has been addressed by his withdrawal from the case.
Days before Huser's filing, a board spokesman said that Huser wasn't planning to formally disclose the issue in the case.
The board could vote later this year.
DUBUQUE, Iowa — Neighbors of a proposed shooting range in rural Dubuque County have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the development.
Three neighbors filed the lawsuit Tuesday against several county panels, arguing the proposed range was too close to their properties and could endanger people or livestock.
The Dubuque police and county sheriff's office applied for a special-use permit to build the 100-yard law enforcement shooting range. After several meetings, county boards approved the permit.
Authorities say the range could be used by any officers working in the county.
The Dubuque police chief, county sheriff and county attorney all declined to comment on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit argues the decision to grant the special-use permit was unreasonable and not supported by the facts.
A state board has approved $25 million in extra tax breaks for a company building a giant fertilizer plant in southeast Iowa.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board on Friday approved the tax breaks for the Lee County plant after the IowaFertilizer Company pledged to add 11 more jobs. The project's total cost now totals $1.9 billion, and it will employ 180 people.
According to board documents, approval of the request brings the total amount of tax benefits the state has provided to the company to $107.5 million.
The construction of the plant near Wever is one of the largest economic development projects in state history.
A new fire and rescue boat named after a longtime Clear Lake firefighter is ready for use.
A christening ceremony was held Thursday for the 26-foot boat.
Diane and Mark Holt of Mason City donated $275,000 for the watercraft. It was named in honor of Diane Holt's late father, Frankie "Bud" Meyers.
Meyers was assistant fire chief from 1974 until his retirement in 1993. He also was the father of current Clear Lake Fire Chief Doug Meyers.
Frankie Meyers' widow, Helen, also was on hand for the ceremony.
The boat will be kept in a covered lift at City Beach until needed.
The warning applies to nearly 1,600 customers within the Xenia Rural Water District and 5,000 Boone Water Works customers. Xenia buys water from Boone for some of its customers.
The water tested out Wednesday at 10.7 milligrams per liter. The maximum level allowed in public drinking water is 10 milligrams per liter.
Experts say infants under 6 months can't process nitrates like older children and adults can.
People are advised not to boil, freeze or filter the water, because boiling can concentrate the nitrates.
Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson blames the high levels on recent rains.
The problem appeared after a Fire Station No. 4 ambulance was used for a call. The ambulance was taken out of service for cleaning, but bedbugs were later found at the station.
Bedbug bites can cause itchiness and skin welts, but the pests don't carry diseases.
Chemicals have been used on the firehouse and the fire vehicles, and firefighters are peering into cracks and other dark or tight spaces at the station where the bugs may be hiding. In addition, firefighters are being reminded to put their clothes in a dryer to kill the bugs, lest they hitch a ride to the firefighters' homes.
An investigation by the state auditor has found more than $500,000 in improper and unsupported spending by the city of Garwin.
Auditor Mary Mosiman announced Tuesday that an audit requested by city officials found $562,089 of improper and unsupported spending. That includes 203 payments traced by credit card statements to former City Clerk Anna Lori Leytham.
Payments on those credit card accounts date from December 2000 to September 2013.
Mosiman says there likely were additional payments but records before Jan. 1, 2001, weren't available.
Mosiman noted other improper payments, including $145,224 that Leytham issued to herself.
A telephone message left for Leytham seeking comment wasn't immediately returned.
The auditor's report was forwarded to state authorities and the Tama County Attorney's Office.
A former Iowa legislative clerk has been indicted on suspicion of bringing white powder to the state Capitol in 2012, a move that halted floor debate and forced a building lockdown.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt says Michael Dekota McRae was indicted on a charge of false information and hoaxes. He was arraigned Friday and released. Court records show he has pleaded not guilty.
McRae doesn't have a public phone listing, and a message left for his attorney seeking a comment wasn't immediately returned.
McRae is accused of writing a threatening letter and placing it in an envelope that was later opened near the desk of Democratic Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad. The envelope contained white powder.
House debate was halted and the Capitol was closed. Tests determined the powder was harmless.
A man has died after being shot by Des Moines police following a vehicle chase
The incident happened late Tuesday. Sgt. Jason Halifax said that an officer had pulled over a car for an unrelated traffic stop when another vehicle pulled up alongside so close that the officer couldn't open the door. Halifax said the driver of that car got out and danced before driving off.
Authorities say the driver did a U-turn after a low-speed pursuit and stopped abruptly.
Halifax said the driver was behaving erratically when he got out and began to move toward the car window of another officer who had just arrived. The officer shot the driver in the torso, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Halifax said he did not know if the driver was armed.
The shooting was reported about 2 p.m. Tuesday. Police say the boy died later at Mercy Medical Center. Sgt. Jason Halifax identified him as Terry Harris.
Halifax says Harris and the shooter knew each other. Several people were on other levels of the home when the shooting occurred in the basement.
Witnesses told police the shooter ran with a handgun from the scene. No arrest has been reported.
Federal prosecutors say a Marion couple have pleaded guilty to enticing a 15-year-old girl into sexual activity.
Sentencing hearings have not been set yet for 20-year-old Michael Darling and his wife, 27-year-old Jennifer Darling.
Prosecutors say that at a hearing last week, Michael Darling admitted that, between January and March, he persuaded the girl to engage in sexual activity. Prosecutors also say that on Monday, Jennifer Darling admitted enticing the same girl to engage in sexual activity, over the same weeks.
Each Darling faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
A 32-year-old man who shot his girlfriend at a Marshalltown motel has been given 41 years in prison.
Jean Martinez-Velazquez was sentenced on Monday.
Police say officers responded to the Flamingo Motel on Jan. 4 and found the woman suffering from a chest wound.
Martinez-Velazquez initially was charged with attempted murder and several other crimes. But he made a plea deal with prosecutors, who lowered some of the charges. He was convicted of domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, willful injury and several other crimes.
A crew of inmates soon will begin tearing down much of a Fort Dodge zoo, which once had cared for lemurs and other exotic animals.
The inmates from the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility will begin Monday in dismantling the empty pens at the Oleson Park Zoo. The removal likely will take between a week and 10 days to finish. All of the animals at the zoo have been removed, except some deer.
The city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission voted in April to not renew an agreement with the Friends of Oleson Park Zoo, a volunteer group that had operated the attraction for over a decade. The commission approved instead to return the site as a petting zoo of barnyard animals, deer and geese.
The Davenport school district is telling students they'd better behave on city buses or the students will lose their free rides.
The board approved rules Monday night for student use of CitiBus services. Parents will have to sign off on requests for CitiBus passes, and bus drivers will be able to limit how many students may board their buses.
Some drivers and other CitiBus riders have complained about swearing, fighting and other student misconduct.
Students who lose their passes will be able to ride if they pay, but if they keep being disruptive, police will treat such situations as trespassing.
The district says students accounted for 230,000 CitiBus rides over the past three years.
A new bipartisan group in Iowa is pushing for campaign finance reform in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.
"Iowa Pays the Price" is set to officially launch Tuesday. The effort is being chaired by Democrats, Republicans and an independent. It's funded by a national group also focused on campaign finance issues.
Group co-chair Brad Anderson is a Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for secretary of state last year.
He says the group plans to spend about $500,000 on an educational campaign that will include social media, online videos, studies and a petition drive.
Anderson also says the group will question presidential candidates about their campaign finance reform plans.
A police officer who says he's received threats since shooting a man in 2012 will be allowed to move his family farther away from City Hall in Waterloo.
The City Council voted Monday to grant Officer Kyle Law an exception to a policy that says city workers deemed critical to emergency response must live within 10 miles of City Hall. The exception lets Law move up to 20 miles away. Law had sought the exception, saying he's been threatened several times and wanted to find a new, safer home for his family.
A grand jury declined to charge Law in the November 2012 shooting of 22-year-old Derrick Ambrose Jr.
A Davenport man has been ticketed after the personal watercraft he was operating ran into a dock on the Mississippi River near Bettendorf in eastern Iowa.
The Iowa Natural Resources Department says five people were injured in Sunday's accident on the edge of Leach Park. They were treated at a Bettendorf hospital and released. The watercraft operator, 44-year-old Daniel Nelson, was not hurt.
The department says Nelson was ticketed on a speed and distance violation and for not having the right size life jacket for his 10-year-old stepdaughter, who was on the watercraft with him. She, too, was not hurt.
The Muscatine County attorney is asking the Iowa attorney general's office to prosecute theft and burglary charges against the Muscatine police chief's son, citing a conflict of interest.
19-year-old Drake Talkington has been charged with several felonies including second-degree burglary, second-degree theft and possession of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Talkington was arrested May 28 for allegedly breaking into his mother's home and stealing a .45 caliber handgun. The court documents say detectives discovered Talkington was in possession of approximately ½-gram of methamphetamine during an interview.
He is being held in the Muscatine County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Talkington's court-appointed attorney has filed a request for the court to review his bond. A hearing is scheduled for June 19.
A 35-year-old Cedar Rapids woman has admitted using another person's identity to file a fraudulent tax return and steal money from the U.S. government.
Gwendolyn Murray pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft of government property and one count of identity theft.
Prosecutors say Murray admitted using someone else's name and Social Security number and signing a fraudulent tax return that she filed in January 2012. Murray also admitted cashing the refund check of more than $6,000.
A sentencing date hasn't been set.
Five men have been charged in federal court in South Dakota with attempted commercial sex trafficking.
Authorities say the charges relate to responses to online advertisements during an undercover operation.
Those indicted are 25-year-old Benjamin Iverson and 29-year-old Scott Larson of Sioux Falls; 27-year-old Nathanuel Downs of Sioux City, Iowa; 29-year-old Lance Hunter Jr. of Little Rock,Iowa; and 26-year-old Jose Oxlaj of Guatemala.
All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
A search for a man who went missing in the Des Moines River has been postponed.
Des Moines media outlets report emergency personnel in boats were searching the shoreline for the man who went missing late Monday. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the search was suspended due to darkness at 10:30 p.m.
Authorities had responded to a report of a distressed man in the river around 8:30 p.m.
The number of private pilots in the U.S. has been steadily falling and is a big factor in the closure of hundreds of airports.
Since peaking at 357,000 in 1980, the number of pilots with private certificates has plunged to 188,000.
That drop is a big reason hundreds of small, rural airports have closed.
In Onawa, Iowa, planes will stop flying into the airfield for the first time in 60 years. Instead, the runway will be used as a racing dragstrip.
Officials in Hillsboro, Illinois, sold off their airport to a company that is mining for coal.
Gene Martin, who owns a private airfield in South Sioux City, Nebraska, says business has slowed, but he's holding on despite offers for his land.
Martin says, "That's all I've ever done."
Officials say cameras are needed to help enforce an Iowa law that increased penalties for drivers who illegally pass by school buses whenever they're stopped.
Under the state law, commonly referred to as Kadyn's Law, driving privileges are suspended for 30 days for a first conviction. It increases to 90 days for a second conviction and 180 days for a third conviction.
The law was prompted by the 2011 death of 7-year-old Kadyn Halverson, who was hit by a vehicle as she crossed a rural road to board a school bus.
An administrator who oversees transportation at Mason City and Clear Lake schools says an exterior camera on the buses is needed to help identify more violators.
Mason City bus drivers say they still see an average of one illegal pass each week.
The bird flu outbreak has caused the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve importing egg products from the Netherlands to be used for baking and in processed foods.
The American Bakers Association says makers of cookies, crackers and breads are facing an egg shortage crisis.
A third of the supply disappeared in just a few weeks because of the H5N2 virus, which has led to the death of 35 million egg-laying hens.
The USDA said last week the Netherlands should begin shipping egg products within days.
It's the first time in more than a decade the U.S. has bought eggs from a European nation.
In recent years, only Canada held certification to sell liquid, dried and frozen egg products to U.S. companies.
Authorities have arrested a man in Minneapolis in the shooting death of another man in northern Iowa.
The Emmet County Sheriff's Department announced Monday that police arrested 18-year-old Lee Samuel Christensen in Minneapolis and charged him with first-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Thomas Bortvit. Both men are from Estherville, Iowa.
The sheriff's office says officers found Bortvit's body in a rural area of Emmet County late Sunday afternoon.
Later Sunday, Christensen was arrested in Minneapolis and accused of using a firearm to kill Bortvit on Saturday.
Christensen is being held in the Hennepin County Jail, and authorities plan to return him to Iowa to face charges.
Online court records weren't available to indicate whether Christensen has an attorney who could comment on his arrest.
