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Key figure in creating housing agency dies
Andy Gurley, Vermont Housing Finance Agencys underwriter and partner from its creation through his retirement in 2008, died last week. Gurley was a prominent banker in the municipal bond industry, and played a role in the creation of the VHFA in 1974, providing guidance to the state, and explaining how it would benefit from a housing finance agency.
At its biennial statewide housing conference in 2008, VHFA formally recognized Gurleys contributions to the agency. Gurley worked at PaineWebber until it was acquired by UBS, where he worked until 2008, when the firm exited the municipal business and Gurley retired.
Burlington business women recognize award winners
The Burlington Business and Professional Womens organization has announced the winners of the 2012 Employer of the Year and Woman of Achievement Awards.
Dealer.com was honored as the 2012 Employer of the Year. Janice Santiago, an employment advocate at Women Helping Battered Women, received the 2012 Woman of Achievement award. The awards reception was held Nov. 14 at the Best Western Windjammer Conference Center in South Burlington, and featured remarks by Madeleine Kunin, former Vermont governor.
The employer of the year award honors a local business that provides outstanding opportunities for upward mobility, training, development and benefits for its female employees. Dealer.com was founded in 1998, and has a company culture that emphasizes responsibility for the well-being of employees
Santiago was recognized for her tireless advocacy, leadership, wisdom, energy and passion on behalf of her clients and the community, according to a news release.
Nominations open for Freedom Award
The deadline to nominate employers for the 2013 Freedom Award is Jan. 21. The award is the Department of Defenses highest honor for Guard and Reserve employers. Employers of every size and industry are eligible to receive the award.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, is encouraging Guardsmen and Reservists to nominate their civilian employers for the award at www.FreedomAward.mil.
Any civilian employer who has not previously received the award is eligible. The 2013 winners will be announced in early summer and honored in Washington, D.C. during a ceremony in the fall. Past recipients have met with the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Vermont engineering firm sponsors cyclocross racer
ENGVT, an engineering firm in Bolton, is the title sponsor of professional cyclist Jonathan Page as he attempts to win a fourth cyclocross national championship on Jan. 13 in Madison, Wis. The sponsorship agreement is limited to the weekend of nationals and will give Page the support he needs to contend for the title.
Page, a New Hampshire native, said in a prepared statement that ENGVT President Jerry Chabot has been in his corner for 25 years.
Were like family and Im proud to wear the ENGVT name on my chest in Madison and hope to bring home the Stars and Stripes, Page said.
Federal funds for disaster resiliency coming to Vermont
Vermonts Congressional delegation has announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded Vermont a $1.8 million grant to help businesses, farms, towns and nonprofits use online resources to bolster disaster resiliency in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene and other disasters that struck Vermont in 2011.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development applied for the grant out of a pool of disaster funding Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., fought to include in the federal budget last year.
Communities interesting in receive grants will be asked to submit applications to the Vermont Council on Rural Development in the coming months. The council will use the funds to implement the Vermont Digital Economy Project, a $2.2 million effort to offer a suite of online tools, broadband infrastructure and counseling targeted at up to 25 communities, yet to be identified, which were impacted by Irene or other floods.
State agency offers new online tool to find affordable housing
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency has unveiled a new online tool that allows users to search for real estate owned and public sale homes for sale at the state or county level.
The VHFA website, at www.vhfa.org, also continues to list the many homes for sale through the Housing Acquisition Rehabilitation Program, under which homes that were once foreclosed on by other lenders are acquired, rehabilitated and resold.
The homes in the rehabilitation program are renovated with significant energy efficiency improvements and new energy star rated appliances, and are intended not to need any major repairs or improvements for at least five to 10 years.
Buyers of these homes must meet income eligibility requirements.
Megabus.com stands out in recent study
Megabus.com, which serves Burlington, is highlighted in the 2012 Year-in-Review of Intercity Bus Service by Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, of DePaul University. The fifth annual study was released last week at the American Bus Association Marketplace Conference in Charlotte, N.C.
Megabus.com is the first city-to-city express bus company with fares from $1 on the Internet. It now serves more than 120 cities across North America. Megabus.com is a subsidiary of Coach USA, launched in April 2006, and one of the largest city-to-city express bus service providers in North America.
New economic development program doles out first grants
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and Buildings and General Services Commissioner Mike Obuchowski awarded $151,000 to eight projects from a new grant program established last year by the Legislature.
The Regional Economic Development Grant program will assist projects ranging from pre-construction work in Bellows Falls to entrepreneurial support in Poultney. This is the first time this program has been made available. There was a limit of $25,000 per project.
Projects that received funding include: Islands Center for Arts and Recreation, $15,000; Green Mountain Economic Development Corp. (Randolph), $25,000; Green Mountain Economic Development Corp. (Hartford), $25,000; Friends of Algiers Village, $22,500; Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee, $2,500; Bellows Falls Area Development Corp., $25,000; Vermont Junior Voltage Foundation, Ltd., $25,000; Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce, $10,000.
VEIC gets glowing reviews
A report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says the Vermont Energy Investment Corp. offers programs for residential, commercial and industrial users that are setting a standard that should be emulated in other states.
The report, entitled Frontiers of Energy Efficiency: Next Generation Programs Reach for High Energy Savings, estimates that programs pioneered by VEIC and others could yield a 27 percent reduction in electricity demand in the United States, and a 19 percent reduction in natural gas demand if they were deployed across the country.
It is wonderful to share this recognition with our many partners and customers, said Scott Johnstone, VEICs executive director. VEIC has more than 26 years of experience working with our customers to develop pioneering programs that produce tangible and reliable energy savings.
The full report can be seen at www.aceee.org.


