text:
Register now for free, or sign in with any of these services:
Want to set your local edition?
Select an edition for more focused local news coverage when you visit AL.com.
Don't worry. You can change this setting at any time to another local edition.
Seems the history of the BOE repeats itself, when they get a competent man they try to drop him. Don't necessarily agree with an appointed board, but anything is better than this. He was given a tough set of problems and worked on them well (declining enrollment, loss of funds, confusion all around). The board has responsibilities but to this point they've failed for year, we need to vote the out.
Isn't this the same school board that got many of these problems started? And Dr Witherspoon had to work with a lot of trouble they ignored, didn't want to fix for years, or antagonized.
Not even an "E" for effort. If the Board of Education can't even complete a goal they wholly agreed upon how can they justify their ability to evaluate Dr Witherspoon.
Give the man a tough task with the declining enrollment, decreasing budget, and little support? Even in the worse case no body should give him even near average in any scenerio. Again I know where my votes will go when the time for the board to be "evaluated."
Already made my decision about THEIR evaluation, at election time...
To start it's wrong to bully as defined BUT in almost every case the "bullied" is set up. We all experienced some bullying of some kind, but their parents don't give them the tools to fit in. They're placed in awkward situations, they decide to dress or act differently. As it progresses changes can be made, by teacher or parents but we can't remove the blame from the shooter/bomber/attacker. What came first? Too late for this kid to try to adjust to a normal life. Maybe years earlier people around could see he's not adjusting to "normal life" and step in.
Is this the same board that got the system in trouble the first place? Might be the nepotism has stopped some? Or ego's were hurt again?
Normally I wonder when a member of the board is absent. Ms Volker represents DISTRICT 2, maybe was too embarrassed. Unsure if I'd have shown up?
OUTSIDER, you are absolutely right that the County Manager is nothing more than an administrator, working for the commission (the job descriptions I posted earlier but that can change). Of course a commission of crooks (Mr White, Mr Langford, Mr McNair ) or inept commissioners could easily hire poor managers and we're no better off. These problems started in '95 and were allowed to sit and grow. Rather than follow the history of blaming others this commission seems to be take the unpleasant steps to fix the financial problems, follow the law and hire a county manager, although a few fall back into the habits of the commissions of the past. It is another set of eyes if every one tries to do their jobs (there was also a supervisor caught stealing as well), and a central figure to help the commission.
Raised on a farm, different from throwing two tortured animals into a ring and watching them maul each other, than hanging the loser by the throat until they die a slow death. Again the ability to torture is the disease and is taught, a little different from the killing for food or survival. If your morals say it's fine we know where you stand... Whether taking a leather barber strap to a 3 month old, burning a dog alive, or pressing cigarettes against a 60-year-old grandmother, some will always feels it's okay.
It's been determined and proved when one is willing to torture an animal or insect they'll do it to any person weaker than themself. That in itself is a tell-tale sign of mental problems. But to on purposely drown weakened animals from abuse, than electrocute them for pleasure can be compared to Hitler and his actions in WW2, and the slave owners in early America (and Europe). They also felt they were right in their actions because they did those things to those "less than humans."
Vick never went to jail for animal cruelty, it was for money laundering. As great an athlete he is, there's something missing in the way he was raised, feel bad for his family and kids...
Not raising the status of animals, raising and expecting better of so-called civilized people.
Good article, although there'll always be concerns Birmingham has its pluses. And yeah, after years of not voting for Mayor Bell, got Tuesday off. He has my vote this year.
Let's see... Vulcan Park, East Lake Park, Linn Park. These are a few places I've enjoyed. I wish Birmingham would have and could enjoy other things like the Alabama Adventure, the State Fair, and the City Stages. Despite the negative comments of each I have been to all three of these through the years and they were great. As long as there are people around there always will be concerns BUT I've never seen or never been involved in any problems.
(There was so much fighting against Dr Witherspoon, constant in-fighting with this School Board, such disorganization. Actually surprised they completed the task as required by law. Not surprised Dr Witherspoon got this rating from them. He changed some things they didn't like... Like nepotism? favoritism?)
Seems the Board of Education fought him all the way. From trimming the budget of unneeded schools to releasing on poor performing personnel. Dr Witherspoon accepted a tough task, and so far has done great, regardless of the support (or lack of) from the "professionals." Questions?
STANDARD 1: But the most telling was "improving student achievement, staff developement." "Increase of academic rigor," and "the individual strengths" listed in COMMENT 4. Meets expectations? sounds like he surpassed them.
STANDARD 2: Communication with a hostile BOARD can be tough but COMMENTS 2, 3, and 7 should do more than appease their hurt feelings.
STANDARD 3: COMMENTS 4 and 5 almost contradict COMMENT 6, maybe they want a politician. Larry Langford will be released when?
STANDARD 4: COMMENTS 1, 3, and 4 indicates strong leadership, response to emergencies, "exceptional" management of the budget as well as handling personnel reduction... Untimely?
STANDARD 5: COMMENT 4 seems to counter COMMENT 3?
STANDARD 6: Attained the "average 3," might be they left out a negative here?
STANDARD 7: The process of closing unneeded schools and releasing unneeded staff makes a lot of people "frustrated and confused."
STANDARD 8: "Too trusting of sub-ordinates" seems to counter STANDARD 6-COMMENT 2. But a grade of 3 in light of COMMENTS 1 and 2?
STANDARD 9: An "average" rating compared the tasks included with all of STANDARD 1; STANDARD 2-COMMENTS 2, 3, and 7; STANDARD 3-COMMENTS 1 and 2; STANDARD 4-COMMENTS 1, 3, and 4; STANDARD 5-COMMENTS 4 and 6; all of STANDARD 6; STANDARD 7-COMMENTS 1 and 3; all of STANDARD 8.
I vote in DISTRICT 2, do you know your district? How do you rate the BOE?
Evidently some people want to see more into something that's not there. Newsworthy? yeah. A crime? possibly not. The only item worth noting would be the amount that was repaid to the state (I know people who spent money they were given because "the other guy screwed up" even if they knew if caught they'd have to pay it back). No doubt Sen Smitherman lacks skills with accounting and follow-up, especially with the accountant he undoubtedly trusted. But to raise hairs? no...
This showed how long this has been going on, how long the locals have let it fester. The article skipped home repair for Jack Swann, condo for Clarence Barber, landscaping for Harry Chandler... of course Chris McNair is in there too. http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/12/SEWER%20TIMELINE.pdf It sounds so easy to blame the banks, at the time the banks did the same thing they did all over, offer loans required to get work done. The county planned a "SUPER SEWER," rigged a bidding process (multiple lower bids), and the responsible people received bribes through all this. Langford and his history of gifts, teeth, and bullying aggravated the bad situation with the loan at variable rates. Along with stagnant county commissioners who sat and hoped and waited to get out of office before it totally blew up. This commission has a tough chore to do, hope they do it. To decide bankruptcy or work for the settlement every-one hopes for.
(Mayor Bell is running for office again, after all these years he has my vote. He had some tough decisions, made them and even if I didn't agree with it all, they were made. Ironically I never voted for him..)
In the past years the people of Jefferson County has done a lot of stupid things. Mostly vote crooks and idiots into office over and over again (look at the "residents" of federal jails), and they still vote the same way. Thus we got the personnel board, and now the receiver. The people of Birmingham did it too, but thanks to a few spots of glory changed that (although ONE "proud" example is now in prison).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-12-27-water_N.htm (all over)
http://www.phila.gov/water/your_H2O_Bill.html (1 example)
http://savewatersavemoney.org/component/content/article/1-latest/14-facts-about-austins-water-rates (another)
Not sure if these rate increases are because the citizens "hired" crooks to run the counties and cities or a general trend. Time to stop whining over this: know your candidates, hold them to their word, and not blindly trust them but watch and see all they do. How may years have we let our county officials have a chance to fix it and we sat like idiots waiting for miracles?
For the initially visit I partially agree the safe keeping idea (although the article said he was asked, and volunteered the information, there was no mention in the complaint for the original visit), the officers may have seen need to ask or a protocol was enforced. After the 30 days as informed, the paperwork submitted, the weapon should have been returned. Locked, in the trunk of a car, in a garage/basement? I'd believe he probably has a safer set of standards than many.
The good and the bad of earmarks. Either raise taxes, slice education, or re-arrange the expenditures. There's only so much any person (Democrat or Republican) can do, until people decide to do it for themselves, and yeah for their own.
A beat down is a beat down, uncalled for. If the video shows it (didn't see it or the whole video, so no idea) than may well be cut and dry. Again if there was a struggle and he gives in as soon as the heat rises than the police have to be given a reasonable doubt for the adrenaline and self-defense to be released.
Either way the frst trial should be for his initial arrest (receiving stolen goods and breaking and entering), than for the possible abuse. Only than determine if he was a danger to the police at any time that they need to use force, or there was an over reaction/abuse.
Either way we hire the police to do a job, can't have them walk in fear of over reactions to random videos taken out of context. Birmingham has an excellent force, but like any field there are bad eggs (contractors, doctors...). Likewise there are a few who hate authority in any way, fear law enforcement, want anarchy.
And of course the "I have a nephew who..." or "I got arrested and they..." will come out, some true some exaggerations.
Missed this posting for excusing what's generally called being rude and obnoxious by any-one let alone kids. Any adult or person forgiving any one for the out right language that would make people concerned has the same problems and seem to be wanting it to become worse. The kids learn it somewhere, and those that teach it are first to protect "their right..." You're right though, language at a construction site is definitely different than home, and even those workers have the intelligence to know that. Those with less self control and intelligence? make excuses.
Can't argue about the different fashions, frugality has its rewards and even the clothes I wouldn't spend for is a reward for the hard work for those that want them. Yet, any one spending that much and not being able to send kids to college without begging for help or needing public assistance might need to consider their priorities. Can start a habit of non essentials over daily needs.


