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Tomorrow, knitters have not one, but two options if they are looking to knit for a good cause with their fellow crafters. Both The Nook in Lisle and Loopy Yarns in Chicago are hosting knit-in events for charity, and knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are invited to attend.
Beginning at 6:00a.m., Loopy Yarns will be making space for knitters in their South Loop store for Knit Around The Clock, an annual event which raises money for an organization called Committed Knitters. The event will continue until 1:00a.m. on Sunday, with knitters welcome to stay the entire time or come and go for a portion of the day.
The event registration fee is $30, payable by check to Committed Knitters, and participants will receive lunch and a tee shirt commemorating the event. Committed Knitters is an organization which benefits the Department of Women's Justice Services in Cook County Jail. The programs provide creative training and a self-esteem boost, as well as a more focused work ethic, for female inmates in the Cook County justice system. The training in the craft has shown to help in the passing of time at the prison, as well as providing better preparation for work life after inmates' release from the system.
In addition to the event, Loopy Yarns is currently holding a sale on their regularly priced yarns through Sunday, so participants in Knit Around The Clock can purchase yarn for their next project at a discount, and they can finish projects during the nineteen-hour event.
Over in downtown Lisle, The Nook will be hosting a Lock-In event at their store to make items benefitting Snug Hugs for Kids. From 6:00p.m. Saturday to 2:00a.m. Sunday, knitters will be able to purchase yarn and snacks, and make items for kids. The sole purpose of the organization is to warm and comfort kids who otherwise cannot provide their own warmth and comfort, due to medical or financial confinement.
With The Nook also selling old-fashioned candy and beverages, participants can snack while they knit. Also, for the month of April, The Nook is offering 15% off the regular price of all purple yarns in the store, so participants can get a discount on project yarns upon arrival at the event. Call The Nook at 630-968-0764 for more information, and to reserve your spot at the event.
Both stores are located near public transportation, so knitters can get their projects going for a good cause from sunrise on Saturday morning until well into the night. Contact The Nook and Loopy Yarns directly for directions to each location.
(Click on "Subscribe" to have articles from the Chicago Knitting Examiner emailed directly to your inbox.)


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AZojomo (ISSN 1833-122X) Volume 2 June 2007
Experimental Procedure
Results and Discussion
Microstructural Analysis
Micro-Hardness Analysis
Contact Details
This article describes the preparation of MgAl2O4 spinel-containing refractory cement by solid state reaction, using appropriate mixtures of active alumina (99.5%) and a dolomitic material (MgO 17.83% and CaO 29.60%) proceeding from Olavarría, in the centre of Buenos Aires Province (Argentine). The starting materials were fully characterized for particle size and chemical and mineral composition by laser granulometry, fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR techniques. The phase changes during cement synthesis up to 1450ºC were studied by the combination of XRD and infrared spectroscopy. According to these results the optimal temperature for an in-situ MgAl2O4 formation would be 1450ºC. Ca-aluminates, such as CA and CA2, with hydraulic properties are the main co-products. Vitreous phase is not formed but quartz present in the dolomitic raw material forms C2AS.
Refractory cement, Buenos Aires dolomites, Spinel-containing refractory.
High alumina content in refractory cements largely improves them when CaO is partially substituted by MgO due to MgAl2O4 spinel formation in the final product. These aluminous cements containing between 6 and 13% of MgO are known as spinel cements. It has been demonstrated that due to spinel content slag attack is minimized and thermomechanical strength is improved [1, 2].
Based on their properties they are being used for lining by glass, cement and metallurgy industries. Regarding the latter, their utilization in casting ladles represents an outstanding improvement, not only in ladle service life but also in steel production quality.
They are usually prepared by sintering process starting from previously obtained synthetic spinel and high alumina content cements. Nevertheless, the consumption of this type of materials has been restrained because of high cost of sintered and electrofused spinel.
This drawback, in addition to the fact that some industries find these products almost irreplaceable has led several researchers to seek alternative synthetic routes. Consequently refractory cements involving in-situ generated spinel phase have been obtained from mixtures of active alumina and high purity dolomites from Spain and Egypt [1, 2].
As the most important dolomite mineral resources in Argentine are located in Olavarria District, in the centre of Buenos Aires Province, the interest in establishing the feasibility of application of these raw materials to prepare refractory cements arose.
Preliminary surveys carried out in order to determine the most adequate synthesis conditions are stated in this paper. XRD and FTIR techniques are used to follow the thermochemical and structural changes taking place during the firing process.
Raw materials employed were: commercial calcined alumina (BDH N° 27082) and dolomite supplied by Polysan S. A. company (Polysan M. R., Sierras Bayas, Buenos. Aires, Argentine).
Sieved dolomite fraction ≤ 125 was investigated for its chemical, mineralogical and grain size properties.
Chemical composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence wavelength dispersive technique in the Institute of Mineral Technology (Intemin Segemar, Buenos Aires) after the sample was fused with lithium tetraborate. Certificated reference materials were used for calibration of XRF.
Particle size distribution was determined by laser diffraction method in isopropyl alcohol dampened suspensions using the Malvern Matersizer-S. The surface area was determined by the BET method through the N2 adsorption technique to 77 K, using a Quantachrome Nova 1200e pore size and surface area analyzer.
Mineralogy of finely ground polycrystalline samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and FTIR vibrational spectroscopy.
XRD measurements were carried out with a Philips PW 3710 diffractometer with graphite monochromated Cu Kα radiation. Phase identification analysis was carried out by comparing the respective powder X-ray diffraction patterns with standard database provided by Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS).
Table 1 shows the PDF records for every material under study together with the formula, the name, the symbol and the main reflections used in this work.
Table 1. Nomenclature, PDF N°, and principal diffraction peaks of the phases under analysis.
Formula, name
d / Å
Al2O3, α- Al2O3, α-alumina
βNaAl11O17, β-Al2O3, β-alumina
SiO2, quartz
CaMg(CO3)2, dolomite
CaCO3, calcite
Ca(OH)2, portlandite
MgO, periclase
MgAl2O4, spinel
CaAl12O19, hibonite
Ca12Al14O33, mayenite
Ca2Al2SiO7 gehlenite
FTIR spectra were measured using a Magna 550, Nicolet, with CsI optics applying the KBr "pellets" technique. Spectra interpretation was based on published data [3-7] and FTIR spectra of Minerals Library software.
Considering the Al2O3–MgO-CaO ternary system phase diagram [8] as well as the chemical composition of dolomite (Table 2), a mixture of Al2O3 and 51% dolomite was prepared in order to obtain a cement sample bearing the maximum spinel phase feasible and 40-45% weight of CaAl2O4 (CA), the main hydraulic phase.
Table 2. Chemical composition of raw materials, analysed by X-Ray Fluorescence.
Content/% w/w
< 0.01
Ignition loss to 1000 °C
Mixture was dry-homogenized. Half of the mixture was submitted to conventional ceramic procedure by solid phase reaction at high temperatures with intermediate grindings. The rest was pressed at approx 200 MPa and the "pellets" were thermally treated simultaneously with the powdered sample preparation. Although both alternatives were carried out for comparison purposes, the latter procedure is more feasible at an industrial level. Firing was carried out in a muffle furnace under atmospheric condition.
In order to study phase changes taking place during firing as well as the optimum temperature to obtain the main components of the desired cement, samples at different firing temperatures were taken.
To stabilize the ceramic bond, samples were kept at intermediate temperatures for 1 hour and at the highest temperature for several hours. Samples taken at the various temperatures, in the thermal interval, were mineralogically characterized applying the same methodology as described for raw materials.
Chemical analysis (Table 2) shows that dolomitic mineral under study bears a higher SiO2 content than the ones used in the aforementioned studies [1, 2], which have the SiO2 contents of around 0.02-0.5 weight %. The mean particle size is 24.27 μm and surface area is 2.4 m2/g. Calcined alumina is 99.9 % pure and mean particle size is 71.60 μm.
Figure 1 shows the XRD pattern of both raw materials. Based on the XRD analysis, it is concluded that dolomite sample also contains minor amounts of calcite (C) and quartz (Q). In the case of the calcined alumina a major content of α-Al2O3 is observed whereas β- alumina is low. These results agree with chemical composition reported in previously published papers.
Figure 1. XRD patterns of raw materials.
FTIR spectra can be seen in Figure 2. Dolomite shows its overall bands among which the diagnostic ones are at 1443, 882 and 728 cm-1 belonging to CO3-2 anion [6]. Calcite bands are not seen because they are located at similar frequencies as dolomite ones (1428, 878 and 714 cm-1) and therefore overlapped with the bands of this predominant mineral. Even though quartz is a minor constituent, it can clearly be identified by the bands located at 1144 and 1085 cm-1, which are attributed to SiO4 group vibrations. Alumina is represented by a series of bands located in the region 250-750 cm-1, corresponding to the condensed AlO6 octahedra, which constitute the building units in α-Al2O3 structure. Among them, the two strong absorptions at 650 cm-1 and 600 cm-1 clearly noticeable are considered the diagnostic ones for this material [5].
Figure 2. FTIR spectra of starting materials.
Powder samples and pellets of the reacting material show similar behavior during the firing procedure at high temperature.
Figure 3 shows the diffractograms belonging to different heating temperatures selected to represent phase evolution upon calcination. X-ray diffraction analysis of main reflection intensities of every component detected in the patterns (Table 1) could be represented for each temperature, as can be seen in Figure 4. When there is an overlap of the main peaks for two phases, the second reflection reported in Table 1 was also used. Based on this, the evolution of phases during firing was estimated.
Figure 3. XRD of the sample at different firing temperature.
