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Archive for the 'Tactics' Category
On Midrats 16 November 14, "Episode 254: John A. Nagl: 13 Years into the War"
By Mark Tempest
13 years into the long war, what have we learned, relearned, mastered, forgotten, and retained for future use? What have we learned about ourselves, the nature of our latest enemy, and the role of our nation? What have those who have served learned about their nation, their world, and themselves?
Iraq, Afghanistan, the Islamic State, and the ever changing global national security ecosystem, where are we now, and where are we going?
Our guest for the full hour to discuss this and more will be returning guest John Nagl, LTC US Army (Ret.) D.Phl, using his most recent book Knife Fights: A Memoir of Modern War in Theory and Practice as the starting point for our discussion.
Dr. Nagl is the Ninth Headmaster of The Haverford School. Prior to assuming responsibility for the School in July 2013, he was the inaugural Minerva Research Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was previously the President of the Center for a New American Security. He graduated from the United States Military Academy Class in 1988 and served as an armor officer for 20 years. Dr. Nagl taught at West Point and Georgetown University, and served as a Military Assistant to two Deputy Secretaries of Defense. He earned his Master of the Military Arts and Sciences Degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and his doctorate from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.
Dr. Nagl is the author of Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam and was on the team that produced the U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual.
Join us live if you can or pick the show up later by clicking here. You can also pick the show up later at out iTunes page here, where you can also find the archive of all our previous shows.
Power projection, sea control, access, denial, and the ability to impose your will on the enemy from the sea – or depending on your perspective – prevent them.
If the comparative advantage of American military power includes the use of the world's oceans as a basing area from projecting power and national will, how can other nations design systems and tactics to trump that advantage? What are in place now, and what can we expect to see in the near future?
Our guest for the full hour will be Sam J. Tangredi, a defense strategist whose studies of future warfare prompted Defense Department officials to label him "the Navy's futurist." His thirty-year naval career included command at sea, service in key strategic planning positions in the Pentagon and overseas, earning a PhD in international relations, and research fellowships at two think tanks.
His over one hundred publications—which include four books–have won awards, including the U.S. Naval Institute's Arleigh Burke Prize and the U.S. Navy League's Alfred Thayer Mahan Award. He is currently the director of San Diego operations for the planning/consulting firm Strategic Insight.
Join us live or pick the show up later by clicking here or from Midrats on iTunes
Please join us on Sunday, 21 September 14 at 5pm (EDT) for Episode 246: When the short snappy war goes long, with Chris Dougherty
As we once again face the promise of a conflict with a limited mission and a strangely ill-defined Strategic and Operational design – what do we need to keep in mind not just from recent history, but the longer term record?
History shows us that military and political leaders either over or under appreciate changing technology, outmoded doctrine, and the imperfect correlation between past experience and present requirements.
From the national psyche to stockpiled war reserves – what happens when the short and splendid turns in to the long slog?
Using his latest article in The National Interest, The Most Terrifying Lesson of World War I: War Is Not Always "Short and Sharp," as a starting point, but expanding to a much broader discussion, our guest for the full hour will be Chris Dougherty, research fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA).
Mr. Dougherty graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Security Studies from the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and received an M.A. in Strategic Studies with distinction from John Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. He also served as an airborne infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from 1997 to 2000.
Join us live if you can or pick the show up later by clicking here. Or you can also get our show on iTunes here.
On Midrats 7 September 14, "Episode 244: Long War update with Bill Roggio"
By Mark Tempest
Please join us live on Sunday, 7 September 2014 at 5pm EDT US, for another discussion on the fight against terrorism, especially the terrorism and action of radical jihadist groups, as we host Episode 244: Long War update with Bill Roggio
If you fell asleep on Memorial Day and woke up on Labor Day, your head is probably swimming. The situation in the Muslim world from Libya to the Iranian border has turned in to some strange chaos if you have not been paying attention – but when you look at the details and trendlines, the logic is a lot clearer.
The long war has not gone anywhere, like a field untended, the weeds have returned and are prospering.
To help us understand developments over the summer, coming back to Midrats for the full hour to discuss this and more will be Bill Roggio, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Bill is also the President of Public Multimedia Inc, a non-profit news organization; and the founder and Editor of The Long War Journal, a news site devoted to covering the war on terror. He has embedded with the US and the Iraqi military six times from 2005-08, and with the Canadian Army in Afghanistan in 2006. Bill served in the US Army and New Jersey National Guard from 1991-97.
As noted, Bill was with us recently (Episode 225: The Long War Becomes a Teenager), but recent events suggested that it would be good to have him back sooner rather than later.
Join us live if you can or pic the show up later by clicking here.
Tags: The Long War
Sea Control 49: General Robert Scales on Firepower
By LT Matthew Hipple
General Robert H Scales (USA Ret.) discusses firepower and the American way of war, specifically: firepower's use, effectiveness, and place as a cultural phenomenon in American military thinking.
DOWNLOAD: Sea Control 49: General Robert Scales on Firepower
We are available on Itunes, Stitcher Stream Radio, etc… Remeber to subscribe, leave a comment and a 5-star rating.
Tags: Drones, firepower, general robert scales, Military Culture, naval artillery, submunitions, Vietnam
Is the profession of arms, as the Navy believes it is, primarily a technical job for officers – or is it something else?
To create the cadre of leaders one needs, do you train them as empty vessels that one only needs to fill up with what you want or an empty checklist to complete – or do you train them by helping them bring out their ability to lead and make decisions through informed critical thinking?
Our guest for the full hour to discuss this and more will be Major Matt Cavanaugh, USA. Matt is currently assigned as an Assistant Professor in military strategy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Prior to this assignment, Matt was a Strategic Planner at the Pentagon, after service with the with Second Squadron, Third Armored Cavalry Regiment with multiple deployments to Iraq from Fallujah, Ramadi, and Tal'Afar.
Matt earned his Master's in Strategic Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand and is currently at work on a PhD dissertation on generalship at the University of Reading (UK). He is a Fellow at the Center for the Study of Civil Military Operations, has been published with several peer-reviewed military and academic journals, and is the Editor at WarCouncil.org, a site dedicated to the study of the use of force. Matt has represented the United States in an official capacity in ten countries, including: Iraq, Kuwait, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Latvia, and Great Britain.
Matt is the author of the blog essays Ten Questions West Point Does Not Ask Cadets – But Should, Another Ten Questions West Point Does Not Ask Cadets – But Should, and What Cadets Should Study – and Why Military History is Not Enough.
Join us live at 5pm (U.S. EDT) on Sunday, 29 June 2014 or pick up the show later by clicking here.
The Sad Saga of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl
By Dick Couch
Like most Americans, I have followed the repatriation of Bowe Bergdahl with interest and no small amount of incredulity. The unfolding of these events is both painful and bizarre. I'm perhaps a step closer to this story than most in that as a former special operator, I have conducted POW recovery operations. I've spoken with special operators who took to the field in previous attempts to recover Bergdahl. I also live in Idaho about fifteen miles from the Bergdahl home. It might be helpful to look at these events on four levels.
On purely humanitarian considerations, it's good that a young soldier is now free from the physical and mental trauma of captivity, and that his parents finally know that he is safe and being afforded the best medical attention in the world. And I've watched his hometown of Hailey, Idaho rejoice at his release. All good.
On a tactical and strategic level, our nation paid a very steep price for the release of this soldier. The five senior Taliban operatives that were set free to gain Bergdahl's freedom are very dangerous men. They are zealots who are loyal to their cause, and will most certainly return to the fight and seek to kill other Americans. And not just Americans. A great many Afghans–members of the Afghan National Army, local security and police forces that we have trained, tribesmen, and tribal entities–stood with us against the Taliban. What happens to them? We understand that these freed Taliban leaders are to be held in check by Qatar authorities for a year. We also know that in a year's time, we will significantly draw down our forces in Afghanistan–but not all. Those who remain will be at a significantly higher risk. And again, what about those loyal Afghans who at our urging, opposed the Taliban? I fear that in setting free these five hardcore Taliban leaders, we have released a plague that will descend on those Afghans who stood with us. It could result in a pogrom directed against our former allies and their families, and their blood will be on our hands. Furthermore, what message does this send to other nations around the world who look to us for help in dealing with extremist and al-Qaeda-inspired insurgencies? Not good at all, in fact a very dangerous precedent.
On a legal and political level, it would seem that the administration overstepped its authority in bypassing Congress and perhaps may have actually broken the law. And I felt our President used two very concerned and vulnerable parents improperly by pushing them into the national spotlight. This is highly emotional ground, and to put them in the middle of what was sure to become a most controversial issue was both insensitive and unprecedented. Bowe's parents get a free pass on this one–they want their boy back. But for the President to use them as top cover for political reasons; definitely not good and bordering on unconscionable.
And finally there is the issue of Sergeant Bergdahl's actions that may have led to his capture. One has only to turn on the TV to see the multiple allegations of impropriety. It's a circus; it's not pretty and does us all a disservice. Yet, one fact is clear to me. When he fell into Taliban hands, they knew the value of their find, and they exploited it masterfully to their own ends. As for the Sergeant's actions, he needs to be treated, rehabilitated, afforded counsel, and awarded a court martial. If he is exonerated, then he should be afforded the respect and deference this nation extends to its warriors who, in the course of honorable service to their country, endure captivity. If his actions violated his oath as an American Soldier and the implied obligations our soldiers have for one another, then he needs to be held fully accountable. This is neither good nor bad, but it is responsible and just.
Since WWII, have we developed an officer corps that has not only developed a record of defeat, but has become comfortable with it?
Is our military leadership structurally unsound?
In his recent article, An Officer Corps That Can't Score, author William S. Lind makes a scathing indictment of the officer corp of the United States in from the structure is works in, to its cultural and intellectual habits.
We will have the author with us for the full hour to discuss this and more about what problem he sees with our military's officers, and what recommendations he has to make it better.
Mr Lind is Director of the Center for Cultural Conservatism at the Free Congress Foundation, with degrees from Dartmouth College in 1969 and Princeton University.
He worked as a legislative aide for armed services for Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Senator Gary Hart until joining the Free Congress Foundation in 1987.
Mr. Lind is author of the Maneuver Warfare Handbook (Westview Press, 1985); co-author, with Gary Hart, of America Can Win: The Case for Military Reform (Adler & Adler, 1986); and co-author, with William H. Marshner, of Cultural Conservatism: Toward a New National Agenda (Free Congress Foundation, 1987).
Mr. Lind co-authored the prescient article, "The Changing Face of War: Into the Fourth Generation," which was published in The Marine Corps Gazette in October, 1989 and which first propounded the concept of "Fourth Generation War."
Join us live at 5 pm EDT if you can or pick the show up for later listening by clicking here .
Falsifying the Impossible.
By CTR1(SW) H. Lucien Gauthier III
The illustrious Charles Berlemann and LT Hipple (pictured on left, in a way) started up a conversation on facebook earlier based on Dr. Holmes' latest at The Diplomat, How Not to Prepare for War.
Our conversation centered around whether or not Dr. Holmes is correct in asserting that that peace time militaries shy away from making scenario's too difficult, and whether or not our Navy should "make the simulation harder than real life."
My reply to the good LT was that I agree with Dr. Holmes, we should be making our training harder than real life. But, I also want to know what the logical limit to such a line of thinking is–that we need to falsify 'harder than life' before we can say what our training should really be.
The Kobayashi Maru is a striking example from science fiction of a no-win scenario used to train a ship's crew. But, such training immediately runs into the limits of human endurance already strained by the daily routine of shipboard life.
Many moons ago, aboard the SAN ANTONIO, I placed my first suggestion in the CO's box. I suggested that we run DC drills that ran about a day or more. The COLE, SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, and STARK all had GQ set for longer than any DC drill I had ever ran.
The thing about it though, all those ships are afloat today, or made it to their 'naturally decided' DECOM date. So, while I point to those examples of why we should train harder, the examples already show training programs that were (at least back then) able to train their crew well enough so that the ship didn't have to be given up.
So, what is it?.. Is our DC training a mere shadow of what it once was? It is only half what it should be? Or, does the fact that the US hasn't lost a ship in decades mean that we don't need to radically alter our training paradigm today?
Tags: afloat, CO's Suggestion Box, Damage Control, DC, Doge, Dr. Holmes, Drills, SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, STARK, training, USN
Judging from the comments on social media and the notes I have received from active and retired shipmates, the buzz surrounding CDR Guy Snodgrass' "Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon" is real and I'm encouraged to see it. It's no surprise why this paper has become a topic of discussion in wardrooms and ready rooms around the fleet, and passed electronically across warfare communities.
Our Navy has a proud tradition of professional discourse, and this excellent paper lies squarely in that mold. Good arguments are typically dual-edged – one side passion, the other logic. Guy's passion is evident and it appears many of you share it. More than that, he understands complete loyalty means complete honesty, and I know – personally – that he wrote this paper only to help make our institution better. It already has. Top naval leaders are aware of several of the issues he touches on. Many are being studied, budgeted for, or in the early stages of implementation. Others give us pause.
I share many of the concerns and have similar questions to those detailed in Guy's paper. A quick example – many of you have heard me on the road talk about how BUPERS (being self-critical) historically "swings behind the pitch", unable to nimbly react to economic and early stage retention issues. It's not neglect, good people here trying to do the best they can with limited tools, but the fact is it has cost us in both good people and money. We have to do better, and I must say that this discourse helps.
We've all been JO's and yes we can also fall victim to forgetting what it was like, but this is also the power of discourse. The idea that there is a perception that operational command is not valued and there is an erosion of trust in senior leadership bothers me…I want to hear more, learn more from you.
Fostering an environment where folks feel empowered to share their thoughts on important issues is a core responsibility of leadership. Ideas, good and bad, have no rank. Yet the discourse can't just stop there. We need thoughtful debate on how to solve problems, not just an articulate accounting of what's wrong and who's at fault. We need leaders willing to offer new and innovative solutions to problems that at times appear impossible or hopeless. Those kind of leaders inspire all of us to continue serving men and women in our charge.
Guy has set an example for one way to ensure thoughtful debate has a voice. Please push your ideas forward — write about them, talk about them with your Sailors, up and down the chain of command. This is the only way we will overcome the challenges ahead of us – together.


