text:
April 21, 2016
New project brings river conservation to local schools
April 21, 2016
Dr. Peter Saccocia has been studying hot springs on the ocean floor much of his career. Thanks to a three-year grant from the National...
April 21, 2016
New faculty member takes 'student success' to heart
April 21, 2016
Sharing research opportunities, and their rewards, with students
April 20, 2016
Ceremony held to dedicate residence hall to Dr. Jean Stonehouse
April 19, 2016
A passion for change and the willingness to work for it
April 19, 2016
Forging closer connections with a community in Trinidad
April 19, 2016
Drs. Martina Arndt, Kimberly Fox, Laura Ramsey, Pam Russell and Michael Young are seeking answers
April 19, 2016
A teacher-scholar introducing students to a world of culture
April 19, 2016
Striking the right notes with students and area schools
June 24, 2016
African guests mingle with members of campus community
June 24, 2016
Campus hosts workshop on the Community Reinvestment Act
June 22, 2016
Mass General pediatric units benefit from handmade gifts
June 21, 2016
The Disney favorite, Beauty and the Beast will be presented at Bridgewater State University's Family Performing Arts Center (FPAC)...
June 16, 2016
Campus hosts United Way, Bill and Denise Richard honored
June 14, 2016
Area science teachers visit campus for workshops and more
June 13, 2016
Honor caps years of well-regarded performances in Boston and beyond
June 13, 2016
Faculty book explores Boston family and avatars of early photography
June 3, 2016
More than 1,500 Bridgewater State University students have participated in a paid internship program that's been funded by the Bridgewater...
June 2, 2016
A graduate certificate in science education is being offered by Bridgewater State University in partnership with the American Museum on...
February 17, 2015
Annual Greek Life recruitment weekend brings new 'sisters' into the fold
February 6, 2015
Dr. Brian Frederick discusses number and impact of women in Congress
January 22, 2015
Twenty-ninth annual Martin Luther King Breakfast held
December 4, 2014
Dr. Ricardo Rosa discusses Cape Verde hip-hop and its place in the culture
November 25, 2014
Office of Institutional diversity hosts annual Day of Dialogue
November 6, 2014
Campus celebrates the season with style (and pumpkins)
November 6, 2014
WAC program hosts event focusing on information literacy
October 31, 2014
Linden MacIntyre speaks about his career as an investigative journalist turned novelist
October 27, 2014
Professional model visits campus with important message
October 15, 2014
Relatives of Henrietta Lacks visit campus to talk about her life


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This past Thursday, an opening reception for Young Visions 2014, an exhibition of artworks from Studio in a School, took place at Christie's within Rockefeller Center. Studio in a School is a non-profit organization that has partnered with the New York City Department of Education for 37 years to offer art education programs for children in under-served public schools, daycare centers, and community-based organizations in Pre-K through college in all five boroughs. The young artists, their families, their teachers, and other supporters were in attendance. Additionally, Jeff Koons, Tom Finkelpearl, William Wegman, Wendy Mark, Maira Kalman, Rick Meyerowitz, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Lia Chavez, and Tom Cahill attended the reception. I had the opportunity to talk to Jeff Koons and he mentioned that being part of Studio in a School is about "pursuing your intuitions, making a gesture." He loves being able to support students from a variety of schools. Tom Cahill, President & Chief Executive Officer of Studio in a School also mentioned that he's thrilled to see all of the students' works of art on display.
The exhibition highlighted over 200 pieces made by students at almost 60 public schools in all five boroughs. Common themes in the artworks included animals, city scenery, portraits, and nature landscapes. Media types included oil pastel, pencil, collage, printmaking, paint, clay, and papier-mâché. All of the pieces are creative, filled with energy, and beautiful.
The exhibition will be on display at Christie's through July 2. Definitely check it out!

