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Warm summer weather had drawn several hundred visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Among them, four men from Odessa, Texas. Drunk and disillusioned with the federal policies of the day, the men, who had met only hours earlier, made a decision to act. Armed with firearms and whiskey to fuel their efforts, they descended 750 feet into the cavern's lunchroom. The four took hostages and made demands of the responding local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Tense hours later, secluded underground and surrounded by law enforcement, with the intoxicating power of the alcohol wearing off, they decided to surrender.
In the end they would be labeled terrorists, and their actions would start a debate on state and federal jurisdiction in national park lands.
A timeline of the 'Cavenapping' according to witnesses who were in the lunchroom at the time of the takeover shows that it took only minutes for the four armed men to enter the facility and secure the area. After five hours of negotiation, the men surrendered with no loss of life.
The Lunchroom: 3:20 p.m.
"My first thought was: What is a hunter doing in the cave with a rifle?" recalls Kevin Carson. A summer park technician, Carson was about to begin his 20-minute presentation on bat flights in one of the darkest corners of the cavern's lunchroom when a voice over the PA system halted him.
"It was a male who said there was an emergency," Carson said, recalling it prompted him to walk the 100 yards between the screening area and the information desk. That was the moment he noticed the firearm.
"Then there was a second announcement by Linda," Carson said. Park technician Linda Phillips, her voice shaky, asked the large crowd gathered in the underground cafeteria to clear out. At her back according to witnesses, were two of the four armed men. Phillips was their first hostage.
At approximately 3:20 p.m. David Kuczynski, Dennis Mark, Eugene Meroney and William Lovejoy paid their entrance fees at the Visitors' Center desk. Dressed in long coats, the four stepped onto an elevator manned by Celia Valdez and occupied by park ranger Linda Phillips. Once inside, as the elevator began the 750 foot descent into the lunchroom, they pulled out their firearms.
"July 10 of '79 I was working the information desk at the underground lunchroom and I'd just looked up at the clock because it was getting close to time for what they call sweep. It was 3:10. The clock was right above the elevator exit door. So I checked the clock and then I saw someone getting out of the elevator and I saw something that looked kind of funny. It looked like the barrel of a gun but I thought, "It can't be, it's got to be a cane," said retired park ranger Tom Bemis. Hired only a month before, Bemis was manning the information desk directly in front of the elevator banks from which Kuczynski, Mark, Meroney and Lovejoy exited.
"I glanced up again and saw three people getting off the elevator a ranger and a couple other people. The ranger came up to the desk — it was Linda Phillips — and from the look on her face I knew it wasn't canes I was seeing."
"My first expression when I saw that guy get off the elevator with a rifle ... I just kind of stood staring at him. I said, 'Is that a gun? Is that a gun?'" said Carolina Rascon. Now a Park Ranger at the Caverns, Rascon was spending her summer manning the lunch counter underground. "When nobody started moving, that's when he fired the shot," Rascon said.
She turned at once, she said, and came face to face with another of the gunmen — which one she doesn't know. Rascon only recalls the handgun he wielded, pointed in her direction as he led her in a search of a backroom for any other persons who might have been hiding out.
"I thought I was dead. He had it pointed at me. And you know the look in a person's eye when they don't care anymore? It was terrifying," Rascon said.
But Carson doesn't recall hearing a shot fired, only noting that gunshot damage to the area where his projection screen was evidence that they had, indeed, fired their weapons at one point.
While time has skewed the details of those brief minutes between the gunmen exiting the elevators and the evacuation of the lunchroom, what remains clear is that, had they wished it, loss of lives could have been numerous.
4:30 p.m. Top of the Cross
Diane Esquibel has been in with the park service for 35 years. On July 10, two months after she was hired as a seasonal park ranger, Esquibel entered the cave only hours before the four gunmen.
"That day I go in the cave as normal. I was working in the big room ... one of the park rangers, Mathew Safford, I see him running towards me in the cave and I'm like, 'What's going on Matt?' And he said there's some gunmen in the lunchroom,'" Esquibel recalls.
Safford told her that the gunmen had indicated they were prepared to shoot anyone entering the cave after it had been cleared.
"We were literally pushing people back, literally pushing them back so they wouldn't go back into the lunchroom — and we made them go all the way back to an area called 'Top of the Cross.' That's a seating area in the cave where rangers give talks," Esquibel said.
She recalls approximately 100 people huddling at the Top of the Cross. Never seeing the gunmen, she remembers hearing the echoes of raised voices every now and then as they waited an end to the confrontation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation would note in official reports of the incident that 105 persons "were trapped in the cave unknown to the subjects, as they could not leave the caverns due to the subjects having the elevators blocked off."
The next day, news stories told of some of the trials of those trapped: one person suffering from a diabetic condition and needing insulin, a mother unable to nurse her child who had been left in the cave's nursery, and an epileptic episode where others donated drugs.
"Plain fear" was listed by the agents as the major ailment of among those trapped at the Top of the Cross. Meanwhile, the four men a short distance from them at the cave's entrance, began firing some of the over 900 rounds of ammunition they secreted into the lunchroom.
5:40 p.m. Held Hostage
Ned Cantwell, publisher of the Carlsbad Current-Argus recalls the newsroom phone ringing at the paper's central office at 620 N. Main Street.
"They said "We have a situation where the caverns have been taken over by some gunmen and they have a hostage and they have three demands,'" Cantwell recalls. Though he isn't certain who placed the call, Cantwell recalls the demands outline: a flight to Brazil, $1 million and a newspaper man.
"So I got into my 240Z and I drove on out there," Cantwell said. At the time he didn't have any intentions of going down in the cave, instead speaking to who he believes was Dennis Mark via telephone.
"The conversation I had with Dennis ... I said, 'Look if your goal is to get your story out well then tell me your story right now,'" Cantwell said. Mark had other intentions in mind, ordering Cantwell to go down the elevator to the lunchroom. At 5:40 p.m. Cantwell boarded the elevator now controlled by law enforcement officials and began the decent into the lunchroom.
"So I went down in the elevator. I kind of reached out, I thought he wanted to shake hands but he grabbed me and pushed me up against the wall. He wanted to search me. And that's how it started," Cantwell said.
Over the next two hours, Cantwell would record an interview with the four men, capturing their telephone negotiations with law enforcement above ground while attempting to learn about the men and their motives. It was obvious to Cantwell that Mark was the group's spokesperson, though Meroney's voice would occasionally ring out on whatever subject they were addressing. Of Lovejoy, Cantwell knew little. At that point Lovejoy had sequestered himself in another portion of the cave with the men's first hostage, Phillips. Kuczynski, however, gave Cantwell pause.
"The scary guy was David. Because David wouldn't say anything. He would just walk around and he would look at you and he'd hold up the gun and shoot at the wall. There was holes all over the place," said Cantwell. "This whole thing wouldn't have happened without alcohol," Cantwell said.
6:35 p.m. Negotiations
"It sure is a nice place," 31-year-old Paiute Indian Eugene Hiram Meroney slurs. His voice is captured on the audio cassette tape Cantwell has taken down to the lunchroom. Behind him, park ranger Linda Phillips places a call to the main switchboard telling the operator "this is important" in an effort to get Carlsbad Caverns officials on the line.
In the foreground each man introduces himself by first and last name as the tape captures the sound of Cantwell scribbling notes. David Kuczynski, 28, Sioux Indian William Lovejoy, 28, Dennis Mark, 39, and Eugene Meroney, all residents of Odessa, Texas. All say they want the "American people to realize that the American government is f***ed up". Their message is a mixed concoction of rants against immigrants, the government and war. Angry at the "Mexicans" taking their jobs, the poverty that plagues Indian reservations, and the evils of "The war", they try to bargain Cantwell's release for a bottle of Seagram's whiskey, which negotiators deny.
"It's exactly 7 o'clock. I'm going to make two more long distance phone calls and then David and I are going to blow the shafts," Mark tells the person at the other end of the line, taking the phone from Phillips in what is the beginning of negotiations between the gunmen and just-arrived FBI special agents. The men have made it clear to those above that they are armed with firearms and dynamite, though during a later search no dynamite would be found.
Mark tells Cantwell he recruited the men for this mission. "Ain't nobody ever kidnapped the Caverns," one man says, quickly followed by another voice stating "We did".
"Three minutes," someone says, it took to kidnap the Caverns, and all the men during the recorded interview mention they are prepared to "die."
"We ain't getting out of here alive. We ain't leaving walking," Kuczynski appears to say.
Four telephone conversations later — after Mark indeed places two long distance phone calls to persons who appear to be close friends in Odessa to talk about his will, and Lovejoy speaks to his mother — Mark picks up the phone for a final negotiation with officials aboveground.
"Alright. I'm going to make a deal with you. Let us come up, let us walk away, no charges," Mark said.
Moments later someone yells: "Linda, come on back to the elevators. It's time to go up." At 7:10 p.m. Cantwell and Phillips are released.
8:47 p.m. Surrender
"Linda and I — we were whispering, I don't know why — got on the elevators," Cantwell recalls. When the doors opened, they were greeted by armed law enforcement officials and escorted out.
"They were all very frustrated. I guess when you come to the end of your rope it doesn't matter what you do," Phillips would later say of her kidnappers during an interview with reporters. The 24-year-old ranger and Cantwell, released unharmed, would not see the surrender of their captors.
On the other end of the telephone, Jack Linahan, area manager of the Caverns, was being directed by special agents of the FBI as he negotiated terms with Mark. Aboveground were SWAT teams from El Paso, Eddy County Sheriff's deputies, Carlsbad Police Department Officers, New Mexico State Police, special agents from New Mexico and Texas FBI field offices and park service rangers and officials. Upon Cantwell and Phillips' release, U.S. Attorney R.E. Thompson advised "he would charge subject with Title 18, section 13 and 2, for attempted false imprisonment which was a high misdemeanor punishable up to one year in the county jail in the state of New Mexico" according to FBI reports. Mark demanded "immediate bail" for himself and his associates, agreed upon by the officials aboveground.
The four men's surrender was immediate. They were taken into custody and transported to the Eddy County Courthouse.
The "unknown" hostages were evacuated, and law enforcement began an investigation in the lunchroom. "One Winchester 30-30 calibre rifle, one Winchester 2 mag. rifle, one J.C. Higgins 12-gauge shotgun, one Ruger 22 mag. hand gun, one Seagram's VO whiskey bottle, and assorted live and spent rounds for the above listed weapons" were seized from the lunchroom by FBI investigators.
"U.S. Attorney R.E. Thompson in Albuquerque and FBI agents stand by their decision agreeing to misdemeanor charges for four gunmen who took over Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tuesday," wrote reporter John Stark of the El Paso Times two days after the standoff.
After their surrender and arrest, Kuczynski, Mark, Meroney and Lovejoy were taken to the Eddy County Courthouse before 5th District Judge Harvey Fort who, upon hearing the men were charged with misdemeanors, refused to take the case. Magistrate court judge H.H. Linneweh had already balked at releasing the men on "their own recognizance" wrote Stark, and they were being held on a $250,000 bond each.
"It is the feeling of this court I will not accept a plea of this type," Fort was quoted as saying. Citing the next case on his docket for a resident that faced multiple felony charges and 130 years in jail, Fort explained, "I would not sentence an Eddy County resident to that and then let these men go with a slap on the wrist."
The jurisdictional war that broke out next would capture the media's attention. Fifth District Judge John Walker would rule that the state had no jurisdiction in the matter and order the men turned over to federal authorities. The "Cavenapping terrorists" would eventually plead guilty to charges of "damaging government property" and spend a year in federal prison.
"I got a call a year later from Dennis," Cantwell said. "He told me something big is coming." Cantwell, who believes that Mark's leading motivation was the need for recognition, knows the media attention given to the "Cavenapping" would have been much more extensive if it occurred today. Thirty-five years after the four men took over the Carlsbad Caverns terrorism has a much different connotation.
In an eerie statement recorded by Cantwell during his time in the lunchroom Mark says: "We didn't blow up an airplane, we didn't sink any ships. We didn't risk no one's life."
"Terrorist isn't too harsh a title," said Rascon. But Carson isn't inclined to agree. "I wouldn't consider them terrorist. I would consider them four really frustrated guys," Carson said.