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->''"Just a quick side note for any aspiring writers out there. What I just did at the end of the preceding paragraph was make a joke that will only be understood by the same people who will hate me for making the joke in the first place. Try to avoid this in your own writing."''
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->''"And that puts a longstanding wrestling mystery to rest - Hogan drove the hummer! ''[beat]'' See, the old-school wrestling fans out there, they just got a chuckle out of that one. The other 99% of you? ''[makes a motion of his hand flying over his head]'' WOO!!"''
-->'''[[TheSpoonyExperiment Spoony]]''', reviewing ''SantaWithMuscles''
->"''You don't even know who I am!''"
-->-- '''BenjaminDisraeli''', ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy''
->'''[[DemonicDummy Handy]]:''' Even now, he sulks in his tree house like AchillesInHisTent!\\
''**Blank stares from the other supervillains**''\\
'''Handy:''' Achilles?... Literature/TheIliad?... It's Homer?... ''READ A BOOK!''
-->-- ''WesternAnimation/TheTick'', "The Tick vs Arthur's Bank Account"

subset: commoncrawl


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MONDAY, Nov. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Although automated external defibrillators have been found to reduce heart attack death rates in public places such as restaurants, malls and airplanes, they have no benefit and, paradoxically, seem to increase the risk of death when used in hospitals, a new study suggests.
The reason may have to do with the type of heart rhythms associated with the heart attack, said researchers publishing the study in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, who are also scheduled to present their findings Monday at the American Heart Association (AHA) annual meeting in Chicago.
And that may have to do with how sick the patient is.
The authors only looked at hospitalized patients, who tend to be sicker than the average person out shopping or attending a sports event. In those settings, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which restore normal heart rhythm with an electrical shock, have been shown to save lives.
"You are selecting people who are much sicker, who are in the hospital. You are dealing with heart attacks in much more sick people and therefore the reasons for dying are multiple," said Dr. Valentin Fuster, past president of the AHA and director of Mount Sinai Heart in New York City. "People in the street or at a soccer game are much healthier."
In this analysis of almost 12,000 people, only 16.3 percent of patients who had received a shock with an AED in the hospital survived versus 19.3 percent of those who didn't receive a shock, translating to a 15 percent lower odds of surviving.
The differences were even more acute among patients with the type of rhythm that doesn't respond to these shocks. Only 10.4 percent of these patients who were defibrillated survived versus 15.4 percent who were not, a 26 percent lower rate of survival, according to the report.
For those who had rhythm
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Erste Group Bank AG was founded in 1819 as the first Austrian savings bank. Around 46,000 employees are serving over 16,2 million clients in 2,700 branches in 7 countries. Erste Group is one of the largest financial services providers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Erste Group hosted the 11th Asset Allocation Summit on December 9th, 2013 in seasonally festive Vienna, Austria. Over 120 participants from as far away as Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York and Sao Paulo gathered to exchange their views and investment ideas at the Erste Event Center.
Several panel discussions with leading experts and thinkers addressed questions about European Credit or gave an outlook on macro-economic changes to come. In addition to interesting panel discussions with participants from around the globe, two Keynote presentations engaged the audience attention: Jonas Ridderstråle and Horace "Woody" Brock.
Change is all around us. Also the socio-economic landscape is diversifying: we are free to do whatever we want and can go wherever we want to go. Winners of this freedom movement are women. They study to a much larger extend than men and organizations are well-advised to change their internal processes to attract all these young women and future talents.
Horace "Woody" Brock spoke about the unintended consequences of ultra-easy monetary policy and the fact that a future crisis may be brewing if the Fed does not change its policy. Another hot topic of his speech was the 30-year decline in labor's share of income deepening the inequality and the hollowing out of the middle class. This decline resulted in a global rise in corporate profits. Reasons for the decline of the share can be found among other things in the drop of bargaining power by labor unions or the rise of China and its aggressively mercantilistic trade policies.
The Asset Allocation Summit provided once more a compelling platform to gain a deeper understanding about the industry, share best practices and connect with new/old friends. The feedback was more than positive and we are looking forward to next year's summit.


