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sonictank's's Gamespot Rank
sonictank's Emblems
Commercial Challenge 2004 / Ballot Puncher
Your vote really DOES count. These discerning souls exercised their civic duty and rocked the vote in GameSpot's Commercial Challenge 2004. In doing so, they've sifted the commercial wheat from the chaff so that only the best and brightest remain. They've cast their votes for the good of all GameSpot... and they just happened to get entered into a fabulous sweepstakes in the process. What an amazing coincidence!
Readers' Choice 2004 Chooser
People's choice representative. All those who participated in GameSpot's 2004 Readers' Choice Awards will share this emblem, and have their collective decisions immortalized in those scarce few games that they rightfully placed among gaming's greatest.
Readers' Choice 2005 Chooser
Voted in 2005 Readers' Choice Awards.Administered to those who sounded off in GameSpot's 10th-annual Readers' Choice Awards, celebrating the best games of 2005.
Voted Twice
For exercising one's inalienable right to vote. Not once, but TWICE! Rock on!
Virtually There: E3 2006 Sony Conference
Virtually There: E3 2006 Sony Conference For tuning into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2006 Sony press conference on Monday, May 8. Final Fantasy XIII and Gran Turismo HD announced!
Virtually There: E3 2006 Nintendo Conference
Virtually There: E3 2006 Nintendo Conference For tuning into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2006 Nintendo press conference on Tuesday, May 9. Super Mario Galaxy and Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii announced!
Virtually There: E3 2006 Microsoft Conference
Virtually There: E3 2006 Microsoft Conference For tuning into GameSpot's broadcast of the E3 2006 Microsoft press conference on Tuesday, May 9. Halo 3 and Grand Theft Auto IV announced!
Boss Murder Witness
Boss Murder Witness For watching in abject horror as the suspect, presumed to be GameSpot guides editor Matthew E. Rorie, ruthlessly executed four different video game bosses in succession at approximately 4:00pm PT on Wednesday, July 5. Police suspect blood money is involved.Watch the premiere of Matt Rorie, Boss of Bosses!
Tokyo Game Show 2006
Virtually There: Tokyo Game Show 2006 For tuning in during GameSpot's three days of live coverage of the 2006 Tokyo Game Show, which took place on September 22-24. Arigatou gozaimashita!"
MK Scream It Contest
MORTAAAAALLLLL KOMBAAAAAAAATTT! Those who voted for the best and the worst videos received an emblem for being vital contributors to the MKA Scream It Contest.
After Hours: Virtually There
Nightowl. Awarded for tuning into our live broadcast of GameSpot After Hours on the eve of October 14, 2006. Thanks for joining the party!
I voted
For casting your vote, here's a brand-new emblem to add to your collection. By exercising your right to vote, you've contributed to the site by letting the whole world know about what GameSpot readers really think. Make your voice heard! Vote early and vote often!
Pin-up Girl
All hands on deck! For those who participated in the Battlestations: Midway Xbox 360 demo premiere.
Derek Jeter's #1 Fan
Here batter, batter, batter! For those who participated in the Major League Baseball 2K7 demo premiere.
Bounty Hunter
He's no good to me dead. This user not only took part in GameSpot's Community Game Night, but proved his additional worth by raining ownage upon the GameSpot staff. We also pass many thanks to 123Dan123 for creating this beautiful emblem. Congrats!
Look at what we have here... Unlike real world scavengers, these players find and consume tokens. This emblem is awarded for completing the first Scavenator game on GameSpot.
Broadcast of Victory
You'll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Awarded for coming out of the trenches to watch the Hour of Victory live demo preview event.
Virtually There: E3 2007 Microsoft Conference.
Virtually There: E3 2007 Microsoft Conference. Awarded for giving up your evening to tune into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2007 Microsoft press conference on Tuesday, July 10.
Virtually There: E3 2007 Nintendo Conference
Virtually There: E3 2007 Nintendo Conference. Awarded for waking up early/ditching work to tune into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2007 Nintendo press conference on Wednesday, July 11.
Virtually There: E3 2007 Sony Conference.
Virtually There: E3 2007 Sony Conference. Awarded for skipping lunch to tune into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2007 Sony press conference on Wednesday, July 11.
Virtually There: E3 2007 GameSpot Show Zealot
My life for Footage! These special viewers caught all three days of GameSpot's live stage show at E3 2007. Now if we only put subliminal messages into our broadcasts, we'd have an army to take over the world...
Tokyo Game Show 2007
Virtually There: Tokyo Game Show 2007. For tuning in during GameSpot's live coverage of the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, which took place on September 20-23. We all know you only wanted to see the cosplayers anyway.
BlackSite Badge
Highly classified. Users who tuned in to our BlackSite: Area 51 Live Xbox 360 Demo Preview were awarded this snazzy emblem.
Readers' Choice 2007 Chooser
Official Participant in 2007 Readers' Choice Awards. In a year that could only be rivaled by 1998, this user made their voice heard in GameSpot's 12th-annual Readers' Choice Awards. . . Now known as "Best of."
Fear the Reaper
What does this button do? Bearers of this emblem managed to complete the Scavenator session of September '07 with some impressive times. Live long and scavenate!
Interactive Achievement Awards 2007
Live, from Vegas, It's Thursday Night! These users tuned in to watch the 11th-annual Interactive Achievement Awards broadcast live in 2008. That Jay Mohr guy looks really familiar.
Virtually There: E3 2008 The Big Three Conferences
Virtually There: E3 2008 The Big Three Conferences For tuning into GameSpot's E3 2008 live broadcast of all three of the manufacturer press conferences (Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft) on July 14-15. That's dedication.
Virtually There: E3 2008 GameSpot Show Future Outlaw
Hey Louie, the man is dry. Give him one on the house, OK? These special viewers caught all three days of GameSpot's live stage show at E3 2008. They braved the good and saw the best to be the straightest shooters around. This emblem is on the house.
Gears of War 2 Marathon
It's a bloodbath out there. Proud recipients of this emblem immersed themselves in our Gears of War 2 gameplay marathon. The rubber duckie was optional.
Animal Crossing City Folk Live Gameplay Marathon
Tom Nook's Still a Crook! This faithful person joined us for our live gameplay marathon of Animal Crossing City Folk. We dug up fossils together, fished together, and delighted in all things Animal Crossing.
PoP-o-Matic Emblem
You're not my donkey Like a hand-drawn helper, these users reached out and helped the prince to have an audience for his big gameplay marathon debut.
Delicious Thanksgiving
What's tastier than a GameSpot Thanksgiving? Nothing, that's what! This emblem signifies a user who consumed our content, helped vote for contest winners, and is still suffering from a turkey coma to this day.
Game Developers Conference 2009
Virtually There: Game Developers Conference 2009. For watching GameSpot's live broadcast of the OnLive press conference at GDC 2009 and discussing this new technology in comments or in live chat.
Webby Awards People's Voice 2009 Voter
It's all because of you. No, really! Thanks to you, the community, GameSpot took home the 2009 People's Voice Webby Award for Best Games-Related Website. Take that, Internet!
Virtually There: E3 2009 Day 1
In the future, robots have come to dominate humankind. These users tuned in to Day 1 of GameSpot's E3 2009 coverage. They loudly proclaimed, "Show me the future...of gaming!"
Virtually There: E3 2009 Day 2
The great rebellion of human vs robot has begun! These users tuned in to Day 2 of GameSpot's E3 2009 coverage. They've seen glimpses of their gaming future, but they know the battle has only just begun.
Virtually There: E3 2009 Day 3
Humans have triumphed against robots, but it seems we are the greatest monsters of all. These users tuned in to Day 3 of GameSpot's E3 2009 coverage. They've seen their entire gaming future revealed before their eyes...but the long wait to play those games might drive them mad!
Virtually There: E3 2009 Microsoft Conference
Virtually There: E3 2009 Microsoft Conference For tuning into GameSpot's live broadcast of the E3 2009 Microsoft press conference on Monday, June 1.
Greatest Game Hero Preliminary Voter
This emblem shows that you got into GameSpot's Greatest Game Hero competition on the ground floor by voting for the 10 additional characters added to the main list. Rock the vote!
Greatest Game Hero Bracket Submitter
This emblem shows that you've submitted a bracket for GameSpot's Greatest Game Hero competition. Let's get in there and fight!
Readers' Choice 2009 Chooser
Participant in 2009 Readers' Choice Awards. "Sure, that game is good... FOR BABIES!" "That game sucks! It doesn't even have online capture the flag!" "Barbie Horse Adventure: Riding Camp just lost so much of the magic that made Barbie Horse Adventure great." And so on. These intrepid readers braved the chaos of the Readers' Choice process and let their opinions be heard above the cacophony of argumentative commenters. Congratulations, voters!
Now Playing: Starcraft II Beta
Endurance Machine This user discussed and endured nearly 2 hours of GameSpot's Now Playing episode featuring the closed beta version of Starcraft II. With the plans of the live show happening literally 45 minutes after we received the beta code, some users felt they could play better than the hosts.
Game Expert
Here to save the day! Game Experts are knowledgeable and skilled masters in at least one game and have proven this by unlocking at least 75% of the achievements available for it. If you've ever got a question, a Game Expert's usually a good person to ask.
100% Club Member
The best of the best of the best, sir! Unlocking every achievement available for a game is a task that only the most dedicated of players complete, and for that we salute you.
E3 2010 Microsoft Conference Attendee
I was there for Microsoft's E3 2010 press conference! No really, I was. I even saw it live, with the Kinects and the Halos, and I've got this sweet achievement to prove it!