text:
This has been a most extraordinary year at Washington Concert Opera! Because of generous donations from our loyal subscribers, donors, Board and Guild members, WCO has been able to offer programs that introduce opera to many of our community members and deepen the understanding and appreciation of opera among our current audience members.
Highlights of the year include:
- presenting rarely performed masterpieces that featured outstanding young artists in their Washington area and role debuts. In spring 2013, soprano Georgia Jarman and tenor Michael Spyres provided a stunning performance of Donizetti's Maria Stuarda. Later, in the fall, WCO presented Verdi's very rarely performed I masnadieri featuring soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Russell Thomas to a wildly enthusiastic and appreciative audience;
- offering a popular series of three lectures on Verdi's operas at the IONA Senior Services Center;
- providing a lecture and musical performance celebrating Verdi's life and work for a standing-room-only audience at the Italian Cultural Institute within the Embassy of Italy;
- conducting a master class for vocal students from the University of Maryland's Opera Studio;
- hosting vocal students from local universities at WCO dress rehearsals and performances;
- attracting about 200 audience members to a free pre-performance lecture;
- establishing a Young Professionals group to encourage participation among those 35 years of age and younger;
- honoring Verdi's 200th birthday with a brunch and musical tribute including world-renowned soprano Alessandra Marc, local favorite bass Soloman Howard and tenor Yuri Gorodetski; and
- initiating a partnership with a local charter elementary school to bring music classes on opera to students grades 3 to 5.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Strategic Operations Inc. (STOPS) is located on the 20-acre lot of Stu Segall Productions, one of the largest independent TV / Movie studios in the U.S. In addition to having the availability of all the facilities of a TV studio, such as set construction, props, make-up, special effects, etc.; STOPS' facilities also include design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, fabrication, machine shop, welding, assembly, and shipping.
Additionally, a Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site or village on the back-lot can be re-configured to represent various contemporary operating environments (COE), such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, and Latin America. Military units up to battalion in size have used the facilities. State-of-the-art video camera and after action review (AAR) and battlefield special effects systems are available in classrooms.
A shoot house, a ship simulator, and a rappel / fast rope tower complete the STOPS' facilities.
Secondary menu
GSA Contract GS-07F-5527P Strategic Operations 4705 Ruffin Road. San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-244-0559 Fax: 858-715-5383 www.strategic-operations.com


text:
I always thought the Great North Run would be fun. I was super-excited about the thought of running with Mo (or rather, running a long way behind Mo) and taking in the crowds and atmosphere on the streets of Newcastle.
I was less excited when they started predicting heavy rain and 70mph winds… but it was too late to pull out, so off I went.
Any event where 56,000 people are taking part is going to be a bit chaotic. Reaching the start line was more of a challenge than running a half-marathon. First there was the scrum on the Metro – trying not to choke to death on runners' early morning breath, sweat and worse.
Then there was the charge towards the race area and the rush to get bags on the right baggage buses, which were parked in an endless snake along the road. Another endless queue for the toilets as the clock ticked down towards 10.40. The looks of sheer horror on the faces of the women coming out of the Portaloos. Shudder.
Then a stampede towards the pens, late, trying to get in, with thousands of others who were late too. A scary moment at a pinch point as we all got squished up against barriers. Finally found the right pen. And breathe. And stand around waiting for half an hour while the "faster" runners set off.
Eventually, at something after 11am, my wave finally made it past the starting line. Then the rain and wind started. It was at its very worst over the Tyne Bridge – a collective groan went up as we headed up onto the bridge to be hit by cross-winds and driving rain. The weather then eased off slightly and I continued on my mission of overtaking as many people as possible. Many of whom had clearly been unrealistic when estimating their finish time…
Weaving in and out of the crowds, for a titch like me it was hard to take in any scenery – but I did get to admire the charity runners in their crazy costumes. I felt sorry for the lion, who was adjusting his enormous head at around mile 3, clearly regretting his choices. The penguins were waddling impressively – perhaps more suited to the conditions. Then there was a chap who was either running in nothing but a T-shirt, or wearing a thong. I hope the latter but I didn't turn round to check.
Amazingly, at half way, I was just about on for a sub-2 hour finish. This still looked good until around mile 11, when I hit a combination of hills and crowds which slowed me down and I was never quite able to make up the time.
Still, I kept on running as fast as I could, never quite giving up until the clock ticked past 2 hours with a few hundred yards still to go. So there it was – a new PB of 2hrs 1 minute – and the Red Arrows performed a spectacular display to celebrate. Then it rained some more.


text:
The Voice
The Voice's Melanie Martinez on Why Christina Aguilera Didn't Turn and How She Hitchhiked to the Blind Auditions!
Last night's episode of blind auditions on The Voice Season 3 started off with an entrancing performance by contestant Melanie Martinez. But what many don't know is that Melanie almost didn't make it in time to take the stage.
Wetpaint Entertainment caught up with the Baldwin, N.Y. native today when she shared why she almost missed her blind audition.
"My car actually broke down, and we were running late," Melanie revealed. "I was with my dad and my mom, and I'm really glad that both of them were there because I had to have a guardian with me. My dad ended up staying there with the car, and me and my mom had to hitchhike a taxi. I actually made it just on time."
Phew! We're certainly glad Melanie made it because her rendition of Britney Spears's "Toxic" had many of us perking up our ears and the judges turning their chairs — with one notable exception.
Britney's former nemesis Christina Aguilera was the only judge not to turn for the contestant in last night's episode. Many have said Xtina's reasoning was more related to Melanie's song choice than her vocal ability, but the contestant disagrees.
"I think it was more of the fact that I have a softer voice," she said. "I kind of figured that she wouldn't turn for me because I wasn't a power singer and usually that's what she sticks to."
Hmm, we beg to differ. Have you heard of one Ms. Lindsey Pavao, Melanie?
What do you guys think? Did Christina not turn because of Melanie's song choice or sound? Tell us below!
Wanna chat with fellow fans of The Voice? Join the discussion on our The Voice Facebook page!
Follow @VoiceWetpaint on Twitter
More About The Voice
The Voice News
The Voice Performances
Christina Aguilera
Adam Levine


text:
Blue Buddha Ltd
Kari Pössi
Juha Kyyrö
J. Karppanen
Jouko J. Karppanen
Piikkikasvi SP
Juha Lassila
Rockadillo Production
Tapio Korjus
Mika Nikula
ILMC (International Live Music Conference) is a yearly invite-only event for the live music sector and music media. The conference gathers the players from Europe's live sector to London this year for the 24th time.
Being organised and supported by practising industry professionals ILMC gives access to potentially astonishing resources – including the input of virtually every leading concert promoter in the world and coverage offered by all of the major trade magazines.
Finland at ILMC
A number of Finnish companies are attending ILMC again this year. Represented are booking agencies and production companies, among others (see listing below).
Also, Music Export Finland's Riku Salomaa (firstname.lastname@example.com) will attend the event. Don't hesitate to contact him in order to hear more about the Finnish companies and discuss the Finnish music exports in general!
Blue Buddha Ltd