subset: commoncrawl


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Seneca Falls man kicks officer after arrest
On Tuesday at about 11:55 pm, the Waterloo Police Department arrested Stephen L. Rapini, age 50 of 74 Garden Street in Seneca Falls, for trespass, criminal mischief and harassment 2nd degree.
It is alleged Rapini was on private property banging on the side of a vehicle and would not leave when the homeowner confronted him. After the Waterloo Police arrived on scene and and had Rapini in custody, he was transported to the Waterloo Police Department where he kicked an officer two times and damaged a desk.
Rapini was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1500.00 bail. He is to reappear at a later date to answer to the charges.
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text:
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees didn't throw for his usual flashy 300 yards Monday night in a 28-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night, completing 21-of-27 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. But a modest yardage total for Brees was just another opportunity to move up the NFL record books, which he has continued to do with each game this season.
Brees threw for a touchdown in his 51st consecutive NFL game, extending his own record with a one-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston in the first quarter. Colston, with his 54th touchdown reception, passed Dalton Hilliard for sole possession of the No. 2 spot for touchdowns in franchise history.
Only former running back Deuce McAllister, with 55 touchdowns, has more
He followed that with a six-yard pass to tight end Jimmy Graham in the third quarter, notching his 93rd career game with at least two touchdowns, third among active NFL players behind Peyton Manning (130) and Tom Brady (101). He currently ranks No. 6 all-time in that category.
Brees' 21 pass completions allowed him to close in on Drew Bledsoe, who sits at No. 6 in all-time completions. Bledsoe completed 3,839 passes, 17 more than Brees current total of 3,822.


text:
Amitabh Bahchan
3 Amitabh Bahchan Articles
4 similarities between Rajesh Khanna's Riyaasat and Amitabh Bahchan's Sarkar2 years ago 1
The first superstar of Bollywood essays the role of a Don in his last film While similar posters of different films is not a new phenomena in… Read Article ▶
Mahie Gill's 'Mona Darling' will do sex scenes!4 years ago 1
The actor will reprise Bindu's iconic role in the Zanjeer remake Bindu's iconic 'Mona Darling' act in Zanjeer in 1973 is now being taken over by… Read Article ▶
Abhishek Bachchan loses film to Akshay Kumar4 years ago 11
The Players actor will not act in Neeraj Pandey's Special Chabbis. Akshay Kumar pairs with Kajal Aggarwal in it Mastermind. That's what it boiled… Read Article ▶


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[Inspired by this site, this question is a solicitation for review of a product, copied below. Scale is not intended to be significant.]
- Is this set-theoretic representation of categories of b'rachos accurate?
- Are there any internal inconsistencies?
- Is it missing any important categories?
- Are there any counterexamples?
- Is it legible?


text:
By now you have heard about the looming release of Action Essentials 2, there is some news however. Although we are still on schedule for a (very late) June release, the product has secretly changed a bit…
Many of you have watched the early teaser for Action Essentials 2 and learned about some of the product features such as being available on 2 Versions. 720p & 2k. You may have also noticed, all of the clips have been Pre-Keyed and the collection includes many diverse camera angles. All good stuff, these facts have not changed.
However, we did our best to keep the collection at 95% Live action and unfortunately, a few late additional CG (computer generated) elements left us with about 93% Live Action. We're sorry for the change. But we have to tell you the truth…
Another big change is the amount of elements included… We did our best to include at least 250 elements but because of unexpected factors, Action Essentials 2 now has over 500 HD ELEMENTS!
Again, we're sorry.
Now the other news. The size of the 720p version is 14 GBs and the 2K version is 32 GBs so regrettably we will NOT be offering a downloadable version of this product. The main reason is high-volume bandwidth is very expensive and the challenges of massive sized downloads can be chaotic. Plus, the multi-disc packaging is awesome!
We know this puts a strain on some of our international customers but we want you to know that our international shipping track record is very good. Specifically 83% of our international customers request physical shipments and less than 1% are camel-delivered We really do ship all over the world. If you have questions about your neck of the woods just send us an email but chances are we deliver.