E3 2010 Nintendo Conference Attendee
I was there for Nintendo's E3 2010 press conference! No really, I was. I even saw it live, with the 3DSs and the Metroids, and I've got this sweet achievement to prove it!
E3 2010 Sony Conference Attendee
I was there for Sony's E3 2010 press conference! No really, I was. I even saw it live, with the Moves and the Killzones, and I've got this sweet achievement to prove it!
E3 2010 Box Seats
An undiscriminating press conference viewer. These GameSpot members couldn't get enough of the sales recaps and the new game announcements of the E3 press conferences, and so they watched them all live (and not just the big three either)!
E3 2010 Early Bird
Stays up late--sometimes! These GameSpot members tuned in to a live episode of Tonight on the Spot during E3 2010 to catch some of LA's nightlife.
E3 2010 Night Owl
Because sleep is for the weak. These GameSpot members couldn't get enough of the E3 nightlife and watched three episodes of Tonight on the Spot live.
E3 2010 Groupie
We built it and you came. The GameSpot E3 stage show is where it's at, and these members proved it by showing up for one day of our live broadcast.
E3 2010 Roadie
The world's best roadie, and E3's only hope. These dedicated GameSpot members watched all three days of the E3 2010 stage show live, proving that metal never dies.
E3 2010 Tourist
You're a tourist. I saw you at E3. These GameSpot members joined us live for a day as we crawled the E3 show floor with our interactive LiveCam Tour.
E3 2010 Vacationer
Virtually there the whole time. For these GameSpot members, it wasn't enough to see E3--they had to experience it live. With the LiveCam Tour, they were able to do just that for three whole days!
E3 2010 Special Agent
Please, just call me York. That's what everyone calls me. These insatiable GameSpot members saw every press conference, caught three episodes of Tonight on the Spot, and were there for all three days of the LiveCam Tour and E3 Stage Show when they were all live! They're true heroes, right, Zach?
E3 2010 Ballot Stuffer
Because voting once is never enough. These highly dedicated fans led their own successful grassroots campaign of one and voted in every single category of the Best of E3 2010 Awards.
Comic-Con 2010 Pixel Watcher
FACT: Pixels are the building blocks of life. These GameSpot members tuned in to watch all the pixels that collectively made up the faces of our Comic-Con stage show guests and the games that they showed off during at least one-sort-of-live broadcast.
Greatest Game Villain Bouncer
Because we can't just let anyone in. This user voted in the All Time Greatest Game Villain wild card round to help determine the final ten villains to join the battle royale.
Greatest Game Villain Henchman
Hey, everyone's got to start somewhere. These loyal minions created a bracket to guess at who is the most vile of them all. Let's hope they don't get caught betting against their overlords!
Mwahahaha! From the dark places at the back of your fridge creeps forth this monster! FrankenTOTS! Thought you'd grab a quick bite while gaming? Well this tater has gone bad. REAL bad. Snack away if you dare! Don't worry that red stuff all over him is probably ketchup. Probably.
The Now Playing Kinector. For watching and discussing GameSpot's Now Playing Kinect marathon nearly a week before it was released!
Best of 2010 Readers' Choice Chooser
Participant in the 2010 Readers' Choice awards. Voting in only a handful of categories is for babies--babies who won't get this achievement! These dedicated not-infants voted in 80% of available categories like a grown-up.
Best of 2010 Dark Horse Rider
Underdogs don't always win. That's why they're underdogs. This user voted on every category, and their choices more often than not were not the Readers' Choice winners. They chose...poorly.
Caught LIVE! These brave viewers watched and discussed the April Fools' Day 2011 episodes of On the Spot, Start/Select, and Crosshairs. Were they fooled? Hard to say. But we thank them for their viewership anyway! As a reward, here is a picture of an ultimate joker face, who is edible. Meet Mr. JokerTOTS!
E3 2011 Microsoft Conference Attendee
E3's just not the same without dudes getting chainsawed in half, amirite? I watched the Microsoft E3 2011 press conference during the week of E3, and am a better person for it.
E3 2011 Sony Conference Attendee
Demystifying rumors and speculation, one E3 at a time. I watched the Sony E3 2011 press conference during the week of E3, and am a better person for it.
E3 2011 Nintendo Conference Attendee
Another E3, another hardware announcement. I watched the Nintendo E3 2011 press conference during the week of E3, and am a better person for it.
E3 2011 LiveCam Warrior
Fear does not exist in this dojo. I watched an episode of the E3 2011 LiveCam Tour during the week of E3, because I'm the best around.
E3 2011 Stage Show Samurai
This achievement brought to you by alliteration! I watched an episode of GameSpot's Live E3 2011 Stage show during the week of E3 and secured my place amongst the samurai elite.
E3 2011 New Game Ninja
Hi, this achievement is all about ninjas, REAL NINJAS. This achievement is awesome. I followed a game announced at E3 2011 during the week of E3 and inherited REAL ULTIMATE POWER.
E3 2011 Game Gladiator - Gold
Are you not entertained? I followed 20 games featured at E3 2011 during the week of E3, and now not even the emperor can touch me.
Best of E3 2011 Readers' Choice Chooser
Participant in the Best of E3 2011 Readers' Choice awards. I voted for every category in the Best of E3 2011 awards and made my voice heard.
Comic-Con 2011 Costumed Crusader
Who wants to go fight some crime? I watched an episode of GameSpot's Live Stage show during Comic-Con and un-did some evil-doers!
Comic-Con 2011 Super Stalker
Not allowed within 100 yards of a known costumed fighter of crime. I watched an episode of GameSpot's LiveCam Tour during Comic-Con and it was almost like I was right there!
Greatest Game Sidekick Bracket Bender
Have you seen my bracket, bro? It's straight baller! This user predicted the greatest sidekick and created a bracket. Let the bropacalypse begin!
Users with this emblem are totally in Sync with GameSpot.
Readers' Choice Chooser
Take that, not-democracy! This user took the system into their own hands by voting in at least one category in Best of 2011.
Readers' Choice Clairvoyant
It's just like in that one movie with Nicky Cage. This user voted for a game in a category in which that game also won the Readers' Choice award.
E3 2012 EA Conference Attendee
This viewer took an hour out of their daily routine of sobbing uncontrollably over the lack of a Mirror's Edge sequel in order to watch the EA press conference and confirm that EA still isn't making a Mirror's Edge sequel. But, hey, at least there's a new Medal of Honor game. So there's that.
E3 2012 Literature Enthusiast - Day 1
Taking a break from watching YouTube videos of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, this viewer made the excellent decision to read the fine E3 coverage on GameSpot's official E3 site on day one of E3.
E3 2012 Literature Enthusiast - Day 2
Taking a break from watching YouTube videos of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, this viewer made the excellent decision to read the fine E3 coverage on GameSpot's official E3 site on day two of E3.
Hey look, it's a totally original dude wearing armor. With a huge gun and a helmet (a visor?). And he's riding a unicorn. This user was granted this magical emblem for not having any of their user profile images hosted on untrusted websites during The Great Purge of March 2013.


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19 Karen Contemporary Artspace was launched as a commercial contemporary art gallery in August 2008.
The Gallery is dedicated to discovering cutting edge emerging Australian and International artists with exceptional and diverse talent to shock and excite you. Our stable of artists consists of emerging, mid-career and established artists.
The gallery showcases solo and group exhibitions 6 times a year. During our solo shows and opening nights, space permitted, our remaining artists are given the opportunity to have their work on display on rotating basis. Adjacent to the gallery is an extensive stockroom for private viewing.
We can also view our art at The Sofietl Hotel, Gold Coast on 3 levels.
The gallery is located in a converted warehouse tucked away in an industrial precinct by the same name and number as the street – 19 Karen Avenue. It is centrally located with less than 500 meters from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and just behind Pacific Square in Mermaid Beach. Please see our map for directions.
The gallery website is easily navigated and is updated on a daily basis, bringing you new artworks, news and information as it happens and most importantly our artists' profiles and artworks.
19 Karen can also be found on Facebook , Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter where we regularly update you on any events, arrival of new artworks, new artists, exhibition openings and everything in between.

subset: commoncrawl


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Asked to vote on subject we know nothing about
Posted: November 08, 2012|
I would like to ask if there is anyone in the area that understands what is going to happen on November 15?
It would appear that we are all being asked to go to the polls to vote on something that no one seems to know anything about.
Apparently the only way anyone can find out who is standing for election as the new police commissioner is to go online. Too bad if you are not computer minded.
No one who is standing has informed the public on what their policies towards the police will be or the qualifications they have to do the job, how much will this change cost? Will any savings be made? Will crime be reduced?
This seems to me to be a way for the political parties to take control of the police forces of this country. Party politics will come first. I would be very wary about putting a politician in charge of a company with a multimillion pound budget.
Another idea imported from America perhaps?
Talking of America, because of the blanket coverage on TV, we will soon know more about the presidential election than we do about our own elections.
Kilmersdon Road
A week or so ago my husband received a letter addressed to him personally from our MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
This letter was regarding voting for the new police and crime commissioner.
As the major wage earner and financial decision maker who could arguably be called the "head of the household" (although we would not dream of using such an antiquated term in our family), I was expecting to receive one of these letters myself, but to date, I have not.
I asked a nearby neighbour, a woman on her own with a young son, if she had been in receipt of one of these letters. She has not. This begs the question, were these only sent to men?
As a professional female, I find it staggering in this day and age that such a political faux pas could have occurred. Just how naive is this toffee-nosed Tory?
As women, are we not capable of considering matters involving the police? Is this purely a masculine decision? Indeed, could it be that the likes of Mrs Pankhurst and her fellow suffragettes did not figure in the history curriculum of Mr Rees-Mogg's elitist fee-paying school? Perish the thought, women vote, whatever next?
