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Hello and welcome to KAPZ, based in Glastonbury, Somerset (UK)
Through our online store we can accept orders from anywhere in the world - automatically.
We already have established customers all over the world and we understand the costs/processes involved in shipping our products out safely to our overseas customers.
KAPZ was established in 2012 and is part of SLK CC Ltd, which has been trading successfully since 2005. KAPZ designs, manufactures, customises and sells a range of cool, customised bicycle related products. SLK CC Ltd is a company registered in England 0535 7348, our VAT Number is 850 7366 18 and our registered address is The Willows, Cary Fitzpaine, Somerset, BA22 8JB (UK).
You can contact us at any time by calling +44 20 323 911 46 or by e.mail to email@example.com - we will do our very best to help you and are available 24/7/365.
We are a very personal, friendly and customer-focused business - having been in online retailing for many years, our experience has taught us to be "available" to our customers - so we encourage you to call us if you require any help, information, product advice, gift/special requests or if you would just prefer to order your products via the telephone.
You can call us on FREEPHONE 0800 64 46 911 (or +44 20 323 911 46) where we will be delighted to assist you - our phones are answered by humans 24/7/365 - there are no robots @ KAPZ HQ!
Our phone number, address and full contact details are clearly visible throughout our entire website.
As part of the purchasing process we require certain personal details from you - name, address etc - we treat all of your information we gather with the utmost respect and DO NOT divulge it to any 3rd party - its is held within our online-store's secure server database system and is only used by us to process your order and to contact you from time to time.
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WE DO NOT HOLD, STORE, HAVE ACCESS TO OR VIEW YOUR PAYMENT CARD/PAYPAL DETAILS AS THEY ARE ONLY USED BY THE PAYMENT PROCESSING SYSTEM THAT WE USE (WorldPay & PayPal) THROUGH THEIR 100% SECURE PAYMENT GATEWAYS.
ALL of our products are made in Great Britain without exception. The customisation of our products is done individually, by hand - it takes skill and time to complete the perfect product - please be patient and rest assured that we are doing everything we can to get your KAPZ products out to you as soon as possible.
You can order your products in our online eShop in just a few, simple clicks - it couldn't be easier or you can simply call us on 0800 64 46 911 with your requirements and we will be delighted to take your order over the phone, including your payment.
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We aim to process and ship all Customised orders within 10 working days of order and payment receipt. All items bought from stock, usually ship the next working day.
We do not release products until we are in receipt of a cleared payment.
As with everything that is personalised, we will endeavour to meet your specific needs/wishes, when outlined clearly in the CUSTOMER NOTES section or by e.mail with each order. In all cases, our judgement should be trusted as we are cyclists and professional creative designers/engineers too. We reserve the right to use our best judgement when preparing artwork and won't be held responsible for any wishes unfulfilled when manufacturing our products, where specific requirements/requests/layouts have not been clearly transmitted and agreed with us prior to production.
ALL of our products, without exception, include the KAPZ branding somewhere on the design.
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On all signed-for services we accept full responsibility for the package getting to you - if your package becomes lost in the post - we will replace it and resend it without extra charge, except in the cases of a failed delivery attempt or an uncollected delivery or an incorrect delivery address given to us by the customer.
We can ship our products all over the world and will always attach an "as-ordered-value" declaration for all international orders. This is a legal requirement by Customs Authorities around the world.
Following the correct fitting and installation instructions that have been sent to you, is vital. We will accept no responsibility or liability for any damage/injury caused to you, any part of our products or to your bicycle due to incorrectly installed KAPZ products. If you are unsure, please contact us prior to installation where we will be delighted to help.
In all cases, as we manufacture all of our KAPZ products ourselves, we recommend that a clean 4mm Allen/Hex Key is used (one without a ball-end) and the bolt must ONLY be done up finger tight.
Should the bolt be too long for your bicycle, simply use a sharp hacksaw to cut the bolt down to the correct size. If you cannot do this yourself, we will be delighted to do it for you if you send us the measurement of the bolt that you require.
A dad of grease on the bolt is also recommended too.
We want you to be absolutely delighted with the products that you purchase from us.
Due to the personalisation/customisation of the products that we sell, we cannot accept any returns or responsibility for mistakes in the artwork that we have sent to and had agreed by you. We will obviously honour all mistakes made by KAPZ during the design and production processes.
Unless agreed up front with us, all customers are responsible for the cost of all postage and duty - this will be deducted from any refund agreed with KAPZ. Until safe-receipt, the customer is also responsible for ensuring that all returning packages are insured to cover the retail cost of the products that they are returning, should they go missing during transit - we suggest either Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Royal Mail Special Delivery.
In the unlikely event of an issue, please contact us so that we can sort it out as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
We look forward to being of service to you!
KAPZ - The Willows, Cary Fitzpaine, Somerset, BA22 8JB (UK)
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Everybody loves a public relations person.
Sure, you get the stereotype "bitchy" gay PR person on TV, but the reality is PR people love what they do and they do it because they genuinely care about people's feelings.
The true PR person knows that words play an important role in conveying key messages.
It takes year of experience to do the job right and climb the PR ladder in the industry.
The truth is PR people are portrayed with two personalities – the fake nice front and the hard "bad" front for a reason.
PR people are just like you and me. They have feelings, too, and have every right to have feelings of frustration, anger, demotivation and any highs and lows that us mere mortals have, too.
That's the reason they sometimes appear to have dual personalities – the nice front and the so-called bad front.
People need to understand that being a PR person is not easy.
After all, how many of us can keep a cheerful outlook all day, every day?
We need to understand that PR people have an important job of keeping everyone else happy – even when they themselves may be having a bad day.
Which is why PR people give the improper impression of being two-faced.
At this point, I may as well clarify that the previous article I wrote on Brickfields Asia College was not an advertorial.
It happens to be my true feelings of the college based on what I know about them.
Perhaps, because I was trained as a copywriter and wholeheartedly admit to having being one, that people misunderstood and assumed that it was a paid advertorial when, in fact, it was an opinion piece which happened to have been written by an ex-copywriter who decided to share her thoughts in writing.
Back to PR people, that's the same issue they face. While they may be sharing their true positive feelings through their words, people who misunderstand them and may think they're being "two-faced" and mistrust occurs.
I must say that people who climb through the corporate ladder to achieve a PR director position do so with much patience, having seen much in their years of experience and dealt with practically every PR issue in town.
I have much respect for people who climb their way up and earn their position.
It's not easy being on top.
Sometimes, it gets lonely. My heart goes out to the top PR people who must walk into the office every day, shouldering a great responsibility and balancing the need to practise PR at work with their staff while taking work seriously at the same time.
There are PR directors who are so loaded with work that they desperately want people to take their workload off them to help ease their schedule.
I always try to volunteer to take some work off from the boss when I can because I understand the pressure they're under.
Rule No. 1: Always support your boss.
PR directors need all the support they can get and it's a tough role to play. That's why I wish people would stop stereotyping PR people and give them a break when they rightfully deserve a break.
I will never forget the numerous PR people I've met who do it so well because I know I still have much to learn every time I watch how well they do it.
Here's kudos to the PR people I've met who never stopped teaching me how they do it. – February 9, 2014.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