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DR. COUTO: You are correct. The burden for monitoring is shared, which is why we should involve research personnel in addition to the veterinarian and animal care technician. Sometimes when we can involve the investigator himself or herself, we should try to do that. Most often, however, principal investigators may not go to the animal room very often. It is easier to work with the contact person, a research associate, or the technician who is actually in contact with the animals.
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AALAS Position Paper on the 'Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals' ."
Definition of Pain and Distress and Reporting Requirements for Laboratory Animals: Proceedings of the Workshop Held June 22, 2000 . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press,
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|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Folic Acid
|400 mcg
|Kelp (Laminaria spp.)
|600 mg
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Solaray Kelp with Folic Acid -- 100 Vegetarian Capsules
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|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Folic Acid
|400 mcg
|Kelp (Laminaria spp.)
|600 mg
Kelp is an important staple in the ocean. Kelp is called a "gift from the sea," referring to its nutritional value. Folic Acid has been researched to complement kelp.
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Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 395 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Rach10 Absolutely perfect This hotel was one of the BEST I have every experienced. I have traveled to many places, both domestic and overseas, and I'm familiar with top rate hotels. The Westin Richmond is on par with any of these wonderful hotels, with the exception of a much lower room rate. From the excellent service to the fantastic food to the wonderful rooms, guests feel pampered and rested. A very pleasant stay and if I'm ever in the area again, I will be sure to stay at the Westin Richmond. June 27, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by Oldfordtruck If you need to stay in Richmond look no further!!! Second time in two months staying at the Westin Richmond. Andrew and staff were amazing. Room was super clean. Had dinner and drinks at the bar which was top notch. Bartender was great. Everyone is professional. I cannot say enough about my overall experience. Will most likely be back in August. June 14, 2015
Rated 4 out of 5 by Visitor237 Comfortable, pleasant hotel Nice hotel; reservation not quite as expected. Asked for two queen beds and one king, adjoining rooms. Got two rooms with doubles. No one offered to fix the mistake. Had been traveling for a week when arrived, no laundry service on site. Great staff, very pleasant and polite. May 26, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by CamLay77 All good but the price The Westin is a very nice upscale presenting hotel but even with the excellent PR... I believe the prices charged for the location is too much. May 18, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by USAALLTHEWAY BEST IN THE WORLD AS ALWAYS THE WESTIN IS THE BEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD. WE ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT TIME WHILE THERE. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST THERE IS. EVEYONE FROM RICHARD TO THE BARTENDER AND RESTAURANT STAFF WERE EXTREMELY COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL. WE ORDERED A NICE DINNER BUT THE PORK CHOP ORDERED WAS EXTREMELY WELL DONE AND WE COULDN'T FINISH EATING THE REST. THE BARTENDER WAS VERY RECEPTIVE AND MADE THE BEST DRINKS EVER TASTED. I ALSO LIKE THAT YOU HAD CHANGED BARTENDERS FROM THE LAST VISIT WE HAD LAST YEAR. THIS WAS A GREAT MOVE. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. THANKS AGAIN TO THE ENTIRE STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT TEAM. March 31, 2015
Rated 4 out of 5 by wigstheome Solid Stay Checked in on a Saturday afternoon. Check in was quick and simple. My Platinum status was acknowledged, although my preferences were not addressed and I was not offered an upgrade (a perk, not a privilege so no big deal). Unfortunately, the room I was given (725) suffered from significant elevator noise, including the sound of the cabs rising and falling and opening and closing. When I called the front desk, I was promptly relocated to another room (750), which was much quieter (and meet my Platinum preferences including a non-adjoining room). The new room was fine, and generally seemed clean, although there were cobwebs in two of the four corners of the bathroom. The concierge/attendant in the executive club was very gracious and helpful. Checkout was simple, and my bill was in order. February 24, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by Debbie78 Best of Richmond! This was my first stay---definitely not my last! Was wowed from the moment I entered the lobby. The concierge was fabulous! She handled my transportation needs and ALWAYS addressed me by name. The service on the club level was superb. The room was nicely appointed and had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Ordered room service and the server was delightful. 5 star all the way! February 19, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by Smith04 Perfect Getaway! Room was great! Enjoyed the Westin Workout room. Convenient! Great staff! Always friendly and professional! February 17, 2015


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Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater at 2 p.m. Dec. 16, for a free family holiday sing-a-long and a visit from Santa Claus. The sing-a-long starts at 2:15 p.m. with local entertainer Karen Hillman leading the music and accompanying herse...Read More
Archive | December 6, 2012
Etchings displayed at hospital gallery A collection of etchings by artist Michael Bond is displayed in the Lakeview Hospital Art Gallery through December, hospital officials announced. Bond specializes in etching, dry point, aquatint and mezzotint and his work features architectural topics from his ...Read More
Tacked to the unfinished walls of my father's musty backroom office in our big, old home on the North Hill was an eclectic assortment of press clippings, cartoons, poems and fading photos Dad apparently found worth saving. The time period, the late 1940s to early 1950s, I was in my adolescence. So...Read More
My Thanksgiving break was spent enjoying time with family, getting caught up on home projects, beginning our holiday shopping and watching a few movies and football games. It was also a time for updating ski equipment, getting the sleds down from the attic and watching the snow begin to gather on th...Read More
Geri Ryan Hamrock, a beautiful and talented young woman, passed away on Nov. 30, 2012, at age 16. Geri is survived by her parents, Cathy Ryan and Steve Hamrock, and sister, Caitlin Hamrock. Funeral services are 2 p.m. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard on the northwes...Read More
BAYPORT — A Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater inmate was charged with two counts of assault resulting in 15 months in prison with credit for six months served after stabbing another inmate with a shank. On July 5, 2011, a Department of Corrections officer was alerted to an assault at the ...Read More