Gov. Terry Branstad is not saying whether he will sign off on the $7.3 billion spending plan approved by the Legislature last week.
Branstad said Monday he needs to review all the budget bills backed by the Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate. He declined to say how he will act on the compromise plan, which includes $7.17 billion in ongoing spending, as well as $135 million in one-time expenditures.
Branstad criticized lawmakers for failing to approve K-12 education funding for the 2016-2017 school year before they adjourned but did not say if he would try to call lawmakers back in a special session to resolve the issue. He also would not commit to a compromise plan struck to keep open two mental health institutions slated for closure.
A man has found and returned a class ring lost in Mason City nearly 50 years ago.
It was found by Tom Teeter, of Mason City, with his metal detector last month in a field near Hoover Elementary School.
Terry Long said that he'd given it to his girlfriend to hold while he was coaching at a Little League game in 1967. She'd placed it on a blanket on the ground and forgot it was there when they went to a car to leave. He remembered, though, and they went back to check. No luck.
His luck changed when Teeter found the ring and called. Teeter had tracked Long using his initials and the Meservey-Thornton High School initials on the ring.
The Supreme Court has agreed to weigh new limits on the ability of workers to band together to dispute pay and workplace issues.
The justices said Monday they will review a $5.8 million class-action judgment against Tyson Foods Inc. over the pay for more than 3,000 workers at its Storm Lake, Iowa, pork processing plant.
The company said it should not have been forced to defend a class-action lawsuit. But the federal appeals court in St. Louis ruled for the workers.
The case, Tyson Foods v. Bouaphakeo, 14-1146, will be argued in the fall.
Authorities say a Decorah couple died after a highway accident in northeast Iowa.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Iowa Highways 9 and 139 about a mile east of Cresco.
The Iowa State Patrol says a car driven by 88-year-old Donald Olsen had stopped at the intersection. The patrol says that when Olsen drove into the intersection, his car was struck by a southbound pickup driven by 75-year-old Gerald Ollendieck, of Ridgeway.
Olsen and his wife, 82-year-old Wilma Olsen, were pronounced dead after arriving at hospital. Ollendieck also was hospitalized for treatment.
Thirty-four-year-old David LaVera was sentenced Monday in Newton.
Authorities say that while LaVera was in Jasper County last spring, he posed as "Twilight" actor Kiowa Gordon and visited two Newton schools. Prosecutors say LaVera inappropriately touched a 14-year-old girl and lured her into his vehicle.
The newspaper also reports that a federal judge on Friday rejected a plea deal LaVera made with U.S. prosecutors, saying the punishment wasn't severe enough.
In March LaVera pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges. The plea deal called for more than five years in prison, plus 10 years of supervised release.
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey says he's hopeful the disease has been contained in the state.
But officials are still working to dispose of millions of chickens and turkeys that were killed to limit the spread of the disease. Northey estimates that will take several weeks, if not months to complete.
It's important that poultry and egg producers remain vigilant about biosecurity measures at their farms. It's possible that migratory birds could bring another round of disease outbreaks this fall when they pass through the region again.
The Iowa Natural Resources Department says 44-year-old Daniel Nelson, of Davenport, was operating the watercraft when it hit the dock at Leach Park around 3:15 p.m. Sunday. He was not hurt.
At least three people were thrown into the water.
All five of the injured were taken a hospital. Their names have not been released.
The accident is being investigated.
A Judge ruled Thursday that removing the cameras "might create a more hazardous traffic condition at the camera location."
A lawsuit was filed against the city in March that argued the cameras violate motorists' fundamental right to travel granted by the U.S. and Iowa constitutions.
The suit also says the cameras entrap motorists and that the equipment used to enforce speed limits fails to meet national standards.
The judge is set to hear arguments to dismiss the case June 18.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has separately ordered the Des Moines to turn off the cameras because they were not making roads safer. City officials say they will fight the order in court.
The Republican-controlled House and Democratic-led Senate backed budgets for economic development, agriculture, administration and infrastructure spending Thursday. They also approved a plan that seeks to support broadband infrastructure in the state.
Lawmakers are hoping to adjourn soon. They've agreed to a spending plan of about $7.3 billion for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The tentative deal includes $7.17 billion in ongoing spending, plus $135 million in one-time payments for items such as schools, universities and Medicaid. Lawmakers had originally estimated the one-time spending at $125 million.
Several budget bills still await final approval before the lawmakers can adjourn for the year.
Samantha Smith, a spokeswoman for Christie's political action committee, said Wednesday that the Republican New Jersey governor and potential 2016 presidential candidate will give the speech in Ames on June 11.
Christie is slated to speak at the Polk County Republicans' spring dinner that night. His trip will also likely include a town hall meeting.
The trip will be Christie's fifth to Iowa this year. He was last here in early March for a candidate forum and has two paid staffers in the state.
Christie is trying to demonstrate that he remains a top 2016 prospect in an increasingly crowded field.
Authorities are investigating a high-speed pursuit in rural southeast Iowa that ended with two police officers firing weapons even though the suspects were apparently unarmed.
No one was injured during the shooting involving Fairfield police early Tuesday.
Capt. Colin Smith says officers tried to pull over a vehicle in Fairfield at about 1 a.m. He says the driver refused to stop and drove away at high speeds. The vehicle, which carried one additional passenger, was eventually stopped 15 miles away south of Birmingham.
Smith says both officers fired their guns after the chase. He refused to say why, promising more information later. He says the vehicle occupants didn't have any weapons "that we know of."
The driver was jailed, but authorities refused to release his name or charges he faces.
Police say an eastern Iowa teenager accused of fatally stabbing his 34-year-old brother told investigators that he thought his sibling was about to attack their mother.
A criminal complaint filed by Bettendorf police has provided new details about Saturday's slaying. The 15-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder, and prosecutors want to try him as a youthful offender in adult court.
The complaint says the boy told officers he'd overheard his brother arguing with their mother, which he said enraged him because his brother frequently caused family disturbances.
The boy told officers he walked up behind his brother and, without warning, stabbed him at least two times.
A 46-year-old western Iowa teacher accused of sexually abusing a student has taken a plea deal.
Online court records say Barret Glasnapp pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of sex abuse and two counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee. Prosecutors dropped several other counts in exchange for Glasnapp's pleas. His trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday in Pottawattamie County District Court in Council Bluffs.
Glasnapp had taught at Underwood Middle School in Underwood.
Authorities say Glasnapp's sexual interaction with the girl began in 2011 when the student was 14 and continued until October. She was a student of Glasnapp from 2009 until 2012.
Authorities say the Iowa woman who died in a fall from a third-floor fire escape in La Crosse was heavily intoxicated.
The La Crosse County Medical Examiner's Office says the death of 32-year-old Robin Krabill was accidental. Toxicology results show she had a blood alcohol content of 0.24 percent — or three times the legal limit for driving.
The Waverly, Iowa woman was found in a walkway alley in downtown La Crosse April 27th. Police say surveillance video shows her attempting to climb the fire escape before her fall.
A veteran county prosecutor based in Waterloo is stepping down to take a state job in charge of training county attorneys across Iowa.
Black Hawk County Attorney Thomas Ferguson will begin June 30 as the state's prosecuting attorneys training coordinator and executive director of the Iowa County Attorneys Association.
He'll retire the same day from the elected county position he's held since 1990. Ferguson, a Democrat, was re-elected to a seventh four-year term last year.
Attorney General Tom Miller announced Ferguson's new appointment Wednesday. He says Ferguson's expertise and experience will be a huge asset to prosecutors in Iowa's 99 counties.
Ferguson's state job will involve providing support, continuing education and training for prosecutors and their assistants. He replaces Corwin Ritchie, who is retiring.
Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign is expanding their operations in Iowa.
Iowa spokeswoman Lily Adams says Clinton is opening five new organizing offices in the leadoff caucus state, bringing the total number of offices to nine.
The new locations are in Ames, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa City. They will be used for canvassing, phone banking and organizing meetings.
Hillary for Iowa State Director Matt Paul says Wednesday in a news release that the offices are: "a critical presence in communities so everyday Iowans can get involved in this campaign."
Clinton launched her 2016 Democratic presidential bid in early April and has made two trips already to the state. She'll be back in Iowa next week after making a major campaign speech in New York City.
A southern Iowa school district says it'll be the first to almost be completely powered by solar energy.
The WACO district in January installed a large solar collector farm behind the elementary school building in Crawfordsville. Work should start this summer on another solar farm behind the junior-senior high building in Wayland.
When that work is finished, district officials say the solar farms should provide more than 90 percent of the small district's electric needs.
Superintendent Darrell Smith says the solar farms came about from discussions about how the district could save money. Smith says the initial solar panel setup already has had an impact, saving around $20,000 in costs.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is installing 24 kiosks across the state where people can renew or replace their driver's license.
Each machine is equipped with a camera to snap new ID photos.
The agency's director of strategic communications, Andrea Henry, says most of the equipment will be placed in metropolitan areas.
Henry says the department began installing the kiosks in May and will install the final devices this week. She says they primarily have been stationed in grocery stores and library branches.
Henry declined to comment Tuesday about the cost of each kiosk. She said the department doesn't anticipate the equipment to cause a decrease in the number of its employees.
An Iowa city utility manager and most members of the utility's board have been dismissed following a three-day telephone outage.
Mayor Tim Johnson says the Reinbeck City Council took the action on May 15, the day the outage ended for about 400 customers of Reinbeck Telecommunications Utility. The municipal utility provides digital cable, Internet and telephone services to Reinbeck, a city of about 1,700 people in Grundy County.
Board member Dan Smoldt was among those removed, but he subsequently was reinstated as board chairman. He has said the outage resulted from a hardware issue that was compounded by software problems.
Smoldt says the utility has hired consultants to review how the utility does business and says the utility will explore up-to-date technologies and cost-saving measures.
A Cedar Rapids man accused of sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl in Rockford, Iowa, has pleaded not guilty.
The alleged abuse happened in December. Floyd County police arrested 18-year-old Kobey R. Pohlman last month.
He pleaded not guilty to second-degree sexual abuse and is scheduled to stand trial July 14 in Floyd County District Court.
It is not immediately clear if Pohlman has an attorney.
Many Iowans can expect higher electric bills soon, thanks to higher summer temperatures and higher rates being charged by MidAmerican Energy.
The Des Moines-based utility is notifying customers their bills will likely climb during the summer months of June, July, August and September.
MidAmerican Energy spokeswoman Ruth Comer says summer rates are higher "because our cost to produce electricity increases ... as demand increases."
In addition, MidAmerican is raising its base rate this month by 3.5 percent, thanks to Iowa regulators who approved three years of rate increases.
Last year's 3.6 percent annual average increase didn't become effective until September. Comer says the average annual increase next year will be 3.3 percent.
The university will open the ground floor of the Iowa Memorial Union to the public Wednesday for the first time since it closed in 2008, hammered by flood waters from the Iowa River.
The space had long been at the heart of campus life, where students had activities, studied, ate and gathered. But several classes of students have graduated without enjoying its existence.
At least Fred Hoiberg left his alma mater stocked with talent.
The 42-year-old Hoiberg grew up in Ames, served as a ball boy for the Cyclones and later starred for legendary coach Johnny Orr. As a coach, he brought back the "Hilton Magic" to a success-starved fan base.
Rare was the day when Hoiberg could walk down the street without being stopped for autographs and his record stood for itself: Four NCAA tournament appearances in five seasons and back-to-back Big 12 tourney titles.
But now the day Iowa State fans have been dreading has come. Hoiberg is off to coach the Chicago Bulls.
The survey report issued Monday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index dropped to 50.4 last month from 52.7 April.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he highlighted drops in economic activity for companies linked to energy production and agriculture.
The survey results from supply managers are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth, while a score below that suggests decline.
Authorities say the children were picked up at their home in Jefferson about 2:30 p.m. Sunday and taken to Des Moines for the day by 21-year-old Allison Tucker. The children's mother reported them missing around 8:30 p.m. Sunday because they hadn't arrived at their specific destination.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says Tucker was arrested but didn't say what charge she faces.
Mason City firefighters were sent to a Holiday In Express a little before 11:45 a.m. Sunday. Fire Capt. Jared Ogbourne says bleach and an acid were accidentally mixed in the laundry room on the first floor, creating chlorine gas. He says the gas was contained on the first floor, but the entire hotel was evacuated as a precaution.
Medics set up in the hotel parking lot so they could check hotel guests and employees and treat those who'd inhaled the gas.