Try dipping your toe into the real world Mr Rees-Mogg, and while you're at it untie your wife from the kitchen sink, as for me, this is one mere woman who won't be voting for you or anything you stand for.
Peasedown St John


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Coach Miedema is from Allendale, Michigan and graduated from Unity Christian High School (Hudsonville, Michigan). Miedema studied at Calvin College his freshman year before transferring to Dordt. Miedema played four years of varsity soccer at Dordt College as a midfielder and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Secondary Education and History: American and World . Miedema is a teacher at MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School and coaches the high school boy's varsity and junior varsity teams.


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Joplin, Mo. - After trailing by as many as ten in the first half, the Missouri Southern men's basketball team pulled away and led by six at the half en route to a 90-73 win over visiting Washburn today in front of more than 1,600 fans at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
Southern (11-1, 7-1 MIAA) moves into first place by themselves for the time being with Fort Hays still to play tonight. The two teams hook up Monday evening in L&P.
The Lions were led offensively by Skyler Bowlin as the senior scored 30 points on 6-10 from the field and a career-high 16-17 from the free-throw line. Marquis Addison had 17 points and seven steals, while Keane Thomann scored 12 and pulled down seven boards. Jaons Adams scored 11, while Patrick Hester added 10. Jordan Talbert pulled down six boards in the game.
Washburn (7-5, 4-4 MIAA) was led in scoring by 22 points from D'Andre Washington as he knocked down 4-8 from long range. Logan Stutz scored 20 in the defeat.
Despite a hot start shooting from the field for the Ichabods, 64 percent on 16-of-25 shooting, Southern went into the locker room with a 46-40 lead. The Lions got behind by as much at 10 points, 27-17, at the 10:17 mark before making a 15-1 run to take a five point lead, 33-28, at the 6:51 mark. Bowlin made four-of-five free throws during that run while Hester added five and senior Rich Bories added two steals, two free throws and an offensive board during that run. Addison capped the run with a three-pointer and added a steal for the Lions.
Bowlin and Addison scored 13 and 11 points, respectively to lead the Lions in the first half.
Southern pulled ahead by ten twice in the second half, before a dunk from Talbert gave Southern a 17 point lead (71-54) with 9:12 left. The lead was as much as 20 twice, the last being 77-57 after a layup from Adams with six minutes left.
The Lions shot 52 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free-throw line and held a 40-30 advantage in the paint. Southern forced 17 turnovers and scored 30 points off of the miscues, while making a team-high 31 free throws in the win.
The Lions will be back in action this Monday night, playing host to Fort Hays at 7:30 in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.


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- Hours: Open: Tue - Sun, 8:30am - 4pm
- Admission: Adults: 4 euro
These days, however, Malia is perhaps better known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of the site's neighboring Malia town.
The seafront palace and town were destroyed by the earthquake that also toppled Knossos, and the ruins you can see on a tour of the site today were built following the disaster.
Walking around the compact site you'll see the central courtyard of the palace, its ceremonial steps, storage rooms and workshops. One of the excavations reveals an impressive residence with a luxurious bath.
Some of the ancient sculptures and relics unearthed from Malia have been relocated to Heraklion's archaeological museum. Perhaps the most beautiful and best known is the lovely pendant of golden bees holding drops of honey.
Practical Info
The site lies 3km (1.5 miles) east of the township of Malia, connected by taxi and bus services.
Tours & Tickets
Santorini Island Day Trip
Get to know Santorini on a full-day independent trip from Crete, and see as much of the island as you wish! Either soak up the sun with a book on the beach, or ... Read more
Heraklion, Greece
Duration: 12 hours (approx.)


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BRAZOS COUNTY- A College Station woman is in jail after allegedly stealing the identities of her clients. Police say 20-year-old Joi Coleman, an employee at Aerofit Health and Fitness Center, used the personal information provided by customers to apply for credit cards in their names.
Joe Nuche is worried about his credit after police say a College Station woman stole his name and social security number.
"Capital One credit card had called me and said, 'We think that someone is trying to get a card. It looks a little suspicious, are you applying?' I said no," Nuche said. "I was pretty upset."
He isn't the only victim. According to police, eight other residents of Bryan-College Station fell victim to Coleman after she used her database at work to hack peoples information.
"You feel like someone has violated you," Nuche said.
Coleman worked at the Aerofit on Villa Maria in Bryan as an Administrative Assistant. Detectives said it was there that over half of the victims had their identities stolen.
Police said three of the victims have worked or are currently working at the College Station Medical Center. Coleman was able to access their information because of Aerofit's partnership with the Med to build a new facility in College Station.
"Unfortunately, sometimes you have somebody who would take that trust and violate it for their own gain," said Lieutenant Chuck Fleeger with the College Station Police Department.
He recommends hiring an identity theft protection service like Lifelock or Equifax ID Patrol. Fortunately, one of them alerted Nuche about a credit card Coleman applied for.
"We feel fairly comfortable that someone is watching our accounts," Nuche said.
Fleeger also recommends keeping a close eye on all of your bank and credit card accounts.
Coleman remains jailed on an $8,000 dollar bond.
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CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR)–What ten-year-old you do you know who cherishes belting out the national anthem?
Sophia Nadder's rich voice is perking ears and turning heads. The Chesterfield school talent show last year changed her life.
"It was the first time I had ever sang before people, besides my family," she said.
After an exhilarating performance at school Sophia had an idea: sing the national anthem before a squirrels game at the Diamond.
Her wish came true on June 23 last year…her birthday. "I just felt really excited that I could do it," she said.
Before a crowd of thousands Sophia stepped to the microphone at home plate.
"My cousin walked me out. He fought in Afghanistan."
She knocked it out of the park.
Soon the VCU Rams heard about Sophia's talents and Shaka Smart wisely invited her to sing before a few tipoffs.
"It was just so exciting to get the opportunity," she said.
"Each time she has sung the team has won by the average of 23 points, we figured out! So we feel like she is a good luck charm for them," said her mother.
The pint-sized singer's chords are a fixture at VCU sporting events. She says Shaka always comes by to shake her hand and say 'good job.'
Sophia finds inspiration from a wide range of singers; from Adele to Elvis Presley to Andrea Bocelli and Bruno Mars.
When the Rams begin their march to the NCAA title, Sophia says she will check out "every game I can watch."
The little girl with the big voice will be singing in her living room, with her own cheering section. With those notes the Rams just might hear her all the way in Michigan.


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What's new in the third print?
28 Sep 2010, 03:20
Nicolas Marchildon (3 posts)
I just got a brand spanking new PDF of Agile Coaching, version P3.0. It's really great I get these updates, but how can I know what actually changed?
18 Mar 2013, 15:42
Rachel Davies (5 posts)
I don't think anything substantial changed in the reprints. As an author we have not provided additional content since the book was finished. A new print run was done for paper book but I don't think it makes sense to update the PDF with that information.
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A Fox news anchor was back on the air Tuesday night following a 2-day suspension for calling MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an "angry young man" on Facebook.
Full article
Originally posted by Cito
looks like a man to me
one that needs to be knocked in the head with a hammer perhaps
Originally posted by Blueracer
Most ignorant comment I have seen today. You should be ashamed.
Originally posted by modified device
reply to post by TheAngryFarm
whoa,I thought that was Justin Beiber for a sec.
Originally posted by TheAngryFarm
Surely Maddow has never been confused for a man before, I mean with looks like this, she just screams "I'm a chick!!!!!"
edit on 15-11-2012 by TheAngryFarm because: (no reason given)


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WHITLEY COUNTY — Whitley County Emergency Management, Whitley County Sherriff and Whitley County Highway Departments have issued the following statement concerning travel within our county.
"Advisory Travel Level" has been issued as of 5pm until further notice.
Roadways are snow covered and slick throughout the county at this time. Caution should be taken when traveling throughout the county. Citizens should be aware of the impending weather conditions and take the necessary precautions when traveling on county roads.


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You can do your part to help local residents at risk of homelessness – by giving them a chance to find work.
Orange County's Community Empowerment Fund has a Job Partners Program, which offers job training to local residents and connects them with potential employers.
Right now they're looking for volunteers to serve as Employer Liaisons – working to build relationships with employers and connect graduates of the program with job openings.
If you're interested in volunteering, there will be a training session on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Community Empowerment Fund office at 133 1/2 E. Franklin Street, just east of Columbia Street in downtown Chapel Hill.
For more information, or to sign up, contact the Community Empowerment Fund at 919-200-0233.http://chapelboro.com/news/news-around-time/heres-help-orange-county-residents-find-jobs/
North Carolina's unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a point in September, from 6.8 percent in August to 6.7 percent, according to numbers released earlier this week by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
The number of unemployed North Carolinians dropped by about 4,500 people in September – but that's not necessarily translating into more jobs. In fact the number of employed North Carolinians also dropped in September, by about 5,600 people.
And North Carolina's unemployment rate continues to lag behind the national average. In March of this year, the state's unemployment rate had dropped to 6.3 percent, actually below the national rate of 6.7 – but since then, the national rate has dropped to just below 6 percent, while the state's rate has slightly increased.
Read the full report from the NC Department of Commerce.
Still, unemployment is much lower in North Carolina now than at this time last year. The state's unemployment rate in September 2013 was 7.7 percent – a full point higher than it is now.
County-by-county unemployment numbers are due to be released on Wednesday.http://chapelboro.com/news/state-news/unemployment-nc-employment/
North Carolina's unemployment rate increased for the second consecutive month and the third time in the last four months, according to the August figures release by the state's Department of Commerce.
