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By Tony Grossi
The arrival of Joe Banner as new Browns CEO raised a lot of questions in this week's column. Fans are worried that Banner will stick his nose where it doesn't belong – in football operations. There was strong support for GM Tom Heckert this week, love for Josh Gordon and Phil Dawson, and an interesting question about the futures of Dawson and Josh Cribbs.
Hey Tony: I don't see why everybody is so high on Jimmy Haslam. He hasn't proved anything yet. He could blow it all up, again. Are we looking at another 5 year plan? If so, here we go again, again, again …
-- Ken, Bristol, VA
Hey Ken: Prior to 2012, the expansion Browns had 11 losing seasons in 13 years. They've changed everything during that time except one thing – ownership. I think everyone is high on Haslam because he is passionate, has a tremendous track record in a company that services customers, and is dedicated to making the Browns winners again. And he has a huge incentive – a $1 billion investment in the franchise.
Hey Tony: Tell us what you think. Being this far away it's hard to know what is going on sometimes. You've covered the Browns in good times and bad. What are your thoughts on Joe Banner, you were in the room.
-- Tom, Kirksville, MO
Hey Tom: Banner is supremely qualified to put together a good organization. I think the pairing of Haslam and Banner is a good team.
Hey Tony: What do I have to do to get a mention in this column? Love the "Jimmy Thing". The two constants since coming back have been ownership and losing. I have been following this team 40 years now, so obviously I'm all in. Tony, please let Jimmy know that us hard-cores don't want the uniforms messed with at all. Quite frankly, they are a source of pride of a fan base that has little to be proud of. Put it to him this way, would he like me coming in and changing the Tennessee uniform? I doubt it. Thanks for your good work, Tony. I enjoy your stuff more than ever.
-- Craig, Atlanta, GA
Hey Craig: I used to feel like you about the uniforms. I now have the opinion that a tweak – even a dramatic new look, but not radical – would be a refreshing symbol of a new era the Browns are entering. The players are definitely energized by the change in ownership and in favor of a new uniform look. I think Haslam respects the sensitivity about the Browns' uniform and will not change the logo-less orange helmet or the basic colors. But I think he and CEO Joe Banner will strive to modernize the uniforms and then bring back the all-whites or brown-on-whites for selective "throwback" games. None of this can happen until 2013.
Hey Tony: Other than the Browns, were there any other teams at the recent NFL meeting represented by someone other than their actual owner? Or, were all the owners required to attend?
-- Doug, Canton, OH
Hey Doug: If an owner is absent from a league meeting, the owner appoints someone to represent the franchise. It could be a family member, team president or other executive. Given the age of some owners, it's not unusual to have one or two missing. I believe Buffalo's Ralph Wilson and Tennessee's Bud Adams were absent at the Haslam meeting in Chicago. Also, Dallas' Jerry Jones was represented by son Stephen, the team's president.
Hey Tony: You've written before about Phil Savage working for the Eagles in a scouting capacity the last two years. So, that means he and Joe Banner know each other at least somewhat well. Any chance Phil is Banner's choice to replace Heckert, if a change is made?
-- Bob, Avon Lake, OH
Hey Bob: Savage was used as a consultant by the Eagles for a few years to essentially serve as a "super scout" of the SEC. Savage, of course, moonlights as radio color commentator for the University of Alabama. Savage received the assignment from Howie Roseman, the Eagles GM. That association ended when Savage agreed to take the full-time role as executive director of the Senior Bowl, which is played annually in his hometown of Mobile, AL. While Savage longs to return someday as an NFL GM, I don't see it in the cards for him to return here.
Hey Tony: With Joe Banner's aversion to re-signing older veterans, is this the last year we see Phil Dawson and Josh Cribbs playing for Cleveland?
-- Derek, Columbus, OH
Hey Derek: Excellent question. The future of both players will be huge issues after the season – perhaps the first major player issues confronted by Banner. The Browns have the opportunity to re-sign Cribbs prior to the start of free agency – but not Dawson, because he was franchised and the team ignored the deadline to arrive at a long-term deal. GM Tom Heckert previously expressed the desire to re-sign Dawson, but it didn't get done. These two issues will serve as a first read on whether Banner softened his hard-line negotiating stance from his Philadelphia days.
Hey Tony: Are Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon the real deals? Both seem to being coming along as rookies. Do you think that Weeden will become the franchise quarterback for the team or will the Browns look to next year's draft?
-- John, Louisville, KY
Hey John: Weeden and Gordon make a great long-ball team. I would continue to develop them. Gordon has three TDs in six games. Josh Cribbs led Browns receivers last year with four all year. The last Browns wide receiver to have more than three in a season was Braylon Edwards with 16 in 2007.
Hey Tony: You have previously outlined in your article "The incredible tangled web of the Browns and Eagles will have a surreal ending" how intertwined the Cleveland and Philadelphia organizations are. In that article, you briefly mentioned Tom Heckert as the Director of Player Personnel who later rose to the role of General Manager. Now that the Browns' sale has gone through and Banner's addition officially announced, it is speculated that Heckert will not be around next year. Is this because the new mayor in town simply wants his own guys in place? Could there some bad blood between Heckert and Banner from years past? Did Heckert and Banner work closely with each other or were they simply colleagues? Personally, I thought Heckert has done very well in the draft since he came on board almost 3 years ago, and would be disappointed to see him go. It would be a shame to get rid of a quality GM simply because the new guy in town didn't originally choose him.
-- Mike, Charlotte, NC
Hey Mike: Heckert was with the Eagles from 2001 to 2009. He held the title of general manager the last four years, but never had the total football authority over draft, final roster and trades that he holds here. Banner has said their relationship was good. Heckert was encouraged to seek other opportunities to expand his career because the Eagles never were going to change their structure with Andy Reid at the top. I think Heckert's future here is tied to the performance of the team, particularly the young players for which he is responsible, over the remaining 10 games. Heckert already has done the dirty work of gutting the Browns' roster and loading it up with young, inexperienced players. The only way I see Heckert not returning is if Haslam and Banner decide to change coaches and replace Pat Shurmur with a big-name coach who wants control over all personnel moves.
Hey Tony: Phil Dawson has never gotten the national recognition that he deserves due to playing on lousy teams. As I was sitting in the stadium last Sunday prior kickoff, I was looking at the names on the ring of honor. I wanted to get your thought as to whether you believe Dawson deserves to have his name added once his Cleveland career is finished assuming that Haslam continues adding names of worthy players. At the very least, I would hope that Haslam and Banner see the value of Dawson and at least sign him to an extension. Thanks for taking the time to read my question.
-- Nick, Euclid, OH
Hey Nick: Dawson is the greatest kicker in Browns history – expansion era and beyond. That alone merits his place in the Ring of Honor some day. As for his future with the Browns, the club has tried in vain to sign him to a multi-year deal. Maybe Banner can succeed, but he was not known for going the distance for popular, veteran, expensive players in Philadelphia.
Hey Tony: Do you think Sheldon Brown will be warning the young players of what's to come in negotiating their next contract now that Joe Banner is in town? If so how does that affect the locker room now? Do you think Joe Banner is the right guy? I have my doubts.
-- Dale, Barberton, OH
Hey Dale: Brown played eight seasons in Philadelphia with Banner as the chief contract negotiator and never had a contract problem. His contract is up after this season and it's highly doubtful he will return. He'll be 34 in March.
Hey Tony: If you take away the Week 1 debacle Brandon Weeden seems to be making strides every week. I've always thought of Quarterbacks as falling into 4 buckets, the Franchise guys similar to Manning, Brady, or Rodgers, the guys on the cusp of being that guy but just haven't won a Championship yet like Flacco or Ryan, the guys that probably won't ever get there and the guys with potential to get there. I think Weeden has shown he's in that 4th bucket. We don't know his ceiling, he continually improves, and he walks the walk of a Franchise Quarterback. So far he just might be "the guy", too soon to tell but it looks promising. Do you see the same?
-- Doug, Orange, CA
Hey Doug: I think you've broken it done nicely. I would agree Weeden belongs in the bucket of guys with potential to get there. However, his age (29) requires him to advance more rapidly than the typical rookie QB. I think he's developing nicely.
Hey Tony: I am 65 yrs old and a lifelong Browns fan. It occurred to me that I have only known 2 Owners in all that time. 1st was Art (Modell) and then the Lerners.
I was much too young to know or appreciate Mr (Arthur) Mcbride but much of our positive history and legacy seems to have happened under him. I think many other Browns fans are in the same boat. Enter Mr Haslam and all of a sudden there's a new energy and renewed hope. If nothing else happens it is a breath of fresh air and renews hope for a franchise sorely in need of both. My question to you is a bit open ended but: What do YOU believe Mr Haslam will bring to the table, not necessaily in terms of wins/losses,but more from a stability standpoint and energy to both team and fan.
-- Jim, Coral Springs, FL
Hey Jim: Times are certainly different from when McBride founded the Browns in 1946, when Modell purchased them for $3.975 million in 1961 and when Al Lerner purchased the expansion reincarnation for $530 million in 1998. Haslam paid $1.05 billion for these Browns. That investment alone will motivate him to sink every ounce of his being into the franchise and drive him to increase revenue every way possible. Ostensibly, it will drive him to make the team a winner because winning would take the franchise to heights it hasn't seen in this new era of revenue potential.
Hey Tony: I am very curious about this. Who would you rather have on your team? Trent Richardson or A.J. Green? I honestly wouldn't know who to pick.
-- Mike, Fairview, OH
Hey Mike: Thanks for the brevity of your question. I love Richardson, but Green is a proven elite receiver who is only in his second year and is continually getting better. In fact, he likely could be the very best at his position in his third season, and then hold down that distinction for years to come. The way the NFL game relies so heavily on passing, I'd take Green. He is fantastic.
Hey Tony: Does the acquisition of Joe Banner ensure that we will be sticking to the west coast offense? I think having some continuity in that regard would be beneficial. And there is no denying that our offense is 1000 times better than in recent years. Thanks for the response!
-- Paul, Raleigh, NC
Hey Paul: I wouldn't say Banner's arrival ensures the style of football the Browns play, either way. The coach of the Browns in 2013 will decide. If it's Shurmur, the West Coast offense stays. If another coach comes in, he decides on the offensive style – not Banner or Haslam.
Hey Tony:Wasn't Joe Banner instrumental in the grooming of Howie Roseman as Eagles GM? Currently the Philly fan base is barbecuing the front office over the drafts from 2010-2011 which has left their defense in tatters. Please don't tell me we will be a haven again for franchise refugees ala the Jets and Eric Mangini. Still waiting for Heckert to draft a linebacker in a round earlier than fourth.
-- Mark, Martinez, CA
Hey Mark: Yes, Banner is the one who anointed Roseman as the next Eagles GM. But he didn't groom him, per se. He had him work up through the personnel ranks. But your point is well made. The Eagles have had some bad drafts since Heckert left Philadelphia. Ultimately, the draft-day calls were made by Andy Reid, but Roseman and his scouting staff are not taking any bows, that's for sure. Perhaps the poor results of Philadelphia's drafts after Heckert departed will have a strong impact on Banner when he decides Heckert's future.
Hey Tony: Will Joe Banner be the second coming of Carmen Policy -- a business guy with too much power over football operations? Please tell us there are more reasons to think it won't happen than to think it will.
-- Don, Summit, NJ
Hey Don: Policy's worst mistake was making friend Dwight Clark the GM. Because Clark was learning on the job, Policy sometimes stuck his nose into major football decisions, such as the selection of quarterback Tim Couch in 1999. But otherwise, Policy didn't interfere. Football operations will report to Banner in much the same way it did with Policy. Banner will contribute with Haslam to the hiring of the top football men, but I don't see them picking players, schemes, etc.
Hey Tony: I had started to question the ability of Josh Gordon but the last two games have made me a believer. Do you think he will continue to get better as the team progresses and where does that leave Little in the mix? Greg Little has been quiet this season for the most part.
-- Raymond, Mansfield, OH
Hey Raymond: I said and wrote in July that Gordon was one of the three most important players on the team (Weeden and Richardson being the others) because he possesses the physical skills and potential that none of the other wideouts had. He was extremely raw when he arrived but has developed to the point where he already is the team's best wideout, in my opinion. The sky is the limit for Gordon. He has elite potential.
Hey Tony: I can't help but notice that I never see interviews or quotes from Phil Dawson. I know the kicker isn't the most attractive guy with the media but I was wondering if Dawson refuses interviews, etc., because of a possible bitterness he has with the organization in regards to being hit with the franchise tag 2 years in a row? What's the real story if there is one?
-- Brian, San Antonio, TX
Hey Brian: That's not the case at all. Dawson is one of the most accommodating players to the media in the locker room. I think I quote him a lot. In fact, I've been criticizing for my vigorous defense of Dawson against critics. He wasn't happy about being tagged the franchise player the past two years, but the perk of those moves made him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.
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Well basically my heaters are smoking not major but enough for me to turn them off and there is a slight smell of burning while they are on, the heater does heat the car fully like it always has but just lately there has been major condensation issues.
I have also noticed in the engine bay that one of the hose's from the heater matrix has been leaking onto the engine, I have also checked the foot wields to see if there is any coolant leaking but its bone dry.
Any help would be appreciated.
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H/T Bill Turner & thanks to Jim Hoft
Remember: With this adminstration- Everything is staged…
Right down to the dye jobs.
Ann Althouse noticed this:
And what's the first thing you notice — the difference between today and the speech he gave at the memorial? Right. Different color hair. Gray for the memorial, signifying the wise elder, the father figure. Back to dark hair to signify the vigorous young man, ready to forge ahead, solving problems, and restoring his party's electoral fortunes.
So does this count as a shovel ready job?
Personally, I was astonished to see all that gray. It is somehow comforting to see a President with gray because it tells me the office matters & the issues are stressful. It is nothing to be ashamed of or cover up (~ except for me). And although I do not pay much attention to Obama, therefore I did not see the difference. What alarmed me instead of this, is the article I am posting next from Jim. ~JP
~Gateway Pundit