Figure 4. Changes in the composition of phases by XRD analysis in the thermal range 950 – 1450°C.
No dolomite is observed at 950°C but αA (major phase), Q and βA still persist. New phases as M, CH and CA have been formed. MgO is obtained as a result of dolomite thermal decomposition, meanwhile calcium oxide, simultaneously generated, is partly present as portlandite because it easily reacts with atmospheric humidity. Remaining CaO combines with the phase αA rendering CA aluminate at this temperature.
At 1150°C, XRD pattern shows the disappearance of Q, meanwhile αA, βA, M, CH and CA are still present. New diffraction features suggest that spinel MA, aluminates CA2, CA6, C12A7 and C2AS appear. On the other hand, a lower amount of αA is observed surely because its change into CA proceeds and it also combines with CA and CaO to form CA2, CA6 and C12A7.
At the same time a reaction with M starts to take place generating MA in situ. The disappearance of Q along with C2AS formation coincides. The slight increase of phase M observed at this temperature allows one to assume that dolomite was still present at 950°C, although it could not be detected by the XRD. As it will be analyzed in the next section, this hypothesis is confirmed by IR spectroscopy.
After the heating treatment at 1200°C, CH could no longer be observed but this complete disappearance cannot be assured through this technique. The rest of the phases are maintained, but their proportion varies as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. This indicates that reactions are still taking place.
Over 1250°C, MA surely becomes a major phase.
At 1350°C, αA is no longer present. Instead, a small amount of FC which is generated from CaO and Fe2O3, is observed; the latter only detected in a low rate in raw material chemical analysis (Table 2). M persists up to this temperature and β A up to 1400°C.
In the thermal step at 1450°C, MA, CA, CA2, CA6, C12A7, C2AS and CF are present. Besides, no vitreous phase is observed and it can be assumed that MA and CA are the main phases. It can be seen that the amount of C2AS is not insignificant. This has a direct relationship to the relatively high amount of SiO2 found in the local dolomite used for this work, compared to the ones applied in the other countries already mentioned.
FTIR spectra, depicted in Figsures 5 and 6, supply more information useful to better define composition of phases at different temperatures. Figure 5 shows that at 950°C a significant band appears at 1428 cm-1 assigned to CO3= anion, characteristic of dolomite [6]. The main reflection of this mineral could not be detected at this temperature by the XRD but due to the higher sensitivity of FTIR technique this identification is possible. As already stated, this justifies the increase observed at 1150°C at the main reflection intensity of M, seen in Figure 4. At the same time, the presence of CH up to 1200°C can be ascertained by the sharp absorption at 3643 cm-1 assigned to Ca-(O-H) vibrations, which becomes weaker as temperature increases, until completely disappeared at 1250°C.
Figure 5. FTIR spectra of the samples heated at 950°C, 1200 °C and 1250°C.
Figure 6. FTIR spectra of the samples obtained at 1350°C, 1400°C and 1450°C.
The different Al-phases αA, CA, CA2, CA6, C12A7 and MA give rise to a rather complex spectra since the Al-O vibrations present in these components absorb in the same spectral region due to their bonding and coordination features. Nevertheless, taking into account frequencies already reported in previous papers as well as comparison with published spectra in related phases [5, 7], identification of the different aluminous components by their IR spectra is possible. The spectrum registered at 950°C (Figure 5), shows that the two diagnostic absorptions of phase αA are distinguishable, at 650 cm-1 and 600 cm-1. These spectral features disappear when temperature increases due to the decrease of this mineral as conversion progresses.
At 950°C some absorptions begin to be observed in the region 750 - 900 cm-1 which are attributed to stretching motions of "condensed" AlO4 tetrahedra network present in CA. At the same time, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, these bands become better defined as temperature increases. This fact is coincident with the increase of CA phase which is in accordance with the decrease of αA until its complete disappearance as observed at 1350°C by XRD (Figures 3 and 4).
When the temperature reaches 1200°C, the two characteristic MA bands, located at 538 cm-1 and 690 cm-1, are clearly seen in the spectrum. They are related to the Al—O stretching vibrations of the "condensed" AlO6 polyhedra forming the spinel lattice [4, 5]. These bands enhance their intensity and resolution accompanying the increase of MA when temperature rises.
CA2, C12A7 aluminates as well as CA have "condensed" AlO4 tetrahedra in their structures. The bands associated to stretching of Al-O bond of these building units are located in the region 750-900 cm-1. The counterparts of these vibrations corresponding to angular deformation modes of the same bonds are located at 400 - 500 cm-1 [5]. In the case of the so- called C12A7 a typical absorption region at 3500-3700 cm-1, associated to hydration products, is also present [7] due to the reactivity of this aluminate phase when exposed to ambient humidity.
The bands located at 977 and 1019 cm-1 are attributed to Si—O—Al mixed stretching modes of the alumino-silicates moieties. These vibrations are observed, in the beginning, as a "shoulder" in the spectrum obtained at 950°C and its definition increases as temperature rises as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
The double mixed oxide FC has "isolated" AlO4 tetrahedra in its structure and the vibrations belonging to these polyhedra absorb at slightly lower frequencies than the "condensed" AlO4 tetrahedra. These bands should be located in the low energy region around 300-800 cm-1 [5], but having in mind that this phase is formed in a small amount, they are surely overlapped with the other aluminate signals which absorb in the same spectral zone.
Spectral absorptions at 1400 and 1450°C are maintained, showing the maximum definition because end products are formed (Figure 6). Taking these results into account as well as XRD data, 1450°C temperature was selected as the optimal temperature of the process.
It is concluded that dolomites from Olavarria have the mineralogical, chemical, grain size and surface area features which made them suitable for the manufacture of spinel type aluminous cements.
Combining XRD and FTIR techniques phase formation could be thoroughly studied.
From 1150°C onwards main reactions begin to take place.
The best temperature for an in situ spinel phase formation would be 1450°C.
CA and CA2 are the main co-products obtained as the hydraulic phases.
Vitreous phase is not formed and quartz, present in dolomite forms C2AS.
This work was supported by SeCyT UNCPBA.
1. A. H De Aza, P. Pena, M. A. Rodríguez, R. Torrecillas and S. De Aza, " New spinel-containing refractory cements" , J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 23 (2003) 737-744.
2. N. M. A. Khalil, S. A. S. El-Hemaly and L. G. Girgis, "Aluminous cements containing magnesium aluminate spinel from Egyptian dolomite", Ceram. Int., 27 (2001) 865-873.
3. A. M. Hofmeister, B. Wopenka and A. J. Locock, "Spectroscopy and structure of hibonite, grossite, and CaAl2O4; Implications for astronomical environments", Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 68 (2004) 4485-4503.
4. S. D. Ross, "Inorganic Infrared and Raman Spectra", McGraw-Hill, London (1972) 114.
5. P. Tarte, "Infrared spectra of inorganic aluminates and characteristic vibrational frequencies of AlO4 tetrahedra and AlO6 octahedra", Spectrochim. Acta, 23 (1967) 2127-2143.
6. M. J. A. Wilson, "A handbook of determinative methods in clay mineralogy", Blackie & Son Ltd., USA (1987) 135.
7. A. C. Tas, "Chemical preparation of the binary compounds in the Calcia-Alumina System by Self-Propagating Combustion Synthesis", J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 81 (1998) 2853-2863.
8. A. H. De Aza, P. Pena and S. De Aza, "Ternary system Al2O3-MgO-CaO. Part I: primary phase field of crystallization of spinel in the subsystem: MgAl2O4-CaAl2O7-CaO-MgO", J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 82 (1999) 2193-2203.
Araceli Elisabet Lavat and María Cristina Grasselli
Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires Dpto. Ingeniería Química - Facultad de Ingeniería Av. del Valle 5737, (B7400JWI) Olavarría Argentina
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This paper was also published in "Advances in Technology of Materials and Materials Processing Journal, 9[1] (2007) 103-108
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Mariano Brull
Here in her little room all still and lone
The things that made her
are greeting me.
It seems as though her body as it went
Had left a spirit footprint, mindfully.
'Twould seem as in the mirror-moon were shown
The shadowy glimpse of what she used to be;--
And sing more sad her bird its caged lament,--
And through the room her absence whisper free--
Her gilt-edged book of prayers is lying there
Upon the table; and it says: "The care
Is small of worldlings, -- Upon
, thine eye!"
I raise my glance, and in my grief I moan:--
Oh, had I but, that final hour, known
The anguished sweetness of her last goodbye!
poems by Mariano Brull
© 2007 -
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You may find it in breakfast cereals, breads, and even pancakes, but if you think buckwheat is a type of wheat or other grain, think again. Buckwheat is actually the fruit of a plant related to sorrel and rhubarb. The good news about buckwheat is that it's a rich source of all nine essential amino acids — important molecules that help repair tissue and build cells — and it's gluten free if you choose a product that's labeled 100% buckwheat. You can enjoy cooking with buckwheat starting on Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet and the South Beach Diet Gluten Solution.
Buying Buckwheat
You can find buckwheat in health-food stores either as whole groats (raw kernels with the shells removed), flour (the darker the flour, the more fiber it contains), or kasha (roasted groats in coarse, medium, or fine granulations). You may also be able to find kasha in the pasta aisle of your local supermarket.
Storing Buckwheat
Store loose buckwheat in an airtight covered jar or a resealable plastic bag in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator or freezer if you live in a warm climate. Buckwheat flour, however, should always be stored in the refrigerator. Buckwheat will keep for about a year, and the flour will last for a couple of months if stored properly.