text:
Solo Cup Company
- Language: English
- Published: July 2015
On Dec. 18, 2003, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised its ratings on Owings Mills, Md.-based Sweetheart Cup Co. Inc. (see list below) and assigned its 'CCC' senior secured debt rating to the company's offering of $100 million 9.5% senior secured notes due 2007, issued under Rule 144A with registration rights. The outlook is stable. The upgrade follows the company's closing on debt refinancing that significantly improves its debt maturity profile. There are now no major debt maturities before 2007. Total debt outstanding as of Sept. 30, 2003 (including capitalized operating leases and parent-company obligations), was nearly $800 million. If this financing had not been completed by year end, Sweetheart's bank credit facility would have matured on Dec. 31, 2003....
Companies mentioned in this report are:
- Sweetheart Cup Co. Inc.
- International Paper Co.
- Sweetheart Holdings Inc.
- Fonda Group Inc. (The)
Action: Various Rating Actions
Standard and Poors RatingsXpress Credit Research provides in-depth coverage of international corporates, financial institutions, insurance companies, utilities, sovereigns and structured finance programs. RatingsXpress Credit Research lets users determine the credit rating of holdings and identify key factors underlying an issuer's creditworthiness, distinguishes the different risk exposures for new and existing deals, and provides an understanding of how their analysts interpret key regulatory, political and environmental events and their economic impact.
Product Type: Research Update
Research updates complement media releases. They offer more depth and detail than summary analyses by incorporating all information published in the media release. They are more up to date than summaries in that they are published simultaneously with media releases. SHOW LESS READ MORE >
- Sweetheart Cup Co. Inc.
- International Paper Co.
- Sweetheart Holdings Inc.
- Fonda Group Inc. (The)