LAST MONTH: Unemployment Up For Second Time In Three Months
Nearly 10,500 more people claimed unemployment compared to July while more than 28,500 fewer people had jobs, according to the release. That increased the state's unemployment rate 0.3 percent to 6.8 percent.
That still shows a 1.2-percent improvement from August 2013 with nearly 29,000 more people claiming employment from 2013 to 2014.
These numbers are seasonally adjusted, already accounting for the shift in work patterns, such as schools not being in session over the summer.
The national unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percent from July to August this year and now sits at 6.1 percent.
August 2014 N.C. Unemployment Figures Releasehttp://chapelboro.com/news/business/state-unemployment-rate-continues-climb/
Unemployment claims climbed in July both nationally and in North Carolina, marking the second increase in the state since June 2012.
Nearly 20,000 fewer people were employed from June to July, according to the state's Department of Commerce. However, jobless claims didn't greatly rise, showing a 0.1 percent increase to 6.5 percent might not be telling the whole story. Only about 5,300 more people claimed to be without a job in July.
The numbers are still greatly improved from the previous year. In July 2013, 8.1 percent of the state's population claimed to be unemployed.
Nationally, the shift went from 6.1 to 6.2 percent which is 1.1-percent better than a year ago.
The county-by-county figures are scheduled to be released August 27.
To see the complete breakdown of the state and national unemployment rate for July, click here.http://chapelboro.com/news/business/unemployment-first-time-two-years/
Unemployment claims dropped in 81 North Carolina counties in June, according to the Department of Commerce's not-seasonally-adjusted release Wednesday.
Orange County remained in the top five for best unemployment rates in the state, improving by 0.1 percent to 4.8. Polk County joined Chatham and Currituck already ahead of Orange, with Currituck topping the list at 4.2 percent.
The Triangle continued to show strong improvement with a May-to-June change of 0.2 percent fewer people claiming unemployment. From June 2013 to June 2014, 1.8-percent fewer people claimed to be without work.
To see the complete county-by-county breakdown for unemployment in North Carolina, click here.
Statewide unemployment rates for July are scheduled to release August 18. In June, North Carolina's rate flattened out at 6.4 percent since peaking at 11.3 percent in February 2010.http://chapelboro.com/news/business/oc-jobless-claims-june/
More than 8,500 fewer people in North Carolina were employed in June compared to May, although the state's jobless rate remained flat, according to the state Department of Commerce.
North Carolina's 6.4 percent seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June is now 0.3 percent higher than the national average and ranks the state tied for 32nd with Alaska. Bordering states South Carolina and Virginia are tied at 17th with 5.3 percent, Tennessee at 36th with 6.6 percent, and Georgia at 44th with 7.4 percent.
Unemployment claims in North Carolina fell by more than 2,100 people from May to June. Over the year, the number fell by more than 89,000 people, dropping the jobless rate from 8.3 percent in June 2013 to 6.4 percent this year.
North Carolina's unemployment rate saw a small increase in May from its lowest point of 6.2 percent in April. That marked a low of more than five years, dating back to the start of the Great Recession.
County-by-county unemployment rates in North Carolina are scheduled to release July 30. To see the full breakdown of the state's unemployment rate, click here.http://chapelboro.com/news/business/june-fewer-employed-jobless-rate-flat/
The North Carolina Department of Commerce reported the unemployment figures for both North Carolina and the US for the month of April, and there appear to be signs of improvement
While the month of January 2014 saw an unemployment level of 6.9 percent for North Carolina, the numbers have steadily decreased to 6.7 percent for the month of April.
Nationally, the percentage of those unemployed decreased to 6.3 percent from the much greater 7.5 percent at the same time last year.
The local area statistics stated that the number of employed citizens stands at over 4.3 million, with nearly 300 thousand left unemployed, as opposed to the previous year at this time, which was recorded at almost 4.4 million and a noticeably larger 400 thousand that were unemployed.
The next monthly employment update for North Carolina is set to be announced on May 28.
To see all of the employment figures for the state of North Carolina and the United States in detail, click here.
North Carolina's unemployment rate marked its lowest point in nearly six years this January, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
In the first month of the new year, the jobless rate fell 0.2 percent compared to the month prior and 2.1 percent from the year before.
The numbers reflect true improvement from between December and January with more than 17,000 people claiming new jobs while more than 11,000 people no longer claimed to be without employment.
North Carolina's unemployment numbers are just about even with the national level of 6.6 percent.
The state's unemployment rate of 6.7 percent marks the lowest point since November 2008, which was in the middle of a five-percent increase in about a year and a half.
The county-by-county unemployment rates are scheduled to be released this Friday.
Click here to see the unemployment rate release.http://chapelboro.com/news/business/state-unemployment-rate-hits-five-year-low-january/
Across the nation and here in North Carolina, the unemployment rate has been in decline, a fact that has many cautiously optimistic about the economy.
But U.S. Congressman David Price (D) of Chapel Hill says not so fast.
"Has the number of jobs, and people filling jobs, actually increased?" he says. "The answer is no."
And he says that means federal and state government still has to be active in aiding both the economy and those individuals struggling to find a job.
"We're still stalled here in this economy – you still have three people seeking (work) for every job that's available – and so people still need this support system to go after these jobs," he told WCHL last week, shortly after attending a pair of roundtables on unemployment at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh.
"These folks are really, really wanting to work…(and) I'm hopeful that eventually they'll succeed, but the notion that you help them by pulling the safety net out from under them is just preposterous."
At those roundtables, Price met with instructors and students in the school's Human Resources Development program, which provides career advice and job skills training for students who need it.
"This is a group of people who have good training (and) good job backgrounds," he says. "The group that I talked to was remarkable in that respect – but yet also remarkable in just not being able to penetrate this job market."
Price says that's why he's currently urging both the federal government and the state government to extend unemployment benefits for those out of work. North Carolina legislators cut unemployment benefits last year, a move that also disqualified the state from receiving federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation as well. And at the federal level, Congress too is currently debating whether to extend unemployment benefits.
Price, along with a majority of Democrats, says it should be done.
"I don't think there's any question (about that)," he says. "Never – never – in a period of unemployment this severe have benefits been yanked at this point."
Republicans in North Carolina point to the state's declining unemployment rate as evidence that cutting benefits has motivated people to get back to work. But Price says the attendees at last week's forum said otherwise—and he says the numbers seem to indicate that if anything, cutting benefits has actually motivated people to drop out of the job market altogether.
"The unemployment program requires you to seek work and keeps you plugged in to the employment security system," he says. "One economist (at the roundtable) who has studied the trends said that the number of people seeking work actually went down when the unemployment benefits were discontinued…
"In other words, far from making people go out and look for a job more diligently, it seemed to have the opposite effect: it just discouraged people and caused them to drop out."
North Carolina's labor force shrank in 2013 by about 111,000 workers; about half of that came after the benefit cuts took effect in June. The state only added about 13,000 new jobs in 2013, but it did add more than 41,000 in the second half of the year after a drop from January to June.http://chapelboro.com/news/state-news/rep-price-cutting-benefits-doesnt-cut-unemployment/
RALEIGH – The North Carolina unemployment rate took another dive in the final month of 2013 as 6.9 percent of the workforce claimed jobless benefits, according to the Department of Commerce.
That's half-a-percent better than November 2013 and is nearly catching up with the national average, which sat at 6.7 percent in December.
December's rate is also 2.5-percent better than the year ago.
However, the figures release still points to an economy that is struggling to rebound. While the number of people claiming unemployment decreased by more than 124,000 individuals over the year, the number of people employed only increased by more than 13,000. From November to December 2013, the numbers were a little more even at around 20,000 each.
To see the complete data release, click here.
The county-by-county unemployment rate is scheduled to be released February 5.http://chapelboro.com/news/business/nc-jobless-rates-tumbles-signs-remain-sluggish-recovery/


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Dec 04 2013
Pretzel Turtles
First of all, in case you didn't know, mini pretzels are sweeping the nation. No, really—they are! All you need to do is Google "Pretzel Treats" and you'll find quadrillions of recipes for various goodies using miniature pretzels (either square or twists) as a base. Pretzel treats are a really perfect for Christmastime because you can use different colors of sprinkles and candies to decorate them, and they're easy treat to make with young kids. And the center of all of it is a good ol' salty pretzel, which always makes anything sweet taste a little bit better.
A couple of days ago, I made a quick batch of turtles using mini pretzels. My good friend Jaden has a version on her website using—wait for it—Rolo candies. (See the recipe here. Fabulous!) But since I didn't have any Rolos on standby, I just took the old school route and used caramels and melting chocolates.
These would be perfect on a tiered cake stand as part of a holiday buffet…or just wrapped in little cellophane bags and given to friends at Christmas.
Or Valentine's Day.
Or June 11.
All you need are mini pretzels, caramels, pecans (not shown here because I'm a 44-year-old airhead) and some kind of chocolate. I used a mix I'll tell you about in a minute, but if you have a good candy store nearby, a good milk chocolate would be perfect.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and lay mini pretzels all over a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or a baking mat like this.
Unwrap the caramels, and one by one, set them on the pretzels…
Now just pop the pan in the oven for about 4 to 5 minutes or so…
Until the caramels have softened but haven't started melting all over the universe yet. Keep your eye on them!
Now grab some pecan halves. I just got these as a gift, which is one of the things I love about Christmastime. Pecans, pecans, pecans!
Just grab a pecan half and carefully press it onto one of the caramels. Press lightly; you just want the pecan to be secured and the caramel to perfectly fit within the pretzel.