Cooking with Buckwheat
You can cook kasha and whole buckwheat as you would rice and serve it as a side dish with meat, poultry, or fish dishes. Or combine it with a little sautéed chopped onion and fresh herbs and use as a stuffing for cabbage, bell peppers, or eggplant. Additionally, buckwheat makes a great component for a stuffing for chicken or Cornish game hens. You can also combine buckwheat flour with other gluten-free flours like teff flour and coconut flour, or with whole-wheat flour, to make tasty pancakes or waffles.


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An undeniably cute, albeit somewhat "scruffy" dog, was taken in at the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control facility on Feb. 27.
Though the small dog was facing certain trauma from the frightening situation, she still managed to "put on a smile" when a volunteer took her photo - hope was easy to see in her beautiful eyes.
Today, just a few days after her story was published, the one-time stray is free from the animal control facility, saved by the rescue agency, Hand In Paw.
Following her release from the facility on Thursday, the once nameless dog was given the name "Sky Primrose," and she was treated to a much needed grooming session, and a trip to the veterinarian.
Sky Primrose is suffering from an upper respiratory infection and has a leg injury, but she is being treated and she should make a full recovery.
Follow Sky's rescuers at this link.
Prior story about Sky here.
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This washer delivers the Best Cleaning in the Industry, enabled by the PowerWash® system. The PowerWash® system uses our unique PowerSpray technology, optimal dispensers and the PowerWash® cycle to help power out even the toughest stains.
Using a combination of extra cleaning action and a thorough rinse, this cycle powers out tough stains and delivers the best cleaning in the industry. This model includes a built-in water heater, increasing wash temperatures to ensure better soil and stain removal.
PowerSpray enhances cleaning by recirculating water and detergent from the bottom of the load back on top, so clothes get a highly concentrated treatment for difficult stains.
H: [Ljava.lang.String;@3f733f73"
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Photo Journal: The R-Rated Opera - Batavia at Sydney Opera House
By Matthew Westphal
Have Sydney's opera fans been looking forward to this piece with excitement or trepidation or both? On the one hand, it won three Helpmann Awards (Australia's nationwide equivalent of the Oliviers) when it premiered in 2001, and The Australian called it "a breathtaking musical and dramatic presentation of epic scale." When it was revived for the 2004 Perth International Festival of the Arts, the critic for andante.com suggested that it might fairly be a candidate for the first Great Australian Opera. On the other hand, Opera Australia actually sent out warnings about onstage rape and murder and offered exchanges to its subscribers who wanted out.
The opera in question is Batavia, with music by Richard Mills and libretto by Peter Goldsworthy, which retells the true story of a Dutch East India Company ship bound for Java which was shipwrecked off the west Australian coast in 1629; while some of the survivors set off in search of food, water and rescue, there was wholesale rape and mass murder among those left behind in what has been called history's bloodiest mutiny.
Batavia was commissioned by Opera Australia and the Melbourne Festival for the 2001 celebration of the country's centennial as a federation and was revivied for the Perth Festival three years later; the current run, which began Saturday (August 19), is the work's Sydney premiere.
Incidentally, an Opera Australia spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald last week that few subscribers accepted the company's offer to exchange tickets; most, in fact, seem to be excited at the chance to see the opera after its successes in Melbourne and Perth.
In the event, one viewer did not welcome Batavia: the Herald's chief critic: Peter McCallum, described the opera as "the vilest thing I have experienced in the theatre ... one felt raped by the volume, alienated by the lack of sensitivity or aptness in the musical symbols, and repelled by the unctuous sermonising."
Such a harsh appraisal from Sydney's most prominent reviewer of a work received so warmly elsewhere in the country caused a lot of discussion in Australian opera circles. The editors of The Australian were even moved to publish a commentary on McCallum's broadside — headlined "Batavia weathers one final atrocity."
In The Australian's essay, Matthew Westwood does acknowledge some of McCallum's complaints, particularly regarding the music's sheer volume: "One of [composer Mills's] methods is to build up layers of voices, with complex harmony and texture, and the intensity of ensemble and orchestra at times can be quite overwhelming." Nevertheless, Westwood argues, "For all its novelty, Batavia is at root a conventional work of music-drama, of the type Verdi or Wagner might recognize," one which "provides the singers with terrific roles. [...] McCallum ... seems almost determined to put people off. But Batavia deserves to be seen ... It is powerful theatre, imaginatively staged and musically stimulating. Nobody should demand that it also be perfect."
All photos by Branco Gaica.
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Ryan Giggs to leave Manchester United after 29 years, reports
Ryan Giggs is leaving Manchester United after 29 years at the club, according to the BBC.
Home › Sport › Football › Premier League › Manchester United
Ryan Giggs is leaving Manchester United after 29 years at the club, according to the BBC.
Big spending Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford after Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed he was joining Jose Mourinho's side.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed he will play for Manchester United for the new season.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes new centre-back Eric Bailly has the potential to become one of the best in the business.
Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after it was revealed that the player was in talks with the club over a one-year deal.
Sir Bobby Charlton welcomed Jose Mourinho to Manchester United yesterday, offering the club's new manager his congratulations and insisting he is 'happy to see you here' having previously cast doubt over the Portuguese's credentials for the job.
Roy Keane has branded new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho "really irritating" after the Portuguese was named as Louis van Gaal's successor last week.
Jose Mourinho has wasted little time in making his first controversial remark after being named Manchester United manager, having admitted that the last three years at the club mean nothing to him.
Jose Mourinho has told everyone associated with Manchester United to forget the three-year period under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal as he looks to replicate the triumphant history that made the club a "giant".
Jose Mourinho himself joined Instagram to announce his new job at Old Trafford, but it was on Twitter that the self-styled 'Special One' provoked a frenzy over his Manchester United move.
Manchester United have confirmed - as widely expected - Jose Mourinho as their new manager.
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager.
Jose Mourinho will take over as Manchester United manager with one of the club's most famous former players backing him to bring the good times back to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho has agreed to become Manchester United boss.
Not every image of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola has them at loggerheads on the touchline of the Camp Nou or the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester United are a disgrace. I can think of no other word which does justice to the depth of feeling I have about the way this club has behaved in the last few years.
Manchester United have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, it is understood.
Northern Ireland ace Paddy McNair has become the first Manchester United star to speak about the imminent arrival of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, outlining his desire to impress the new manager.
Jose Mourinho is close to becoming Manchester United manager, although the appointment has been complicated by the fact former club Chelsea own the trademark to his name.
Manchester United are set to rubber-stamp the appointment of Jose Mourinho as the club's new manager today after sacking Louis van Gaal on Monday - 48 hours after the Dutchman ended Old Trafford's three-year trophy drought with the FA Cup.
Jose Mourinho has coveted the Manchester United job for his whole career and now it is finally his. He had always hoped to replace Sir Alex Ferguson and now, three years after being passed over in favour of David Moyes, his fingers are on the crown.
Louis van Gaal's two-year reign at Manchester United has come to an end after the Dutchman lost the respect of the dressing-room with eccentric management that extended to brutal video dissection of players' performances, critical emails to squad members and the...
Louis van Gaal's turbulent reign at Manchester United is over, with Monday's belated confirmation paving the way for Jose Mourinho to return to management.
Wayne Rooney believes winning the FA Cup will make Manchester United's youngsters hungry to land more trophies. United sealed a record-equalling 12th FA Cup triumph on Saturday after coming from behind at Wembley to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time.
Louis van Gaal's two-year reign at Manchester United has come to an end after the Dutchman lost the respect of the dressing room with eccentric management that extended to brutal video dissection of players' performances, critical emails to squad members and the...
Manchester United manager-elect Jose Mourinho may have swung the job with a promise to deliver Paris Saint-Germain and Sweden superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as one of his first signings.
Manchester United are looking to the future after ending Louis van Gaal's turbulent two-year reign, with Monday's belated confirmation paving the way for Jose Mourinho to return to management.
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to be announced as Manchester United's new manager today.
Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal could form a sensational management dream team at Manchester United next season, it has been reported.
Wayne Rooney has welcomed Marcus Rashford's England call-up and expects the Manchester United teenager to push Roy Hodgson for a place in the final Euro 2016 squad.
Louis van Gaal was booed by a number of Manchester United fans as the under-fire manager thanked them for their "unconditional support".
Marcus Rashford celebrated his maiden England call-up with a fine strike as Manchester United overcame Bournemouth.
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward admitted the club will learn the harsh lessons from Sunday's abandoned game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata has said he and his Manchester United team-mates were "shocked" by the bomb scare at Old Trafford, revealing: "We all had a strange feeling; a mixture of tension and misunderstanding".
Marcus Rashford will be given the chance to "knock someone off their perch" after Roy Hodgson included the uncapped 18-year-old in an expanded 26-man squad for Euro 2016.
Security specialist Will Geddes says the fake bomb left in Old Trafford raises a lot of questions regarding security.
Two companies involved in training exercises linked to the fake bomb scare at Old Trafford have been named after the stadium was evacuated and Manchester United's last Premier League match of the season against Bournemouth abandoned.
Manchester United must be "up front" with answers about the "shambolic" security scare at Old Trafford, the city's police and crime commissioner has said.
A fake explosive device at Old Trafford has led to Manchester United's final Premier League game of the season being abandoned.
An "urgent" inquiry has been demanded after a training device used in a security exercise caused Manchester United's match to be postponed.
A fake bomb left over from a training exercise led to the abandonment of Manchester United's final Premier League game of the season, police revealed in a major embarrassment for the club.
A furious football fan last night slammed those responsible for turning what should have been a memorable trip to the 'Theatre of Dreams' - Old Trafford - into a nightmare.
Louis van Gaal has vowed to fight until the end as Manchester United look to sneak Champions League qualification on the final weekend of the Premier League season.