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Jimmer Fredette got married, and DeMarcus Cousins wished him an extra special night
The Jimmer Fredette moment we all were waiting for finally came over the weekend: He got married to Whitney Wonnacott. The happy couple got engaged last August, and finally tied the knot on Saturday. Given that Jimmer's Mormon faith frowns upon premarital sex, the virgin jokes were in full form, including this one from his…Read More

subset: commoncrawl


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Reviewed By Zack B (nelliston, NY) Reviewed for a 2007 Toyota Tacoma —5/25/2014 4:37 PM
A affordable tow strap that comes at a decent price. Multiple sizes at good price.
Reviewed By jerott a (Saratoga Springs, UT) Reviewed for a 2013 Toyota Tacoma —6/19/2013 8:48 AM
When my item arrived, it was missing the longer pins required for Tacoma's. I called Autoanything, they in turn called the shipper/manufacturer. Had the correct pins 3 business days later. It fits perfect, looks excellent, and works very well. Even showed it to a couple friends who loved it as well. With the cover on, you wouldnt think twice to know what is under there. Very pleased.
Reviewed By Gary D (Corona, CA) Reviewed for a 2006 Toyota Tacoma —4/21/2006 1:06 AM
Great Idea! Should of thought about this before getting a AAA Card (oops!). Nice to know that I have a backup if I should need it and don't need another vehicle and dangerous jumper cable to start my vehicle. Haven't used it yet and hope I don't need to either but nice to know I have it just in case. Should you get 1, sure! You just never know what might happen. Great for the Mama (da wife) and Teenager(s) drivers alike. It's safe and easy to use, even my Bulldog can figure out how to use it (ha!). Another Great Idea I learn from AutoAnything.com Website. Get it or Regret it later. Lata!