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Caledonia Spirits and Winery founder Todd Hardie (left) and general manager, winemaker and distiller Joe Buswell stand behind the tasting table at the Hardwick distillery and winery. / MELISSA PASANEN, for the Free Press
How to buy and how to visit:
Caledonia Spirits and Winery:
Caledonia Spirits and Winery is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, normally, on Saturdays by appointment. However in December, they are hosting Open House Saturdays on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All Caledonia products are available at the winery and distillery in Hardwick and at the Burlington Winter Farmers Market. In addition, the mead is available at some local grocery and wine stores, some state liquor outlets as well as restaurants and bars. The gin, vodka and elderberry cordial are available at state liquor outlets, restaurants and bars.
For more information: Go to www.caledoniaspirits.com or call 472-8000.
HARDWICK We are here because of the elderberries and the honey, said Todd Hardie, standing recently between elderberry bushes and beehives behind his new Caledonia Spirits and Winery building.
The honey-based, and sometimes elderberry-infused, alcoholic beverages fermenting, distilling and aging within the building are the most recent step in Hardies life journey in support of the bees and the broader natural landscape.
When I was 12, I realized I wanted to be a beekeeper in Vermont, Hardie said, detailing a 46-year path that continued when he graduated from Cornell Universitys College of Agriculture in 1976 and moved to the Northeast Kingdom to work as a Vermont state bee inspector.
After 30 years as a beekeeper in the Champlain Valley (a better climate for bees), Hardie recently returned to the Hardwick area where he had maintained close ties with many, including the late garden writer, horticulturist and elderberry expert, Lewis Hill.
Hardies first foray into honey-based alcohol was in Shelburne when his Honey Gardens Apiaries launched a line of meads (honey-based wine) about five years ago.
Now under the Caledonia umbrella in Hardwick, the winery continues to produce cold-fermented, aged meads made with raw honey as well as black currants, blueberries and elderberries. Some varieties were aging in French Chardonnay oak barrels in a cool, dark room at one end of the building.
In the center of the long building, the separate distillery business takes over with a still room smelling faintly of the forest thanks to the generous quantity of juniper berries that go into Caledonias newly launched Barr Hill Gin.
The gin, which was distilling in a small 25-gallon copper still in one corner, is one of three spirits first sold to the public in late October. An elderberry cordial is also made in that room.
To all three, including a vodka, honey adds both flavor and other attributes.
The honey softens up the gin and it buffers some of the alcohols jagged edges, Hardie explained.
At the far end of the hallway, Joe Buswell, Caledonias general manager, winemaker and distiller, was pouring samples for a group of visitors in a large, high-ceilinged room that holds a sculptural array of huge stainless stills and tanks with curlicued copper pipes. The side of one tank was warm, holding Caledonia vodka in process, Hardie said.
These stills and tanks were built using recycled dairying equipment with local welding expertise and designed by longtime distiller Duncan Holaday who Hardie describes as the elder of Vermont distilling as well as an inspiration and mentor.
Other inspiration comes to Hardie from his ancestors who were distillers in Scotland before they came to America in the early 19th century.
Then there are the bees. In addition to the honey they contain, the gin and vodka bottles are both sealed with beeswax cut from a huge hunk of luminous lemon-yellow wax from Singing Cedars Apiaries in Orwell.
Although Hardies own hive numbers are tiny compared to those he once managed, he cares for other local bees, including the hives on the roof of Jasper Hill Farm and Creamery in Greensboro, one of many local food and agricultural businesses with whom Caledonia has collaborated since moving.
We always want to have bees around for education and sharing and for pollination, Hardie said.
Contact Melissa Pasanen at email@example.com and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TasteofVermont.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Filed Under
A Fort Bragg, North Carolina, soldier who died Saturday was out running when he felt ill and went to a local hospital in a private vehicle, according to civilian authorities.
Spc. Vince E. Gaillard Jr., 23, was pronounced dead at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Saturday. He was on leave at the time in St. Stephen, South Carolina, near his home.
Gaillard, who died at the hospital, has undergone an autopsy, according to Berkeley County Coroner Bill Salisbury. The results were be complete in six weeks, but they will be shared with his next of kin and will not be made public by the coroners office.
Salisbury said he does not suspect foul play.
Gaillard, of Cross, South Carolina, enlisted on Nov. 8, 2010, as an aviation operations specialist. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd CAB, 82nd Airborne, out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends affected by this loss, said Gaillards commander, Capt. Seth Green. Spc. Vince Gaillard was a dedicated Soldier who was committed one hundred percent to his job and the Soldiers around him. The news of his passing is a great loss to our team.
Gaillard deployed to Afghanistan from May 2012 to February 2013 while assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Army Aviation Badge.
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Merion washout, cross-country trek does nothing to stop Mickelson
ARDMORE, Pa. – Phil Mickelson has always liked to go off site to find "a quiet environment" in final preparation for a major championship. This week was a little more extreme than most.
Mickelson took one look at the weather forecast Monday and bolted suburban Philadelphia for sunny Southern California. He attended his daughter Amanda's eighth grade graduation from the Rhoades School at 6 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday night then returned to the East Coast about four hours before his 7:11 a.m. first-round tee time.
Naturally, Mickelson went out despite zero practice rounds at Merion Golf Club this week, three-putted his first green for bogey and then shot a 3-under 67 to hold the clubhouse lead in the U.S. Open.
"This is not that out of the ordinary," Mickelson said of a major tune-up that by normal human standards is unprecedented. "I do this about six, 10 times a year where I fly back east red eye, play some outing and then come home. So it's not out of the ordinary."
His Open-week disappearing act made Mickelson the main attraction on Thursday between the storms that came and went and came and went again to Merion. Even his playing partners were intrigued.
"I was as interested as anybody to see what he'd do," said Steve Stricker, who himself has proved that being a part-time golfer can elevate your game on the big stages. "When he three-putted the first hole, I thought, 'Here we go.'
"He's such a competitor. He thinks he can do anything," Stricker added. "The biggest thing with anybody out here is if you're comfortable and confident in your decision – and he felt good about it – you can live with it. I think he expected to play well."
Mickelson has always done things his own way, once inspiring the ad campaign slogan "What will Phil do next?" Fourteen years ago at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, Mickelson insisted he would walk off the course and fly home if his wife, Amy, went into labor with Amanda, their first child. He finished runner-up (the first of five times in the U.S. Open) by one stroke and Amanda arrived the next day when he would have been in a playoff.
His family once again took priority over his golf this week. This time, Amanda had a voice in the conversation, but her father remained undaunted to hear her as one of four students selected to speak at the graduation ceremony.
"She told me that it's fine, stay, it's the U.S. Open, I know how much you care about it," Mickelson said. "And I told her that I want to be there. I don't want to miss that. I don't want to miss her speech. I don't want to miss her graduation. She spent nine years at that school. And she's worked very hard and she's I'm very proud of her."
Amanda told a story about the accomplishments of a half dozen classmates, including one who did something to help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome and another who owned a patent.
"In the words of the great Ron Burgundy," she joked, "we're kind of a big deal."
She could say the same about her father and his ongoing quest to win his national championship. With three Masters Tournament titles and a PGA Championship to his credit, the U.S. Open is the major he covets the most. His relationship with the tournament is as yet unresolved.
"Well, if I'm able – and I believe I will – to ultimately win a U.S. Open, I would say that it's great," he said. "Because I will have had, let's say, a win and five seconds. But if I never get that win, then it would be a bit heart breaking."
Considering that, to call Mickelson's approach to this week's opportunity "casual" wouldn't be an accurate assessment. He came to Merion two weeks ago and put in his usual exhaustive hours studying the course and mapping the best plan of attack. He had a few hours to study his notes on the cross-country flight back on his private jet.
The foul weather that rolled in since last Friday only extended his side trip to San Diego.
"I knew exactly how I wanted to play the golf course, given the conditions, given different wind conditions, clubs I was going to be hitting, where I was going to be and the shots that I was going to have," he said. "What I needed was to get my game sharp, to get my touch sharp. And having a nice practice facility and nice weather for the last couple of days allowed me to do that. So it worked out great on both ends."
So did the weather. The forecasted "Derecho" never really materialized. Thunderstorms delayed play for 3.5 hours just six holes into Mickelson's round, allowing him a little nap. Then it cleared up and provided a big enough window to finish his round.
"This was as easy as this golf course is going to play," he said. "We had very little wind. We had soft fairways, soft greens, and we no mud balls. So we had the best opportunity to score low."
Mickelson (who started on No. 11) made birdies on 13, 1, 7 and 9. Plus he made great par saves on 5 and 6 to keep his charmed round going even as he was starting to "hit the wall" from the long day despite a peanut butter sandwich and energy drink caffeine boost at the turn.
"I think in the U.S. Open, par saves are as big or bigger than birdies because you don't really expect birdies," he said. "Those two par putts (on 5 and 6), those are the momentum builders that are important in the rounds at U.S. Open. They actually give you more of a boost than birdies do."
Now Mickelson will get to rest at his rented home less than a mile from the course and start fresh very late in the afternoon on Friday after the other side of the draw completes its suspended first round and finishes its second.
"I was just hoping we'd get it in today because if I had to start back up (Friday) at 7 (a.m.), that would suck," he said. "I'll just go back tonight and rest, and I'll have all day tomorrow to rest and it's fine. It shouldn't be a problem."
When you see the world the way Phil Mickelson does, few hurdles are a problem.


