text:
Archive - Aug 2009
Merciful Kate Mulgrew Hangs With Frank-N-Furter
Kate Mulgrew, one of our favorite captains, is joining the cast of the new NBC series 'Mercy'. Mulgrew will play Jeannie Flanagan, the mother of the show's lead, Veronica (Taylor Schilling).
Also in Kate Mulgrew news, she will be lending her voice to the new upcoming Bioware roleplaying game "Dragon Age: Origins". Also lending their voice to the game, is another fave of ours, Tim Curry (Frank-N-Furter, Rocky Horror Picture Show).
More about 'Mercy':CONTINUE READING >>
Trekcast Episode 41, Now Available With More Super Spock
Set phasers to awesome and download another episode of the highest rated Star Trek podcast. That's right shapeshifters, it's time for our favorite time of the week; Trekcast Mondays. This week's episode also includes our favorite blogger Jerad 'Super Spock' Formby. Everything's better with a little Super Spock on it!CONTINUE READING >>
'Star Trek' Tops Spike TV's 'SCREAM 2009' With 17 Nominations
Spike TV's 4th annual 'SCREAM 2009' posted it's list of nominees today, and guess who's at the top? J.J. Abrams' 'Star Trek', that's who. 'Star Trek' garnered 17 nominations including Best Science Fiction Movie, Best Director, and Best Ensemble. Zoe Saldana also grabbed two nominations for for Best Breakout Performance: Female and Best Science Fiction Actress.
August 30th
New Star Trek Online "Meet The Team" & Screenshot
Star Trek Online just posted a brand new screenshot showing what looks like a Federation facility, possibly a space station, and a brand new Installment of "meet the team". Check out the new ST:O screenshot here.
Meet the Team: Lee Dotson
What do you do on Star Trek Online?
August 29th
Answers - The Trivia Tribble Presents: 'In a Mirror Darkly Pts 1 & 2'
Here are the answers to this week's installment of The Trivia Tribble Presents. If you haven't tried your hand at the challenge check out the quiz here. Big thanks to the Trivia Tribble David Kleparek for providing the fantastic content.CONTINUE READING >>
August 28th
Leonard Nimoy, Avery Brooks, & More At Fan Expo Canada - This Weekend!
If you're in Toronto Canada this weekend, be sure to check out Fan Expo Canada to see some of your favorite Trek stars live and in person. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the expo was started in 1995 with the launch of the Canadian National Comic Book Expo. Eventually it become the multi-faceted Con that it is today. Check out the list below to see who will be attending.CONTINUE READING >>
Limited Edition Amazon Exclusive Star Trek XI Blu-ray Bundle
Looks like Amazon has a special edition version of J.J. Abrams' 'Star Trek' in the works. CONTINUE READING >>
August 27th
'Amok Time' In The Park, Again!... Sort of.
The wildly popular "Trek in the Park", which had a three weekend run in Portland, Oregon last month, is back. This time it's being held at the Bagdad Theater & Pub and is one night only. If you're in Portland August 30th, don't miss out. We hear it's hysterical.
The Bagdad Theatre & Pub at 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd in Portland. will host the one-hour production at 8 p.m. Sunday. Following the performance will be a screening of this summer's "Star Trek" movie.


text:
Second-year cornerback who has seen valuable time at right CB while bringing elite athleticism, speed and length to the back end of the Lions defensive unit. Joined CB Rashean Mathis in 2014 season as one of the team's starting CBs.
Second-year cornerback who has seen valuable time at right CB while bringing elite athleticism, speed and length to the back end of the Lions defensive unit. Joined CB Rashean Mathis in 2014 season as one of the team's starting CBs.
2014: Had a breakout season in only his second year in the League, finishing fifth on the team with 60 tackles (47 solo), two interception sand a team-leading 17 pass defenses. His 17 pass defenses tied for ninth in the entire NFL, and ranked second among all rookie and second-year players this season.
2013: Played in 13 games (four starts) in his rookie season, totaling 31 tackles (25 solo), six pass defenses and three special teams tackles.
In two seasons at Mississippi State, played in 26 games, starting 13 contests at cornerback. Finished his career as a Bulldog with 63 tackles (40 solo), including two tackles for loss, 10 pass defenses, six interceptions (173 yards and two touchdowns) and one fumble recovery
2012: Named an honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Weekly and received All-Southeastern Conference second-team accolades from the league's coaches, Phil Steele and The NFL Draft Report.
2011: Joined Mississippi State program and saw action in all 13 games as a junior secondary reserve. Finished the season with 23 tackles (16 solo), four pass defenses and one interception.
Attended Brunswick (Ga.) High School, where he was an All-State selection as both a defensive back and running back, earning defensive honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and offensive accolades from the Georgia Sports Writers Association as a senior.
Cornerback Darius Slay seems ready to take his game to the next level.
Tim Twentyman covers all the Lions news out of Phoenix including Joe Haden's thoughts on Darius Slay and Pro Bowl snubs at outside linebacker.
It was only a matter of time before the mental aspect of second-year cornerback Darius Slay's game caught up with his physical talent.
Darius Slay is expecting to take a big step forward at cornerback from his rookie season with the Lions, and he sees no better environment to test his progress in than against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on Saturday night in one of the NFL's most hyped preseason game of the year.
Mike Tirico's formula for the Lions to win the NFC North and host a home playoff game includes a player and his position group stepping up, and for the entire team to get over a stumbling block that has tripped them up for almost a quarter century.
Cornerback Darius Slay talks about building chemistry in the secondary, the influence Rashean Mathis has on young cornerbacks and creating more turnovers in 2015.
Watch Mississippi State DB Darius Slay work out at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay talks about the impact of his interception and how he has improved at cornerback during his second year in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is picked off by Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay.
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay talks about how he has improved at corner since last year and his confidence in his ability to play basketball.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
61 W.Va. teachers receive national certification
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia now has nearly 700 nationally certified teachers.
The Department of Education says 61 teachers received National Board Certification in 2012. That brings the state's total to 696.
The department says National Board Certification means the teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.
Wood County leads the state with 79 nationally certified teachers, followed by Cabell County with 55 and Monongalia County with 46.
The Herald-Dispatch welcomes your comments on this article, but please be civil. Avoid profanity, obscenity, personal attacks, accusations of criminal activity, name-calling or insults to the other posters. Herald-dispatch.com does not control or monitor comments as they are posted, but if you find a comment offensive or uncivil, hover your mouse over the comment and click the X that appears in the upper right of the comment. If you do not want your comment to post to your personal Facebook page, uncheck the box below the comment.


text:
I knew we were in trouble as soon as I heard the first shot ring out. Before the echo of the first shot died off, dozens more began to ring out. I clung to Kal as we ran from the gunshots. We realized all to late that the shots were getting closer and moving faster than we were. Out of nowhere I felt a sharp blistering pain in my shoulder. I cry out in agony. I am slowly blacking out as Kal picks me up in his strong arms and runs. "Stay with me Aria!!" "Aria Rose, don't you leave me!" "Stay with me Aria!" All I saw was Kal's scared face before I am gone.
"Who are you?" I asked blankly.
"Honey, I'm your mother. Don't play pranks on me at a time like this."
"Excuse me miss," one of the nurses said. "The doctor said she may have some minor memory loss, from hitting the ground after she was shot."
"Oh." My mother said plainly.
Then the cute guy came up and kissed my cheek. "Hi." He said sweetly.
"Ummm... who are you?"
"I'm your boyfriend."
| Email this Novel
| Add to reading list


text:
Archive for March, 2006« Previous Entries
An Interview with Steve Rosen of the Kansas City StarFriday, March 31st, 2006
My regular readers might recognize the name Steve Rosen because I have linked to several of his articles recently. Steve has a weekly column in the Kansas City Star, which is also synicated in several newspapers across the country. His speciality is writing about kids and money, a topic near and dear to my heart […]
Friday RoundupFriday, March 31st, 2006
I have been really self-absorbed the last week or so due to my "legal" problems. However, things are getting better now and I wanted to post another roundup with some articles from the MoneyBlogNetwork and beyond.
Focus on Frugal BlogsThursday, March 30th, 2006
Here are some of my favorite frugal blogs:
Vanguard Diehards' Book GuideThursday, March 30th, 2006
Taylor Larimore, one of the three authors of The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing, has put together a list of investing books that he recommends to people wanting to learn how to invest their money. It's a pretty good list.
OT: Another Sad PostWednesday, March 29th, 2006
This afternoon, on the way to a soccer game, a bus carrying the high school girls soccer team swerved to avoid an object that had fallen off the back of an oncoming truck. The bus slid off the road, rolled over and landed in a ditch. Two girls on the bus were killed. One of […]
MBN Blog of the Week – No. 1Wednesday, March 29th, 2006
In addition to AllFinancialMatters' (I'm still getting used to writing the new name) Blog of the Week (BotW), the MoneyBlogNetwork has a BotW. This week's selection is
Nine Questions to Ask BEFORE You Get MarriedWednesday, March 29th, 2006
Monday's Wall Street Journal had a special report called Your Money Matters. I found the articles in that section to be very interesting and helpful. The main article, Love and Money ($), was written by Jeff Opdyke, one of my favorite columnists at the Journal. The article lists nine questions that ALL couples should ask […]
« Previous Entries