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Gimbal Bearing Puller Tool for Mercruiser OMC Volvo
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This Gimbal Bearing Puller Tool will remove bearings on Mercruisers, OMC and Volvo Cobra Bell Housings.Works on Mercruiser Alpha, Alpha 1, MR, Bravo, OMC Cobra, and Volvo.Tool is made from high quality 1045 Steel.Made in the United States.The Steel is purchased locally from an American Supplier in Chicago.The Black Oxide Coating is done by a company in Chicago.The CNC Machining is done in our own shop in Chicago.***A higher quality tool than the competition***
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I owned a small marine repair shop for about 10 yrs & we were using a slide hammer to remove gimble bearings. I felt I could'nt justify the cost of mercs version of this tool. I'm glad I found this one here, for the price this tool is worth it's weight in gold. I can't imagine pulling a gimble bearing without it! Twin engine boat, r&r both bearings 30 minutes if that. Thanks
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wish I had this puller the first time I changed a bearing out!
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Tag:Philadelphia 76ers
Posted on: February 1, 2011 3:19 pm
Iverson out 6-8 weeks after leg procedure
Allen Iverson tweeted Monday that he hopes to return to his Turkish team in time for the playoffs at the end of March. But according to a statement from renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews, that could be an optimistic assessment.
Andrews said Tuesday that Iverson requires "prolonged rest" totaling at least 6-8 weeks, along with an injection to treat a calcium deposit in his calf. The mass is in a "very precarious spot" because it is pressuring the main nerve and artery that go down the leg, Andrews said.
"He actually tried to tough it out and continue to play while over in Turkey," Andrews said in a statement released by Iverson's manager, Gary Moore. "However, he got to the point where he could not really run up and down the court because of increased pain. Unfortunately, he did not do himself any good trying to play through his pain."
Iverson, 35, will be evaluated on a bi-weekly basis and will not be able to return to the court for Besiktas for "six to eight weeks or more," Andrews said. After that, Andrews said he expects a "full recovery." Iverson will spend the next few weeks rehabbing in Atlanta.
Iverson signed a two-year, $4 million deal with Besiktas in November after a 14-year NBA career that included 11 All-Star appearances, two All-Star MVPs and a league MVP award. Moore said once Iverson recovers, he expects to return to Turkey for the playoffs and then will begin exploring options for next season -- options he hopes will include the possibility of a return to the NBA in some capacity.
Category: NBA
Tags: 76ers, Allen Iverson, Besiktas, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers
Posted on: March 2, 2010 10:16 am
Edited on: March 2, 2010 10:47 am
Predictable end to Iverson's Philly return
As much as I enjoyed Act I of Allen Iverson's career in Philadelphia, Act II never seemed like a good idea. Now, under much different circumstances than the ones that marked A.I.'s first tour in Philly, he's done in the city he owned for so long.
Done for good? That remains to be seen.
The Sixers confirmed Tuesday what has seemed obvious since the All-Star break -- that Iverson's return to Philadelphia is over. Unable to be around the team consistently while he tends to his ill daughter, Iverson and the Sixers are parting ways under amicable terms.
Team president Ed Stefanski had set a deadline of this week for Iverson to determine whether he'd be able to return to the team for good. Things never progressed to that point after the team granted Iverson an indefinite leave of absence after the All-Star break.
Two book-keeping matters related to A.I.'s season being over: He isn't being released, so there's no significance to this event happening after the March 1 deadline by which players must be released in order to be playoff-eligible for another team. (Since Iverson isn't able to play for the Sixers due to what's going on in his life, he wouldn't be able to play for anyone else, either). Also, Iverson gets paid for the whole season, because his one-year contract for the prorated veteran's minimum of $1.3 million became guaranteed on Jan. 10.
As is usually the case with Iverson, his situation is more complex than he or the team has admitted. While it would be in poor taste to criticize Iverson given the undisclosed health issues his daughter is experiencing, Iverson needlessly put himself in the crosshairs of criticism by co-promoting a club party with Jermaine Dupri on Feb. 27 in Charlotte. The promotional poster is here, complete with many dubious tweets confirming Iverson's appearance at the party.
What does all of this mean for Iverson's future? It's foolish to even guess. But given that Iverson already has "retired" once this season, and given that his last three employment arrangements have ended badly, it's hard to imagine another team taking a chance on him next season, when he'll be 35.
Hard to imagine, but not impossible. Iverson was able to charm the Grizzlies and Sixers, so it's wise not to underestimate his ability to unleash his powers of persuasion on another NBA owner this summer.
If, on the other hand, there's no market for a 35-year-old scoring guard with arthritis and a series of bad breakups in his wake, that'll be too bad. If this is the end for Iverson, it's a sad, unfulfilling way for him to go out.
There was never a player even remotely like him, and it's safe to say there never will be.
One more thing, on a nostalgic note. Iverson, one of the most important sports figures in Philadelphia history, goes out on a very significant day. One year ago, I promised to acknowledge the anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game every year in this blog on March 2. And here we are on March 2 -- pausing to remember Wilt's historic night in Hershey, Pa., in 1962 and saying good-bye another member of Philly's basketball Mount Rushmore.
In some ways, Iverson was a giant. In other ways, he fell short of what he could have been. But one thing you can't take away from him: He made sure everybody knew he was here.
Category: NBA
Posted on: February 23, 2010 12:05 pm
Edited on: February 23, 2010 5:34 pm
Source: Iverson deadline next week
If Allen Iverson can't make it back to the Philadelphia 76ers by next week, a parting of ways between the iconic star and the city where he tried to resurrect his career will be inevitable, a person with close ties to the future Hall of Famer told CBSSports.com Tuesday.
"For the team's sake and his own sake, he can't keep trying to go back and forth with this," the person said. "If he can't get back by next week, it's probably not going to work."
Contrary to Iverson's often stormy history with the organization, sources described his indefinite leave of absence as "amicable" and "nothing sinister." Iverson has been in and out of the lineup in recent weeks while he tends to his ill daughter.
The Sixers tried to make it work with Iverson, getting an initial spark in attendance and excitement from his return. But Philly plays Orlando on Monday and Atlanta on Wednesday, and if Iverson can't commit to returning to the team by then, the wheels will be in motion for his release.
News of Iverson's predicament, which could well signal the end of his career, made me think back to comments from one of his friends and former teammates during All-Star weekend. Carmelo Anthony, perhaps the only star player who's ever been able to co-exist productively with Iverson, was asked what A.I.'s legacy will be -- if, in fact, this is the end for one of the greatest athletes ever to appear on an NBA court.
"His legacy is self explanatory," Anthony said. "He came into the NBA and almost changed the whole game of basketball in his own way."
The key words being "in his own way." To the end, Iverson never compromised. He lost the cornrows only briefly, sporting a haircut during All-Star weekend in Phoenix in 2009. He gave up on winning a championship when he accepted money from the Memphis Grizzlies, and then from the Philadelphia 76ers -- choosing his "happiness" over more lofty goals that have eluded him since he turned the NBA on its head as the No. 1 pick in the 1996 draft.
Now, Iverson is dealing with something no parent ever wants to even think about -- a sick child who needs him. No one will ever dispute the importance of that. It simply isn't debatable. Neither is the Sixers' right to move forward without Iverson if he can't uphold his commitment to the team.
"He's always going to go down as one of the greatest players to ever play," Anthony said. "Whether they say 6-feet-or-under or whatever. Regardless of height, he's going to be one of the greatest. I was fortunate enough to play with him for two years. It seems like a long time ago, but it was only two years ago when I played with him and he averaged 26, 27 points. In the last year and a half was when everything went south for him."
I shared my thoughts about Iverson before he signed with the Sixers, when it appeared that his NBA career was over. Now it seems like that career obituary was only premature by a couple of months.
Anthony called Iverson's stubborn insistence on doing this his way "a positive and a negative. When he came into the league, I don't think anybody was expecting that type of player, that type of person to come into the league. He made fans embrace him, and they stuck with him all the way until today."
Now, the NBA is more than ready to move past Iverson's "me" generation of stars. Could Iverson have compromised? Could he have changed his game, extended his career, given himself a chance to add a championship to his resume if only he could have accepted coming off the bench for a contender? Sure. But when it comes to A.I., it's pointless to even ask such questions.
What you saw was what you got. Like a comet, Iverson was something to watch until he flamed out in spectacular fashion -- which was the only way this was ever going to end.
One more thing about Iverson: Drama walks in lock step with him wherever he goes. When it comes to The Answer, another plot twist or two isn't out of the question.
Category: NBA
Posted on: April 29, 2009 2:08 pm
Stefanski says Howard should be suspended
Sixers GM Ed Stefanski told radio station WIP in Philadelphia Wednesday that Dwight Howard should be suspended and likened his elbow to the head of Samuel Dalembert to a punch.
"I have no idea what the league will do, but to me the rule is black and white, it's clear," Stefanski said. "What I saw was clear. I felt an elbow above the shoulders made contact on someone's head and it wasn't part of the play."
I agree.
Here's the transcript and audio link from SportsRadioInterviews.com.
Category: NBA
Posted on: April 19, 2009 9:31 pm
Minnie Mouse could take the Magic
I had my suspicions about the Magic all along. They're a little soft, aren't they? Not sure about them under pressure, either. Not tough enough to beat the Cavs or Celtics in the playoffs, I wrote.
I stand by those comments. But the Sixers? I didn't think Orlando had that kind of choke job up its sleeve in Game 1 of a harmless first-round series against a team with an interim coach, interim point guard, interim power forward, and very interim playoff hopes.
The Sixers? Blowing an 18-point lead against the Sixers? Wow.
Maybe Shaq was right. Maybe Stan Van Gundy is the master of panic. He was sweating and hyperventilating so much Sunday night -- at least every time they showed him on TV -- that it's hard to imagine his team drawing any confidence from that.
The Sixers? What do they care? Nobody expected them to do anything in this series -- least of all me, who predicted Orlando would be the only team to sweep in the first round. So much for that. I was right about one thing, though. Andre Iguodala is going to be a problem for Orlando.
I gagged when Iguodala missed those two free throws down the stretch, but when he crossed over and stepped back on Hedo Turkoglu for the game-winning 22-footer, it looked like a move that was perfected years ago in Philadelphia by another guy with the initials A.I. Interesting choice by Van Gundy to go with Turkoglu -- on a bum ankle -- against Iguodala, the Sixers' only scoring threat with enough game-changing ability to worry the Magic. His size and length makes sense, but I wonder if the combination of the ankle and chasing Iguodala contributed to Turkoglu's 2-for-8, six-point performance on the offensive end.
There's nothing to panic about for the Magic. The trend in this year's playoffs seems to be heavy underdogs winning Game 1 on the road. The Sixers have pulled off Game 1 stunners before, only to lose the series. (See their 90-86 victory at Detroit in Game 1 last year, which ultimately resulted in a 4-2 series loss.)
The real test of a playoff team is how it responds after taking one on the chin. The Magic could respond like Mighty Mouse or Minnie Mouse. Based on their body of work to this point in the season, those scenarios are equally likely.
Category: NBA
Tags: Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers
Posted on: March 13, 2009 4:02 pm
So long, Spectrum
The Spectrum hosts its final major league sporting event Friday night when the 76ers host the Bulls and bid farewell to the old arena filled with memories at the corner of Broad and Pattison. I spent a couple of years working in Philly and never had the pleasure of covering a game at the Spectrum. I wish I had. I would've gladly traded the dozens of Eagles and Phillies games I had to endure in the awful Vet.
When the Spectrum is demolished later this year to make room for a new hotel and retail complex, a lot of memories will go with it. The building was blessed with Julius Erving's entire career and hosted all those epic battles between the Celtics and Sixers. Dr. J and other members of the Sixers' '82-'83 championship team will be honored before the game.
I gotta ask: Couldn't the last game at the Spectrum have been Sixers-Celtics? How dumb.
Here are transcripts and audio links from radio interviews with Larry Bird and Dr. J talking Spectrum memories. Good stuff.
Category: NBA
Posted on: March 2, 2009 2:51 pm
Happy anniversary, Wilt
We need to start a tradition on this blog, so listen up. Every year on this day, we will pause and remember the most dominant force who ever played the game and recognize the most dominant performance in the history of basketball.
Happy anniversary, Wilt Chamberlain -- 47 years to the day after you scored 100 points in a single game. To this day, nobody has come close. (Sorry, Kobe, 81 isn't close enough.)
Here's a page with a bunch of links to stories and opinions about Wilt's 100-point game. For those of you too young to remember (and yes, I count myself among you), imagine an NBA player scoring 100 points in a game that was not televised. The Philadelphia Warriors played the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pa., where Wilt's team sometimes ventured to expand its fan base. Nowadays, teams expand their fan base by streaming their games online. What a world.
So there is no video (that I'm aware of) showing Wilt scoring 100 points. There is an audio clip on the National Public Radio site where you can listen to broadcaster Bill Campbell call the last few baskets. And of course, there is the iconic photo of Wilt holding a piece of paper with "100" written on it. Harvey Pollack, then the team's PR director and to this day the Sixers' statistician, came up with the idea and wrote Wilt's point total on the paper -- as if nobody would believe it otherwise.
So here's to you, Big Dipper. See you back here next year -- or when somebody else scores 100 points in a game. So again, see you here next year.
Category: NBA
Posted on: February 5, 2009 6:48 pm
Sixers better off without Brand anyway
I'm saddened to hear the news that Elton Brand is having season-ending shoulder surgery.
But if I'm Ed Stefanski and Tony DiLeo, I'd be relieved.
The Sixers never adapted to playing with a true post scorer, and Elton clearly never fully recovered from last season's Achilles injury.
Better to pack it in, play the rest of the season with the athletic, up-and-down style that has been successful, and take a long, hard look at how Brand fits in over the summer.
I mean no disrespect to Elton. He's a hell of a guy and a great, great player. But this wasn't working out, and he'll be better off getting healthy and regrouping for next season.
So will the Sixers.
Category: NBA
Tags: Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers


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Crosley Corsair Clock Radio with CD Player
Sale price: Clearance price: Starting at: Sale starting at: Clearance starting at: Reg. price:
Get your engine revved each morning with the Crosley® Corsair Clock Radio with CD Player! This fabulous, functional clock radio has the clean, streamlined sophistication of a classic 1950s automobile. This vintage icon features an AM/FM clock radio with two alarms that can be set and used independently as well as a programmable CD player. You can even opt to wake to CD, radio, or buzzer alarm. Combine these features with dynamic stereo speakers and you have no reason not to get out of bed each morning! Dimensions: 11.25'' x 7'' x 7''. Imported.
Manufacturer model #: CR612-BK.
- Vintage-styled AM/FM clock radio with CD player
- Dual independent alarms
- Wake to CD, radio, or buzzer
- 20 track programmable memory
- LED display with analog tuner
- Stereo speakers, function select, and headphone jack
Need Help? 7 days a week: 7am to 10pm CT or call 1.800.227.7776 anytime