subset: commoncrawl


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NAKURU, KENYA — — Just one year in age separated 17-year-old Travis Wood from the oldest of the Kenyan boys he was standing before, but at 6 feet 2, 190 pounds, he appeared like a giant to them.
So too did 5-10, 175-pound 16-year-old Keifer Rawlings.
The two linebackers from the St. Paul's football team were in Kenya in early January as part of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes mission trip.


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Posts Tagged 'Αρης'
Posted by: Sindwiller in Spacesims on February 19th, 2009
So, one of the things, which bother me the most in space sims, is that space fights can get pretty dull after a while. The style of combat tends to be monotonic, the design surrounding and accompanying space fights is the lamest one; literally the one element evolving the least in space sim designs. It gets even lamer once one considers the number of space sims focusing on combat. The god of war (Mars/Ares, not Kratos) appears in space sims as a destroyer of the habit, as an annihilator of boredom and as one of the paths of playing the game, of which the player can choose from. So why do people neglect the mighty god of war despite the fact that he could bring many, many positive changes to the game?
Typical combat designs in space sims consist of chasing the enemy by flying around in circles, while he may or may not be able to get you on his front side to be able to shoot you. If the enemy has gotten turrets, you're screwed, - or not - depending on the game's design. Simply put, the ships with the highest speed, most firepower and fattest shields wins. One of the obvious reasons why combat is so dull is the very simple ship balancing. Every ship owner will come to a point at which his ship is basically worthless, due to the "if you aren't this big, you're too weak" design, meaning that every "more advanced" ship can defeat any ships below it, regardless of fitting or tactics - no exceptions allowed. That design can be loosened pretty easily though. I'd like to introduce a design with more variations, involving more tactics - rather than just a straight line.
(both diagrams were made by Tranberry from the FGD forums, visit his wobsite under: http://tranberry.se )
Instead of being instant cannon fodder and thus good for basically nothing at all, fast and light-weight ships, you may call them interceptors or scouts, now have the possibility to be used for, what their name actually suggests, interception of fighters and bombers. They should be quite effective in groups, especially for perturbing the enemy. Interceptors/Scouts should be the cheapest ships in the design. Excluding civilian ships, if there is the need for a separation between faction/military ships and 'mere' civilian ships or ships manufactured by independent companies.
The gap in-between would then be filled by fighters, which would be somewhat limited omnipotent packages, perfect for raids, escorts and patrols in small numbers and for hit-and-run tactics, in which you don't necessarily want to lose a great bunch of your ships.
The next class is filled by heavy fighters and bombers. Heavy fighters, the more expensive variants of the fighters - also with a much greater mass - are intended for universal use. If you have the money and the nerves, that is. The fighter<>heavy fighter relationship might be a critical point in the design when it comes to balancing. Bombers will be designed for anti-capital assaults. They're particularly slow for their size, although they will have the ability to get a fair speed boost for a limited amount of time during strikes and for evasion of heavy capital turrets and missiles, and their energy systems will be specifically designed for the carriage and launch of very heavy missiles or energy-based bomber equipment, so they won't be abused as "very-very-fat" fightercraft.
The gap between capital ships and heavy fightercraft will be filled by gun boats (their purpose being the interception of small and medium fightercraft using turrets), corvettes, cruisers and frigates… I will have to think this class through I think.
The capital ships (destroyers, carriers, etc.) are self-explanatory.
As I was already saying in the beginning of this mess of an article, another quite soporific spice put into combat design is limiting and boring navigation and flight physics. Though by any means, do not interpret this statement as it would promote realistic space physics; please don't. Ultra-realistic flight physics destroy the fun of combat completely. Instead, consider flight physics a way to introduce new elements to combat. Instead of putting all down to physical laws, you should also think of ways technology would've worked out the issues of space flight by then. After all, it's a science-fiction game - don't take the 'science' thing too seriously.
Imagine a simple spaceship having two engines. This would allow the ship to accelerate in one direction and thus travel in one direction, but it'd be heavily affected by the gravitational force of the celestial bodies near or not so near it. Thrusters on the front side and on every other sides are added to allow manipulation of the direction in which the ship is heading, as well as the roll of the ship. After a while, a trick allows to get the gravitational force of the celestial bodies out of the picture, which allows much more freedom for space flight. Also, the correction of the course by the thrusters is handled automatically, even though more advanced pilots may consider manual operation for sliding/gliding. The thrusters on the front side are especially effective, in so far as it is possible to stop immediately, decelerate and then recelerate again, making room for many wicked maneuvers. Just to picture it:
You can bite your fingers off at that, vector mathematicians.
Now to a little bit of history. In the history of sefaring, due to the lack of long range weaponry suitable on sea, the first way of nautical combat was quite simple: ram the enemy! The ships were obviously constructed with that kind of combat in mind. The nose of the ship was reinforced with metal and made extra sharp. Thus, the ships weren't too big and were quite agile. That method of combat was used by the Greek and by the Phoinikians, probably invented by the Pelasgians. Don't quote me as a reliable source though; the origin of this tactic is unknown.
During the Punic Wars, the Romans were faced with that tactic, since the Carthaginians/Phoinikians were masters of seafaring and nautic combat. They were at disadvantage, as their ships were quite… crappy. Until they had found a solution, they were never able to secure their sea or cut off the Carthaginians from their usual trade routes (Sardinia, Sicilia, etc.). One day, they decided to turn the whole thing into land combat again and filled a whole ship with soldiers, everybody well equipped and well trained for battle. They tricked the Carthaginian ship into approaching them, at which they evaded the Phoinikians, smashed their rudders, sailed to one side of the enemy ship and jumped over. Seamen can't fight. And so they were doomed. And so, boarding ships was born.
The same thing would be quite interesting in space: Ships of the size of corvettes - so right in-between capital ships and bombers - with the ability to harden certain areas of their shields for a period of time. A new kind of hit-and-run tactic would be born.


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mmmh.. Delicious
Design by Tim Wolff
Say somethin' nice
No account?
RaRa monster on Aug 4, 2014 at 21:09:27
Reprint in Girly please!!!!!! or at least Kids
zjione111 on Apr 13, 2013 at 09:28:34
Good news: this website www (( pokostyle )).com
Dr.Roler on Nov 24, 2011 at 16:09:43
the guys are sold out we need more
cnnguyen1204 on Sep 30, 2011 at 21:48:11
reprintttt! :D
rib rub on Jun 24, 2011 at 14:30:22
tnx for reprinting
kloc75 on May 5, 2011 at 05:37:27
thanx for reprinting! love this one !
pythonchris on May 2, 2011 at 11:35:51
Oh - it appears the reprint was only in baby sizes.
pythonchris on May 2, 2011 at 11:33:44
Did this really get reprinted or was the notification email of the reprint a mistake?
rawand on Apr 28, 2011 at 16:29:09
i just got a mail alert that this shirt got reprinted, i click on it, brings me to this page and all sizes are sold out? it can't possibly be sold out in few hours can it?
pandasaruse on Nov 9, 2010 at 17:23:43


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If you would like to visit our facilities in Jasper, just check out the map & directions.


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Foy pulled his car into the driveway and shut off the engine. He could see Joyce on the porch watering flowers. He got out and waved to her. She waved back. He walked by the side of the house and opened a gate to the backyard. A dog ran up to him. He rubbed its head and said, Rico, that's a good dog. He headed toward the back of the yard, figuring Raymond would be in his shop.
Raymond built the workshop himself. It was made of stone that perfectly matched the house. Foy laid his hand on the side of the shop and dragged his fingers along the stones. He looked back at Raymond's house and whispered, Jesus.
There was a door to the shop, but it was always locked and even if it wasn't Raymond kept a bunch of boxes piled up behind it. Foy unlatched the large sliding door and moved it a few feet to the right. It was heavy, but it slid easily. He slipped inside and closed the door behind him. The shop smelled like wood, machine parts, and leather. It was a great smell.
Raymond, you in here?
I'm in the back. Continue reading


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The momentous nature of several events in the Middle East has prompted many observers to focus on a few issues and give them primacy in shaping the transformation of the region. These include the Arab citizen revolts across the region that comprise a veritable new Arab Awakening, the rise in Turkey's role, and the Palestinian initiative to seek recognition of statehood at the United Nations.
These are indeed game-changing developments. But they should not detract from the much wider array of changes under way that represent a rare moment of historic and strategic transformation. The following 10 issues are critical examples of change and together define this new strategic environment:
First, the Middle East has probably reached the limits of what can be achieved through conventional warfare between Arabs and Israelis, or Iranians as well, following the destruction of the last two Israeli wars with Lebanon and Gaza during the past 5 years. The doctrines of deterrence and resistance will now be assessed in new terms.
Second, the United States continues to marginalize itself as a credible or forceful actor in the region, through its increasingly one-sided support for Israel. Washington has very little influence today with the four principal national actors in the Middle East--Arabs, Israelis, Turks, and Iranians. They all routinely rebuff its overtures and ignore its pressures and threats. The U.S. is the world's strongest power, but also the weakest power in the Middle East.
Third, the ongoing Arab citizen revolts are changing a region that was once defined by autocrats and police states to one more widely infused with mechanisms of popular and participatory democracy, real constitutionalism, and the consent of the governed--with a strong cross-cutting demand for more social justice among newly liberated and empowered citizens. The emerging Arab world will be defined much more by concepts of the rule of law and social equity.
Fourth, Iran and Turkey are both in the process of having to adjust their relations and policies in the region, in view of their evolving domestic conditions and the new realities in the area.
Fifth, the political transition in Egypt has shown that the country will play a role in the Middle East that echoes its days half a century ago, when it was a trendsetter for the Arab region, a shaper and player in the realm of Arab national interests and dignity, and a leader in the confrontation with Israel (without going to war with Israel).
Sixth, the steady isolation of Israel (with that of its American ally and protector), due primarily to its own aggressive policies against Palestinians and other Arabs, has created a new reality. This reality is that Israel's traditional leading asset – its military superiority – is proving less and less relevant to political changes in the region, as nationalist confrontations are increasingly articulated in political and populist terms, rather than in gunfights.
Seventh, the global tendency toward reaffirming the concept that states or individuals are legally accountable for their actions is being given life through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, Security Council sanctions, special tribunals, and other organs of the United Nations system. The Goldstone Report was one example of this, and the hysterical American-Israeli reaction to curtail it emphasized how worried the U.S.-Israel combine is about being subjected to international legal, political and ethical accountability.
Eighth, the Fatah-led Palestinian initiative at the U.N. in September represents a timely example of how even weak and vulnerable parties that are not recognized states can shake up the global political system and initiate new dynamics through bold action. The realization that the powerless actually have power will come into play more frequently in the months and years ahead, as regional and global confrontations shift from the battlefield to the court house and the councils of international organizations.
Ninth, the request for U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state also represents an important shift away from failed American mediation in the Arab-Israeli conflict towards an attempt to address and resolve this conflict through more legitimate and effective forums, at the U.N. and elsewhere.
And tenth, the renewed activism of Palestinian refugees around the region and the world, like the continued development of the Palestinian movement to boycott, sanction and divest from Israel until it grants the Palestinians their legal rights, also represents an important and fundamental shift into a new arena of combat on the basis of challenging Israel's predatory and racist policies against Palestinians. More and more frequently, "Israel" and "Apartheid" are being used in the same sentence. This means that global reactions to Israeli policies will become increasingly hard.
This wider perception of changes under way across the Middle East may offer a more complete view of how individual developments link together to create a new foundation for the resumption of national history that was stunted, and essentially suspended, in our region for over half a century.
Rami G. Khouri is published twice weekly by THE DAILY STAR.
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Against tyranny and ISIS, call on Elvis
What is behind the recent bombing wave?
The Palestinians shift in the right way