Jose Mourinho is set to be confirmed as the next manager of Manchester United "in a matter of hours", according to a slightly implausible report from Sky Sports in Italy.
Mauricio Pochettino was the instigator of Tuesday's meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson but Tottenham remain confident their head coach will sign his new contract.
Manchester United's hopes of a spot in next season's Champions League took a hammering - as did their team bus before the match, with kick-off delayed for 45 minutes - with West Ham signing off from Upton Park with a spectacular 3-2 victory.
Manchester United have seen two league titles slip from their grasp at Upton Park and they can now add blowing Champions League qualification to their West Ham tale of woe after throwing away a 2-1 lead to gift the home crowd the dream finale at the stadium's last-...
Kick-off was delayed ahead of West Ham's final game at Upton Park as Manchester United's coach was 'smashed up' and subsequently delayed in entering the stadium.
West Ham bid an unforgettable farewell to the Boleyn Ground as 112 years at Upton Park ended with a remarkable comeback win against Manchester United.
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UMass Closes Non-Conference Slate With 57-55 Loss To Dartmouth
Jan. 6, 2013
AMHERST, Mass. - Kiara Bomben produced a career-high 16 points, including a personal-best 10-for-12 day from the free throw line, and Carolann Cloutier added 10 points as UMass dropped a close contest with Dartmouth, 57-55 at the Mullins Center on Sunday afternoon. Bomben scored in double-figures for the second consecutive contest while Cloutier's 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the floor marked the most since the redshirt-junior guard's return from a knee injury suffered during the 2011-12 season.
Sophomore Aisha Rodney also finished 4-for-8 from the field to earn eight points while pulling down four rebounds. Sophomore Emily Mital added five points, two boards and a pair of helpers for the Minutewomen while senior center Jasmine Watson chipped in a team-high six rebounds.
After the Big Green (2-12 overall) earned a 9-3 lead to open the contest, the Minutewomen (2-13) responded with an 11-3 run, capped by a pair of Bomben foul shots with 8:32 remaining for a 14-12 advantage. UMass was supported by six points each from Bomben and Cloutier during the low-scoring and hard-fought first half, which featured eight lead changes. However a strong finish to the frame by Dartmouth over the final three minutes resulted in a 26-21 lead for the visitors at the break.
The Big Green continued to connect from the floor during the opening minutes of the second half, extending the advantage to as much as 11 in the process. After falling behind, 45-34 with 10:03 left, the Minutewomen responded with a 15-6 offensive spurt to knock the deficit down to only one basket, 51-49 with 2:23 to play.
However, UMass was unable to push ahead during the final minutes, dropping the deficit to a pair, 55-53 with eight seconds remaining before Kaitana Martinez knocked down a set from the foul line to put Dartmouth ahead, 57-53 with seven seconds to play. Freshman guard Rashida Timbilla converted a layup at the buzzer to reach the final score, 57-55.
Points in the paint were even at 28-28 while UMass tallied a slim lead in scoring off of turnovers, 15-13. Dartmouth held an 11-6 advantage in second change points while fast break scoring favored the Minutewomen, 6-4. The UMass reserves also notched 27 points to 21 for the Dartmouth bench.
UMass went 19-for-59 from the floor (32.2 percent) - hitting on 4-of-16 three-pointers (25.0 percent) while finishing 13-for-26 at the free throw line (50.0 percent). Dartmouth knocked down 19-of-52 attempts (36.5 percent), including a 2-for-15 day from behind the arc (13.3 percent), while connecting on 17-of-18 from the charity stripe (94.4 percent).
Tia Dawson and Faziah Steen led Dartmouth with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Daisy Jordan also scored double-digits with 10, while Dawson added 13 rebounds and Kamala Thompson pulled down 11 boards.
UMass opens Atlantic 10 Conference play at home in their next contest, hosting George Washington (6-7) at the Mullins Center on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.
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Member of the reality-based community of progressive (not anonymous) Massachusetts blogs
From the Department of Public Works:
Yard Waste containers are popping up on sidewalks near you. Curbside collection of yard waste officially starts Monday, March 31st. Collection, by Allied Waste, will occur on your neighborhood 'trash day'. Our contract provides this service every week through your 'last trash day of November'.
Diverting organic material from the incinerator is the Law! And makes fiscal sense. In 2007 Lowell sent 2,985 tons of yard waste to composting operations, saving the City over $207,000 in disposal cost.
It is preferred that you use paper Lawn & Leaf bags. However, grass, leaves and small brush (<3 ft smaller than 3 in thick) can be placed in a labeled barrel. YARD WASTE stickers are available at City Hall (Rm 34), DPW (1365 Middlesex St) or at the Health Dept (341 Pine St). Kindly do not place bags or barrels out prior to your trash day; we would like to keep sidewalks open for pedestrians. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact this office.
It should be noted, that it is 1) illegal to put yard waste into the regular trash and 2) that the city composts yard waste. This saves room in landfills, saves us taxpayers a lot of money, and recycles that waste to useful soil. But, you could save taxpayers even more money! Why not compost your own yard waste, and all your non-meat food waste, yourself? Compost bins are sold at reduced cost (the expensive one is sold out, but the basic one, which I have, is available) via the city. Here's the form to fill out (pdf).
Some easy and simple tips, all of which I myself employ, to reduce your trash and carbon footprint on this earth:
Most weeks, my husband and I produce less than one kitchen trash bag of waste. I think I'd like to get that down even further. The city helped a lot when it went to accepting all numbers of plastics. One of the things which really helped was paying more attention to paper recycling. So much packaging on everything! Putting all the chip cardboard (cereal boxes, etc) into your paper recycling seriously reduces your garbage waste.
So, what are your everyday tips for becoming sustainable?
(Update: Just found a cool link, will quote it and comment in the next section.)
Here's some statistics on our garbage:
Of the 4.5 pounds produced daily per person, before recycling statistics are considered, the following statistics indicate how it breaks down:
Paper-34.2%- Which is mainly consisted of corrugated boxes and newspapers. Nearly half of that total ends up getting recycled.
So we could do significantly better recycling paper. That means you!
Food Scraps-11.9%- About a quarter of the food we consume and prepare gets tossed into the garbage and only 2% of that is composted.
A backyard composting pile can really help! If we could increase food composting to 25%, think of how much energy and money that could save us.
Plastics-11.8%- This can be found in seemingly every product these days, but the strongest contributor is packaging. All in all, only 5.7% of plastic garbage is recycled.
This is a no-brainer, especially with $110 oil. We should be increasing our capacity and our citizen responsibility for recycling plastic. But even better yet, we should be reducing the amount we use in the first place. Better packaging, the use of plastic replacements (biodegradable alternatives), getting rid of our use of plastic bags, all these things will keep costs down and help the environment.
Yard Waste-13.1%- From grass to leaves and tree trimmings much of this ends of in the dump or incinerated.
Wood-5.7%- Mostly old furniture, wood crates and pallets takes the cake here; a small portion is chipped into mulch.
Metals-7.6%- Durable goods such as appliances are the biggest source of the metal waste despite a strong 45% recycling rate for cans aluminum is also a significant source.
Glass-5.2%- The bottles and jars account for some odd 86% of discarded glass of that only one quarter is recycled and the rest is glass from electronics and furniture.
No yard waste should be going to landfills or incinerators, period, it should be composted. Glass is easy to recycle into use and therefore should also be banned from our waste stream. And I always thought that metals should all be recycled; after all, there's a finite amount of metal on our planet just like there's a finite amount of oil. It seems stupid to throw it out. We need better policies around appliance disposal as well.
Interesting, though rather depressing, garbage statistics. You can, however, feel good about yourself if you take some very simple actions to reduce your garbage footprint!
Living on a city-scale lot, I have a lot of trouble keeping the green/brown ratio where it needs to be in my compost bin. For composting, you're supposed to have equal amounts of fresh, soft green matter (food scraps, fresh lawn clippings) and dry, old brown waste (autumn leaves). The green stuff has a lot of nitrogen, and the brown has a lot of carbon. Or vice-versa. Anyway.
I put a decent amount of waste paper into my bin to make up for the shortage of brown material.
Newspaper is good for that. At least the Sun might be useful for SOMEthing…
I'ld be a little nervous about food attracting rats, but the grass cuttings and cut tree limbs always get composted in a pile in the backyard.
Of course.. us suburbanites have the space for that.
The City Website for the Recycling Coordinator still lists April 7th as the start of yard waste pick-up. Can you provide the source of the earlier start week from the DPW?
Shawn, I didn't know Dracut had rats! ;0)
That aside, at our first home in Lowell, we had a compost bin and utilized it for clippings and biodegradeable(sp?) food items (egg shells, coffee grounds, fruits, veggies, etc..).
As for applaince disposal, there are a plethora of folks out there who will take your appliances for free and either scrap it for cash or rehab to resell at a discounted rate.
Alas, a great way to recycle your household items (furniture, dishes, linens, clothing, baby gear, etc.), is to donate it to the Wish Project. I know, I know..a shameless plug!
"Alas, a great way to recycle your household items (furniture, dishes, linens, clothing, baby gear, etc.), is to donate it to the Wish Project. I know, I know..a shameless plug!"