text:
If you have questions before subscribing to XTick software you contact us by e-mail:firstname.lastname@example.com
Do you want to become our reseller? Contact : email@example.com
We can offer charting and trading software for stock/futures brokers around the world
Subscription cost includes software and forex datafeeds. Just now we provide two separate forex datafeeds: FXCM (above 60 currencies) from FXCM broker, you can trade from XTick for OS X or XTick Touch for Windows with this feed, and Standard forex feed (about 60 currencies mixed from some banks). Interbank forex feeds includes 350 low spread and latency currencies for additional fee. Also we provide CFD for US Stocks (about 50 tickers) and CFD for some World indices. CFD are included into subscription cost too.
Price action! Subscribe for 3 months and get 1 month more for free!
|Subscription period
|XTick Extreme for Windows
|XTick for OS X
without Trading
|XTick for OS X
with Trading
|1 month
|3 months + 1 month for free
|Interbank forex feed
Subscribe with regular payment
If you want to pay by Credit Card, please, fill next form and press 'Subscribe' button. Your card payment will be processed by USA online processing center's BlueSnap (formerly Plimus.com) secure server. After that e-mail us details of your subscription (your name, e-mail, subscribtion period). BlueSnap accepts customer orders made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners, JCB and debit cards with the Visa, Mastercard, and also by Wire Transfer, Checks and PayPal.
Subscribe with recurring payment
If you want to pay automatically each month, please, press 'Subscribe' button below, don't use previous form.
Wire transfers
If you want to pay by wire transfer in US Dollars or Euro contact us: email@example.com


text:
KENTUCKY (1/20/13) - Like stated in my last anxiety series article, according to MedicineNet, over 60 million people will suffer with anxiety at one point in their life. Over four million people experience generalized anxiety each year. Panic attacks can start as early as 15 years of age.
Most people who know me and/or have been reading my column knows that I was one of the 60 million. I struggled with anxiety daily for 18 years. Within the next several weeks, I want to share with you about my life with anxiety and the road I took to find myself again. I feel it necessary to share my story, especially due to the staggering numbers of people who are suffering with this in silence. My hope is to help others just like myself, people who are drowning in worry daily.
I know that change and trying something new can be very scary. If your anxiety gets worse while reading these articles – it is normal and okay. Just feel the fear and do it anyway. The techniques I am sharing with you in these articles are the same techniques I used to overcome my anxiety. They work – if you work. Remember, what are you really gaining from staying where you are? Picture yourself how you would like to be – the person you can be without the anxiety. Write a description of him or her down and read it regularly. Let that be your motivation for change. Let it motivate you to feel the fear and do it anyway. I believe in you! If I can do it, so can you!
When our expectations are too high, we set ourselves up for disappointment. When I suffered from anxiety, my expectations were very high! I expected life to be fair to me always. I expected to be the perfect wife, mother, employee, and friend. I expected only good things to happen to me and my loved ones. Because of this belief system, I placed tremendous stress on myself. There was no way all this could possible happen all the time. Does any of this sound familiar? When someone has high expectations you place such a heavy burden on yourself. You rush around making yourself sick because you have to have a perfect dinner date. You push yourself to the limit when you are tired or ill because you have to be that perfect spouse or friend. You stress out and get so angry with life when things don't go the way you plan because life is "supposed" to be perfect all the time.
All these expectations keep your body and mind in that stress response we discussed earlier. I knew that my expectations were unrealistic and they contributed greatly to my stress and worry; but knowing something and knowing how to do something about this bad habit are two different things. I want to teach you an exercise that I did to unveil my outrageous expectations. This helped me learn how to overcome them. You may need a good sized notebook for this one! This exercise is somewhat similar to the counteracting negative thoughts that I shared with you previously in this book.
When I learned that my expectations were causing a lot of my anxiety and worry, I grabbed a notebook and wrote down my expectations one by one. I then, underneath each one, wrote the question, "Can this happen all the time?" Is this something I have 100% control over at every second of every day?" If the answer was no (and it was 99% of the time) I'd then ask myself, "What belief system can I implement that is more realistic?" I'd then write a replacement statement that was more reachable. I then asked myself, "Which option seems more reasonable, the first one or the second one?" Usually the second was more reasonable. Then I'd ask myself, "Can I accept this?" If so, when will you accept it?
Here is an example of how this works, taken from my own expectation journal.
Expectation: I expect life to be fair and kind to me.
1. Is it possible for life always to be fair and kind to me? No
2. Why not? Because there are so many factors that I'd have to control in order for life always to be fair to me; like my lifespan, my health, my loved ones lifespans and health, the weather, and people's free will. I would have to play God, which is impossible. I am only human.
3. What replacement belief can I implement? Accept the fact that life can't be fair and kind all the time. There are too many factors out of my control. I can also understand that since life has not always been fair for every living being that ever graced the earth, then how I can expect life to be fair to me?
4. Is the second option more reasonable and realistic? Yes.
5. Was the first option? No.
6. Can I accept this? Yes.
7. When will I accept it? Today.
See how this works? Once I finished this process I had seventeen full pages of unrealistic expectations! Seventeen!
I have learned that once my expectations were lowered and I took one day at a time and only that, my life goes much more smoothly and my anxiety levels have dropped significantly.
I encourage you to start an expectation journal/notebook and start this process with each of your expectations. It was such a freeing experience for me and I hope it is for you as well.
I want to share a quote with you. If you'd like, place this quote someplace where you will read it at least 2-3 times daily (on your mirror, pill bottle, car, etc.)
"Life is under no obligation to give us what we want."
My next article will be about stopping negative thoughts.
Check out my latest blog "The True Self"
If you are interested in learning more about the program that helped my anxiety go to:
DISCLAIMER: This article is meant to support your overall well-being. This article is not meant to replace professional healthcare. I (Gayla Miller) am not a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, therapist, social worker or any other trained health professional. When you try the techniques outlined in these articles, you understand all of the above and you are participating by your own free will.
SurfKY News Disclaimer: The content supplied by columnists and letters to the Editor on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such content, statement, or opinions therein. SurfKY News does not necessarily adhere to or endorse content provided by outside non-staff sources.
LIKE SurfKY on Facebook - Click here to LIKE us now.
© Copyright 2015 SurfKY News Group, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, or rewritten without permission. SurfKY News encourages you to share this story on social media.
|< Prev
|Next >


text:
A new political nonprofit that sprouted up to solicit cash to defend President Obama's expected nomination of former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel as Defense secretary is already folding up shop.
Former U.S. Ambassador Richard Burt said he registered "Americans For Strategic Leadership" as a 501(c)4 nonprofit in order to defend Hagel's reputation. Burt said he and other friends of Hagel watched as a torrent of criticism torpedoed the rumored nomination of Susan Rice for Secretary of State and they didn't want Hagel to suffer the same fate.
"He was getting attacked," Burt said.
Americans For Strategic Leadership, Burt wrote in an email solicitation last week sent to potential donors and obtained by National Journal, would act as a counterweight to those attacks. "We will be conducting a public advertising and advocacy campaign focused on those members of the U.S. Senate who will responsible for the confirmation of Chuck," the solicitation said. Burt was identified as president of the group.
It would be "a very costly venture," the pitch said, and Burt tried to entice donors by noting that as a 501(c)4, the group could raise money in unlimited sums and keep its contributors secret.
Hagel's nomination, whispered about in Washington since December, has generated opposition from the right, the left (from gay-rights groups), and the pro-Israel lobby. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called it "an in your face nomination" Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.
Opponents of Hagel have not been shy about mobilizing. Already on Monday, the Emergency Committee for Israel had launched a website calling him "not a responsible option. The site is located at chuckhagel.com.
But now that Obama is expected to formally nominate Hagel, Burt said his group was withdrawing from a role defending the Nebraska Republican. "Once he is the president's nominee, it's not our role to get him confirmed," Burt said. "It's up to the White House and the State Department to make a case."
So what caused the about-face? Burt said he was not asked by the White House or Hagel to abandon his independent effort, but that events simply overtook the group. Burt, who returned from Europe over the weekend, said he didn't know exactly how much money the group had raised but that "it's going to all be returned" now.
Burt, the U.S. ambassador to Germany in the late 1980s, said he has known Hagel since then. He currently serves as an executive committee and board member of the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan group "devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation and international security," according to its website. Hagel is the chairman of the group.
"For now, we're folding up shop," Burt said, though he left the door open to revive the effort, if need be, adding he was not "ruling out something in the future."
Don't Miss Today's Top Stories
Rick, Executive Director for Policy
Concise coverage of everything I wish I had hours to read about."
Chuck, Graduate Student
The day's action in one quick read."
Stacy, Director of Communications
I find them informative and appreciate the daily news updates and enjoy the humor as well."
Richard, VP of Government Affairs
Chock full of usable information on today's issues. "
Michael, Executive Director