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The Big Q | Click and Clack from Car Talk
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Car Talk co-host Tom Magliozzi, one half of the Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers NPR radio team, who entertained millions of Americans every Saturday with their unique blend of humor and automobile savvy, died Monday, November 3, at age 77. From its debut in 1987 to when live shows ended two years ago, Car Talk had become one of NPR's all-time favorites. A nation listened to Tom's booming laugh and his kid brother Ray's banter, and the car information came along for the ride. Their voices still are with us each week with archival shows that will continue. Yankee's interview with the brothers ran in November 2010 and took place not far from their boyhood home in East Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Tom and Ray Magliozzi's Car Talk originated on WBUR in Boston in 1977, attracting a large local following before premiering in National Public Radio syndication in 1987. Car Talk is now heard by more than 4.3 million listeners each week. The Magliozzis also write a nationally syndicated newspaper column, "Click and Clack Talk Cars." Their most recent book is Ask Click and Clack: Answers From Car Talk.
Ray: We've been fortunate to have very interesting callers. They've sustained us. If it weren't for the callers, we would have quit after the first couple of shows. I certainly didn't want to sit there and talk to him [gestures toward Tom] for an hour every week.
Tom: Hell, no!
Ray: As a matter of fact, for the very first show Tom was supposed to be part of a panel of car experts. The host was supposed to ask questions, but no one else showed up, so Tom asked if he could take calls from listeners. That's how the show was born. It was that simple, that serendipitous. The next week I came. Somehow the host got dumped, and it was just us from that point on.
Tom: Yeah, thank God we were able to take calls! [Laughter.]
Ray: For at least the first six months, we thought that [WBUR] was a studio just for BU [Boston University] students. Then we started getting calls from places like Framingham. [Laughter.] Remember, this was the seventies. Public radio was still in its infancy. I was listening to Gordon Lightfoot. I discovered him at the Harvard Coop, looking through the folk-music section. Great album cover; he's sitting there with his guitar, kind of stretched out, with cowboy boots and a leather vest. I didn't know any of the songs, but I bought the record. It was $1.19. I still have it. Now there's probably no place to buy a record in Harvard Square.
Tom: Third floor of The Garage [the Cambridge shopping arcade].
Ray: Oh, that's right. Anyway, the callers are the most important part of our show. Often we can zero in on something interesting. Some people are very open, they'll divulge something right off–"Hi, I'm a microbiologist"–and we can explore that. [Laughter.]
Please Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. When planning a trip, please confirm details by directly contacting any company or establishment you intend to visit.


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tate trumps
Best iPhone apps for reference and learning2 February 2012
The iPhone is a hugely powerful reference tool. Like having a portable library stuck in your pocket, you can find an answer to pretty much any question instantly. Sure it might not always be correct, but there is an armada of info buried at your fingertips. ... >>
APP OF THE DAY - Tate Trumps (iPhone)2 June 2010
It's that time of the day again when we bring to you a selected treat from the wide, wide world of apps. Today, after much mocking from his peers for referring to the Eurovision Song Contest as a "cultural event" this Pocket-linter brings you a real shot... >>


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Amazing Students
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Ecology
- Education
- Environment and Design
- Faculty of Engineering
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Forestry and Natural Resources
- Graduate School
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Public and International Affairs
- Public Health
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- Veterinary Medicine
Camille Cole
Camille Cole is no stranger to blood, sweat and tears. She is a senior with a major in exercise science, a concentration in athletic training and a minor in Spanish. Last summer, she received at an extremely competitive internship and spent her time working with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team as an athletic training student. Additionally, she completed a study abroad program in Peru emphasizing medical Spanish. She hopes to put that knowledge to use after graduation working as an…
Stephanie Mundy
Stephanie has been a go-getter since she began her college career in fall 2003. She worked as an intern last summer at Sony/ATV Music Publishing in Nashville in coordination with UGA's music business certificate program at the Terry College of Business. She is juggling a music performance degree with a concentration in voice along with the music business certificate requirements and a degree in insurance. After graduation, she plans to move to Nashville either to work in the music industry…
Tracy Troutman
Through her leadership roles as former president of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Ambassador Program and president and recruitment chair for the UGA chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, senior Tracey Troutman has been able to share with current and prospective students the importance of agriculture in all aspects of life. Coming from a rural background, it is Troutman's passion to promote and support activities and programs that spread the…
Doug Jackson
It was enough that Doug Jackson was selected from all the students at UGA to compete for a $25,000 scholarship from the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, but then he won the top prize, becoming UGA's first Hoover Scholar. The scholarship is awarded to one individual every year nationwide who demonstrates ability and leadership in a scientific field that helps law enforcement officials in their criminal investigations. Jackson will use the award to support his graduate studies in analytical chemistry. Jackson…
Daniel Gade
Graduate student Dan Gade just started his master's degree, and he already has a faculty job waiting for him at his alma mater. He will be teaching American Politics at the United States Military Academy in their Social Sciences Department. After graduating from West Point in 1997 with a degree in environmental science, Gade became an active duty armor officer in the Army. For the past two years, he has worked as a company commander in Korea, then in Iraq…
Matthew Garrett
Matthew Garrett was uncertain about attending a large university like UGA when he began as a freshman from the rural town of Ashburn, Georgia. Now, however, he has just enrolled for his second degree after graduating last year with his B.B.A. magna cum laude with high honors. Not only has UGA made an impact on Garrett, but he has made an impression at UGA also. Last year he led more than 1,000 students in UGA's largest student-led fund raiser, UGA…


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Oscar bump: 37.2%
Box office post-award: $35.8 million
Box office pre-award: $60.3 million
Total box office gross (inflation adjusted): $149.6 million
Limited release date: Dec. 15, 1993
Wide release date: Feb. 4, 1994
Liam Neeson plays Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who enlists Jews in Poland to work in his factory during World War II. As the war rages on, he expresses deepening concern for the people working in his factory as he sees the crushing policies of the Nazi party.
The movie opened with a limited release in 25 theaters in December 1993, not seeing wider release (in 764 theaters) until February 1994, just days before the Oscar nominations. Post-nomination sales accounted for 69 percent of its box office receipts, 37 percent of which came after its seven Oscar wins, including for best picture and director (Steven Spielberg), in March 1994.


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When it comes to photographing children, I'm pretty sure I've tried about every tip and trick in the book to get real, authentic smiles from my kids over the years. I've tried "Say cheese" more times than I care to remember. I've tried acting really excited to generate some cooperation: "Come on kids, let's take pictures! It'll be SO fun!" I've bribed them with Skittles and M&M's and ice cream cones. I wish I could say I've never begged, but I've done that too.
Sometimes my efforts yielded results, but often times they didn't, which led to frustration for me and for my kids. Photo time was not always fun time, which meant real smiles weren't always plentiful. But through trial and error, and using my own kids as guinea pigs, I've come up with a few techniques and tricks to help make photo sessions more fun, which leads to pictures of happy, smiling kids. And these smiles are the real deal!
I've learned to make photo sessions with the kids an extension of play time. They especially love it when we make taking photos into some sort of game. Here's a peek at a few games my kids like to play and the results you can get if you try them too.
One trick for getting kids to smile for a picture is to convince them NOT to smile until you count to 3. The very act of trying to avoid smiling makes them smile even bigger. I say, "Now whatever you do, DON'T smile. Not until I count to three. Okay, try your hardest not to smile. Not yet....not yet...okay, 1-2-3 SMILE!" Sometimes I'll also ask them to close their eyes, or look at their toes, or pull a silly face up until the moment I say "1-2-3 SMILE!" It's good to give kids something to do in between shots, and this game is great for that.
No-smile challenge
Trying to avoid smiling makes kids smile even bigger for the camera.
Click image for larger view
This game works well with younger children (think older babies and toddlers). Little kids are always so eager to show you the things they know and can do all by themselves. Be sure to offer lots of praise and make a big deal out of what they've done. Instead of saying, "Okay, now sit on this chair," ask "Can you climb up on this chair all by yourself?" It makes all the difference in your younger child's willingness to cooperate and enjoy themselves during photos.
My daughter Alivia is SO into jumping right now. Getting both feet off the ground is her newest toddler skill, and she loves to show everyone she can. With a simple "Can you jump SO high?" she was ready to go. She got ready, and as soon as she landed, I captured that last shot of her beaming with pride.
How high can you jump?
Make a big deal out of a challenge and take an action shot with a real smile!
Click image for larger view
Here are more "what can you do?" ideas for photographing little kids:
Can you...
I love this game for older kids. You say a word, and then have the child say the first thing that pops into their head. My daughter Emily loved this, as you can see from her genuine smile. We were both laughing at the silly words she came up with. You might say, "Say the first word that comes into your mind when I say, 'peanut butter.'" Your child might reply, "Jelly." Then you say, "Roller coaster." And she says, "Scary." And on and on and on. It's definitely fun to bring in mom and dad and the siblings' names too.
Word Association Game
Silly words will pop up, so take your kid's picture mid-laugh.
Click image for larger view
Tip: Have some words in mind before you start. I have a hard time thinking of words and operating the camera at the same time, unless I think ahead a little bit. Here are some more ideas to try: cute, car, baseball, dinosaur, pink, princess, kitty cat, breakfast, park, dog, ice cream, gross, stinky, happy, and popsicle.
I hope trying out these photo games and coming up with some more of your own will lead to more genuine smiles and fun photo memories from your next family or kid photo session!
Learn more about how to take photos of kids in Rebecca's newest eBook, Don't Say Cheese!.
New to Ella Publishing? Learn more about our high quality eBooks or sign up for our free email newsletters.