text:
Translate your ideas into polished diagrams with OmniGraffle, the flexible diagramming application for the Mac.
Leverage the enormous audience and unique video platform of YouTube to communicate your brand, engage your audience, and achieve your marketing goals.
Shows how to illustrate and communicate ideas with this powerful diagramming tool for the Mac.
"I am a one-person small business and you make it affordable for me to get continuing education. Keep up with the good work!" —Frederique N.
more from our members »


text:
This event has expired. This may be a recurring event, so please check the calendar in the future for updated occurrences.
Annual Toy Run
Six motorcycle runs. Registration at 8:30am, rides leave at 10am. Cost $20 or $20 worth of new toys, $10 for passengers. Open to the public after 3:30pm with $15 admission. Free food, beer and entertainment. Music provided by One Night Stand. Raffles.
Fair/Festival Type
- Other
Adventure Sports Activities
- Motorcycling


text:
Run faster with PUMA
If you're a track runner you know how important the right shoe can be. When you are actually on the track preparing for a race you need to be confident that you have the best shoe for you. Running a fast mile time, or even running a fast 100 meter time takes a lot of effort. The last thing you want is to lose a race because your shoes weren't up to par.
Some track shoes to consider are:
- Nike Zoom Mamba 2
- PUMA Bolt Faas 007
- Mizuno Geo-Silencer 3
- Brooks PR MD
- Adidas Adizero prime finess
The PUMA track spike shoe mens are known for being light weight, comfortable, and are designed to give optimal performance to sprinters and hurdlers. PUMA track shoes are worn by the fastest sprinter and the current world record holder Usain Bolt. The new PUMA Faas foam is an extremely resilient and lightweight and can be found in their latest shoes.
A friend of mine who runs recreationally chooses PUMA shoes because he likes their comfort and durability. I just recently purchased a pair based on his recommendation and they are quite comfortable and stylish. They don't have to be just a running shoe either. They can be casually worn with a pair of jeans.
For a casual runner that's looking for an athletic shoe you should consider Etonic shoes for men. These shoes are designed to be a lightweight training aid for athletes. They are durable and made of a high grade rubber compound so they will last a long time. Most Etonic shoes have built in shock absorption which alleviates pressure from your heels and knees. This is a great training shoe for runners and athletes.
If you're a track superstar or just enjoy going for a run consider getting a comfortable, durable, and lightweight pair of shoes like an Etonic or PUMA shoe.


text:
Median Listing Price
Median Listing Price Per Sq. Ft.
# of Sales (30 days)
% Turnover (12 months)
Do I need a climate controlled storage unit in Lakeland?
The forecast high for Lakeland is 80 degrees today. The record high for today in Lakeland is 98 degrees. High temperatures and humidity can cause mold and mildew to thrive. If you're considering storing items that are susceptible to mold and mildew during this period, consider renting a climate controlled storage unit.
Does Lakeland student population affect self-storage prices?
Colleges and universities located in or nearby Lakeland include Florida Southern College, Southeastern University. College students often need storage during summer and winter breaks and can drive prices up during these seasons.