text:
Reptiles and Reptiles galore for keepers or just people curious to learn about these wonderful creatures.
a sake eating something??... i dunno
This comment is currently awaiting admin approval, join now to view.
You are not logged in, your comment will be anonymous unless you join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) which we encourage all contributors to do.
2000 characters limit; HTML formatting and smileys are not supported - text only


text:
Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action Lifting & Firming Cream
23 reviews
65% would repurchase
Package Quality: 3.4
Price: $$$
Package Quality: 3.4
Price: $$$
on 4/19/2015 10:35:00 PM
Age: 44-55
Skin: Combination, Fair, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Green
Heavy smell indicates a great deal of perfume. No lifting but clogging pores visible. Feels like a wax on a face. Not recommended.
on 2/20/2015 6:47:00 PM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm
Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine
Eyes: Brown
There was nothing wrong with this cream, but it does not live up to its $94 price tag. I received a deluxe sample of this when I bought my beloved genifique and visionnaire, and I'm so glad I didn't trust the rep blindly and shell out good money for something that doesn't do what it says it will. Imo, Roc or another drugstore equivalent with retinoids, aha or bha will be a much better anti-aging product.
on 2/11/2015 1:08:00 PM
Age: 36-43
Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral
Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine
Eyes: Blue
I just finished this in a deluxe sample size. Aside from it being highly fragrant -- this is a wonderful, moisturizing night cream. I'm not too keen on the scent, but it kept my skin feeling hydrated all night and left it bright in the morning. I would buy this again -- but I don't think I actually will because of the price.
on 1/25/2015 7:22:00 AM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
The best anti wrinkle moisturizer. When you apply it make sure to start from your chin then up and don't forget your neck. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to notice a difference. I'm 35 and people are always shocked at my age they think I look 25 and my secret is multi lift. I started using this moisturizer 1 year ago and I will never change. I had used it before but I didn't like it actually I didn't give it a chance but you need to be patient and it actually plumps your skin! I used hydrazen in the past and it was great but my crows feet were annoying me. It is sticky but it's plumping the skin. I read so many negative comments about this product but please give it a try it's amazing . I tried la mer and vlé de peau which were good but my wrinkles are gone gone with this this. Love it.
on 11/6/2014 2:12:00 PM
Age: 36-43
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral
Hair: Black, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Hazel
I love this product, and I use it for years. I use it in combination with Lancome Absolue Night Premium Bx. It is a combination that works amazing.
My skin is never dry or oily (I have combination skin with typical T-zone). The texture is great; it leaves the skin soft and hydrated, and it also works great with make-up. Personally I use Lancome Visionnaire or Guerlain. It also visibly reduced fine lines around eyes. Unfortunately not forever. As soon as I stopped using it, my fine lines reappeared.
The price is little higher, but it works so I can only recommend it.
on 11/1/2014 12:51:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Brown, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
If you buy this you're an idiot. There's hardly anything good in here (certainly not worth the price), plus unnecessary fragrance-- IT'S NOTHING BUT A SKIN IRRITANT. IT DOES YOU NO GOOD WHATSOEVER-- and useless jar packaging.
on 11/1/2014 12:36:00 AM
Age: 44-55
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool
Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine
Eyes: Blue
I bought the Lancome Renergie Multi-Action Day Cream (with SPF 15), and the accompanying eye cream at a Duty Free store at the airport. I am a skin care junkie, so I wanted to try this out. Firstly, I like moisturizers that have a high rate of skin cell turnover, because of the fact that you are melting that dead skin off of your face, and the anti-aging benefits can be absorbed better. This does not have any AHA's, BHA's or retinoids, so that was a negative in my book. It feels heavy on my skin, and I am not picky about scents, but this one seems heavily perfumed to me. It also feels as if it lies on top of my face/neck/decollete and not easily absorbed. In addition, it feels tacky and almost "waxy". I do still use it, however. Since I live in the Caribbean 2 weeks out of the month, it is a good (but expensive) sunscreen, and a nice nightly hand cream. Did not notice any firming benefits, wrinkle reduction or change in elasticity. Will not re-purchase.
on 9/30/2014 7:01:00 PM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
Edit: I read that some reviewers experienced a heavy/irritating fragrance. The one I purchased was Made in USA and has a very light, pleasant scent. I spoke to a Lancome rep and she said they use to import the Made in France jars to the US when the line first came out. She also said that the formulations are slightly different. So I'm wondering if the one's that were Made in France had a heavier fragrance? Again, no reactions and still love this line - day and night creams!
I'm usually a drugstore girl. Then Lancome and I reunited. Then things started to change very quickly. I still have my drugstore staples - Maybelline Great Lash, Noxzema, Carmex - to name just a few. I didn't believe the hype of these fancy moisturizers... until I tried them. My first was Bienfait. So light and just absorbed into my skin. Because that is the basic hydration and protection with no anti-aging benefits, I decided to sample the other ones in the line up.
Among all the anti-aging creams Lancome makes, these purple jars of skin cream perfection are my favorite. The dense texture, the pale pink color, and the faint scent of roses... is just so delightful. This simple every day luxury is something I look so forward to morning and night. The 1.7 oz jar is $95 and the 2.6 oz jar is $115. Not cheap. The larger size will last at least 6 months. So twice a year at $230 retail ... instead of Botox (I know, this is how I rationalize it!) And I just walked out of Nordie's staring at someone who got really bad botox done. It was so obvious. It didnt' make her look more youthful. Just really unnatural and puffy. Yikes.
The last year I have been under a tremendous amount of stress. I just started seeing fine lines creep in on my forehead. Or maybe I never really paid attention... I'm not sure. But it's time to really invest in my skin. The jars are heavyweight glass. Just holding them feels luxurious! But what's inside... ahhhh, that's where the magic lies. I started out with the deluxe samples they give to you during gift with purchase. That's how they always hook you... sigh. I love Bienfait - which is pretty much half the cost, but this is much thicker and will be perfect for winter. It may be too heavy for summer, and that's when I will switch back to Bienfait. I have so much Bienfait that I will probably rotate these two moisturizers depending on my skin's needs. And to make these magical purple jars last longer so I do not have to replenish as often:)
I loved the sample so much that I ran out and purchased a full jar! It's a beautiful cream. I feel like a sophisticated Parisian woman whenever I apply it. And the purple jar... it is just so elegant!
on 7/14/2014 2:28:00 AM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
Lancome is so lavish, but their products never seem any different to me than something that could be bought at a drug store. That said, I've used this for a few weeks for a night cream, and I haven't noticed any difference. It's a very thick consistency but goes on light and is a little on the oily side, but night creamers are supposed to be extra moisturizing, so that is ok with me. The smell is florally and pleasant. The price is over the top expensive. I received this as a deluxe sample, and there is no way that I'd pay $115 for the full size.
on 6/19/2014 11:12:00 PM
Age: 36-43
Skin: Combination, Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Black, Other, Other
Eyes: Black
I didn't like it for first few times i used it but now using over 7 weeks along with genefique my skin is in much better shape
Popular Moisturizers
1276 Reviews
440 Reviews
1638 Reviews
70 Reviews
441 Reviews
199 Reviews


text:
Stock Vector Illustration:
Illustration ball with inscription innovate, on a white background. Vector.
- Image ID: 75363370
- Copyright: Cherkas
High quality images curated from over 150 countries.
Over 50 million photos, vectors, illustrations, and more.
Simple and flat pricing by image or by month.
Over 230,000 images downloaded every day.


text:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Undergraduate Applications
Undergraduate Students
Kentucky residents and a limited number of out-of-state residents will be considered for admission to the Communication Disorders program. Special consideration is given to those out-of-state students who complete their lower division work at UK Special consideration is given to rural Kentucky applicants and minority applicants. To be considered for admission to the undergraduate program in Communication Disorders, the student must complete the application procedure for the Communication Disorders program and the admission procedure to the University of Kentucky according to established time lines. If already enrolled on the UK Lexington campus, the student does not have to apply for admission to the University, but must complete the Communication Disorders Program Application. Admission to the UK undergraduate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Online Appliaction
Please click here for Online Application
Click here for Application Instructions
You can also get application packets by contacting the Office of Student Affairs.
© 2007 University of Kentucky Equal Opportunity University Contact UsLast Updated: 1/3/13


text:
Therapists: 1 to 20
Refine Your Search
- Academic Underachievement
- Addiction
- Adoption
- Alcohol Abuse
- Alzheimer's
- Anger Management
- Antisocial Personality
- Anxiety
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Autism
- Behavioral Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality
- Career Counseling
- Child or Adolescent
- Chronic Impulsivity
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Relapse
- Codependency
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Divorce
- Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Abuse
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Disturbance
- Family Conflict
- Gambling
- Grief
- Infertility
- Infidelity
- Intellectual Disability
- Internet Addiction
- Learning Disabilities
- Life Coaching
- Marital and Premarital
- Medical Detox
- Medication Management
- Men's Issues
- Narcissistic Personality
- Obesity
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Oppositional Defiance
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Sex Therapy
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Addiction
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Substance Abuse
- Suicidal Ideation
- Teen Violence
- Testing and Evaluation
- Trauma and PTSD
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Video Game Addiction
- Weight Loss
- Women's Issues
Common Issues:
Mental Health:
- Dissociative Disorders
- Elderly Persons Disorders
- Impulse Control Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Psychosis
- Thinking Disorders
- Toddlers / Preschoolers (0 to 6)
- Children (6 to 10)
- Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13)
- Adolescents / Teenagers (14 to 19)
- Adults
- Elders (65+)
- African-American
- Asian
- Hispanic and Latino
- Native American
- Other Racial or Ethnic Background
- Pacific Islander
Alternative Languages:
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Bosnian
- Cantonese
- Croatian
- Farsi
- Filipino
- French
- German
- Greek
- Gujarati
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Romanian
- Russian
- Serbian
- Singales
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
- Yiddish
Religious Orientation:
- Aviation Professionals
- Bisexual Clients
- Cancer
- Gay Clients
- HIV / AIDS Clients
- Heterosexual Clients
- Lesbian Clients
- Transsexual Clients
- Veterans
Treatment Orientation:
- Art Therapy
- Attachment-based
- Coaching
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Dialectical (DBT)
- Eclectic
- Emotionally Focused
- Existential
- Expressive Arts
- Family / Marital
- Family Systems
- Forensic Psychology
- Gestalt
- Gottman Method
- Humanistic
- Hypnotherapy
- Imago
- Integrative
- Interpersonal
- Intervention
- Jungian
- Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative
- Neuro-Linguistic
- Neurofeedback
- Play Therapy
- Psychoanalytic
- Psychodynamic
- Psychological Testing and Evaluation
- Relational
- Sand Play
- Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
- Somatic
- Transpersonal
- Trauma Focused
Video Enabled:
Accepted Insurance Plans:
Accepted Payment Methods:
Broaden Your Search
See Nearest
Therapists in Reisterstown
Verified by Psychology Today
Stuart M Tabb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-C
"In well over 30 years of practice, both as a direct service provider and supervisor, I feel very proficient is assisting clients/patients who can't seem to break unhealthy or counterproductive patterns or habits. All that is required is the courage to engage in the process of change - recognizing that the journey will not be "alone".
(443) 280-6898
Verified by Psychology Today
Pamela Bell
Pastoral Counselor, LCPC
"I help people to heal emotional wounds and restore their inner peace. Let me help you overcome trust issues that are blocking the love and respect that you deserve. You may have tried other forms of therapy. Perhaps it's time to try counseling that brings your faith into the healing process. For over 15 years, I've used spiritual and psychological interventions to help my clients break unhealthy habits and build a greater sense of confidence. No matter how difficult your situation may seem, there is still hope... with God all things are possible!
(410) 983-6599
Verified by Psychology Today
Annette Callahan - Christine Leone
Counselor, LCPC, LCSW-C
"We have over 20 years experience working with individuals, couples and families. We have been honored to be a part of a therapeutic process of change with truly wonderful and courageous people. Choosing a therapist can be challenging, We know people are looking for solutions and tools to mitigate and resolve emotional pain. We have training and experience in evidence based treatment options as well as a high level of personal accountability to help each person move towards health and wellbeing. In addition to the formal training and experience, We never underestimate the effectiveness of good common sense and laughter.
(443) 957-4182
Verified by Psychology Today
Susan M Berkowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"I help people learn to love themselves. If you are struggling to change, to cope and to heal - I welcome you to begin a journey of growth.
(410) 384-4053
Verified by Psychology Today
Lydia I Holloway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"I have been in the Human Service field since 1999. I immediately found my niche in working with individuals to improve their overall well-being, which inherently begins with mental/psychological health. Whether it is a child, adolescent, individual, family or couple. It is essential to feel whole, confident, motivated, and ability to reach your full potential. It is my goal at whatever stage, place, level you are in life to assist you in reaching your desired and full potential.
(443) 406-4753
"New Perspectives is a counseling group with offices in Owings Mills and Westminster, Maryland. Our philosophy is that when individuals, couples, families or organizations experience difficulties, often what is needed is to approach the problem from a different angle. When problems are approached from different angles, new avenues appear for finding creative solutions to the problem via a "new perspective". Learning to view a glass as half-full rather than half-empty, redefining problems as opportunities for growth, or increasing one's confidence to view more options as viable might be the new perspective that works in your situation.
(410) 417-6569 x113
Verified by Psychology Today
Nancy Kurtz Craven
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD
"Since 1994, I have an outstanding reputation as a psychotherapist. My style of therapy is highly compassionate and genuine. When working with individuals, couples, and families, together we achieve more appropriate coping and decision-making skills as well as increase confidence to view more positive options, all to increase quality of life. My office provides an atmosphere that is warm and comfortable. All aspects of therapy are treated with utmost confidentiality.
(410) 343-7192
Verified by Psychology Today
Bob Hollander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW-C
"Are you having difficulty communicating with your partner? Feeling like the loving connection you once enjoyed has faded? Or has there been a relationship crisis that has rocked your world? If you want to create a deeper connection, communicate more effectively, deal with a crisis or create more balance of head, heart and hormones in your relationship, we can help you. Together with my wife and fellow relationship counselor/coach, Lori Hollander, we surround couples with 360 degrees of support to create extraordinary relationships, whether you are in crisis or seeking to create a deeper connection.
(410) 449-0888
Verified by Psychology Today
Becky Harrison
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CSAC, CCTP, NCC
"Life can be stressful, overwhelming and chaotic. Although we try our best to cope, most of us were not taught healthy coping skills to navigate life's challenges. We engage in old, unhealthy habits that no longer work for us, yet still hope for relief. We may look to alcohol, drugs and other self-destructive behaviors to "numb the pain". Through therapy, I can teach you other ways to manage pain, anxiety and depression with cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and grounding techniques. I will give you tools and techniques to walk away with in the first session.
(443) 863-6967
Verified by Psychology Today
Lori W Hollander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD
"Are you having difficulty communicating with your partner? Feeling like the loving connection you once enjoyed has faded? Or has there been a relationship crisis that has rocked your world? If you want to create a deeper connection, communicate more effectively, deal with a crisis or create more balance of head, heart and hormones in your relationship, we can help you. Together with my husband and fellow relationship counselor/coach, Bob Hollander, we surround couples with 360 degrees of support to create extraordinary relationships, whether you are in crisis or seeking to create a deeper connection.
(410) 449-4153
Verified by Psychology Today
Eileen Tsonis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"Are you a woman struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues? Are you experiencing sexualty issues with your partner/spouse and too embarrassed to discuss or ask questions? I offer a warm, supportive manner to help you find solutions that are right for you. I also have extensive experience working with troubled parent-child relationships and adolescent girls' issues.
(410) 305-9809
Verified by Psychology Today
Andrea Johnson
Counselor, LGPC, MA
"Have you ever felt like no one understands what your going through? Are you tired of talking to friends or family members out of the fear that they'll judge or criticize you? If so, come talk to me! I provide an emotionally safe and supportive environment that allows you to work toward achieving peace and to sort out the difficulties in your life that may be causing you distress.
(443) 487-4906
Verified by Psychology Today
Sarah Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
"Are you struggling with a problem but reluctant to engage in long-term therapy? As a licensed social worker with over twenty years of experience, I specialize in providing short-term counseling to individuals and families who are trying to manage life's everyday challenges and transitions. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship and/or parenting problems, employment, financial or health issues, grief and loss, or other stressful situations, short-term counseling can be a very effective way to explore options and develop strategies to resolve issues.
(443) 988-0079
Verified by Psychology Today
Gary Green
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR MARRIAGE OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP? I specialize in marriage and relationship counseling. I believe that positive, nurturing relationships are essential to living a happy, emotionally-fulfilling life, and that our most cherished and meaningful moments are usually the ones we share with those we love. My practice therefore centers on helping relationships to heal and thrive, with an eye towards restoring the harmonious balance and intimate closeness we all desire and need. I have over a decade of experience, employing the most clinically proven methods for achieving success with couples and individuals of all backgrounds.
(443) 502-0951
Verified by Psychology Today
Judith M Kinney
Psychologist, PhD
"With a specialty in pediatric psychology, I have provided comprehensive and culturally sensitive psychological services to children, adolescents, and their families for almost 20 years. Services include individual, group, and family psychotherapy and psychological and psycho-educational evaluations for students who present with a variety of emotional, academic, and/or behavioral challenges. I also have an interest in and am skilled in working with young adults as well as some older adults.
(410) 469-7644
Verified by Psychology Today
John Caruso
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, JD
"I realize that change can be daunting, unsettling and at times, painful. I also believe challenges can provide opportunities for one to learn, develop, grow and thrive. Therapy provides insight, develops and improve coping skills that will be applicable throughout life. I work with clients to clarify issues, identify goals, find solutions to improve their situation and introduce skills that they can use to reach their goals.
(443) 219-1703
Verified by Psychology Today
Michael Reeder
Counselor, MS, LCPC
"I take a holistic approach that incorporates mind, body, and spirit. I believe it's important to integrate life meaning into counseling. I'll work with you to set goals and the proper pacing of therapy. Therapy is a collaboration, as ultimately the power to change rests within you. I emphasize unconditional positive regard, respect, a safe and caring therapeutic relationship, individual strengths, and taking control over choices.
(877) 823-3439
"Are you or a member of your family looking for alternative paths to Wellness? Perhaps you are searching for more holistic answers that are not purely based in the Western Medical Model of health care? At The Zen Life Wellness Community we bring together Counseling, Community Acupuncture and Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation. Our small team of therapists and acupuncturists have a variety of specialties from Anxiety disorders such as PTSD and OCD to treatments for Addictions and Mood Disorders. Take a look at our website or call to be matched with the best therapist for yourself or your family.
(443) 731-2133
Verified by Psychology Today
Aviva Kovacs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"Sometimes life can be hard and getting help from a professional can be very beneficial. I quickly build a working rapport with my clients to address difficult issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, everyday stressors and relationship issues. Also, I have extensive experience working with people who have lost a loved one. Additionally, when necessary, I can refer clients to a psychiatrist for medication management to be used in conjunction with therapy.
(443) 671-7860
Verified by Psychology Today
Wendy Berman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
"Are you feeling held back by your past? Stuck? Overwhelmed? Sad and anxious? Do you struggle with maintaining your relationships? Suffer from depression? Eating disorders? Addictions? If any of these symptoms fit you, you have come to the right place. I will help you heal the past to make a brighter tomorrow. My practice concentrates on addressing your individual issues and coming up with a collaborative treatment plan focusing on creating a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
(410) 984-8808
Not enough Therapists to choose from?
Try expanding your search for Therapists in Reisterstown to a larger area (e.g. Baltimore County, Maryland)
How can I tell if a therapist is right for me?
Therapists in Reisterstown have broad skills and are able to work with a wide range of issues.
For example, if you're seeking a marriage counselor in Reisterstown you'll find that most therapists are trained in marriage counseling or couples counseling in Reisterstown and couples therapy. And they welcome families for family counseling in Reisterstown or family therapy in Reisterstown.
How to find a specialist?
If you're looking for specialist counseling in Reisterstown, Maryland, such as a child psychologist or sex therapist, try to refine your search with our left nav bar.
What method of therapy is right for me?
When it comes to treatment methods, there's no "right way". A couples counselor or a family counselor may use different treatment methods depending on the one that works best for you.
How to use my insurance?
Many therapists accept health insurance. Check to see if your insurance is covered. Feel free to discuss this when you contact the therapist.