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Women's and Gender Studies Program
Photos from the Spring 2010 Luncheon
Drs. Bridget Blomfield (Religion and Women's Studies) and Patrice Proulx (Foreign Languages and Women's Studies)
Drs. Mary Ann Lamanna (Sociology Emerita and Women's Studies) and Suzanne Moshier (Biology and Women's Studies) with Marti Rosen-Atherton (Counseling Psychology and Women's Studies)
Ms. Rachel Tomlinson Dick (graduating senior, Women's Studies), Dr. Robbin Ogle (Criminal Justice and Women's Studies), and Dr. Patrice Proulx (Foreign Languages and Women's Studies). Ms. Dick received a Mary Ann Lamanna Award for Excellence in Women's Studies at the luncheon.


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This is a brilliant large bowl from the Sklo Union glassworks, Czechoslovakia, and dating from the 1960's. This is an impressive and heavy piece of retro glass (the sides are over half an inch thick) and moulded all over with a modernist type repeating pattern of bumps/nipples, including the underside. It has the typical Sklo Union glass footed 'birdbath' base - a brilliant piece of glass that displays beautifully!
SIZE: Height 2in/5cm Diameter 6.75in/17cm Weight 1300g
See more from our 'Sklo Union Glass 1' section


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Will recycling mobile phones make people greener?
4 June 2010 — 6:55 PM
Recycling an old mobile phone and buying a newer replacement could have more environmental advantages than are immediately apparent.
As well as disposing of a used device in a green way, consumers may find a more recent model allows them to effectively follow eco-friendly methods.
Nokia recently held a competition that asked mobile users to contribute suggestions on how to operate a phone in a greener way.
The winning ideas have been revealed to be taking advantage of navigation systems on the latest phones to save fuel when driving and using video features to avoid running separate laptops and webcams.
Although these may be energy-saving moves, they are likely to be possible only to those with a smartphone - such as an iPhone, Nexus One or BlackBerry.
And consumers who cash in on a handset with Envirofone will find they already have some cash to put towards their new device.
Nokia announced this week all of the mobiles it makes in the future will allow owners to track their phone's emissions.
News brought to you by envirofone.com the UK's largest mobile phone recycling company
Latest articles
Mobile recycling could be an option for recipients of unwanted gifts30 December 2010 — 12:02 PM
People can get money for a phone they do not intend to use.
Selling mobile can create chance to buy HTC Desire HD29 December 2010 — 3:54 PM
People who enjoy a large screen may find all they want in the HTC Desire HD.


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Transgenic Mice for Testing and Screening Anti-Fibrotic Therapy
University of California System: University of California, San Diego
posted on 06/15/2011
Brief description unavailable
Detailed Description
UC San Diego investigators have created transgenic mice that could be useful as an animal model for any type of fibrosis study. Their advantage is that any individual mouse could be assayed at any point in time without sacrificing the mouse. Also, any type of collagen Type I fibrosis could be studied in these mice, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, kidney, or cystic fibrosis. While not a high throughput system, the mice could be a secondary screening for therapeutic agents for anti-fibrotic drugs.
File Number: 21775
|©2011-2014, The Regents of the University of California
This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact University of California, San Diego Technology Transfer Office at University of California System: University of California, San Diego for more information.request more info
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He's not alone either, Rashad has given us plenty of boring fights. People tend to forget that when the end in a bang (fight with chuck was boring until he landed that punch)
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He's not alone either, Rashad has given us plenty of boring fights. People tend to forget that when the end in a bang (fight with chuck was boring until he landed that punch)
Machida has been very boring, (by mma standards) but he is very good. I like a few of the techniques he uses and I believe that he should be ranked top 5 LHW right now. I'd like to see him finally take on one of the top names, (Liddell, Griffin, Shogun, etc.) and see exactly what he can do with those guys. Rampage is looking very good. His destrruction of Wanderlei was amgnificent. No version of Silva could have beaten that Rampage. Not even close.
I don't find Machida boring, I think he is very exciting. By MMA standards, however, he is very boring. Learn to read PJ or take a reading comprehension class. If you don't believe me, simply read a few blogs on Machida and you will see for yourself that he's considered one of the most boring fighters out there. I don't agree with it, but you can't deny that by MMA standards, that's what he is considered. Personally I like him and have him in my top 5 UFC LH ranking.
Now about Varner, he's a magnificent wrestler. He is on pace to have one the the greatest college careers ever. He has dismantled Jake Herbert, ( a great folkstyler in his own right) a good 4 or 5 times in a row now, (he did lose to Herbert as a freshman) and he's ranked in the senior freestyle circuit, (other than Metcalf, is there anyone else in the NCAA that can say that?). Good call on Varner, just a tremendous athlete and competitor.
I dont think Machida is boring so I would start out sentence saying "Machida is boring." I would say people think he is boring but I disagree with that opinion.
Despite Varners horribly boring style I agreer he is a great wrestler. I hope for his sake he can get over the hump and win one this year. I know he has struggled winning the championship matches so I will be pulling for him this year.
I'm especially interested in the high schooler that is ranked in the fresestyle senior ranking! Who is it???


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Journalist Max Blumenthal discusses his new book Goliath Life and Loathing in Greater Israel
Robert Lorei
Radioactivity: Live Call-In (Wednesday) | Listen to this entire show:
Tags: Max Blumenthal, Israel, Palestine, Goliath Life and Loathing in Greater Israel
photo by Sean Kinane
Today on Radioactivity, Rob Lorei speaks with journalist Max Blumenthal to discuss his new book Goliath Life and Loathing in Greater Israel. The book reports on contemporary Israeli society in the midst of conservative rule.
Max will be speaking at USF today at 5:00 p.m.
Media referenced on today's show:
Israel Cranks Up the PR Machine
Feeling the Love in Jerusalem from Joseph Dana on Vimeo.
Listen to the entire show above and watch a portion of it it below:
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Very disheartening information. I've spent much of my adult life believing that the right wing extremists in both this country and Israel were a vocal, but not very influential part in either nation. The outspoken racist behavior of the American students in Israel, who could not even answer even the simplest questions concerning Israel's government or history, while at the same time claiming to be solid, knowledgable friends of Israel is unconscionable. Those Americans are the ones that need to get of Israel, not the refugees from Africa. The fundamentalist members of world religions must be dealt with by the sane members of the human race. This extreme anger fueled by fear, hatred, and most strongly by lack of knowledge is dangerous anywhere, but the powder keg middle east does need this injection of American racism and hatred; they have enough of a problem dealing with the fears and hatred running rampant n their own society. My belief has always been that saner heads will prevail, but this rapid growth of right wing hatred and condemnation of others because of skin color, religious beliefs, or nationality seems to be a growing force around the globe. Just typing this comment, I begin to feel that my writing this, could lead to violent reprisal from those who disagree. What a shame that we cannot learn to have civil discussions anymore. In the early sixties,in my last years of High School, we had a class called Problems of Democracy in which we discussed world and national events. We learned from and respected the opinions of others. I suspect that if someone tried to put a course in our public school systems today entitled Problems of Democracy the person making such a proposal would be named an Enemy of The State!
wow, the racist comments towards Obama from the American students in Israel were kind of shocking. I don't know... would they be emboldened to call him a nigger here in the States? I also was surprised that they didn't know why Netanyahu is!
sorry, I meant "who Netanyahu is".