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Hey guys! Ok, as some of you may know, my computer has gone bust! So, I have been extremely bored and unable to continue with the next chapters for dragosia and immortality kills. I am sick of reading the same books over and over again, so I decided to host a contest and see if your creative minds could cure me of boredom!
Below are four character profiles. You can use one or more of these characters in a short story, book, novel or poem. It has to be either fantasy or adventure (other genres are allowed but only if you ask me first, and I agree, but the genres that follow ARE NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES:)), no vampire stories and keep the clothes on people! Obviously, it cant be something you've written before, unless you change the character which obviously wouldnt be fair on you:)
I have pictures of the characters but cant put them on cos booksie is being a pain. If you need them,please, give me your email and I will email them to you:)
The Due date is December 19th:)
1) Name: Marissa Elisa Elliot
Age: Between 16 and 19, you decide
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite book: Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke
Favourite music: Any
Powers: Fire and earth (if they apply)
2) Name: Phillip Durrune
Age: Between 15 and 17, you decide
Favourite colour: Silver
Favourite book: Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
Favourite Music: Rock
Powers: Stone and Metal (if they apply)
3) Eloise Megan Duncoore
Age: Between 8 and 14, you decide
Favourite Colour: Pink
Favourite Book:None, she hates reading!
Favourite Music: Pop
Powers: Werewolf (if it applies)
(this picture of Eloise is the younger version of her. Use your imagination if you need her to be abit older, but there are her basic faetures)
4) Zac Andrew Mursone
Age: Between 8 and 14, you decide
Favourite Colour:Blue
Favourite Book: A Series of Unfortuanate Events, Lemony Snicket
Favourite Music: Pop
Powers: Air and Water
I can't find any pictures for him, so to summarise, he has black hair and brown eyes. He's quite chunky and wears glasses too! (sorry for the stereotype! I have nothing wrong with people who wear glasses seeing as I wear them myself!)
So, there you have it! You do not have to use the powers, they are there if you want them. However if the character in your story does have powers, they have to be the ones I've set you!
If you need more detail, just ask:)
1st Prize (Avaliable to one person)
I will read and comment on8 pieces of your work(10 if you write lots of poetry), You will feature on my profile and I will reccomend you to 6 other writers.You will also feature in the summary of my two current novels (Dragosia and the new novel I am writing which I am in the process of editing:)). I will become your fan
2nd Prize (Avaliable to one person)
I will read and comment on 4 pieces of your work (6 if you write lots of poetry), You will feature on my profile and I will reccomend you to 4 other writers.I will become your fan
3rd Prize (Avaliable to one person)
I will read and comment on 2 pieces of your work (4 if you write lots of poetry), You will feature on my profile and I will reccomend you to 2 other writers.I will become your fan
Extra Prizes (Avaliable to 3 people)
I will read and comment on one piece of your work and will reccomend you to one other writer. I will become your fan
Have fun!
© Copyright 2015Rhensis All rights reserved. Rhensis has granted theNextBigWriter, LLC non-exclusive rights to display this work on Booksie.com.


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For ZapThink President Jason Bloomberg, the mobile piece is all part of the broad-based trend toward new ways of thinking about distributed computing.
"From the enterprise perspective, mobile — as well as the browser — has always been thought of as the user interface endpoint," Bloomberg said. "The thinking goes: All the hardcore work of enterprise development is in the middle tier, and then you do the application tier and let the hippies do the coding on the interface, which you slap on for the end users. That's shifting as our devices become more and more sophisticated. A smartphone is more powerful than a supercomputer from 20 years ago. We have these supercomputers in our pockets, so they can be much more than just interface endpoints. They can actually be a provisionable cloud resource as well."
Read the entire article at http://adtmag.com/blogs/watersworks/2013/02/dev-predictions-3.aspx.


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State urged to oppose proposed changes to race discrimination laws
- From: Mercury
- April 16, 2014
TASMANIA will encourage more skilled migrants and better achieve its aim of more international students if it opposes changes to race discrimination laws, say multicultural leaders.
The head of the national body representing Australia's migrant communities has called on Premier Will Hodgman to oppose the watering down of discrimination laws by the Federal Government.
Already the Victorian and New South Wales premiers have spoken against the change.
Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia chair Joe Caputo is in Hobart today to discuss the issue with political leaders.
The proposed change would remove the section of the law that outlaws offending, insulting and humiliating on the basis of race, colour or national or ethnic origin.
"By expressing concern about the proposed changes to the Discrimination Act, the new premier will be sending a message to migrant communities that Tasmania is open to the world. Tasmania needs to compete for migrants with other parts of Australia and making this stand can help,'' Mr Caputo said.
Only 12 per cent of Tasmanians are born overseas, compared to the national average of 24 per cent.
The new government has shown interest in changing this, releasing a policy to increase Tasmania's share of skilled migrants and retain more international students.
Multicultural Council of Tasmania chair Rohan Wirasinha said diluting the provision in the law sent the wrong message.
Mr Wirasinha said the changes would make communities feel insecure.
"From Tasmania's point of view, the state is trying to attract new migrants and increase its population,'' Mr Wirasinha said.
Mr Caputo will speak at Parliament House reception room this evening and will meet state government members.
Public comment on the changes is open until April 30.


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Days after deposition of Justin Bieber, which took place on March 6, the video with snippets of moments already reported and was released. The singer said during deposition on charges he ordered the attacks a paparazzo in June 2013, in Miami.
The video confirms the information that the singer behaved in a mocking way and that in addition to nap (or interpret the situation), also respond "I do not know" or "I do not recall" to most questions and chafed and left the room when asked about his ex-girlfriend, singer and actress Selena Gomez, saying, "Do not ask me about it again, do not ask me about it again, do not ask me about it" . Check out the video:
SEE ALSO: Miami Judge Decides In Favor Of Privacy In The Release Of Justin Bieber Videos In Prison


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How to create black and white photos with a DSLR camera
What is a black and white photo anyway?
This might seem like a dumb question, right? Obviously a black and white picture is a color picture... just without the color. But it's not that simple!
Look at this photo of a yellow butterfly in front of a red background ground:
In color, the natural contrast between red and yellow makes the butterfly stand out clearly from the background. But in black and white, you don't have contrasting colors. If we turn this into a black and white print, what shade of gray should represent red and what shade of gray should represent yellow? There are a lot more colors than shades of gray, so it is up to you to decide how to covert colors to grays. And your choices have a huge impact on the final image.
If you convert red and yellow into very similar shades of gray, you will get a muddled mess:
In this image, there is no separation between the butterfly and the background. Everything blends together.
By simply choosing different shades of gray to represent the original colors, we can get a very different result:
In this photo, the butterfly stands out from the background and is clearly the subject of the shot.
The point is that turning a color photograph into black and white is an art that takes practice. It's not something as simple as clicking "make black and white" in a program. If that is what you are doing, then you are doing it wrong. Read on to find out how to do it right
Step 1: Choose a photo
Not every color image is going to be interesting in black and white. Typically, black and white images are interesting because of texture and contrast of light and dark. Images that depend on color for their impact are not going to be good in black and white. A perfect example of a poor subject for black and white is a sunset:
This image is interesting because of the color. The yellows, reds, and purples look great. The colored lights on the ship add a nice touch. But let's try this in black and white:
Wow, that's a crappy shot! Without the color, there is nothing much going on.
Instead, try to find images with motion and texture. People also make good subjects for black and white.
This photo works in black and white because it has light and dark textures and motion. It wasn't depending on color for impact.
Step 2: Convert to black and white
Now that you've picked a photo, let's explore different ways of converting it!
Option 1: Very bad - Convert to Grayscale or Desaturate
The most obvious way to convert an image to black and white is also the worst. Never ever load an image into Photoshop and select "Make Grayscale". Similarly, don't use the "Desaturate" option in Photoshop. Both do basically the same thing - they remove the color in the simplest way possible. They give you absolutely no control and the results are often terrible.
Just don't do it!
Option 2: Good, but harder - Photoshop's Channel Mixer
Photoshop (and similar programs like The GIMP and Paintshop Pro) has a tool called the "Channel Mixer." This tool allows you to create a black and white image by mixing the "channels" of an image.
In a standard image (such as an RGB jpeg file), each pixel in the image is made up of red, green, and blue components mixed together. All the colors you see are made by mixing those three primary colors. By using the Channels window in Photoshop, you can see each of these color components separately:
Notice how the "Blue" channel is darker around the head of the butterfly while the "Red" channel has a little more separation there. By using the Channel Mixer, we create our final image by mixing percentages of each of these original channels:
To use the channel mixer:
Click the "Monochrome" check box at the bottom. This tells Photoshop that you want to make a black and white image.
Adjust the Red, Green, and Blue sliders to control how much of the each channel ends up in the final image. Make sure the sum of all three percentages adds up to 100%.
Also, try using the "Preset" drop down to try different present mixes. Notice how each present makes your final image look different.
When you are happy with the mix, click Ok.
The advantage of the Channel Mixer is that it gives you great control over the output. If you are an expert with the Channel Mixer, you can even play around with different image modes like LAB color for even more control. But that is another article.
The disadvantage is that it is a pain to use and takes a lot of practice. If you don't make black and white images often, you are just as likely to make something bad with the Channel Mixer as you are to make something good.
Luckily, we now have even better options! Read on.
Option 3: Very Good - Photoshop's Black and White Adjustment Layer
More recent versions of Photoshop (CS3, CS4 and newer) have added the ability to put a Black and White "Adjustment Layer" over your image. This gives you the control of the Channel Mixer tool but it doesn't permanently alter your image. Since it is a layer, you can always tweak the settings up until you make a final print.
Adding a Black and White Adjustment Layer works just like adding any other Photoshop Adjustment Layer. Click on the Adjustment Layers icon on the Layer palette and choose Black and White:
Once you have added the Adjustment layer, you'll see the Black and White options dialog:
It works almost exactly like the Channel Mixer, but with a few extra options. Here is how to use it:
Adjust the Red, Green, and Blue sliders to control how much of the each channel ends up in the final image. You can also control Cyans, Blues, and Magentas the same way. Make sure the sum of all six percentages adds up to 100%.
Also, try using the "Preset" drop down to try different present mixes. Notice how each present makes your final image look different.
The "Tint" option lets you add a color tint to your final image for that "old-timey" sepia effect.
When you are happy with the mix, click Ok.
If you have CS3 or newer, there's really no reason not to go ahead and use the Black and White Adjustment Layer instead of the Channel Mixer. Unless you are doing something very unique (like mixing LAB channels), the Adjustment Layer gives you all that the Channel Mixer gives you with the ability to go back later and tweak the effect at any time.
Option 4: Very, Very Good - Lightroom's Grayscale Mixer
Lightroom provides it's own version of Photoshop's Black and White Adjustment Layer. In Lightroom, it's called the Grayscale Mixer. This gives you the ability to mix channels like Photoshop but it's integrated into the Lightroom workflow saving you lots of time.
The tool is located in the Develop module towards the bottom:
This tool works exactly like the Channel Mixer and Black and White Adjustment Layer options in Photoshop except that it gives you 8 color channels to mix. That gives you slightly more control.
However, it also lacks some of the convenience of Photoshop. It doesn't tell you the sum of the color percentages, so you don't know when you've hit 100% without doing a little mental math.
On the positive side, it's tied into the Lightroom preset system. That means that you can store presets easily and apply them to any image. Also, it is integrated into the Lightroom history system, so you can always go back and make tweaks until you make a final print. Finally, it is really easy to apply a black and white effect to one photo and then cut and paste that effect to a large range of photos.
As long as you can find an effect that you like using the Grayscale Mixer, you should get great results. The ability to quickly apply the same effect to a range of photos while still being able to make tweaks to individual photos really makes this a great option for processing a large photo shoot.
Option 5: Great - Nik Software's Silver Efx Pro
The best solution I have ever seen for creating great black and white images is a software package from Nik Software called Silver Efx Pro. Silver Efx Pro is a plug-in for Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture that allows you to convert an image to black and white quickly and with amazing results.
Please note that I have no business relationship with Nik Software and get no benefit from recommending it. Silver Efx Pro is just so good that I can't ignore it.
Silver Efx Pro is very easy to use. Once you open it, your image will be in the center and all of the different presents will be in a strip along the left:
Just click on each preset to see your image in that style. If you find a style you like, you can use the controls on the right to fine-tune your image.
Creating a black and white image in Silver Efx Pro could not be easier:
Click on each preset until you find the look that you want. There are many presents to choose from.
Use the "Color Filter" to control which colors in your original image stand out in the final black and white image. Just click on each color filter until you find the result that you like the most. This is especially important in images where there are large areas of single colors.
If one part of your image is too dark or too light, use the "Control Point" tool to add a new control point. Each control point can brighten or darken one specific area of your image. This is great for brightening up a face to give it emphasis or darkening a bright and distracting background element.
That's it! Click Ok and you are done.
Extra Credit
If you come from the film world or are a fan of old grainy photos, you might be looking for a way to get a true "film look" with digital black and white photos. If that's the case, you may want to explore a little further.
Silver Efex Pro has some basic film settings, but another plug-in called the DxO FilmPack is specifically designed to mimic different types of film. It allows you to choose from a wide range of film simulations to get anything from a gritty 1970s look to a modern art look.
Three other similar film simulation programs worth trying are Alien Skin Exposure, AndyPRO, and ImageNomic RealGrain. All of these applications have free or time-limited demo versions, so try them all until you find something that lets you get exactly the film grain look that you want.
Play around!
Now that you now how to choose a good image and convert it to black and white, go try it out! Use every different method mentioned here once and decide which makes the most sense to you and gives you the best results.
Also, try combining other techniques you have learned with black and white processing - long exposures, panoramics, etc.
Have fun!