text:
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2002 A Pakistani border guard shot and wounded a U.S. soldier Dec. 29 during an incident on the Afghan border with Pakistan, Joint Task Force180 officials said.
The soldier received a grazing wound to the back of the head. He was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and is listed as stable.
The incident occurred near Shkin. U.S. soldiers were observing Pakistani border guards destroy inert missiles found in the area. The border in the region is in dispute, but U.S. officials said the American soldiers were within Afghanistan.
Officials said one of the border guards approached the U.S. patrol. The American soldiers asked him to go back to his side of the boundary. As he walked back, the border guard turned, dropped to one knee, and fired on the Americans. The U.S. soldier was wounded at this time. American officials said the other Pakistani border guards in the area helped the U.S. forces.
The border guard ran into a nearby abandoned madrassa, or local religious school. He was the only person observed entering the structure, but U.S. soldiers said they took more fire from the building and called in close-air support. An AV-8B dropped a 500-pound precision-guided bomb on the building. The structure is inside the recognized borders of Afghanistan.
Officials said the border guard is in Pakistani custody.
American officials said U.S. and Pakistani troops continue to work closely together to patrol the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan.


text:
The Sun moves out of your sign today but you must not slow down or give up. Over the next few weeks your primary aim must be to keep what you have gained. Don't let others take it from you.
or email firstname.lastname@example.com
January 19, 2013 | 5:00am
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.


text:
Ray Johnson invitation to Joseph Cornell, ca. 1970
Physical Details: Invitation : 1 p. : photocopy ; 28 x 22 cm.
Sender: Ray Johnson (1927-1995)
Recipient: Joseph Cornell (1903-1972)
Description: Invitation from Johnson for Cornell to join in the first meeting of the Marcel Duchamp club.
Photocopied image depicts Mickey Mouse stepping over a woman who is on all fours.
Forms part of: Joseph Cornell papers, 1804-1986, bulk 1939-1972
Rights Statement: Current copyright status is undetermined
Citation: Ray Johnson invitation to Joseph Cornell, ca. 1970
Digital ID: 14204
- Caricatures and cartoons


text:
Prepare For The ObamaCare Sticker Shock
We haven't discussed the idiocy of ObamaCare lately, legislation which the majority of Americans still despise. But, it's still out there and ready to cause havoc
(Forbes) A California insurance broker, who sells health plans to individuals and small businesses, told me that she's prepping her clients for a sticker shock. Her local carriers are hinting to her that premiums may triple this fall, when the plans unveil how they'll billet the full brunt of Obamacare's new regulations and mandates.
California is hardly alone. Around the country, insurers are fixing to raise rates by double digits. They're privately briefing politicians in Washington on what's in store. Those briefings are leaving a lot of folks up and down Pennsylvania Avenue jumpy.
What's gives? President Obama, after all, said he'd prevent these sorts of prices. His new health law gave state regulators the power to block premium increases. It even created a federal agency to oversee insurance rates. But these bureaucrats are spectators to the price hikes. They're mere wallflowers. Even in the bluest of states.
Their silence is the best evidence of who is culpable for the increases. It's the policymakers. It's Obamacare. The President is accepting the premium hikes as an allowable consequence of his healthcare policies.
Seriously, who would have thought that a 2,700 page Bill which has create well over 13,000 pages of rules and regulations from the Central Planning Office (remember, it took 18 pages to define "full time" and the IRS released 159 pages to cover the tax rules) would cause costs to skyrocket? And we haven't even really seen the writings from the States yet. So, what is the Obama admin to do about this?
Well, he can go after the insurance companies, forcing them to eat the costs, which will put the companies out of business. Which seems to be a part of what the legislation attempts to do. He can regulate the costs doctors and hospitals charge, which will reduce service. We'll see rationing along with medical professionals and health care providers shutting down. Welcome to ObamaCare.
Crossed at Pirate's Cove. Follow me on Twitter @WilliamTeach.
Also see...
This dad punches the crap out of two girls attacking his daughter. Tell me you wouldn't do the same if a pack of thugs were beating on your child. I...Read More
William Teach
Related Articles
Government Health Care Is Not About Health Care; It's About Government
"Government Health Care is not about health care; It's about Government." So reads the last line of Mark Steyn's latest
Race Baiting at Philly Tea-Party: Anti-Tea Party Democrats No Better than Fred Phelps?
On March 6, former George H. W. Bush speechwriter Michael Johns was speaking before a tea party gathering in Philadelphia
Hooray, Obamacare Slightly Reducing Uninsured Rate
This is one of two stories the media is crowing about, the other being CNN's poll about approval for Ocare