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BlueJackets fall to Bells 9-1
Nothing much went right for the Kitsap BlueJackets in a 9-1 loss to the Bellingham Bells in West Coast League action on Tuesday.
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GLEN: BARCLAYS PLC: Form 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) GLENCORE INTL PLC - Amendment UK Regulatory Announcement LONDON FORM 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) AMENDMENT PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITHOUT RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY ("RI") STATUS (OR WHERE RI STATUS IS NOT APPLICABLE) Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Name of exempt principal trader: BARCLAYS CAPITAL SECURITIES LTD (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to GLENCORE INTL PLC whose relevant securities this form relates: (c) Name of the party to the offer with which Advisor to Offeree exempt principal trader is connected (d) Date position held/dealing undertaken: 28 February 2013 (e) Has the EPT previously disclosed, or is YES: it today disclosing, under the Code in respect of any other party to this offer? XSTRATA PLC 2. POSITIONS OF THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant ORD security: Interests Short Positions Number (%) Number (%) (1) Relevant securities owned and/or 3,867,876 0.05% 48,946,114 0.69% controlled: (2) Derivatives (other than options): 44,557,403 0.63% 2,115,929 0.03% (3) Options and agreements to purchase/sell: 0 0.00% 0 0.00% (4) TOTAL: 48,425,279 0.68% 51,062,043 0.72% Class of Convertible Bond relevant XS0475310396 security: Interests Short Positions Number (%) Number (%) (1) Relevant securities owned and/or 6,900,000 0.30% 0 0.00% controlled: (2) Derivatives (other than options): 0 0.00% 0 0.00% (3) Options and agreements to purchase/sell: 0 0.00% 0 0.00% (4) TOTAL: 6,900,000 0.30% 0 0.00% All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open derivative or option positions, or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other executive options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant Purchase/sale Number of Price per unit security securities ORD Purchase 200 3.8100 GBP ORD Purchase 400 45.5000 HKD ORD Purchase 856 3.8200 GBP ORD Purchase 1,165 3.8126 GBP ORD Purchase 1,422 3.8156 GBP ORD Purchase 1,847 3.8366 GBP ORD Purchase 1,929 3.8250 GBP ORD Purchase 2,128 3.8319 GBP ORD Purchase 5,300 45.5500 HKD ORD Purchase 7,211 3.8750 GBP ORD Purchase 8,765 3.8643 GBP ORD Purchase 11,991 3.8410 GBP ORD Purchase 16,082 3.8328 GBP ORD Purchase 48,195 3.8572 GBP ORD Purchase 50,122 3.8300 GBP ORD Purchase 134,022 3.8292 GBP ORD Purchase 185,985 3.8309 GBP ORD Purchase 250,000 3.8161 GBP ORD Purchase 945,637 3.8417 GBP ORD Purchase 1,599,557 3.8607 GBP ORD Sale 2,682 3.8519 GBP ORD Sale 4,697 3.8224 GBP ORD Sale 5,679 3.8294 GBP ORD Sale 5,700 45.5464 HKD ORD Sale 10,612 3.8594 GBP ORD Sale 21,777 3.8600 GBP ORD Sale 25,397 3.8333 GBP ORD Sale 26,418 3.8549 GBP ORD Sale 27,879 3.8260 GBP ORD Sale 28,131 3.8194 GBP ORD Sale 39,916 3.8191 GBP ORD Sale 58,717 3.8223 GBP ORD Sale 64,374 3.8750 GBP ORD Sale 78,052 3.8200 GBP ORD Sale 92,553 3.8173 GBP ORD Sale 104,671 3.8404 GBP ORD Sale 159,056 3.8280 GBP ORD Sale 210,000 3.8169 GBP ORD Sale 222,243 3.8291 GBP ORD Sale 235,297 3.8373 GBP ORD Sale 266,279 3.8748 GBP ORD Sale 317,564 3.8322 GBP ORD Sale 439,933 3.8750 GBP ORD (traded as ADR) Purchase 130 11.5400 USD ORD (traded as ADR) Sale 130 11.5400 USD (b) Derivatives transactions (other than options) Class of Product Nature of dealing Number of Price per relevant description reference unit security securities ORD CFD Long 13,028 3.8446 GBP ORD CFD Long 16,783 3.8215 GBP ORD CFD Long 144,240 3.8225 GBP ORD CFD Long 210,000 3.8169 GBP ORD CFD Long 258,240 3.8330 GBP ORD CFD Short 3,643 3.8157 GBP ORD SWAP Short 70,836 3.9782 GBP (c) Options transactions in respect of existing securities (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Writing, Number of Type Option Class of Product purchasing, securities Exercise money relevant description selling, to which price e.g. Expiry paid/ security e.g. call varying option per unit American, date received option etc. relates European per unit etc. (ii) Exercising Product Class of relevant description Number of Exercise price security securities per unit e.g. call option (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Nature of dealing Class of relevant Details Price per unit (if security e.g. subscription, applicable) conversion The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 4 Mar 2013 Contact name: Geoff Smith Telephone number: 020 3555 4632 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at firstname.lastname@example.com. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Contact: BARCLAYS PLC
GLEN: BARCLAYS PLC: Form 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) GLENCORE INTL PLC - Amendment
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GREEN BAY – Yes, Aaron Rodgers will be paying attention to what happens in the Baltimore Ravens' contract negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco, the Super Bowl XLVII MVP from the Ravens' 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. But the Green Bay Packers quarterback said Tuesday he isn't worried about when he'll get his own deal done.
Flacco is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 12, and his new deal could eclipse those of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, whose contracts are the most lucrative of any quarterback in NFL history.
Rodgers is under contract with the Packers through the 2014 season, having signed a six-year, $65 million contract in October, 2008 that contained $20 million in guaranteed money. His base salary for 2013 is $9.25 million; his 2014 base salary is $10.5 million. Brees' contract averages $20 million per year. It stands to reason that Rodgers and his agent, David Dunn, will be very interested in what Flacco and his agent, Joe Linta, end up getting from the Ravens.
"I think everybody is going to see what Joe (Flacco) ends up signing for," Rodgers said on his weekly radio show on 540 ESPN and ESPNWisconsin.com on Tuesday. "I'm sure they want to lock him up. He's a great player – had an incredible run in the playoffs – and I'm sure they want to keep him around. A guy like that, with the post-season success he's had, you want to keep a guy like that around for a while."
Asked if it was more important to be the NFL's highest-paid quarterback or sign a deal that pays him what he deserves while also leaving the team cap maneuverability to sign other players, Rodgers replied, "It kind of is what it is, as far as that goes. The team, when they're ready to talk contract, we'll get there when we get there.
"Obviously you've got to be able to have guys around you to compete and win every year, and we'll see what happens with some of the free agents that we have. When that time comes, we'll get a deal done. I'm not worried about that. I think the Packers want to keep me around for a little while longer, and I'd love to be a Packer for life."
Return to: Jason Wilde Blog


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- Filed Under
Contributions to the Missouri State Foundation totaled $16.66 million for the past year, a drop of 1.8 percent from a record-setting 2012 highlighted by a one-time gift of $4 million to the West Plains campus.
The 2013 total is the first time in five years that gifts to the foundation decreased. Still, it is the third-highest total in university history.
The drop was expected, according to Brent Dunn, MSU's vice president for university advancement. First, there was the extraordinary $4 million gift the year before. Second, Dunn said, the foundation finished its "Our Promise" campus-wide ...