My husband went down to the Lowell wish project warehouse this past weekend to donate a (3) year old mattress. (we upsized) This would have been something that we would have thrown in the trash. It was in excellent condition with a cover on it. My husband was so impressed with the organization at the warehouse and the charity that he came home looking for things to donate. It really made us think about things that we throw out like shower curtains, towels, dishes, sheets etc. when we redecorate. We recycle our paper, milk cartons, cans but for some reason we toss these household goods. What a great way to recycle and help those in need. A double benefit. Please also check out their seasonal needs. We just received 7 easter baskets for easter gifts from people and put them away in case we can donate them next year. Also, please check out this months seasonal need:
March - Diaper Drive and Newborn Birthday Baskets- (we welcome baby cribs, strollers and gear all year long). Big thanks to Hannafords Grocery Stores for their support of this important project. Purchase a pack of diapers while you are shopping at a Hannaford's near you and they go to our clients.
I think they were $6.99 at the store so if you skip the doritos and coke you can help someone out!
Thanks kpem, always a softie for those that validate my plugs and more importantly, a great asset to the Merrimack Valley.
As for Lowell recycling efforts, would love to see a "Zero Waste Day" which would naturally be combined with Haz Mat days in Lowell.
Have spoken w/ the recycling coord. and receive a dozen reasons why this CAN'T be done.
I want to know how we CAN do it and how other organizations can step in and make it happen.
And would love to figure out, the cost benefit and the impact on our monthly, City Trash Bill.
A zero waste day would be great for the city. I found a good link for donations/recycling http://www.tewksbury.net/recycle/pdf%20files/Where%20Can%20I%20Give%20It%20%20Away.pdf
The Lowell recycling newsletter introduced us to recycling and has made my husband a trashpicker. (I cant throw out a scrap of paper because you know how guys are when they decide to do something) The only question we have is what can you recycle? I know there is a generic list but somethings are just a gray area as relatively new recylers. ie: bread bags, paper plates(used), used sandwich bags, pizza boxes, dunkin donuts cups? We have diminished our trash down to diapers (I work 50 hours a week and just won't do cloth), food product (Lynnes composting should help that), used food product such as sandwich bags, pizza boxes(Any suggestions?), and plastic bags for cat litter (This is a big issue because I can't get cloth reusable shopping bags)
K-R-S.. lol.. I could name one or two…
I would recommend, however that you be real careful with used furniture (I'm sure the Wish Project is already trained in this stuff, but people driving by a yard sale or seeing used furniture out at the curb may no be).
I know one family in chelmsford who went through a bedbug infestation last year that took months to clean up and thousands of dollars in costs.
Them little suckers are hard to eliminate..
Kpem, clean bread bags and plastic shopping bags may be recycled at the grocery store. Neat little diddie, I just heard was that the grocers sell off their recycled bags and these eventually become "trex" Decking or park benches. DD cups can be recycled into the green bins.
Used paper plates are a no no.
Shawn, the furniture that is brought in, is sprayed down with a non toxic spray to address the issue that you had mentioned.
At the end of April, there will be a Bed Bug Forum which will is being coordinated by CTI/HCEC and the City of Lowell Health Department. When I receive more info, I will post it. I'm sure you're "itching" to attend!
Combining Maz Mat day and other recycling at the same place is a logistical nightmare. You'd be amazed at how much non hazardous stuff people already bring (latex paint being a big one), slowing down the process quite a bit. Last spring the wait was extensive. And Haz Mat collection is already expensive (and sometimes dangerous to the workers). Good idea to recycle as much as possible, just maybe not by the same agencies at the same time. I can see Guenther's point on that.
I'm not on board with Haz Mat and ordinary material ever being combined. Getting the really dangerous stuff off the street, out of homes, keeping it out of the sewer system and groundwater is too important.
waittil: the source is copied and pasted from an email Gunther sent out.
DD cups can be recycled into the green bins.
Are you sure? I thought they specifically said "no foam."
I thought the DD cups were as they have the symbol and they've never been kicked back to us.
Hmm, on the one hand, the Recycling Brochure (the "that the city lists" link above) sez "every container with a number 1-7. DD cups have a 6.
OTOH, it also says NO STYROFOAM in big block letters.
It also sez "rigid plastics."
Little help?
I just sent an inquiry…hopefully we all have an answer soon! I've often wondered about those labeled "PS" cups myself.
Me, too. I'll let you know if I hear back.
I just did, and it's all posted.
Joe writes, "Little help? "
Oh, thank you, Great Guardian of the Green Containers"!
Yay Gunther!
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While visiting Las Vegas and in the downtown area of Fremont Street, be sure to visit the Garden Buffet at Main Street. For the best array of choices from around the world, go treat yourself for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Anytime you might need a great meal for an exquisite price, this is where you want to go. Along side all the main entrees you will find the best selection of desserts this town has to offer. Pies, ice cream, special little tasty concoctions that are usually only found in the finest of bakeries. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat loving soul, the most for your palate is just a step away. Visiting this venue many times will still leave you with the thought that you haven't tried everything there is to feast on here. If you are a local you know about this best kept secret at Fremont. Never mind the lights and casino action or even the luscious 99 cent fried twinkie available down the street. For the best adventure in culinary make this stop a must go to while visiting Las Vegas. Cheese enchiladas, pizza, chow mein or manicotti, whatever your pleasure. Picky eaters can find fare that pleases them as well. Enjoy your meal folks. Main Street Garden Buffet is available throughout the week or on the weekends. There is brunch available which allows you to order an omelette of your choice and liking. Then turn around and have a freshly made in front of you buttermilk pancake still piping hot.
It is never too late to become a kid again. Just watch the alcohol consumption and note the new ordinances pertaining to glass bottle usage. There is plenty of other junk food to feast upon, fried twinkies, hot dogs, pretzels and pizza. As well there is an abundance of high end dinner places to go. From the Downtown Grand to California you will find something for everyone in your party.
If gambling is your thing you will be thrilled with all the gaming choices that the Fremont experience provides. Video slots have come a long way since first coming about. Now there are much more technological advances that allow the player to be much more involved with the game. Lots of money has been invested here to bring in the kid in all of us. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy the Fremont Street experience.


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Download Dr Reid Oliver's Story - ATWT - Part 49 video
Download Dr Reid Oliver's Story - ATWT - Part 49 video on savevid.com
Download Dr Reid Oliver's Story - ATWT - Part 49 streaming video in flv, mp4, avi formats direct easily on Savevid.com.
Dr Reid Oliver's Story - ATWT - Part 49
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Welcome to the story of Dr Reid "sarcasticly snarky asshat" Oliver - the adorable cushion snuggler.
First of all, the lack of SCRUBS was a definite down point of this episode and I'm SURe that's why the entire episode was a continuous sob story for all characters involved!
Everyone either had a good whine, cried, had a miserable face or felt confused, conflicted or hurt.
Luke is still being his saintly self. Seriously, we need "Rooftop Luke" at all times (like some wise soul said recently).
Noah, I know you mean well and you're still full of love but you go about things the WRONG way.... not the best time to be declaring love and asking Luke to do things .... BUT I'll let you off because you're finally opening those poorly eyes of yours and realising stuff. ABOUT DAMNED TIME.
The flashback .... teasing us much?! Luke's face, hahaha! Aw he can't hide the fact that Dr O's face strokes do something for him :P
Oh the awkwardness. Dr O does AWKWARDNESS! He was the one running out of the door this time *sigh* everyone say "a
Even Luke and Dr O bumping into eachother is CHARGED!! ha!
Continues over to Part 50...
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Dear Bossip: My Man Wants To Start Raw Dogging & For Me To Have His Children, But He Has Hepatitis B
Dear Bossip,
I have been dating my boyfriend for about nine months.
We are a happy couple and falling in love every day. I am a hardworking woman who has been at her job nearly seven years, and I am finishing my degree in psychology. My man is a hospital worker who just got laid off because of cutbacks. He just found another job at another hospital and awaiting to be called. He states I am the one for him and I feel same way. Our relationship is not perfect; we take our relationship one day at a time. And, maybe, one day we will start a family, but there is something holding me back from giving him a son or going raw dog.
When I start getting serious about someone I make them take every test possible under sun at the free clinic. He agreed to do the test with a little resistance. I kept asking him why was he so reluctant to go when I had set a date to go to the clinic. I finally broke him down and he told me that he was married before and divorced (I already knew he was married and divorced according to my Intel).
My man said that he was married for ten years and that his ex wife cheated. He found out he had Hepatitis B during a blood drive at the hospital he used to work at. My man thought I would leave if he told me the truth. I did not leave him, but my fear is catching it.
We use protection every time we are intimate. He wants children now, and he wants them naturally. My question is should I do it. I know he can get a shot to prevent Hepatitis A, B, and C, but there is still a risk. He says I am making him feel like a disease walking. I do not know what to do. – Go Raw Or Not
Dear Ms. Go Raw Or Not,
Let me get this straight: He wants you to have his children, and he wants them naturally, but he didn't mention anything about marriage. Hmmmm, and he has Hepatitis B. (Gets up from my chair and takes a long walk to the liquor store. Purchases several bottles of Vodka for my New Year's Eve party, and cracks one open and takes a long deep sip).
Okay, let me back up a little bit. You are considering having a family with a man who has Hepatitis B, and he didn't tell you about his diagnosis, although you've been dating for 9 months? And, the only reason he told you is because of your insistence of getting tested before you become serious in your relationship and going raw dog!?!?!
Miss. Ma'am (I'm being respectful, here), because as much as I'm going to refrain from calling you a Donkey or Jackass or Dumbass for even considering going raw dog or remaining in the relationship, I will bite my tongue and pray to the good Lord that whatever bit of common sense you have will manifest itself somehow and in some fashion IMMEDIATELY! (Where is Big Momma and 'em!?! I need a prayer circle.)