text:
Press Conference at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia
Secretary Cohen: Good afternoon. Before I start, I would like to thank Ambassador Stapleton Roy for his distinguished service as the United States Ambassador to Indonesia. This, regrettably, is his last day as ambassador here, and he has represented U.S. interests and Indonesian concerns, with great skill. And so I'd like to pay tribute to you, Stape, for the great work you have done on behalf of our country.
Today, I met with President Habibie, General Wiranto, acting Foreign Minister Feisal Tandjung, and Minister Ginandjar. I also met with Mrs. Megawati, and representatives of human rights groups and non-governmental organizations. In every meeting I made the same points. The United States supports an Indonesia that is democratic, stable, strong, prosperous, and united. This is a period of hope and excitement for the people of Indonesia. When the MPR convenes tomorrow, Indonesia will take another important step in the transformation of democracy. At the same time the economy is beginning to improve. And yet, these accomplishments have become overshadowed by events in East Timor, where elements in the military have aided and abetted violence.
And now the government and the military of Indonesia face a choice. If they work toward a peaceful solution in East Timor, if they investigate and punish those who are guilty of improper behavior, if they disarm the militia in West Timor and prevent it from trying to destabilize East Timor, they will help fulfill Indonesia's national obligations, and international obligations.
But if they fail to work for peaceful transition in East Timor by allowing violence to continue, then Indonesia's interests will be hurt. The United States wants a good relationship with Indonesia, but the government's failure to stop destruction and violence in East Timor has in fact impaired our level of cooperation. We have suspended all military programs and initiated a review of all bilateral assistance that is not related to promoting democracy or easing humanitarian problems. And we will not be able to restore normal relations until we see successful efforts to promote safety for the people of East Timor and allow the peace process to proceed.
In all of my meetings, I stressed that the military must operate under civilian control, and that it must show restraint and respect for human rights throughout Indonesia. And as the MPR prepares to meet it is clear that Indonesia faces significant choices: decisions that are going to determine whether democracy succeeds or fails. I'd be happy to entertain your questions.
Q: Inaudible
Secretary Cohen: The question was, 'What was the response of those individuals I spoke with today?'. The answer is they understood exactly the message I was delivering. And, as I've tried to indicate, I come to Indonesia as a friend of Indonesia. I'm not here to lecture people about rights and responsibilities. I am here to give them the benefit of my own observations and that of my government. And I believe that, unless the Indonesian government seeks to achieve those goals that I set forward, and set forth, that there will be consequences inevitably that will flow. I believe that all that I spoke to appreciated exactly what I was saying, and they understand what their responsibilities are. And so, I am satisfied there was a positive response. The question really is one of not only verbal assurances but also of actual deeds. So time will have to tell whether there will be the kind of commitment that I believe is going to be necessary in order to achieve the goals that I've articulated.
Q: Can you go into detail on the Indonesian response?
Secretary Cohen: Well, these were private conversations. I can only tell you that I outlined each and every one of these areas that each individual I spoke to and those within the groups understood exactly what was involved. There was every indication that there would, in fact, be full cooperation, that each understood that what takes place in East Timor will have a significant impact on the future of Indonesia, and they indicated they are prepared to take positive action. And so, I think I will just leave it at that.
Q: My question is, the United States...now East Timor, Aceh is already come up as you cover it, and my question is what next the United States will see? And do you think the unitary state of Indonesia is still important to you? The next is, what can you make clear about the civilian government in Indonesia as in your statement before? Thank you.
Secretary Cohen: I thought I made it clear in my statement, but apparently I should repeat it now. The United States believes that the situation in East Timor is something that is separate and distinct, that we do not support the break-up or in any way the disintegration of Indonesia. We support a strong, stable, united, democratic Indonesia. And that is the position of the United States government.
Q: In this democratic transition, what kind of step...would it be a step forward, step backward...sideways...if a military person were to become president or vice president as a result of the MPR session? What would the U.S. reaction to that be?
Secretary Cohen: I do not tread where even angels fear to tread, and I would not in any way want to comment on the political situation in Indonesia. It is up to the Indonesian people to make that determination. I think what the rest of the world will look to is whether or not there is a genuine commitment to achieve reform in the sense of subordinating the military to civilian control; whether there will be the promotion and support for human rights; respect for individuals; restraint on the part of the military in dealing with its own citizens; whether or not it will, in fact, support the transition in East Timor, prevent cross border raids from taking place on the part of militia groups in West Timor, and basically demonstrate that it is committed to the values of a democratic society. Those are the indices that I think the international community will look to.
Q: Mr. Secretary, I am just back from East Timor, where there is growing concern about the situation on the border in West Timor. You brought it up briefly, but I want to get a little more clarification. Military sources in particular are concerned about growing activity on the border, perhaps militias gearing up for armed attack across the border where the UN mandate does not extend. Did you specifically discuss this with Mr. Wiranto today, and is it your understanding that the TNI, the Indonesian army, should be having an active and affirmative role in keeping those militias from crossing the border?
Secretary Cohen: It is my belief that the Indonesian government and its military should take whatever steps necessary to prevent militias in West Timor from launching any cross-border attacks against East Timor. And I made it very clear, and I think General Wiranto and others that I talked with today understand that.
Q: Last week Sadako Ogata talked with many of the same people you met, including the president. So did Julia Taft, the Undersecretary of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and they received many of the same assurances that you received, that there would be cooperation. Specifically, they were told that they would have access to the refugee camps in West Timor. And yet this week, when the UNHCR sent its team of people into West Timor, went to the governor, asked for an escort to go into the camps, they were flatly denied. In the meantime, people continue to be executed every night as far as we're aware. My question is, how long does the Indonesian government have to act on these rather pretty promises that they have been making to you?
Secretary Cohen: Well, I think the sooner the government acts, the better, certainly. The world community, the international community, is watching, and to the extent that they see a failure on the part of the Indonesian government to measure up to its verbal commitments, that will carry the consequences that I mentioned before. You have been reading about reports that there has been some reluctance on the part of investors to invest in Indonesia. That will have an impact upon the government. The currency, perhaps, will continue its fluctuation, depending upon what is perceived to be the policy of the government. So all of that will be the consequence that will flow from a failure to take action. I think that the government needs to take immediate action, but the world community, the international community will make a judgement in terms of whether it's a good-faith effort to meet up to these responsibilities.
Q: Can you elaborate your statement earlier that the Indonesian government must shackle its military and advance democracy or face the prospect of political isolation and economic sanctions? Is that including military sanctions? And what is your response to the Indonesian military brutality in shooting the students last week? Thank you.
Secretary Cohen: I have already indicated, we have suspended all of our military programs with Indonesia. I believe that other governments have also passed resolutions that would stop the exchange of any of the military equipment, or transfer of that equipment to Indonesia. So there already is international action being taken. In addition to the economic consequences, there is a question about investment in Indonesia, whether it is seen as a stable, prospering type of economy that is committed to free enterprise and to democracy. And so the international marketplace will also make a determination. And that is what is taking place today.
Q: Sir, I would like you to have a look at another region in flames. Moscow says that it is bombing terrorist bases in Chechnya, and will be doing that maybe for one or two more weeks, and ground troops have been sent to Chechnya. What is your reaction? What is the reaction of your government? Thank you very much.
Secretary Cohen: I believe that President Clinton and the administration have issued a statement urging restraint on the part of the Russian government. But this is something, of course, that the Russian government will have to decide for itself in terms of whether or not it can prevent the kind of acts of terrorism being directed against the Russian people.
It happened, just a few weeks ago, to be in Moscow when one of the bombs went off destroying an apartment building killing some eighty or more people. This is something new for the Russian people to have to contend with, that now acts of terrorism are taking place on Russian soil, and so it's somewhat understanding that they are reacting to try to prevent acts of terrorism from continuing on their soil. But, nonetheless, the policy of our government and the position of our government is to urge restraint on the part of the Russians in how they cope with this increasing level of terrorism being directed against their people.
Q: What evidence have you been able to collect, in terms of intercepted cables, or other stuff from the Defense Department, or the Defense Intelligence Agency, or related agencies, and will you be giving that evidence to any international tribunal, and if you could be specific in any cases?
Secretary Cohen: Well, it's my policy not to comment on intelligence matters. I can only say that we certainly will cooperate in any way we can with those who are investigating abuses on the part of elements in the military.
Q: Regarding West Timor, and the UN mandate. As far as you see it, if West Timor is used as a base to start attacking or destabilizing East Timor, what is the UN mandate as far as securing the border or even taking steps into West Timor.
Secretary Cohen: The UN mandate of course goes to East Timor, not to West Timor. To the extent there are activities, cross border raids and military actions, that certainly would pose a problem for the Indonesian government as well. There is a question of "hot pursuit," whether or not if forces, peacekeeping forces, UN peacekeeping forces come under attack, as to whether or not they could pursue those who are attacking them. But I think that we ought not to speculate at this point what the reaction of the UN force may be. Obviously, force protection is something that every military force would want to insist upon, that they would want to insist that their forces be able to defend themselves.
Q: What's your reading on the situation in West Timor as far as the build-up of troops?
Secretary Cohen: At this point, there has been no significant action taken. I expressed concern yesterday during a press conference in Australia that we are concerned that there may be plans underway to try to reverse the results of the referendum, to try and either intimidate or assault the peacekeeping forces in East Timor and that is the reason why I called upon the Indonesian Government to participate in preventing that from taking place.
Q: How does the Indonesian military have to change to be said it's under civil law, civilian control, and how do you want the military to act from tomorrow because of the MPR's starting?
Secretary Cohen: We would hope that the military would, in fact, be subordinate and subject to the governance and the rule of civilian officials. That is something that every democracy must insist upon and Indonesia, as it makes its transition, must insist upon it also. Meaning not only must their direction--clear political and military guidance--be given to the military, but there must be obedience or adherence on the part of those in the military to that guidance. What...I can't give you specific examples or list them other than to say that military rule, or military forces, must be subject to the law and the rule of law passed by the parliament and implemented by executive order or elsewhere.
Q: Does that mean that you want the minister of defense to be a civilian?
Secretary Cohen: Well, that's up to, really, Indonesia. I think that basically it's important to have a civilian head of a defense department or a ministry of defense but each country must decide for itself whether it wishes to have a military officer assume that position. Ordinarily, one would like to see a civilian in charge of a ministry of defense, but there are many countries who still have military officers, and it can function. A lot will depend upon the perception on the part of the Indonesian people. It seems to me that there is a deep and heartfelt desire on the part of the Indonesian people to make sure that the military does in fact respond and abide by civilian rule and so that may be one of the ways in which that is assured to the Indonesian people.
Q: Sir, Mr. Secretary, would you please explain to us why you have come to Indonesia at this particular time when we are about to elect into office our new president? Is this an intervention tendency of America in Indonesian domestic politics as a signal of U.S. shift, U.S. policy that is non-pragmatic?
Secretary Cohen: The reason that I came to Indonesia and to the other countries in the region...I didn't just come to Indonesia, but I will be going on and visiting Thailand and the Philippines and Singapore as well. And the reason I came now is because I had to cancel, or postpone, a prior scheduled visit to Indonesia by virtue of the conflict in Kosovo. And so, the timing was one in which this was a time that I could travel and take into account the other countries that I had to visit. In addition to that, of course, as a result of what has taken place in East Timor, we have the United States, which has committed some support personnel, some 260 to date, support personnel to serve in Australia and also, to some degree, in East Timor itself. And so it gave me an opportunity to visit those troops yesterday. So, basically, it was a trip that had been scheduled before and had to be postponed. I was able to do it now and visit all of the countries that I can in the region in a very short time. I tried to make it clear by my visit today that there should be no political implications drawn from it. I met with your present officials and those who are running for high office and basically tried to indicate that I am here to discuss what I believe to be not only in Indonesia's interest but that of the United States and other countries as well.
Q: Sir, there are new reports that U.S. troops took part in massacres of civilians during the Korean War. Could you comment on that please?
Secretary Cohen: I am not aware of any evidence that would support or substantiate those claims. But to the degree there is any substantive information that is forthcoming then certainly we will look at it. But I believe that this has been examined on several occasions in the past. I am not aware that there is any information that would corroborate or support that.
Q: Sir, you met Mrs. Megawati, president of PDI, this morning. Does that mean that the United States government will support Megawati as Indonesia's next president? Thank you.
Secretary Cohen: The fact that I visited Mrs. Megawati was to show that I am not here to endorse anyone, that I was here to meet with leaders, both holding office and those who seek office, but I am not here to endorse her candidacy or that of President Habibie or anyone else. I am here to talk to as many people as possible in a very short period of time, but the very fact that I tried make it clear that my visit here is not political in nature in terms of participating or trying to influence any partisan politics. This is something for the Indonesian people, and no one should draw any conclusion that I am seeking to lend support to one candidate or the other. What I really wanted to talk about is the importance of East Timor and the success of East Timor's transition to an independent democracy is very important to all of the people in Indonesia for what the implication will have for the future.
Q: Sir, do you agree with the vice president from the military? As you know the Golkar party has General Wiranto as its vice president candidate? And a second question, following to the earlier, why only PDI-P that you met, not the other political parties?
Secretary Cohen: Well, I am told that there are some 48 political parties, and I really couldn't manage to meet with all the representatives. I tried to meet with as many as I could in a very short period of time and to make clear to everyone that my visit is not to endorse or influence individuals, but rather to state a position that I believe is certainly in our interests and that of the Indonesian people in resolving the situation in East Timor so we can get back on track. I do not want to see the shadow that has been cast over Indonesia as a result of East Timor to be long-lasting. I think it is very important that we get back to having good relations, normal relations with Indonesia, that Indonesia's economy starts to flourish and so that the people of Indonesia can enjoy a level of prosperity that is essential to their well-being.
Q: Will the United States Government insist on prosecutions of responsible officers for the violence in East Timor before restoring normal military relations? And a quick second question, how quickly will Ambassador Roy be replaced?
Secretary Cohen: I am told that his replacement, Mr. Gelbard, will be here on Monday. With respect to whether the United States will insist upon the prosecution of individuals, of course, we want to see a fair enquiry conducted and as soon as that can be conducted, the better. But I think that everyone will be watching to see whether or not individuals who were involved in either aggravated assaults, killings, other types of really inexcusable and shameful behavior are dealt with as soon as possible. What that timeframe will be, I can't say at this point, but it is something that will be very important before full relations can be established.
Q: Sir, there is a growing climate of sentiment against foreigners on the streets of Jakarta and other Indonesian cities. I am wondering whether, in your discussions, any of the government officials you spoke to complained about interference by the United States. The other half of that question would be, that there is also growing sentiment that the Australian-led INTERFET is being in some way brutal. There are a large number of Indonesians who believe that the Australian forces have tortured militiamen in East Timor. Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia yesterday at the United Nations said the Australians had been too aggressive. What is your feeling on that point as well?
Secretary Cohen: I have not seen any evidence that would support allegations that the Australian peacekeepers are engaging in brutal behavior. In fact, it appears that to us that those charges have been manufactured, but I would also indicate that we would expect the peacekeepers to be very aggressive in confronting anyone who is armed, and poses a threat to them. That is the very purpose of the peacekeepers going in: to make sure that those individuals in East Timor are able to come back to their homes to the extent that homes even exist any longer and not be threatened by marauding gangs. And so I would expect the peacekeepers, and they are not simply Australians, but the multinational peacekeeping force, would act in a very aggressive manner to disarm those who might pose a threat to either the peacekeepers or to the people in East Timor.
Q: Sir, do you think that the Indonesian presidential elections should be accelerated?
Secretary Cohen: That is something I really can't comment on in terms of the elections is something up to the Indonesian people.
Q: So, you did not bring any message urging the president to accelerate that timetable?
Secretary Cohen: I did not.
Q: Before you came to Jakarta, I heard that you visited Darwin, Australia. Did you have any specific conversation with Mr. Howard to talk about Indonesia?
Secretary Cohen: I did not have a conversation with the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Howard. I did have not only conversations, but traveled with the Defense Minister, John Moore. And we did address our respective troops not only American and Australian, but French, and Singaporean and Thais and others who were in Darwin. And what we did is to express our thanks for their sacrifice and their commitment to helping people who have been traumatized, certainly in East Timor.
Q: Does it include about the brutality INTERFET's peacekeeping in East Timor?
Secretary Cohen: The what kind of?
Q: The aggressive and... You know, some troop in East Timor from INTERFET overreacting in East Timor. What do you think about that?
Secretary Cohen: I believe that the peacekeeping force must go into East Timor and make sure that those individuals who have been killing and attacking unarmed innocent civilians are not able to do that. And I believe that they should make sure that if they come under attack or are threatened with attack that they take appropriate action, which may be quite aggressive. And so, that's the purpose of the peacekeeping mission, to keep the peace, and to make sure that people, gangs and thugs who have been engaged in the slaughter of innocent people are not able to do that.
Q: Just one final question: for the last 32 years the U.S. has extended support to the regime of President Souharto, and under his rule it was also a military-backed rule, and those violations that have now the world spotlight occurred during his time, and yet the U.S. did extend its support to the Souharto regime. So, could I just ask you why now the U.S. come and spoken up against military brutality in this country and what is the guiding light behind the shift in stance to its U.S. support in certain policies? Thank you.
Secretary Cohen: Well, the United States feels very strongly that we support human rights, and whatever has taken place in the past I think that the fact is that you are moving into a new era and the world is moving into a new millennium as well. We will continue to support strongly the promotion of human rights and speak out against militaries that are in fact causing harm to individuals or brutalizing them. Thank you very much.