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maps for serbia, bosnia herzegovina and kosovo
hi guys
i'm planning a solo trip to those nations and i would like to know if there are detailed maps for serbia, bosnia herzegovina, montenegro and kosovo. i would like to make some off but without blowing my back on mines!:kboom
thanks a lot for the help
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Stetson is a third generation cowboy, clad in a rugged ensemble complete with metal studs—the chair version of spurs, perhaps? Standing on distressed, hand-painted legs, he wears brown leather on his wings, seat back, cushion, and arms. The rest of him is covered in cowhide, while linen on the reverse side of his cushion adds a slight softness to this purebred country boy.
Crafted from repurposed vintage materials.
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The Top 10 In Action Sports
01Brick By Brick: Camping Lego Style
02Booze and Bikes: 14 Tours That Let Combine Two of the Best Things in the World
03Who Needs Hollywood? These Incredible Videos Were All Filmed on the Simplest Cameras
04Sam Pilgrim vs. The World: The Champion Aiming To Reclaim His Crown In A New Era Of Biking
05Eccentric Adventures Episode 2: Britain's Most Brutal Illegal Event is All About Cheese
06A Journey Into Darkness: We Went Mountain Biking in the Abandoned Mines of Slovenia
07After the Apocalypse: Inside The World's Most Breathtaking Ghost Towns
08Debate: Let's Stop Hating On Parents Who Want To Raise Adventurous Kids
09Guns, Roses, And Eating Insects: Adventure Cycling in Vietnam
10From Intense Trails to Intensive Care: Dicing with Death In a Mountain Biking Paradise
CORE kiteboarding presenting the SENSOR Control Bar System
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Kevin Youkilis: "I get a lot of 'you suck'"
May 20, 2010, 3:13 PM EDT
NBC's own TIffany Simons interviewed Kevin Youkilis, asking him about his offseason workout habits (none); his superstitions (some very inconsistent ones), his batting stance role model (Eric Davis), his charity (a good one), white wine ("um, I guess it goes with fish"), and the taunts he gets at Yankee Stadium ("I get a lot of 'you suck'").
It's a great interview, but there is a troubling segment. I'm speaking of Tiffany's arguably mocking questions to Youkilis about his bald head. I say troubling because in the not too distant future I'm going to start doing video segments on this here blog, and those video segments will have me teaming up with Ms. Simons. I'm gonna be honest kids: I'm sensing some serious anti-bald sentiment from her, and if she brings any of that noise in my follically-challenged direction, I'm going to insist on a co-host with more sympathy to the chrome-domed cause. Like, say, that chick from the first Star Trek movie.
Wait? What? She's dead? Aw, bummer. OK, Tiffany, you're off the hook for now. But I'll be watching closely. In the meantime, enjoy the Youkilis interview.
- Darryl - May 20, 2010 at 3:49 PM
CC – I think you might be just a little hyper-sensitive there, big guy! As a fellow chrome-domer, I think she shows the proper amount of respect.
- Craig Calcaterra - May 20, 2010 at 3:52 PM
Bald is so beautiful, Darryl, that I don't think any amount of respect is quite enough.
- ThatsSoTaguchi - May 20, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Is white whine what liberals do on behalf of minorities or what conservatives do when confronted with the existence of said minorities?
- Richard Dansky - May 20, 2010 at 4:01 PM
I'm sensing a Nyjer Morgan-approved Elvis wig in your future.
- scatterbrian - May 20, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Natalie Portman, V for Vendetta
Youk never did strike me as a whine drinker…
- Evan - May 20, 2010 at 4:16 PM
I spend $20 every 1.5 months on a haircut, and that's a local barber. You guys probably save between $160 and $400 per year thanks to your cue balls!
- That Guy - May 20, 2010 at 4:21 PM
She just wanted a reason to touch his head. Mission accomplished.
- Maz - May 20, 2010 at 9:30 PM
I think Youkilis looks like the guy from Seinfeld. He was the one that was pulling into a spot with his car when George was trying to (back) parallel his car into the same spot.
- Maz - May 20, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Mike Moffett was his character name in Seinfeld
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Why are people queuing for the iPhone 5?
Thousands of people queued up to be in the first group of recipients of the new iPhone 5. My only question is, Why?
Thousands of people queued up to be in the first group of recipients of the new iPhone 5. My only question is, Why?
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It's here, finally, with Apple taking the wraps off the long-awaited iPhone 5 at a huge press event in San Fransisco. Just don't expect anything exciting, because the iPhone 5 is anything but exciting. Well, to those of us who aren't fanboys, at least.
An American tech company has admitted it was the victim of a hacking that led to the publication of a million Apple device details. The revelation appears to prove the FBI's denial that it was the source of the stolen data.
Pogoplug is pairing up with Amazon to offer not only its own storage devices but also online archival storage. That means that your information will be accessible even if your hard drive dies, gets a nasty virus, or you just upgrade your computer. They are also offering family plans that come with a free Pogoplug device to get you started.
Bruce Willis is, according to sources, considering legal action against Apple to ensure his offspring inherit his iTunes music collection. But the law isn't fully understood, and the story not exactly watertight.
AT&T has defended its block on iPhone users running FaceTime over its 3G network. It's a decision that may follow the precise letter of net neutrality rules but certainly doesn't pay much heed to the principle.
Apple has, by one measure at least, become the most-valuable publicly-traded company of all time. If you completely ignore inflation, that is. Which you cannot.
Anyone who has ever played one of the simulated farming games on Facebook knows that it can be hard to keep up with when you need to check back in to reap your crops or water your plants. Imagine a several thousand acre real farm with a variety of different crops in different fields and you can imagine the logistical issues that could, ahem, crop up. FarmLogs helps keep up with all the details and makes them easy to find for daily, weekly and monthly planning purposes.
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OKay, so I had my gender ultrasound yesterday. This is my second child, so I already knew what to expect. With my first, I had mine done at the hospital. It was 25-30 minutes long, very detailed. Well, between my last baby and this one, my doctor had purchased his own ultrasound machine for the office and hired an ultrasound tech. So I had my 20 week ultrasound done at the office.
The US tech was super fast with all the pictures and wasn't really going through anything. The entire ultrasound lasted 15 minutes tops. Her only comment towards the gender was, "Well, it doesn't look like there is a winkie anywhere so it's definitely a girl." She didn't even show me on the screen like here are the three lines or anything like that.
Overall, it was a total bummer. I was looking forward to this for weeks. She did say the baby was breech during the ultrasound, so could that maybe have complicated getting the correct gender? I just don't want to start painting the nursery pink and buy a bunch of girl clothes for it to be changed again. What do you guys think?


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The new Diageo Archive stores more than half a million items of drinks heritage, including vintage ads for brands such as Johnnie Walker. Some items are more than 400 years old.
Archive manager Christine McCafferty said: "It's a living resource, changing daily as our teams create new advertising, new bottle designs and new innovation."