Now if you remember this collection now contains TWICE the number of amazing HD elements at the same low price, it might make you feel a little better. We don't want to brag but this collection is pretty decent.
Finally, to help with possible import taxes, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on the 2K Version for the first month wherever our postal service delivers to, including international locations and everyone here in the U.S. too.
Until then…
Muchas gracias por los tutoriales!
desde Mexico... SALUDOS!
Good Luck!
I dont have words. just "Amazing, ahsom and great"
(i'mean some streets is so bad for effects. you can look it serash google about yemen street if you can... )
Casey - Sydney, Australia
You forgot to mention the fact that you are offering more real footage now... cause:
0,95*250 = 237,5 (I'm wondering how you can supply halve a real footage XD)
0,93*500 = 465
So that is 227.5 more real footage, this news isn't disappointing at all :D
"...None of the blood [is] CG..."
It's brilliant !
Hopefully I'll have some freelance gigs under my belt when you release this, I've gotta get the 2k discs !
You guys are doing a GREAT job!!
i need it.. i am willing to pay extra for downloadable files.. is their anyway you can make a downloadable file if the buyer is willing to pay extra? more money in your pockets kramer...!! then with that money, you can make an Action Essential 3...
make a downloadable version... thousands and maybe millions are relying on you to provide a downloadable version.. i know you can do it!! your andrew kramer... you can do anything!!! do it!!!! do it for the sake of the millions of people... do it for the little children... do it for the APPLE JUICE that everyone loves... please just do it!!
I love your products
Hurry and let me buy this x3
well you still rock :)
Do you export to India?
What will be the final (total) cost that I end up paying?
Thank You for everything
Still waiting on AE2, guys! The end of June approaches...
awesome product, but is there a way to sell this product to students with restricted rules? i would buy the 720p version, but 100 bucks are too much for me. U could sell it for 50 bucks (only for student´s) xD with restricted rules, if someone wants to sell a product where your stuff was used he could pay the remaining 50 bucks :D
Thanks for the great news anyway ;)
Kind Regards,
a better name than ''Action Essentials 2''
Keep up the good work!
i am big fan of your site and Action Essentials 2 , but i am from Iran
can u ship there ? :)
Thanks again
I just have one question . . . When are we going to see the awesome action movie that you have made ??? :D I would love to see it !!! :D
Action Essentials 2 = AWESOME !!!!! I Can't wait !!!! And i think its more than good with 93% live action That is awesome !!!
Best Regards
Sebastian S.S.
isnt there any possibility for a download, I live in an area where only UPS delivers for sure (the price aint worth it), fedex is sometimes even unreliable and the regular post - well I stopped buying over the net as most deliveries fail and its difficult to claim the money back. Any other option would be appreciated even if I'd have to pay a reasonable amount for the download supplied but I would be able to get the package when available ...
Please consider this option
Marc / Jamaica
One question though (if not answered already..)
Action Essentials 1 was royalty free.
I'm assuming this one is the same, the buyer retains all rights to the footage?
Not to be THAT guy, but important to know if I can use it on professional productions or not.
or only for WIN??
I am actually doing a safety at a construction site video.!! so this stuff will be awesome!! Hey if you can throw out a tut on making training vids that look like the shiznit, would be awesome as well.
Like totally awesome!!!
Just Kidding, but It would be nice! :D
I Said CG because I think it's a bit hard to record a real one...
thanks andrew!!!!
Looking forward for this product.
Did you go to E3? I see that pic was taken at what looks to be where they held the expo
does the free 2k shipping includes Argentina? Im asking becouse ie, Amazon is not shipping here anymore unless you pay for a extra service like fedex or something like that.
and what about the 720p free shipping? :D
thanks AK
Hey, does anyone know how to get drool out of a keyboard?