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|Bruins breakdown: The fast lane
|02.24.10 at 12:22 pm ET
We continue our Bruins breakdown at the break with the men in the passing lane. On Monday the centers got their attention and Tuesday was for the men riding shotgun. Wednesday is for the men who like to skate fast and hit hard — the left wings.
The group is split by two players who like to let their speed make statements, Marco Sturm and Daniel Paille, and two men who often let their fists do the talking, Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton.
On Thursday we will look at the top three defensemen on the roster and the three back blue liners on Friday before finishing up with the goaltending situation on Saturday.
Without further ado . . . .
Sturm — Last September the Big Bad Blog took a look at what Sturm would mean to the Bruins offense this year. The idea was that Sturm would be able to fill in the goal-scoring production of the departed Phil Kessel and, if the rest of the team played to its 2008-09 levels, then the Bruins would still be near the top of the leading in scoring.
So much for that.
Last season the Bruins were second in the league in scoring with 3.29 goals per game, almost all of which was done without Sturm because of a knee injury. This year the Bruins have receded to below 2006-07 and 2007-08 levels when they scored 2.56 and 2.51 goals per game, respectively. At 2.35 goals per game this season the Bruins are dead last in the NHL in scoring with the next closest team (Edmonton at 2.43) almost a full tenth of a point ahead of them.
Call it the curse of Sturm.
|Bruins aim to tame faltering Panthers
|02.12.10 at 9:08 pm ET
Everybody wants to be on an island in south Florida in the winter.
Well, unless your name is Tomas Vokoun.
In a letter to their fans on Friday, Florida Panthers managing partners Cliff Viner and Stu Siegel had some direct words on what they think of the current direction of their hockey club:
Excerpt —
Clearly, we are not satisfied with some of the players on this team that do not possess the characteristics we need to be successful. We must be accountable for that. Our task moving forward is to acquire players with the attributes, skills and qualities we want in a Panthers player. We must admit the significant shortcomings we have as an organization, and we must move quickly and efficiently to overcome these shortcomings and reshape this franchise on a much more solid foundation.
Translation? We are blowing the doors off this roster and starting from scratch.
The Panthers are having the direct opposite reaction to a horrendous streak than the Bruins. Where as Peter Chiarelli has been patient and waited for Marc Savard and Milan Lucic to come back healthy and productive and has been rewarded with three straight wins this week, Panthers general manager Randy Sexton cannot seem to wait to break up his roster. Heading into Saturday's game Florida only stands six points from a playoff birth but it probably is looking at the teams ahead of it (like the Bruins) and has made the determination that the roster, as currently situated, does not have the talent or chemistry to break out of the funk.
That is where Vokoun comes in. The Panthers goaltender is having a good season and played well recently, despite Florida's five-game losing streak. Vokoun is 5-7-1 in his last 13 games with a 1.77 goals against and .947 save percentage but is hampered by the fact that the Panthers are perhaps the worst defensive team in the league giving up 34.1 shots a game does not help the stalwart backstop. On top of that Florida is on an 11-game streak where it has scored two goals or less. Sound like the Bruins recent woes? Yeah, just about.
Without Vokoun, the Panthers would not even be sniffing a playoff spot and he may be the only player on the Panthers' roster that might not be on the move. He has another year left on his deal and a no-trade clause. Sexton has stability at the most fickle position in the game and, if he is thinking clearly, should not mess with a good thing and build from the backstop on out. Trading Dominic Moore to the Canadiens for a second round pick on Thursday was a good start and there will probably be more trades on the way.
On the Bruins side of the aisle, things are looking better. The team looks to incorporate the lessons it has learned in the positive week before the Olympic break and continue them in Sunrise on Saturday. Twice this week the Bruins have broken the two-goal barrier that had been holding them back and Tuukka Rask has made them stand up (despite barely hanging on after being spotted a five goal lead on Thursday). Rask is 3-0-2 in his last five straight starts with a .942 save percentage and will likely start against the Panthers.
Miroslav Satan will miss the game after suffering a laceration on his hand in a first period hit into the boards on Thursday. Satan flew back to Boston and had the hand looked at and the report is that there is no tendon damage but rather just a fresh cut that will keep him out on Saturday. Coach Claude Julien could not comment on whether or not the cut will keep him from playing with Team Slovakia in Vancouver but suspected that Satan would probably play. Lucic and Shawn Thornton did not practice on Friday because of reported food poisoning but are expected to go on Saturday.
|Bruins hold off Lighting for third straight
|02.11.10 at 10:16 pm ET
Summary — The Bruins scored four first period goals en route to a 5-4 victory over the streaking Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa Bay on Thursday. Michael Ryder had two goals and an assist in the first and Milan Lucic added to tip-in goals to pace the Bruins attack. Tuukka Rask won his third straight game for Boston with 30 saves and now has earned points in five straight. The Lightning came back on Boston with two second period goals and another in two in the third before the Bruins were able to put the game away.
Antero Niittymaki let in the four first period goals on 21 shots before being pulled for Mike Smith to start the second.
Ryder almost had a natural hat trick in the first. He got an assist on Lucic's first goal with a shot from the point that the big forward deflected on its way passed Niitymaki. Ryder scored twice later in the period with the first coming courtesy of a give-and-go on the rush with Blake Wheeler and then another on the power play off a shot from Marc Savard to make it 4-0.
Lucic was credited for his second of the game in the second period when the Bruins made it 5-0. Lucic tipped a shot off a turn-and-blast from Zdeno Chara in the high slot that found its way through Smith's pads.
The Lightning came back late in the second on the power play when Martin St. Louis picked up two goals in the final four minutes as the Bruins picked up a couple questionable penalties. Steve Downie scored the third and fourth goals for Tampa Bay in the third period.
Three Stars
Michael Ryder — The Bruins winger had his 15th career three-point game and has eight goals in nine career games against Niittymaki. His two goals give him 15 on the season.
Milan Lucic — The big bodied Bruin got credit for two goals on the night with deflections in front of the Lightning net. Lucic now has five goals on the year.
Martin St. Louis — Tampa Bay's veteran forward had two second period goals and now has seven in the Lightnings' last six games.
Turning Point
Boston's third goal of the game was one of the best of the year for the Bruins. Ryder tipped a backhand tip pass to Wheeler who immediately gave it back to catch Niitymaki completely out of position. Ryder rammed the puck home and followed it with a trip/dive into the net to give the Bruins the 3-0 lead. Boston had taken 2-0 leads in its past four games but this was the first time in a long time that the Bruins were able to take a three-goal advantage in the first period.
Key Play
Lucic scored his second of the game on a tip in the second period to make it 5-0. The goal become important as the Lighting would score four straight through the end of the second period into the third to make it a one-goal game with 8:51 left before the Bruins were able to put it away.
|Ryder and Bruins jump on Lightning
|at 8:29 pm ET
The Bruins have not been able to score four goals in a game for a while. Let alone four in a period.
The Bruins took a first period lead when Miroslav Satan beat Antero Niittymaki with helpers from Derek Morris and Marc Savard at 4:24. Satan took advantage of defenseless Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman who had lost his stick up the ice and was unable to support Niittymaki in front of the net. The Bruins have scored the first goal in five straight games dating back to last Tuesday against the Capitals. That streak includes four straight 2-0 leads starting last Thursday against Montreal.
Make it five.
Milan Lucic gave the Bruins the two-goal advantage at 11:21 when he may (or may not have) tipped a Michael Ryder shot from the point that was just enough to make it passed Niitmaki. Ryder's shot went through both Lucic and Lightning defenseman Matt Smaby and it was not clear if Lucic actually got a stick on it though it definitely touched Smaby. At this point the officials are crediting Lucic with the goal, his fourth of the year.
Ryder would make up for it on one of the nicest looking goals of the year when he went give-and-go with Blake Wheeler in front of Niittymaki. Ryder had a backhand pass to Wheeler on the dot who returned it immediately for the easy one-timer into the net. Ryder followed the puck and climbed out of the goal with a fist pump and a three goal lead.
Ryder would make it 4-0 1:35 later on the power play (Steve Downie four-minute roughing 16:41). Savard skated from the left half wall and put a wrist shot on Niittymaki that the goaltender deflected to the back wall. It bounced back up for Ryder who deposited it in the top corner for the Bruins first four goal game in about a month. Ryder now has 15 goals on the year.
The Lightning would not get a shot on Rask for the final 13 minutes of the period and the Bruins head to the locker room with a sizable shots margin.
Shot through first:
Bruins — 21
Lightning — 13
|Bruins cannot catch a break
|02.06.10 at 5:08 pm ET
When things are going bad there is a no such thing as catching a break. Sometimes the break catches you.
The Bruins were skating to what was looking like a 2-1 win against Vancouver on Saturday afternoon when Canucks defenseman Sami Salo broke his stick trying to send a blast on Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask. The puck idled off the shot and was over-skated in a clearing attempt by Milan Lucic before Tanner Glass came in and found it in the high slot to send it back on Rask. Vancouver forward Pavol Demitra was in the perfect place to redirect it with the shaft of his stick to tie the game at two. Vancouver went on to win in a shootout.
"Bad luck, story of my season, [expletive deleted], nothing can go right. What can you do?" Lucic said.
Rask saw the play develop in front of him but the odd deflection was enough to get it passed him in his second straight start and second straight shootout loss.
"I saw it, I saw it," Rask said. "But the guy tipped it in front of me and you can't just stand there and wait for the tip. I try to be square for the puck and he just happened to make kind of a weird tip and he tipped it over my shoulder. That's the kind of luck we haven't gotten in the past couple of games. Just got to stick with it, and it's coming."
It is those type of plays that are really starting to wear on the Bruins patience. For three straight games Boston has played well only to see a seemingly innocuous play turn into the deciding factor in the game. On Thursday it was the Matt Hunwick's penalty that led to the first on Montreal's two goals in the final minutes of the second period that turned the game around. On Tuesday against the Capitals it was Blake Wheeler and David Krejci not being able to get the puck past Jose Theodore on a wide-open net and then watch as Washington comes storming back minutes later. Good games by the Bruins are turning into losses on a dime.
"It is disheartening. You guys watched that last goal. A guy breaks his stick, [Lucic] should be off on a break away, 2-on-1, and it just kind of flubs through his legs and skate and the guy turns and fires it away," Savard said. "It is not even a clean tip, it hits his shaft and skips up in the top corner. It is just disheartening, like I said. We go through overtime trying to get the win but no break."
The Bruins were good in the third period against Vancouver. They did not sit back and wait to lose the game, they were active in trying to put a third goal passed Luongo. The Canuck stoned them which allowed his team enough of an opportunity to catch the break that the Bruins have not been able to in their 10 game skid.
"I still thought we played well in the third with that 2-1 lead and then that mistake and that turned into a goal and that is the end of it," coach Claude Julien said. "I really thought that we were playing well enough in the third that we could have won that game 2-1. When [Lucic] over-skated that puck and they just threw it at the net, those are the type of things where you say 'you've got to be kidding me, give me a break here' . . . right now it is just the way it is."
So it is. The Bruins 10th straight loss turned on a broken stick, a breakaway that wasn't and a tip off the shaft of Demitra's stick. With all the breaks, it is a wonder that the Bruins cannot catch one. That is just how things work when a team is in the skids.
|Canadiens set to invade TD Garden
|02.04.10 at 1:27 pm ET
If there was ever a game for the Bruins to get back to their winning ways, Thursday night against archrival Montreal Canadiens would be it. Boston has fallen from fifth to 12th in the Eastern Conference standings during its eight game losing streak and has watched division opponents like the Habs leapfrog them in the standings.
Over the past three games the Bruins have played with good energy and decent emotion but have not seen the results on the scoreboard. The team has not had a positive seminal moment during the season, a game that defines the squad and sets the pace for winning hockey. With the Canadiens in town and all the fanfare that comes along with them, Thursday could be a good time to turn things around.
"There is a lot of history in it, the crowd always gets into it. It is kind of cool when they have all those Montreal Canadiens fans in the crowd. It always gets us excited every time we play these guys," Milan Lucic said.
Yes, there is history between these two Original Six hockey clubs, but recent history between the players on each roster is not worth much going into Thurday's contest. Last year Boston and Montreal hooked up for a memorable, fight filled battle in the Bruins last home game of the regular season and tensions and between the two were high during the Boston's three game, first round sweep in the playoffs. Yet, significant agitators on last year's Habs roster such as Mike Komisarek (Toronto), Saku Koivu (Anaheim), Georges Laraque (released late January) and Andrei Kostitsyn (knee injury, out till after Olympics) are not around as are several players from last year's Bruins roster. Hence, there are not many hard feelings carried over between the players going into Thursday's contest.
"I wish [there was carry over] but they have kind of revamped their lineup so a lot of those guys who we had the big rivalries with in the last three years are gone. I would not mind creating new ones, I suppose," Bruins enforcer Shawn Thornton said. "We don't like each other, we haven't for years. I think it will be a fun game to play in, I think everybody will be up for it. So, I hope we will turn it around, yeah."
The Bruins roster turmoil has had some effect on their goal output recently as they strive for chemistry on newly formed lines with the roster turnover or players returning from injury. As players such as Marco Sturm and Marc Savard get their health and timing back, the hope is that Boston can start generating more goals and find a way to win some games.
"We have not helped ourselves either with all the different line combinations but we are not the only team going through that and we are not going to make excuses but we have not had the same lines," coach Claude Julien said. "The chemistry with injuries and the lines, it is a challenge and kind of have to fight through that and hopefully as we are getting a little healthier hopefully that comes back."
At the same time, the Bruins goaltenders would do the rest of the team a big favor if they could completely shutdown an opposing team. Tuukka Rask was the first goalie off the ice after Thursday's morning skate and will likely get the start against the Canadiens. He said that both him and Tim Thomas are always approach games with the notion that the goaltender might be able to steal a win for the team.
"We got to have that state of mind before every game. The past few games have been like that, we can't let in any weak goals. We approach games that way that we are going to steal them and hopefully it is going to happen soon," Rask said. "We really feel that we have been playing better and better here just without the results but I am trying to get the win here today."
10 Bruins forwards participated in the morning skate with Mark Recchi, Savard, Sturm and Michael Ryder the missing men. On the blue line Boston had six skaters with Andrew Ference taking the ice and Dennis Wideman absent. Ference has missed the last 12 games with a groin injury. Mark Stuart will still be sidelined with a broken finger he sustained against the Kings last Saturday and is expected to be out until after the Olympics at the very least. It remains doubtful that Ference will play against the Canadiens which probably means that Adam McQuaid and Wideman will be on the rink when the puck drops barring a last minute change of plans.
|Bears looking for their bite
|01.26.10 at 12:43 pm ET
WILMINGTON ' The Bruins had a workout day at Ristuccia Arena on Tuesday, and the only players to take the ice were those returning from injury ' Marc Savard, Byron Bitz and Steve Begin. The three were put through drills by assistant coach Doug Houda that included precision passing and shooting exercises, while the rest of the team went through "dry land" conditioning with meetings that coach Claude Julien said included watching some video.
"We did some other things besides for dry land. You make sure that your days are constructive. We've played quite a few games and had a good practice yesterday," Julien said. "Today was about working in a different direction and kind of build up towards the weekend."
Part of what has been lacking in the Bruins game during during the month of January has been the physical spark that has spurred previous Bruins teams. Bitz, one of the bigger bodies on the team, was not sure how that aspect of the Bruins game went missing.
"There are a lot of things in our game, including that physical aspect, that we have gotten away from, the staples of what makes us a good team," Bitz said. "I don't know why. It is a good question and there is no easy answer. If we knew we would remedy it as quick as we can. It is something we are addressing and we know we have to be better at and we will."
Part of the lack of physicality has been the lack of the presence of Milan Lucic. The hulking forward has only suited up for 19 games this year and is still looking for his timing in what will be his 10th game back from injury in Buffalo on Friday.
"There is no doubt that when your timing is off, you are getting there a little late or not at all," Julien said of Lucic. "It is part of his game that you have to be patient with as a coach, because he has hardly played this year. I have said that before, when a guy doesn't really start the season and comes in halfway though it is a big hurdle to jump over and catch the rest of the players in the league."
Lucic did pick a fight last Thursday against Columbus forward Jared Boll, but overall, there has not been a lot of bite to these bears of late.
The Bruins need a significant moment soon, or the rest of the season will be lost to the fog in which they currently find themselves. Whether it be a big fight (or series of fights), a big performance or just a night when they break out of their goal-scoring funk and light the lamp with regularity. To this point in the season it has not happened and Bitz said the team might not realize it at the time when (if) it does.
"You know, I guess at the end of the year we will be able to look back and say that 'Yeah, that game was a defining moment,' but right now, I guess you never know when that moment is going to come," Bitz said. "I think you will just have a role and job on the team and I think individually you have to worry about doing that and everything will take care of itself."