text:
As the start of the new legislative session of the Illinois General Assembly draws nearer, a coalition of organizations and advocates are ramping up efforts to push — and pass — a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state, making Illinois the 10th in the nation to recognize gay and lesbian unions.
Led by LGBT and civil rights organizations Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois, the Illinois Unites for Marriage coalition is calling upon all of its collective resources to help in growing support for the bill among business leaders, clergy members, citizens, and most importantly, state lawmakers, leading up to the first day of session for the State Senate, Feb. 5.
Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, said the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act could come up for consideration before the senators as early as the first day.
After the bill stalled in the lame duck session early this month, the chief sponsors of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Greg Harris, reintroduced the legislation shortly after the swearing in of the 98th General Assembly Jan. 8.
The new class of lawmakers comprises super-majorities of Democrats in both the House and the Senate due to gains in the November 2012 general elections. Democrats snapped up five seats in the Senate, totaling 40, and seven seats in the House, totaling 71.
The bill will need at least 30 votes in the Senate and 60 votes in the House before advancing to Gov. Pat Quinn's desk for signing — something Quinn is confident proponents can achieve in the coming weeks.
Despite the lame duck loss, support and excitement for the bill continues to grow throughout the state, Cherkasov said, during an interview alongside Jim Bennett, Midwest Regional director for Lambda Legal and Ed Yohnka, director of Communications and Public Policy at the ACLU of Illinois with Chicago Phoenix.
"I feel like every week there is literally new momentum or additional momentum that we've gained and every week we make more progress," Cherkasov said. "We keep moving forward."
The coalition leaders explain in detail how their concerted efforts work, the path of the bill so far, the current status of the bill, and the future of legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois.
CP: Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois are the three founding members of the coalition. What are the distinct functions of each group?
Yohnka: Well, I run everything and Bernard and Jim just say "yes" to whatever I want to do.
Cherkasov: That's exactly how it works!
CP: But really.
Cherkasov: The coalition has multiple functions. One of them is the field component and making sure that we are constantly moving this conversation forward by making sure constituents are engaging their lawmakers about the issue — that's the primary role of the coalition, to bring all of our skills and resources to it.
Yonka: We have expertise and resources and activities that we've been doing for a while now. It's about bringing everyone to the table and asking 'What have you got?' and what can we do strategically and what makes the most sense to do now. It's about sharing that information and sharing those resources, so you know, I have to say it is at the very least an incredibly high functioning coalition compared to most coalitions. I think it's worked extraordinarily well.
Bennett: As more and more groups step up, it's important to make sure that we're able to immediately put them to work and bring in all their resources as well. It's all been so fast.
CP: What are some things you learned from the lame duck session? Things could have gone better, right? What's the general lesson from lame duck — I mean, that was the focus of the big push back in December, and then it didn't happen — what did you take away from that?
Cherkasov: We can pray that nobody's parent dies, and we can pray that nobody's child needs emergency surgery and sort of hope for those things, but it's impossible to anticipate them and you can prepare the best that you can. But some things you just cannot prevent. The lame duck session was great. It was the very first time an Illinois legislative body considered the freedom to marry and it passed by and 8-5 vote. How much stronger of a beginning could we have hoped for? It sent a clear signal to the lawmakers that the next time they consider the issue, the pressure is on them to vote for it and pass it into law. I think it was great. I left the lame duck session very energized and optimistic.
Yohnka: Having been around Springfield for a lot of years now, you know that when you do something in veto, you're on a very compressed schedule and the process is the process and you need to go through all the steps of the process and therefore, you need everything to go right. It's all worth it in the end. Every right thing was done, we just couldn't control some things. And when we come back, come hell or high water, this is going to pass and the governor is going to sign it and people are going to get married in this state dammit and that's it.
CP: The new session begins Feb. 5 and adjourns May 31 …
Bennett: We want it before May. [Laughs]
CP: The bill as it is now has a 30 day effective date, so potentially we could be celebrating marriage at Pride, right?
Cherkasov: It is a possibility.
Bennett: That would be great. There is nothing out of reach. It feels very close. People have been waiting for too long.
Yohnka: I wouldn't bet against it.
CP: As we move toward Feb. 5, what's going to happen? Is it going to be like the lame duck session, where the bill was sort of held on to until the votes were secured — is that what it looks like right now?
Cherkasov: I know we said our main focus is to get constituents to reach out their legislators now and then when they go down to Springfield, we're still going to be asking them to reach out to their legislators, so instead of doing that in their district it will just happen in Springfield. The focus still remains, but instead of looking at individual districts throughout the state, we'll be looking at Springfield.
CP: Moving forward, Greg Harris and Heather Steans are the chief sponsors in the House and the Senate and in terms of rallying troops to get this done outside of Springfield, who then are the key players?Bennett: Well, I would say that Greg Harris and Heather Steans are the key players. I can't imagine better people to carry our legislation forward because they're just unstoppable. I feel like they are leading this effort in a way that almost feels unprecedented at least with anything I've ever worked on before. I feel like our three groups are key. I think the Chicago Urban League is playing a key role and I … I just don't even want to limit it. There are so many key players.
Yohnka: I think the couples telling their stories and talking about what's happening. I think one of the things that's interesting is what Bernard has put together in terms of the faith list. It's something that is another thing that I would keep an eye on. And the business leaders list, too. Look at who starts to join that list and some of the comments they have made about how Illinois is at a competitive disadvantage without marriage. These are people who are talking about really fundamental dignity issues.
Cherkasov: How profound is it that three bishops, Lutheran, Methodist and Episcopalian bishops have come out to fight for the freedom to marry? They are bringing the entire gravity of their office to this. It signals that, you know, this is the time.
CP: Do you feel that clergy members and these business leaders are going back to their base with the same intensity as the clergy who oppose same-sex marriage are going back to their bases? Is the same amount of effort coming from the supporting clergy?
Bennett: On faith, I'll say that the intensity on our side is better. I'd certainly want to be on the side of love and acceptance in a matter of faith as opposed to exclusion and hatred. The hardest part for me beyond the marriage struggle is the way the church is used — or the Bible is used — against LGBT people because all you have to do is go to Broadway Youth Center and see all these kids who the church was their whole families and their whole lives and so to be excluded from that is so harmful. For the church to be doing harm in that way is just unconscionable and so if there is going to be a moral argument about faith, the moral argument should be about inclusion and love.
The most heartening part of this fight has been when the religious argument came up in the fight this time, it came from our side first. It was our side that said — all these ministers who came out and said that marriage was the right thing to do, and so to have that powerful message as the first message and later have the religious opposition have to respond with 'Oh, no wait, God wants to exclude a few people here and there.' … That was just ridiculous.
CP: It seems like the language of the bill is what the opposition was hanging on to — we already know that they don't want gay marriage, but they were able to focus on the language and the exemptions in the law and they hammered that in the Senate Executive Committee hearing. Why were they allowed to focus on that?
Yohnka: Let me answer that question with a question. Do you think there is any language that we could propose that would make them accept the bill? It's about the underlying bill. Look, religious liberty is fundamentally important and the bill has incredibly important and critical religious protections and the notion that somehow chaining something in the language could somehow bring these people over is … or that that was the nature of their opposition is an absurdity.
CP: Is bipartisan support for the bill in the realm of possibility? Will everyone sit down with Republican leaders and make an amendment to the language?
Cherkasov: Every single measure of LGBT equality legislation in Illinois has passed with bipartisan support. There is growing support among Republicans for the freedom to marry. I do believe that when the bill is called in the General Assembly there will be bipartisan support for it as well. They see the same polling that we do. They see that the younger Republicans who will be the future of their party support the freedom to marry. They don't want to be on the wrong side of the issue. Like Pat Brady said, they don't want to be the irrelevant party.
Yohnka: Greg Harris and Heather Steans are two of the most effective legislators in Springfield. They are obviously open to continuing discussions with people and thinking about routes to getting to the largest number number of "yes" votes in both houses. It would amazing if this could be passed with acclamation in both houses.
CP: What are you currently working on in terms of lobbying or rallying forces or putting things in place for the new session — what's going on right now?
Bennett: The biggest is the in-district visits and trying to get the conversation in — because now they are home.
Cherkasov: There are dozens of new lawmakers. Twenty-four and 11, right? Twenty-four representatives and 11 senators. And even thought they are new, they may have thought about the issue in their campaigns and they may have thought about marriage equality in their previous careers, but now, it's in the legislature. It's now before them, so it's absolutely crucial for them to hear from their constituents.
CP: Jim, you mentioned in-district visits. Are those happening as we speak?
Bennett: They are. The most important thing is that if the visits are done by people who did or did not vote for the them, and so it's a challenge to find people throughout the state. I mean, it would be great it Lakeview and Andersonville were our targets because we have a lot of people — and those people should write too — but it's finding those couples and PFLAG parents, clergy, business leaders to go and talk to their legislators.
CP: Is that a challenge?
Yohnka: It's funny. I think those meetings with those people in that context are always the most revelatory and really one of the most interesting sort of things. You often hear on the floor during a debate about a family member or a clergy member … A member will say, "You know, I heard from so-and-so from my district…" And that's what representatives really want to know so that they can see what will effect the people they represent.
Bennett: I do think that the Illinois General Assembly wants to do this. I feel like as we've talked to representatives and senators, they want to find a way to do this and so those visits help them find that support, so that they can say "Look, people are coming to me even in my conservative district and telling me that this is an issue that matters to them and matters to their kids."They want to be able to look back and say "I moved this state and this nation forward."
Cherkasov: They want to be able to say that they did the right thing.
Bennett: And so for us, it's our job to put these pieces of the puzzle in place quickly, so that we can make it happen fast.
Yohnka: I've been amazed. When you're just out talking to people at like a grocery store, or a family event or a dinner party, it's fascinating that the actual excitement and buzz you get from people about doing something historic and even though we're not the first state, people still see this as important and historic. That energy translates into those meetings and sessions and it does provide legislators a sense of urgency, that sense of importance and that sense of real purpose.
CP: When we talked about resources shared by the coalition, we're talking about lists of people, we're talking about lawyers, we're talking about lobbyists, we're talking about phone banks — where is money in all of this? Is that a resource that's playing a major role in this?
Cherkasov: We grow it on trees.
Bennett: There's always a need for money. If people want to help, the first thing that they can do is contact their legislator — there's nothing more important than that. If people want to support our organizations, that's great too. People in Chicago have always been part of this fight and they've been trusting us with their support so that we can be ready to do work like this. Certainly, we all need help.
Yohnka: The money is really about priorities. As a multi-issue organization, the ACLU has thrown a lot of money and resources like staff at this issue. Our lobbyist, Mary Dixon, has worked around the clock since the election on this issue. It's been about priorities and that's a resource issue where we've decided that this is our highest priority. There's nothing more fundamental than being able to marry the person you love.
CP: In some of the initial reports about the marriage bill coming up for vote in the lame duck session, there was information about a publicity organization called ASGK. What does ASGK do and how does it fit into the coalition?
Yohnka: They've come in and helped us. They have an interest in this issue and they have an interest in seeing that this bill passes and they have come in and helped us in terms of extending and echoing our reach all across the state. When you're working in a coalition, to have a single entity that can help you organize something like that can be extraordinarily helpful.
Bennett: It's been interesting. They will come to us and ask us how to talk to people of faith about the issue and we find that with almost every case, we have the resources to do that. Through all of the victories and the losses, the most profound of messages we have is love. It was funny, when we first met Eric Herman of ASGK, and they were going through all the reasons and we were like, "It's love, it's love" and took a moment, and then they got it. It's been great to have those guys along.
CP: So when marriage passes in Illinois, what's next?
Bennett: Well, I certainly will be planning my wedding. In all seriousness, first, we have to make sure that it's implemented correctly. When you look at the movement in general, there are still kids coming out and getting bullied. There's also discrimination — an overwhelming amount of calls to our help desk are about employment discrimination. One of the painful things about our movement is that we have these big victories for thins like marriage, but then we see things like bullying and teen suicides at higher or more visible rates.
CP: There's still a lot of issues with how the community perceives transgender people and how government perceives transgender people. What about the transgender community?
Bennett: I don't think we're choosing to work on marriage over something. I think these fronts are all being worked on. This is the more visible front being worked on with a hopefully clear end in sight in Illinois, but I think for transgender individuals, I think they face a level of discrimination that is greater than anyone in our community.
Cherkasov: Even while marriage is the most visible issue, we actually have been working on making advances at securing equality and treatment for transgender individuals. For the last two years, we've been working with larger employers throughout the state to help them adopt transgender discrimination guidelines and help them create more hospitable workplaces. A few weeks ago, we launched a guide for changing gender markers in Illinois and in the coming weeks and months, we're launching additional transgender programs. So, I think there's movement already happening — we've been doing that work for quite a long time.
With legislation, there's a hate crimes law that needs to be strengthened with gender identity, there's a safe schools law that needs to be strengthened as well and there are specific protections in that for transgender students, so there's a lot more work that needs to be done.
CP: What are we going to see as we get closer to the start of the session?
Cherkasov: You're going to see continuing calls for people to reach out to their legislators. Get everyone, whatever hat they're wearing to engage their lawmakers and tell them how urgent marriage equality is. We can't miss any opportunity to move that conversation forward.
Bennett: It's about putting a face on the issue and having these conversations. It sounds so simple, but it's really so hard. It's always shocking that for the efforts we've put into this having a legislator come back and say they only received six calls. So it's incumbent on all of us and at the end of the day, a face to face is best, a phone call is second best, and a letter is the third best, and an email is fourth best. If you take the time to find a senator's or representative's office and you sit down with them, there's nothing that's going to have a more profound affect than that.
CP: So really, the coalition is the shepherd of all of this — to get the community to win this for itself?
Bennett: Yes. And beyond the community is we need those strengths to come out. That's what needs to happen.
Stay tuned to Chicago Phoenix for continued coverage of the battle for marriage equality in Illinois.