And, you have the audacity and nerve to sit up here and tell me that you're getting your degree in Psychology?!?! Do you even understand what Psychology is? Do you attend an accredited four-year university or college? Or, is it some trade school online that you found through the Education Connection commercial? Because you're on some bull-ish.com right now! I do happen to know that as a special needs person that your mental motor skills may be much slower and thus it prevents you from enrolling in an accredited four-year institution. I do hope that you do not further your education by obtaining a master's or PhD in Psychology because your patient's will be just as lost and confused as you.
The hell is wrong with your ass!!! If you're a hardworking woman with values, morals, and respect then why are you even considering defaulting on your commitment to yourself regarding men and having safe sex? And, I do commend you for being smart about protecting yourself, and for making your partners get tested along with you before you go raw dog. But, if that is something you pride yourself on, and lo and behold, you happen to come across a man who does have a disease that is CONTAGIOUS and it can be passed along to you through unprotected sex, and you are someone who goes to great lengths to protect herself, then why are you even asking me this question? LISTEN TO YOURSELF ASK ME THIS DUMB ASS QUESTION! LISTEN TO YOURSELF ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE ASKING ME!!!!!!
Having unprotected sex with him is non-negotiable, non-negotiable, non-negotiable, non-negotiable. Ugh, I wish I could just grab and shake some of you until I see the light come back into your eyes. What is wrong with you women?
Yes, it is treatable. Yes, there is a small possibility it may not be transmitted to you if it is treated properly. I read up on it. And, I'm glad you did your research as well. But, like you said, and like I read, there is a small risk. So, you're willing to gamble on that small risk that you won't contract it? Well, gamble on Ms. Vegas-I-Got-A-One-In-A-Million-Chance-That-I-Won't-Catch-It. But, err, uhm, it's not my body it's yours. (Looks down at my nails. Damn! I should get a manicure before the New Year)
I'm going to pause right here and do a brief Public Service Announcement: This is what happens when a woman is soooooo desperate to have a man that she will put herself and her body at risk for a man who's been lying to her, and then turns around and makes her feel guilty about his deceiving and trifling ass, so, to prove him that she is a Ride or Die chick (insert Chrissy from Love & Hip Hop), and that she got his back, and will always love him (insert Whitney Houston singing), that she will consider an asinine request, and jump in the bed with him and let him run up in her raw dog with the hopes that he will see how much she loves him.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled reading: Ms. Honey, your man has been lying to you since you've been dating. Well, maybe he didn't lie, but he withheld the truth from you. He did not divulge important information regarding his health status. He's been doing so for the past the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 months. That is a huge NO-NO! And, let me ask you this: He told you that he got it from his ex-wife. Hmmmm, really? Really! Really? He's been lying to you for 9 months and you think he's going to come clean about how he contracted it? How convenient of him to blame it on his ex-wife, whom you cannot verify it with? (That was a snide comment and I'm being facetious).
Now, as a reasoning sound-minded person I would like to say that a disease, especially one that is contagious, is something you should reveal immediately when dating someone, especially if you've been together for more than a month. Waiting to tell someone, or withholding this very important information because they fear you will leave them if you knew the truth is not an excuse. And, then, after he told you he has the nerve to say that you're making him feel like a walking disease?!?! Girl, he is a walking disease! HELLO!!!!!
I don't know what part of LOVE is this, but I do know that if someone LOVES someone they are truthful and honest with them at all times! Not when it's convenient for them to use the word or say it. And, they will not put the person they love in harm's way or danger, nor would they lie, manipulate, and deceive their partner or people they love. Love is not about being selfish. It's self-less. (In my Stewie Griffin high-pitched voice, "Does your man have those attributes?")
So, re-read my entire answer back to yourself and then I want you to let it marinate and simmer in your head for a few days. I know the d**k is good. I know you love him. I know you've been working with him and helping him get on his feet. I understand that he may not have cheated on you, and other the other things you're sitting over there telling yourself that you feel make him a good man. But, think it over long and hard – 1.) He's been lying to you for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 months. If he's lying about his health status then trust and believe he's lying about other things. 2.) He doesn't love you. He may want to love you, but love wouldn't allow him to lie to you for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 months about his health status, and love wouldn't allow him to ask you to put yourself at risk to contract Hepatitis B, nor the child he wants you to have. 3.) He hasn't asked you to marry him, but he wants you to go raw dog with him, start a family, but yet he has Hepatitis B? Girl, I'm done. – Terrance Dean
Hey Bossip Fam, what do you think? Share your opinions and thoughts below!
Also, e-mail all your questions Terrance Dean: firstname.lastname@example.com
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Make sure to order my books Mogul: A Novel (Atria Books – June 2011; $15), and Straight From Your Gay Best Friend – The Straight Up Truth About Relationships, Love, And Having A Fabulous Life (Agate/Bolden Books – November 2010; $15). They are available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon, click HERE!


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Disney, Marvel Preview 'Item 47′ Short Film at Comic-Con
Disney's Marvel Studios previewed "Item 47," a short film that takes place after the events of "The Avengers," Friday night for eager Comic-Con fans who found the screening after participating in a scavenger hunt.
After searching for clues all over San Diego's Gas Lamp district, the first 300 participants who completed the search were treated to a screening of "Item 47," a roughly 10-minute Marvel "One-Shot" short film that will also be available on the upcoming "The Avengers" home video release.
To the crowd's delight, the screening was preceded by a taped video introduction from Robert Downey, Jr., speaking from a toilet stall on the North Carolina set of "Iron Man 3," and followed by a panel discussion with the film's stars and creative team.
Directed by Marvel Co-President Louis D'Esposito, the short film features Lizzy Caplan and Jesse Bradford as a financially-strapped couple who find a leftover alien gun following the Chitauri attack on New York City and use it rob banks. Two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, played by Titus Welliver and Maximiliano Hernandez, are tasked with tracking them down.
Though the Marvel crew were characteristically cryptic about if Caplan and Bradford's characters would return or if Hernandez's agent would have a bigger role in future movies, they did share some tidbits about the four-day shoot. Despite being only 10 to 11 minutes, the film featured 33 effects shots and numerous explosions, and a hotel backdrop was built in a Marvel warehouse.
And while the filmmakers downplayed the cost of the short, Caplan, a veteran of numerous independent features, said she thought the budget of "Item 47" was easily more than the budgets of every movie she's ever done.
The panel ended with a series of questions from the audience, including one from Hernandez's son, that centered primarily about which Marvel comic book character would get the feature treatment next. Though the on-stage crew largely pled the fifth, they'll shortly be in the spotlight again as Marvel previews "Iron Man 3″ at Comic-Con's Hall H Saturday afternoon.


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From Grand Theft Wiki
Catch is a juggling master (who is dressed as a jaster) who can juggle even the most dangerous objects (knives, blocks of concrete, etc). Although it does'nt please the crowd much, he is a very talented juggler and did'nt make any mistakes. He is seen in several acts in Perestroika.


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Do you let your children play with electronic devices? Does your child have his or her own personal IPad, IPhone, IPod, Kindle Fire, Nook, or similar device that can connect to the internet? If so, I'm curious to know about the boundaries and rules you have put in to place regarding it's use.
How closely do you monitor what your children are doing on these electronic devices? Do you sit with them and participate in the activity or do they get to have free time alone to use it all by themselves? Have you placed time restrictions on when the devices can and can not be used? Is there a time limit when the kids do get to use it? Do you use it as a reward or privilege or just something they can use whenever?
My daughter can use my IPad to play on the applications I have downloaded for her as long as her chores are done and she has made good choices during the day. I do limit the amount of time she is on the IPad but it depends on what she is doing. I let her play on the learning apps for almost as long as she wants as long as they are the educational apps and not something like baking cupcakes or dressing up a doll. I want her to view learning as fun and there are many applications that help me accomplish just that.


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Lorde and Imagine Dragons are the first artists announced as performers at the "2014 Much Music Video Awards." The New Zealand pop sensation and Las Vegas alt-rockers will both be making their MMVA debut appearances at the event being held next month.
According to a news release posted May 6 at MuchMusic.com, the pair of Grammy winning performers will make their first ever appearances at Canada's premiere video awards event, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Both acts are leading contenders heading into the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, holding 12 nominations each.
MuchMusic also revealed this year's Your Fave nominees, including the Your Fave Video of the Year, Your Fave International Artist/Group, and Your Fave Artist/Group. Toronto superstar rapper Drake and Vancouver pop rockers Hedley are among the nominees with Lorde and Imagine Dragons also ranking among the international artist nominees. Fans can cast their votes and chose a wildcard nominee at MMVA.MuchMusic.com. Voting closes on May 19.
The MMVAs will take place on Sunday June 15 from Toronto's MuchMusic headquarters. Fans can watch the simulcast beginning at 9:00 p.m ET/6:00 p.m. PT on Much, CTV and CTV GO and can also check out a star-packed Red Carpet special airing prior to the event at 8 p.m. ET on Much. More performers, presenters and nominees will be announced in the coming weeks.
"The MuchMusic Video Awards" are annual awards presented by the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic to honour the year's best music videos. Past MMVA performers and presenters include: Avril Lavigne, The Black Eyed Peas, The Black Keys, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Carly Rae Jepsen, Colin Farrell, Down With Webster, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, LMFAO, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Snoop Dogg, and many more.
Did you know Both Lorde and Imagine Dragons are Grammy winners with Lorde winning for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Royals" and Imagine Dragons winning for Best Rock Performance for"Radioactive".


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As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on March 20, 2013
H.R. 1120 would prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from undertaking activity that requires a quorum of the members of the Board. Further, the bill would prohibit the Board from implementing, administering, or enforcing any decisions finalized on or after January 4, 2012. Those prohibitions would terminate when either all members for the Board are confirmed by the Senate in a number sufficient to constitute a quorum, when the Supreme Court issues a decision as to the constitutionality of the appointments made to the Board in January 2012, or when the first session of the 113th Congress adjourns sine die.