text:
The internet is full of attention-seeking babies, crying out to the world for attention in their quest for stardom. YouTube is the main offender. The site which gives the world not just a voice, but a face to go with it, can at times be like the audition queue for Britain's Got Talent. Eccentric desperation is there in abundance; talent less so.
However, sometimes talent is not required so much as a knack for capturing a moment that strikes a chord with people. Call it a skill, blind luck, fate or what you will, but Briton Howard Davies-Carr has it. Heard of him? No? How about the phrase "Charlie bit my finger"? Ah, there you go.
Howard is Charlie's dad and was behind the camera at the moment the baby clamped his fledgling gnashers around his three-year-old brother Harry's index finger.
That moment of innocent, playful violence and the one minute YouTube upload which followed has had over 200 million views. Apart from Lady Gaga, that makes Charlie and Harry the most viewed people in YouTube's history. As with Shit My Dad Says, becoming a global sensation was never the plan.
"I only put it on YouTube to show the boys' godfather, who's American," Howard tells us. "Then my family and colleagues wanted to see it and it became too much of a hassle to keep it private. Just as I was about to take it down, I noticed that someone had uploaded a remake and that views had grown from hundreds to thousands. After that, the views doubled daily, and by Christmas 2007 it had reached one million views. It had gone viral."
What does it take for something to go viral? Amidst everything that YouTube has to offer, how does a video so innocuous, unlaced with search-friendly tags, without a marketing strategy and featuring no known personalities, spiral to the point where it has been viewed 200 million times, spawning countless re-enactments and tributes?
Howard's break came when someone posted the clip video on CollegeHumor.com, a small but hugely influential web video channel Stateside. From there links spread across the world. Subsequent videos on Howard's channel have generated tens of millions of views, although of course none has come near the original.
While Twitter fame won't make you any cash directly, YouTube fame is a different story. The YouTube Partner Program is the reason today's viral stars are getting more than star ratings and "LOL" comments for their endeavours.
The scheme pays uploaders a small sum per video view for the privilege of selling ads on the channels and in-video. Partners are contractually forbidden to reveal the sums involved, but informed estimates vary from $0.30 (20p) all the way up to $2.50 (£1.60) per 1,000 views. Hence Howard's YouTube channel, which has had just shy of 290 million views, could have earned somewhere between £58,000 and £460,000. Not a bad little earner at all.
Howard's giving nothing away: "I've always tried not to talk about the money we've earned, because there's always a negative connotation. The reality is that if we wanted to, we could potentially give up what we're doing, but it's not in our nature to do that.
"My wife and I are very much of the view that the money earned by the boys is their money. It's not for everyday living."
The family keeps their earnings up by posting new content to the channel every couple of months. As well as that, the boys have an agent and are shooting some promotional videos. Surely the next logical step for Britain's most famous toddlers would be a reality show?
"There have been offers," Howard sighs, "but I've cut everything off very quickly. I set myself some guidelines quite early on and I didn't want to have anything that was intrusive to the children. You watch those fly-on-the-wall programmes like Big Brother and you think, 'we just don't want to do that'.
"With every family, there are good days and bad days. Now, everyone sees the good moments because I control the content. I don't want people to see Charlie waking up, feeling a bit grumpy and having a go at someone."
Despite being a very reluctant YouTube star, Howard has still faced accusations of exploiting his children and had to put up with the welldocumented dark side of YouTube. "If I could turn the clock back three years, I probably wouldn't have done it," he admits. "I am exposed to parts of society that are not very nice. The comments of trolls and haters and requests for photos are generally something I have to ignore."
Capturing a special, finger-biting moment on camera and relying on the content to speak for itself is one way to make a
living from YouTube, but for the smart, web-savvy businessman there are more sophisticated ways to work the system.
Harry and Charlie have 100,000 subscribers. Ryan Higa, who goes under the nom de YouTube NigaHiga, has 2.6 million, making his the most popular channel on YouTube. Ryan is a video blogger; not a particularly funny or interesting one, the unkind might say, but undeniably one who's mastered the art of social networking.
He pushes his content on Twitter and Facebook, spends a lot of time encouraging subscribers and linking back to influential channels. The result? Around 15 million views per video and a dumper truck full of cash. Oh, and apparently an ego big enough to ignore an interview request from T3. Imagine that.
More on Twitter fame: Get rich 140 characters at a time - YouTube fame I Becoming a viral hit I Blogging to stardom I How to become a Twitter celeb


text: These comfortable Ese' Eja-style wooden cabañas (38 sq m/ 408 sq ft) are divided into three integrated areas, topped by a high thatched-palm roof. The bedroom has 2 twin beds canopied with mosquito netting, outfitted with 100% cotton sheets and hypoallergenic pillows. Bathrobes, and Andean rubber slippers are supplied for your comfort. The open plan bathroom comes with closets, independent shower and toilet, hot water, large towels, and a complete set of ecologically friendly toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, terracotta exfoliates, and citronella natural repellent. The screened siesta area invites relaxation, with 2 hammocks, 2 comfortable wooden chairs, and a side table. Each cabaña is equipped with umbrellas, flashlights, kerosene lamps for lighting, a central ceiling ventilator, and an electric outlet. A personal escort will accompany you from the airport to the lodge.