text: This course will provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand and implement hotel inventory distribution and revenue management tactics. The course will cover revenue management, electronic distribution, online marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), online content management, and inventory management. The course will examine the role revenue management and electronic distribution play in hotel marketing and revenue generation. These disciplines are the primary engines for generating revenue, maintaining customer loyalty programs, and marketing to consumers. Through industry partnerships the course will incorporate state of the art software systems in combination with hotel market dynamics to reinforce theoretical understanding with practical real world applications. Teams will be formed to develop world hotel marketing and revenue management simulations. Each team will be assigned one hotel from JDV Hotel Management portfolio and implement promotions and yield strategies to address actual market conditions. Each team will need to share one laptop in class. Prerequisites: BUS 302 and BUS 384 and BUS 480. Restricted to Hospitality Industry Mgmt majors.


text:
Web developers can learn to leverage their Flash, Flex, HTML, and AJAX skills to create multi-platform desktop applications in AIR.
"My biggest problem is figuring out what I want to watch next. Just when I think I'm all set, I find something ELSE that is fascinating." —John O.
more from our members »


text:
New York Capital Region: Orapello's Mobile Wood-Fired Pizza
A few months ago, my good buddy and fellow Slice'r, dmcavanagh and I were chatting about mobile wood-fired pizza ovens. He mentioned hearing about a guy in the New York State Capital Region with a mobile wood-fired oven, Orapello's Wood Fired Pizza. I happened to catch wind that they would be at a Fall Festival/Pride of New York event in Oneida, about an hour away from where we live. My husband and I decided to check out their pizza and their mobile oven. More


text:
Space heaters are great for warming up those cold places in the house, but you need to keep an eye on them.
For instance, a Mount Pleasant woman sitting in her den reading the newspaper Friday afternoon was startled to see fire shooting out of her space heater. She quickly jerked the plug out of the wall and put the appliance in the garage to get away from that burnt electrical smell.
But what if she hadnt been in the room?
I consider myself extremely lucky, said Mary Yarborough, who lives in Brickyard Plantation. If I had not been home, theres no doubt about it; my house would have burned to the ground.
Safety officials say her experience is not that unusual, which is why they advise never leaving a space heater running with nobody there to keep an eye on it.
Yarborough had her space heater plugged directly into a wall outlet. But a lot of people extend the reach of the appliance by plugging it into an extension cord or power strip.
Another bad idea. Extension cords arent designed for high-amp appliances like space heaters, safety officials say.
Read more in Mondays editions of The Post and Courier.
Notice about comments:
The Post and Courier is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point.
We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click the X that appears in the upper right corner when you hover over a comment. This will send the comment to Facebook for review. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.