Enacting H.R. 1120 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. H.R. 1120 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.


text:
Stuck Showtimes and Tickets
Read Movie Reviews about Stuck Write a Movie Review for Stuck
Release Date: 2013-03-01 (Limited)
Genre: Documentary,
Rating: PG
Duration: 1hr 22min
A new documentary film that uncovers the personal, real-life stories of children and parents navigating a rollercoaster of beaurocracy on their journeys through the international adoption system, each filled with hope, elation - and sometimes heartbreak. Filmmaker Thaddaeus Scheel tracks the chapters in the lives of four children, and the families seeking to parent them, revealing along the way the intense hope and disappointment they experience on the odyssey to unite as families. Some stories are heartwarming, showing incredible examples of kids who blossom after joining their families, while others offer insight into the emotional and physical impact institutional life can have on these kids.
Cast and Crew
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Things to see and do - Benevento
Leaving for Italy
Église Sainte-Sophie (S. Sofia) :
Nearby tourist sites
Nearby hotels
Hotel Vittoria from40 €Book
Grand Hotel Italiano from56 €Book
Hotel D.G. Garden from62 €Book
Nearby Restaurants
Le Macine
Cotation :
Type de cuisine : Modern cuisine
Église Sainte-Sophie (S. Sofia)
Église Sainte-Sophie (S. Sofia) : Michelin's recommendations
This 8C church was rebuilt in the 17C. The interior has a surprisingly unconventional design. That of a hexagon comprised in a half-star decagon. If this is hard to imagine go and see the cloister for yourself with its admirable colonnades supporting Moresque style arcades, and the museo del Sannio in one of the outbuildings, which accommodates important archaeological collections and a beautiful collection of paintings from the Neapolitan school.
Useful Information
- Address : Piazza Matteotti I - 82100 Benevento82100Benevento


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Island Delights Volutarily Recalls Island Delights Coconut Haystack Candy Due to Undeclared MilkPublish Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:32:00 -0500
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. Island Delights Voluntarily Recalls Island Delights Coconut Haystack Candy Due to Undeclared Milk ContactConsumerGregory Miller or Ann Crall1-866-887-4100FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Seville, OH - January 9, 2013 - Island Delights, Inc. today recalled 492 Bags of its Coconut Haystack Candy due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens. This was discovered during an audit from the Ohio Department of Agriculture on January 7, 2013. The Coconut Haystack Candy contains milk that is not declared on the product label. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume these products.The recalled units were distributed to retail stores and through mail orders in the states of AZ, CA, FL, MA, MN, MS, NC, NY, SC, TX, VA, WA & WY between January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. No other products are involved.The mislabeled product can be identified as follows:NameSizeLotUPC CodeMaple Coconut Haystacks2 oz.13410400.020 19694 19020 1Maple Coconut Haystacks4 oz.13410400.040 19694 19040 9Maple Coconut Haystacks8 oz.13410400.080 19694 19080 5Maple Coconut Haystack2 lb.13410402.00no bar codeChocolate/Almond Coconut Haystacks2 oz.13413100.020 19694 71020 1Chocolate/Almond Coconut Haystacks4 oz.13413100.040 19694 71040 9Chocolate/Almond Coconut Haystacks8 oz.13413100.080 19694 71080 5Chocolate/Almond Coconut Haystacks2 lb.13413102.00no bar codeCoffee Coconut Haystacks2 oz.13411300.020 19694 60020 5Coffee Coconut Haystacks4 oz.13411300.040 19694 60040 3Coffee Coconut Haystacks8 oz.13411300.080 19694 60080 9Almond Coconut Haystacks8 oz.13413000.020 19694 70020 2 Almond Coconut Haystacks4 oz.13413000.040 19694 70040 0Almond Coconut Haystacks8 oz.13413000.080 19694 70080 6Almond Coconut Haystacks2 lb.13413002.00no bar codeThe company has received no reports of adverse reactions or illnesses due to the consumption of this product.The Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this voluntary recall.Island Delight is committed to producing safe, quality food products that customers can enjoy at home every day. Customers may return affected product to the retailer where it was purchased for full refund or call Gregory Miller or Ann Crall at 1- 800-866-887-4100, M-F 9:00am-5:00pm EST. ###
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Ajaxian guys joining Mozilla - brain dump
By alexismp on oct. 13, 2008
• That's two high-profile developer advocates (together with Dick Wall) leaving Google. Not that Google is any different now, but still...
• In a way Dion will keep on working on his former employer money given the Google investment in Firefox.
• Let's see how much XUL they have to swallow to be accepted by the mozilla folks :) (hopefully this is not going to start a flamewar...)
• Also funny how air.mozilla.org uses flash (but I love the idea of such public discussions).
• All in all, a very bright move by Mozilla. Who could possibly find something wrong with more standards and more developer tools?
• Now if only they could help make the JVM become the best open source cross-platform <video> implementation, that'd be great.


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Last week we had our first big snowfall. My kids have been in winter heaven. There is just something so magical about the first big snowfall when everything is a winter wonderland. I shared on Instagram how we used black card stock to catch snowflakes to get a closer look, and a few mentioned that they hadn't ever tried this before, so I thought it would be fun to share here. It's really quite simple, but it's amazing every time we do it.
All you need is black card stock to do this…and snowflakes, of course. Next time it snows where you live, hold up a piece of black card stock for the snowflakes to land. The card stock paper needs to be as colder or colder than the snow. If it's warm or room temperature the snowflakes will melt too fast. To make it colder, you could briefly leave it in your freezer or you could just hold it up in the winter air for a few minutes.
Here's what you'll see…the most beautiful tiny little detailed snowflakes. Here are the few I captured with just my iPhone, no iPhone attachments used. After you have taken some pictures, you can zoom and crop the photos afterwords like I did here.
Looking at snowflakes up close like this really makes you stop and think about what a beautiful world we live in. It's also a great way to talk with your kids about how just like every single snowflake is unique and different, so are we as people here on the earth.
Next time it snows where you live, you'll have to try this. It's fun for everyone.
Have you ever tried this before?
*For more craft tutorials, great recipes, free printables, fun giveaways, and real life you can follow Kami at NoBiggie.net, or find her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.


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Oracle Corporation (ORCL)
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Oracle (ORCL)
Q2 2012 Earnings Call
December 20, 2011 5:00 pm ET
Ken Bond -
Safra A. Catz - President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Michael J. Boskin - Director, Vice Chairman of Finance & Audit Committee and Member of Nomination & Governance Committee
Mark V. Hurd - President and Director
Lawrence J. Ellison - Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Richard G. Sherlund - Nomura Securities Co. Ltd., Research Division
Brent Thill - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Adam H. Holt - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Kash G. Rangan - BofA Merrill Lynch, Research Division
Heather Bellini - Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Research Division
John S. DiFucci - JP Morgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Philip Winslow - Crédit Suisse AG, Research Division
Previous Statements by ORCL
» Oracle Corporation - Shareholder/Analyst Call
» Oracle Corporation - Shareholder/Analyst Call
» Oracle's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript
Ken Bond
Thank you, Amber. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Oracle's Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2012 Earnings Conference Call. A copy of the press release and financial tables, which include a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation and other supplemental financial information, can be viewed and downloaded from our Investor Relations website.
On the call today are Chief Executive Officer, Larry Ellison; President and CFO, Safra Catz; and President, Mark Hurd. As a reminder, today's discussion will include forward-looking statements, including predictions, expectations, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking. Throughout today's discussion, we will present some important factors relating to our business, which may potentially affect these forward-looking statements.
While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment, these statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from statements made today. As a result, we caution you against placing undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. And we encourage you to review our most recent reports, including our 10-K and 10-Q and any applicable amendments for a complete discussion of these factors and other risks that may affect our future results or the market price of our stock. And finally, we are not obligating ourselves to revise our results or publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.
Before taking questions from the audience, we will begin with a few prepared remarks. And with that, I'd like to turn the call over to Safra.
Safra A. Catz
Thanks, Ken. I'm going to focus on our non-GAAP results for Q2. I'll then review guidance for Q3 and turn the call over to Larry and Mark for their comments.
This quarter, new software license revenue was $2 billion, up 3% in constant currency or 2% in U.S. dollars, building off a 21% increase from last year. This was the result of a few things. First, in the last few weeks, really in the last few days of our November quarter, for the first time in a while in some regions, we saw an increase in last-minute additional approvals required for previously-scheduled and expected deals. As a result, we are putting in place better deal management so that we have the time and the approvals necessary to take this into account.
Additionally, there was a 2% negative swing as the currency -- as the 1% currency tailwind, included in our September guidance, shifted to a 1% headwind for new software license. Technology new license revenues were $1.5 billion, up 4% in constant currency and U.S. dollars, and applications were $569 million, off 1% in constant currency and 2% in U.S. dollars.
Within application revenue, ERP and CRM grew very well. Geographically, results were mixed as Latin America and Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, did well in constant currency in most products, consistent with the growth in their economies, while the U.S., Europe and Japan were up a bit, flat or down.
As I mentioned earlier, currencies moved a lot in different regions. In license, we saw total new license growth rate of 1% in constant currency or flat in U.S. dollars in the America and up 3% in constant currency or 2% in U.S. dollars in EMEA, while we saw 8% growth in JPAC in constant currency or 11% in U.S. dollars. The quarter was not dependent on any large deals.