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- This event has passed.
Town Band
August 24, 2014 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Navigation
G RANVILLE The Granville Town Band performs marches and concert specialties at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24 on the bandstand at Veterans Park, Quaker St., Granville. Free and open to the public.


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Reginold Matthews and backpacks full of school supplies that will be donated on behalf of the Urban League.
- Filed Under
The miles that separate Reginald Matthews at Morehouse College in Atlanta and Meiting Wang at Michigan State University from their homes in Battle Creek didn't stop the two from finding a way to give back to their hometown.
The two college students formed their own community service group called The Matthews/Wang Project. This summer they teamed up with the Urban League of Battle Creek for a backpack drive for local school children.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Friendship Park on Capital Avenue Northeast, the community is invited to participate in various back-to-school ...


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November 25, 2015
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Former Democratic state Rep. Sue Schmitz
has again asked a federal judge to delay the start of her federal
prison sentence for a fraud conviction.
Schmitz of Toney has been ordered to report to federal prison on Dec. 30. An earlier motion asking that her sentence be delayed while her conviction is appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. She filed a new motion Thursday asking U.S. District Judge David Proctor to delay her sentence while the appellate court considers her motion seeking an appeal bond.
Schmitz was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being convicted in February on charges that she used her influence as a legislator to get a job in the two-year college system and then did little work.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
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Champions League final: Where the match was won and lost
Bayern Munich's win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley was a demonstration of German football at its very best.
"This Bayern team is a machine, and in the end they ground Dortmund down, not by out-passing them but through sheer industry and organisation"
Neither Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund base their game on slow, patient passing or possession - they both play a high-tempo game, full of intensity and are always looking to create chances. The final was not about two teams who play in Barcelona's style,
Before the game, I was talking about how quickly both teams would get forward, but the other feature of their play we saw on Saturday was how quickly they both got back.
Dortmund started so well and stopped Bayern from playing but, in the end, the best team won.
Bayern definitely deserved their victory and the man who has got to take plaudits is their manager Jupp Heynckes. He has changed this team around completely since taking charge in 2011.
He learned part of that from Dortmund, in that he has got his players fitter than theirs, something I didn't think was possible.
Dortmund dominate opening stages
Dortmund know how to beat Bayern - by being very organised, compact and composed without the ball, and then trying to get behind their defence very quickly when they win possession.
McClaren on the continent
- Steve McClaren became coach of Dutch side FC Twente in 2008
- He finished second in his first season and won the title for the first time in the club's history in 2010
- He left to join Wolfsburg that summer - the first English coach to manage a Bundesliga side
- He was sacked in February 2011 after winning just five of 21 games in charge
- Returned to Twente in January 2012 but left 13 months later
As expected, Dortmund started at a very high tempo, something they do in the first 20 minutes of every game.
They smothered Bayern in midfield and forced them to play long, which isn't their style.
At this stage, Ilkay Gundogan and Sven Bender were easily winning the battle in central midfield when Bayern tried to play through them, then Dortmund were springing forward very quickly.
They played the ball forward to Marco Reus and their main striker Robert Lewandowski, who were both causing the Bayern defence massive problems, and created lots of chances.
Dortmund badly needed to score while they were on top because they knew that Bayern would come back at them.
The danger for Dortmund was that, by pressing so much in the centre of the pitch, they left a lot of space behind their back four. Bayern began to take advantage of this before half-time.
Bayern have the best individual players and they were always going to create openings. When the game opened up, they became massive favourites to win it.
Bayern take control and deserve their win
Bayern grew into the game in the second half and they seemed to get stronger and stronger, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in particular.
What helped Ribery and Robben become so influential was striker Mario Mandzukic's running up front. He played for me at Wolfsburg and and that boy can run - I have never seen a player who can run so quick and so far.
Mandzukic led the Bayern line so well, and gave Bayern's wide-men the room to manoeuvre, inside and outside, forcing the Dortmund players back. For both Bayern's goals, both Ribery and Robben took full advantage of that space.
Heynckes joins the elite
- Bayern's win made Jupp Heynckes the fourth coach to win the European Cup with two different teams
- He previously won the trophy with Real Madrid in 1998
- The others are Ernst Happel (Feyenoord 1970 and Hamburg 1983), Ottmar Hitzfeld (Dortmund 1997 and Bayern 2001), and Jose Mourinho (Porto 2004 and Inter 2010)
Bayern battered them for the final 20 minutes but I don't think Dortmund could have given any more.
The only thing they could have done differently was make a change to put more energy on, maybe by putting another attacker, Julian Schieber, on a little bit earlier, after their 67th-minute equaliser when they had the momentum and Bayern might have been down.
They didn't and, by the time Bayern scored their 89th-minute winner they were rampant. They kept going forward, and got their reward.
This Bayern team is a machine, and in the end they ground Dortmund down, not by out-passing them but through sheer industry and organisation, and will to win.
They were not at their best but they know how to win when it matters.
What next for Germany's top two?
Bayern have adapted and overtaken Dortmund in the Bundesliga, and now they have overtaken everyone in Europe to win the Champions League.
You could look at them and think, with Heynckes leaving, what does former Barca boss Pep Guardiola do now to improve them when he takes charge? - but it is their players that are the main thing.
If Lewandowski does end up at Bayern as well as Mario Gotze then that makes them almost unstoppable.
But Dortmund have lost players before. They lost Shinji Kagawa last summer, and they are definitely going to lose Gotze this time.
The good news for them is that they have got Marco Reus, who is going to be stronger and better next year, and they also have money in the bank.
What they are good at is recruiting and producing players, and they will keep the conveyor belt going.