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Is Barack Obama another Neville Chamberlain? I've been reluctant to make the comparison, but as talks with Iran have unfolded, it's become impossible not to think of the 1938 Munich conference, where Britain and France agreed that strategically and economically vital Czech territory be ceded to Germany, leading soon after to German conquest of Czechoslovakia and World War II. America's looming deal with Iran rivals Munich in its unnecessary and catastrophic recklessness. It is an inexplicable unforced error that will have disastrous consequences unless Congress, or Israel, does something to stop it.
An acceptable diplomatic solution to the danger posed by Iran's nuclear program might have been available, but only had the United States maintained tough sanctions and a credible threat of military force. President Obama instead utterly undermined U.S. leverage and has offered so many irresponsible concessions that any deal struck under this president would be a dangerous deal.
First, the administration, through the Joint Plan of Action interim deal, conceded that Iran can maintain its nuclear program, contravening decades of U.S. policy and multiple legally binding U.N. Security Council resolutions. We won't be able to stop the proliferation cascade that will ensue in a region already rife with violence and instability.
Second, the administration moved its stated red line from denying Iran nuclear weapons capacity to ensuring its nuclear breakout time is at least a year. But there's really no way to guarantee that. The multitude of steps across multiple institutions that would have to be taken to detect, verify, and try to resolve diplomatically any Iranian attempt to sneak out or break out means a year would pass before a military strike could even be considered. In any case, prompt and thorough verification would be virtually unachievable because the deal won't require full Iranian transparency on its past research into nuclear weapons technology.
Third, with the latest U.S. offer reportedly allowing 6,500 operating centrifuges, Iran would have to verifiably export or eliminate almost all its enriched uranium stockpiles to push the breakout time to more than 12 months—something it won't do. It would also have to verifiably dismantle the rest of its 19,000 centrifuges—something it won't be required to do.
Fourth, the deal will include a sunset clause whereby Iran eventually would become a normalized nuclear power operating as large an enrichment program as it likes. So in perhaps a decade, based on recent reports, Iran could be treated like Japan.
Finally, the deal ignores Iran's ballistic missile program—the largest in the Middle East—despite ongoing advances that could allow it to develop the capability to target the United States around the same time the agreement would expire.
One could go on, but it's clear that Obama is not trying to prevent a nuclear Iran and merely hoping to manage its approach to that point. This is an error of potentially catastrophic significance, representing in several ways a more unnecessary and unjustified betrayal than Munich.
Chamberlain believed he alone could secure peace with Hitler and integrate Germany into the community of nations. He chose not to work with the Soviet Union or the United States, which would have given him more leverage against Berlin. In cutting out potential partners and capitulating completely to Hitler, he upended a growing anti-German coalition and solidified the Führer's domestic position. Notably, though, Britain didn't have deep-seated strategic ties with or treaty obligations to the Czechs or neighboring countries.
The United States, however, does have enduring strategic relationships with the countries whose existence is threatened by a nuclear Iran. We have supported Israel since its founding. For decades, U.S. policymakers have spoken of the country as our closest ally in the region, with whom we have close cultural, diplomatic, economic, military, and intelligence ties. We also have supported the Sunni Arab regimes in the Persian Gulf, led by Saudi Arabia, through military sales, basing agreements, intelligence cooperation, and the (Jimmy) Carter Doctrine's explicit promise to defend the region from outside aggression. The primary threat to both our Arab and Israeli allies for decades has been the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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We don't expect much. It's been nearly six years. We're long past the point of hoping that Barack Obama will adopt policies that deserve our grudging approval, if not enthusiastic endorsement, particularly on foreign policy and national security.
But we do expect something.
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"Appeasement" became a dirty word only after the 1930s. Paul Kennedy, a professor of history at Yale University, has long been interested in resurrecting its honorable side, and he takes another crack at the task in the latest issue of the National Interest.
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The Presidential historical materials of the White House Gift Unit are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note) and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify personal and private materials (including materials outside the date span covered by the act) as well as nonhistorical items. These materials have been returned to former President Nixon.
Materials covered by the Act have been archivally processed and are described in this register. Items which are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (GSA Form 7279 or NA Form 14021) with a description of each restricted document has been inserted at the beginning of each folder from which materials have been removed. A Document Control Record marks the original position of the withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restriction. Certain classified documents may be declassified under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to a Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.
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The White House Gift Unit (WHGU) was established during the Eisenhower administration to deal with the increasing number of items presented to the Chief Executive and his family by foreign officials and U.S. citizens. Under the direction of Lucy Ferguson (1969-1972) and Marge Wicklein (1973-1974), the White House Gift Unit during the Nixon years grew in size and responsibility.
The unit's primary task continued to be the documenting of gifts or gift-like items presented to the First Family. These items were received by the WHGU in one of several ways: directly from the White House Mail Room as they arrived and were unpacked; from the Congressional Liaison Office and members of the White House staff who accepted them on behalf of the President; from the Office of Protocol in the Department of State; and from the First Family.
When the items were in the unit's physical custody, its first job was to fill out a special printed 3" x 5" card that was designed to give the WHGU some measure of control over the gift collection. During the Nixon administration, the WHGU used four color-coded cards to indicate either the type of gift or the recipient. Four basic colors signified the following: white (the President), yellow (First Lady and daughters), pink (foreign gifts, including head of state and individuals), and green (WHGU office copy of all domestic gifts). After a gift was properly logged in, WHGU personnel drafted a suitable but routine acknowledgment letter. Once it was typed, the letter was sent to the appropriate official or family member for signature. If a particular item required a special reply, Rose Mary Woods, Roland L. Elliott, or Michael B. Smith drafted the letter for the President and Lucy A. Winchester, Social Secretary, did likewise for Mrs. Nixon
Additional responsibilities were assigned to the expanded White House Gift Unit of the Nixon administration. They included packing and inventorying incoming gifts and then making the necessary arrangements to transport them to the National Archives for courtesy storage; photographing most of the head of state gifts received; and, at the direction of the First Family, ordering items for presentation to foreign dignitaries and other select visitors.
The White House Gift Unit materials are a part of the White House Central Files, Staff Member and Office Files. They are divided into five series: Correspondence, Alpha Subject Files, Gift Lists and Cards, Drafts and form letters and Duplicate Gift Lists.
The Correspondence series reflects the unit's role in drafting letters of acknowledgment for all gifts sent to the First Family. The President, his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods, and Special Assistant to the President Roland L. Elliott are the principal correspondents of these responses to both domestic and foreign gift donors. The file also contains correspondence by or on behalf of Mrs. Nixon, Tricia Nixon Cox, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. Much of Mrs. Nixon's correspondence is signed by her social secretary Lucy A. Winchester. In addition to this general correspondence file, there are several folders containing memoranda from the WHGU to the Protocol Office of the State Department concerning the disposition of foreign gifts. There are folders for every year of the Nixon administration, except for 1972.
The Alpha Subject Files document the unit's responsibility for purchasing some of the gifts presented to certain White House visitors by members of the First Family. For this obvious reason, therefore, much of the material in the series consists of manufacturers' brochures, invoices, and other correspondence with specific companies. This series also includes some interesting correspondence. There is, for example, correspondence relating to the 6-month, 12-city American tour of gifts from the Government of the People's Republic of China as well as Chinese artifacts purchased by the Nixons during their 1972 China trip. This traveling exhibit was entitled "Journey for Peace." Also present in this series are lists of countries to which Secretary of State William P. Rogers, the Vice President, or the astronauts presented samples of moon rocks. In addition, the file contains activity schedules and calendars for Mrs. Nixon, Tricia Cox, and Julie Eisenhower for the period 1970-1973.
The Gift Lists and Cards is composed of three subseries: gifts received, gifts sent, and gift cards. The first subseries includes lists and records of all gifts presented to or received on behalf of the President and his family. The WHGU arranged these lists according to archives box number and type of gift. According to policy and practice of the WHGU, all gifts and gift-like items belonged to one of four general types: domestic, head of state, archives special, or Pre-Presidential. Only a small portion of the material, however, was classified as "archives special." The following criteria was used by the WHGU in determining whether or not a particular gift or item was of this type. If an item had been personally used by the President or a member of his family, or was so closely associated with the First Family, it was designated as "archives special." Some examples of items designated as "archives special" are the Nixon family Bibles, the naval uniform worn by the President, Julie and Tricia Nixon's wedding dresses, and a black leather chair used by the President in the Oval Office. Such items seemed suitable for purposes of exhibition.
The archivists determined that all items designated as "archives special" were the personal and private property of former President Nixon and his family. These items were shipped in February 1978 to California and placed in courtesy storage at the Federal Archives and Records Center, Laguna Niguel. On December 28, 1979, former President Nixon signed a deed of gift presenting these items to the U.S. Government to be administered by the National Archives. These items remain in the records center in Laguna Niguel, California.
The WHGU staff further arranged the same lists by category of gift and by recipient. This arrangement of the various gifts under a fixed category scheme became a useful tool in the staff's processing, especially since it provided further intellectual control. According to the scheme, which had been developed during the Eisenhower administration, there are 33 major categories of gifts with numerous subdivisions. A list of the various category headings and subheadings used by the Nixon WHGU is included in the appendix.
The second subseries of gift binders, inventories, and registers were created by the WHGU to aid the staff in maintaining proper documentation of all gifts and gift-like items purchased on behalf of the President or members of his family, and sent to various individuals. The gift binders present a master list of all gifts and gift-like items, with a brief description, that were presented to official representatives of foreign governments as well as other individuals during selected foreign travels of the President and Mrs. Nixon.
The third subseries are separate sets of 3" x 5" cards arranged according to either gift category or donor. The cards are the result of a cataloguing system developed by the WHGU and the White House Mail Room. These gift cards contain such information as: name and address of the donor, description of the item, category, recipient, date and manner received, date acknowledged, and disposition. Not all of the cards, however, including all of the above information.
The Drafts and Form Letters series and Duplicate Gift Lists series contain material similar to those found in the Correspondence series and the Gifts Received subseries respectively. Both of the former series, however, are incomplete.
The Subject Files of the White House Central Files, under the subject category "GI", includes approximately 40 cubic feet of material which should be used in conjunction with the WHGU working files. There is an additional 15 cubic feet of material in the White House Social Office Files relating to gifts received by Mrs. Nixon, Tricia and Edward Cox, and Julie and David Eisenhower. Several commercial photographs, provided by certain manufacturers to illustrate some of their products for consideration by the White House, have been removed from the files and transferred to the audiovisual collection (PA 79-6-290). Electrostatic copies have been substituted for these photographs in the files. In addition to these commercial photographs, there is an incomplete set of photographs, taken by the WHGU staff, of individual head of state gifts. This set is located in head of state gift box numbered 118-C. Although the photographs are either in color or in black and white, a majority of them are in color. The WHGU staff did not, however, photograph every head of state gift item. All paintings, rugs, and books were not routinely photographed unless the item was considered by the staff as unusual.
Boxes: 1-15
Series: Correspondence | Folder Title List
Spans: 1969-1974
Description: Carbon and electrostatic copies of letters, memoranda, and routing slips sent and received. Folders arranged chronologically by recipient, and material within folders arranged in reverse chronological order.
Boxes: 16-20
Series: Alpha Subject File | Folder Title List
Spans: 1969-1974
Description: Originals, carbon, and electrostatic copies of letters, memoranda, invoices, receipts, calendars, photographs, routing slips, magazines, and chits received. Arranged alphabetically by subject or firm name, and material therein arranged in reverse chronological order.
Boxes: 21-31
Series: Gift Lists and Cards | Folder Title List
Spans: 1969-1974
Description: Originals and electrostatic copies of lists, records, memoranda, and 3" x 5" cards. Arranged in three subseries as follows:
GIFTS RECEIVED. Boxes 21-31. Lists arranged by gift category and recipient. Material within folders arranged numerically by archives box number.
GIFTS SENT. Box 31. Arranged alphabetically by type, material within folders arranged chronologically.
GIFT CARDS. Drawers 1-11. Cards arranged by gift category, donor, and recipient.
Boxes: 32-46
Series: Drafts and Form Letters | Folder Title List
Spans: 1969-1974
Description: Originals, carbon, and electrostatic copies of letters, drafts, memoranda, schedules, proclamations, press releases, gift cards, routing slips, and chits. There are 62 folders of these drafts and form letters. Also included are guidelines used by the White House Gift Unit in writing acknowledgment letters on behalf of the First Family. There are an additional 14 folders of draft thank you letters for the President, Mrs. Nixon, Tricia and Edward Cox, and Julie and David Eisenhower. Unarranged.
Boxes: 47-51
Series: Duplicate Gift Lists | Folder Title List
Description: Carbon and electrostatic copies of lists found in the Gift Lists and Cards series. Incomplete. Arranged by gift category, and material within folders arranged numerically by archives box number.
Available as a searchable pdf file.