It's amazing how realistic computer generated footage like fire, smoke and explosions looks.
how many fps have the footage???
Earlier on the Blog you write something about a Testfilm. When can we see it? Would there be some free Tutorials how to use these Stock Footage?
Also Andrew, maybe you should update the Action Essentials Promo to reflect the new update? Maybe just fix the txt info...
Awesome awesome awesome!
BTW: 93% live action is godly enough for me!
Also, hope you post the QT of where the pic came from.
Thanks to VideoCopilot for being a great source of inspiration.
This WILL be my first VC purchase. Im excited, cant say the same for my video card.... Im going to burn the silicone off this mug!
Ef! And I can totally afford it too.
I was just wondering how you do that andrew?
But... 93%..... I must say by duplicating the element amount, it is all right :)
And another question.
I would REALLY like to see some muzzle flashes and slow motion stuff... Could you do that possible? :)
Hell, I could drive over and pick it up. Is there a Video Copilot drive through? Like with an inflated large version of Sam flying high above the roof?
Put me down for the high rez version... and a side of fries.
As usual, keep up that excellent job.
2x elements is way better than 2x fish... HAIL Andrew Khrist
How dare you violate your customers like this?! I hereby refuse to purchase your product for an entire 2.3 minutes after you release AE2 to ensure this stunt is not pulled again.
Nah I'm pullin' ya leg I LOVE YOU MAN. 500+HD ELEMENTSSS :D
Ik ben ook van Belgie (Mechelen)
Ik heb hier al verschillende dingen gekocht en heb telkens alleen de omgerekende koers betaald + de verzending. Niets meer.
I'm from Belgium to.
I odered several things here and never payed more than the product itself and shipping. No special import costs.
Does AE1 have features that AE2 doesn't? It other words, would one need to buy both packages to have everything, or would #2 satisfy all your needs?
Thank ya!
You continue to dazzle me...
*it will be much worth it to wait 500 elements wow
now that`s a huge bomb.
Christian: There 20 high quality Sound FX included but we definitely need to look at a dedicated collection. They are hard to find because they aren't easy to do.
Amila, we have the 720p version available for $99.95.
Steve, we could have made to volumes, we thought about it but I wanted this collection to be as complete as possible.
to be honest - I am disapointed by the fact that there will be no DL for at least the 720p version. I am not mad about VCP - but the german taxes are calculated on the package value(100$) + shipping costs (30$). That means I end up with at least: 130$*1,19(taxes)=154$. Thats a increase of 54%.
Sorry, but I think untill I can`t calculate/plan this costs for a production I wont get it. The VCP dl Products I always bought rightaway - but since the crisis I really have to watch every (euro)cent.
Thats just my point...
We trusted you, man. You let us down... ='(
"Another big change is the amount of elements included… We did our best to include at least 250 elements but because of unexpected factors, Action Essentials 2 now has over 500 HD ELEMENTS!"
*gasp* I hope you are ASHAMED of yourself!
Can't wait for the release. ^^
Thank You..........
By the way, I don't mean to be a drag - especially given some of the comments already dropped above about the pic at the top of this thread (i.e. the exploding store) - but could you please just confirm that this pic was actually made with Action Essentials 2?
i was wondering.... are the video files in a .mov container or something else or image sequence?
thanks mate =)
Steve in the UK.
I can also vouch for Videocopilot's delivery record to Ireland. Very fast (usually arriving within a week) and always packaged nicely.
I don't know about anyone else but the feeling of opening up the packaging to reveal a cool VC product is much more rewarding then hearing that file-downloaded ping on your PC! :)
How fast can you guys Deliver to Venezuela if the answer is yes =)?
other option to Nicaragua people????
sorry for the realy bad english jajajajajaja
god bless you to all!
Nah, It's all blistering hot here in the UK..
Looking forward to this large release Andrew!
Many thanks in advance
There is no bad news what so ever! This is INSANE! The more the merrier eh?