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Press release from Marketwire
Softchoice Announces Strong Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter of 2011
- Adjusted EPS grows by 28.6 percent - Gross profit grows 18.3 percent - Gross margins improve 184 basis points - EBITDA as a percentage of revenue improves to 7.8 percent
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Softchoice Announces Strong Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter of 201118:14 EDT Tuesday, August 09, 2011TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 9, 2011) - Softchoice Corporation (TSX:SO), a leading North American provider of technology solutions and services, today reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2011.For the three-month period ended June 30, 2011, Softchoice reported net income of US$10.9 million compared to net income of US$6.2 million for the same period the year prior. Adjusting for the impact of foreign exchange gains and losses, net earnings in the quarter amounted to US$10.6 million, or US$0.54 per share (basic and fully diluted), compared to net earnings of US$8.3 million, or US$0.42 per share (basic and fully diluted) for the second quarter of 2010. Adjusted net earnings per share grew 28.6 percent year-over-year. The Company reported revenue of US$252.9 million compared to US$233.3 million for the second quarter of 2010, representing an increase of 8.4 percent. Microsoft sales were up 9.8 percent in the quarter, while sales of hardware infrastructure solutions grew by 18 percent. "Consistent with our long-term strategy to increase the value of our solutions portfolio, the addition of pre-sales and professional services resources coupled with solid demand across the major segments of our business have translated into strong earnings growth and steady improvements in our margin performance," said David MacDonald, President and CEO of Softchoice. "As we look to the balance of year, we are well positioned to benefit from the ongoing technology refresh cycle and from new incentives Microsoft has created for partners who provide value-added support around the deployment of leading Microsoft solutions."Gross profit was US$55.5 million in the quarter, representing an increase of 18.3 percent compared to gross profit of US$46.9 million reported for the second quarter of 2010. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased 23.6 percent to US$19.8 million delivering a 96 basis point year-over-year increase in EBITDA margin to 7.8 percent. "The strong growth in EBITDA in the quarter reflects the success of our strategy to shift a greater proportion of our gross profit mix to higher margin engagements such as server and storage virtualization and private cloud solutions," added Mr. MacDonald. "While still in the early stages, we are very pleased with these results and with the impact our pre-sales and services investments have had on driving substantial improvements in the productivity of our sales organization."At the close of the second quarter, the Company had US$42.5 million in cash on hand. Softchoice's interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A are available at http://www.softchoice.com/about/ir/. Additional Quarterly Highlights Softchoice appoints Paul Khawaja, the former President of Xwave, as the Senior Vice President of the Company's Professional Services organization. For the second consecutive year, Softchoice received the award for Operational Excellence at the 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. Second Quarter Earnings Call Participant Details Softchoice will host its second quarter earnings call on August 10, 2011 at 8 a.m. EDT. The call will be moderated by David MacDonald, Softchoice's President and CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, David Long. The conference call will begin with a brief web presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Softchoice will release its second quarter earnings results the evening of August 9, 2011. Second Quarter Earnings Details Participant Dial in Number: 1 866 212 4491Webcast URL: http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/softchoice-20110810/site/ To ensure participation, please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT.For those unable to attend the call, a link will be made available on www.softchoice.com/about/ir to an archived web and audio version on August 11, 2011.About Softchoice As a leading North American provider of technology solutions and services, Softchoice combines the efficiency and reliability of a national IT supplier with the personal touch and technical expertise of a local solutions provider. Softchoice's holistic approach to technology includes solution design, implementation and asset management services, as well as access to one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective technology distribution networks in North America. With over 950 employees located in more than 40 branch offices, Softchoice manages the technology needs of almost 15,000 corporate and public sector organizations across the United States and Canada.Softchoice stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the trading symbol "SO." The common shares of Softchoice are not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and are not publicly traded in the United States. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate", "expect", "will" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, change in technology and general market conditions, many of which are set out or incorporated by reference in the Company's latest Annual Information Form. Due to the many risks and uncertainties, Softchoice cannot assure that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 9, 2011) -Interim Consolidated Financial Statements(Expressed in U.S. dollars)SOFTCHOICE CORPORATIONThree-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010(Unaudited) SOFTCHOICE CORPORATIONInterim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (In thousands of U.S. dollars)(Unaudited)June 30,December 31,20112010AssetsCash$42,510$35,752Trade and other receivables (note 10)226,632224,168Inventory1,417881Deferred costs7,8887,082Prepaid expenses and other assets3,3882,881Total current assets281,835270,764Restricted cash (note 9)500500Long-term accounts receivable1,1182,771Property and equipment6,3325,748Goodwill11,58611,383Intangible assets39,05241,155Deferred tax assets (note 17)19,45819,023Total non-current assets78,04680,580Total assets$359,881$351,344Liabilities and Shareholders' EquityTrade and other payables$207,824$217,888Provisions71298Loans and borrowings (note 11)3,9573,961Deferred lease inducements286193Deferred revenue2,9891,899Income taxes payable3,8602,320Total current liabilities219,628226,359Deferred lease inducements717217Loans and borrowings (note 11)6,2848,271Total non-current liabilities7,0018,488Total liabilities226,629234,847Capital stock (note 12)26,50326,016Contributed surplus2,6252,054Retained earnings105,67789,569Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,553)(1,142)Total shareholders' equity133,252116,497Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$359,881$351,344Related party transactions (note 14)The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.SOFTCHOICE CORPORATIONInterim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share information)(Unaudited)Three months endedSix months endedJune 30,June 30,2011201020112010Net sales$252,946$233,326$502,664$434,886Cost of sales197,434186,393403,238351,505Gross profit55,51246,93399,42683,381Expenses:Selling and marketing (note 4)26,36722,42752,99945,376Administrative (note 4)11,57910,73821,91219,619Other income (note 5)–(7)(78)(707)Other expenses (note 6)–––4237,94633,15874,83364,330Results from operating activities17,56613,77524,59319,051Finance costs (note 7)1,0333,5742,0802,800Finance income (note 8)(373)(126)(1,639)(132)Net finance cost6603,4484412,668Earnings before income taxes16,90610,32724,15216,383Income tax expense (note 17)5,9584,1288,0445,796Net earnings for the period10,9486,19916,10810,587Other comprehensive income:Foreign currency translation adjustments(57)916(411)95Total comprehensive income$10,891$7,115$15,697$10,682Net earnings per common share:Basic (note 13)$0.55$0.31$0.81$0.54Diluted (note 13)0.550.310.810.53The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. SOFTCHOICE CORPORATIONInterim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (In thousands of U.S. dollars)(Unaudited)CumulativeTotalSix-month period endedNumberShareCont- ributedtrans- lationRetainedshare- holders'June 30, 2011of sharescapitalsurplusaccountearningsequityBalance, January 1, 201119,780,039$26,016$2,054$(1,142)$89,569$116,497Total comprehensive incomefor the period:Profit or loss––––16,10816,108Other comprehensive income:Foreign currencytranslation adjustment–––(411)–(411)Total comprehensive incomefor the period–––(411)16,10815,697Trans- actions with shareholdersrecorded directly in equity:Contri- butions by anddistri- butions to owners:Share options exercised1,25026(6)––20Share-based paymenttransactions––1,038––1,038Transfer fromcontri- buted surplus(note 12)52,573461(461)–––53,823487571––1,058Balance, June 30, 201119,833,862$26,503$2,625$(1,553)$105,677$133,252CumulativeTotalSix-month period endedNumberShareCont- ributedtrans- lationRetainedshare- holders'June 30, 2010of sharescapitalsurplusaccountearningsequityBalance, January 1, 201019,759,189$25,842$983$–$69,504$96,329Total comprehensive incomefor the period:Profit or loss––––10,58710,587Other comprehensive income:Foreign currencytranslation adjustment–––95–95Total comprehensive incomefor the period–––9510,58710,682Trans- actions with shareholdersrecorded directly in equity:Contri- butions by anddistri- butions to owners:Share options exercised19,60097–––97Share-based paymenttrans- actions––467––467Transfer fromcontr- ibuted surplus(note 12)–62(62)–––19,600159405––564Balance, June 30, 201019,778,789$26,001$1,388$95$80,091$107,575The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.SOFTCHOICE CORPORATIONInterim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands of U.S. dollars)(Unaudited)Three months endedSix months endedJune 30,June 30,2011201020112010Cash provided by (used in):Operating activities:Earnings for the period$10,948$6,199$16,108$10,587Adjustments for:Depreciation of property and equipment1,0476641,7291,441Share-based compensation6763221,038467Income taxes expense5,9584,1288,0445,796Amortization of intangible assets1,1801,5852,7773,420Unrealized foreign currency gain(262)1,682(1,307)172Amortization of contract related assets370329727660Interest expense on financial liabilities4866621,0081,362Loss on disposal of propertyand equipment–––429,4559,37214,01613,360Change in non-cash operatingworking capital (note 16)(17,141)2,253(11,126)12,995Interest paid(479)(617)(1,001)(1,317)2,78317,20717,99735,625Income tax paid(3,988)(2,544)(6,972)(5,980)(1,205)14,66311,02529,645Financing activities:Repayment of loans and borrowings(1,142)(369)(2,418)(1,876)Proceeds from issuance of commonshares10–1097(1,132)(369)(2,408)(1,779)Investing activities:Purchase of property and equipment(839)(254)(1,417)(513)Purchase of intangible assets(541)(277)(1,015)(425)(1,380)(531)(2,432)(938)Net increase (decrease) in cash during the period(3,717)13,7636,18526,928Cash, beginning of period46,09632,24535,75218,601Effect of exchange rate changes on cash131(526)573(47)Cash, end of period$42,510$45,482$42,510$45,482FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Eric GardinerMedia ContactManager of Communications416.588.9002 Ext. email@example.com


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I guess the North Koreans win? News broke out, earlier in the day, that the top cinema chains in the nation (Regal, AMC, Cinemark and several others) were opting to not screen THE INTERVIEW because of 9/11 terroristic threats by the "Guardians of Peace" aka the GOP (the hacker group that infiltrated Sony and stole thousands and thousands of files, film screeners, social security numbers and lots of embarrassing emails).
With the major theater chains operating over 18,000 screens, Sony made an announcement later in the day that they've scrapped the release plans for the film altogether. This has led to speculation that Sony would just release it on VOD or DVD, which many indie film professionals and digital distribution aficionados saw as a major step in having a major studio test the waters of bypassing theatrical completely. Then, Sony released another announcement saying that there are no future plans for the film, at the moment, and that it is completely shelved.


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Marketing, customer service, sales, and social media information for business owners and managers. Special emphasis on recovering from Hurricane Sandy. This free event will be held on September 18, 2014 from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm at BCC. Register here.
swalzer's blog
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Register for this free program at the library : Is Business Ownership Right for You? The Pros & Cons of Starting, Buying or Franchising. This program will be held on September 10th at 7 pm and repeated on September 13th at 10 am.
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Representatives from the major crowdfunding platforms will share tips for Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign on September 9th from 5:30-8:00 pm at the BCC Enterprise Center.
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More than ever before, it's important to have a social media presence, regardless of industry. Even if you're familiar with social media sites for personal use, company pages have different features and capabilities. Watch the training videos on Lynda.com to gain valuable insight for your social media strategy.
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Are you a fan of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel? It's a full week of programming dedicated to those fearsome yet misunderstood creatures of the sea. If you missed it on TV, you can have your own Shark Week at home with these DVDs!
Century Since World War I
One hundred years ago, the world was in turmoil with the start of the first World War. Find out about this time period in history with this list of recently released items.
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Military Dogs
For thousands of years, dogs have been trained as scouts, guards, trackers, rescuers, or in combat. Pick up one of these fascinating books for stories of courage and bravery about our four-legged friends in the military.


text: I'd add more options but it's limited to seven. Comment or vote what you would like added or changed in the game. I personally want custom matches the most. It would allow the community to create their own "mini-games" and could definitely make this game more social. [b][u]Edit #1[/u][/b] I'm seeing some great ideas down there. Keep them up! Also, thanks for the feedback/inputs you guys are leaving. Glad to see what people want. I'll continue trying to respond to everyone. [b][u]Edit #2[/u][/b] 200+ comments, thanks people! Let's keep this thing going and sharing ideas. :D