Then just keep on going until they're all done! Now you just need to let them cool completely, so set them aside…
And start melting the chocolate as they cool! I didn't have any good milk chocolate for melting, so I wound up grabbing some chocolate almond bark…
Then grabbing some good bittersweet chocolate I had on hand…
And mixing that in. I did this because even though chocolate almond bark is great for melting, the flavor doesn't really scream "Chocolate." And that's probably because it isn't really chocolate. It's almond bark. Long story.
So basically, I used the almond bark for "filler" and spiked it with a sharper, good-quality chocolate. But this was sort of a wing-it type of thing; once again, just a good quality milk chocolate would be perfection.
So once the pretzel/caramel/pecan thingies are cool, remove them from the tray.
Then grab a tablespoon of the melted chocolate…
And pour half of it on the tray.
Then just drop one of the pretzels right on top!
That first one was a little bit, because I used closer to a tablespoons…but the second one, at half a tablespoon, was just right.
So just keep going, drizzling several rounds of chocolate at once…
And carefully dropping on the pretzels. They'll sink naturally into the chocolate, so no need to really press them in. Just make sure they stay centered on the chocolate as they settle.
Then you just need to let them set! You can do this at room temperature, but expect it to take quite awhile. Or, you can hasten it along by putting the turtles in the fridge for 30 minutes or so; just keep in mind that the caramel will be really firm—too firm to chew—when you first pull it out of the fridge.
Now, I did a few of them on a separate baking mat so I could have a little extra fun.
Then I repeated with the rest of them…
And popped 'em into the fridge to cool! This is just a more substantial version of the other ones and keeps the pretzel and caramel "enclosed" in chocolate. It's also more in line with the original turtle-style candy!
Either option is just lovely. The only thing I'd change (and I added this in the printable below) is to toast the pecan halves and let them cool before making the candies. I think that would bump up the flavor even more. And as I've said approximately four million times already in this post, good milk chocolate is the way to go.
Here's the handy printable.
Print Options
Pretzel Turtles
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Servings:
- 24
- 24 whole Mini-pretzel Twists
- 24 whole Individually Wrapped Caramel Squares, Unwrapped
- 8 ounces, weight Good Quality Milk Chocolate, Melted
- 24 whole Pecan Halves
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Place the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through, until they're lightly toasted. Remove them after they're toasted and put them on a plate to cool.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels neatly on the pan, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped caramel. Place the pan into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the caramels are softened (but definitely not melting.) Remove the pan from the oven.
Gently press a pecan half onto each caramel, just enough for the caramel to fill the pretzel. Set them aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate. When the pretzel/caramels are cooled, remove them from the baking sheet. Spoon small dollops (1 1/2 teaspoon helpings) of chocolate all over the baking mat, then lightly drop each pretzel onto the middle of each dollop, making sure they're centered.
Allow them to cool completely before serving (you can hasten this along in the fridge.)
Variation: Spoon a little melted chocolate all over the tops of the turtles to cover the whole thing in chocolate.
227 Comments and 36 Replies
Meme On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:18 am
You found my weakness!
mary beth On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:18 am
OMG! I be right over. Love your choice of chocolate. The heck with other foods.. let's just eat turtles…. Yummmy.
Kelly On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:03 pm
If you use Rolos, but the rolls instead of the bag so you are not unwrapping each one individually, bake at 250 for 5 min, perfect!
Summer On Wednesday, December 4 at 5:34 pm
I've made these countless times and all to rave reviews. There is just something about chocolate, caramel and salt. I use square pretzels, square dove chocolates filled with caramel and toasted pecan halves. So good!
Sue On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:19 am
These look like fun to make! So easy too….not gonna do a ton of baking this year, so these are perfect!
Michelle On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:24 am
These look easy and tasty – two big criteria this time of year for me. I totally don't get the almond bark term. I'm Canadian and here almond bark is white chocolate with almonds in it – it is supposed to look like bark, I guess. It's its own thing. I get the gist though: CHOCOLATE. Roger that. I will try these out soon enough. Gotta say, I like starting the day with a recipe to mull over here and there throughout the day. Have a happy Wednesday everyone. Stay warm and cosy.
Faith On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:15 am
Almond Bark here in the states is a candy coating with a chocolate consistency when it's melted. It comes in several varieties to simulate chocolate coating, white chocolate, and I've seen both maple and butterscotch over the years. If you're looking for something similar for a gift that will be shipped a significant distance, check with candymaking supplies. Otherwise, just use a good chocolate and don't worry about whether it will melt. It probably won't last long enough for that to be a concern.
Paula B. On Wednesday, December 4 at 2:23 pm
I'm with you, Michelle, and I've lived in New England all my life. Here, almond bark is sold in candy stores or made at home and is a white, milk or dark chocolate slab studded with nuts. It is only recently that I have come across this other "almond bark" item in use on many of the food blogs – it appears to be a block of chocolate that can easily be melted. I know the one frequently mentioned is sold at Wal-Mart. At first I, too, was confused about this so I had to investigate further!
Lynn Dirk On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 am
I really hate to cook or bake. I'd rather clean (I know, what the heck?) But these types of treats are perfect for a gal like me. I think I might give these a try. Thanks Ree!
Sandi L On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:34 am
Good Morning Ree! These look really good … like something I must try … chocolate and caramel … salty and sweet … and not taking hours to make … right up my alley!! Enjoy your day!
Jackie P On Wednesday, December 4 at 3:32 pm
I love the salty & sweet combo as well — and would probably add a few extra flakes of sea salt on top!
Johanna On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:37 am
Those look delish! I do something similar and MUCH easier! Take the square/grid looking pretzels (that's a technical term) and place an unwrapped rolo candy on each. Pop in oven for 3-4 minutes and then press a pecan half on top. Voila…no messy melted chocolate to deal with! They are SOOOOOO yummy!!!!
Deb On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:31 am
At the beginning of her post Ree gave a link to her friend Jaden's site for that recipe.
Johanna On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:59 am
Deb, she sure did, didn't she? I must have gotten so excited I skimmed over that part!! Thanks for pointing that out!!
Kari Morris On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:32 am
I also do the even easier methos. Pretzel, rolo, pecan. A huge hit at the holidays
Deb On Thursday, December 5 at 7:04 am
Johanna, I'm sorry, I didn't intend to sound mean! I pointed out the link because I know some people like the pictures. I like your idea of the square/grid shaped pretzels and I plan on trying these yummy looking treats this year!
Lindy B On Thursday, December 5 at 6:24 pm
That's how my mother in law taught me!!! And if you are in dire straights you can pop into the microwave to soften the ROLO before squashing the pecan on there. We've also used almonds or other nuts to make things crazy! Occasionally my hubby will surprise me with a couple of these that he heated up in the countertop toaster oven (not the drop your slice into)…go great with my morning mocha!! Ahhhh…I think I better go get some pretzels and rolo's…I still have plenty of pecans leftover from Thanksgiving and purchasing them for pecan pies!
jess branch On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:37 am
I use tools instead of a caramel.
jess branch On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:41 am
Autocorrect grrrr ROLOS!
jess branch On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:48 am
Mrs. Lucky On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:12 am
Me too! I love how easy this is!
AngAK On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:34 pm
autocorrect–what a pain. you can turn it off. is it even uselful in any way?
tahnia On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:38 am
My sister and I always make each other baskets of goodies for Christmas instead of gifts and she had these for me last year…SO YUMMY!!!! GOT to make them this year!
Machele On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:40 am
These look wonderful!! I short cut it by using rolo candies instead of carmel.
Janet On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:43 am
I've done almost the same thing with round mini pretzels, a Hershey's kiss and an M & M on the top. Little pretzel buttons. Can't wait to try these. Yum.
Ellen Renee On Wednesday, December 4 at 4:57 pm
I make those exact treats also….by the bucket fulls it seems. I do a lot of homemade goodies for the holidays, fudge, peanut brittle, many cookies, but these silly things are what everyone can't get enough of!
Kathy On Wednesday, December 4 at 5:07 pm
Thanks Janet for this great idea!! I'm not a big carmel lover, so I'm definitely trying this!!!!
Ellen Renee On Wednesday, December 4 at 5:12 pm
I found the recipe years ago in my Taste of Home magazine – you can check their online site to find the recipe – they were called chocolate pretzel rings I believe.
Jennifer On Thursday, December 5 at 1:25 pm
I have made those for years. I used to use a peanut butter Hershey Kiss, but haven't been able to find them the last few years, so switched to caramel ones or Rolo's and the red and green M&M's. I would like to try the full out "Turtle" version, so I think I will make both of them this year!
Danie - Woodnknees On Friday, December 6 at 9:11 am
These are a huge hit! I made them this year with candy cane kisses and hugs. I also tried the Carmel kisses, but they made a mess.
vtjane On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:48 am
Thanks for the easy recipe! My daughter and I are deciding what we want to make this year and we've decided, the easier the better!
GamaAnnie On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:48 am
these are VERY ADDICTING…..
Cheryl Barker On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:48 am
I can see how young kids would love getting to help make these — even big kids since they could snack on caramels and chocolate as they go
Theresa in Alberta On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:54 am
These treats would make great gifts (to me )
Sharon W On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:00 am
Just in time for my book club cookie exchange! Thanks, Ree…..
Chrystal On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:01 am
YUM, REE! Seriously……………….you owe me a gym membership! LOL!@#$%&*
Mollie Colón On Saturday, December 7 at 2:27 am
omg I totally agree! No joke, I gained 40 pounds since I discovered her website about 8 months ago. I'm on a diet now … It stinks! Now I make the recipes but eat only TINY portions or give them all away. I wish there were some low cal' food up in here! She has the best recipes but nothing 'healthy'. Idk who to turn to. Any suggestions?! I'm fat and desperate lol
Jessica L. On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:05 am
Annnd these just made my holiday baking list. Amazing!