Keep up the overoutstanding work M.r Kramer!
Greetings from a drizzly England.
thanks for the update on AE2 i can't wait to buy it!
will you be doing an updated trailer for AE2 soon? :D
oh and are all the prices the same?
I understand the technical limitations so I completely understand your decision Andrew. Unfortunately for me, however, it locks me out of getting your product.
EM.. for the dvd do you have to put all the content on your computer at the same time or can you choose which ones you want for the project you are making like choose which kind of muzzle flash you want then just download that one onto your computer.
this is just so i can acctually use it as i dont have that much space on my computer.
please reply.:D
PLK: CG is computer generated, means we built the elements in 3D to look real but are they indeed are not.
In protest I will wait at least one full hour after release before purchasing. I encourage everyone to hold off like I will so that Andrew will know not to pull stunts like this in the future.
I'm not visiting your site again for at least 2 days (reading the RSS feed doesn't count, and if something new pops on I'll read it) - but 2 days! Feel my wrath, Andrew Kramer!
I'm anxious to see the case design as well. I love the graphic above. That flame is 100% realistic-looking. It looks like that shop is really exploding. Great job!!
Andrew: Is that the same street?
Again, we're sorry."
Oooo dude but I so wanted 250 elements you actually messed up.Maaaaaan :D :D :D :D .Now jokes aside the 500 elements colection is very impressive but I need to ask you how do you film these guy's and how do you find time?Mean I am still in high school and I don't have time for my work.Andrew you did great and I hope i keep doing what you do.
Anyway if it is both, i dont know if i can afford the taxes and such:(
I mean, 8 days left in June!
I totally understand where you are coming from and we did not make the decision lightly. It's just one of those things that has us jammed in a corner for some customers.
I can tell you that we are working with a distributor in Europe that would eventually carry Video Copilot products, but unfortunately that is many months away.
the picture reminds me of DIE HARD III
I know it's amazing that the content has doubled and all, but i live in Europe, Belgium and if i want to import AE2, that will kost me around 160€, converted for you guys to realise the increase in cost, that's 230 dollars. I would essentially be buying the 2k version for the price of the 720p version.
Isn't there a possibility you can split the file up? like 2 downloads of 7 gigs or multiple downloads?
Greets from The Netherlands
I mean that sarcastically of course
2447 DH TTC / 250$~ / ans
I was about to order the discs, but with those facts, everything changes... sorry... :)
Must u lecture in the university to become a Prof.?
Cos u teach alot more than given in unis'...
Thanks AK-09
Yeah, you guys rock!
sounds really cool , I might be interested in using it !
There is also a few Shattered Glass elements that are CG but mainly to achieve the impossible. For example we created some far away glass elements that break-out and fall down as if a skyscriper window was to blow out. There are a few different angles too. Most of the other Glass is Live Action.
Yes there are Muzzle Flashes! Spent brass shell casings too.
None of the Fire, Explosions, Blood, or Dust elements are CG. And only 1 smoke element is CG.
you jokester you.
you had me worried when you said that it changed a bit.
but that change doesn't affect me in the slightest, and i'm still anxiously waiting for the release of the BEST ACTION STOCK FOOTAGE PACKAGE EVER!
Love the news. Just wondering what kind of content would be in the CG elements.
And if there will be any muzzle flashes ???
Andrew write please, what exactly will now enter the 720P and the 2K version and how much they will cost? And a special issue I will be able to order it to be in Russia ???))
Ps: Sorry for my bad english)
Though it is pretty disappointing to get DOUBLE what I origianlly anticipated...
I have got to get the money for this! :)
Does the kit come with HD health and safety instructions?
When we can see a cool Trailer, the one with Sam and the Military-Guy? :-)


text:
Seven Canes headed to Pro Bowl
CORAL GABLES — The list of former Miami Hurricanes players headed to this year's Pro Bowl grew on Friday as Houston Texans center Chris Myers and Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee were added.