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A man sustained minor injuries after a short police chase ended in a crash in the Montrose area.
Officers said it started when they spotted a car without its headlights on around midnight. When the officers tried to stop the driver, they say he took off.
After a short chase, the suspect lost control and hit a telephone pole on Montrose Boulevard at Peden Street.
The officer hit the back of the suspect's car. He was not injured.
The suspect received minor injuries and was taken into custody for evading arrest.
He reportedly told officers he fled because he had outstanding warrants and didn't want to go to jail.


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SAYS FAMED CHARGE WAS LONGSTREET'S; General's Widow Quotes Sickles as Declaring Advance Was Misnamed Pickett's.
GETTYSBURG, July 3. -- The nickname, "Old Pete," given to Gen. Longstreet at West Point during his cadet days, followed him through his soldier life. When Gen. Longstreet entered the room at Appomattox, where the terms of surrender were being drawn up, Grant quickly crossed the room to his side and slapped him on the back saying:
By HELEN D. LONGSTREET, Widow of the General who commanded the right wing of the Confederate Army at Gettysburg


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To make sure I've covered all the bases, we talk about everything.
Yes, pretty much everything.
This is, using a phrase a friend from Oklahoma taught me, "gray-heading my husband."
Each weekend there is a special time of day when he comes home from work and there we all are, awaiting him.
He walks in with a look on his face that I interpret to mean he's glad to be done with his shift, and it's nice to see us all there at home.
It's very "Ward and June Cleaver" for about 90 seconds. After hearing a few sentences of our conversation, his expression changes and he gets more of a pained look.
"What are we talking about?" he asks.
"Feminine hygiene products," I answer.
"I just don't understand why they even MAKE a cardboard version," one daughter points out.
"That's old school. In my day they were all like that," I say.
"That's horrible!" she replies.
My husband looks over at our son.
"I have no idea what this is about, I just want to play on the computer but no one has said I can yet," he says with the innocence of a 7 year old, the selective hearing of a male human.
"We shouldn't be talking about this," he says with an air of authority that carried over from his job.
"Then you want to hear about how mom asked me if I had designs on a married man, or a woman?" a daughter asks.
"WHAT?" he asks, the look of pain on his face evident even if you didn't know him well.
"I was just being supportive. You know, in case she did," I said. "I want our children to know we support them no matter what ."
"I don't, JSYK" she says, (these kids text enough to use text acronyms in their speech and yes, it's annoying).
"Why would you even ask that?" he asked me.
"Because she seemed quiet. I thought maybe she was troubled," I said.
"Troubled because I have math homework, not because of anything like that," she replied with some level of disdain.
"Well, if you were to find yourself in a situation you think we won't understand, I want you to tell us anyway," I say.
"I just want someone to tell me it's OK to get on the computer," the little one says.
"Go ahead," my husband answered. "Do we have any headache medicine?" he asks me somewhat rhetorically, because he is already on his way to the medicine cabinet.
I don't understand why he gets a headache from exchanges like this - I'm the one that's already discussed it all.
Andrea Rich lives in Chambersburg with her wonderful husband, three beautiful children, one dog and one cat.


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STARmeterSEE RANK
Up 62,345 this week
Florencia De la Vega
Florencia De la Vega was born on March 2, 1976 in Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina as Florencia Trinidad. She is an actress, known for La Pelu (2012), The Roldans (2004) and Margaritas (1999). She has been married to Pablo Goycochea since June 28, 2011. They have two children. See full bio »
More at IMDbPro » Represent Florencia De la Vega? Add or change photos


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POSTED: 1:30 a.m. HST, Jul 16, 2011
Eight players, including four standouts from Hawaii, head the first recruiting class of new University of Hawaii women's soccer coach Michele Nagamine.
"In addition to drastically increasing our team speed, we have a number of players with great club experience who are battle-tested in the ways of winning," Nagamine said.
"Bringing in players who can make an immediate impact for us is only going to motivate our returning players to report for preseason camp in top shape and will create a competitive training environment for us."
Joining the team this fall will be local products Krystal Pascua ('Iolani), Tiana Fujimoto (Moanalua), Zhane Santiago (Kahuku), and Ashley Haruki (Hawaii Baptist), along with California players Alexis Colacchio (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) and Madison Kaminski (San Clemente, Calif.); Elke Zeuner from Fort Collins, Colo.; and Sarah McCallum from New Zealand.
All eight will be freshmen.
Pascua, a 5-foot-8 center midfielder, was named the All-State Player of the Year as well as the state tournament's Most Valuable Player.
"She has a unique combination of strength, size and a good tactical understanding of the game, which make her a huge threat in the midfield," Nagamine said of Pascua. "She can service balls with both feet and is also great in the air. Krystal has been one of the top players in the state for a while now, and I expect her to make a smooth transition into the collegiate game."
Fujimoto, a 5-foot forward who was a three-time All-State first-team player, "is one of the most prolific goal-scorers that Hawaii has produced," Nagamine said. "Several top-notch mainland schools recruited Tiana and I am thrilled that she decided to stay home and play."
Nagamine called Santiago, a 5-8 forward and one of the state's top athletes: "one of the fastest players I've seen in a long time. Zhane is extremely athletic and has the ability to contribute as both an outside mid and forward."
Haruki, a 5-1 midfielder, helped the Eagles to back-to-back league and state Division II titles.
"She is creative, has good vision and is great with the ball at her feet," Nagamine said of Haruki. "As a member of Hawaii Rush, she is well-traveled and experienced and I see her competing for playing time at both center and outside mid."
Nagamine called Zeuner, a 6-foot-1 goalkeeper, as the "most battle-tested player" in the recruiting class.
"At 6-1, she has a very imposing presence and organizes her defense well. She has a tremendous upside and is eager to learn," Nagamine said.
Kaminski, a 5-4 outside midfielder, is a four-year letter winner for Southern California power San Clemente High, which became the first county team to play in four consecutive CIF title matches.
McCallum, a 5-7 forward, led St. Paul's Collegiate School to Division I league titles in 2009 and 2010.