Software license and product support revenues were $4 billion, up 9%. Support attach rates and software renewal rates continue at usual high levels. Hardware systems revenue was $953 million for the quarter due in part to a product transition to T4 processor-based products, as some customers moved to qualify the new servers and significantly slowed buying the older systems. We saw good early demand for the new SPARC Supercluster but only released the product for general availability at the very end of the quarter, allowing us to ship only a couple.
In sharp contrast, Exadata and Exalogic growth saw significant acceleration this quarter, with triple-digit growth rates over last year's Q2. Hardware gross margins were 51% for the quarter on the lower volumes. Total revenue for the quarter was $8.8 billion, up 2% in constant currency and U.S. dollars.
As for expenses, it was not a perfect comparison as, in last year's number, we got the benefit of $120 million in G&A expense reduction as a result of SAP's expense reimbursement for settling a small part of our intellectual property theft lawsuit against them. Net of that, G&A was flat.
Read the rest of this transcript for free on seekingalpha.com


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Ryan Casillas recorded a career-high four hits and drove in three of SIU's four runs.
April 1, 2014
ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Southern Illinois rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth to grab a 4-2 win over the University of Missouri Tuesday night. The Salukis (15-12) were able to tame the Tigers (13-14) on a day that at times may have felt like a circus. The odd day included plenty of rain and a last-minute venue change.
Will Farmer led off the ninth with a single to left field. After Jake Welch bunted him to second, Parker Osborne gave the Salukis their first lead of the day when he delivered the go-ahead RBI with another single to left field. Ryan Casillas drove in Osborne for an insurance run with a double to right field. Casillas recorded a career-high four hits in the game against the Tigers and drove in three of SIU's four runs.
Kyle Pauly pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first career save. The freshman issued consecutive walks to start the inning but seemed to get a boost when Farmer made a head-first diving play on a foul bunt attempt.
"Will Farmer made two great defensive plays, one in the eighth and one in the ninth," Henderson said. "Catching that bunt in the ninth, I can't even begin to explain how big that play was. It kept the double play in order and didn't let the tying run to get second base. He had a great day."
Pauly then induced a double play from Mizzou's No. 3 hitter Kendall Keaton to end the ballgame. The Salukis called on the freshman to pitch the ninth instead of Tyler Dray, who has handled most of the closing duties this season.
The game was moved to the Lou Brock Sports Complex on the campus of Lindenwood University less than two hours before first pitch due to unplayable field conditions at the originally scheduled location, T.R. Hughes Ballpark. When the contest began on the turf field 15 minutes later than scheduled, it had a little bit of everything, including a 23-minute rain delay and stadium lights that flickered on and off a couple times during game action.
"It was a pretty tough day, but we didn't let it get to us," Farmer said. "We just had to show up and play. The rain was tough because the field was a little bit different, but we battled through it."
Lee Weld earned the win to run his record to 3-0 on the year. He entered the game to start the sixth inning with Southern trailing 2-1 and threw three scoreless innings.
"That's as good as I've seen him throw," Henderson said. "He had good velocity, and his breaking pitch was outstanding. He had great command of it. It was a true swing and miss pitch today."
Freshman pitcher Austin McPheron made his first career start for the Dawgs. After allowing a leadoff home run to Eric Anderson on his third pitch of the game, he did not allow any more runs and finished his day after three innings of work. McPheron pitched out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the second and a two-on, no-out jam in the third.
SIU tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third when Casillas drove in Osborne with a single to right field. Osborne had reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to third on Cody Daily's single.
Henderson was proud of his team for overcoming two one-run deficits in the game and remaining focused despite a wide array of distractions. Southern took batting practice at T.R. Hughes Ballpark then boarded the bus and headed to Lindenwood to play the game at a stadium at which it has never played.
"That's about as bizarre of a beginning to a game as you can have," Henderson said. "It was crazy, but it's a credit to our kids to not get distracted. They were ready to play, even though there was no routine and nothing was normal about today."
SIU will return home for a 5 p.m. game Wednesday against Murray State at Itchy Jones Stadium before opening a three-game series against conference foe Bradley. The series will begin on Friday at 6:30 p.m. with the first home night game in program history.


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God Doesn't Do
Charity Work, People Do
Peter Hopp
To: Positive Atheism <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2000 11:01 AM
Dear Cliff,
Hope you are feeling better soon. Looking forward to more of PAM.
Here is something. Why isn't the atheist community more involved in charity work? If you look around, and it's obvious that you do, one of the main reasons christianity is so prevalent is the "doing good" aspect of their work around the world. While I would argue the value of any work projected to satisfy a religious/political agenda, the fact remains that many dollars are sepnt and many hours worked to help people.
I would suggest the atheist community become involved/more involved in the work of helping our fellow man/creatures/earth.
I believe I have the perfect slogan -- God doesn't do charity work. People do.
Be well,
Peter Hopp
From: "Positive Atheism" <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2000 4:00 AM
As for charity, don't get taken in by this bluff.
Timothy Gorski said it best in an article he wrote for PAM recently. I comment on his article in a recent editorial.
Not only do we all contribute to charity whether we want to or not, we all contribute to charities whose only motive is to evangelize the objects of the charity. Meanwhile, if "charity" needs to be done, it is everyone's responsibility to contribute: this is why so much of our tax base goes to helping Americans achieve a minimum standard of living. Most atheists I know support this system; many Christians oppose welfare and other systems specifically because they want the churches to be the only ones who get credit for doing good. This is the bluff.
To: <email@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2000 7:17 AM
Hello, Cliff
No bluff taker here. I understand agendas. Just wondering if organized atheists having an active, public role in helping may have a positive effect on the planet, as well as on public perception.
Peter Hopp
From: "Positive Atheism" <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2000 7:02 PM
Helping is helping; stumping for an ideology is stumping for an ideology. I don't think helping has anything to do with stumping for an ideology (except that some of the more dishonest humans point to organizations whose primary purpose is to stump for an ideology and who help as, at best, an afterthought and, at worst, for the purpose of pointing to the help in their efforts to bring credibility to the organization).
I think most atheists would agree that we help because it is right and because nobody else is going to do it (i.e., no gods or angels or space bretheren). I also think most atheists who thought about it would agree that helping is everybody's responsibility, and thus would support the notion of government organizations doing the helping.
Meanwhile, how easy would it be to garner widespread support for an atheist organization in a predominantly theistic society, considering that more Americans think it's okay to discriminate against atheists than think it's okay to discriminate against homosexuals.
To: <email@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Thursday, January 20, 2000 6:54 AM
I agree. Helping is helping. It should be done because that is what we are supposed to do. As far as the ease of garnering widespread support for an atheist organization in a predominantly theistic society, considering that more Americans think it's okay to discriminate against atheists than think it's okay to discriminate against homosexuals...It will not be easy. I don't think we should concern ourselves with the support. I believe we should come together, define the help we are going to give - disaster relief, feeding the hungry, whatever, and just go do it.
How awesome would it be the next time there is a flood in America, the Atheist Relief Society or Atheist Assistance Alliance shows up with hundreds of volunteers building sandbags and ferrying stranded folks from their flooded homes to safety? Pretty inspirational, divinely human.
Peter Hopp
From: "Positive Atheism" <email@example.com>
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Thursday, January 20, 2000 2:35 PM
If it's any consolation to you, the founder of the American Red Cross was very atheistic (if not an outright atheist). She had the foresight to keep atheism out of the organization's agenda, so now even theists can feel comfortable supporting it. This is an example why I do not support the notion of helping organizations which (either as an aside or as a primary goal) also serve up a philosophical agenda.
Many Christians practice the philosophy of Let your light shine so others may see your good works and thus glorify God. I see this motive for doing good as vastly inferior to the motive of doing good because it needs to be done. I think most atheists (yea, most humans) would do good because it needs to get done. I do not support "atheist" helping organizations because I see the act of stumping for atheism (disguised as a helping effort) to be an inferior motive and to border on immorality.
When Portland flooded, the effort was free from any philosophical agenda, and everyone felt free to join in. There were more than enough volunteers, and many of us had to stand on the bridge and watch the others. Had it been the "Relief Effort to Bring Credibility To the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," I might have been tempted to stand on the bridge and watch the newfangled Mormons and their supporters do the work.
This whole idea is divisive: I support the Saint Francis Soup Kitchen simply because I know that absolutely no Roman Catholicism occurs during their feedings. I openly oppose the fundraising efforts of the Rescue Mission because people must endure a 60-minute sermon before they are allowed to eat the food that we, the public (including atheists), have donated. Then they have the audacity to point out how wonderful and generous and giving the Christians are. Wait a minute! "Positive Atheism" gets several pieces of junk mail from them in it's PO Box, and its publisher gets the same junk mail at home. When I go to the store, there is a display at every checkout stand. Their primary goal is not to feed the poor but to preach fundamentalist Christian dogma.
In India, it is the atheists who overtly organize flood relief efforts. Lavanam says that those of various religions don't want to bury the dead of other religions, and won't lift a finger to bury any unidentified dead. To counter this, Lavanam explains that "He is not a Muslim or a Hindu now, he is dead. We, the living, need to bury him." Fortunately, we do not have this unique problem here in America (though we do have other problems of our own). This is, however, one case where atheism, the philosophy, was able to cut through a serious problem and get some needed work done. We should not toot our own horn beyond the fact that the atheists were able to bring enough theists together on this one issue to accomplish the goal.
Lavanam's organization got a leg up during the revolution in 1948, because of its affiliation with Gandhi and India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his daughter, Indira Gandhi. In 1776, when America was born, atheism was not an intellectually tenable position simply because Charles Darwin's Origin of Species had yet to be published. However, modern atheism's predecessor, Deism, was dominant during the post revolutionary decades; nevertheless, over two centuries have passed and much has changed. Christianity now dominates the land.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.