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HTC proves gold is best with new Champagne colored One
Gold is best, we're already pretty confident of that and now the iPhone 5s has a proper competitor in the gold space. HTC has today unveiled this, a champagne gold version of the One, a similarly colored metal phone to the iPhone. Underneath it's still a HTC One, but since the gold iPhone 5s was so tough to get hold of, maybe HTC will be hoping to win a few folks over.
It'll be available across Europe through selected partners in time for Christmas. It's not a gold iPhone, but it is gold. What do you guys think of it? Tasteful like the iPhone, a little bit too much? Maybe this gold phone you won't need to head around back to pick one up! Sound off in the comments!
Source: Android Central
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Reader comments
HTC proves gold is best with new Champagne colored One
I feel the opposite. Gold with the white trim on the 5s does nothing for me. I feel HTC Did it right with the gold with black trim. More contrast and classier looking. Either way a gold phone is not for me.
I don't care for gold in general but this is tasteful. The more muted champagne gold is easily much more attractive then the out right gaudy gold.
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I truly wish all the best and success for HTC as they deserve it NOT stupid samsung copying Apple and others.
Its good for grandpapa and grandmama, if there is a young folk holding this i might laugh because its seem kind of old dtuff forvthe old folk
It's not always only colour that makes the difference.Its the design that's were apple is excellent.
Gold iPhone looks premium.
But this one is complete gold in colour just to mark that even they have a gold phone.but no gloss and charm.
At least learn to copy it rite.
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You Go!!!
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Copy what? The HTC One is in no way a copy of the iPhone. They don't look similar whatsoever. News flash: Apple does not own aluminum or the extremely vague color "Gold".
Chill out Grandma??
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Wow you really backed up his claim well. An adult debate is out of the question I guess. Should have known.
Let's copy off Apple some more?!?!
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I don't really like it is got a little bit too much gold. The front shouldn't be gold. I defiantly like the 5S better.
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It's a bit much but I think that can be said for all of the HTC One color options. Making the entire metal part of the phone a single color, other than the natural gray, has consistently looked a little off. That big slab has always just looked better to me in a colder, more natural looking state.
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Me too. Colored aluminum worked well for Apple with the iPods because they were small devices. Even the iPod touch is svelte compared to the HTC One. This is probably why we haven't seen colored iPads and why Apple didn't make a gold iPad. Also I prefer Apple's shade of "champagne". It seems a bit more taupe than gold and is a lot more subtle.
I think gold phones are so tacky. It's surprising to see that Apple, a company known for their design, released such a product. No wonder it's doing so well in the United Arab Emirates and China, gold is seen as a much more fashionable color there. As for HTC, everyone knows that the imitation is the highest form of flattery.
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I just can't see myself ever getting a gold phone. Maybe it's just me and the iPhone 5s looked a lot better then I thought it would I just have never really liked the color. Get ready for the onslaught of gold android phones to hit the market in the coming months. This is just the first of many
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Nice phone, one of the few that tempt me from leaving Team iPhone. The gold is okay...but I don't thing it'll get me to switch.
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The new fashion is to try and be the most gawdy and tasteless. Who can have the tackiest gold color.
Shame that while it is a really nice phone that it's been out long enough that it's in the twilight of it's era as the Premium top end model from HTC. I am sure that whatever phone they launch as it's replacement be it the M8 or whatever it will also come with Gold as a standard color variation.
As for anyone that says that it is copying Apple, HTC have really kepted to their own styling and appearance and launching an extra color variation doesn't make it copying.
You could say that Apple just stole the bad taste for colored aluminium from the 1950's when it was very popular to have color anodized aluminium for cups, serving, bowls etc and they had the same 'gold' that Apple uses and the same pinks and blues etc that the iPod's have.
All it proves is that when something was right in the 1950's modernist era it may have lost its fashion in the 70's or 80 and 90's but it's never does vanish, just get used again and again and people love anodized aluminum as much now as they did then!
To me, it seems like a gold phone would attract too much attention from thieves. The less attention from them the better. I take a pass on gold phones no matter who makes them.
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Nice! I'm sure someone wants a gold HTC one. Very nice quality phone.
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That's a class act copy right there. They saw how well the gold iphone sold and continues to sell and decide to make a gold version of their flagship phone. With an upcoming release date of a HTC new phone right around the corner it just makes no sense, just reassures Apples doing things right as if we didn't already know..
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Have to see it in person to know if it's good or not. The 5S is definitely more "Gold" in pictures than it is in real life.
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Not bad looking, but it's like putting salt on a crap sandwich.
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Start drawing now with CorelDRAW, the flagship vector-based illustration and layout application.
David Rivers addresses experienced CorelDRAW users as he offers insight into new features and enhancements.
Confidently tackle a wide variety of projects, from logos and web graphics to multi-page marketing brochures.
Explore basic drawing tools, adding text, controlling page layout, publishing PDFs, and printing final documents.
Provides an overview of CorelDRAW 12, Photo Paint and R.A.V.E. 3.
Covers paths, file format support, layout, typography, and many design techniques in CorelDRAW 11.
"I'm completely blown away by the quality and quantity of training you offer. I feel like Neo in The Matrix when they would insert a training program and within a few minutes he could say, "I know jiujitsu!"" —Zolla M.
more from our members »


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Marina del Rey, CA (PRWEB) September 10, 2010
Just 30 hours after going live in the Apple App Store, GOGII's new textPlus 4 Pics Edition has been downloaded 100,000 times and broken in to the store's top 10 most popular "Top Free" apps in the U.S. and Canada. The popular app also scored the #1 spot for iTunes' "Lifestyle" app category in the U.S. and Canadian stores. Free to download and use on Apple iDevices, textPlus 4 Pics Edition takes texting to a fun, social level by adding unique picture messaging to the popular textPlus free group texting app.
"The numbers don't lie - people are very excited about this new app," said Scott Lahman, CEO of GOGII, creator of textPlus 4 Pics Edition. "In addition to giving users what they really want - free picture messaging - textPlus 4's unique new features like Community photos and Face Text are giving people an even more engaging environment for socializing on their iPhones and iPods- and the response has been simply overwhelming."
textPlus 4's unique picture capabilities turn iDevice text exchanges into powerful photographic conversations. Here's how:
Since its launch in June 2009, textPlus is one of the most popular text messaging applications available, with a network of 23 million people, and over 3.5 billion messages sent. Available on all iDevices and Android phones, it has been downloaded 8.5 million times.
textPlus 4 Pics Edition can be downloaded here.
About textPlus and textPlus 4 Pics Edition
textPlus brings free, ad-supported real, group and Community texting to the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android phones through both its mobile application and permanent short code, 60611. For iDevices, textPlus 4 Pics Edition adds Face Text and picture sharing technology to enhance social interaction and enjoyment in the app. Both apps are carrier and Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) compliant and enable seamless interaction between app users and their friends using regular text messaging (SMS).
About GOGII
GOGII (go-jee) is a mobile communications technology company and creator of the textPlus app. GOGII is a U.S.-based startup backed by venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Matrix Partners. GOGII was founded in 2007 by the three founders of JAMDAT Mobile, the leading mobile entertainment publisher that was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2006.
For more information, please visit http://www.textPlus.com.
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51 members
50 members
I serve as a local IXDA lead alongside Tori and Vitorio. I enjoy giving back to the community by helping to arrange learning and social opportunities within the local UX industry.
I also love my job. I'm the principal consultant at Slide UX, an Austin-based user experience studio. We're always looking for interesting projects. Find out more at slideux.com.
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Hi, Erin,
I attended Chris Risdon's lecture User Experience Maps to Design Multi-Touchpoint Experiences and was wondering where I could find the slides. Thanks for organizing the event!
Hi, Erin:
It is great to hear from you. I appreciate the opportunity joining this professional group.
© 2015 Created by Tori Breitling.


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When grouped together, the spines of this set of 9 books offer a literary dose of Americana. The 9 books in the set include selections from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, John Steinbeck and Robert Frost. Published by Library of America.
Made in the United states. The books are lightly used in like new condition. Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 14 inches / 21.1 x 13.5 x 35.6 centimeters.


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(Updates with analyst comment in fifth paragraph.)
Oct. 20 (Bloomberg) -- SolarWorld AG, whose U.S. unit asked the Obama administration to impose antidumping duties on imported Chinese solar equipment, is probing whether to start a related action in Europe, a company spokesman said.
"We're checking all options for similar proceedings in Europe," Milan Nitzschke, a spokesman for the Bonn-based solar- panel maker, said today by telephone, declining to elaborate.
SolarWorld Industries America Inc., the Hillsboro, Oregon- based division of Germany's largest photovoltaic panel maker, yesterday asked the U.S. government to slap duties on more than $1 billion of Chinese imports for allegedly undercutting U.S. manufacturers unfairly using state aid.
The dumping case, which follows a plunge in prices for solar cells and panels, is one of the largest targeting China, with political implications as both nations race to develop clean-energy technologies.
"The solar sector is under immense competitive pressure," Henning Wicht, a solar analyst at researcher IHS Isuppli, said in a telephone interview from Munich. "Margins are dropping, and both Western and Chinese companies desperately need money."
Three U.S. solar companies have failed in the past months. SolarWorld, whose shares have lost 58 percent this year, and its German peers including Q-Cells SE and Conergy AG have been struggling to deal with weakening demand in Europe, where Germany, France and Italy lowered subsidies to cap booming installations.
Suntech, LDK
They're also under pressure from Chinese manufacturers such as Suntech Power Holdings Co. and LDK Solar Co., which expanded production capacity just as demand slowed, causing cell and module prices to plummet.
Wicht said he's "skeptical" that an antidumping case would succeed in Europe, citing EU subsidies that helped fund manufacturing plants in Germany and the continent's dependency on exports to China.
"The question will be, 'have the Chinese received legal or illegal doping?' The latter will be difficult to prove," he said.
Suntech, of Jiangsu, China, the world's largest panel maker, said in a statement that a "solar trade war" would prevent clean energy sources from challenging traditional forms of generation and "deal a major blow to the global economy."
Solarworld said in its complaint that China uses cash grants, discounts on raw materials, preferential loans, tax incentives and currency manipulation among tactics to boost exports of solar products. It wants "retroactive" duties slapped on Chinese cells and modules, according to a website release by Wiley Rein LLP, the law firm representing Solarworld.
"It's not about a free market or good products anymore, it's about who gets the most political protection," Frank Asbeck, the company's founder and CEO, said last month in an interview after the company announced it would shutter a California plant. "That's not even industrial politics anymore. That's war."
--With assistance from Mark Drajem and Eric Martin in Washington. Editors: Todd White
--Editors: Todd White, Alex Devine
--Editors: Todd White
To contact the reporter on this story: Stefan Nicola in Berlin at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Reed Landberg at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Large swastikas were found painted on more than 100 gravestones in a Jewish cemetery in the capital of Latvia.
The swastikas apparently were painted in white spray paint overnight Tuesday at the New Jewish Cemetery in Riga. A cemetery guard made the discovery the next morning, according to reports. State and local police are investigating.
The same cemetery was desecrated in 2003. The five then-teenage perpetrators in 2005 received suspended prison sentences ranging from 6 months to three years.
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YIELD: Serves 2
Cut sprouts in half and slice thin lengthwise. In a heavy skillet melt butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté sprouts and scallions, stirring, until tender and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. In a bowl toss vegetables with lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.