text: HR Expands Health Care Strategies, Recruits Less Talent By SHRM Online staff 4/16/2009 Permissions Organizations looking for a way out of the economic black hole are expanding their health care strategies, reducing their recruitment of top talent, and initiating layoffs or downsizing, according to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey that asked HR professionals about the strategies and programs their organizations are implementing. SHRM surveyed 339 HR professionals in February 2009 to learn which HR strategies and programs organizations were beginning to initiate, expand or reduce in response to the troubling U.S. economy. Among the findings, released April 14, 2009: 51 percent are initiating layoffs and/or downsizing, 38 percent are initiating workforce planning, 33 percent are initiating business competencies, and 33 percent are focusing on older workers. 71 percent are expanding health care strategies, 67 percent are expanding communication tactics, and 60 percent are expanding leadership and/or career development. 37 percent are reducing their recruitment of top talent, 32 percent are reducing strategies aimed at older workers, and 24 percent are reducing their overall retention strategies. "Organizations are devoting their resources to engaging their current workforce and are focusing less on recruitment and more on workforce planning, leadership development and business competencies," observed Evren Esen, Survey Research Center manager for SHRM. "This means that HR's role is crucial in keeping their organizations focused on their current resources during these turbulent economic times," she told HR News. "This provides an opportunity not only for employees but for businesses to maximize and hold on to their in-house talent." Asked about their talent management priorities, two-thirds or more cited employee engagement and employee development as a higher priority at their organizations now than at the onset of the recession in the United States. Close behind was succession planning (58 percent); recruitment followed at 44 percent. HR Strategies Initiated Voluntary furloughs and programs that cut back on time spent at work were the top tactics used in an attempt to avoid sudden, large layoffs and lessen the effect that job reductions can have on employee morale. Workforce planning typically involved analyzing critical positions to identify talented workers who could be developed to fill specific positions or take on broader responsibilities. Business competencies involved designing programs to help HR understand the economy's effect on their organizations better and areas where HR could maximize its contribution to the bottom line. Older-worker strategies involved tactics to retain older workers, knowledge transfer from older workers who were leaving the organization and efforts to recruit retirees back into the workforce. HR Strategies Expanded Analyzing various health care options with the aim of reducing overall health care costs was the main HR strategy that has been expanded during the current economy, SHRM found. Communication strategy focused on building employee confidence with internal communications from senior management that assured them of their value. Leadership development was aimed at methods for developing a diverse generation of leaders internally. HR Strategies Reduced Organizations cut back slightly on recruiting top talent re-entering the workforce because of the economy—37 percent scaled back vs. 39 percent who expanded on this strategy—but this was the strategy that saw the most reduction overall among those surveyed. Among respondents, 75 percent were with U.S.-based operations, and slightly more than half (53 percent) overall were privately owned for-profit employers. A majority of the respondents overall were at organizations with 500 or more employees (39 percent), 33 percent were at organizations with between 100 and 499 employees, and slightly more than one-fourth (27 percent) were at organizations with fewer than 100 employees. Permissions TOP PICKS: WORKPLACE DEMOGRAPHICS SHRMStore: The Next America Boomers, millennials and the looming generational showdown. Express Request: Managing Multiple Generations Get resources on leading a multigenerational workforce. Customized Research Service Learn more about your workforce with customized surveys. 2016 Talent Management Conference April 18-20, 2016 in Orlando. Take your human capital strategies to the next level. Webcast: What Drives Retirement Decisions? Employees may not be leaving for the reasons you think. Dec. 2, 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT Vendor Directory: Hiring Metrics & Measurements Find companies specializing in workplace metrics and analysis services. Swipe for more! ADVERTISING LINKS


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there is no chance the wings are getting rid of howard now or anytime soon. the same goes for weiss on the amnesty buyout this summer. the wings aren't going to pay $5m for one shortened-by-hernia season of a 5 year contract and then bail. and same thing for franzen – if he's healthy, he'll play for the wings, if he's still got the headaches, he's ineligible for an amnesty buyout.
although I suppose it is possible that the wings trade bertuzzi, samuelsson, and some of their best young players in detroit and grand rapids for shea weber (in order for the wings to be cap compliant), but i don't think that's very likely for several reasons, the top being the amount of prospects it would take to land weber.
quincey is expendable, not expandable 😉 if you want your writing to sound more professional and frankly more bearable, take out the "I mean" and "Yeah Yeah" and "well", they make you sound like a valley girl. you're not having a conversation, you're writing an article. also this sentence is contradictory, therefore doesn't make sense:
The excitement that would come with bringing in a guy like Vanek or Gaborik, it doesn't make sense to get rid of a key prospect or two and potentially the highest pick Detroit has had in years.
not trying to be a dick, just wish this were a better written article, mostly because i can't stand bleacher report and this site keeps me away from it. and yes, i know the site manager was not the author.


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Line em up boys...Graffiti // Friday, February 07, 2014
This Seattle wall has a rather eclectic cast of characters lined up. Ataboy's 8-ball "O" from the win.
Flip ItErotica // Wednesday, September 14, 2011
In his show "Shunga Pop," exhibited earlier this year at Pure Evil Gallery in London, São Paulo's Felipe "Flip" Yung combines the ironic aesthetics of pop art with his personal explorations into Asian culture and oriental pornography, creating a vibrant series of paintings that are sexually suggestive, giddily childish, and completely engrossing.


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November 26, 2015
Stay Connected Anywhere
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP)—Tim Tebow(notes) insists he's a happy camper unfazed by his many critics who are blasting him over his inconsistent performances at the Denver Broncos training camp.
The popular but unpolished second-year pro from Florida is still trying to morph from a star college quarterback who relied on his legs and trademark jump pass into a drop-back, pocket passer in the pros.
Many expected him to be thrust into the starting role this season, but trade talks regarding Kyle Orton fizzled and Orton has been the clear No. 1 QB in Denver since the first day of camp.
Tebow has drawn criticism far and wide but said he's keeping his head up. He used the word "fun" 11 times in a 5 1/2 -minute chat with reporters coming off the field Wednesday.
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All Stories
Green/Sullins win Indian Creek Open
COVINGTON -- The Indian Creek Open at Ashton Hills ended with some drama on Sunday. The second flight had a four-way tie, sending it into a four-hole sudden death playoff before the team of Clyde Haynie and Rusty Hawkins came off victorious.
Eastside's Byrne to play soccer for Ga. Military College
Eastside's Kylee Byrne has agreed to take her talents to Milledgeville where she will continue her soccer career playing for the Georgia Military College.
Cal Thomas: When government can't be trusted
More and more of us don't trust government.
Darrell Huckaby: IRS tax forms not nearly so clear as the Constitution
So the IRS is in hot water for undue diligence in evaluating conservative Americans and the taxes they owe.
Jeff Meadors: School system taking the wrong route on alternative school bus service
Big yellow means big bucks in the Newton County School System.
Any non-profit group can earn funds by recycling
Any non-profit group can earn funds by recycling.
Recycling pays off for Covington middle schoolers
The Cousins Middle School Community Based Instruction class is learning that hard work pays off as they've earned nearly $700 in six months for their recycling efforts.
Sewer project serving Baxter gets moving
A sewer project that will serve Baxter International and Stanton Springs is on the fast track to completion.
Crowell, Jack Neely get repaired
Improvements to Crowell and Jack Neely roads are taking place this summer in preparation for the opening of the new high school.
Food Pantry needs supplies
The Community Food Pantry is closed due to lack of supplies.
Woman's Club honors members
Covington Woman's Club honors members
Three schools trying to win cash
Big Lots is asking the public to vote online for a favorite video as part of the sixth-annual Lots2Give contest.
THE RECIPE BOX: Spinach lasagna rolls worth the prep time
Spinach lasagna rolls well worth the prep time. Popeye might have been a fan of eating spinach, but I'm not.
Roscoe, Mila and Otis looking for new home
There are a variety of pets available for adoption this week at the Newton and Rockdale animal shelters.


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Sunday, October 2, 2011
© Copyright 2015 Albany Herald
ALBANY, Ga. — Real men don't do yoga.
Tell that to Roger White, who tried it three years ago to heal his back without surgery. Now, White and his wife, Barbara, are the owners of Yoga on Pine and present the ancient discipline for donations that may be offered.
White, a truck driver with AAA Cooper, had injured his back and could not work. The orthopedist he was seeing recommended surgery, but White didn't like that idea.
Barbara White was working as a nurse at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and convinced him to try the yoga course at Health Works, the employee gym.
According to the American Yoga Association, people have practiced forms of yoga for more than 5,000 years. Most of its disciplines involve specific physical exercises, breath control and meditation.
"I tried it for a while and it seemed to help some," White said. I was doing physical therapy at the same time, and it's really similar to some of the positions in yoga."
White, 61, said he was out of work for about four months, but he stuck with the yoga, and his back got "better and better." He felt strongly enough about the ancient art he eventually took a certification course, qualifying him to teach.
"I taught for a while at the Phoebe Health Works as a volunteer," White said, "and then they started paying me for it."
The Whites own a building at 503 Pine Ave., and while working on the upstairs floor, it occurred to him to open a yoga studio, Roger White said. He hasn't quit his "day job" — working as a full-time trucker, but now he teaches yoga on Sunday nights.
There are other certified instructors, including Beverly Burt, formerly with the now defunct Kai Yoga in Albany, Barbara Hoots and Pamela Adams.
The Whites have no set fees for their yoga instruction. Students can pay what they can afford and what they believe the instruction is worth to them. White said that he only wants to "spread the word" and make yoga available for people in the area.
"I think yoga is a real benefit," White said. It will show you a way to keep your mind, spirit and body in shape. We're runners too, but yoga has really made a difference."
Pamela Adams said that "studio" yoga offers the participant the opportunity to "drop in" or tune in to themselves.
"The Whites wanted a place where anyone could go and do yoga and benefit from it," Adams said. "Some people aren't able to donate at all, and it's all right if they can't."
Adams has lived in the area for "about a year," she said, moving from Virginia with her husband. She has a 200-hour yoga certification from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts, a place for "optimized living," she said, and is working on completion of a 500-hour course.
More like this story
- Southern Baptist Seminary president objects to yoga ( October 7, 2010 )
- Yoga studio open for business ( September 14, 2013 )
- Community calendar for March 18, 2012 ( March 17, 2012 )
- Community Calendar for April 23, 2012 ( April 22, 2012 )
- Community Calendar for April 15, 2012 ( April 14, 2012 )


text: Barbara Bush: I Hope Palin Stays in Alaska Weekly Standard zings her, too By John Johnson, Newser Staff Posted Nov 20, 2010 4:27 PM CST STORY COMMENTS (70) (Newser) – Not much love for Sarah Palin from the Bush matriarch: Asked by Larry King her opinion, Bush responded, "I sat next to her once. Thought she was beautiful. And she's very happy in Alaska, and I hope she'll stay there." At least she was smiling when she said it. CNN provides a video teaser (in the gallery), and the full interview airs Monday night. Another Palin item raising eyebrows is a negative, at-times-mocking review of her reality show in the magazine edited by her longtime champion, William Kristol. Written by Matt Labash, the Weekly Standard review includes lines like this: "But that's what going rogue is all about. Letting it fly. Following your gut. Which has made Sarah Palin wealthy, and intensely discussed, and now has secured her a spot in the Reality TV Star pantheon. And good for Palin if she's happy following her gut. Though there's no compelling reason to suggest the rest of us should tag along behind." [Images (1)] [Videos (1)] A frame grab from the CNN video. (CNN) ADVERTISEMENT(Click Prev or Next to continue viewing images.) « Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow Here's the CNN teaser to Monday's interview. (CNN) View larger videos >> « Prev« Prev | Next »Next » CNN (Source Grid ») Weekly Standard (Source Grid ») Politics Barbara Bush • Sarah Palin CLICK BELOW TO VOTE 11% 66% 2% 2% 17% 1% RETURN TO THE STORY To report an error on this story, notify our editors.