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We have been dating for a month now. We make out all the time, in my car or couch etc. I want to spice it up even more. I'm not sure how to approach this. She has a promise ring so I know this is going to be tough. I have felt up her back( Just seeing if she would stop me) She didn't. I need help. I'm really not into the whole I dea of sex but Sometime I would like to hit third base. Any Ideas?
How to get to second base with my girlfriend?
What Girls Said 2
when your making out just put your hand on her thigh then rub her on the outside of her pants if she likes it go down her pant or up her shirt..
She let's me grab her butt, could that be a sign?
Uh not really I've let guys grab my butt that I wouldn't let get any closer then that but its good that she's not saying don't touch my but
What Guys Said 1
You have been only dating a month, id suggest cooling the jets and take it slow, if she is committed to her choice your not going to change her mind on the subject of anything sexual and Id hope you would be man enough to respect her wishes and not try and push it. A girl who has enough respect to say no is a girl worth keeping as I have learned.
Oh, I respect her with the up most respect. I just didn't know when was a good time. Yeah it does seem very fast, I'm learning self control because we both go to different schools and we don't see each other as much as I would like ( Usually 3 times a week on average).
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Shock rock godfather Alice Cooper performs in Red Bank and Morristown this month.
- Filed Under
These days, nothing's shocking. Just take it from the godfather of shock rock himself, Alice Cooper.
"There's no such thing as shock rock anymore," Cooper said. "You can't shock an audience. The audience is shock-proof at this point. I don't really think anybody was shocked by the Miley Cyrus thing (at the Video Music Awards). I think we were all a bit amused by it, but was that more shocking than (Lady Gaga's) meat dress or the kiss between Britney and Madonna or Kanye West taking the mic away from Taylor Swift? Everybody tries to steal the show when they get on television. So, the shock is not ...