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The nuns always warned us about telling tales out of school, tattling, gossiping but since I've long been out of school I feel I can do it although the following aren't really tattle tales or gossip. They're scary but true tales.Â
Arne Duncan, who never taught a class or wrote a lesson plan in his life but did attend the elite University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and majored in sociology at Harvard, later presided over the disintegration of the Chicago public school system for almost 10 years.Â
Apparently because of that sociology degree and his outstanding Chicago failure, Duncan was tapped by President Obama in 2009 to be the nation's Secretary of Education, the rough equivalent of hiring Yogi Berra to teach logic to baseball players.Â
  Secretary Duncan experienced a rare attack of honesty for a politician when he recently conceded, "And the best ideas, I've always said, in education are never going to come from me or frankly from anyone else in Washington,†despite the fact his cabinet-level department is primarily charged with establishing United States educational policy.Â
Needless to say, Duncan qualified his admission of his own and Washington's ineptitude by saying that the best ideas are "always going to come from great teachers, great principals at the local level" where people better understand their communities' needs.Â
Duncan was inadvertently raising the question of why a federal education department, created as the brainchild of Jimmy Carter, is needed at all and why its budget has almost tripled in a decade even as the nation's educational system is rapidly approaching levels considered unacceptable in the Third World. (http://bit.ly/oeMBU0)Â
He didn't answer those unasked questions and didn't have to. Teachers and their overbearing national union, the National Education Association and its affiliates, provide the answers every election cycle when they show up en masse to support Democrat candidates as payback for government, i.e. taxpayer, largesse.Â
As a nitwitty teacher proudly said one Election Day in our faculty room years ago in response to a query as to how she planned to cast her vote, "I don't know. I just vote for whoever the union tells me to." Â
Teachers and other Wisconsin public employees know full well whom not to vote for, newly-elected Republican governor of the Badger State, Scott Walker. Â
The dastardly, union-busting, benefit-reducing Walker, the same governor who has put his state on a path to fiscal sanity and has actually added 43,400 jobs to Wisconsin's payrolls according to the CES, the Current Employment Statistics survey, discovered once again the depths which unionistas can plumb when he visited the Messmer Catholic School in Milwaukee.Â
Governor Walker and his state had already witnessed those depths last winter when union thugs caused millions of dollars in damages to the state Capitol building in Madison, ostensibly in protest of his fiscal proposals but also in protest of his fair and democratic election.Â
Wisconsin state senators cowardly fled the state and their responsibilities, death threats were made against Walker and other Republicans, and efforts at recall elections were launched, all examples of unions in action against the democratic process and sad foreshadowings of America's potential future.Â
(Â Â See "Education News, None of It Good," http://bit.ly/osWzMr.)
Still, Walker couldn't have been prepared for the shameless union ugliness exhibited outside Messmer Prep as he read Dr. Seuss to elementary school kids.
Messmer, a "choice school," prides itself on its status as an alternative to Milwaukee's dismal, unionized public school system. Messmer sends 85% of its students on to college, a figure which stands in stark contrast with Milwaukee public schools which manage to graduate–which is not to say educate–a disgraceful 41.1% of their students.  Â
Ed Morrisey details the actions of the unionista protest against the governor of Wisconsin having the audacity to tour a state of Wisconsin school.Â
Union malcontents in obvious distress over a successful educational institution unsuccessfully protested outside Messmer during the governor's visit, protests including physical intimidation of Messmer's unflappable African-American principal Brother Bob Smith, verbal attacks on staff members, and mindless chanting outside the school.Â
They had staged a pre-emptive attack the night before by Supergluing and jamming locks on the schoolhouse doors, a childish trick the protesting teachers must have learned from their students, and followed up by boisterously attempting to disrupt Walker's efforts to encourage the accomplishments of the school and Messmer's kids.Â
See and contrast the behavior of those bright, well-behaved kids with the unruly, unkempt, bullying mob of union teachers reinforced by SEIU goons on a 4:49 video here: http://bit.ly/ruh9kB  Â
No one, neither Republicans such as Scott Walker nor thinking Democrats nor other American citizens is denying the many contributions of the union movement to our society. Many people are coming to realize that some unions are out of control and making unsustainable demands during uncertain times.Â
In view of the fact the man in charge of national education policy, Arne Duncan, admits he hasn't a clue as to offering a solution to our educational mess and all Wisconsin teachers and the NEA can offer is bluster and disruption, maybe it's time for the abolition of the Department of Education and a return to the time-proven standard of Every Child Who Can't Measure Up Left Behind.  Â
My nuns may have been brutal on occasion and were almost always inflexible but they accomplished their assigned goal: They educated us. I can tell that tale out of school.  Â


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grounding and lifting
Grounding and Lifting
Filter Project: Art for Hope and Healing
Type: Original Work
Medium: Recycled coffee filter with prisma color, pencil and stillness.
Size: 11" x 12"
I thought for while what this image wanted to be called. I had a feeling the title will come to me unexpectedly. At the very end of the next class, the words were spoken "Feel the Grounding and Lifting." I just love it when things just fall into place.


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- Filed Under
In a Friday playoff battle featuring two of the premier running backs in Northern Nevada, it was McQueen's Lucas Weber who won the first half.
Damonte Ranch's Drew Smith, though, came back to win the second half - and the game.
Smith rushed for his third touchdown - a 24-yard sideline-hugging burst - with 2:47 left to play to lift the Mustangs to a 21-20 win over McQueen in the Division I North regional semifinals at Damonte Ranch. ...


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Trailer stolen, family finds it just before being scrapped
VANCOUVER, Wash. – One family tracked down their stolen trailer just minutes from it being scrapped, but they still can't use it because of the damage it received.
Before it was stolen, Larry Van Dyne's trailer was in good shape. He built the trailer for his grandfather, Bob Cummings.
Van Dyne found it at Rivergate Scrap Metals in Portland.
"I've been told by the Rivergate people that the thief actually brought it in three times that day," Van Dyne said. "And the third time, he just left the whole trailer with his scrap in it."
That makes him and his grandfather think the trailer came into the scrap yard in usable condition. So they want the scrap yard to pay for the damage.
"I'm surprised they would even think of scrapping something like this that can be re-used plenty more times," Cummings said. "There was nothing wrong with this trailer. This was a good trailer."
"When you have a piece of property come in that's usable, that ought to throw up a red flag. And it didn't. They just said, 'Oh, we get 'em in all the time,'" Van Dyne said.
You have to have a license for a trailer in Washington but not in Oregon.
A KATU News reporter and videographer went to Rivergate to ask if they checked to see who owned it.
"We don't talk about what's between us and our customers," said a man you works at the scrap yard.
The KATU crew was told it was none of their business.
Van Dyne said Rivergate didn't even want to give the trailer back, and then wanted him to pay.
"I was thinking they were just as crooked as the thieves themselves," he said.
You can buy a lock for a trailer's hitch, which keeps people from hooking up to it. Van Dyne and Cummings said they'll put one on their next trailer and maybe a burglar alarm to go along with it.
This story came to us as a news tip. If you have a story for us, email us at email@example.com. Your tip goes straight to our newsroom.


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- Filed Under
50th Wedding Anniversary
Larry and Sandra Countryman
Larry Countryman and Sandra Rathbun were married on December 19, 1962 in Rogersville, Missouri, while Larry was stationed in San Diego, California, in the Navy. After 22 years of military service, the couple moved to Larry's hometown of Ozark, Missouri, in 1977 where they both pursued teaching careers.
They have two children: Traci Countryman of Springfield, Missouri, and Brad and wife Michelle of Belton, Missouri. They have two grandchildren: Ryan and Bailey Countryman of Belton.
Larry and Sandy have traveled the world and continue to enjoy traveling and retired life.