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Perpetual Groove has grown quickly into a formidable international touring organization. Now based in Athens, GA, the band continues to ride an unending wave of momentum buoyed by an enthusiastic fan base and international critical acclaim. PGroove's music has evolved into a genre-bending, highly original sound that touches upon jazz-rock, neo-psychedelia, R&B, trance electronica, progressive rock, and anthemic arena rock. Their large catalog of original music offers something for everyone, but the band is also known for their eclectic range...


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The Basics of pH
Green cleaning works because it's based on simple chemisty, i.e. the pH scale. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) a solution is. Each whole number difference on the 0-14 scale represents a tenfold change. Highly acidic and basic ingredients can irritate the skin in concentrated forms!
Low pH (0-7) = Acidic
A solution having a pH that is lower than 7 is acidic. Acidic cleaners attack and dissolve alkaline soils, like mineral deposits or rust, breaking them down and making them easier to remove. E.g. vinegar, citrus or anything that would have a sour or bitter taste.
High pH (7-14) = Basic (alkaline)
A solution with a pH that is higher than 7 is basic. Alkaline cleans attack fatty and oily soils breaking them into component parts that are easier to remove from the surface or fabric.
Read more about our cleaning services we provide in Denver and Boulder.


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Photo: The Peranakan Museum entrance
This is the best place to
learn about the Peranakan culture in Melaka. 'Straits Chinese' or the
Baba and Nyonya, are Chinese of noble descendants who have adopted much of
the Malay culture. The public can now view this unique
Baba Nyonya heritage at the private museum, called the Peranakan
Museum, run by the Babas and
Nyonyas of Malacca. This traditional 19th century
Peranakan townhouse which is located along Jalan Tun Tan
Cheng Lock has become one of Melaka's famous tourist
attractions. The structure of this unique building is a
longish residence with an interior that opens into a
courtyard which allows sun and rain. This type of design
is a typical rich Chinese Baroque and Chinese Palladian
style homes.
Some exhibits that can be
admire here include the heavily embellished hardwood
furniture which is made from Chinese rosewood with a
combination of Chinese, Victorian and Dutch design
whereby rich mother-of-pearl inlay showing cherry
blossoms and birds can be seen on certain pieces. Hard
to find Nyonya-ware from Jiangxi and Guangdong can also
be seen here together with interesting Nyonya ceramics
and tilework. Visitors too come here for the
unique food whereby the nyonya cuisine, a combination of
Chinese and Malay cooking, has become tremendously
popular and among the favorites are acar, crabmeat
cooked in coconut sauce (ketam lemak), duck soup with
salted vegetables, jantung pisang (banana shoots) and
More Attractions in Melaka
More Attractions in Melaka
2004 - 2012
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Skunk Whisperer News & BlogsThis is our brand new frequently updated news section for both blogs and other wildlife news. You now have the ability to comment directly on each blog. You may also view detailed press coverage of The Skunk Whisperer® under our about us section.
Ned Bruha Interviewed by Oklahoma Homes
Ned was recently interviewed by Oklahoma Homes, one of the top sites for Oklahoma real estate, including Oklahoma City, OK homes for sale. Oklahoma Homes also services Texas homes for sale and Georgia real estate.
Below is a short preview of the interview they conducted with Ned.
Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.
As a child, one of the first "jobs" I had was predator-proofing our chicken house and stopping chipmunks from burrowing into grave sites. After being bitten on my forehead by a chipmunk because I placed my head down to the burrow entrance, I fell in love with wildlife. I had no idea back then that a hobby and passion could also be a living.
In Oklahoma it started as a hobby via assisting homeowners with removing uninvited guests from their attics and crawl spaces as well as assisting with the massive feral cat issues in different parts of Tulsa. After a while when your "real job" gets in the way of your hobby you realize it is not a hobby, it's not a job, it's a way of life and career…
Read the full interview: Humane Animal Removal Process: an Interview with Ned Bruha of The Skunk Whisperer
Skunks Invade Properties Around Lake Hefner
Picture from News 9
We recently assisted an Edmond, Oklahoma client with skunks spraying his dog in his back yard because people were trapping and illegally relocating their own skunks in nearby parks. We fixed his fence, whereas the nearby golf course paid a trapper to trap and kill over 60 skunks.
"It's a problem that's causing a big stink with a lot of people; the drought has been forcing skunks out of their natural habitat and into our yards looking for food.
The problem is especially bad out at Lake Hefner where folks on the golf course and homeowners report problems. On Thursday a bicyclist was sprayed.
Ned Bruha, AKA the Skunk Whisperer, has been very busy lately, News 9 caught up with him as he was working to keep the skunks out of Arthur Bay's Backyard…" Read the full story by News 9
The Skunk Whisperer® is First to Provide Non Toxic Pest Control in Oklahoma
Press Release – Non Toxic Pest Control (Download .PDF)
The Skunk Whisperer® is First to Provide Non Toxic Pest Control in Oklahoma
Oklahoma – 25 July 2012 – The Skunk Whisperer®, an Oklahoma based humane wildlife control company well known for their appearances on TV and their reputation as the best wildlife control service provider in Oklahoma, has entered the pest control industry:
"Our clients demanded natural, non-toxic pest control to get rid of the fleas and other pests wildlife brought into their homes. Because nobody offered this non toxic pest service, we decided to research it and give our clients what they wanted. Our pest control methods are prevention and repair-based and our products are truly non-toxic and natural. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first in the U.S. to start doing pest control in this unique manner. Our offices are in Tulsa and Oklahoma City."
This is a big step for The Skunk Whisperer® and a giant leap forward for the pest control industry. By setting an example that wildlife can be controlled without trapping and other inhumane methods, The Skunk Whisperer® has inspired many across this nation. Now through their example of natural and non-toxic pest control services and the guidance of Ned Bruha, the Skunk Whisperer®, will undoubtedly inspire a movement in the non-toxic pest control industry.
"The reason so few pest control companies do not offer truly non-toxic, natural or organic pest control is because it takes a massive amount of desire, research and product testing to have natural and non-toxic products that work. Personally, and as a businessman, I do not want poison in my home or in our clients' buildings, either. Many advertise "natural" and "non-toxic" but when you research further, it is simply false advertisement to warm your heart and open your pocketbook. Our goal is to change the actual environment of your home, business and property to make pests unwelcome while being careful to not harm beneficial insects. If a pest problem is found, we will first eliminate the sources of food, water and shelter that pests need to survive (sealing cracks, installing screens, moving wood piles, drainage issues and other insect attractants). If it is necessary to use a truly natural, non-toxic pesticide, we will use products in a manner that eliminates risk to people, pets or our environment."
To help clients find and evaluate pest control needs and services, The Skunk Whisperer® has launched a new website, www.nontoxicpestcontrol.com, to accompany their main company website, www.totalwildlifecontrol.com.
Ned Bruha
405-905-9453 918-261-4444
Letter from the Skunk Whisperer President
This is a letter posted by the President of the Skunk Whisperer on Facebook, 22 November 2011.
As President of The Skunk Whisperer, I would like to say a few words.
Ned does not feel comfortable with his niece watching "Ned Bruha: Skunk Whisperer" on Animal Planet. The same goes with the folks at church with which Chris and his family are associated. None of them are comfortable with children watching the show in general.
4,000 of you were Skunk Whisperer fans before our show began airing. To you, our clients, our family, friends and everybody else – on behalf of our real Skunk Whisperer Tulsa and Oklahoma office owners and employees, Wild Heart Ranch and crew, I would like to sincerely apologize for all of the vulgar language and behavior being exposed to on "Ned Bruha: Skunk Whisperer" on Animal Planet. Our goal was to make the show educational. Some of that DID come through, and we are very happy about that.
Through TV, we saw a fantastic opportunity to educate the world about non-traditional, more humane, no-trap, no-kill methods allowing wildlife to safely co-exist with humans. However, certain actions and behavior on the show have been shocking, overwhelming, hurtful and infuriating, not to mention extremely stressful. Most of all, we are fearful that the general public sees things such as sleeping in a customer's backyard or openly urinating on a customer's lawn (a sexual registry crime) as the way we truly operate. We would fire an employee on the spot for doing a mere fraction of what was shown on the show.
Stormy was employed by production and was doing exactly what he was paid to do. You can hear beeps when Ned is talking and see Ned laughing about Stormy riding a pony, whereas, Ned was actually not there at that time. Editing made it appear as if he was laughing in approval. Ned has received death threats because of his beliefs about wildlife control. Yet he continues to stand up for what he believes in; Ned's integrity is second to none. Annette had one of her orphaned fawns that she was raising killed by gunshot multiple times to the heart right at her doorstep. Not everybody approves of our methods. As our methods are more and more recognized by the general public, they may threaten traditional wildlife control methods and the living of those practicing them.
In summary, the type of behavior I mentioned is not reflective of our business models and our missions, and is simply not tolerated, yet we cannot control what is filmed, edited, and being shown on TV.
As of now, and until the air clears, your posts on this page will be seen by nobody, including us. Comments will be seen by everybody and monitored. If you want to give constructive feedback for our TV series, please send an email to us at email@example.com and we will forward to Discovery. We have not seen one letter sent to Discovery or Animal Planet.
Betsey Bruha, President
The Skunk Whisperer®, Inc.
Truly humane wildlife removal & prevention, done right the first time
Questioning Reality TV – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – by Ned Bruha
[note: This article, yet to date, has made at least six people NOT sign reality TV show contracts that were right in front of them. This was originally written for a Wildlife Management Professional trade magazine.]
Phonebook ads are slowly losing their return on investment in many areas across the US for the past several years. Internet marketing in our industry is becoming more and more creative and more saturated. Television and radio ads cost a bundle. Direct mailing is old fashioned and time consuming. Placing flyers on all the doors in neighborhoods that you want to work is tiresome… but everybody seems to watch "reality" TV shows… ever think about marketing your wildlife or pest management company via a "reality" TV show?