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Somewhere in the angry mob that was screaming out for Diablo III from the bottom of their lungs, raging harder than The Queen of Hearts demanding the removal of Alice's head, some got struck by the nostalgia of the nights spent hacking and slashing. In anticipation of the Devil's third offspring, part of the mob got invited to stroll around familiar catacombs in the cartoonish skin of one out of three heroes.
To make things clear from the start, Torchlight, which is crafted by the same people who brought us Fate (another hack'nslash that borrows, in a more mild manner, elements from the Diablo series) is a Diablo II clone. And when I say clone I don't mean a few stranded "borrowed" elements or a similar endoskeleton, but Dolly, Sam Bell or Jango Fett: the equivalent of placing transparent paper on top of a drawing and copying it line by line.
Which isn't necesarilly bad when you don't promote yourself as a revolutionary creation and don't pretend like you're actually a show of innovation. From this point of view, Torchlight doesn't take itself very seriously – just like Diablo, it's a clickfest that lasts until you drop to the cellar's bottom floor (with a slight twist, you'll see), while promoting a less morbid and dark atmosphere.
Extremely familiar and accessible, Torchlight lacks, however, a pretty critical element to the genre nowadays: multiplayer. Although the producers promise releasing an MMORPG that takes place in the same universe, I fail to see why a form, albeit a basic one, of multiplayer butchery could not be implemented.
To set aside obvious questions, here's what was taken from Diablo II: the majority of monsters are adaptations of the ones found in Blizzard's popular hack'n'slash – from the little bastards walking around in gangs, sometimes with a leader/shaman to ressurect them and cast fireballs at the hero, to Wraiths that drain mana and the antropomorphic felines dressed in oriental clothing.
The labyrinths are randomly generated, and the system works really well. In regard to the complexity, I dare say that the dungeons in Torchlight surpass the ones in Diablo 2 – we've got ledges hanging above other ledges, all kinds of bridges and suspended platforms on top of placed you get to eventually. The effect of seeing waves of monsters walking around under you and then seeing alcoves circling the chasm in a manner reminiscent of Escher's drawings.
The items are split into the same categories (which also applies to most, if not all hack'n'slash games) and can form sets with bonuses of their own. Obviously, some need to be identified and there's an NPC that enchants them with magical properties in exchange for a fitting sum of gold. Additionally, we've got an NPC that transmutes objects – plainly put, he fills in for a talking Horadric Cube and, as it was expected after so many common elements, an NPC who sells you unidentified objects for obnoxious prices, while you're rubbing your fists hoping that you're actually purchasing Excalibur or some other legendary blade that shakes the very foundations the caves you're in. In other words, gamble.
Even the music is a variation of the Tristram theme – which is not all that surprising if I'll tell you that it's the same Matt Uelmen who composed it (or modified it, if you will). That's not all that bad considering I always thought that the music in Diablo is a key element in the special rendering of that particulat mood – and it would be pretty lame for me to complain that I'm hearing a sort of remix for one of the best video game soundtracks of all time. As if it weren't enough, the sounds effects themselves are "borrowed" from the Blizzard franchise: whether we're talking about spells, potions or the gems, if you turned off your monitor, a bystanding gamer who doesn't know what you're actually playing will most likely assume you're killing the mobs in Diablo II.
A handful of elements got snatched from Fate as well. Like the ability to fish, a pet and a system that makes you more and more popular, earning new titles in the process, once you complete quests or eliminate elite foes. The reward for this is a skillpoint for every such "promotion", in addition to the 5 points you can spread through stats and the skillpoint you get for every level up.
Three little basement dwellers
As I mentioned in the beginning, there are three playable characters – Destroyer, Alchemist and Vanquisher. Staying true to the patterns, the Destroyer is the Barbarian's equivalent, the Alchemist is the classic wizard, while the Vanquisher represents the Rogue/Ranger stereotype.
The specialization trees will determine your playing style, and thus the same character may use radically different mechanics for every development line accessed. However, it has to be said that there is no requirement other than a certain level when you want to invest into a new ability, which breaks the game's balance somewhat.
In other words, if you're down to the last level of a certain spec, you can also invest into the last tier of any of the other two specs. Which in certain cases offers the player a monstruous advantage over the mobs.
Aside from specific abilities, we also have spell scrolls that can be used regardless of the character's class or specialization – and these often complete your basic abilities with gruesome efficiency.
The characters themselves are versatile – in the sense that your weapons and armors don't have any other requirement than level and stats. So you can create and develop a character atypical to his class – for instance, an Alchemis that can put up a melee fight or a Destroyer whose high mana pool allows him the magic hissy fits of the Titan tree. Despite this variation however, the stereotypes you're probably expecting are more efficient – a casting Destroyer might be fun to play, but at least on the higher levels of difficulty will encounter numerous obstacles in becoming the same killing machine that the Berserker butcher is.


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08-07-2005, 09:53
Try this next time you make sauteed mushrooms for your steak: Saute the mushrooms as you would normally do. I use butter and some cracked black pepper. When just about done, throw in some Bourbon (to taste). I use about 1/3 cup of Evan Williams Black Label. Continue on the heat until most of the liquid is vaporized. Great stuff!! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gifThanks Scuzzie.
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The PS Vita gameplay streaming service is set to expand to desktops, President of Sony Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida confirms.
The smallest Apple iMac trades up to a 4K display, and jumps to newer, but still not the latest, processors. While the design hasn't changed, newly crafted accessories with rechargeable batteries and Lightning connectors add flair and convenience.
The 27-inch iMac line from Apple gets 5K displays and new CPUs on every model.
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If you can live with its limitations, the new 12-inch MacBook delivers a groundbreaking design that points the way to the next chapter in laptops.


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Anyone's triple screen positive for Down's after a normal result for a first child?
My triple screen results came back 1/132 risk for Down Syndrome. This is my second child and for my first, everything was normal. I am very concerned, but opted out of the amnio because of the miscarriage risk. Has anyone else been in this boat?
Posted: 03/02/2008 by peacelove
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I went through the same exact thing this time last year. With my first pregnancy, my triple screen came back fine and I gave birth to a healthy baby boy in April of 2005. Last March, however, I was told that my second baby had a 1/167 risk for Down Syndrome. Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck. After discussing my results with my OB, I opted against the amnio because the risk of miscarriage as a result of the procedure was nearly the same (1/200). What helped me get through the next 5 months was the fact that two level 2 ultrasounds didn't show any soft markers for Downs. In addition, I looked at the risk factor as percentages- 99.5% chance of having a healthy baby and 0.5% chance of having a baby with Downs. I am happy to say that I gave birth to a beautiful, 100% healthy baby girl in August of last year.posted 03/04/2008 by deidre0828
I just went through this. I have a healthy baby boy (who is now 2) who was 1/4000 for downs. This pregnancy I was 1/230 for downs and I am 33 years old. I decided to have an amnio and have been anxiously waiting for 4 weeks. I have been a nervous wreck although my odds were still 98% everything was fine. I did a FISH test and my baby is HEALTHY! The FISH test is rushed amnio reslults with a 96& accuracy. Try to stay positive. Most of the time these first trimester tests provide a lot of false postivies. For anyone reading this, or going through a scary time, I thoguht I would shed some postivive light!posted 01/09/2009 by bringonmoreboys
The same thing happened to me with my first pregnancy. My triple screen said our risk for Down Syndrome was 1/113. We had another ultrasound and our baby didn't have any of the physical characteristics of Downs. We didn't want an amnio because of the risk of miscarriage. We did talk to a geneticist (sp?) and she said that maybe the numbers were high because that is how my body tolerates pregnancy. My beautiful baby girl was born perfectly normal. Don't stress. Just focus on having a healthy baby.posted 03/17/2008 by melissar77
This is an update of my previous post. The triple screen test came back with 1/80 risk for Down Syndrome. I had an amnio done, and after 11 days of hell, I just received the results. They came back normal and I'm having a boy. I am glad I did the amnio, otherwise I would have spent the rest of my pregnancy worrying about it.posted 07/21/2008 by Bananita_9
I have a 2 year old son and 12 week old daughter. The botton line is they are your children and you will love them no matter what.... healthy, downs, whatever. Try to enjoy your pregnancy, your children, etc... Life is too short. My daughter was born 12 weeks ago with a chrom. abnormality and while things have been extremely hectic and crazy, every time she smiles, she lights up the room! We decided not to have an an amnio. She actually has 46 chromes. so the amnio would have came back "normal" after all. Try not to get caught up in all the numbers, stats, etc... honestly, none of it matters. You will love your baby regardless. Both of our kids are an absolute joy in their own ways! I wish you the best of luck and no matter what, I know everything will work out just the way it is meant to. What doesn't break you will only make your stronger.posted 10/07/2009 by a BabyCenter Member
My husband and I are currently awaiting our amnio results. Our first screen came back normal, but the second screen came back 1/71 chance for Downs. Either way we are choosing to have the baby... Our genetic counselor explained to us that the statistics are in our favor. My adopted sister has an 11 yr. old daughter with Downs. This is proving to be the most difficult time of our lives. I hope the best for you. We chose to get the amnio ourselves (our specialist has a 1/1600 chance of miscarriage ratio). Our results are coming back 8-14 days from now.posted 04/16/2008 by lmbr4e
for me age 36 ds test came back (HCG 2.57) (PAPP-A .45) which on bell curve was exact numbers for downsyndrome my nucal fold was 1.6..they told me I was 1 in 40 risk..of course I was worried sick! I went ahead with amnio...it was a very easy test the place I went to was amazing AZgenetics and fetal medicine. baby girl does not have DS!! hope this helpsposted 11/25/2012 by a BabyCenter Member
Just received word that my 2nd trimester screen came back with 1/40 for Downs. This is my third pregnancy and I have 2 healthy boys. 1st trimester NT came back normal, but since I am 41 we have decided to get the 2nd trimester ulstrasound and then decide on amnio after we see if there are any other markers. I am worried sick but doing my best to stay positive. This will be the ONLY time I'll be pleased to say that my age possibly has a role in the findings and and hoping that baby is 100% healthy.posted 07/30/2010 by mispruess01
I am going through the same thing. The triple screen came back negative for my first child (daughter). I am 17 weeks pregnant with my second, and I just got a positive result three days ago with a risk of 1/80. We decided to do the amnio yesterday because the risk is higher than the 1/400 miscarriage risk from my specialist. We have to wait at least 10 days for the results. It is a shorter time than what you have to wait, but eitherway, I have to hope that my baby is going to be OK. Otherwise, the stress is going to kill me. To the third post: Midland Avenue, did you get your results?posted 07/11/2008 by Bananita_9
I am going through the same thing. The triple screen came back negative for my first child (daughter). I am 17 weeks pregnant with my second, and I just got a positive result three days ago with a risk of 1/80. We decided to do the amnio yesterday because the risk is higher than the 1/400 miscarriage risk from my specialist. We have to wait at least 10 days for the results. It is a shorter time than what you have to wait, but eitherway, I have to hope that my baby is going to be OK. Otherwise, the stress is going to kill me. To the third post: Midland Avenue, did you get your results?posted 07/11/2008 by Bananita_9
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"One more question, gentlemen, what would you think the situation would be if I announced today that Jewry shall have to contribute this 1,000,000,000 as a punishment."And then the last paragraph on Page 22 of the translation before the Court I quote:
"I shall choose the wording this way that German Jewry shall, as punishment for their abominable crimes, et cetera, et cetera, have to make a contribution of 1,000,000,000. That will work. The pigs won't commit another murder in a hurry.