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An elderly man stands in front of the site where Pavlos Fyssas died early Wednesday in the suburb of Keratsini near Athens on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013. The murder of the musician known as Killah P has triggered widespread condemnation of the far-right Golden Dawn party, after one of its members was accused of the killing and arrested. The graffiti on the door reads "Revenge". (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)


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Sunday, November 29, 2015
Still Crazy Like a Fox was a 1987 TV-movie effort to revive the lighthearted detective series originally telecast in 1984-86. Jack Warden is back as eccentric detective Harry Fox, with John Rubinstein as his conservative lawyer son Harrison. Father and son are lifted from their natural San Francisco habitat and sent on a vacation in England. While in London, Harry spots a man in the act of stealing. But the man is the above-reproach Duke of Kent (James Faulkner), and Harry's accusations are ignored. When the Duke is murdered, Harry goes to the head of the suspect list. Costarring in Still Crazy Like a Fox is British comic actor Graham (Monty Python) Chapman as Harry's dyspeptic Scotland Yard antagonist. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi


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Dr. Wilfried Mutombo, Coordinating investigator, Fexinidazole study for HAT
Conducting clinical trials for sleeping sickness in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo –
Overcoming operational challenges and reaping health system benefits
[July 2014]
At the time DNDi and its partners are extending the clinical trial on fexinidazole, the first new oral treatment tested for sleeping sickness, to the early stages of the disease in adults and to children between 6 and 14 years of age, it is important to remember how clinical trials in remote areas of a country such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can be a daunting challenge, but can also bring lasting benefits to local communities and researchers, and to the health system overall.
Robert Don, Discovery & Preclinical Director, and Charles Mowbray, Head of Drug Discovery, DNDi
Modern drug discovery and the fight against NTDs: How can the PDP model enhance and accelerate the R&D process?
[May 2014]
Important advances have been made in recent years to optimize the use of existing medicines to treat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) but, while providing urgently needed improvements on previous treatments, they are often still not ideal. There remains an urgent need to design and develop modern drugs to treat these diseases.
Silvia Gold, President, Mundo Sano Foundation
Global Alliance for the Treatment of Chagas Disease: Thinking About the Patients
[April 2014]
American Trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as Chagas disease, no longer reflects the geographical scope of the disease. Today, Chagas disease affects people around the world. It is hard to imagine that a disease, discovered over a century ago, which today can be easily diagnosed and for which effective treatment exists, continues to be a problem of severe health impact.
Bernard Pécoul, Executive Director, DNDi
Time for a Reality Check for Neglected Diseases
[February 2014]
The field of neglected disease R&D today is experiencing what could be characterized as a phase of shifting sands: after long inaction for decades, we are now experiencing both remarkable advances and rude set-backs. The innovative ideas, incentives, and R&D partnerships, such as DNDi, that emerged over the last decade are right at the nexus of these movements – of governments, industry, philanthropy, and civil society, among others – and they thus impact directly on our work. They provide a constant reality check that reminds us of just how fragile the field of not-for-profit drug development for neglected diseases is, be it in times of advances or in times of set-backs. We have to take this seriously into account and feed our reflections, debates, and efforts to secure the sustainability of the environment in which we work to solve, in the long term, the problems of millions of patients.
Jean-François Alesandrini, Fundraising & Advocacy Director
WHO R&D 'Demonstration Projects': A Member State-driven step towards a sustainable global framework for neglected disease R&D
[November 2013]
WHO Member States and experts, after weeks of consultations, are in the process of selecting 'demonstration projects' to address the unmet medical needs of developing countries. The overall objective of this process is to evaluate and assess new innovative mechanisms to coordinate and fund public health research and development (R&D).


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During July, Washoe County saw 571 sales of existing stick-built single family houses, an increase of 11 percent from July 2012 and 9 percent rise from June.
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Washoe County's real estate market returned to housing boom-era numbers in July, according to a report released Wednesday by the Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors.
During July, the county saw 571 sales of existing, stick-built single family houses. It was an increase of 11 percent from July 2012 and 9 percent from June. It was the second-highest number of sales in July behind those that occurred in July 2005, according to the report. The height of the housing market occurred between 2005 and 2006.
"It's now affordable," said Helen Graham, 2013 association president and agent with Keller ...


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Patricia A. Martinelli, administrator/curator of the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society, recently presented an antique foot warmer to Jonathan Wood, who accepted it on behalf of the Cumberland County Historical Society. The foot warmer once belonged to the Fithian family of Greenwich and will be placed on exhibit in the county organization's museum. / Submitted photo
VINELAND — One of the most significant names in South Jerseys past is Fithian, a family who made numerous contributions to the growth and development of the region dating to before the American Revolution. However, since the Fithians have been most closely associated with the tiny seaport of Greenwich, it seemed only fair to the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society that a piece of the familys past be returned to its hometown.
During a recent inventory of our collections, we discovered a small tin foot warmer that was clearly marked as having once been owned by Dr. Enoch Fithian, who lived in Greenwich between 1792 and 1892, said Patricia A. Martinelli, administrator/curator of the historical society. Since part of being responsible caretakers of history is to return objects to their proper home, the board decided to donate the foot warmer to the Cumberland County Historical Society, which is headquartered in Greenwich.
Martinelli noted the item probably was donated to the organization before the county nonprofit was created.
As the oldest local nonprofit in New Jersey, Vinelands society has received a lot of material that really does not relate to our mission, which is to collect and preserve the history of our town and its residents, Martinelli said. Were hoping to make similar donations to other regional societies in the years ahead.
For information, call (856) 691-1111 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Lebanon Schools Board of Education met Monday evening where it put a spotlight on recent efforts with technology in preparation for the 1:1 initiative's rollout in August in the district's middle schools.
Previously, Geoff Atchley's eighth-grade social studies class at Walter J. Baird was asked to participate in an "online classroom" trial that allowed the students to work solely on Chromebooks to use technology to do their work instead of the typical paper and pencil approach.
Atchley said the students use the Internet and rely on Google Docs to write, edit and share documents from notes to assignments to extra credit, all online. He said about 85 percent of his 160 students chose to participate in the new technology-heavy approach and the remaining 15 percent stuck with the ways they were accustomed to.
Within Google Docs, Atchley said students are able to make notes, graphs and highlight their work, and in turn, he is able to view, comment on and edit their work, all in one step.
"Really I've been amazed at the results," Atchley said.
According to Atchley, nothing has changed in the way the class is conducted and reviews and discussions in the classroom are still held as usual. The change, he said, has came in the way the students go about doing their assigned work.
"It's enhanced their creativity, it allows them to use the Internet to look up sources and more details to make their understanding and writing better," Atchley said. "Being paperless it puts more responsibility on the student and allows them to do things like make their own study guide and go out and look for answers instead of knowing where to look or me just giving them answers."
Students from Atchley's class at the meeting noted that Google Docs is also easily accessible on any mobile device, like laptops or phones, which is a huge difference from hindering paper notes they might not take the time to pull out and read again.
The students also explained how technology has made the learning process more fun and enjoyable.
"They can get so much more creative with this and they know how to use this stuff already, so why not gear them toward this and put technology toward learning instead of just playing?" Atchley said.
Scott Benson, director of schools, said though it may not be next year, the district was evolving toward a no-textbook plan, with textbook money going toward technology in the future so every child would have this opportunity.
"The excitement, engagement and achievement level I see in these students is what we've seen in other schools who have changed," Benson said.
As a result of the technology switch in his class, Atchley said that at the 22-and-a-half-week benchmark the results had "skyrocketed."
"I was nervous about this at first, but now I've completely bought in," Atchley said.


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Full House Without Michelle Is Equal Parts Creepy & Enjoyable
But, many argue that perhaps the most annoying element to the '90s sitcom was the nauseatingly perfect tot, Michelle Tanner (we happen to think she was as cute as a button, but hey, that's us). Well, according to Jezebel, one creative director loathed her character so much that he decided to see what the show would be like sans Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen on screen — and the results? They are pretty creepy. Watch this vid where Michelle Tanner is an invisible child and see what life is like sans the toddler. How...rude?!


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loginLogging in the Blackboard LMS
If you made it here, there's no point in sending you somewhere else to log in. BUT, in case you find yourself in BlazerNet, you can access your courses through the Faculty Dashboard on the Faculty Resources tab. Because you are already logged in using your Blazer ID, clicking on a course name will take you directly to that course shell.
Here, we're going to walk through logging in from this site.
First, note that the Bb icon on the right side of the screen below is available on the site home page only; the login link on the top navigation bar is visible from any page on this site:
Enter your blazer ID and password, and you will see the My Institution home page:
Click here for all the gory details about the My Institution home page. Right now, we're just concentrating on the course home page. Once you select the course shell you would like to access you will see the course home page.
Course Home Page


text: Giving Wedding Favors On A Budgetby: Michael Kabel It's an all-too-common scenario for the modern bride and wedding planner. With resources and funds stretched to their breaking point, and with the Big Date drawing ever closer, the time comes when something's got to give. You can only cut a dollar so many different ways, as the old saying goes. There has to be compromises. That's sound advice – if only it were true. Working from a budget doesn't have to mean cutting out the fineries involved in presenting a complete wedding celebration. When shopping for wedding favors, there are several ways to cut costs without compromising quality. While some might require a little more manual labor and extra preparation time, there's a definite trade off in the money you'll spend in the long run. And money saved is money that can be spent on other items throughout the wedding preparations. You may not be able to spend the same dollar everywhere, but you can spend it as smartly as possible! Whenever you can, buy in bulk and do the work of assembling and gift-wrapping your wedding favors yourself. This will present a huge savings if you're planning to give smaller, more personal wedding favors such as candies or flowers. Ordering from online unique wedding favor retailers in bulk or in larger quantities will sometimes entitle you to a larger discount than you might get if simply ordering normal wedding favor quantities. Florists might offer larger discounts when buying loose lots of flowers, and you can always buy candy and potpourri literally by the pound. Of course you may also want to make the wedding favors truly unique by preparing them yourself out of raw ingredients. Few wedding guests are able to resist the charm of homemade brownies, for example, especially when packaged in a handwrapped bag with a handwritten note. Though they're not necessarily gourmet quality (unless you're a chef), the homemade touch carries an intimacy and sincerity all its own. And the key to any successful wedding favor presentation is the amount of sincerity your guests perceive. Other budget favors include simple favors your guests will enjoy not just at the wedding reception but also when they go home. If you're considering a simple keepsake, remember that candles and votives last for hours and can also be a necessity in times of inclement weather. When ordering from discount stores and especially some online wedding favor merchants, candles can sell for less than a dollar each. The wedding favor is a great way to show your appreciation for your guests' time and selflessness in joining you on your special day, so keep in mind they're not something to easily dismiss come budget crunch time. While they don't have to cost a fortune, they're something of a necessity, as they'll act as a souvenir and memory touchstone for how your guests remember all your wedding decorations and plans. My Wedding Favors offers dozens of delightful and unique wedding favors for the wedding planner on a budget. We also offer elegant wedding favors in a variety of themes, as well as groomsmen gifts, wedding shower favors, and even personalized wedding favors, too. For a complete look at our catalog, we invite you to visit us online at http://www.myweddingfavors.com/.