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Custom Memorial Beads
& Unique Cremation Jewelry
What's New
Kim Stacey, President of the Association of Women Funeral Directors (AWFD) recently featured us in a lovely article.....Read it here!
What We Do
Welcome to Ashes to Glass. We are a family of lampwork artists who have developed a technique for spinning ashes into our glasswork. The idea of combining ashes with molten glass began when our father passed on. Debbe combined her love for lampworking with her love for our dad.
In time she perfected a beautiful glass globe encasing our father's ashes. She made a bead for each family member, and everyone of us felt such comfort when we were presented this precious gift that we could hold in our hands.
Since then, Ashes to Glass has become a heart-driven business. Seven years and a thousand memorial beads later, we find ourselves as passionate as ever. Located in Santa Cruz, California, Ashes to Glass has served both families and funeral homes from Kaneohe, Hawaii to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Look through our site and learn about our works of art, how lampwork is created, and who we serve. We encourage you to contact us if you have any special requests. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Feel free to call us for more information or questions regarding our craft at 888-418-9888, or e-mail us at email@example.com.
Search our site. Choose the items you would like to purchase. Proceed to Check-Out. Mail a teaspoon of ash per bead ordered to us in a zip-lock bag. Include your name, the name of your loved-one, and your e-mail address. Send it to us at:Ashes to Glass 700 Almar Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Our current turn-around time is about 3 to 4 weeks from the receipt of ashes. We will do our best to make it less.
1-888-418-9888 or write us at
Copyright 2015


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The Chicago Auto Show and Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) presented Honda with the third annual "Driving Engagement" award for most innovative social media campaign of 2014 during the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview.
Volkswagen announced Tanner Foust and Scott Speed are returning in 2015 to the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Team. The team will compete this year with two Volkswagen Beetle GRC race cars.
Digital Megaphone hosted the second annual Vine/Instagram Video Challenge at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview. Social media savvy judges – Hope Bertram, CEO and founder of Digital Megaphone; Tim Bay, vice president of digital at Wilton; Ji Suk Yi, on-air host of Windy City LIVE; Lizza Morales, actor, TV host and digital influencer; and Brett Kreisman of Twitter – selected @Chicagoings Instagram video as the grand prize winner.
David Buchko, corporate communications director of BMW North America, walked the press and social media influencers around the BMW exhibit to discuss the company's capabilities within the realm of technology.
Chevrolet debuted the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, a refresh of the current model with updated styling and new features, and the 2015 Silverado Custom during the Chicago Auto Show's Media Preview.
Ford made its world introduction of the all-new 2016 Police Interceptor utility vehicle during the Media Preview of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The new police vehicle was developed with input from the Ford Police Advisory Board, a panel of 25 experts from the law enforcement community, to handle the extreme rigors of police duty.
Hyundai brought two new vehicles to the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview: the all-new Veloster Rally Edition and the Elantra GT.
Mazda introduced a number of factory accessories on its showcase MX-5 design concept during the Social Media Preview of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The original, first-generation Miata proved to be a sensation at its Chicago Auto Show debut over 26 years ago, in 1989.
Fiat Chrysler kicked off day two of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview with a news conference and traveling breakfast. Wendy Orthman, Midwest PR manager for Chrysler, welcomed the press to enjoy breakfast while listening to a brief summary of four of Chrysler's newest models.
MotorWeek named the Ford Mustang as the 2015 Drivers' Choice Award during the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.


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HARRISBURG — Penn State has settled with six more victims or accusers of Jerry Sandusky, according to a new audit that puts the school's total payout in the child sex- abuse scandal at nearly $93 million.
Dated Oct. 30, the university's audited financial statements for the year that ended June 30 show $33.2 million in new payments over claims related to the former longtime assistant football coach.
"Additional claims could be paid in the future, but without having knowledge of the number and nature of such claims the university is unable to predict the outcome of these matters," wrote auditors with Deloitte & Touche LLP in Philadelphia.
Sandusky is...


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Elitebook Folio 9470m
Panasonic Toughbook
Microsoft Surface
Acer Cloud Mobile S500
The rise of the Ultrabook market is currently made HP take different steps to market Elitebook Folio 9470m. Ultrabook is designed specifically for businesses, and in the claims pass 26 standard military test United States, heat and cold, and pass drop tests from a height of 18 inches in a variety of angles. Excess is what is on offer through the HP Elitebook Folio 9470m which has a thickness of 19 mm and weighs 1.63 kg with 14-inch wide screen, with the Intel Core-I engine the third and 4GB RAM, making Elitebook Folio 9470m looks thin but great in performance .
Panasonic Toughbook
Panasonic introduced the Toughbook series mobile computer. The advantage of the Toughbook is resistance to impact and water. One is the Toughbook Android devices, has launched six models: CF-35, CF-H2, CF-SX2, CF-19, CF-U1 Toughbook UMPC and TABLET A1 and has IP65 certification (Passed down and splashed water resistance). Toughbook notebook series is intended for outdoor use / office that require resistance to knocks and moisture.
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft did not want to miss and Surface release tablet, equipped with technologically ARM processor and runs the latest OS Windows 8 RT. Surface has a 11-inch screen, Nvidia T30 processor, 2 GB of RAM and front and rear camera capable of recording 720p video. Microsoft Surface also comes with Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview the bias in the free upgrade to the full version. Microsoft Surface tablet also comes with USB 2.0, MicroSD, Mini HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm Audio Jack. Microsoft will release two versions 32 GB and 64 GB.
Acer Cloud Mobile S500
Posted by: AdminEasy Learn Computer, Updated at: 5:06 PM


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My legs are killing me
The voice of mile 18
know more than a couple folks who PR on a hangover/still drunk. you also get more cool points finishing a race with liquor sweating out of your pores.
actually sat AM's are all tied up with activities for my rugrats and need sunday races.
- Anya
Queen of 3rd Place
Ex runner