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29 year old man | Seattle, WA, USA | Seeking women 22-35 within 200 miles
Confident, witty, joyful, curious, romantic, loving, financially savvy, athletic, kind, open-minded, French-speaking, poem-writing, musical, confident, intelligent, motivated, outgoing, and a little in the clouds at times (I dream). I'm looking for someone who can't get enough of life and yet finds contentment in the midst of it. Someone who wants to explore, and will challenge me to grow, too. Also I enjoy some good banter. A little about me: I love learning. I own my home and like doing little projects. I enjoy going to shows, sitting on picnic blankets, walking around town, throwing the frisbee, going out for coffee, trying new food, poetry readings, riding bikes, playing music (drums, guitar, piano). My faith in God is a significant part of my life. Fitness and health are important to me (I take kickboxing classes 4 times/week), as is reflection and rest. I love life and am grateful for my days here more than I am attached to any one activity or thing. I can cook you dinner, make you laugh, call your bluff, and surprise you. I think pursuit of a significant other is important.
Camping , Coffee and conversation , Dining out , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Performing arts , Playing sports , Religion/Spiritual , Travel/Sightseeing
Cycling, Dancing, Martial arts, Other types of exercise, Running, VolleyBall, Walking / Hiking
I exercise 3-4 times per week.
I like Dogs
I want a dog eventually! My family had two golden retrievers and they were some of my best friends.
Middle of the Road
Odd Fellows, Smith, Elliott Bay Books, Essex, King's, Seamonster Lounge, The Tractor, Victrola, the library, Neumos, WS Ferries, Golden Gardens, Smith
Movies: Royal Tanenbaums, Music: Ryan Adams, Fleet Foxes, Ben Folds, Jon Foreman Food: Thai Food, French cuisine, most things I love Shows: The Office, Parks and Rec. Don't watch much TV.
Time with people. Frisbee, ferry rides, hiking, shows, dancing. I want to learn to do the things you think are fun, too.
The War of Art - Steven Pressfield.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What he is looking for
|6'2" (187cms)
|5'4" (162cms) to 6'2" (187cms)
|Body type:
|Athletic and toned
|Slender, Curvy, Athletic and toned, Full-figured
|No preference
|Dark blonde
|No preference
|No Way
|No Way
|Social Drinker
|Social Drinker, Moderately
|Education / Teacher / Professor
|No preference
I teach, landlord (at my house) and play drums.
|$50,001 to $75,000
|No preference
|Never Married
|No preference
|Have kids:
|Wants kids:
|Definitely, Someday
|White / Caucasian
|No preference
|Christian / Other
|Christian / Catholic, Christian / Protestant, Christian / Other
|English, French
|English, French
|Graduate degree
|Bachelors degree, Graduate degree, PhD / Post Doctoral
Finishing an M.Ed.