text:
December 1, 2014 - Industry News
Truck drivers at FedEx Freight's Louisville, Kentucky, terminal last week voted against representation by the Teamsters Union.
Tags: Kentucky, Teamsters, Labor Unions, FedEx, FedEx Freight
November 21, 2014 - Industry News
The decrease reflects a drop in the calculated average wholesale price of motor fuels, as provided under Kentucky law, according to the state transportation department.
Tags: Highway Funding, Kentucky, Diesel Tax, Gasoline Tax, Ethanol
September 29, 2014 - Industry News
A federal grand jury in Kentucky had indicted three people with various trucking companies on charges they attempted to defraud customers.
Tags: Crime & Fraud, Kentucky, Brokers
July 10, 2014 - Industry News
Clean Energy Fuels plans to double the compressed natural gas station capacity at Saddle Creek Transportation's natural gas station in Lakeland, Fla., and has opened two new locations in separate states.
Tags: Florida, Natural Gas, Texas, Clean Energy Fuels, Kentucky, Compressed Natural Gas, CNG Fueling Stations, CNG
January 10, 2014 - Industry News
While record-setting cold weather has let up across many affected portions of the United States, the number of waivers to trucking rules issued by states continues growing.
Tags: Minnesota, Regulations, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Safety and Compliance, FMCSA, New York
September 12, 2013 - Industry News
Initial toll rates have been set for a massive construction project connecting Indiana and Louisville that includes placing tolls along Interstate 65.
Tags: Tolls, Indiana, Kentucky, Road Construction, Interstate 65, I-65
June 18, 2013 - Industry News
Work on the U.S. 51 Ohio River bridge between Kentucky and Illinois will begin sometime after July 7 according to the Kentucky DOT. The nature of the work will limit the bridge to a 7-foot maximum load width, which excludes all but passenger vehicles from the crossing for about 60 days.
Tags: Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Detours
April 21, 2013 - Industry News
Trucks will have to be rerouted from the U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge between Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill., for approximately 70 days beginning in June, turning a 6-mile trip from Wickliffe to Cairo into a 80-mile detour.
Tags: Illinois, Kentucky, Highways
January 31, 2013 - Industry News
Meritor celebrated its 10 millionth trailer axle made in North America at its Frankfort, Ky. manufacturing facility.
Tags: Meritor, Wabash, Werner Enterprises, Kentucky, Axles
December 15, 2012 - Industry News
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed an agreement that describes in broad terms how their two states will cooperatively build a new bridge over the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington
Tags: Highways, Ohio, Kentucky, I-75
We offer e-newsletters that deliver targeted news and information for the entire fleet industry.
The expert, Mark Betner from CITGO, will answer your questions
The expert, Rence Oliphant from Hendrickson, will answer your questions
Esitronic Truck Scans Heavy Duty Trucks
UniCircle Tread Offered for Mixed-Service Applications
AeroFlap Accommodates Wide-Base Tires
Durable Hood Latch Kit is Corrosion Resistant


text:
Technical Rider
This is the standard rider but adjustments may be necessary based on the size of the show room / venue / attendees. This rider is based on 4 musicians. Please note that if there are more musicians for a particular show or a larger sound system is needed to accommodate a large performance site, the rider will be adjusted as needed.
Sound Equipment Required:
(1) 16-channel powered mixer
(4) vocal mic's
(4) vocal boom -type mic stands
(1) guitar amp (for Lead Guitarist)
(1) instrument mic and short stand to mic the amp
(3) percussion mic's
(3) short boom type instrument mic stands for percussion
(4) floor monitors
(4) monitor mixes (2 for Tom & 2 for the other musicians)
(4) DI Boxes - (2 for Tom & 2 for the other musicians) (2) speakers with: two 15" speakers & a 2-inch driver in each one (minimum)
All the microphone cords, monitor cords and speaker cords etc. Sound Tech to set up and run the system throughout the show.
Lighting Requirements:
One Colored Spot Light for each Performer (minimum) Stage Size: 16 ft. deep X 32 ft. wide (stage size depends on venue)


text:
Hold down Control (PC) or Command (Mac) key + mouseclick to select more than one option
|Avg. Dinner Entrée
|Greater than $25
|$18.01 - $25
|$12.01 - $18
|$7.01 - $12
|Less than $7
Posted by Abbi on 08/15/2009
we live on the UWS and have a bunch of go-to restaurants that are not amazing, but are good and fun. my husband's parents were in town tonight so we thought we try a more "special" place. bar boulud did not deliver. our waiter sucked---he was rushed and snippy, albeit with an affected french accent--and the food was just ehh. I had an appetizer salad and a side dish as my entree, as did my mother in law. My husband and his step dad both had mediocre, over cooked steak. the frites were great, but what french place can't make good frites? only the guys drank (2 glasses of wine and 1 beer) and it was $230. ridiculous. I mean, if the food was amazing or the service was out of this world, fine, but I could have gotten better food, service and atmosphere at Cafe Rhonda up the street and spent half that much....not to mention 20 other great UWS places. My vote: don't bother. If you must, go for a glass of wine. Otherwise, keep right on walking.
Posted by anonymous on 06/01/2009
We passed Bar Bouloud after a concert one Saturday night and thought we'd have some post event drinks and small plates at the outdoor cafe. It was past dinner hour and there were plenty of empty tables but we were still treated to raised eybrows and gallic smirks for not ordering a full meal. The food was good, but from Bouloud you would expect great. It wasn't. All in all a disappointing experience, except for the location location location. But next time we'll go next door to Fiorello's.........
Posted by anonymous on 05/27/2009
If you're eating inside, you definitely want to be in a booth; the tables at the front are loud and uncomfortable (esp. the chairs), feels like you're eating in an airport cafeteria. Outdoor patio is very nice but the service out there is below the service inside for whatever reason. Pates there are great. Had a specific very bad experience recently -- my wife ordered an egg-white omelette with gruyere and the kitchen forgot to put in the cheese. We mentioned to the waitress who came back and said they did in fact put in the cheese and we were wrong, but, treating us like children, they gave us a small bowl of grated gruyere on the side. No one tasted the omelette, no one looked at it, they just told us we were wrong about the non-cheese (I mentioned this, and the waitress just did not seem to want to look or take the omelette back to the kitchen!). Now, gruyere is a pretty distinctive tasting cheese, not really something you could miss. In essence, the entire episode was incredibly snobby and insulting.
Posted by anonymous on 04/20/2009
Only, only problem with this restaurant is the music. Same loud rock my hairdresser has. Makes a classy place with wonderful food and service into a joint. A big boo boo.
Posted by jeph on 03/16/2009
Had dinner here a couple of nights ago. The four of us shared the large charcuterie assortment (all made in-house) as a starter-- what a treat! Service from the young staff is warm and efficient. Some of the wine prices induce vertigo, even by Manhattan standards, but a good effort has been made to include plenty of less expensive selections. I love the look of the long room with its semicircular ceiling, but that detail may also contribute to my main reservation about this place-- when full, as it was for our Saturday night visit, the noise level is a bit TOO lively for the otherwise fine-dining ambience.
Posted by anonymous on 02/17/2009
I've been a few times since it opened. It's always been satisfying -- especially the main courses. I would skip appetizers like pate, which are all too standard and basic to warrant high prices. Good atmosphere: just fancy enough to make your evening feel special but not pompous or stuffy.
Posted by P Lowerre on 02/11/2009
Bar Boulud has energy, style and excellent food, in an area not really known for its culinary sophistication. BB treated us very well, fed us beautifully and poured us great wine all in 1 1/2 hours before a Lincoln Center curtain. Highly recommended. Reserve well in advance; it fills up , for obvious reasons.


text:
Mashup: Translation Telephone
Ever played the "Telephone" game, where you send a message around a circle of people and see how it turns out? This is an online version which translates the message from one language to the other using Google Translate and then translates it to the original language.
Comments (0)
Followers (1)


text:
I really hope all the books I love will still be read in 30 years. But, I know that's not probable. So these are the ones that I hope like crazy will still be read/ones I think have a shot at being timeless.
1. Brooklyn, Burning by Steve Brezenoff
2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
3. Paper Towns by John Green
4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
5. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
6. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
7. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
8. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
9. Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen
10. Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King
What books do you hope stand the test of time?