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Top 10: Japanese Noodles Shops in Torrance
Sawtelle and Little Tokyo have their fair share of tempura houses, sushi bars and izakaya spots, making them the go-to neighborhoods for Japanese food for most Angelinos. But to enjoy the broadest (and quite possibly the best) selection of Japanese cooking in Los Angeles, one must venture to what is essentially Japan's 48th prefecture, the city of Torrance in the South Bay. With the US headquarters of the top three Japanese automakers and countless other stateside offices of Japan-based companies, the city boasts a rich ex-pat and Japanese-American culture, reaching far beyond the corporate world.
Udon at Kotohira Restaurant
1) Kotohira Restaurant:One of the few restaurants in the United States that makes traditional, handmade udon, Kotohira is the ultimate destination for those thick, slippery white ropes. From the austere preparation of cold noodles (on the requisite bamboo mat) served with dipping sauce to lacquered bowls full of tempura lace, bonito shavings, spring onion and a rubbery slice of fish cake--available with or without broth--the light-yet-chewy udon are addictive and delicious. For a rather daunting textural experience, there's udon topped with grated mountain yam and quail egg, but if you can't deal with okra, look elsewhere on the menu.
Kotohira Restaurant; 1747 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena; (310) 323-3966
2) Otafuku Noodle House: Hidden along a nearly deserted stretch of Western Ave., Otafuku looks like a victim of the Great Recession form the street, with the windows covered up and only a small sign above the door denoting its existence. Inside, the restaurant is all welcoming blonde-wood paneling and Japanese men in business suits slurping soba noodles. The house specialty is handmade soba crafted from white buckwheat flour. Purists enjoy these thin white noodles cold, with sparse applications of dipping sauce. After your noodles are gone, a server will present you with a teapot full of the hot soba cooking water. Poured into the remaining dipping sauce and sipped down, it's an incredibly revitalizing end to a meal.
Otafuku Noodle House; 16525 S Western Ave, Gardena; (310) 532-9348
3) Ramen California: Considered one of the top ramen chefs in Japan, Shigetoshi Nakamura has a decidedly global, postmodern approach to noodle soup. Taking cues from Italy and California, Nakamura's simple dark chicken broth, organic noodles and plethora of just-cooked-through farmers' markets vegetable get a umami boost from stirring a platter-like spoonful of housemade parmigiano reggiano-inflected tofu into the broth.
Ramen California; 24231 Crenshaw Blvd. #C, Torrance; (310) 530-2749
4) Santouka Ramen: Angelinos are no strangers to eating fantastic food in less than traditional surroundings, what with our love of taco stands, taco trucks and any number of ambience-lacking hole-in-the-wall restaurants. But food courts chain restaurants? Housed in the back of the Mitsuwa Marketplace, Santouka Ramen is part of a Japanese chain that serves the quintessential bowl of ramen. Their specialty shio ramen is replete with slices of chasu pork, pink-swirled naruto, spring onions, a pickled plum and perfectly-cooked noodles--all in soul-warming stock flavored with shellfish and pork bones.
Santouka Ramen; 21515 Western Ave, Torrance; (310) 212-1101
5) Sanuki No Sato: Another hidden noodle haven on Western Avenue, Sanuki No Sato is well known for both its handmade noodles and frequent Japanese celebrity sightings. In case no stars are there on your visit, a wall of fame has plenty of photos to clue you in to who might show up next time around. The udon and soba can't beat out Kotohira or Otafuku, it's still definitely worth a visit.
Sanuki No Sato; 18206 S Western Ave, Gardena; (310) 324-9184
6) Asa Ramen: With pork lard-spiked broth, thinner-style noodles and a wide variety of toppings available--including spicy cod roe--for a customized bowl, Asa Ramen can give Santouka Ramen a run for its money as the best traditional ramen in the South Bay. An indie, family run spot with its own space and a 2:00 AM closing time, Asa already has Santouka's food court location and international chain status beat.
Asa Ramen; 18202 S Western Ave, Gardena; (310) 769-1010
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**All measurements taken with lame Berkley digital fish scale.Packing: 32.3 Oz-2012 Golite Jam 50L (Excess Straps Removed)-2 Mil Trash Compactor Bag-Coleman Zipper Pull Thermometer Sleeping System: 43.68 oz-Exped Synmat UL 7 Full Length-Exped Air Pillow Size Large-Exped Shnozzel Pumpbag -Chinook 36 Degree Down Mummy BagClothing Carried: 60.7 oz -Polyester/Spandex Mix Long John Top & Bottom –Base Layer-3 Pairs of Socks (1 Wool Sleep Sock, 2 short white running/hiking sock)-Vented Puma Cool Wick T Shirt (Best Hiking Shirt Ever!! Found at Marshalls)- Mid Layer-Zip off Pant Bottoms To REI Convertible Pants-REI Revelcloud Synthetic Jacket – Insulating Layer-Columbia Rain Shell-DIY Camp Shoes (Huaraches Mock)-Underarmour Beanie HatShelter System: 24.32 oz (Weight of Trekking Poles Not Included)-Gossamer Gear Spinnshelter-Gossamer Gear Bug Canopy-DIY Polycro Groundsheet w/ Corner Tieouts-Stakes (10 Lawson Ti Sheppard Hook, 2 Coghlan's 9" UL Stakes, 4 DAC V Stakes) Kitchen: 15.04 oz Caldera Caddy & DIY CozyBackcountry 700 ML Ti Cookpot w/ Snowpeak HotlipsCaldera Cone & Ground Reflector (Pie Plate Bottom)12-10 Alcohol StoveFolding Ti Spork 4 oz Fuel Bottle & Measuring CupFireSteel w/ P38 Can Opener as StrikerMicroFiber Towel & Green Scrub PadWater Treatment & Carry: 11 oz-1L Smartwater Plastic Bottle -96 oz Nalgene Canteen-½ MilkJug Wash Basin-Repackaged Aquamira 6ML Each & Sterripen Prefilter FunnelRepair Kit 2.08 oz-15' Duct Tape-Rubber Bands-10' Elastic Cord-Razor Blade-Exped Patch Kit-Single Use Krazy GlueFirst Aid Kit 3.52 oz (Everything Repackaged in Small Quantities)Burn CreamHydrocortisone CreamSing Relief (3ML Dropper Bottle)Tick KeyPills: Benadryl, Imodium, Tylenol3 Large Germex Alcohol WipesAssortment of Bandaids & Gauze PadsMoleskinHygiene Kit 4.5 oz-Toothbrush-Travel Toothpaste-4 Plastic Dental Picks-Chapstick-15 ML Dropple Bottle Camp Soap-Mini Shower Scrubbie -2 Gram Shower Head (Water Bottle Cap w/ holes)-Body GlideMiscellaneous Items 10.5 oz-Extra 1L Platy Bottle-Tiny Travel Mirror -Sea to Summit Bug Headnet -Mini Bic Lighter -1 Set of Earplugs-4 Binder Clips (Used as Cloths Pins) -Bear Bag & S-Biner (Lawson Glowwire 50')-Coghlans 7" Folding Saw-Cotton Ball & Vaseline Fire Starter (6x In Pill Bottle)Hipbelt Pocket Items 12.3 oz-Camera & Tripod- 10 ML Dropper Bottle Deet-10 ML Dropper Bottle Hand Sanitizer- 4 Tylenol in Pill PodBack Pack Pocket Contents: 15.5 oz-Coast 196 Lumen Headlamp- REI Camp Towel 12"X24"-TP & Big Dig Trowel-Map Bag (Sunto Compass, Golf Pencil, 1 Gram Magnifier/Ruler Combo, Mini New Testament)Carried In Left Side Water Bottle Pocket: 9.1 oz-Golite Chrome Dome Umbrella-CCF Sit Pad w/ Piece of 24X24 3 mil Sit GroundclothTotal: 244.54 oz = 15.28 lbsFirst let me thank and applaud you for taking the time to read that loooong laundry list of items. I am pretty comfortable at this weight and the bulk isn't terrible either. Not going to win an award for lightness but I sure don't feel like a pack mule on the trail either. 10 lbs seems almost unattainable. While I have a few redundant items I find they suit my hiking style. What do you think... try not to be too relentless ;)
Edited by cmich on 07/30/2012 01:54:01 MDT.
You can dump the Exped pillow and the trash compactor bag in favour of the Exped Schnozzel. I use the Schozzel as both a pillow and a bag liner. That saves a few oz.For clothes carried - do you really carry 4 lbs of clothing - or is some of that stuff worn? It seems to be a waste of money to spend so much on a 24oz shelter solution then carry 4 pounds of clothing, a folding saw, an umbrella, and a milk jug. Break down EACH item and it's weight, not just each section's weight. Now say 'Do I use this?' That way you can be more meticulous about weight savings.
Edited by i2ambler on 07/30/2012 08:42:48 MDT.
You look young enough to carry it all comfortably. But if you want to go lighter, ditch a lot of those clothes. I can't tell what the offenders are exacly, but that seems to be your biggest issue. That's a lot of excess water carrying capacity too. I would ditch the Nalgene. You can easily and cheaply go lighter on your kitchen too.
If you are bringing the umbrella I think you would just need some ultralight rain pants not a Columbia Rain jacket. I imagine the jacket is close to a 1lb.Exped Synmat UL 7 is about a 1lb. Something like a NeoAir short will save half that weight if you are ok with a short pad and using your backpack for your feet.Also can you elaborate under what conditions this gear list is for. Mainly concerned about temperature range. I am guessing from reading that this is strictly a summer list.
Edited by randalmartin on 07/30/2012 09:35:06 MDT.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, I realize that 4lbs of clothing is quite a bit of extra clothing to bring, in fact it is 25% of my BW. Need to figure out how to cut this down. Has me covered from low 40's and up in a double wall shelter, don't know about a single wall yet. -The rain shell jacket weighs 9.5 ozs. I hate hiking in a steam bath so I only wear it once at camp to protect my insulating layers against rain and wind. Will use the umbrella for primary rain protection while hiking. Just got it and used it on a few rainy day hikes, worked like a charm.-Cool sleeper so in the spring and fall I sleep in the base layer, revelcloud jacket (13 oz), beanine, and wool socks. I suppose I could exchange these items for a better warmer sleeping bag, but just do not have the extra money.The extra T-Shirt and insole shoes can be cut for a 6 oz savings. Cutting these now puts me at 54.7 oz for clothing. Still 22% of BW... Should I be looking for lighter alternatives?
You list clothing under "clothing carried" but that seems to be ALL of your clothing (except I don't see underwear listed). If you look at most gear lists, clothing is broken into 2 categories: "clothing worn" and "clothing carried". The worn stuff isn't usually included in base weight b/c you aren't carrying it in the pack. Take a look at "skin-out" weights, however, and you'll see that many 10 lbs lists are more like 12 lbs lists. Also, some people put trekking poles under pack weight and some put it as worn/carried. Same for watches, etc. This isn't being disingenuous, just that people organize and think about gear differently. This is a good list that has plenty of room for change, mostly in picking lighter items to replace others when they wear out or when you have money to spend.
I do not hike in all my layers, and most of the day the clothes on this list are left in my pack. While I do wear them at some point in the day and can wear all my clothes at once (except socks) they spend a majority of the time as "dead" pack weight. So I would consider them part of the BW. What is the consensus on this?
Why do you need a thermometer? doesnt matter, get rid of itDitch the pillow, and the shnozzel, or use the schnozzle as a pack linertoo many clothestoo heavy raingearditch camp shoesget lighter beanie,24oz is too heavy for solo shelter. Shoot for 16oz or lessWay too heavy kitchenditch nalgene, ditch milkjub, ditch prefiltertake half the duct tapeditch elastic cordget first aid kit down to 2 ozditch burn cremeditch hydrocortisone cream unless you have a skin issue that requires itditch sting reliefuse tweezers for tick, can be used for lots of things, tick key cantuse baking soda or toothpowderditch scrubbieare you really going to shower with a bottle and holes in the cap?? Less than a week you dont need a shower anyway.What is mirror for, expecting a date?get Peters headnetditch binder clipsditch saw - LNT!Put firestarter in snack ziplock = .1oz, lighter than other containerditch camp towel, use bandanaditch trowel, dig with a stakeditch tripod what is pencil for with no paper? No maps?ditch umbrelladitch sit pad/gcGetting to 10, 8, or even 6 lbs does not take magic. First, your basic gear has to be light. Second, you learn not to take, the things you dont actually NEED.
Edited by livingontheroad on 07/30/2012 18:28:15 MDT.
Your trip list is pretty good. IMO, it'd be fair to say that most potential reductions would come from compromises you don't seem to want to make, but there are almost certainly some relatively painless gains to be made at the margins. Specifics will depend on conditions and details of your trip. Expected temperatures? Rainfall? Humidity? How many days? Solo? How far from help if needed? What kind of food are you cooking? (Just boiling water, or doing real cooking?)Best,Bill S.
watch thesehttp://ultralightbackpackintips.blogspot.com/2011/07/video-tutorials.html#!/2011/07/video-tutorials.htmlhttp://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/segments/view/1821Adding another for you to look athttps://gossamergear.com/wp/support/videos
Edited by annapurna on 08/01/2012 11:44:46 MDT.
Have to agree with livingontheroad, I didn't get below 10 until I got into that mindset.
I think you have more than enough to stay safe and have fun. Do some trips with this gear list and your pack will keep getting lighter as you leave behind items you find unnecessary.
What i do for clothes is Worn: long sleeve running shirt Convertable pants Underwear Socks Trail runnersPack rain coat or helium 7.2 oz Rain skirt 2.8 oz 12 oz down jacket (can get lighter) Base layer bottom 6 oz Mitts and touque 4 oz Socks 2 ozMy packed clothes weigh 34 oz so cutting down to something like that sves you 1.5llbs. so that is low hanging fruit. Also choosing either the umbrella or the rain coat would save another 1/2 lb. beyond that its time to shave ounce by ounce. Replacing your water supply wit small colaspable containers would save you 1/2 lb. you need to find another 10 items from your list that you can leave behind or reduce weight off of and you will be real close to 10. I also dont put my camera in my base weight as one of the reasons for cutting weight for me was to add back in camera gear.
Edited by GregF on 08/14/2012 22:14:47 MDT.
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NBA 2K15 Players Report Widespread Problems, Lost Progress
NBA 2K15 has gotten off to a shaky start. Since the game launched two days ago, players have been reporting ongoing problems with many different aspects of the game's performance—everything from the stability of its online multiplayer to losing progress and stuff acquired in single-player. »