They joined a group that already included Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed, New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore and New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham.
The Hurricanes' seven representatives is the most of any school.


text:
When Dunkin Donuts launched its new marketing ploy for its charcoal donut in Thailand, it seemed to call into question the cultural divide in understanding regarding what is deemed a racial insult.
The new advertising campaign depicts a woman with bright pink lipstick with a beehive hairdo. While the slogan reads, "Break every rule of deliciousness," the real kicker to the campaign was the fact that the woman is donning complete blackface makeup.
The controversy that followed after releasing the campaign, Dunkin Donuts released a statement reading, "We are working with our Thailand franchise to immediately pull the ad. Dunkin Donuts recognizes the insensitivity of this spot."
However, the apology leaves some consumers confused due to the other statements provided by Thailand's CEO, Nadim Salhani. Salhani was quoted by the Associated Press as saying, "We're not allowed to use black to promote our doughnuts? I don't get it. What's the big fuss? What if the product was white and I painted someone white, would that be racist? Not everybody in the world is paranoid about racism."
Feel free to leave your comments on what your thoughts might be on this controversial campaign.


text:
2011 Peach Belt Conference Preseason Poll
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The nationally 20th-ranked University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team was picked to finish fourth in the Peach Belt Conference in a preseason poll of the league's head coaches.
Georgia College has been selected as the Peach Belt Conference team to beat for 2011. In a close vote, the Bobcats received six of a possible 11 first-place votes and finished with 112 total points, edging out Columbus State who received four first-place votes and 109 points.
Francis Marion was third with 102 and USC Aiken was fourth in the voting. North Georgia, Flagler, UNC Pembroke, Armstrong Atlantic State, Georgia Southwestern, Lander, Montevallo and Augusta State rounded out the voting.
The USC Aiken baseball program has won 30 or more games in each of the last 10 seasons, while also having played in five of the last six NCAA Division II Tournaments. The Pacers finished the 2010 season with a 32-19 overall record.
USC Aiken will commence the 2011 regular season with 18 consecutive home games.
For the seventh straight year, USC Aiken will play its first three-game series of its season against Lincoln Memorial. The Pacers and Railsplitters will begin their season-opening three-game set at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4 at Roberto Hernandez Stadium. The series will conclude with two single 1 p.m. games on Saturday, Feb. 5 and Sunday, Feb. 6.
The PBC season will conclude with the PBC Tournament May 8-12 at Golden Park in Columbus, Ga. The top four teams in each division will advance to the tournament, which has moved from a single-elimination to a double elimination format this season.


text:
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3 comments
But but but but........................
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! a nooob!
Oct 24th
Saxon, don't take it too personally, but i just have a certain standard when it comes to accepting friend requests. Once you think you have reached my standard, bitmail me and i will have a look at your work. If i believe its good i will accept you.
Oct 4th
well that sucks because ive already sent you a friend request btw its saxon
Oct 4th


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How to bid safely in online auctions
By Amy C. Fleitas
With no mall, no traffic, no crowds and low prices,
online auctions are a simple solution to shopping. But, just as
you need to guard your wallet in the mall, bidding and buying online
requires vigilance as well.
Online auction fraud was the No. 1 reported consumer
fraud complaint in 2003, says the Federal Trade Commission. The
FTC's database logged more than half a million complaints last year
and 55 percent of those were Internet-related complaints.
The FTC says it's cracking down.
"We're working with partners
virtually coast to coast to stop scammers in the virtual world,"
says Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Operation Bidder Beware, coordinated by the FTC with
the National Association of Attorneys General, is targeting Internet
auction scams that bilked thousands of consumers out of their money
and merchandise.
"Law enforcement will do what it can, and responsible
auction sites are trying to police their own market," says
Washington State Attorney General Christine Gregoire. "But
the single most powerful tool to protect consumers is education."
So as online auction fraud continues to grow, savvy
shoppers must learn to protect themselves.