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RIPTON — Ian Pounds had spent years writing and teaching in Ripton, a town with a verdant, pastoral, postcard-like setting.
He recently swapped all that for 140 days of teaching in one of the most dusty and dangerous settings in the world: Afghanistan. Recently returned stateside, Pounds is now telling the gripping story of his four months enlightening orphans in the war-torn city of Kabul — an adventure than seemed quite unlikely only a few years ago.


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Here's a jump, from maybe two weeks ago (?). Please critique - rip us apart. I pretty much know what's wrong, I just want to see what we can do.
I think he did a good job - considering it was a fairly tight rollback, however I just wish he could have a half decent expression over the fence! He just seems so serious.
Thank you!


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Attractive property, roomy free enclosed parking. Nice lobby. Wifi strongest in the lobby. Well kept, ample room (we took a room on the second floor, overlooking the pool.) We didn't use the pool as the water was too cool at the time of our visit. The location is a bit off center, but we liked the 5 minute walk to... More
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America's largest subway system launched a smartphone application that will reveal train-arrival times on seven of the city's 24 lines—a leap forward for a service that has lagged behind its peers both at home and abroad in adopting new technologies.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority released on Friday its Subway Time app for passengers with iPhones and iPod Touch devices. The agency had planned versions for Android and Windows users but said Friday that apps on those platforms will be built instead by third-party developers. Transit officials are currently considering how to integrate real-time arrival information on the MTA's existing website.
Only part of the subway system is equipped with signalling that can generate a digital feed that can be pushed out to smartphones.
At first, it'll only be for iPhone and iPod Touch devices and will work at above ground stations as well as those few underground facilities that are equipped with cell phone or Wi-Fi service.
There was already a free App that has train arrival countdowns, and has them for every stop on all 24 lines. However, the NextStop app does that using the schedule, whereas the new app will be based on the actual position of the trains and will account for delays.
The other big limitation is the app will only work when there is an Internet connection, which means it is really only useful at above ground stations and the limited handful of stations that have WiFi.
Still, if you happen to live off one of the lines already featured in the app, it's certainly worth a download. It may not make up for the recent subway fare increase, but at least it's something.
Do you like this NYC subway app?


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CBSE exam dates for class X and class XII has been announced. Exams will commence on the 3rd of March...
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Thomas Russell Junior High School
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From Michigan State's locker room this morning, about an hour and a half before kickoff against Indiana, Mark Dantonio took to Twitter.
"Get it up!" the Spartans' head coach wrote. "'IRONMAN' chant today for our Defense. 'Pound Green Pound' for Off. Beat IU! Go Green!"
Every MSU fan remembers the offensive chant, which was the call for the Spartans' Lorenzo White-led running game during the Big Ten championship 1987 season. That was the program's last Rose Bowl appearance - a win over USC on Jan. 1, 1988 - and MSU is celebrating that team during today's homecoming game festivities. Dantonio ...


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The Marketing Zoo Crew says thank you to #TeamCallaway everywhere for making the Big Bertha launch so much fun. Big Bertha is in stores now! Go hit it!
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The boom in the popularity of big pickups is taking place among thieves as well as ordinary buyers.
Full-size trucks have the highest insurance claim frequency of any group of vehicles, the insurance industry Highway Loss Data Institute reports. The HLDI data cover claims for 2010 through 2012 models.
Thieves' favorite: Ford F-250 Super Duty crew-cab with four-wheel drive (4x4). It's a heavy-duty model. ...


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Towson University offers scholarships, grants, loans and employment to help you pay for your education. Money for these programs comes from the U.S. Department of Education, the state of Maryland, and Towson University. The campus-based grant and loan programs help you pay the difference between the cost of education and the amount your family can contribute.
The university's Office of Admissions awards a number of academic scholarships each fall to qualified incoming freshmen and transfer students with outstanding academic credentials or special talent. Scholarships generally use merit or academic achievement as the main criterion, rather than financial need. Some scholarships use academic major as an additional criterion.
Financial Aid Office
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End of the monthers, where ya at.
I'm due the 30th (so I'm 36 & 4 right now) with baby #5. My first baby came at 38wks and then the last 3 were 10,5 & 8 days past EDD. (not induced with any of them)
I've started having signs my body is preparing for birth. It's exciting! I had prodromal for 5+ weeks with the last 2 boys and hated it but this time it's not seeming to bother me emotionally as much. Lots of BH everynight, mucus plug coming out periodically, feeling crampy and like...pushy? She's still ballotable, but when she gets low I feel like my water is going to gush at any second.
I'm sure I'll be much more annoyed by these symptoms in a few more weeks but right now I'm excited that it means labor is going to be happening. In the end, there will be a baby here in 5 weeks or less! EEK! But will it be 10 days from now like her big sister? Or stay cozy for another 34 days like her oldest brother? Is she going to surprise us all and come sooner or later than that? I dunno! I'm usually so impatient. I seriously badger my husband about what he got me for birthday gifts because I just can't wait LOL
I have a feeling she'll be here somewhere between the 10-34 days from now and that really seems so soon! I am looking forward to the lack of heartburn, not doing a 5 point turn to get out of bed, not seeing every hour on the clock, being able to keep up with my younger boys better and getting back to running....and oh! all the little wee baby things! Teeny toes and gummy sleepy smiles.
Someone asked about cervices being tilted backwards, and yes, from my understanding, it is usually high and behind the babies head and will come down in alignment with your vagina as you get closer to delivery.
Thinking no! I m
Hoping no lol. I am having the worst back pain and cramping on and off... I hope she comes sooner than later I am so uncomfortable. Fighting tears due to back pain right now ... High back pain so dr doesn't care :(