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Non-Degree Applicants
Non-degree enrollment is the best choice for visiting students who wish to take a few courses for personal, professional or academic reasons.
To be eligible for non-degree status, students must have graduated from high school at least two years prior to attending TU. However, exceptions are granted if you are currently pursuing a degree at another college or university.
If you are a returning non-degree student—one who attended TU on a non-degree basis in the past and has never been continuously enrolled at TU—you must complete a new Undergraduate Non-Degree Enrollment Form following each stop in enrollment.
Apply as a Non-Degree Student
1. Submit online application for non-degree enrollment.
To enroll as a non-degree student, you must complete the Undergraduate Non-Degree Enrollment Form. Enrollment is permitted on a space available basis. It typically takes us about a week to process a non-degree enrollment form. The University Admissions will then email you instructions on how to set up your account for online course registration.
2. Know the registration dates and deadlines.
The Registrar's Office maintains a calendar of registration dates for each term.
3. Register for classes.
Registration information is available from the Registrar's Office. You are permitted to register for most undergraduate courses as long as you meet all prerequisite requirements for the course and registration is not restricted by the department. In some cases, you may need to get enrollment permission from the professor and/or department before registration will be allowed.
4. Submit immunization record
You must meet Towson University's immunization requirements before classes begin. Mail or fax your Health Form and Immunization Record to the Health and Counseling Center. After you are enrolled, you may obtain required vaccines (MMR, Tetanus-diphtheria, Meningitis vaccine) for a small fee by appointment at the Health and Counseling Center. For more information, please call 410-704-2466.
5. Understand tuition and financial aid.
Non-degree students are required to pay the same tuition rates as degree-seeking students. There are no discounts for courses taken with the Audit grading option. Students attending in non-degree status are not eligible for federal financial aid, including student loan programs.


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Source: Infographic Directory
Category: Digital Media, Web/Tech
Please use the comments to demonstrate your own ignorance, unfamiliarity with empirical data and lack of respect for scientific knowledge. Be sure to create straw men and argue against things I have neither said nor implied. If you could repeat previously discredited memes or steer the conversation into irrelevant, off topic discussions, it would be appreciated. Lastly, kindly forgo all civility in your discourse . . . you are, after all, anonymous.
6 Responses to "The Internet a Decade Later"
[...] Interesting graphic on the internet. If you aren't enabled, you are uninformed-and a step behind. [...]


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As House Speaker John Boehner went to bat for a new budget agreement Wednesday, other Republicans had mixed reaction about the deal that would set top-line spending through fiscal year 2015.
U.S. Reps. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus, and Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, said they plan to support the effort.
"It's not perfect," Stivers said. "(But) It cuts the deficit by $20 billion more than the status quo. It does not raise taxes. Everybody gives a little, everybody gets a little." ...


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great product
By Vickie
from BC
The only disappointment is that I can't get them a better shade of white-after time they never again look like they have been washed so I have to retire them for use on my truck and they do a GREAT job on the detail end-not a water spot to be seen and they remove interior dirt as well. I hope this is not the end of TSC presenting this product-they do have the best prices and I need to stockup---they are great for windows etc.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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( 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
They really work
By Andrea
from Montreal
I decied to try these cloths as I wanted to cut back on the amount of chemical products that I was using to clean my apartment. So far I have used them on my windows, patio door, and mirrors and they really work! They dry without any streaks and are machine washable too. Honestly, they are a great buy and I highly recommend them.
( 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
ultimate cloths
By loulou123
from North Bay, On .P1B 8P7
wow. I just love these cloths. They really clean and to think you just wet them with water. It is so good to have products that are chemical free. I use them on my windows, mirrors, and my computer and tvs. Thank you . I recommend them anytime.
( 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
Ultimate cloth
By Marc
from Halifax
WOW ! These are amazing. They work EXACTLY how they are supposed to. Going to order the bigger configuration so we always have these on hand !Highly recommend this product ! A MUST have !!
( 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
good item - works well
By artsyred
from oakville,ontario
have not tried it on windows yet (alas it is mid deep winter) but works wel on jewellery and glasses.
( 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Great Price, Great Way to Try These!
By Melanie
from Mississauga, ON
This set was gifted to my MIL on the day she went home after a two week holiday stay with us. I am already a Devoted Deb fan, and my MIL tried the Ultimate Cloths one day when she was helping me dust. She couldn't believe the results! I wanted to share. These sets are good to keep in the gift cupboard.
Love this product
By Sophie
from Orillia, Ontario
I ordered this kit because cleaning surfaces without use of chemicals is very important to me. My windows, computer screens, sunglasses, jewellery, all of these items come clean quickly and to perfection. Definitely a staple in the cleaning cupboard!
By razor
from Banff AB.
cleans like the larger cloths. I cleaned my computer monitor and it looks great. I cleaned my eye glasses and they smeared and left water spots, but when they dried were crystal clear except with a little smudge which got cleaned off with another swish of the cloth.
( 5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
By Sheila
from Abbotsford BC
These are the best cloths we have ever used! I bought them and loved them so much, bought another package so we had lots. Our adult children have all tried them and are totally sold - they have young children and this cuts the cleaning time in half. They are unbelievable on everything but the best thing ever for stainless appliances! My sister in California had me order several packages and she has given them to all her kids who all love them!
The BEST cleaning cloths!!!
By loogin
I use these on everything!!! Chrome, glass, mirrors, computer, ceramic tiles and fine china etc. There are really too many things to list. The cloth cleans streak free & lint free. You really only need to use water and nothing else. I haven't washed floors with it but you probably could if you wanted to. I do not have any complaints about the cloths.


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KIAH COLLIER: Poor city employee health is costly
SAN ANGELO, Texas - Initial resistance among some city employees to the new health risk assessment program was simultaneously perplexing and understandable.
It's perplexing because many of the same people who are upset about their civil liberties being violated by having someone hired by their employer assess their health also are the ones who think government should be leaner and more fiscally responsible.
I won't spend much time building a case for health risk assessment programs, but suffice it to say, they've been reducing health insurance costs — at least in the private sector — for decades.
(Yes, it's not just a lie the city made up so it could weigh you, measure your waist, prick your finger and take your blood pressure. And why on Earth would they want to do this if there weren't some tangible benefit?)
It is not, as one of our online commenters asserted, "liberal propaganda" that the city is falling for.
If your health insurance provider doesn't offer some kind of health assessment program these days, they're living in the Dark Ages. This was the case with the city of San Angelo until this year when the city hired San Angelo Community Medical Center to run its employee health clinic, as well as a wellness program that launched in August.
The results from the first city health screening are in, and they aren't pretty.
The two most astounding statics: Only 15 percent of the city employees screened are at a normal, healthy weight, while 40 percent of them are overweight, and 45 percent are obese (17.9 percent — five percentage points more than the national norm — are very obese).
Also, nearly half of employees think they are in very good to excellent health (as opposed to good, fair or poor), when really only 14 percent of them are.
And, based on survey results, nearly 90 percent of them aren't eating right, while at least half of them have a moderate to high risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Perhaps the real show stopper is that problems with weight, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and frequency of seat belt use will cost the city $2 million. If the five risk factors listed above were each improved by 10 percent, the resulting savings would be around $200,000.
In any given insurance pool, about 80 percent of health care costs come from 20 percent of the people, according to statistics presented at Tuesday's San Angelo City Council meeting. In a rough sense, that means 80 percent of people are helping finance the other 20 percent's health problems — many of which are probably preventable if they would just eat right and exercise.
I admit it was a little weird to hear these health statistics about a specific group of people — many of whom were sitting in the room — broadcast during a council meeting. It's not like people's names were flashed on the projector screens in council chambers, nor will they ever be, but the information was specific.
I can kind of see why people would be upset or concerned about their collective health information being public information. But maybe those people should consider getting a job in the private sector, because their salaries are funded through tax dollars. It could be argued that they, like city budget writers, have a duty to cut unnecessary costs.
That was exactly the point council member Paul Alexander made when he thanked city employees for participating in the program (minus the 21 who refused and will pay higher premiums as a result).
"I realize you may not want to, but you've got the taxpayers paying for your salary," Alexander said. "We are trying to do the best we can with costs, and it's going to help you, and it's going to help the city."
It is certainly your choice to eat bad food, be overweight or obese and — for whatever reason — not believe this ultimately will lead to health problems. But is being able to own this "right" worth more than facing the truth that you need to lose a few pounds so you can help not only yourself, but also the city and taxpayers?
Kiah Collier covers state and local government for the San Angelo Standard-Times. Contact her at email@example.com or 325-659-8237.
Risk Factor/Health Claims
No. of risks No. of employees cost per employee
No risks 77 $0
1 risk 137 $861
2 risks 214 $1,764
3 risks 159 $2,690
4 risks 105 $3,788
5 risks 61 $4,821
6 risks 34 $5,919
7+ risks 28 $6,995
*15 percent of city employees have five or more risk factors, influencing personal health for them, as well as health care costs for the city.
SOURCE: Wellness program presentation
Estimated excess cost per risk factor
Risk factor Cost
Overweight $781,794
High blood pressure $542,083
Low HDL (cholesterol) $323,966
Smokers $176,079
Seat belt use (less than 100 percent) $169,254
Estimated excess cost $1.99 million
Subscribe to the San Angelo Standard-Times
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Posted: May 18, 2011 7:50:52 AM PDT
Bellingham Police were asking for your help in locating a suspect in a domestic assault. Bellingham Police were called to a home in the 4200 block of Northwest Avenue Sunday evening 5/15/11 after the father of the suspect ran from his home to flag down a passerby and asked for help.
The responding officers learned that the 60 year old father was allegedly assaulted after attempted to break up an argument between his son and girlfriend. The victim told officers that he tried to call 911 from a phone inside his home but the suspect stopped him by breaking the phone. Following the initial assault, the suspect allegedly attempted to force the victim into a bedroom but the victim broke away and ran from the home barefoot to get some help. A passerby saw the man running and called 911.
During the assault, the son allegedly told his father that he would shoot him if he called the police. Meanwhile, the suspect's girlfriend was hiding in the bathroom of the home, she was not harmed.
Prior to the officer's arrival, the suspect went back into the home. The suspect had access to guns inside. A search warrant was served on the home with the assistance of the Bellingham S.W.A.T team. The suspect apparently left the home prior to police arrival.
Bellingham Police were looking for Mark A. Ortiz age 28. Since the assault, police were checking the residence in attempts to locate Ortiz. On Tuesday, 5/17.11 at out 2:00 P.M, officer spotted Ortiz outside of the home. Officers were able to arrest Ortiz without incident. There were no weapons located. Ortiz was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for domestic assault, felony harassment, unlawful imprisonment, malicious mischief and interfering with reporting domestic violence. Ortiz is no longer being sought by police for this incident. For more information concerning this press release, please contact Public Information Officer Mark Young at (360)778-8815.
Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department