Know the product
The best way to avoid getting taken is to do your homework. Research
the item -- compare costs at other auctions and at brick-and-mortar
stores. Auction sites aren't necessarily offering the best price
or information. A little shopping around may prove the item auctioned
as "rare" is available at the Kmart down the block --
and for a lower price.
Consider the risks
Check out the auction site. Some sites, like Amazon's auction site,
offer full fraud coverage for items not delivered or fraudulently
represented -- but only up to $2,500 and only when using their Amazon
Payments feature. Other payment methods, excluding cash and third-party
wire, are insured up to $250.
Ebay offers similar fraud protection but at a cost
and with a much lower maximum. For items never received or misrepresented,
eBay provides protection up to $200, minus a processing fee of $25.
Buyers using eBay's electronic check option don't have to pay the
processing fee. All methods of payment, excluding third-party wire
transfers and cash, are covered.
Paying by credit card is the best insurance, regardless
of site. Most credit card issuers provide 100 percent online protection.
Debit cards may or may not offer similar protection.
Know the seller
One of the worst mistakes an online shopper can make is not researching
the seller. Most sites provide a seller's rating and feedback history
for each sale. Read it.
A seller with several negatives in his feedback should
be avoided, as should a seller with no feedback. The Internet
Fraud Watch warns that while a lack of complaints doesn't guarantee
a smooth transaction, a history of complaints is a good indication
not to bid.
Unfortunately, shifty sellers have figured out a way
around negative feedback by creating fake testimonials. The seller
either sends them himself, using an alternate e-mail account, or
conspires with other bidders to give higher ratings. Some shill
testimonials are easy to spot -- numerous positive responses all
posting from the same e-mail address.
It's still 'Buyer beware'
Before trusting any seller, ask lots of questions about the product
-- regardless of the item's description or photos. Be wary of any
discrepancies, any items sold "as is," high shipping charges
or significantly delayed shipping dates.
Ask for the seller's phone number and physical address.
Verify by calling. An e-mail address is a flimsy means of contact
that may be untraceable. If a seller is located outside the United
States, differing laws may complicate resolving disputes.
Be especially cautious of sellers offering a large
number of popular collectibles and other expensive items. The IFC
warns that because the items can't be examined or appraised until
after the sale, claims about the condition or value of an item may
be faked. Photographs aren't necessarily accurate. They may not
show the item's flaws or could be taken from a catalog or another
How to pay
Because credit cards offer protection, they are always the best
way to pay. But many sellers are individuals (rather than businesses)
and don't have access to credit card verification equipment.
Do not deal with sellers who demand payment in cash
or third-party wire transfers. These means of payment are not traceable
and offer no protection. Most legitimate sites have secure payment
options that do not require sellers to purchase any equipment. Ebay
offers Paypal and Amazon offers Amazon Payments.
Even if an auction site offers insurance, bidders
are not guaranteed a refund if the deal goes sour -- only the chance
to appeal for a refund. If cashier's checks and money orders are
the only means of payment, you'll need to decide if you're willing
to risk losing your investment if you're unhappy with the item and
the seller won't reimburse you.
Any seller who asks for a bidder's Social Security
number, driver's license number or bank account information should
be reported to the site's fraud program and to the Internet
Fraud Complaint Center. This information is not necessary for
a sale and exposes the bidder to identity theft and fraudulent account
Making the bid
Once you've done all your homework and are ready to place a bid,
decide how high you're willing to bid for the item and stick to
it. This prevents heat-of-the-moment decisions especially in highly
competitive bidding. You will also protect yourself from falling
prey to shill bidding.
If you win the bid, print out the photos, descriptions
and e-mails exchanged with the seller. Insure the item and pay promptly.
Keep all records until the item is received and verified. If there
are problems, first try to work it out with the seller. If a dispute
can't be resolved, contact the credit card company and the auction
site. If that doesn't work, a report should be made to the Federal
Trade Commission.