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Skaneateles grabbed an early lead and dominated play to defeat Whitesboro and become the Section III Division II Champions Saturday at the Utica Auditorium.
Over 1500 fans were in attendance at the game, including a sizeable crowd making the long drive from Skaneateles.
"Obviously there were a lot of fans from Whitesboro, but I was impressed with the turnout from Skaneateles. It just shows what type of hockey town we are. We aren't just doing this for our school and for the players, but for our town." Skaneateles head coach Mitch Major said.
The game did not disappoint them as Skaneateles stayed on top for most of the game.
It didn't start out that way as just two and a half minutes in, Whitesboro was fighting for the puck near the right post and it trickled in between the post and Laker Alex Richichi's pads.
Although Whitesboro got that first goal, it was all Skaneateles after that, outshooting their opponent 11-3 for the remainder of the first period.
Skaneateles responded to the early Warrior goal in just three minutes, working off momentum from a Whitesboro penalty. Skaneateles kept control in their own zone and Keith Buehler made the pass across the front of the net to Kay-Beck Anderson who hit the puck top shelf to tie it up.
Just a minute later, Beuhler again earned his Section III Player-of-the-Year award when he stole the puck from a Whitesboro defender at the blue line, bringing the puck in the zone and passing to Sean Morley who was waiting in front of the net for the put-in.
The Lakers stayed in control for the rest of the period, keeping Warrior goalie Jack Lambe busy by keeping possession of the puck for most of the first.
The second period began with the Lakers continuing to dominate as a hit after the whistle in the closing seconds of the first gave Skaneateles a power-play to begin the stanza. They kept the Warriors at bay in the beginning, not allowing a single shot in the first five minutes.
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Louisiana State wide receiver and punt returner Odell Beckham Jr. (3) has returned two punts for touchdowns this season. LSU will play Clemson University on Dec. 31 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Ga.
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CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson University's special teams were more like not-so-special-teams in the final two weeks of the regular college football season, which is cause for concern heading into the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Year's Eve and Louisiana State.
LSU features two of most dangerous return players in the Southeastern Conference in kickoff returner Michael Ford and punt returner Odell Beckham Jr.
Clemson's coverage - or lack thereof against N.C. State and South Carolina - has prompted additional practice time and a couple of changes. ...


text: > View Product Details Please select the size of the product. Please enter valid quantity. Blondes Make Better T-Shirts white 'Animals' graphic dolman sleeve boxy tee overview details Retail: $64.00 Reduced: $19.97 25% Off : $14.98 color : We're sorry. This style is sold out. White There's nothing left to discuss, Blondes (unquestionably) Make Better T-Shirts. Crafted using sustainable fabrics and embellished with clever graphics, these comfy tees are definitely on our favorites list. Color: White Ultra-lightweight modal knit Scoop neckline Sketched animal graphics and 'Save the Blondes, too many animals are dyeing out' text at front Short, dolman sleeves High-low hem Boxy, relaxed fit 21'' from shoulder seam to hem Approximate measurements taken from a size S, and may vary by size 100% Modal; Hand Wash; U.S.A; style#325846601


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Psychiatrists in the United States can look forward to a sizeable six-figure salary — around $181K per year on average. In the world of Psychiatrists, overall cash allowance can occasionally include more than $25K from bonuses and, in some exceptional cases, $138K from profit sharing, causing incomes to vary widely between $100K and $269K. The most influential factor affecting pay for this group is location, though the specific employer and tenure have a (lesser) impact as well. Men working as Psychiatrists who took the survey just slightly outnumber women at 58 percent. Although a strong majority have medical coverage and the larger part have dental coverage, approximately one-fifth claim no health benefits at all. For the most part, Psychiatrists enjoy their work and report high levels of job satisfaction. This report is based on answers to PayScale's salary questionnaire.
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A psychiatrist meets with patients and determines if a mental disorder is present. An evaluation of the patient's symptoms, behavior, and past medical history will be carried out. Tests may also be performed to determine any issues that are present. The psychiatrist will also help the patient to manage, ease, or heal a disorder, which may be done by administering treatments or medications.Read More...
Throughout treatment, the care that is administered should be evaluated to determine if the treatment is working. It may also be necessary to work with the patient's other health providers, in order to gather feedback and to determine what sort of care should be administered. In some cases, the psychiatrist may also recommend that the patient meets with a psychologist, so that counseling services can be provided. It is also important to keep a strong network of resources. A psychiatrist also helps to prevent mental disorders from occurring. This can be helpful, especially to people who have gone through traumatic events. Strong communication skills are necessary, in order to work well with patients, patients' families, and other medical providers. The psychiatrist will educate the patients and the patients' families as to the various aspects of the illness and how they can be cared for at home.
The psychiatrist should be licensed as a board-certified psychologist. Graduation from an accredited medical school of psychiatry is also necessary.
Psychiatrists only report a few specific skills. Psychiatry and Psychiatric are considered valuable skills and can increase employee pay. Psychiatric and Psychiatry are correlating skills — those who know the former usually know the latter.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
For many Psychiatrists, extensive experience does not lead to significantly more money. Large paychecks, which sit comfortably in the six-figure range, are handed out almost immediately; professionals who have less than five years' experience report earning a median of $174K per year. On average, Psychiatrists make $200K following one to two decades on the job. Veterans who have worked for more than two decades do tend to make the most in the end; the median pay for this group is $212K.
Psychiatrists will find that San Diego offers an impressive pay rate, one which exceeds the national average by 16 percent. Psychiatrists will also find cushy salaries in San Francisco (+7 percent) and Pittsburgh (+2 percent). In Atlanta, salaries are 16 percent below the national average and represent the lowest-paying market. Not at the bottom but still paying below the median are employers in Philadelphia and Boston (10 percent less).
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Tom Foremski posts today advocating PR firms to automate as much of their business as possible. He writes '…without a significant tech component PR is at a big disadvantage because it can't scale, it can't grow without growing more people.'
This is true – on average PR firms spend sixty percent of their revenues on staff costs. Tom suggests that competition from other sectors, from advertising to SEO, will force PR firms to automate as many elements of their business as they can. You'd have to be short-sighted indeed not to witness the turmoil the Internet wrought on the media sector and to think the PR industry could escape unscathed. We've all enjoyed those inter-agency meetings when the topic of digital and social media comes up, and every agency makes a dive for the brass ring.
But while undoubtedly change is being driven by the intensifying competition between disciplines, that change tends to be in developing new services and capabilities, rather than automation of current practices. Right now, I think a bigger driver of automation is the huge talent shortage PR firms are facing. The more we can disconnect revenues from headcount, the better. The challenges in recruitment are a primary driver for investment in automating technologies. The biggest barrier to growth at this stage of the economic cycle is a PR firm's ability to hire and retain talent. If you can break that cycle, and put more revenue through fixed staffing levels, you can get headcount-free growth. And that means higher profits.
So the incentive is there – whether short-term profit incentive or through seismic technological change. But surely you can't automate PR? [Cue shocked expression as we perch on our creative high-horse.] No-one is suggesting that strategy, ideation or relationship building can be automated. You might be able to systematize elements of those but they are fundamentally human. But look at accounting – the whole process of double-entry book-keeping is now a huge software industry. Look at the legal industry with online apps such as LegalZoom making the bottom-end of the market self-service. Surely the routine elements of PR should be turned into software? What is a tool like Vocus if it isn't just that? I hope we don't just stop with the replacement of Ben's media directory.
Savvy agencies are developing their own IP in the form of tools and technologies. Most of these revolve around research, collaboration and evaluation at the moment. The incentive to do that is threefold – first it'll automate dull activities which is great for staff; second, it gives the agency a 'magic widget' which you can't get elsewhere for clients; and third it increases the agency's valuation for the same reason. Anything which frees up staff from repetitive activities to be more creative should be embraced. Sure, it cuts out the less-skilled administrative roles, but most people aren't attracted to our industry for that.
As an example, way back in 1997 we developed Virtual Press Rooms, which clients paid a subscription for in order to get their press materials online. It had streaming video before YouTube and gave metrics about who had viewed the content. It gave us a revenue stream independent of hiring new staff which was hard back then. In another area, we've developed our own evaluation platform, LSCORE, which pulls together media and social metrics for campaigns around the world and presents them consistently. We don't charge for that, but it saves a hugely manual and time-consuming task with a better outcome.
So I'm all for automation. It's inevitable and desirable. Bring it!
Tags: automation, Featured, PR, Social Media, SVW, technology