Sharon On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:08 am
Oh no, another recipe to add to my growing Christmas list! But I know these will be fabulous, thanks for the inspiration. (I think I would add a few holiday sprinkles to the melted chocolate, just to add a little color and to make my daughter happy.)
Kristi On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:10 am
These look great and I love how you randomly? put June 11 cause thats my birthday and they would be great on that day!
Sue S. On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:18 am
What a great recipe! I'm totally making these. I think I'll try the candied pecans you can get, which are already toasted. They come in a green foil bag. I usually use them in salads.
Deb R On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:19 am
WOW – these look amazing – adding to my "Gift" baking list – friends are going to love me for all these edible gift baskets I'm making for Christmas gifts!
Heather On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:43 am
Ree-I make these same things and use Rolos. Caramel and chocolate in one, and super delish
Shawna On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:48 am
I'm a little confused: almond bark is chocolate (white or regular) with almonds in it – but your melted chocolate appears to be smooth and almond-free. What gives?
Jane On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:27 am
Shawna – "bark" comes in both white and chocolate versions (maybe more…but those are the two I find in the grocery store). It melts quickly and easily, but I agree with Ree that the chocolate flavor isn't the strongest. You can buy it with almonds in it (like a commercial chocolate bar you buy in the candy aisle), but the baking versions don't have nuts.
Melissa R On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:50 am
Where do you buy your soft carmels? I have another recipe I need them. At the store the carmels are always hard as a rock. My cookies need soft carmels. Thinking of looking online.
Ellen Renee On Wednesday, December 4 at 5:08 pm
The ones Ree used look like the typical Kraft caramel squares. I buy mine where there is a good turnover so they would be fresh and soft (such as w-mart). You could try the Werthers brand of caramels – I just looked on the site and they have a new product called baking caramels – if you could find them that may work for your recipe.
KW in NC On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:52 am
These look delicious and easy. I add bittersweet chocolate to almond bark too. It must be a chocoholic thing. It makes great chocolate covered popcorn (another easy treat). Mix a few broken pretzels and some peanuts in for a great sweet salty chocolate fix.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for sharing ranch life with us.
Jenny On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:58 am
This recipe has my name all over it! It has my 3 favorite things to eat in the whole world. And lets not go messing with this and put any milk chocolate on it. Mine are going to be exactly like these. Ree, you're genius.
Anna On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:15 am
A fabulous variation? Toast the pecans and use white chocolate (or white bark).
I adore the combo of white chocolate and toasted pecans. So, so good.
Why the candy manufacturers of the world haven't jumped on this one, I do not know.
Brandi Young On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:24 am
oh my gosh! Every holiday season I decide to make something treat-like as gifts and sadly I always feel embarrassed because it goes awry. BUT these might be a game changer! So simple and I know they'll taste scrumptious!
Carol On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:28 am
I am definitely making these this weekend…then sending MOST of them to work with my husband for his co-workers or I will be eating these for breakfast lunch and dinner!
dc On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:40 am
I was just thinking about the rolo version the other day! Now I have these too! Yum!
Lesa K On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:42 am
Just printed the recipe so I can make these this afternoon (test run) & for a party on Friday evening. They look so yummy!
linda p On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:45 am
Turtle are my mom's favorite! I'm making a batch for her !
Maria S. On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:50 am
OOOHHH..these look divine! I wanted to make some christmas treats with my 15 year old and these are perfect! BTW…we had a Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving lol. I made the Perfect Mashed Potatos, Mac and Cheese, Broccoli Casserole, Cranberry Sauce and Cheesecake Shooters. I've hosted Thanksgiving in the past but this year really beat out previous years. Everyone LOVED the dishes, they were mmmmmmm'ing throughout the whole meal lol. Thank you, your Holiday recipe book is a definite hit in my house!!! I will never be able to have another Thanksgiving without these dishes
elizabethcooks On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:51 am
Sweet and salty, what a great combination for a treat. This recipe looks so good and easy to prepare, perhaps another add to my holiday treat list??
PamS On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:53 am
Thanks for this recipe! I am picking up the ingredients TODAY! Looking forward to having something fun & unusual.
My old "go-to" was salted (white and dark) chocolate arranged in a checkerboard fashion & then swirled with roasted pecans. Wonderful. But it's gotten "old" and too much sugar. This sounds better with the pretzel in it.
Michele On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:57 am
We use rolos vs caramels and then you don't have to melt chocolates!
Brenda P On Wednesday, December 4 at 9:58 am
I do something similar, but I don't use caramel candies and I don't use pretzels. I dollop spoons of the caramel apple dip onto a baking mat and then carefully place a pecan half onto it and then freeze it. After I take them out of the freezer, I dip them into good quality melted chocolate. This way, when you bite into a thawed one, the caramel is soft and gooey.
Mattie Howard On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:01 am
I make these and use a rolo candy on top. Put in over just a couple of minutes and then put the pecan half on top. So quick and great. I can make a batch in just a few minutes. Put them on foil or wax paper to bake so they won't stick. Wonderful. Mattie.
Mattie Howard On Wednesday, December 4 at 5:09 pm
On my comment, I didn't say that I used the pretzels and put the rolo on top of them and heated for several minutes, then put the pecan halves on top. I put the oven on 300 and bake about 4 minutes. Mattie
Emily Burch On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:06 am
This is a great recipe, but some in my family have a nut allergy. What would be a great substitute?
Brenda On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:15 am
Just don't put any nuts on there.
BethJoy On Thursday, December 5 at 7:57 am
We have found nut free, soy free, caramels, chocolate, and pretzels at our local co-op. I am able to make these, sans nuts, for our friends who are allergic.
Jacque Herron On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:07 am
These look delicious. I'm wondering if the Rolo version would be easier to chew than the Caramel version….????
sueinba On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:18 am
I think so. The rolo version is very easy to chew. I tend to stay away from caramels since I lost a filling chewing one. I think the rolo recipe is more expensive to make but easier. The rolo version is so popular around here that last year the stores all sold out of rolos. I think they probably didn't buy many because they didn't think of them as Christmas candy.
Jacque Herron On Wednesday, December 4 at 8:00 pm
Thank you for your reply sueinba, on your recommendation I will do the Rolo version since my husband has chewing issues.
Winnie On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:12 am
Isn't this the rolo recipe, the longer version?
Melissa R. On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:14 am
I have done this many times, only I use Rolo candies so that you don't have to do the chocolate and caramel separately. They are always a big hit!
Sharon R. On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:15 am
Ree, I am convinced that you have super powers that we have still yet to discover! If I were a recipe card, I would want to live in your recipe box. These look scrumptious. Your family is lucky!
Pennie D. On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:16 am
Oh, these look wonderful. Will definitely be making these for the holiday, my family will love them.
danie (Wood 'n Knees) On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:18 am
These look great and fairly easy. I was thinking that toasted pecans would be great. I also mix my chocolates. I make another easy candy I would like to share. It started one year when I had left over melting chocolate. On a sheet tray, I put 1/2 tray of sliced almonds and 1/2 tray of sweetened coconut. – I toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes. Then I toss that in the melted chocolate, stirring carefully. Then I add that to mini holiday cupcake (candy) liners. they are crunchy and delicious! I make them every year now, they are my husbands favorite!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:18 am
Perfect little snack. And that chocolate totally rocks. Just used in cookies the others. OH. MY. GOODNESS.
Cindy Mansfield On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:21 am
These are marvelous!! And I agree with you re: toasting the pecans….makes such a difference for such a small extra step. Thanks for the recipe!!
Teresa S On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:25 am
These are so great! The problem is I have melted chocolate everywhere…the floor, the counters, my shirt, and my hair! I'm not as near as neat as you!
Laura Swaim On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:26 am
My mom makes these but uses those Bull's Eyes caramel candies…splice each candy in half so they aren't as thick….excellent…and addicting!
Jamie Powell On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:29 am
Can you tell me how long these can be stored? I would like to make several weeks ahead if possible, but didn't see any comments about how long they keep without the pretzel getting soft. Thanks for any input. Sounds wonderful!
Tess in TN On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:35 am
Chocolate+ nuts+ salty pretzels = Perfection!!
Robin J On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:37 am
Love caramel, chocolate, and pretzels. The sweet/salty thing is to die for. I ran out of pretzels when I was making a batch of homemade caramel so my hubby got out the Ritz crackers. They are amazing! You must try it!!!
Beth G On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:39 am
I think I'm going to have to make these
Lisbeth On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:45 am
MMM those look yummy & fun.
Joan On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:54 am
top the caramel with coarse sea salt…
Darcie (My Modern Country) On Wednesday, December 4 at 10:55 am
I am totally going to have a "turtle throw down" with my husband. He makes turtles every Christmas…I'm going to challenge him with these
Teresa On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:13 am
I have made there before except i just put rolos on each pretzel and when soften a little in the oven put the pecan on top and it works great. Just smooth the softened rolo around a little and let set
Tonia On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:14 am
I make these almost exactly like you do – except for how I add the chocolate. Leave the oven on… When the pretzel/caramels are cooled, top each one with a Wilton milk chocolate wafer and return to the oven just until the chocolate starts to melt. Super simple!
Pam On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:16 am
They look delicious! And I will definitely be trying this recipe before Christmas. I do have one quick question though, In what alternate universe is 1 candy actually considered a serving? At my house a serving would be no less than 6..or maybe 8.