-- Updated: July 12, 2004
PLUS: Checklist
for online auction buys


text:
Andrew Leon Livingston
Position: RB
Height: 6-1 Weight: 236 lbs.
Born: October 21, 1944 in Eufaula, OK
High School: Mesa
College: Phoenix College (JC)
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 18 (5186th overall since 1950)
1-time Pro Bowler (fine print)
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text:
Coach vows to keep Warhawks' winning ways
Team features fresh faces, tries to replace huge losses to graduation
Germantown — No Ben Averkamp, no problem.
Germantown boys basketball coach Steve Showalter knew he would have to reach to cover the gapping chasm that the graduation of the two-time NOW All-Suburban Player of the Year would leave this season.
But it looks like the gap may not be as wide as he once thought it was, as he found some answers Saturday night when his sophomore-dominated lineup (four starters of that age) outlasted a senior-laden Sussex Hamilton squad, 63-57, in the Warhawks opener.
"It's interesting," said Showalter, who lost to graduation two-time all-state center Averkamp along with a host of other fine players last season who led the Warhawks to two state tournaments in a row. "You lead a program like ours and you're used to winning in a certain way and then you lose 10 or 11 guys like we did. You then have to re-think the way you do things. … But in the end, you do want to wind up playing the same way you have."
Few returning players
Showalter definitely had to re-think a lot of things going into this season. He had only three players who came off the bench last year to carry on a hard-fought recent tradition that included two North Shore Conference titles in the last three years.
They included 6-1 junior Malcolm Bowers and two sophomores, his 6-2 son, Zak Showalter, and 5-10 point guard Josh Mongan. Other starters include 6-5 sophomore post Dan Studer and 6-1 sophomore swingman T. Joe Medley.
The senior quad-captains are 5-11 guard Jordan Infield, 6-3 guard Jordan Schaetzel, 6-6 post Jake Keefe and 6-2 guard Chris Stoming.
Coach Showalter had confidence in these players, even if they weren't widely known to the public.
"… But with as much basketball as I see, they're not new to me," he said. "I knew what they could do. They were ready to play and now they're ready to improve."
That wasn't quite apparent early Saturday as both the Warhawks and the injury-diminished Hamilton squad (1-1) scuffled through a rough first half as the Chargers took a 19-17 lead.
Defense cranks it up
But in the third quarter, the Warhawks ratcheted up the intensity on defense and on the offensive boards, turning in an 8-0 run that pushed them ahead, 29-23. They would never trail again.
Zak Showalter had four of his game-high 22 points in the run.
"We needed that run, we're used to getting them," said his father and coach, Steve. "Our press is not good enough yet to get it all the time, but my guards (Zak Showalter, Mongan and Bowers) have been through the wars."
Germantown held a 31-29 advantage at the quarter.
In the crazy final stanza, the two teams would combine for the same number of points they scored in the first three periods totaled altogether (60).
Hamilton's Kenan Hamadi tied the game on an offensive rebound at the 7:45 mark, but Zak Showalter drained a baseline three-pointer 15 seconds later and the Warhawks never trailed again. Zak Showalter would score the next 11 points for Germantown including two more threes.
"If you want to be a good team," said Hamilton Coach Andy Cerroni, "you have to defend somebody. We got in a situation where they scored some transition stuff and then later, when (Zak) Showalter hit those threes, we didn't have anybody close to him. You have to find the shooter in that situation."
Brett Meinecke (21 points) would score nine of the Chargers' points in a row in the second half, but Hamilton could never get closer than two points. Medley scored the final five of his 15 points in the space of two seconds on a layup and a steal that turned into a three-point play to improve the lead from 51-49 to 56-49.
Mongan finished with 10 and several assists for Germantown while Eric Reimer helped Meinecke out by scoring 13.
"It took awhile, but then it finally broke into one of those games we like," said coach Showalter.
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