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Britain's Co-op backs radical reform plansComment on this story
London - Members of the Co-operative Group endorsed a radical shake-up of its board structure on Saturday, designed to avoid a repeat of the mistakes that brought Britain's biggest mutual to its knees, the group said.
A string of poor decisions at the supermarkets-to-funerals group, such as the ill-fated 2009 takeover of Britannia building society, culminated in it losing control of its bank and a 2.5 billion pound ($4.15 billion) loss last year.
Earlier this year, Paul Myners, a former government minister, set out a raft of reforms he said were necessary to ensure the group's survival. The biggest change was ditching the Co-op's large board drawn from regional co-operatives in favour of one containing professional executives.
Co-op Group Chairwoman Ursula Lidbetter said earlier this month that the pillars of Myner's proposals were retained in the changes put to the vote, but the new board would still include three directors nominated by members.
"The Co-operative Group members have today voted in favour of a resolution on the adoption of a new Rulebook to radically reform the group's governance structure," a spokesman said.
The changes put to the members also included the establishment of a council of 100 members to uphold the group's co-operative principle, and introducing a "one member one vote" structure.
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Maputo — The Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, on Thursday passed unanimously the second and final reading of bills from the former rebel movement Renamo, altering procedures for general, provincial and municipal elections.
Perhaps the most important change, given the experience of police behaviour in previous elections, is a guarantee of near total immunity for polling station monitors representing the political parties and the candidates.
After a couple of redrafts, the Assembly's Commission on Public Administration, which prepared the final version of the bills, hit on the simple formulation that "monitors of the candidates cannot be detained while the polling station is functioning".
An article elsewhere in the bill states that, if a monitor has committed a crime which is punishable by a prison term, he can be arrested, but only after all the voting materials have been delivered from the polling stations to the district or city elections commission.
This should end the arbitrary arrests of opposition polling station monitors which the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) complained of during the 20 November municipal elections. Such detentions made it impossible for the monitors to do their job of observing the count.
The MDM's bitter experience in November led it to demand that the three parliamentary parties (the ruling Frelimo Party, Renamo and itself) should be allowed to appoint members of the polling station staff - one per party in each polling station. At the last moment, this MDM amendment was incorporated into the bill.
The bill also stipulates that, at least 45 days before the elections, the National Elections Commission (CNE) must give each competing party an electronic copy of the voters' roll.
The chairperson of the Public Administration Commission, Alfredo Gamito, pointed out that the Frelimo parliamentary group had offered this to Renamo in 2012. Renamo had refused, saying that it would only accept hard copies of the voters' roll.
"Now this amendment appears as if it's a Renamo proposal", mused Gamito.
The bill also includes a provision that would allow recounts. There have never been recounts in previous elections. In the event of irregularities at any polling station, the CNE, the Constitutional Council (Mozambique's highest body in matters of constitutional and electoral law), or any candidate may demand a recount.
The votes will then be recounted by the District or City Elections Commission, in the presence of the candidates' election agents.
As for election disputes, these will be handled, not, as is currently the case, by the CNE, but by the district courts. Appeals against any irregularity in a polling station count would go to a district court within 48 hours, and within the next 48 hours the court must give its reply. If the party concerned is not satisfied, it can appeal to the Constitutional Council within three days.
The bill demands that the courts, from the start of voter registration (which began on 15 February) through to the final declaration of the results, must treat election disputes with urgency, giving them priority over all other matters.
On the ballot papers, Renamo had insisted that there should be no more ballot papers than the number of voters at each station. Gamito's Commission added an extra 10 per cent, to deal with cases where voters accidentally spoil their ballot papers and request new ones.
Gamito said Frelimo, Renamo and the MDM all agreed that 10 per cent was too much - but claimed the Assembly's hands were tied because 10 per cent was the figure mentioned in the minutes from the dialogue between Renamo and the government.