text:
The Best Family Cars of 2008
Are you in the market for a new car? We teamed up with Edmunds.com to rate the safest, most kid-friendly, comfortable, affordable, and cool-to-drive cars out there this year.
Courtesy of Honda
Best Crossovers: Honda CR-V
Buying a new car is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. It's also one of the toughest. There are hundreds of models on the market. How do you find a vehicle that's safe, kid-friendly, comfortable, affordable, and cool to drive?
Simple: Read our guide. This year, Parents has joined with Edmunds.com, the leading online resource for car buyers, to make your selection easier. The 15 vehicles on our list cover a range of sizes, styles, and price points. What they share is a commitment to safety: These crossovers, SUVs, minivans, sedans, and best-value cars rank at or near the top in government and industry crash tests*, and all offer cutting-edge technologies to protect you and your kids. Our winners also have a strong track record for reliability and performance. But just to be sure, we asked parents who own these models to weigh in on factors like storage space, ease of car-seat installation, and handling. Ready for your test drive? Check out our slideshow.
Best Crossovers: Honda CR-V
It's easy to see why these versatile models are gaining popularity: They provide a carlike ride, the roominess of a wagon, and impressive standard safety features.
Price: $20,700 to $29,035
Mileage: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Family features: Don't be fooled by its slick styling. This crossover has everything you need for a young, growing family: spacious and reclining rear seats, comfortable captain's chairs, eight cup holders, and more than a dozen storage nooks for your kids' gear (and yours). Stability control, antilock brakes, and side-curtain air bags are standard. Affordable options include a moon roof and a cool cargo organizer in the rear. The perky four-cylinder engine gives you good gas mileage, and the ride is so smooth your kids will fall asleep quickly at naptime.
Owner feedback: "The CR-V drives as crisply as my old Accord did. Putting in car seats is a breeze. And I like that the rear seats shift forward when we need extra storage space in back."
-- Jennifer F.; Houston, Texas
Safety ratings NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side; also listed as a Top Safety Pick.
Courtesy of Nissan
Best Crossovers: Nissan Rogue
Price: $19,250 to $21,870
Mileage: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Family features: The brand-new Rogue has two irresistible qualities: a sleek, modern design and a very modest sticker price. The interior is bland but functional, with lots of storage compartments, easy-to-use controls, and room for three car seats in back. The advanced transmission makes for a quiet ride and quick acceleration, so it's a blast to drive. Stability control and side-curtain air bags are standard, and the option list is long, including all-wheel drive, a hands-free Bluetooth phone system, steering-wheel controls, storage organizers, and a high-tech audio system.
Owner feedback: "This is the family car to own. The handling is superior, the seats are roomy, the car-seat system was easy to use, and the rear climate control keeps my boys comfortable -- while the outlet for their DVD player keeps them happy."
-- Colleen H.; Deptford, New Jersey
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 9 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Not tested.
Courtesy of Toyota
Best Crossovers: Toyota RAV4
Price: $21,250 to $27,505
Mileage: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Family features: The RAV4 has lots of storage space, cushy front seats, and great standard safety features (including side-curtain air bags and stability control). But what really sets this crossover apart is its agility in traffic jams and crowded parking lots. The reclining rear seats slide forward and back, so you can move your baby closer to you or give adults extra legroom. Toyota has even managed to shoehorn in an optional third row, which is handy for carpooling. And if you want a little extra power on the highway, you can spring for the powerful V-6 engine.
Owner feedback: "The drive is smooth, with a terrific turning radius for its size and great stopping ability. The cargo area is very easy to load. My son's car seat installs easily on either side, but fitting three in back is a squeeze."
-- Adam R.; Mansfield, Connecticut
Safety ratings NHTSA: 9 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side.
Courtesy of Saturn
Best SUVs: Saturn Outlook
Do you have a big crew? These safety-packed models have a standard third row, making them nearly as practical as a minivan (with more style). Each also offers all-wheel drive for better traction on bad roads.
Price: $28,995 to $33,405
Mileage: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Family features: If you think Saturn doesn't make stand-out cars, this one is bound to change your, well, Outlook. It handles like a midsize sedan yet has all the space you'd expect in a full-size SUV: There's room for eight (with a middle-row bench seat), the third row is big enough for grown-ups, and the storage options are seemingly endless. The second-row seats slide forward, so you can comfort your infant without straining your neck. Stability control, side-curtain air bags, and rear-seat temperature controls are standard. And if you want a plusher cabin, you can try the Outlook's upscale cousin, the GMC Acadia.
Owner feedback: "After owning two vans, we worried about the interior space. But there's plenty, even in the third row. My kids love the excellent DVD system and the glass roof, and I'm happy with the responsive steering and nice ride." -Craig A.; Roanoke, Virginia
Safety ratings NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Not tested.
Courtesy of Toyota
Best SUVs: Toyota Highlander
Price: $27,300 to $40,635
Mileage: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Family features: The newly redesigned Highlander is bigger and more powerful than ever -- and better for families too. Simplified controls mean less fumbling to adjust the temperature or wiper settings. There's a heavy emphasis on backseat comfort, with standard rear heat vents and second-row seats that recline as well as slide forward and back. The middle portion of the second row converts from a seat to a console, providing extra storage (or separation between feuding siblings). And stability control and side-curtain air bags are standard.
Owner feedback: "We drive to Vermont every weekend during ski season, and there's room for all our gear. It's super quiet, so our kids stay asleep through the road bumps, and I'm getting even better mileage than the EPA estimates."
-- Peter C. L.; Southbridge, Massachusetts
Safety ratings NHTSA: 9 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side; also listed as a Top Safety Pick.
Courtesy of Hyundia
Best SUVs: Hyundai Veracruz
Price: $26,900 to $36,445
Mileage: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Family features: If you like getting more features for the money, check out the Veracruz. The base model of this well-made "family-mobile" includes rear A/C controls, heated mirrors, and cushy carpeting. Add a sunroof, heated seats, and a backup warning system and you'll still spend less than $30,000. But this is more than a bargain SUV. It has a luxurious ride, and safety is a high priority, with side-curtain air bags and stability control included on all models. You'll also appreciate the deep cargo capacity and high, commanding view of the road.
Owner feedback: "It's a pleasure to drive and as easy to park as a sedan. The legroom is generous, we can fit two car seats plus a booster in back, and I like that the third row folds down for extra storage."
-- Lisa S.; Fallston, Maryland
Safety ratings NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side; also listed as a Top Safety Pick.
Courtesy of Honda
Best Minivans: Honda Odyssey
For carpools and road trips, minivans still offer the most passenger space, storage nooks, and flexible seating options. And with their great safety ratings, you can drive with confidence.
Price: $25,860 to $41,245
Mileage: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Family features: The Odyssey puts every square inch of space to good use. There are so many storage crannies (including two glove boxes, a well under the floor, and 13 cup holders) you may never find them all. The third-row seat folds flat in two sections with a flick of the wrist, so you can store all your luggage. Side-curtain air bags protect all three rows, and stability control is standard. The ride is supersmooth. And the convenient add-ons include power sliding doors and a three-zone climate system.
Owner feedback: "I love the nimble handling, the illuminated dashboard, and the fish-eye mirror, which lets me keep an eye on the kids in back. My wife and I appreciate the dual-zone climate controls, since I'm always hot and she's always cold."
-- Steve Peterson; Washington, Illinois
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side; also listed as a Top Safety Pick.
Courtesy of Dodge
Best Minivans: Dodge Grand Caravan
Price: $22,470 to $40,455
Mileage: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Family features: The redesigned Grand Caravan undercuts its top competitors by several thousand dollars. But it doesn't skimp on safety (side-curtain air bags and stability control are standard), cool features (including power windows on the sliding doors), or quality (the ride is stable and quiet). This van has generous storage space and mom-friendly touches, like removable cup-holder liners you can throw in the dishwasher. The second- and third-row bucket seats can fold flat, a plus for runs to Home Depot. For long trips, the optional "swivel and go" second-row seats -- which spin around to face back-row passengers and include a table that pops up for games or meals -- can turn this minivan into a mini RV. And the nifty options include heated seats and a remote starter.
Owner feedback: "The adjustable steering wheel and pedals make me feel more comfortable than I normally am driving a large vehicle. The back-up camera is great for parking. It's easy to put in our car seats. Plus I love the grocery-bag hooks."
-- Nicole M.; Union, New Jersey
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Not tested.
Courtesy of Toyota
Best Minivans: Toyota Sienna
Price: $24,340 to $38,325
Mileage: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Family features: The Sienna is quick and stable on the road, and it has more gizmos than you ever knew you needed: a folding tray between the front seats, a stowable third-row seat, 14 cup holders, three outlets, even a special storage nook for your garage-door opener. It's the only minivan available with all-wheel drive (side-curtain air bags and stability control are standard), and the neat trick-out options include power sliding doors and laser cruise control, which causes the vehicle to slow down automatically when it detects a car ahead.
Owner feedback: "Since we drive our kids to preschool in Minnesota winters, we love the all-wheel drive and heated outside mirrors. Plus, the car-seat system is easier to use than in other minivans we tested."
-- Theresa O.; Prior Lake, Minnesota
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 9 out of 10 frontal, 10 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side.
Courtesy of Honda
Best Sedans: Honda Accord
Just because you prefer a standard 4-door car doesn't mean you have to give up a roomy feel. These sedans are comfy, powerful, and easy to maneuver in traffic and parking lots.
Price: $20,360 to $30,895
Mileage: 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway
Family features: The Accord has long been a safe, reliable crowd-pleaser. And the newly redesigned '08 model, which has a sleeker design, extra space, and clever touches like a sliding front armrest and a radio system that stores music, is bound to be another blockbuster. The base model comes with side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls (which make it easier to keep your eyes on the road). While a revved-up V-6 engine is available, the four-cylinder is plenty peppy for most families and gets better mileage. The roomy rear lets you install car seats without straining your back, while the Accord's superb handling makes the driving part easy.
Owner feedback: "It's a lot of car for the money -- spacious, fun to drive, easy to park, and very stylish. The front seats are supportive, the trunk space is huge, and my kids, 4 and 6, can climb in and out easily."
-- Michael H.; O'Fallon, Missouri
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 9 out of 10 side (8 out of 10 with all-wheel drive), 5 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side; also listed as a Top Safety Pick.
Courtesy of Ford
Best Sedans: Ford Fusion
Price: $18,010 to $25,350
Mileage: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Family features: The Fusion is a top sedan at a mid-range price. The cabin is just right: large enough to install car seats without a hassle but compact enough to reach back to wipe your little one's nose or replace a Binky. You'll appreciate the grocery-bag hooks, a two-tier armrest that accommodates both short and tall drivers, and the hidden storage box atop the instrument panel. The ride is smooth yet sporty, and the safety factor gets a boost from standard antilock brakes and side-curtain air bags. Want more pizzazz? Opt for a leather steering wheel, power seats, heated mirrors, and automatic headlamps, and you'll still drive away for about $20,000.
Owner feedback: "The trunk is large for a sedan, and the rear is roomy: You can fit a car seat in the middle and adults on either side. The engine has plenty of oomph, and the fuel economy is excellent."
-- Michael Lavander; Westland, Michigan
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 9 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover (5 out of 5 with all-wheel drive). IIHS: Good frontal, good side.
Courtesy of Chevrolet
Best Sedans: Chevrolet Malibu
Price: $19,995 to $26,995
Mileage: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Family features: This is not your mom's Malibu -- and that's a good thing. The all-new 2008 version has hip styling, a spacious interior (three fit in back without elbow-knocking), and thoughtful features like large rear-seat pockets for your kids' books or toys. The four-cylinder engine is very perky. The Malibu's early safety numbers are strong, and we like the fact that antilock brakes and side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. But why not treat yourself to heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a remote starter that lets you get the heater or A/C going before you get in? After all, you're a lot cooler than your mother.
Owner feedback: "This car is better than its competitors. The handling is exceptional, and the ride is supersmooth. The OnStar navigation system is very helpful, and it's easy to click a car seat in and out -- a big plus considering I have six kids."
-- Adam H.; Las Vegas, Nevada
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, side not tested, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, side not tested.
Courtesy of Honda
Best Values: Honda Civic
Don't be fooled by their price tag. These models -- perfect for small families and as second cars -- get high marks for safety (all come standard with side-impact and side-curtain air bags) and dependability.
Price: $15,010 to $23,235
Mileage: 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway
Family features: Why has the Civic made our list for six years running? Because it provides amazing bang for the buck and because it proves that thrifty doesn't have to mean dull. The funky instrument panel -- speedometer on the top, tachometer on the bottom -- mimics a handheld video game. But the Civic is no toy. Its highway performance feels like that of a bigger sedan, and the can-do little engine gets great mileage. Antilock brakes and advanced frontal, side-impact, and side-curtain air bags are standard. Rear heat ducts will keep your kids comfy, and a brilliant parent must have thought of the scuff-resistant material behind the front seats.
Owner feedback: "It has plenty of room for our two kids plus an occasional friend in back. My daughter loves the MP3 input jack for her iPod, while my son adores the sunroof. And I'm partial to the leather seats, responsive steering, and great gas mileage."
-- Chris W.; Rosedale, Maryland
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 9 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side.
Courtesy of Kia
Best Values: Kia Rondo
Price: $16,995 to $20,795
Mileage: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Family features: Call it the minivan lite. This oblong model offers tremendous versatility and strong safety ratings in a tidy, affordable package. The cabin has split-folding rear seats, hidden storage beneath the cargo area, and front and rear power outlets. An optional third row boosts the seating capacity to seven, which is unrivaled in this class. The Rondo's ride is sturdy, though the V-6 engine is a worthwhile upgrade for drivers who want a bit more dash. And options such as keyless entry, leather upholstery, and heated seats give it a posh feel, especially for the economy price.
Owner feedback: "Our family of five did a round-trip to Colorado quite comfortably in our Rondo. It's less clunky and lower to the ground than a minivan, but it still has lots of storage space. The pickup is nice, and I find it easier to install car seats in it than in any vehicle I've ever driven."
-- Stephanie P.; Valparaiso, Indiana
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 10 out of 10 frontal, 9 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Not rated.
Courtesy of Nissan
Best Values: Nissan Versa
Price: $12,630 to $15,630
Mileage: 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway
Family features: Most subcompacts are so light they blow around on the highway in a stiff breeze. Not the well-built Versa, which has surprising room and a strong safety resume. The base model is lean, but if you opt for power windows and locks, cruise control, a center storage console, front and rear armrests, and antilock brakes, you and your little ones will feel quite cozy. And the ride is surprisingly comfortable on the highway. If you plan to do ginormous grocery runs, go for the hatchback version, which provides easier loading and rear seats that fold flat.
Owner feedback: "Our car seats were easy to install, there's lots of storage space, and our fold-up stroller fits easily in the trunk. My 4-year-old loves the fact that she feels close to us but still has plenty of playing space in back."
-- Carmen P.; Jacksboro, Tennessee
Safety ratings: NHTSA: 8 out of 10 frontal, 8 out of 10 side, 4 out of 5 rollover. IIHS: Good frontal, good side.
*Crash-test results, adapted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are based on a 10-point scale for frontal and side-impact crashes and a five-point scale for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigns cars four ratings for frontal and side: good, acceptable, marginal, or poor; it also designates top-performing cars as "Top Safety Picks." Not all cars are crash-tested. Some ratings refer to prior model years but only when the design is the same as the 2008 version. For the most up-to-date safety ratings, visit safercar.gov and iihs.org. Prices include delivery fees and represent base prices for all trim lines. Mileage ratings vary depending on the engine. Some options listed are not available on all models or trim lines.
Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents magazine.


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Twisted Metal Box Art Revealed
The Twisted Metal box art for the upcoming 2012 release has been revealed. There's only one character that is appropriate to put on the cover of the game--Sweet Tooth.
And that's exactly who we get.
Twisted Metal is set for a February 14, 2012 release.