One in approximately ten thousand people who want their own reality TV show obtain what is called a "sizzle". A sizzle is a dramatic rendition of the show that the producers want to sell to any given TV network. Re-read what I just said, "a dramatic rendition of the show that the producers want". A producer typically employs a "starter". A starter is the guy or gal who calls you up and tries to get you excited about what you do for a living and tells you that they can make you a filthy rich TV star and an "American hero". Once the starter has his treble hook in your heart or mind, he or she turns up the heat. Starters and producers make and sell their product – TV shows, to the many different TV networks. Very few networks work directly with "talent"… that's you; you are no longer a person at the moment you fall prey to that treble hook, you are now "talent". Some people say this experience may make a person feel like an expendable item, or at best, a fabricated product… but, oh boy, you're going to be rich!
One out of approximately one thousand people who get a sizzle made actually get a pilot. A pilot is a single 22 minute TV show shown at several different test venues such as Universal Studios in Florida so the TV network can get a feel as to how the general public reacts to it. In some of these testing facilities, the viewer is given two buttons to push throughout the duration of the show… one for "like" and one for "dislike". At the end, they fill out a questionnaire and are given a freebee for their troubles. Many of those with good results go on TV during different timeframes in order to gauge public reactions so the network can figure out if your work and the way the producers who brought it to them manipulated it into "good TV". Some people strategize by getting an offer from a network that directly competes with the network you really want to be on, allowing bargaining rights to bypass the pilot step and go directly into a series.
The Good
Of course, a good thing could be that you were the one in ten thousand who got a sizzle. A TV show has the ability to increase business and promote your vision.
The Bad
A friend once told me this is a line a producer used on him; "We are just going to follow you around with cameras and film what you do every day. You won't even know we are there. The times we will need you to do special things are slim, and besides, do you know how much money you can make doing this? Let us help turn you into a star and we will all get rich together!" Sound exciting and enticing?!
If it appears as though I skipped over the part about being paid for your time and money spent on the sizzle or pilot, there may be a reason for it. You will almost certainly get at least several grand for your time. The client, to whose home you brought about one dozen out-of-town "Hollywood-type" folks, will often expect your filmed services to be free. Your home repairs and services, gas, all the business lost due to focusing on the "A" story that production wants, your time, employee's time, client's time – that is included in that payment to you. As a Wildlife or Pest Management Professional, you can lose a several thousand dollar job in a matter of minutes. What happens if the people answering your phone send you important information but your producer says your smart phone, set to vibrate and only being checked twice an hour for messages, is hurting his or her production?
Let's pretend you are the key employee in your company or that your role the company you work for is at least somewhat important. What happens when Producers take 100% of your work day… or even only 25% of your work day? Is your business really on auto-pilot without you? Are your employees going to be as productive? When do you get to pay attention to the business? After hours? On the weekend? If one of the weekdays was a holiday, will you have to film on Saturday and/or Sunday so their shooters can get in their 40 hours? Will your clients wait, or go to your competition?
Time is money. I once heard somebody say "Reality TV usually takes at least three or four takes". A production company is typically made up of an Executive Producer, a Co-producer they "hand-picked special for your show", several Production Assistants (could be car sales people, a farm hand or college student) and hopefully an audio guru that likes what you do for a living. The guys with cameras are called "shooters". The fewer shooters there are, the longer it takes to shoot the show and the more times you have to go and ring the doorbell at a clients house on film so they can capture the moment from every angle with only two cameras. Getting out of your service vehicle, greeting your client at their door and starting to talk with your client in their living room can take anywhere between 15 minutes to over an hour. This timeframe sometimes depends upon the crowd of people outside and the number of cars going by getting into the shot, if they saw a production member's reflection in the glass in the front door and so on. Yes, the client did call at 7AM about the wild animal running around in the house and it is now 11AM, but you had better hurry up and get this portion shot because by law, the crew must take a lunch break in 30 minutes. …stop shooting for a moment, now choose from this take-out menu – what do you want to eat for lunch on card tables set up in your client's driveway with the film crew today? It'd better be easy and fast to eat – that may be your phone call catch-up time. How much is the employee you now need to pick up your slack going to cost?
You may be a one or three person show, or you may have multiple offices or franchises all over the map. You may already have a bookkeeper, a CPA, a person answering the phones, an I.T. specialist, field employees, an employment attorney, and perhaps a patent, trademark and franchise attorney. What changes because of the potential show? Every industry, like ours, has its own niches, so how much money is that specialized entertainment attorney going to charge to negotiate your contract so you can get that several grand to get a sizzle, pilot or series?
The Ugly
A wise man in the TV production industry once told me that 90% of everything in reality TV is staged and that reality TV Producers will "turn talent against one another for conflict". A star from a different wildlife management type show said they were asked "No animals running amuck or slithering in a client's home today? That does not mean that the scenario cannot be arranged overnight. Besides, don't you want the best show possible? We are all on the same team". Another professional told me he was called by Producers from a big wildlife "pro" show on TV offering him a lot of money to transport trapped animals across state lines so they could use them in their show. Yet another said "Everything we did was staged. I could not tell you how many laws were broken to give them the footage they wanted". Will your Producers call your state wildlife or pest licensing agency to ask if something they want to do is illegal? Will they have your competition pick them up at the airport? Will they want to choose who your clients are today?
I may have forgotten to mention the portion about being able to view the "sizzle" or pilot before thousands in a test audience see you in your uniform, providing your services with pride and joy. Was extracurricular footage added to your sizzle or pilot to make it more colorful? Do you really think that the employee that you fired a week ago about whom the Producer said would be "good TV" would represent your company in a positive light when no longer on your payroll and filmed with you not present? Do you think editors have the capability of editing your voice and video to have you say something you never said? What happens if something is edited into something you said within a totally different context and situation? Do you think that technology allows editors to totally fabricate a sentence with the countless hours of audio they now have from you? Do you think editors can make it look like you were actually interacting with a person in a place and time that did not exist? Do you think that dramatic music and fancy editing can end up criminalizing animals or people simply due to editing room tricks? Do you think that it is the editors, producers or networks who want this added drama? Do you think you will get to see any of the footage of any of this before it airs? How does that make you look to the public? To your industry?
Are they going to blur your company name on your uniforms and vehicles? You have how much time and money invested in the show and do not have a sizzle yet?
Do you think networks and producers quietly endorse or encourage "talent" to do "staged" scenes with animals to increase drama and profit margins? What happens if production wants to purposely release live animals in a fake client's house for you to re-capture on film for "good TV"? Will you do it? What happens if you tell them to pack up their video gear and leave town? Are you in breach of contract at that point or are they?
And the most important question: How much is your integrity worth?


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Spoiler Alert: Some of Hollywood's best are leaving out of frustration
8:35 AM, Mar. 7, 2013
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Spoiler Alert: Some of Hollywood's best are leaving out of frustration
Athletes are widely encouraged to retire at the top of their games, but for every one who does there are a dozen Brett Favres or Michael Jordans, superstars who just can't seem to stay away.
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Horizon Science Academy-Dayton
Dayton, OH 45405
About This School
Charter schools are public schools, but differ from traditional public schools in that they are independent and are operated by educators, parents, community leaders, educational entrepreneurs, or others. Funding for charter schools is based on designated local or state educational organizations. Those organizations are responsible for monitoring and assessing the quality and effectiveness of education, but permit the schools to operate outside of the traditional public school education system. See Horizon Science Academy-Dayton's test results to learn more about school performance.
In 2011, Horizon Science Academy-Dayton had 13 students for every full-time equivalent teacher. The Ohio average is 16 students per full-time equivalent teacher.
Student Ethnicity (2011)
Students (2011)
Students Per Teacher (2011)
Female/Male (2011)
Subsidized Lunch (2011)
District Spending (2010)
All Grades Overall Score Performance
Horizon Science Academy-Dayton Reviews
This school is only for the teachers. I see alot of stereo typing going on at this school. If a child is being bullied they don't just confront the bully; the child that is being bullied also becomes ridiculed and made to look like a threat to the school for defending themself. I've done parent monitoring, and I have heard teachers yelling at students in a disrespectful manner. They show favoritism towards the turkish students verses other students by allowing them to skip school, and break school rules by wearing coats, and take plenty of restroom breaks when they are only allowed four restroom passes per quarter. When the pricipal or dean of students are confronted with a problem your child is having with a teacher; they will say the teacher has done nothing wrong, and make it seem as if your child is nothing but a problem. My family is not from dayton schools, and I have never felt like my child was not safe while at school until I put them in this school. Kids are wrongfully expelled, and the teachers don't practice giving respect to get it. The teachers do what they want behind these closed doors to your children and then sugar coat things to the parent. I would not recommend this charter school to anyone. I was warned, I gave it a try, and I have nothing but regrets.
Teachers are rude and do not challenge students. Fights all the time.