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Modern Languages Majors
Download the Modern Language Major Handout
The Modern Languages Program at Franklin College is designed to help students develop an awareness of other cultures and languages, an appreciation of the importance of intercultural communication and understanding and a competence in a foreign language.
If you study languages at Franklin College, you will work with experienced faculty members who are native or near-native speakers and highly qualified, dedicated teachers. Classes are small, and professors provide you with personal, individualized attention in and out of the classroom. The department offers majors and minors, as well as teaching majors and minors in both French and Spanish.
A communicative approach is taken in all departmental offerings. Beginner and intermediate-level courses focus on the acquisition of elementary and intermediate language skills in a cultural context. Advanced course offerings in French include: Career French, Advanced Writing and Grammar, Francophone-Canadian Literature, Francophone Culture and Masterpieces of French Literature.
Advanced course offerings in Spanish include: Spanish in the Work Place (career exploration in Spanish), Advanced Grammar and Conversation, Uncovering Latin America, Masterpieces in Spanish-American and Spanish Literature and Chicano-Riqueños.
Language with Other Disciplines
A major in a foreign language complements many other programs offered at Franklin College and enhances a liberal arts education. The department offers teaching majors and minors in French and Spanish and language majors often add a second major or a minor in biology, business, English, journalism, political science or sociology.
Modern Language Highlights
Students majoring or minoring in French or Spanish frequently accompany faculty members to plays, art exhibits, films, cultural festivals and dinners at ethnic restaurants.
FCLA3 (Franklin College Latino Advocacy and Awareness Association) is an active student-sponsored group on campus. They organize the annual Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo and other celebrations.
Student Experiences
"Studying French has been one of the most rewarding things I've done. Learning a new language is very difficult and requires a lot of practice and persistence. Living in the Modern Language House and being the House Representative have helped my speaking skills greatly. I plan to study abroad in France for the fall semester of my senior year. I believe that this experience will allow me to apply all that I have been learning in and out of the house for the past couple of years." – Emily Winship | Class of 2013
"Some people find it odd that I have two majors that don't clearly relate, but to me, they complement each other perfectly. Spanish and athletic training are two passions that I get to live out daily, not only now, but in my future career. I love Spanish and the Latino culture, and I have been lucky enough to travel abroad twice during my time at FC: once to Mexico and once to Costa Rica. My Spanish skills have developed greatly, and, with these experiences, I have grown into the person I'm meant to be." – Amy Gibson | Class of 2013
Course Title Credits Class Level Term FRE 110 Elementary French I 4 Freshman FRE 111 Elementary French II 4 Freshman FRE 210 Intermediate French I 4 Sophomore FRE 211 Intermediate French II 4 Sophomore FRE 300 Topics in French 4 Junior FRE 314 Career French 4 Sophomore FRE 315 Advanced Writing & Composition 4 Sophomore FRE 331 French Civilization 4 Junior FRE 332 Masterpieces of French Literature 4 Junior FRE 334 Francophone Culture 4 Junior FRE 337 The Nineteenth-Century Novel 4 Junior FRE 340 Francophone Canadian Literature 4 Junior FRE 482 French Practicum 1 Senior FRE 490 French Independent Study 1 Senior FRE 498 Portfolio 0 Senior FRE 499 Senior Essay 0 Senior LAN 120 Language Study 1 Freshman LAN 300 Topics in Language 3 SPA 110 Elementary College Spanish I 4 Freshman SPA 111 Elementary College Spanish II 4 Freshman SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish 4 Freshman SPA 211 Intermediate Reading, Writing & Discussi 4 Freshman SPA 300 Topics in Spanish 2 Junior SPA 312 Pronunciation for Communication 2 SPA 313 Altruism & Civic Engage Latino Community 4 Junior SPA 314 Spanish in the Work World 4 Junior SPA 315 Advanced Grammar and Composition 4 Junior SPA 316 One-Act Plays for Fluency 2 SPA 330 Chicano-Riquenos 4 Junior SPA 331 Uncovering Latin Ameri: Know the Unknown 4 Junior SPA 332 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature 4 Junior SPA 334 Masterpieces of Spanish-American Literat 4 Junior SPA 337 Golden Age of Spanish Literature 3 Junior SPA 482 Spanish Practicum 1 Senior SPA 490 Spanish Independent Study 1 Senior SPA 498 Portfolio 0 Senior SPA 499 Senior Essay 0 Senior
Faculty members assist students in finding a placement in their area of interest helping – with French or Spanish clubs at elementary or middle schools, participating in outreach programs, assisting with public services to the Hispanic community, and even working with professionals in local international businesses. Past placements include:
- AmeriCorps
- Bedford Regional Medical Center
- Cincinnati Magazine
- Edinburgh/Trafalgar Health Clinic
- Esperanza Ministries
- Wheeler Mission
Recent job placements for modern language majors include:
- News producer, Fox 59 News
- Sourcing specialist, Cummins Inc.
Modern Language House
Franklin College also has a Modern Language House where students interested in immersing themselves in French and Spanish language and culture may apply to live. The Modern Language House serves as a meeting place and prime location for many of the French and Spanish events offered on campus, such as student-led language activities, social hours with French or Spanish speaking guests and Immersion Day activities.
- Work Phone: (317) 738-8783work Work Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Daniel T. AlsopAssistant Professor of Spanish Johnson Center of Fine Arts 221Modern LanguagesWork Phone: (317) 738-8210work Work Email: email@example.com
Jarrod BrownAssistant Professor of Spanish Johnson Center of Fine ArtsModern LanguagesWork Phone: (317) 738-8257work Work Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sara N. Colburn-AlsopProfessor of Spanish Old Main 309Modern LanguagesWork Phone: (317) 738-8219work Work Email: email@example.com
Agueda Formoso-MayanLecturer of Spanish Old Main 310Modern LanguagesWork Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Kathryn Lynn JohnstonInstructor, Modern Languages Old MainDepartment of Modern LanguagesWork Email: email@example.com
David K. WagnerLecturer of French Old MainModern LanguagesWork Phone: (317) 738-8788work Work Email: email@example.com
Kristin WasielewskiAssistant Professor of Modern Languages Old Main 311Modern Languages
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Chevrolet reveals SA-bound SUVComment on this story
Chevrolet has unveiled the production version of its all-new Trailblazer, a bakkie-based SUV that will take on the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport when it arrives in South Africa before the end of this year.
As expected, the series model stays true to the 'tough American truck' styling of the concept that was shown off last year
This traditional SUV is built on GM's new body-on-frame pick-up platform, which it shares with the Colorado bakkie and the next-generation Isuzu KB. Like its rivals, the Trailblazer is available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guises and a range of turbodiesel engines.
The smallest of these is a 2.5-litre unit that pushes 110kW and 350Nm and the more powerful option is a 2.8-litre that produces 132kW and 470Nm - bettering the Fortuner 3-litre's outputs of 120kW and 343Nm.
These engines can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
With its combination of a body-on-frame architecture and independent five-link rear suspension, the Trailblazer is said to offer a good ride quality and top-notch off-road ability.
It also boasts a spacious interior that can seat seven occupants, with its three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seating system said to be extremely user-friendly.
LT and LTZ trim levels will be offered and further information on specification, and pricing, will be made available closer to its local launch date. Should GMSA get the pricing right on this one, it could prove a formidable rival to the strong-selling Toyota Fortuner.
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November 26, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif. (April 28, 2014) Toyota announced Monday that it is moving its U.S. headquarters from California to Plano.
The Japanese automaker said the move isn't expected to begin until 2017.
Toyota says the new headquarters will bring together employees who are now scattered around the country.
Toyota will break ground on a new headquarters later this year and will offer relocation packages to the 1,000 employees who currently work at the Torrance headquarters.
Toyota opened the Torrance facility in 1982.
Sally Bane, Plano's director of economic development, says when Toyota began to hone in on Texas, the city started an aggressive marketing campaign, including hiring a private consultant to help convince Toyota to move to Plano.
Texas offered Toyota $40 million in incentives from the taxpayer-funded Texas Enterprise Fund.
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Jul 22, 201102:55 PMBlog
Billboard amendments, Point Ruston lead study session agenda
Jul 22, 2011 - 02:55 PMTacoma City Council is scheduled to discuss the public comments and written testimony gathered from the public hearing last Tuesday regarding the Planning Commission's recommended sign code amendments to prohibit digital billboards during its study session on July 26.
City staff also will provide an update on the Point Ruston development project and the proposed third amendment to the agreement for improvements.
The council will not take public comment during the noon study session in Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., Room 16. Audio from the session will be broadcast live on TV Tacoma and on www.tvtacoma.com.
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I just told her she was a heartbeat above a blowup doll.
You must be Logged in to post a comment
a heartbeat above a love doll... must be one of those brainiac chicks who can't tell red from blue on a pregnancy test.
I'm going to remember that one. It's a pretty rough burn but sometimes people deserve shit like that.
I think the guy is a boring, lousy lover, I would just lay there too if he was bad at sex.
And OP isn't two heartbeats below a dildo because.....
well I really hope she deserved it... otherwise you are a massssssive douche.
hahaha that's great, if i was a slut i'd get this tatoo'd on my ass
daamnnn thats harsh.
Thank god the years over
I have been there myself...not the being cheated on but the girl not doing anything bed, might as well have used my hand or a blow up doll
Quite possibly the worst thing you could say to a girl.
this is absolutely hilarious
LOL ... I've been a 'unit' before ...
It was one of those mistake hookups. Once things got started, I wasn't down anymore, so I just sat there, motionless! I hooked up with that guy a year later, and it was the best sex ever! Go figure ...
Ouch. Uncalled for.
bet that went down like a cup of cold puke ;)
7:17, you are an idiot. If a guy is bad at sex, tell him to leave. Why have sex if it's bad? That's stupid.
that is borderline legend.. wait for it, wait for it... dary
and youre still alive to tell this....how?
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BURLINGTON, Wash. - Walla Walla Community College's Dona Dunovant extended her lead and topped the leaderboard on a rain-shortened round at Avalon Golf Course here Monday.
Dunovant, who held a five-stroke lead over Spokane's Alexa Bell after the first round Sunday, ended up winning by eight shots after the women's round was called after nine holes due to rain. Dunovant shot 82-44-126, followed by Bell at 86-47-134.
On the men's side, Bellevue had the top three golfers lead the way to first in the team standings, but WWCC leap-frogged Spokane to take second.
Bellevue recorded team scores of 293-312-605, followed by the Warriors at 299-321-620, Spokane 294-328-622, Skagit Valley 308-317-625, Olympic 307-322-629 and Green River 311-349-660.
Bellevue's Tyler McDougall (71-78-149) and Alex Mroz (70-79-149) tied for first, with teammate Price Coshow (75-75-150) taking third.
"You've got to hand it to Bellevue," WWCC coach Mike Rostollan said. "Spokane left us an opening, and our guys gutted it out on a cold, windy, rainy day."
For WWCC, Josh Scothorne was fifth at 75-77-152, Ash Miles tied for eighth at 72-82-154, Eric Wright carded a 77-81-158, Cory Spencer had 75-85-160, Mike Ervin 79-81-160, and Drew Morgan 78-86-167.
"Josh has consistently finished in the top five," Rostollan said. "The rest of the guys are stepping it up, too."
For the WWCC women, Jamie Robison had a 110-55-165.
The women's team scores were Spokane (265-149-414), Bellevue (294-157-451) and Olympic (298-163-461).
The Warriors head to Southwest Oregon to play at Bandon Dunes in the final NWAACC league match before the conference championships two weeks later.
"We'll look to put our best effort forward at Bandon Dunes," Rostollan said.
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Friday Cat Blogging - 11 September 2009
It's flash photography day! Which is not so great since the flash on my camera is pretty mediocre. What's more, although it does a miraculous job of eliminating redeye in humans, it's not so great at eliminating laser eye in cats. But somehow we soldier on anyway. On the left, Inkblot is snoozing on a pile of fresh laundry under the ever-watchful gaze of the Brobdingnagian Fuzzy. On the right, Domino falls for the old finger in the sky trick. They just never learn.
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November 27, 2015
In Breathitt County, the search continues for the body of Brandy Rowe.
Some family members are saying that more needs to be done.
The waters of Quicksand Creek lead downstream into the Kentucky River, but it's the body of Brandy Rowe that has led family, friends, and search crews to this location.
"We hear one rumor after another, we don't know what to believe. It keeps the family tore up," Paul Marshall said.
Torn up and waiting more than two weeks after going missing, family members continue to wait for officials to find Rowe's body.
Their cars now line Quicksand Creek where police believe Rowe's body was dumped and search and rescue dogs began looking Monday.
"The current is so strong, once something goes out there, it's just going to keep swirling. It's so strong that nothing can come up," Zack Tyra said.
Rescue workers say the dogs picked up several scents and that the body could be held under the current.
Family members say they know search and rescue officials are doing all they can and appreciate their work, but say something more needs to be done.
"They're tired, they're wore out. We need to bring some reinforcements in here, people that are more better trained for this," Tyra said.
"We've got to find Brandy and bring her home. We know Brandy's dead, we've got to have Brandy's body or we'll never rest," Marshall said.
Rescue workers say the recent rain has made search efforts more difficult.
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 10
Rome Targa, Flux SF45, DMCC Light, Raiden Machine - Setup Advice
Hey gearheads. I'm looking for some very specific things this season and would love some advice from those of you who might be able to help. This is a little long but I tried not to leave out any important details. Here's my specs and riding style -
I'm 5'6", 140 lbs and I have a bit of a bum leg from a severe tibial plateau fracture I earned myself 2 seasons ago when I knuckled out on a big 50 footer. I basically crushed everything at the top of my tib/fib landing flat on a sheet of ice from about 20 feet up. Gotta love those NY conditions. I had it all rebuilt with cadaver bone and metal and managed to get a full season in last year.
I still ride pretty hard despite the leg. I'm 28 years old and lived and rode in upstate NY for 15 years before I moved to Colorado last year and got in about 50 days of the most incredible riding I've ever experienced. On decent pow days I'm usualy at Vail, Breck or Beaver Creek looking for the gnarliest untouched terrain I can handle. This includes mostly everything up to about 30 ft cliffs or so. I don't really send it much bigger than that. Days without the fresh are usually spent bombing at Keystone or Breck with friends and mixing in a few park laps here and there. In the park I'm not hitting anything much better than 30 feet or so nowadays. I may try to start working my way back up a little more this year, but honestly I probably won't be in the park all that much. Maybe 5-8 laps max on days when I'm not doing anything else.
Last year I rocked a Skate Banana 152 with Targas and a cambered DH 151 with Forces. Since breaking my leg and moving out here, my style has obviously moved away from these types of boards quite a bit and therefore, I'm replacing them both. In NY I rode probably 90% park for years since that's just about the only fun you can have on those tiny little ice blocks they call mountains. In CO it's mostly backcountry powder and bombing groomers since it's so much fun and waaaay easier on the leg. The only start I have on the new setup/s is a NS Proto CT 154 I picked up just yesterday. Here's the advice I'm looking for:
Bindings for the Proto - How much of a difference will cantered beds make? I've never ridden anything with them before but it seems like they might be ideal for me. Nearly all the pain I get in the leg is from having my knee joint rattled around when bent out further than it likes to be, especially when bombing stuff like the little death cookies and torn up runs that aren't groomed. Dropping cliffs and landing on trannies is no problem at all as long as it's smooth. It's the high speed rattling and jarring that really kills it and can end my whole day after just a couple runs of it. I've already had to narrow my stance more than I'd like in order to line up my leg better to absorb jitter. Would canter help allign the joint better or allow me to widen my stance back out a little? Seems like it should. With my specific situation would this be enough difference to sway a buying decision away from something awesome that doesn't have it like Flux SF45s?
Also, which binders have a lot of dampening without sacrificing too much performance or becoming way heavy?
Top considerations right now are 2012 Targas (since I liked my last ones and they now have the cantered beds), SF45s or DMCC Lights (the DMCCs may be a little too freestyle oriented but I'm still interested because of the weight and construction), Raiden Machines (cantered again) or Phantoms. I'm also considering some Burtons, but I wouldn't be suprised to hear that even the highest end ones are overpriced and overrated. What do you guys think? Oh... and my boots are size 8 Nike Zoom Kaiju, and they are narrow. I've heard that Flux makes their bindings pretty wide. Would this be an issue at all?
Lastly, once I get out on the Proto a few times I'm going to decide if that stick is really the all mountain quiver killer it's hyped up to be. I may want to add something like a NS Heritage, SL or Premier F1 to my collection. Something super damp that will just plow through any of the rough stuff like a caddilac. Maybe even a Slayblade, BSoD or T. Rice. I'll be assesing this once the season starts so I can demo these rides, and decide if I want to ride something besides just the Proto, but any input here is also appreciated.
Thanks for the help!
Last edited by afield4; 08-15-2011 at 08:19 PM.
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Veteran Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Mordor
Posts: 7,234
Sound's like you'd really like Machines. Air Dampening with canting is gonna feel good. Micro disc too to get you some truer board flex. Only thing damper are probably K2's but I still like the nylon/alu combo in Raiden.
And if you want a super damp manly board look at the K2 Protohype, harhsmellow under your feet is ridiculous. Next closest I've ridden is honestly maybe a Highlife UL. Membrain and Slimewalls are no joke.
Snowboarding Is...
That thing I do to escape the world and have fun with my friends
Last edited by Nivek; 08-15-2011 at 08:16 PM.
|#4 (permalink)
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 10
Thanks guys! The Raiden bindings do look ultra cushy. I definitely always rotate the highbacks. I'll look into the protohype. My cousin has a slayblade with harshmellow and loves it. Says it's super stable and damp. Only thing with that is I definitely want something that will destroy big mountain powder and I know the slayblade is flat camber. Don't know if the protohype is that way too or if it has some rocker on it for the float. I imagine the Slayblade locks into the hardpack groomers like crazy though. I'm thinking a raptor looks perfect for pow and will be super damp on the trails as well.
Anybody ridden the Raiden machines or the flux that has firsthand input?
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Fujifilm pushes out FinePix F850EXR and F900EXR
updated 05:24 am EST, Wed January 30, 2013
Fujifilm intros two new F-Series cameras, the F850EXR and F900EXR
Fujifilm has unveiled its new compact cameras for 2013, which include the F850EXR and F900EXR Compact Ultra Zoom. Each of the cameras brings a range of features to the table, with Fujifilm claiming that the F900EXR has the 'world's fastest autofocus' at a mere 0.05 seconds. It achieves its speed by using a Phase Detection AF system that works in conjunction with special pixels that allow it to quickly switch to Contrast Detection AF when required.
The F900EXR incorporates a 16-megapixel �-inch EXR-CMOS II sensor with backside illumination to assist at larger apertures when the ambient lighting is high. A new EXR Processor II also doubles the speed of operation over the previous generation silicon, allowing a start up time of 1.1 seconds and a shot interval of 0.5 seconds. The lens is a Fujinon 20x optical zoom that also has support for digital zoom at 40x. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi, for fast wireless transfers mobile and other devices when on the go.
The F850EXR is designed with an emphasis on pocketability while also incorporating some of the same technology from the more upmarket F900EXR. It includes the same EXR Processor II, matching its speed performance. It also includes a similar Fujinon 20x optical zoom lens with digital 40x zoom. However, it continues with the slightly older generation EXR-CMOS I sensor meaning that it doesn't share the F900EXRs fast hybrid autofocus capabilities.
The F900EXR and F850EXR will be available from March.