text:
Gear Review
Like a Spider, Man
Love these shoes! Amazingly adjustable hook and loop closure, and spectacularly sticky soles! Really comfortable in street size, and the velcro closures allow you to crank them down when you need a tighter fit. These are a great all-day shoe.
View More Details on La Sportiva Tarantula FriXion RS Climbing Shoe


text:
Author: Anothertravelguide.com
This ornate, late 19th-century palazzo is located right in the centre of Milan and is one of the most pleasant museums to visit in the city. It is home to the extensive, private art collection of the Bagatti Valsecchi family, with paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Giampietrino and Bernardo Zenale, among others.
The exquisitely decorated interior houses finely crafted furniture, as well as objects made of majolica, glass, ivory and other materials. Thematic exhibitions are also regularly held in the museum.
Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi, Via Santo Spirito 10 / Via Gesù 5
Posted 08/2010Share it:
Keywords: museum, Milan


text:
New era begins with a win for workmanlike Stafford Rangers
Posted: January 04, 2014|
A NEW era began for Stafford Rangers with a much-needed victory for the second bottom team.
Having appointed former Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote as manager on Frida to replace former Wolves striker Andy Mutch who departed 24 hours earlier, Rangers chalked up only their fourth league win of the campaign.
That, after conceding a 37th minute goal against the side just one place and six points above them at the start of the day.
Third bottom Stocksbridge took full advantage of a defensive mistake when Nathan Joynes' shot deceived home keeper Jon Brain after taking a wicked deflection.
But the new Rangers boss, who had left team selection to club coach Martin Prentice, was a delighted man when the Marston Road outfit responded within three minutes through James McCarthy, who slotted home from 12 yards.
In the second half, Rangers pressed for long periods, especially after moving 2-1 ahead within five minutes of the restart.
McCarthy turned provider, crossing for striker Karl Ashton, who was making his first start after a long injury absence, and Ashton rose superbly to head home from close range.
Other chances came and went for Rangers, while Stocksbridge sub Janni Lipka drilled wide when well placed.
However, this was a thoroughly workmanlike performance by the home side and they wrapped up their first league win in nine matches when sub Dan Cope drilled home from 18 yards with just two minutes remaining.


text:
D. Michael Collins holds the 'F— You Card' (for now)Written by Michael Miller | Editor in Chief Emeritus | email@example.com
After a particularly grueling afternoon of cleaning horse stables, young Mick Collins was greeted by his father, Michael. The older man, an Irish immigrant who braved the Atlantic Ocean to bring his family to America, praised the boy's work and handed him a pop. Father and son sat down, the elder Irishman nursing a beer. Following a brief silence, the man turned to his son and offered him some blunt advice.
"Life is like a card game," Michael told his son. "And you have one consistent card to play your whole life — the F— You Card. Your successes in life are defined by when you don't play that card."
Fifty years later, Toledo City Councilman and mayoral candidate D. Michael Collins laughed after telling the story.
"I've never forgotten that," he said, as the plaza fountain at One Government Center provided cascading white noise behind him.
Those who oppose Collins might point to a number of confrontational moments on City Council when he played that F— You Card like a zealous adolescent slamming the winning Uno card on the table, but for now, it waits behind many other cards he would rather display.
At 69, Collins (named Dennis Michael after family twins who died during the voyage from Ireland to America), is challenging Mayor Mike Bell in what will likely be his last shot at the mayor's office. Collins finished fourth in 2009 but bested Democrats Anita Lopez and Joe McNamara in the September primary.
Invited to take a two-mile, one-hour walk through Downtown Toledo on Oct. 15, Collins wore black-and-white Nike sneakers, khaki Dockers and a well-worn blue sweater over a white collared shirt. Walking east along Adams Street to International Park, south along the river, west on Jefferson Avenue and north on Huron Street back to One Government Center, Collins was relaxed as he deftly navigated the uneven sidewalks along the journey. On every block, someone called out to him to wish him good luck — a police officer patrolling the riverfront; a cab driver leaning across the seat to yell out the passenger window; TARTA employees walking to a bus stop. Collins smiled at the greetings.
"Working people know I am not lofty," Collins said. "They know I am one of them."
From his time in the U.S. Marine Corps to his nearly 30 years as a Toledo policeman and subsequent career as a politician, Collins has devoted his life to public service.
He said he is holding up well under the pressures of the campaign, but admits to feeling like "the sole and singular tennis ball at Wimbledon. And I am not letting my constituency work slide. It's normally a 16, 17 hour day."
Collins said this run shares an element with his 2009 campaign for mayor.
"2009 was a great learning experience," he said. "One of the things I learned is the same thing that is going on now. In debates or forums, some candidates want to go by scripts or spin. I have a problem with that; I won't spin. I just say it the way it is."
Collins said he has not worked with any political strategist to polish his message or delivery.
"No. 1, we don't have the money for that, and No. 2, I would not be comfortable doing that," he said. "I'm not looking to use the campaign as a finishing school."
Public service
Collins said his public service, which in addition to military and political efforts now extends to teaching at the University of Toledo and Lourdes University, germinated from lessons learned in his Toledo youth.
"My first home was 711 Fernwood Ave. I was the only white kid at Roosevelt," he said. "I learned at an early age that a 'cracker' wasn't made by saltine. We moved to the South Side, where I attended St. James and eventually Libbey. I wanted to be a veterinarian. But my father was killed in an accident training horses my senior year.
"It was instilled by my family that I was going to get an education, so I joined the Marines, then after being discharged went to school to learn to be a vet. But then I was reactivated in the Marines, and had to drop out of school. When that was over, I took the test to be a police officer. As soon as I got involved, I knew I found my calling. I learned from some great mentors and I absolutely had a blast. I made some good arrests and helped a lot of people.
"The ability to know people, help people and work with people, to gain the respect of people, that's what it was about. We've lost some of that law enforcement mission when we took on things like community policing and data-driven controls; nothing replaces human interaction."
River of dreams
Near International Park, between the battered docks and long-useless Steam Plant, I asked Collins to stop and survey the surroundings.
"What incentive is there for a casual boater to dock here and come ashore?" I asked. "Why can't Toledo capitalize on its amazing riverfront?"
"We haven't marketed it," he said, "and the river itself is overly policed. The Coast Guard, the sheriff's office, the Department of Natural Resources, they consistently stop boats here, all because they want the numbers; it's a game to see who has the most inspections. That is the greatest impediment but the city has no control over it."
"If that obstacle were magically removed, how could the city make the riverfront a destination?" I asked.
"We put ourselves in this situation," Collins said. "When Jack Ford was mayor, he sold, really gave away, that Steam Plant to Dave Ball and Jim Jackson. We have $70 million in taxpayer money in that building. When Carty Finkbeiner came into office, he sued them to recover that property. Bell comes in office and drops the suit. That was the cycle that killed Portside and took away the riverfront's destination status. We isolated this area and chased away all the events so Ball and Jackson could build, and they never have. And probably never will.
"And because the city dropped the lawsuit with prejudice, we only had one year to refile and we did not, so now we have no legal position."
Collins said if elected mayor, he would not put any taxpayer money into the Steam Plant, but would meet with Ball and Jackson and discuss getting the property back so he could find a developer. He said there are other examples of Bell not handling local businesses well.
Collins said developer John Carney had plans to renovate the Berdan Building but became so frustrated with the Bell administration that "he won't have anything to do with the city, and I don't blame him."
No global plans
Collins has criticized Bell for his emphasis on courting foreign investment; Collins has not asked to meet with members of Dashing Pacific, the private company that purchased the Marina District.
"I want to meet with them, discuss their plans and take away their veil of secrecy," he said. "Mayor Bell says they are a private business and they have their own time frame. But it's an inescapable fact that we have $43 million in taxpayer money invested there and we have expectations. That's why I demanded the agreement include a reverter clause. I wanted that to be three years but it ended up being five. When that time expires, I want to meet with them and see how the city fits in with their plans. We don't just sit idly by and wait for them to be ready. We have a responsibility and a legitimate right to say to them, 'You bought the property and you promised it would move forward. It has not. What are your time frames, and how can we help you with that plan?'"
Collins said he is not going to emphasize a foreign agenda.
"We have to work with our existing businesses to help them grow," he said. "We have to emphasize what we have here. If we do that, we will become a magnet for others."
"How would you make sure the global marketplace would know about Toledo's progress?" I asked.
"They'll know it," he said. "This is too small of a world. They'll know it."
It is a defiance veering precariously close to playing the F— You Card, an attitude one senses will require no translation from English to Mandarin.
Cracks in the façade
As the walk progresses, the scenery includes a number of shuttered, locked, abandoned buildings. From the upper floors of One Government Center, Downtown Toledo looks fresh with its surrounding waters and patches of early fall green. At street level, the eye often falls on less ideal sights. Closed buildings rise from the street like tilted tombstones, casting shadows on canyons of modest activity. Chains lock the doors of closed businesses. Façades crumble and landslide toward cracked sidewalks.
Viewing the city from on high can create a false sense of complacency; viewing it from down low can exaggerate the feelings of lost opportunity and despair. Can Toledo lead the renovation of Northwest Ohio if it can't rev the engines of its Downtown hub?
"The city has codes for these buildings," Collins said, examining a closed building in disrepair. "These codes aren't suggestions, they are requirements. The city needs to enforce the codes on these property holders and get these buildings fixed or get them torn down. We have the authority.
"But the challenges are not just in the Downtown area. We have the same issues with the Southwyck property. You can't build a city just Downtown. You have to build uniquely defined neighborhoods."
Passing under a police camera perched on a light pole, Collins shrugs.
"The cameras serve a purpose. They're here and we have to live with it," he said. "I will not advocate taking them down."
Collins said he is also concerned about the closing Spitzer Building.
"That's a huge problem," he said. "What happens to the practices in that building? Are they going to stay Downtown? The next mayor has some real challenges. We can't lose our Downtown and we can't lose the surrounding neighborhoods."
How would Collins organize the area's legion of development agencies?
"I look at the City of Toledo kind of like a symphony," he said. "You have strings, woodwinds, percussions, all the elements. When they are all playing together well, you have a beautiful sound. When they are not, you just have noise. We cannot live with noise. We will have a city where 'it's not my job' doesn't exist in their lexicon; it is all our jobs."
On a whim, I took Collins into the Shop Shop, a convenience store in the Spitzer Building. I spoke to a woman behind the counter, who told us the market has been open for four years but now must relocate; she is not sure where. She said no one from the city or county has stopped in to offer any information or guidance. Collins stood silent throughout the interview, but as we walked toward the door, he looked at the woman and exchanged greetings in Arabic. He then resumed our conversation as if it were the most natural thing under the sky for a nearly septuagenarian Irish Toledoan to speak Arabic.
"That is not an unusual story," Collins said as the Spitzer Building faded behind us. "This is how we cosmetically apply economic development in Toledo. The LCIC should be in there; they should notice this building was closing and they should be helping these businesses. They should be helping people with incentives to keep them Downtown. They should say, 'How can we help you?' but that's not being done."
Cutting government
Collins said Toledo government has not properly dealt with its downsized population.
"The square mileage hasn't changed, but everything else has," he said, promising his administration would oversee major cuts to departments and personnel, particularly managers and commissioners in the Department of Neighborhoods.
"We will do it civilly, offering people early retirement incentives," he said. "And we're not going to be able to replace them."
Collins intends to take some of those savings and use them to bolster Toledo Public Schools. He said he has met with TPS Interim Superintendent Romules Durant about a program to recognize academic leaders.
"I want him to go to five schools and identify through the teachers in K, first and second grades, students who are likely to be challenged. Students who are likely to drop out. Students who don't have a passion for education," he said. "Then I want him to go to 6, 7 and 8 grades and find the reverse; find the highest-performing academic stars. Not athletic stars, academic stars. Get them to engage in a mentoring program five hours a week, to take those younger kids and move those students so that the next semester, they will see a dramatic improvement.
"What they will receive is $15 an hour — $75 a week. That says to the older student that we recognize their hard work and can inspire them to in turn inspire the younger students, who will see them making money that doesn't come from selling dope. The money will come from the Neighborhoods Department and our HUD grant."
'This is our city'
As the walk ended back at One Government Center, Collins noted the litter on the steps and stopped to pick it up and throw it in the trash can, then walked to the statue of former Ohio Gov. James Rhodes to remove a stack of wet newspapers jammed between the figure's feet.
"In Ireland, you wouldn't see that. People who litter, that's not socially tolerated," he said. "We need to reinforce that this is our city, this is where we live. Keeping our city litter-free is a responsibility."
Collins pointed to the crumbling stone barricades that stand sentinel on the stolid building's steps.
"We set the poorest example by allowing this to exist," he said. "This is blight, right here at One Government Center. You don't see that from the 22nd floor. The mayor — and I intend to do this — needs to get out and move among the people. If elected, I will go door to door and talk to people. I will ask them, 'What am I doing wrong and what am I doing right? How can we help you?'"
Collins said he only seeks four years in office, after which he intends to "turn the city over to the youth." Youth and progress are constant themes in his conversation, yet he has been tied to veteran politicians and former mayors Ford and Finkbeiner, two men as identified with the past as the stone columns at the Toledo Museum of Art or the near-century-old aroma of hot dog sauce embedded in the East Side Tony Packo's. Finkbeiner, played the F— You Card as reflexively as he drew breath. Ford, if he possessed the F— You Card, drew it so slowly it never hit the table. When that link is questioned, Collins acts slightly defensive.
"Everybody in the public sphere has positives and negatives," he said, avoiding a direct question about his relationship with the two men. "The last perfect person on this planet was crucified. You need to build from the strengths. It would be ignorant to not communicate with them and try to capture what worked. Jack Ford built CareNet. That has provided a safety net for those in our community who can't afford health care. This city was cleaner when Carty was mayor. Those are the positives."
Collins stood defiant, invigorated by the walk. He shook hands and opened the door to One Government Center, confident in his steps. The F— You Card was secure in his hand, unplayed but ever ready.
Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Tags: Anita Lopez, Carty Finkbeiner, D. Michael Collins, Jack Ford, Joe McNamara, Lighting The Fuse, Michael S. Miller, Mike Bell, TARTA