Debbie B On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:16 am
Now that is a beautiful thing.
Sharon Marie On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:20 am
Wow, these are so simple yet decadent. Perfect for gift giving! I'll be making these with my daughter.
Shelly B. On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:23 am
Ree try it with a ROLO
Cathy L On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:23 am
I think the completely covered ones look like "mini cow piles"
Kathy O. On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:27 am
We use Rolos instead of chocolate and caramels separately – saves time (except for unwrapping all of the Rolos!)
Diane On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:27 am
"Ree, you are killing me." Those are the words that came out of my mouth the instant I saw the first picture in this post.
Alice On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:28 am
I make a similar recipe but dip the whole pretzel, caramel and pecan into the melted chocolate and then put on tray…quicker and yummy.
Sue Ellen Smith On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:28 am
And what I love most, you can get really good Gluten Free pretzels now. This is a great treat for a GF house.
Liz On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:28 am
OH, those pecans are the best. I just visited them and stocked up for my freezer and to send as gifts. Once you have some fresh pecans, you can't go back to the packages at the supermarkets.
This year, they have pecan oil, so I'm trying that for cooking. Here's their website and they ship. http://www.landgrafpecans.com/
JennyTomato On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:32 am
Yer killin me Ms. Drummond! These look and sound divine and I will be making them. I have made something similar with mini square pretzels (waffle?), a Hershey Hug, and topped with an MnM. Yummmm and super easy and colorful!
Esther J On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:36 am
Ree-just have a question? Would it be easier to just dip them in the chocolate and put them on the mat to cool. I mean if you are going to drizzle them and enrobe them anyway. Just curious if that would work. They look yummy! As far as I'm concerned-the only thng better than chocolate is chocolate and caramel!
Leann On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:39 am
I tried something similar to this, this year. But I love cashews, so it was caramels, cashews and chocolate. My problem was the caramel, first I tried Kraft caramels and they were okay but not real creamy. So I tried another batch with Werther's chewy caramels, turned out hard as a rock. So what brand of caramels did you use and how do I get them creamy??
ginnier On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:16 pm
There's also a recipe where you pour a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pan and cook it and then spoon it on the pretzel (quickly! to get all of them topped before it sets up), carefully top with a piece of hershey bar, pressing slightly….wait a few minutes til it shines and says "melted!) top with pecan……..sooo yummy. I like that better than unwrapping all those caramels. T'each his own!
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:39 am
Oh yum. You know what would make these even more amazing? BACON!
kathy zgo On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:43 am
Really easy and good looking for gifts.Thanks
Deborah Essex On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:53 am
Looks so yummy, love salt and chocolate, I would like to know where to get the blue bowl hopefully in a set need for a special person form Santa!?
Heather On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:55 am
Can you freeze these so they will be good on Christmas? I am hunting good cookie and candy recipes I can make ahead of time and then serve on Christmas. Thanks for any ideas!
Kimmie On Wednesday, December 4 at 11:56 am
I 'like' pecans, but I don't 'love' pecans. However, I do 'LOVE' almonds. Wonder how well this would work using almonds instead?
Mary Connealy On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:09 pm
These are the kind of treats that can show us the true meaning of life……wait…I might have said that about a recipe you posted a few days ago. I might be reading your blog when I'm hungry.
Georgiann On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:14 pm
Can anyone tell me how long these can be stored for and in what type of container.
Susan Jennings On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:24 pm
Ree…. You can do this same thing but instead of a caramel and drizzled chocolate, use a rolo candy instead… Bake as you direct and smoosh the pecan on the softened rolo. It's fab!
Lex On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:33 pm
A delicious, even simpler version of these cookies that my family enjoys:
Soften Rolos candies on a plate in the microwave. When slightly soft, press one Rolo onto a mini pretzel and press a pecan on top of the Rolo.
Done! Similar taste, and takes no time at all.
Lex On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:36 pm
And…I just realized that several other people have posted variations of this. Whoops!
Kathy On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:39 pm
Only use ghiradelli choc. Ever since they started making chips, I never bought Nestle's again. Ghira is the bomb.
Pat E On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:42 pm
Caramels, pretzels, and chocolate!! What's not to love?
BTW, I made a variation of the Burgundy Mushrooms for our Thanksgiviving dinner. I used merlot instead because that is what was on hand. Everyone loved them and said to use merlot from now on.
Micky On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:46 pm
My kids make these … put a Rollo on each Snyders of Hanover Snaps pretzel, warm in 250 oven for 3 min, press pecan on top, let cool. DONE.
Rose MacDougall On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:52 pm
I will be giving these out as gifts this Christmas! I checked out the Rolo recipe and I liked yours much better. They looked so pretty and nicely put together. Thank you for sharing Ree.
Mrs Rad On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:54 pm
Hi Ree! I've made the Rolo version many times – your version turns out much prettier!! I'll have to try this one….
Shawn Gray On Sunday, December 15 at 11:57 am
Just a caveat for you…..I also made this version because they are SOOO cute! Turned out looking lovely. However, when the caramels harden up, they are very tough and hard to eat.
Nosey On Wednesday, December 4 at 12:57 pm
We just did these last night, but with Rolos instead of caramels. Also, instead of a chocolate base. It was easier, but something tells me I'll like your method better.
Sharron Horton On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:00 pm
You can also buy miniature Rolos, if you want less caramel. They come in a bag unwrapped
Chris On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:07 pm
Save yourself gobs of time and all that cleanup – just use Rollo candies! Heat the Rollos on top of the pretzels in a warm oven for a few minutes until soft and then push the nuts into them. Let cool to harden. Two steps; Done!
Anna M. S. On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:10 pm
I am so making these…and my hubby will probably send you a love letter after he eats them…LOL!
Catherine On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:11 pm
I am thinking a sprinkle of good flake salt on top of the caramel would make these even more amazing…or bacon! Oh my gosh, we Texans will put the pig on everything;)!
AngAK On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:36 pm
plenty of salt on those pretzels already.
Jennifer Billis-Gehrke On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:13 pm
They look easy and sinfully yummy! Thanks!
Catherine On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:15 pm
R u from the south? Cause that is EXACTLY what I was thinking-lol!
Mama J On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:20 pm
Drooling Ree! Those look oh so glorious =)
patijo On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:23 pm
I love the step by step directions!!!! they just make me smile.
and I just rec'd the NEW cookbook, with your Reeeeeee singnature!!!! how lucky can someone be. Happy me. Thank you to daughter Tammy!!!
Love love Ree, her family and her recipe books!!!
Tatyana On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:29 pm
Carla TePaske On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:38 pm
Yum, these will be added to the list to make this holiday season. Thank You!
Debbie H On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:44 pm
Gonna be making these!
Marcia Newton On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:47 pm
Oh these sound so yummy! I actually do a similar treat as well. Take the square waffle pretzel and place a rolo candy on top. Bake a few minutes and remove tray. While still warm squish another pretzel on top. That is it. I am thinking this treat and my treat could be combined to make an even better one!
Wendi D. Lamb On Wednesday, December 4 at 1:57 pm
Just found what my neighbors, family, and friends are getting in a goodie bag for the holiday! Your recipes never fail!
Gayle On Wednesday, December 4 at 2:06 pm
Oh Great Googly! I love turtles, but never thought to use pretzels, and what a great idea that is! I just used a pecan with broken pieces for the feet and a head, some melted caramel, and melted chocolate, but the pretzel gives it more of a base to build on, and they wouldn't fall apart as easily. At least not until they got to mouth, and then they'd be gone. Yum!
Not to go so far astray but I agree with the comment you made about chocolate – unless it's bittersweet, all I taste is sweet. I love to taste the chocolate, so I do a lot with bittersweet, and the bitterer, the betterer!


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Gear Review
Debbie C
- Gender: Female
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
They don't have the kind of compression I was expecting. Maybe a different line-up would offer more support; or maybe that's just how they are supposed to fit. In any event, for a non-pro-rider, they are fine (though I do put in some miles per ride (40+), but am building up more bit by bit).
The chamois is somewhat bulky, and compared to Giordana, or Gore's Xenon, and does not breathe well at all (in comparison). As far as comfort: I found myself in considerable pain (sit bones) in just a 25 mile ride.
The material is just too heavy-feeling, and almost stifling for hot summer rides.
And they did inch-up a bit, had to adjust between pulling down the legs and pulling up the crotch/waist band. A smaller size would not have helped. They didn't "breathe" as well as hoped.
Bottom line: Still find Giordana/Gore's Xenon line, the best in performance/fit. These are o.k., but not for the 'long-haul', so I will wear them on 'short-hauls'!
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Started From The Bottom Now We Here
Started from the bottom now we're here
Started from the bottom now my whole team fucking here
Started from the bottom now we're here
Started from the bottom now the whole team here, nigga
- Drake, "Started From The Bottom"
Freddie "The Prophet" Phelps is standing at a the top of the three-point line, dribbling the ball. LeBron James, 4-time National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, is to his right, waiting.
Bron moves towards the ball and sets a pick, stifling both his and Freddie's defender with sheer mass. A moment passes and I have to imagine everyone in the arena knows what comes next: LeBron James rolls towards the basket, a freight train comin' down.
My fingers, confident in the validity of their muscles' memory, know what to do. Right shoulder for icon pass. Bron is playing power forward at the moment; 'Y' will pass him the ball.
The pass sails over the defenders and softly into The King's hands. The center, a poor, poor rookie, rotates to block the shot a second too late, his hands flying scattershot, and LeBron's soft floater banks off the backboard. Two points and the foul, the most defiling of basketball plays.