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- Filed Under
Town and Country Bank announced that it made a donation to the nonprofit organization OATS Inc. In an effort to ensure Missouri residents are provided reliable transportation to allow them to live independently in their own communities, Town and Country Bank presented OATS Inc. with a check for $5,000. The donation will be used to assist the purchase of a new van for Ava-area residents where Town and Country Bank has two banking centers.
Mediacom offering $1,000 scholarships
Mediacom Communications is offering $60,000 in scholarship support for high school students who are seniors and plan to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 12th consecutive year and will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 60 high school seniors. Recipients will be selected from applicants living in areas where Mediacom delivers broadband and cable services. The company's service areas in Missouri include 75 communities and numerous counties.
Recipients may use the financial awards to support educational expenses they will incur in the fall of 2013 as they pursue higher education or vocational training from any accredited post-secondary institution. High schools in Mediacom-served communities were sent application materials, and applications are due on or before Feb. 15. Information and the brief application can also be found online at www.mediacomworldclass.com.
Trivia Fiesta to aid counseling center
Ozarks Counseling Center announced that it will hold its 2013 Trivia Fiesta 6-9 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Executive Conference Center Ballroom at 910 W. Battlefield. With food from sponsor Qdoba Mexican Grill and brain-busting question from master of ceremonies Eldon Combs, the event will let trivia teams of up to 10 people compete for prizes including the grand prize of free Qdoba burritos for a year. Registration is $250 for teams of up to 10 players; individual registration is $25.
Trivia Fiesta is a fundraiser for Ozarks Counseling Center, a nonprofit mental health agency that provides services on a sliding fee scale based on income. For more information about Trivia Fiesta, including team registration and sponsorship opportunities, contact Carol Robinett, OCC director of development, at 417-869-9011 or email@example.com; or visit the website at www.ozarks counselingcenter.org.


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Career Alternatives, Food, Job Searches, Law Schools
Last week, we brought you the story of an intrepid New York Law School graduate who started his own business. Think cupcakes on wheels.
Today, the proprietor of Cupcake Stop, Lev Ekster, stopped by our office with his delicious wares. Yumyumyumyumyum.
Ed. note: For the record, I really hate donuts. I don't even particularly like sweets. I owe my girlish figure to (1) things that can be wrapped in bacon and (2) a zero tolerance policy when it comes to exercise.
The most important part of the visit was the excellent food. Lev brought over his three best-selling creations: cookie dough, Oreo cookies 'n cream, and red velvet. I'd never had a cookie dough cupcake, but its gustatory greatness cannot be denied.
Lat preferred the cookies and cream flavor, while Kash opted to continue looking beautiful.
After we finished stuffing our faces, we sat down to talk with Mr. Ekster. Our notes from the interview, plus pictures of the cupcake-y goodness, after the jump.
Cupcake Stop is not the only small business Lev Ekster is running. He is also involved in Outlines.com, a site that is gaining traction among law students. You can't eat an outline, but at least it's law-related.
We asked Lev why cupcakes seemed like a logical business venture:
Running the Cupcake Stop is more than just running a truck. I didn't leave the law to start a cupcake truck. I have higher aspirations for this business….
Every minute of every day for the next month is booked. I think I am working a lot harder than a summer associate or a first year. Cupcakes sound fun, but it's a business.
Lev went on to explain that he is looking at this business from a macroeconomic perspective. He has already started taking catering orders, for weddings and other events. On a busy day, Lev said that he will field over a thousand emails from people inquiring what Cupcake Stop can do for them. The next step is to offer tea with the cupcakes.
There could even be a television show in it, about a disgruntled law student who starts his own business. Lev says there are people interested in the idea.
With all of this entrepreneurial spirit, why did he go to law school in the first place?
I graduated from Ithaca College. My mom is a doctor, and she told me not to go that route. I watched a lot of Law & Order growing up…. Along the way, I kind of went off course.
Given the current legal market, perhaps he took the right course — straight out of the profession?
I didn't go around telling everybody from law school about this. A lot of law school people learned about it from your post on Above the Law… A lot of them still don't have jobs.
Still, Ekster feels that New York Law School is somewhat unfairly maligned by ATL readers. He said that, just like anywhere else, there are good professors and bad professors. He credits one of his NYLS professors for mentoring him through the process of starting a small business, and throwing in a little free legal work (rent agreements, contracts) on the side.
While the recession could be hurting a lot of his classmates, Lev thinks there are a lot of benefits to starting a small business during a downturn:
You can hire people that are overqualified for less money than they would normally demand.
He said that he's received applications from experienced chefs to work in his kitchen, Cornell hospitality graduates willing to work the counter in the truck, and even Harvard Business School applicants looking for an internship.
But of course, there is a downside to recession economics as well:
No one wants to spend any money. I had to hit up the parents for a bit of money, but we're trying not to cut any corners. We're doing it the right way… but I didn't want to take out any more loans on top of my educational debt.
So, what advice does entrepreneur Ekster have for other law students looking at a depressed market for legal services?
Don't be so close-minded. A lot of CEOs are former attorneys — just having a J.D. doesn't mean you are limited to being an attorney.
There is money to be made, even in the middle of a recession. And yes, Lev is hiring.
Food Stuff: Cupcakes on Wheels [New York Times]
Earlier: Comfort Food for the Economy
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ACU introduces online registration for students
For immediate release
Oct. 3, 2001
This fall, for the first time, Abilene Christian University students will register for their classes online, rather than through an advisor.
Web for Students will allow students to log in and select their classes via computer, without having to wait in lines to talk to an advisor or fill out schedule requests.
"Online registration will be an improvement because it allows students to take more responsibility for their schedules," said Dr. Mark Davis, dean of the First Year Program and director of advising. "After visiting with an academic advisor, they will then be able to build their own schedule."
In the past, students had to schedule a meeting with their advisor, and the advisor then registered them for their classes.
This semester, students will be able to register on their own via the Web for Students online registration; however, to ensure that students receive proper advising before registering, certain students will be required to meet with their advisor.
All freshmen, sophomores, undeclared majors, students on probation and all students with a GPA below 2.5 will have to meet with their assigned academic advisor before registering for courses.
The new system will be an improvement for advisors as well as students.
"Online registration will give advisors more time to discuss academic and vocational goals and to encourage students to make full use of their God-given talents," Davis said.
Web registration will be available from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day of the week, barring any maintenance problems.
Graduate students, Honors Program students and students at Study Abroad sites will be able to register for the spring semester after Oct. 15. Seniors will be able to register after Oct. 17; juniors after Oct. 22; sophomores after Oct. 24; and freshmen after Oct. 30.
Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Wendy Kilmer, university news coordinator, at email@example.com or call 915-674-2692.
Last update: Oct. 3, 2001


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Photos: Cuban chews & stews; Carlisle's pain; The Luvabulls, more in Mavs' loss to Bulls
Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 28: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls is fouled by Vince Carter #25 of the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center on November 28, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 101-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Wouldn't it be nice if the Monroe County Community College had a small business incubator to help new companies in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing succeed in becoming new local employers?
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee Tuesday will consider that very thing while looking at a proposal from Joshua Myers, coordinator of development and external affairs at MCCC.
Mr. Myers has requested $20,000 from the county board to help secure a possible $100,000 rural development grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant, if awarded, would be used to pay for a feasibility study "to determine the need and best use for an incubator in Monroe County," Mr. Myers wrote in a memo.
"The intent is to establish at MCCC an incubator in the emerging regional growth sectors of advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and renewable energy," the memo reads in part.
An incubator at the college already is part of greater Monroe County plans. The county's Comprehensive Employment Development Strategy includes one in future county objectives.
The Monroe County Economic Development Corporation has signed onto the application.
Future tenants housed in the incubator "will have access to the college's state-of-the-art equipment, expert technical and business consultation, and resources to identify and solicit private capital investment," Mr. Myers wrote.
The feasibility study is one step necessary for soliciting further federal and state grant money that could help fund eventual construction of such a facility at the college, Mr. Myers wrote.
And investment, he said, that, "would dramatically enhance the county's economic development capacity, and offer aspiring businesses a path to success. An incubator could offer untold dividends to the economic prosperity of our county."