text:
continued Ryan is no stranger to distance running. Both his parents ran track and cross country on nationally-ranked teams at Providence College in Rhode Island and have continued running. His father earned 1998 NCAA Division I All-Academic Cross Country Team honors. His mother finished third in the Big East Conference 10K track championships while a Friar. Both ran in NCAA Division I cross country national championship races. Rick graduated in 1999, Dana in 2000.
Rick and Dana Bush dominated Ticonderoga's Montcalm Mile for years.
Rick held the men's record of 4 minutes, 8 seconds until it was broken in 2011 by Lee Berube with a 4:01 clocking. Berube has since lowered that record to 3:54.
Dana Bush still holds the women's Montcalm Mile mark of 4:41.
Ryan has also run the Montcalm Mile the past two years.
"It's a great family race," Rick said of Ticonderoga's July 4th race. "We look forward to it every year. It's a lot of fun."
Prev Next
More like this story
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


text:
Privacy and Cookies
VistaJet has announced plans to double in size within four years as it targets expansion across BRINC (Brazil, India, Nigeria, China) countries and other fast-growing markets.
What it describes as the "second-phase" of its growth plan will see it offer more services in BRINC nations; West Africa; the Middle East; and CIS countries.
VistaJet said it is the largest international business aviation operator flying into a number of key Russian destinations. China and West Africa will be priorities for 2012, added the company.
Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, said: "We have reached a major stage in our development and strategic expansion. We have the opportunity to build on our established position as the world's leading luxury aviation company, with the largest fleet of business jets outside of North America."
Increasing demand for long-haul routes has seen the company boost its Bombardier fleet to 30 aircraft - comprising Global 6000, Challenger 850 and 605, and Learjet 60XR types - with a further $2 billion on backlog, including a pair of Airbus ACJ319s.
The fleet will double by 2015 to 60 mid- and large-cabin types, VistaJet said.
Aircraft | Aerospace | Aviation | Military | Business aviation | MRO | General aviation | Space | Airports | Engines and propulsion | Flight tests | Accidents and incidents | Flightglobal blogs | E-newsletters |
Flightglobal dashboard | ACAS | MiliCAS | Ascend Fleets | Flightglobal Insight | ICAO | CapStats | Airport charges | Ascend Values | Aviation Exchange | Aircraft Ratings | Helicopter Fleets | Market Commentaries | FlightMaps Analytics | Industry resources
Browse by job role | Career advice | Jobs by email | Jobs search | Recruiter services
Airline Strategy Awards | Air shows | Conferences | Exhibitions | Flightglobal events
… part of Reed Business Information Copyright © 2015