The King and The Prophet. Fuck pestilence, war, famine and death: our apocalypse is a championship and our divine instrument is the pick and roll.
By all rights, I should hate LeBron James. He stabbed my entire state in the back. He wholesale slaughtered my favorite sports franchise. And now he's dancing on its corpse, redefining the idea of positional basketball, with statistics of biblical proportions and a Miami Heat team all but certainly riding his brilliance to a second consecutive championship.
I am Adam Harshberger. I created Freddie Phelps, my current NBA2k13 My Player fetish. I have played many, many games with him, across various states of inebriation, across a painful break up, across countless late nights and groggy mornings. He is my Captain Ahab puppet, chasing relentlessly the white whale of not only an NBA championship but untarnished basketball perfection.
But Lebron's the only one that can hang with Freddie Phelps. He's the only one that can catch those thread-the-needle-passes, the only one who can make a bucket almost no matter where I get him the ball. LeBron James, the code and wireframe and texture version of him, is my basketball spirit animal, my basketball Moses, leading me to the promised land where we will drink forever the blood of our enemies, straight from the Larry O'Brien trophy.
I remember the night Freddie and I entered free agency. There was no national TV special, just the cold, awkward menus of NBA 2k13. We had a several offers from middling, fringe-contender teams. Is that what we want, Freddy? Do we want to see if we can take them over the edge? Could we become the saviors of the Milwaukee Bucks? Or the Atlanta Hawks?
But then there was that offer from the Heat, a decent salary on a two year deal. Playing next to LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Championship expectations, not aspirations. Do we take it, Freddy? Do we forsake our morals, our hometown, our integrity – for a chance at history? Do we become LeBron James?
That night, me and Fred took our talents to South Beach.
That night, me and Fred took our talents to South Beach.
The first time I controlled Freddie Phelps in a game was the 2013 NBA Rookie Showcase. He started at point guard and I decided right away that we were going to get ours. He weaved the ball through the opposing team defense, dropping dimes to would-be-number-one-pick Anthony Davis and the unconscious Bradley Beal. But our shot just wouldn't drop. Freddie botched layups that I knew full well he had no business taking. I made him take midrange jumpers like he was Kobe Bryant. We barely shot 30% from the field.
But those passes – the announcers couldn't stop glowing about them. We nearly shot our team out of the game, but the nigh unmissable shots we set the rest of the team up for were enough to squeak out a win.
On draft night, we went 14th to the Portland Trailblazers. The Prophet had arrived, but came off the bench, spending two seasons watching LaMarcus Aldridge and J.J. Hickson – another player forever connected to LeBron James – drop passes and miss easy shots.
Started from the bottom.
It was only two seasons in Portland; they didn't extend our rookie contract, and we weren't mad about it. That's when we got the offer from Miami.
It felt surreal, at first, playing for the team that was my anathema. Freddie and I both went to Ohio State. I grew up in Ohio but I don't know where Freddie was born. I had betrayed myself, my inner Clevelander, like LeBron had. Freddie had betrayed his alma mater. And we both had betrayed the Cavaliers, their fans, somehow, by joining the Heat.
But goddamn, playing with LeBron was fun. Goddamn, playing with Wade was fun. The first time he threw an alley-oop to The King, The Prophet pumped his fist beneath the basket and I, regardless of my 2:30 a.m. stonedness, nearly leapt off the couch. I had found the joy of basketball, the joy of winning, the joy of LeBron James. I watched Freddie break Kyrie Irving's ankles with his newfound offensive prowess and then lay the ball in with a flourish. The Prophet and The King gave each other dap underneath the basket. I felt like I had just plunged a sword through the heart of my city's newest, most promising savior.
Then I realized we were heading for the playoffs and licked the blood, a broad smile across my face, straight off the motherfucking blade.
I realized I understood LeBron James, now. I realized why you'd compromise your integrity for a chance to rain unholy terror upon the league. I fully grasped why you would forsake your own shot at saviordom to play alongside the best players in the game. I absolved the man of his sins. Or, at the very least, I agreed to wallow in them with him.
I absolved the man of his sins. Or, at the very least, I agreed to wallow in them with him.
That season we were bounced from the playoffs in the first round. They… stopped us. They stopped me, Freddie, and Bron. The series went 7 games, and I spent the whole series making Freddie force the issue. We took bad shots. Our lethal pick-and-roll play was nullified by stout defense at the basket. The Prophet looked to the future and saw nothing, no play to be made – just another brick, another turn over.
The present. LeBron and his starting point guard, Freddie "The Prophet" Phelps, decimating the league in a fresh new season. Number one in the Eastern Conference. Me, the puppetmaster, gleefully doing things on the digital basketball court that I never thought I could. The Prophet and The King's pick and roll, still deadly. And Freddie's offensive skills, better than ever, and ready to punish anyone who gives him space with a dead-eyed midrange jumper.
It's far in the future, though. 2017. LeBron is older and he can't play as well as he used to. The Prophet, 8 years LeBron's junior, is at his prime and an all-star. I am now faced with the reality that Freddie and I are going to try and win a championship for LeBron James.
Somewhere deep inside a part of me is saying, "Leave. Demand a trade. Don't do that with him."
Somewhere deep inside a part of me is saying, "Leave. Demand a trade. Don't do that with him."
The rest of me is screaming, "So be it." I want what LeBron did when he left. I have tasted what made him stab his birthplace in the back: the allure of history, the musk of immortality. Freddie and me, we're chasing the championship. Getting ours. And it's within our reach.
Freddie's contract, though, is up next season. We'll be free agents. And just like LeBron, there are rumblings. Our eyes are cast north, to a triumphant return home. I don't need LeBron anymore – Freddie is one of the best players in the league. He relies on the assist, on stronger teammates, no longer. But we couldn't have gotten there without The King, because he showed us the joy of basketball. He showed what it was like to play alongside your equals – a discovery he made himself two seasons ago.
In other words: now we here. The top. By my authority, LeBron James is absolved of his sins through the means of understanding. Or complicity. But what about mine? What about Freddie's? Can I forgive us? Will going back to Cleveland change anything? I don't think it will matter. The apocalypse is coming, after all.


text:
Ken Campbell is an award-winning wood carver and nature photographer. Awards for his wood carvings include First Place at the Ward World Carving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland in 2004, Best of Show at the New England Wildlife Artisans Carving Competition in 2002 & 2003, and First Place at the World Fish Carving Championships in Springfield, Illinois in 2001, as well as other top awards at regional and national competitions.
Ken is a member of the International Wildfowl Carvers Association, National Woodcarvers Association, Wildlife Artisans Association and Pacific Northwest Wood Artisans Association. He has taught wood carving classes for Audubon, Rockler, Woodcraft, the New England Woodcarvers, Adult Education, Elderhostel and the Boy Scouts. In January 2008 Ken taught a penguin carving class to 15 students in Antarctica. He also teaches private carving lessons.
Ken specializes in carving birds and fish, including both freshwater and saltwater fish. Ken began carving bird decoys in 1979 and then started carving fish in 1995. He has a degree in wildlife management and worked for several years for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Ken has used his education to help him to become an award-winning wood carver and photographer, specializing in wildlife. Wood carvings start from an original casting, drawing and photographs. The design is then transferred onto a basswood block. Rough carving and fine details such as scales or feathers are then wood burned to give the carving a truly life like appearance. Carvings are then painted with acrylic paints using an airbrush. The carvings are very realistic with exquisite detail.
In 1998 Ken began a Christmas tradition of hand carving a limited number of folk art ornaments for family and friends. The ornament design is based on wildlife seen during the year. In 2012 Ken combined his love of fishing with his woodworking skills and taught himself the art of making bamboo fly rods.
Ken and his wife Mary are also award-winning wildlife photographers. They have traveled the world to all seven continents in search of extraordinary wildlife and both have received numerous awards for their photography. Ken received Best of Show in 2004 and Mary received the Best Bird Award in 2007 in the George W. Glennie Nature Salon. Ken took First Place in the Ward World Wildlife Competition in Ocean City, Maryland in 2003 and Mary took First Place in the same competition in 2004. Mary also received a PSA Gold Medal in 2007 in the Best of the Best final competition of the International Club Image Competition. She won the Grand Prize in the 2009 Washington Trails Association Photo Contest and was a finalist in the 2010 National Park Service Share the Experience Photo Contest. Ken has taught photography classes and was a judge for New England Camera Club competitions. Ken and Mary have had photographs published in local and national magazines, brochures and calendars and provide photographic presentations to various community groups including camera clubs, garden clubs, schools, and seniors groups. Ken and Mary are currently working as bioreporters providing photographic images to
, a children's educational website which is designed to teach children around the world about global biodiversity. Ken and Mary also spend time photographing in Olympic National Park. Images taken in the park are donated for use in their publications and programs.
"The world is like a book - and those who do not travel read only one page!"
-- St. Augustine
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Tue January 28, 2014
Obama Expected To Propose Expanding Preschool Programs
Originally published on Tue January 28, 2014 8:20 am
President Obama is expected to propose an expansion of preschool programs in his State of the Union Address. Most states have bought into the idea and restored funding for the programs. What's less clear is where the long-term funding is going to come from, and whether the quality of these programs are worth the investment.


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At approximately 6:30 a.m. on April 27, 2011, the devastating twisters that wrought death and destruction across Alabama hit Wallace State Community College.
It left the campus battered, stripping roofs from the library, the computer science building, the business education building, the student center, and the new Advanced Visualization Center.
It sucked out doors and windows, toppled more than 100 trees, overturned trucks, downed power lines, and destroyed greenhouses.
Miraculously, no lives were lost.