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Responsible Travel Policy
The aim is to create an ethical mini-society which can inspire changes beneficial both to the individual and to the world in which we live.
Some examples of our positive commitment at each of our travel sites appear below - we are committed to an eco-friendly future and welcome creative ideas submitted by staff, suppliers and course participants.
Social Responsibility
In tune with this aim, Skyros encourages responsible integration with the local communities including the teaching of local history, culture and language or the sponsorship of events such as the Skyros mini-marathon. In Southeast Asia, guests are encouraged to give locals English lessons and we have local guides. In the same spirit, Skyros has contributed generously towards the purchase of computers for Skyros' local school, new medical equipment for its Health Centre, the refurbishment of its school theatre and the protection of its forest. Skyros also supports the welfare of the Skyrian horses, dogs and cats, work of the island's folk dance society and the local children's Tae- Kwon-Do group.
Economic Responsibility
Unlike so many multinational holiday companies, Skyros uses locally owned and maintained facilities with policies in place that favour local produce and services. Guests visiting shops, bars and tavernas offsite are, likewise, directly benefiting the local economy. Locals are employed wherever this is possible – on Salsa dancing trips to Cuba, for example, each participant is matched to a local dance partner specifically employed for the purpose.
Environmental responsibility
Atsitsa is fully in tune with the natural environment. Motorised sea sports have never been introduced, kitchen and shower water is recycled, the showers are heated by solar panels and the external lighting is solar powered. We are also working with the local authority to bring further recycling to the island – plastic, glass and aluminium.
Skyros provides holistic holidays that emphasise being rather than having, doing rather than consuming, and co-operating rather than competing. The aim is to create an ethical mini-society which can inspire changes beneficial both to the individual and to the world in which we live.
Sustainable Living