text:
- Source: woody4mayor2012.org
Arch-conservative Woody Woodrum has launched his own write-in candidacy for 2012, giving the Christian-right someone to vote for in the mayoral election, since everyone else in the race is either gay or vocally gay-friendly. He's president of the Eagle Forum of San Diego, a group that presents itself as pro-life, anti-gay and anti-Islam, and he's also active in the Tea Party movement. He's using a woody station-wagon as a campaign mascot and asking voters to compare his "normal" candidacy to his "abnormal" opponents.
Woodrum seems to be building momentum, claiming some major endorsements, including former member of Congress and presidential candidate Duncan Hunter, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, anti-gay-marriage attorney Charles LiMandri, Donald Trump's son and elephant-hunter Eric Trump and Dave Hester, that guy from the TV show Storage Wars.
Obviously we're skeptical about these endorsements, especially since most of them have given the same verbatim quote, "If I lived in San Diego, I'd write in Woody Woodrum for Mayor of San Diego." LiMandri, as we noted earlier this week, is actually backing Carl DeMaio's candidacy. We've contacted Wozniak's publicist and a consultant working for Hunter's anti-Obama Super PAC, but we haven't heard back. Woodrum hasn't respond to our emails, either.
Beyond a chronic case of intolerance, Woodrum has one thing the other candidates don't—a rap song (hit play above). Written and performed by Justen Charters, a conservative activist who also recorded the hip-hop track, "Obama, I Want Back My Change," the Woodrum for Mayor rap goes like this:
Wood to your mutha.
San Diegans we ain't giving up without fight
Woody Woodrum For The Mayor, San Diego Get It Right
It's Time To Rise Up, he's not about the hype
Woody Woodrum The Mayor, San Diego Get It Right
Stand for America and the sanctity of life
Woody Woodrum For The Mayor, San Diego Get It Right
Write in Woodrum On Your Ballot, 'cause Victory Is In Sight
Woody Woodrum for the Mayor, San Diego it is time
To stop spending cash on the taxpayer's dime
Woody knows that and what really has in mind
Is to lead from the front, not lead from behind
Out of all the picks he's the only contender
Who will serve the needs of the people and not an agenda
He wants to balance budgets, cause he's not a big spender
When it comes to Lady Liberty, believe he'll defend her
His mission is simple, We The People Wake Up
Spend cash you don't have, and you'll go bankrupt
So you're tired of abnormal, SD you'd had enough
Want a guy who gets it done, even if the job is tough
Woody's commitment is high, he doesn't do lazy
21 years he served in the Navy
35 years married to the same lady
Our city needs a 360, not a 180
ChorusWoody Woodrum for the Mayor, he represents you
San Diegans we ain't giving up without fight
Woody Woodrum For The Mayor, San Diego Get It Right
It's Time To Rise Up, he's not about the hype
Woody Woodrum The Mayor San Diego Get It Right
Stand for America and the sanctity of life
Woody Woodrum For The Mayor, San Diego It Right
Write in Woodrum On Your Ballot, cause Victory Is In Sight
And he's not ashamed, of red, white or blue
He believes that the framers really stayed true
To the American Dream, that dream we pursue
A government that does least, usually does best
Lower taxes means more money in your check
When its easier to pay bills, yeah your less stressed
And life at home is much more blessed
So its time to rise up and support the resolution
Of picking candidates who support the Constitution
Woody doesn't talk problems, he talks of solutions


text:
About two years ago a coworker of ours gave us some stickers that simply read, 'Britney Spears.' A friend of his made them up to create a pyramid scheme of sorts so that stickers would be passed out far and wide which would in turn lead to the stickers ending up, in theory, all over the place.
While we've seen them in the Union Square subway station and other public places, we only ever put two of these stickers up — both times it was in 2008 and inside a men's bathroom at random bars.
One such sticker that we put up has magically survived inside the bathroom of Grassroots on St. Marks.
It was put up in Augist of 2008 and for some odd reason has had luck on its side. Within an hour of being up it foiled an attempt to be written on with a purple magic marker, and when we last saw it in March of 2009 we thought that it had only days to live.
While all of the other stickers were removed from the bathroom this one managed to stay up, magically!


text:
Mariposa Elementary enrollment nearly doubles
The kindergarten classroom at the Mariposa Elementary School of Global Education looks different than those at other public schools.
Letters of the alphabet hang along the top of one wall, and tiny chairs surround tiny tables. But otherwise, the portable classroom on the Las Virgenes Unified School District campus looks more like someone's living room.
There's a plush rocking chair and a piano, the walls are painted a soft pink color, the lights are kept low and sheer curtains hang on windows.
The K-5 school, which shares a campus with Sumac School in Agoura Hills, is one of relatively few public schools in the area that uses Waldorf-inspired teaching methods, such as oral storytelling and integrating whole-body movement and art into lessons.
"It's really about doing what we feel is in the best interest of kids," said school coordinator Jeff Lough, the administrator of the small, alternative campus.
The idea seems to be taking off, with enrollment nearly doubling this year to 210 students.
The school has a developmental curriculum. Kindergarten classes have "a lot of creative, imaginative play," Lough said.
Compared with traditional kindergarten standards one could find at other public schools, the curriculum is slower, he said. The school isn't formally teaching reading and writing in kindergarten, although kids are taught letter sounds, phonics and numbers.
"Our expectations for kids and reading follow developmental expectations," he said. By the end of third grade, however, students are expected to meet third-grade standards.
Other focuses at Mariposa include keeping students with the same teacher for multiple grades (called looping), parent participation, outdoor education and foreign language classes. The school also has gone from whiteboards to blackboards, allowing teachers to use chalk drawings in their lessons.
"It's very fun," said Kaden Kessel, 10, a fifth-grader. "You get to do a lot more art projects than at other schools."
Mariposa has gone through major changes in its first few years. It opened as an alternative school in the district in 2007 with a different focus, leadership and location. A new program based on the teaching methods used today began to build in 2008, but then the school lost much of its staff to layoffs.
With new staff and a new program in place, the campus had about 110 students last year. School employees worked hard to build the program and school culture, Lough said, and enrollment grew.
This year, about 60 percent of the 210 students come from areas outside the Las Virgenes district, including Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Los Angeles. Lough attributes the rapid growth to word spreading about the program.
Debbie Haig started teaching kindergarten at Mariposa last year, after 18 years of mostly teaching in more traditional programs.
Last year was challenging, she said. Haig was the only kindergarten teacher then and began to build the program. Some days went better than others, she said, "but it set the foundation."
This year, a second kindergarten class was started.
The curriculum is different than what Haig was used to at other public schools in the district, but she thinks it works for kids. "Children who have the chance to be creative ... are going to be those great problem-solvers later," she said.
While the school might be doing some things differently in kindergarten, there is a strong focus on oral language — a key foundation skill, said Nancy Myers, a professor at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.
More choices are being added in public schools and that provides families more options to find the best fit for their individual child, she said. People view education and what it should provide differently, she said. "I don't think it's always one size fits all."
Subscribe to the Ventura County Star
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-710-6182.
Monday-Friday: 6am-3pm / Saturday: 6:30am-10:30am / Sunday: 7am-11am


text:
Lady of the lake.
Bobbie Eakes (ex-Krystal) announced on Twitter she'll be joining Palm Canyon Theatre's October production of "Spamalot." The musical comedy is based on the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a parody of the King Arthur legend.
So excited! I just learned I'll be Lady of the Lake in Spamalot this Oct at the Palm Canyon Theatre!! palmcanyontheatre.org— Bobbie Eakes (@bobbieeakes) July 17, 2012
While it's similar to the movie, the production, which hit Broadway in 2005, also parodies theater. Former Monty Python member Eric Idle wrote the musical's book and lyrics. "Spamalot" won three Tony Awards for the 2004 - 2005 season.
The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, CA. For more information, go to Palm Canyon Theatre.
Are you a "PLL" fan? Check out Soap Opera Fan's Pretty Little Liars recap The Remains of the A.
Join us on Twitter @soapoperafan, and Facebook. Come tweet and Facebook with us about "All My Children," all the other soap operas, "Dallas," "Glee," "Grey's Anatomy," "Vampire Diaries," and "Venice The Series."
Header photo credit: Dimitri Halkidis/WENN.com
- Lori Wilson


text:
- Home
- Transfer News
- TV Schedules
- Leagues
- EPL News
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Forum
- Shirts
In an interview with the BBC Michael Chopra has revealed that he is actively pursuing becoming an Indian international in the near future.
With his grandparents on his father's side born in India, Chopra is eligible for the Indian national side, but could be delayed in making his debut due to the technical issues around securing the correct paperwork. Continue reading


text: As a Catholic Jesuit institutional of higher learning University of San Francisco (USF) is dedicated to academic excellence that ...[involves] every dimension of a person's humanity - intellectual, moral, social, religious and aesthetic - so that they reach their full human potential and acquire the knowledge, skills, sensitivities and motivation to effectively and intelligently contribute to fashioning a more humane and just world for all (USF 2028). In support of these efforts USF has undertaken a variety of learning outcomes assessment activities throughout the University academic, co-curricular, and non-curricular programs. This, and subsequent pages, provide links to specific activities that include program reviews, assessment plans, and assessment results across all three levels of the assessment model: institutional, program, and course.