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Frontier employees delivered through a food drive effort for the Marion Community in November.
- Filed Under
During the first two weeks of November, Frontier Communications' Marion Residential Call Center employees developed an opportunity to help the Marion community.
Each high-speed data sale meant a donation of two canned goods, one jar of peanut butter, one box of stuffing or two packages of instant potatoes. The items were donated to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, the Salvation Army food pantry or C.A.M.P., a Crestline food pantry.
At the end of the challenge, the Marion office had purchased more than one ton of food, according to a news release. ...


text: Interested in a career in cancer research? The Siteman Cancer Center offers a summer opportunities program that gives undergraduate and medical students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in laboratory, clinical or population-based research. In this video, student Swathi Chidambaram and Siteman's Teresa Deshields, PhD, discuss the clinical research project they worked on together. Click here to return to the The Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program overview.


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It's now been a year since Michigan's controversial right-to-work measure was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The law, which formally took effect last March, made it illegal to require that employees join a union as a condition of employment.
Right-to-work triggered a stormy, sometimes violent, debate. Supporters called it an issue of worker freedom and a job creator. Opponents complained it was a flagrant attempt to undercut the power of unions and the working people who belong to them.
The last day of the Michigan legislature's 2013 session is scheduled to be tomorrow. That's ramped up efforts by majority Republicans to pass several proposals generating a lot of debate.
On Saturday, state lawmakers from around the country will meet at Mount Vernon to discuss how they can push for a new constitutional convention. Their primary goal is to pass and ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget.
Earlier this year, Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced a bill proponents say would better serve Americans with mental disorders. Her "Excellence in Mental Health" measure would expand access to community mental health centers, in part by making more of them eligible for payments under Medicaid.
Michigan's catalog of administrative rules, thousands of which help regulate safety and professional standards in industries across the state, has gotten thinner lately.
On Monday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer called for Michigan to adopt the highest minimum wage in the country. Currently standing at $7.40 an hour, Schauer's recommended $9.25 an hour would surpass the top existing state rate in Washington by 6 cents.
Among the many federal government agencies and programs affected by the across the board spends cuts known as the sequestration, which took effect last March, is the National Institutes of Health.
Last Thursday, Senate Republicans rushed through a bill that would alter campaign finance rules in Michigan. The changes include doubling the limits nearly across the board on campaign contributions.
Flint is a city that has lost half its population over the last 50 years. Its poverty rate far exceeds the state average. And across the nation, Flint bears the harsh moniker of the "murder capital of America."
Michigan government services are inefficient and expensive because important reforms are not taking place.That's the conclusion of a new report from a coalition of state employee labor unions entitled "Pure Michigan Waste."
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Bill Collette is critical of legislation that would move the Michigan Court of Claims from Ingham County to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Current State spoke with Ingham County Controller Tim Dolehanty about the impact such a move might have on the county.
Voters re-elected Virg Bernero by a wide margin to a third term as mayor of Lansing yesterday.
Today on Current State: Lansing mayor Virg Bernero; the Lakewood Area Choral Society; and flipped schools.
Our Election 2013 coverage continues today with a look at the campaign for Lansing City Council in the second ward. Incumbent Tina Houghton is challenged by newcomer Charles Hoffmeyer.
Our Election 2013 coverage continues today with two of the candidates for the Lansing City Council: Brian Jeffries and Judi Brown Clarke.
Michigan's ban on same-sex marriages remains in place. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman chose to hold a trial in February in the case in which a lesbian couple from Hazel Park is seeking to overturn the state's laws that prohibit same-sex couples from marrying and entering into joint adoptions.
Rep. Andy Schor is in his first term representing Michigan's 68th House District. The Lansing Democrat recently introduced two bills involving schooling in the state.
As we enter the second day of a partial government shutdown, it's still uncertain just how much impact this will have across the state and locally. One thing is certain, however. The longer this continues, the greater the effects will be. More than 40% of the state's budget comes from the federal government. In the Tri-County area, there are many non-profits and government programs that rely on federal funding.
On the last weekday of each month, Current State looks back on the biggest news stories around Michigan with a panel of journalists. Tim Skubick of WKAR-TV and Rick Pluta of the Michigan Public Radio Network join Current State to discuss the Michigan GOP establishment pushback against the Tea Party, common core education standards, the possible federal government shutdown, and more.
This month marks the 40th anniversary of the coup in Chile which elevated General Augusto Pinochet to power.
Michigan Democrats hope a former State lawmaker can unseat Republican incumbent Tim Walberg in the 7th Congressional district next year.
A much-feared -- but widely anticipated -- day arrived yesterday in Michigan's largest city. Officials filed a 16-page bankruptcy petition on behalf of the city of Detroit in U.S. Court, making the city the largest municipal bankruptcy in the U.S. history.
Gov. Rick Snyder authorized the filing yesterday after efforts by state-appointed Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr failed to satisfy numerous creditors. According to reports, the city owes as many as 100,000 creditors and accrued obligation is as much as $20 billion.
As NSA leaker Edward Snowden makes his way from Moscow to, what sounds like, Cuba or Venezuela today, the debate across the country continues over government transparency and what sorts of things the public has a right to know about its government's actions.
A minor turf war over public records is taking shape in Ingham County.
While the dispute is being downplayed by its two participants---Clerk Barb Byrum and Chief Circuit Court Judge Janelle Lawless---some observers suggest it's symptomatic of a larger, ongoing problem: poor public access to documents.
Current State host Mark Bashore visited with both Barb Byrum and Judge Janelle Lawless to learn more.
Today on Current State: Michigan Treasury reacts to tax collection criticism; preview of Latin IS America festival; and MSU and Lansing come together to cover Monteverdi's "Vespers of 1610."
Last Sunday's Lansing State Journal tore into the state Department of Treasury over its alleged inability to collect delinquent tax revenue.
State workers would no longer have to fork out four-percent of their salaries to keep their pensions if a judge's ruling stands.
The finalists for East Lansing city manager met with residents at a public forum Wednesday evening.
The next step in the process is today, when the city council will conduct interviews with all five.
The council is scheduled to make a selection on Friday.
WKAR's Scott Pohl spoke with East Lansing mayor Diane Goddeeris about what she and her colleagues on the city council are looking for in the search's final days.


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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 29, 2012
Contact: Peggy Venable, (512) 423-2947 or email@example.com
AFP-Texas Applauds Texas Representative Lance Gooden
-Signs No Climate Tax Pledge & Defending the American Dream Pledge-
AUSTIN – Americans for Prosperity-Texas, the premier advocate of economic freedom with more than 110,000 members in the Lone Star State, today applauds Texas Representative Lance Gooden (District 4) for signing AFPs No Climate Tax Pledge and Defending the American Dream Pledge.
Now more than ever, it is critical Texans demand fiscal accountability from elected officials and those seeking elected office, said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas State Director. Taxpayers deserve an elected official who is going to fight for them to rein in the explosive growth of government that is destroying prosperity in our nation. I encourage all of Texas elected officials and candidates for elected office to sign these two critical pledges.
Im happy to sign the Americans for Prosperity pledge and work together with Peggy Venable in fighting for Texas taxpayers, Representative Lance Gooden. During my freshman session on the Appropriations Committee, we were able to pass a fiscally conservative, balanced budget that decreases overall state spending for the first time in 50 years. We protected the rainy day fund, did not raise taxes, and had the most conservative legislative session in the history of Texas. Im looking forward to building on those successes in 2013.
Goodens No Climate Tax Pledge is a promise to oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue. Gooden joins more than 594 bipartisan lawmakers and candidates on the federal, state, and local levels who have taken the pledge.
The Representative from Terrell has also pledged to support responsible government, fiscal discipline, and share the belief that the most important decisions about our state's future should be decided by the citizens themselves.
The No Climate Tax Pledge is available here and the Defending the American Dream Pledge is available here.
Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. All elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the pledge and go on the record in support of these taxpayer protections.
Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.