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Greg Lukianoff, president of FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, said the group took issue with vague wording in the college's previous sexual misconduct policy, which drew no distinction between a hug and sex crimes.
"When colleges pass codes so broad, every student can be found guilty of violating it on a regular basis," Lukianoff said. "It leaves it up to the discretion of the school to enforce the policy as they chose."
The group, a nonpartisan organization that monitors educational institutions and civil rights, also disputed Gettysburg's former definition of sexual consent, which includes "continuing and active consent" throughout.
Julie Ramsey, Gettysburg's vice president of student life and dean of students, said a policy committee of students, faculty and administrators gathers each year to review the college's polices.
Ramsey said they reviewed the sexual misconduct policy last year and rewrote it. Changes include more specific language along the lines FIRE called for. Changes include more specific language that addresses FIRE's concerns.
"The policy talks about consent, and it talks about how students give consent and tries to make that as clear as possible," Ramsey said.
The revised policy defines sexual misconduct and sexual assault as "deliberate physical contact of a sexual nature without the other person's consent."
Violations include unwanted sexual contact, nonconsensual intercourse and exposing one's self to another person when it is unwanted.
The policy also has a revised definition of consent that includes "informed, freely and actively given, using mutually understandable words or actions which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity."
Other revisions to the policy update the reporting process.
Alleged victims can make an official report to the school if they're clear on how they want the situation to be handled, or they can make an unofficial report where they can talk about their options confidentially with a counselor.
Regardless of FIRE's criticism, Ramsey said, committees routinely examine the school's policies and update them when necessary.
The previous year, the committee overhauled the college's drug and alcohol policy.
Policy changes
A committee of Gettysburg College students, faculty and administrators recently reviewed and revised the school's sexual misconduct policy.
The policy now defines sexual misconduct and sexual assault as "deliberate physical contact of a sexual nature without the other person's consent;" has a revised definition of consent; and has updated the steps to be taken when reporting sexual misconduct.


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Free Pattern Thursday: Sally Cardigan by Nikol Lohr in Valley Yarns Sheffield
Hi Everyone,
This week's free pattern was featured on Craft. It is the Sally Cardigan and it was designed by Nikol Lohr using Valley Yarns Sheffield.
The colorwork looks complicated, but is achieved using slipped stitches, so you're never using more than one color at a time. The cardigan is also steeked and there is a fantastic tutorial on the site. I know steeking is a little fright-inducing (it's still something I've yet to tackle, but want to!), but this tutorial makes it very clear and helps take that fear out.
Valley Yarns Sheffield is a favorite around here. It's warm and super cozy. It is a blend of merino, angora, and silk. The angora gives it just a hint of a halo and the merino is super soft.
Click here for a link to the pattern.
Have Fun!
Her favorite color: bright pink
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Tags: cardigan


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Who ever msg me private i cant open it
0 So how should I excess it my private msg I can't open it.0May 16, '13 by Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN Senior ModeratorThere can be a number of thing why you can't open your mail....your in/out box may be full and/or folders could be full and/or person you want to respond to has full box - delete some of your mail and see what happens if not go to the Help Desk0May 16, '13 by JustBeachyNurseIf you have exceeded your number of stored messages in your inbox, outbox, or other folders (the maximum number of messages is inclusive of all folders). The maximum number of messages is 25 inclusive of all folders (in, sent, etc.) for a basic/non-paid member.
if you are still having difficulty please start a thread in the admin help desk here: http://allnurses.com/admin-help-desk/


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Sabian AA Sound Control Crash Cymbal, 15"Item #: MC.21540
List Price: $306.00
Unrated ( Be the first to review this item )
by Sabian
Crash Cymbal. Made by Sabian. (MC.21540)
Free Shipping on this item in orders above $199
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Found in: Crash Cymbals
Thin, flanged-edge model is highly sensitive for rapid, splashy responses. Ideal for recording.Secret-process bronze shaped under 75 tons of pressure delivers inner strength and outer energy. Explosive energy and bright tone, together. AA is all about classic sounds. Rock. Funk. Blues. Jazz..It's about tradtion, about what makes history. And it's about making history again. Bright, explosive energy, the vintage bright sound for today.


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Innvision Design renovates Adam's Mark Buffalo
Interior design and procurement services provider Innvision Design redesigned Adam's Mark Buffalo, the last remaining Adam's Mark property in the U.S.
All the 486 guestrooms and common areas were completely redesigned as part of the renovation project. The new design features an urban nautical motif that utilizes actual canvas sails in the common areas to fill the atrium and lobby areas with the combination of space and light.
The first phase of renovation includes transformation of the guestrooms, including both visual and operational elements, such as bed linens, window coverings and updated guest technology. The property has also renovated three floors to appeal to business and upscale leisure travelers.
Most visible changes have taken place in the hotel's public spaces, which include the entire front atrium, registration and lobby areas, as well as the lounge and restaurant. Colors reminiscent of nautical flags are used for the lounge area seating, and tall sails used in the open atrium in the lobby space.
Glass-encased model sailboats separate the dining areas and custom lighting changes colours to reflect the overall mood of the space. Innvision has also reused some of the original materials in the new design, including a golden oak trim.
The Adam's Mark Buffalo also features a convention center, which will be covered in the next phase of renovation. The meeting spaces will also be updated to bring the design in line with the rest of the property.
Winners of 35th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design announced
Nov 24, 2015
Swiss-Belhotel acquires, refurbishes Swiss-Belresort Coronet Peak
Nov 24, 2015
Starwood Hotels & Resorts to renovate SLS Las Vegas
Nov 24, 2015
Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica, part of Viceroy Hotel Group's Urban Retreat Collection and owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, unveiled a complete renovation of its 310...
W Hotels Worldwide announced plans to reinvigorate more than 10 of its hotel properties across North America within the next 18 months. The renovations, which vary by hotel, are...
The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, located steps from the US Capitol, announced the completion of a $6-million renovation of its guestrooms and suites. The redesign...


text: Front amid old motion film cameras for size reference Flush mount lens side view, rear compartment visible Photos (4) Videos (3) View larger Contour Plus 1500 HD Action Camera Tough point-of-view HD camera for sports videography Item #: 8061500 1 Review This item is no longer available. Original Price: $499.99 Shop all Action Video Cameras Need help? 1.888.955.6000 Email Chat Ask an expert advisor No pressure, no commission — just lots of good advice from our highly trained staff.


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I am stuck in the same room in the exact situation except that I am not using any kind of Trainer or Cheat. I just loaded the game last night and everything worked fine untill I got to that room. No way to heal as nothing works.
reload the game without any trainer running then when your past that part turn it on.


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More recipes and homemade girl scout cookies!
Posted by chrystibella on August 8, 2009
I love the web! I rarely use cook books anymore. If I want a recipe I do a search on the Internet and get some great options and find new things I wasn't even looking for. This morning I was doing a search for baked eggs and found this:
Here is a really great blog that has recipes for all kinds of yummy delicious foods. It is called Baking Bites. There are even recipes for making homemade Girl Scout cookies! The Thin Mints are my favorite so I am definitely going to try this one.
I have added this website to my links so that I remember where it is. I always do that when I find something that I want to return to. With so much info on the web it's easy to misplace or forget a good site when I come across one.
Here are more of the recipes for the Homemade Girl Scout Cookies:
Comments3 Responses to "More recipes and homemade girl scout cookies!"
Leave a comment, and if you'd like your own picture to show up next to your comments, go get a gravatar!


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This is the December 6, 2012 news archive. View today's Rays rumors and news.
Rays complete $2 million contract for 1B LoneyESPN.com Updated Dec 6, 2012Free agent first baseman James Loney and the Tampa Bay Rays completed their $2 million, 1-year contract Thursday.Share Tweet
Sports Columnists
NBA -- What scouts are sayingDec 6Marc Stein checks in with advance scouts to get their takes on the most pressing NBA topics.
Biggest NFL games of Week 14 -- John Clayton's First & 10Dec 6No. 1 seeds are on the line this weekend, but that distinction isn't as valuable as it once was, John Clayton writes.


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:) Good for standing up for yourself! But do remember that everyone's just started at uni/college, and everyone will be going crazy and celebrating the first few weeks. It will die down :)
Living away from your parents can be scary, but once you get used to doing everything for yourself the freedom is great.
Oh, I remember my drunken flatmates arriving home ^^ I'd be dozing off around 2am, and then they'd come singing into the flat xD Or race up and down playing with everyone's umbrellas, which we left in the corridor. They'd disappear in a while, but it was usually quite funny listening xD And if they did disturb my sleep they always apologised for it the next day. I had great flatmates, although my next door neighbour, Chen Yu, never socialised with us. We only knew he was alive because I could hear him singing in Chinese at 3am.