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Heed the call of the wild in this innovative and impossibly cute black and white Wild Thang Hoodie tween costume. Prowl the party in the hooded dress with attached tail, ears and mitts - stalk your prey and run like the wind in matching leggings.
Get wild and inspired in this Zebra Rainbow Cinch Bag With Tail. This cinch bag is reminiscent of a Lisa Frank print with its bright rainbow print with zebra stripes running through. The cute zebra tail adds an extra touch of fun.
They say when you hear the sound of hoofbeats you should think horses, not zebras, but what do they know. Create a costume of your own design with this colorful and distinctive Neon Zebra kit - it includes gloves, a tail, ears and a cute choker.
Not all zebras come in black and white! In this Zebra Neon Pink Girls Costume, you'll be bursting with color. Wearing hot pink zebra striped hoodie with ears and black and green ruffled dress with tail, you'll be one to stand out in a herd.
A cute and funky way to dress up any Halloween costume the White Neon Leopard Cinch Bag With Tail will hold all of your candy. This white bag has a vibrant neon zebra print and cute tail on the bottom.
Earn your stripes in this clever and sexy Zebralicious adult womens costume. The black and white, hooded dress features pink lined ears and an eye-catching mohawk mane along with a black waist corset, matching tail and leg warmers.


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Shooting at VFW leaves two dead
Posted: August 25, 2014 at 3:07 a.m.
Authorities are investigating a double homicide that occurred early Sunday morning at a VFW post east of Magnolia in Columbia County.
This story is only available from our archives.
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2 dead in accidents on Arkansas roads
An Oklahoma man died Saturday in a rollover accident in Slaytonville, according to Arkansas State Police. Read »


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No Reservations – Imperial Porters
Like Breakfast Stout and Parabola, Ballast Point's Victory at Sea embraces a bold coffee flavor, but unlike those other beers, this one delivers a brew that almost encourages you to drink it without reservation. "It's a little bit lighter-bodied, but it almost feels like a more aggressive beer," says Mesirow. "It's pretty intense. A lot of beers with vanilla can get cloying and too sweet, but [here] the vanilla is very subtle. If you didn't know that the vanilla was there, you might not pick it up."


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Trescavage 1 Jamie Trescavage Mr. Trescavage Sophomore Language Arts March 18, 2010 Out of the Darkness and Silence: Helen Keller's Advocacy for Disabled Americans Helen Keller was once quoted as saying, "I have made my limitations tools of learning and joy" (Smith). The limitations Keller spoke of—deafness and blindness caused by a "brain fever" at the age of 19 months—were neither a tool nor joyful when she was young (Kushner). But when a teacher opened the up world, through words, to young Keller, a woman with a thirst for knowledge and social justice was unleashed. Despite a childhood plagued by darkness and communication barriers, Helen Keller's written words helped open the public's eyes and shine a light on the many social inequalities faced by millions of handicapped Americans, supporting lawsuits like Brown vs. Board of Education and helping lay the foundation for new laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). When Anne Sullivan, Keller's teacher, arrived from Boston's Perkins School in March of 1887, Keller could barely communicate with the outside world (Kushner). Sullivan brought finger-spelling—a form of sign language where finger positions represent numbers and letters—with her to teach Keller ("Finger"). They started with the word "doll" and after a period of struggle, Sullivan broke through to Keller with the word "water," a word she had spoken as a child (Kushner). Keller often used the analogy of her world being veiled in darkness before Sullivan taught her of the connections between her finger-spelled words and actual objects, writing, "Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in, and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen? I was like that ship before my education began, only I was without compass or sounding line and had no way of knowing how near the harbor was (Keller)." While Sullivan brought light into Keller's world and gave her empty vessel some definite Trescavage 2 direction, her struggles to understand language and her quest to quench her thirst for knowledge were not an easy journey. Keller once wrote, "The more things I handled things and learned their names and uses, the more joyous and confident grew my sense of kinship with the rest of the world (Kushner)." Her confidence and joy led her and Anne Sullivan to leave the Keller's home in Alabama, traveling to Boston first so Keller could attend the Perkins School for the Blind, and then to New York, where she could receive training to help with speech (Kushner). She was quickly tearing down the barriers of communication, progressing so rapidly that college began a distinct reality for her. At the twenty years old, she was accepted to Radcliffe College in Boston after passing demanding entrance examinations in German, French, Latin, English, Greek, and on the history of the Roman Empire (Kushner). Despite spending the first five years of her life trapped in darkness, she graduated from Radcliffe College with honors and went on to become a successful, honored and, most importantly, contributing member of society (Lauer). Keller used her status and fame to begin to build a platform of change that would result in major advancements for the handicapped citizens of America. She once wrote about the moment she understood the meaning of finger spelling to her friend Alexander Graham Bell, American inventor of the telephone, stating, "My fingers still glow with the fee of the first word that opened its golden heart to me. How everything seemed to think, to live! (Smith)." Keller wished to share this wondrous feeling to all those who lived in similar darkness, through both education and equality. In 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the favor of Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, which dismantled the legal basis for racial segregation in schools and other public facilities ("Brown"). The law was a very important building block for the foundation of human rights in America. At its core, Brown v. Board of Education Trescavage 3 became about more than just race, helping to spark a change in which prejudged, discriminated against, and stereotyped people based on their ethnic, religious, physical, or cultural differences ("Brown"). Prior to Brown's revision of the American educational system, many people with physical disabilities like Keller's or mental disabilities were considered to only have a limited ability to grasp instruction and pre-academic subjects, such as the alphabet, number knowledge, and reading (Kilewer). Therefore, they were secluded from the rest of the student population and not given an opportunity to succeed. Keller and other advocates spoke out against such narrow-minded ideas, championing her as an example of what can be accomplished by someone with a handicap when they are not excluded. She was lauded as a timeless icon and an inspiration to all; not as a needy, useless person (Kleege). Throughout Keller's life, she was very interested in public service. She met every American president from Grover Cleveland to Lyndon B. Johnson—seven in total (Kushner). Many of the presidents sought out Keller for opinions on developing rights and laws for helping disabled Americans, an honor that earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, given to America's most respected civilians (Kushner). Keller's political connections allowed her Helen Keller Foundation to gain traction when it came to both helping people worldwide with vision loss and influencing politicians develop rights and opportunities for the disabled (Kushner). Though she supported groups like the NAACP, advocated women's rights, and spoke out against child labor and capital punishment, Keller's biggest advocacy involved the disabled (Eldred). One of the most monumental pieces of legislation in the last fifty years is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("Facts"). Heavily supported by The Helen Keller Foundation, the law prohibits "private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, Trescavage 4 compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment" ("Facts"). Ultimately, Keller did not want special or preferential treatment because of her handicap, but to level the playing field for all people instead, stating, "the marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome" (Lauer). Although she had a limited ability to speak, Helen Keller's written words voiced a strong and clear message that every American, handicapped or not, was to be treated equally. While she freely admitted limitations, she used them not as a crutch, but tools to sharpen her convictions that a handicap is a lesson to be taught, not a wasted opportunity. Keller used her education to tear down barriers established by old laws and her fame to build up new laws which have helped level the playing field for millions of Americans. Trescavage 5 Works Cited "Brown v. Board of Education: About The Case." Brownvboard.org. 3 March 2010 <http://brownvboard.org/summary/> Eldred, Sheila. "A Touching Friendship: Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan." New Moon. 5 (1997): 38-39. 1 March 2010 <hwwilsonweb.com> "Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act." eeoc.gov. 3 March 2010 <http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-ada.html> "Finger spelling." Merriam-Webster.com. 2 March 2010 <http://www.aolsvc.merriam- webster.aol.com/medical/finger+spelling> Keller, Helen. "1887 Alabama: The Living Word." Lapham's Quarterly. 10. 17 (2001): 67- 69. 2 March 2010 <hwwilsonweb.com> Kleege, Georgina. "The Helen Keller Who Still Matters." Raritan. 1. 24 (2004): 100-112. 1 March 2010 <hwwilsonweb.com> Kliewer, Christopher, Douglas Biklen, and Christi Kasa-Hendrickson. "Who May Be Literate? Disability and Resistance to the Cultural Denial of Competence." American Educational Research Journal. 43. 2 (2006): 163-192. 1 March 2010 < Kushner, Sherrill. "'Meet Helen Keller'." Los Angeles Times. 27 June 2005. 1 March 2010 <discoverer.prod.sirs.com> Lauer, Charles. "Character Makes the Difference." Modern Healthcare. 32. 40 (2002): 26. 1 March 2010 <hwwilsonweb.com> Smith, J. David. "The Challenge of Advocacy: The Different Voices of Helen Keller and Burton Blatt." Mental Retardation. 35. (1997): 138-140. 1 March 2010 <hwwilsonweb.com>
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