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They feel bad, so they found you these other deals to make up for it.
Select Local Merchants
Fore Court Racquet and FitnessRead MoreGuests exercise their bodies and minds at ForeCourt Complete Racquet and Fitness Club, where tennis, volleyball, weight-lifting, and other recreational pursuits fight both boredom and inactivity. The blue carpeting of eight indoor courts lies under the tennis arena's vaulted ceiling that echoes the wallops and whacks of each serve, volley, and backhand. During clinics and lessons, beginners learn basic mechanics, court placement, and racket grips, and more advanced players compete in leagues that demand the skill and strategy of playing Risk on trampolines. Forecourt's 10,000-square foot fitness center invigorates mind and matter ready for a break from prowling the baseline. Each week, 50 group fitness classes whip bodies into shape with Zumba's dance cardio programs, yoga's relaxing postures and poses, and spinning's hardy treks across digital terrains. An onsite daycare frees parents to pursue these activities without having to hire a teenager or a guard baboon to babysit their children.44 Cray StCumberland, RI US
YMCARead MoreThe YMCA keeps residents healthy and engaged in more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the country, but it traces its American origins to the streets of 19th-century Boston. Here, Thomas Valentine Sullivan carried on the mission started in London by George Williams: providing affordable recreation and residence to young men from cities and country towns alike. Over the last century and change, the organization's mission changed to keep pace with the evolving times; today, the YMCA of Greater Boston welcomes anyone interested in furthering the causes of "youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility." This modern mission combines the Y's signature programming with new initiatives designed to keep citizens one step ahead of an ever-changing world. Members stay fit and active with everything from organized sports and fitness classes to lifeguard, CPR, and first aid lessons. But the Y's developmental programs go far beyond bodily strength; their enrichment and leadership courses equip youths with the confidence needed to take charge in their everyday lives, and ESL classes help newcomers to English embark on the next step of their linguistic lives.45 Forge Hill RdFranklin, MA US
Athletic Republic KingstonRead MoreAthletic Republic Kingston's experienced trainers utilize science-based training to offer athletes an edge in a variety of sports. Their programs encompass baseball and fast-pitch softball, basketball, football, hockey, and more, as they strive to help athletes jump higher and run faster with video comparisons and individualized training. The facility also offers group, semiprivate, and private cross-fitness training programs with certified instructors.55 Sharp St Unit 5Hingham, MA US
The FieldHouseRead MoreGeared towards youthful athletes looking to stay in top form during the off-season, The FieldHouse offers guests a sprawling facility of courts, fields, and gymnasia for all types of sports. Indoor turf allows sluggers to hone their swings and quarterbacks to tighten their spirals, while gleaming hardwood courts echo with the shouts of basketball or volleyball players. Performance sessions focus on more abstract improvement, toning key muscle groups and fine-tuning players' sense of how many times they can give their opponents red cards before being ejected. Adults looking to stay in shape can take advantage of the center's group classes, burning off pounds in exercises inspired by the facility's sports training.31 Union Ave.Sudbury, MA US


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Lights Out! March 29, 2008
Short notice is better than no notice, right? How did this one sneak up on me? I usually hear about things like this. But I just learned on the news that tonight is Earth Hour. From 8-9pm, lights out! Non-essential lights, that is. San Francisco is participating, but I have one quibble with it. I think ALL THOSE LIGHTS should go out. Yes. Cool. But they're also turning out the lights on the Bay Bridge. I don't actually consider those non-essential. What about low flying planes? What about a ship (say, the Cosco Busan)? Things hit our bridge during daylight. I vote that they leave THOSE lights on.
Also, Lala is out of town this weekend. Therefore, candlelight, while nice and all, loses some of its thrill. (However, our 2nd anniversary getaway to Hearst Castle starts on Monday -- hooray!)
That is all.


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|« Back to Article
Congress could make tax filing easier
The IRS could do your taxes
| April 14, 2014 | Updated: April 14, 2014 10:38pm
Photo By Andrew Harrer
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters strands in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. The deadline for filing 2013 U.S. taxes is April 15. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
There are few days more loathed than April 15 - Tax Day. Yet sometimes it feels like that national sense of frustration isn't only about the financial cost of paying income taxes, but also the personal burden of having to file.
Every year, America spends 225 million hours filing taxes and more than $2 billion on tax preparation services. If it isn't bad enough that you have to cut a check to the government, you often have to pay for the privilege.
There is a better way. The IRS could just do your taxes for you. It is called the Simple Return system, and it would save taxpayers time and money.
According to a 2006 study by Brookings Institution economist Austan Goolsbee, which was recently discussed by Vox Media, most taxpayers receive their income from a single employer and only take the standard deduction. This wage and withholding information is already known by the IRS, and there is no reason why the IRS couldn't fill in the blanks and connect the dots for people who do not want to spend time doing it themselves.
The Franchise Tax Board of California ran a similar system in 2004 called the ReadyReturn. About 11,000 single taxpayers with no dependents and only wage income had a much easier time that tax season.
It may not be perfect for everyone. Complex earnings or deductions still require individual itemization. But Congress should work to give taxpayers across the nation at least the chance to try this easier option.
Who wouldn't want easier taxes? Intuit, which makes TurboTax, for one. That company makes more than $1 billion a year from doing other people's taxes, and spent more than $11 million lobbying against the Simple Return.
The real solution for simpler taxes would require eliminating loopholes and specialized deductions. But if lobbyists won't let the IRS take the small step of simpler filing, folks shouldn't be too optimistic about big steps any time soon.


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Hang tight!
Recipe by Connie Malagrino
"Enjoy these little biscuits stuffed with zucchini, cheese and herbs at your next party or picnic. This recipe is a great way to use some of the extra zucchini growing in the garden!"
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1 cup
baking mix
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
dried parsley
1 pinch
ground black pepper
2 cloves
garlic, chopped
1/2 cup
grated Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon
3 cups
sliced zucchini
this is the easiest recipe ever and a really good at that. it is fast and everyone i made it for loved it.
These tasted great! However, they could not be picked up to be eaten. I will make them again using 1/2 cup more of the bisket mix and possibly one more egg. My guests loved the flavor.
19 Ratings
I took this to a cookout and it was gone in 30 minutes! I received numerous compliments and several recipe requests. I altered this recipe some, as I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and parmesan/romano cheese rather than just romano. Fabulous!
I followed the advise as suggested and added 1/2 c. of biscuit mix and an egg, and it was easier to pick up. It took about 25 minutes to cook. However, I was not impressed with this recipe. I felt it was very so-so, nothing to write home about. I probably won't make it again. I took it to a picnic and it did get eaten, but no one made any comments about it.
This is an old favorite of mine. Every zucchini season I pull this one out and enjoy it.
Very tasty and a great way to use up some of my over abundance of zucchini! I added 3 cloves of garlic, only because we love garlic. Even the kids loved this recipe!
The recipe was tasty but I found that it was too delicate to pick up. I feel that it needs another egg and 20 min bake time is too short. I will try it again with these modifications. (BTW, I used Bisquick)
As other reviewers have advised, I increased the baking mix to 1 1/2 cup and added two eggs. I used olive oil, a cup of cheese and 1/2 tsp cayenne. I baked it in a loaf pan for 55 minutes and after it cooled, I sliced it as thin as I could and served it with steak and salad. It was really very good, but I did make some changes from the original.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Zucchini Appetizer
Serving Size: 1/40 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 40
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 46
Calories from Fat: 34
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Change up your breakfast routine with these zucchini pancakes.
Gluten-free vegetable noodles made from zucchini.
Zucchini are stuffed with sausage and topped with tomato sauce and melty cheese.


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Anyone have herbs and flowers for Zone One? I will gladly do SASE plus extra stamps New Garden but, will have foxglove galore come fall. I will keep a list of all who want fowglove so please let me know TY
Geeze I thought I lived in a cold zone!
What grows in zone 1?
I'm in zone 4a.
Hello, I have some beautiful bright pink and pure white 4 o clocks and some pale peach/pink hollyhock seeds that will work for you! Just send me the sasbe or padded sase. I'd love foxglove when you have it. firstname.lastname@example.com
Mary Shaver
7651 West S Avenue write it exact
Scoolcraft MI 49087
I went to:http://www.naturehills.com/catalog/Seeds.aspx and it showed hundreds of things!!