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Posted by Will Brinson
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is, once again, the prize gem of the NFL's incoming draft class. But things are a little different this year, as a number of discontented fan bases fired up "Suck for Luck" campaigns in the hopes that their team will be worse than your team and therefor end up drafting the Stanford prospect No. 1 overall.
Awkwardly, Luck's very much aware of these campaigns and, as he told Judy Battista of the New York Times recently, he's not a fan.
"I am aware of it," Luck said. "A couple of guys told me about it. I think it's stupid. Simply put."
It is stupid. And frankly, kind of annoying, given that there are so many fanbases -- the Colts, the Seahawks, the Chiefs and the Dolphins to name a few -- involved this early in the season. (There's nothing wrong with scouting Luck, of course.)
In fact, Chris Joseph, the fella that runs Fins Nation, a Dolphins blog, is quoted in Battista's article as wholeheartedly endorsing the campaign, saying that he "actively rooted" for the Dolphins to lose to San Diego recently.
That's pretty awkward if you're a "real fan" or whatever, but making it even worse is that Luck still has a year of eligibility left. As a redshirt junior, Luck doesn't have to leave Stanford. Though if he wins the Heisman (he's the prohibitive favorite right now) and the first-ever Pac-12 title game, plus a BCS bowl game, he'll be hard pressed to hang around, especially since the Cardinal graduating 23 seniors from this season's team.
But maybe Luck will think twice if the folks who'll end up cheering for him in 2012 spent the entire prior year rooting against their own team.
For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our NFL newsletter, and while you're add it, add our RSS Feed.


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WASHINGTON - Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement today in response to news that First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is restructuring its operations to reflect market conditions. The restructuring includes scaling back manufacturing operations in Europe and Malaysia and reducing its global workforce by 2,000 employees, including about 120 employees in the U.S.:
Tax Credits
You are here
SEIA Statement on Payroll Tax Cut Compromise
Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, released the following statement today in reaction to a congressional compromise bill that extends the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits through the end of the year, but does not address tax extenders such as the 1603 Treasury program.
Poll Reports 94% of Americans Say It's Important for the U.S. to Develop and Use Solar Energy
A vast majority of Americans, across all political parties, overwhelmingly support development and funding of solar energy. Ninety-one percent of Republicans, 97 percent of Democrats and 98 percent of Independents agree that developing solar power is vital to the United States.
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Racing asymmetric flying multiplayer splitscreen realtime track creation
One player takes control of the Paver, a spacecraft which moves through the gameworld like an airplane. The Paver leaves a trail of energy in its wake, on which the rest of the players race each other in a variety of spacecraft called "Racers". The Pavers goal is to create a road so difficult that all the racers fall off, while the racers goal is to reach the Paver. This unique game mechanic creates an infinite ammount of spectacular racetracks to compete on. The "activator" mode enables players to participate in the race, even after they've won or lost, minimizing downtime between races.


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A Basic Operations Firefighter Academy is scheduled for
May 7, 2013
An Application packet can be picked up and dropped off upon completion at
500 S York Road, Bensenville, IL 60106.
The cost of $3,600.00 for the Academy includes your rental of turnout gear, books, uniform, self contained breathing apparatus and cost of physical with the District's designated physician.
Tuition also includes full sponsorship, Basic Fire Practicals, Hazmat Operations, Technical Rescue Awareness, Fire Service Vehicle Operator, Calling the Mayday, and Courage to be safe classes.
Upon completion of the Academy you will be eligible to take the IL Office of State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter Provisional, Hazardous Materials Operations and Technical Rescue Awareness exams and receive state certifications which are required by most fire departments for hire. You as the student will be required to complete the NIMS Training courses on line performing individual study . After graduation you will be asked to complete a check off book, allowing you to demonstrate your skill level as a Provisional Firefighter. Upon completion of this book the Fire Chief will sign you off for state certifications.
There are also requirements which need to be met prior to the beginning of the Academy start date. Upon receipt of your application by the deadline of April 15, 2013, an interview will be scheduled, your application will be reviewed and an appointment with the District's designated physician will be scheduled. You will receive notification of acceptance into the academy once you are deemed eligible. Two letters of recommendation and a valid CPAT card are required with your application. Once in the Academy, you as a Volunteer member of the BFPD need to maintain a 75% grade average throughout the Academy or you will be dismissed from the Academy and the BFPD. A monthly ride along is required by the Fire Chief. Also as a Volunteer member of the BFPD you may be asked to be involved in various district projects which require mandatory attendance and completion of these projects.
*No Refund Policy
* There are no refunds of class fees for a class cancelled by a candidate after May 7th . * After the refund deadline date, students who cancel a class, or students dropped from a class by the instructor, or student dropped from a class due to nonpayment, are NOT entitled to a refund of class fees.
* The only exception to this policy is when the department cancels the class. In this instance, the fees charged for the cancelled class will be refunded.
Physical Requirements
Thank you!


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The beginning is the end,
The end the beginning.
Erros are made to amend,
A brain made for thinking.
The end is not found in the end,
It is found only in self defeat.
An inigma difficult to comprehend,
None the less, when understood is a treat.
The end and the beginning,
Where does one end and the other start?
After much debate and thinking,
I think the answer lies within the heart.
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Michael Eckert
? Doris: "I just want to thank all the staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital that cared for me today, Dec. 6. They took great care of me. I want to thank our God for the great news you gave my doctor, for the procedure he did on me this morning. Thank you all!"
? Two Sisters: "We would like to thank the person who paid for our lunch on Monday at the Four Star Restaurant. That made our day!"
? No Name: "Regarding the photo of the children in today's paper participating in School House Rock: That little guy has got his whole heart and soul into it and he's really singing. What an uplifting picture! Thanks so much to the photographer who took it!"
? Caroline from Marysville: "After reading your TalkBack article in today's Times Herald, it hit the nail right on the head. I, too, feel very blessed for all of the people in St. Clair County and the love and kindness I am privileged to be blessed with every day. What lucky people we are! For what it's worth, I am also blessed with great children and a wonderful husband. Have a great day and a Merry Christmas!"
? No Name: "I am one of the old parishioners from Guadalupe Mission. I went, for the first time to the last mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission after 30 years. It was a beautiful mass and there were a lot of people there and I really enjoyed talking to other old parishioners."
? Ethel from Fort Gratiot: "I would like to thank the couple who paid for my lunch at Coney Island on Nov. 28. God bless you!"
? Dave from Port Huron: "What ever happened to the monument that was on the corner of State Street and Stone? What did they do with that?"
? Jim from Port Huron Township: "In response to Jackie from Port Huron, Bangladesh could hardly be considered a free-market economy. Tazreen does not employ a competitive free-market wage. It is our prerogative as a free market country to boycott or refuse to import goods and services that do not contribute to a healthy free market system. It really doesn't take much to make capitalism work properly. Our politicians simple don't understand. Econ 101 should be a prerequisite for all government employees, especially legislators."
? Jerry from Smiths Creek: "I see that thing where the county's thinking about bringing the trash in from Lapeer County but it needs to be approved by the townships. I think it's a good idea but if the townships are going to approve it, I think they need to put the recycling bins back. If these commissioners can build a convention center that's going to operate at a $400,000 a year loss, they can afford to give us back the recycling bins in the townships."
? Jim from Port Huron Township: "Carl Levin wants foreign tax loopholes closed. Why not allow foreign country's businesses to pay U.S. taxes, rather than the other way around? We currently have the highest taxation rate on corporations in the world. Fifty-one percent taxation is not very appealing to businesses in the world economy. What business would want to land in the U.S.? Reform is not about tax loopholes, Mr. Levin. It is about bringing businesses to our country from the rest of the world and implementing the incentives to bring that about."
? Paul from Kimball Township: "I don't understand why the Republicans keep referring to Social Security as an entitlement when the workplace and the people have paid into it. It's not an entitlement. It's something that we paid into. ... I'm getting tired and I voted Republican. I'm so sick of them. All they want to do is take the middle class and make us pay for everything while they sit back and make all their big money in Washington."


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Bunia (Fides Service) – There is no peace for Ituri. For more than a week armed groups have been attacking UN peacekeepers in north east Democratic Congo (RDC) where, since 1999 at least ten different militia groups fight among themselves and harass, rob and kill civilians in the area. A UN spokesman said that despite three attacks in seven days, the Peacekeepers are determined to disarm all militia in Ituri.
Local sources told Fides that not all the groups are involved in these attacks against the UN Observation Mission in Congo MONUC. "The ones who oppose MONUC are certain groups of Hema and Lendu". The Hema and Lendu are the main ethnic groups in the region where decades of disputes exploded in civil war involving other ethnic groups. The war was encouraged by interventions on the part of Uganda and Rwanda including distribution of arms which channelled latent tension among the people into armed conflict. All this was to exploit at low costs Ituri's wealth of gold, timber, uranium, coltan, and oil deposits still to be extracted .
In an attempt to put an end to the violence, the United Nations decided in September 2003 to deploy 4.600 peacekeepers. "MONUC's intervention improved security conditions in the city of Bunia, but surrounding villages are still in the hands of the rebels. People are tired of continuing attacks by these extremists which prevent the return of peace and normal living conditions" local sources told Fides
Since its outbreak in 1999 the civil war has cost 50,000 lives. Some of the dead were priests. In 2003 on 7 May Father Raphaël Ngona was murdered at his home, and on May 11, two local priests were killed Nyakasanza parish with another 48 people who had sought safety in the parish grounds. The bodies of the parish priest father François Xavier Mateso and his assistant Father Aimé Ndjabu were found brutally mutilated. (L.M.) (Fides Service 22/1/2004, lines 34 words 400)
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