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By Pamela Hitchins/Vicksburg Post
VICKSBURG – The city's only used bookstore is 25 years old this month and still might be one of the best-kept secrets in town.
At The Bookmark, on the first floor of the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library, used books are sold by the inch.
"It's a little off the beaten track," said Shirlye Stahl, president of the Friends of the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library. "Unless people have children and go downstairs to the children's area, they don't necessarily know it's there."
The idea to sell books the library could not use was born when Stahl, head librarian Deb Mitchell and others were cleaning out the library's garage which houses the bookmobile. People had donated so many books that wound up being stored in the garage that Mitchell had the idea to start selling them.
They began Jan. 1, 1986, Stahl said. People would stack their selections, line up a tape measure and pay 25 cents an inch.
"We always did it that way," she said.
Stahl still has the little notebook, going all the way back, with figures penciled in. The Friends made $101.88 from book sales that first month.
The Bookmark's name came from local students who entered a poster competition. Three of the framed posters still hang on the walls today, Mitchell said.
Vicksburg's public library got its start in 1915 with the gift of $25,000 from the Andrew Carnegie Library Fund. Local lawyer Joseph K. Hirsch was president of the library association at that time and traveled to New York to secure the grant.
Carnegie library funds came with a stipulation that the city provide the site on which the library would be built and also buy the books, wrote Marion Bragg in a history of the public library.
"'Who will give the necessary site?' the newspapers asked expectantly," Bragg wrote. "The answer was a long, sullen silence. Now Carnegie's ingenious methods became apparent: How could the city officials pass up the gift of a $25,000 building for lack of a lot to put in on?"
Eventually, a site on the west side of Monroe Street, opposite what is now the Memorial Rose Garden, was purchased, and on April 5, 1915, H.H. Havis, a local contractor, won the bid for the library's construction.
The building was ready for opening ceremonies March 7, 1916.
"Everyone greatly admired the fine building, with all its excellent equipment and furniture," wrote Bragg. "One of the speakers pointed out that all it needed now was books."
The Carnegie-funded library remained in use for more than 50 years before it was outgrown, and the library moved into its current building in 1979.
Today, The Bookmark brings in about $500 or $600 a month, Stahl said, and the Friends group has about 100 dues-paying members.
Proceeds from book sales and money raised through the $7 dues fund a number of library projects and provide Christmas bonuses for the library staff.
The Friends have bought furniture, had chairs upholstered, provided prize money and guest speakers for the library's creative-writing contests and made it possible for the library to buy about 300 DVDs for its circulating collection.
Each summer, they also pay for Dorian the Magician to perform at the final kids' summer reading program party and buy refreshments and goodie bags.
The Bookmark is well-stocked with audio books, large print books, nonfiction and shelves double-stacked with fiction. There's a large selection of paperbacks, shelves of children's books and a table loaded with recent magazines.
Though some of its stock comes from discarded library books, most are items people have donated, Mitchell said. Things that don't sell within a reasonable time are removed, but Mitchell won't say what happens to them – only that they are "recycled."
"It's there, take advantage of it," Mitchell said of The Bookmark. "It's good for people who like to read but don't want to have to keep up with library books. People are discovering it all the time."
"The bottom line is, we have enjoyed it and I think the whole community has enjoyed it," Stahl said. "It's been a fun program."


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A Texas teenager has started a very special business…With a couple of eggs, a little sugar, and the strength of her convictions…Fifteen-year-old Katie Unkle is whipping up more than just chocolate cake in her family's suburban kitchen. This young baker has one specialty, her grandmother's famous chocolate velvet torte, and
"I don't think that people realize how frequently kids are diagnosed with autism and how many of them there are and they don't get as much support as people with other disabilities do," said Katie Unkle, Founder of Cakes 4 a Cause. "I would like to help contribute to raise money to find a cure for autism because right now there's no detection or cure at all."
Katie is both the brains and the manpower behind 'Cakes 4 a Cause,' a non-profit she founded when she was just 14 years old. The inspiration is her older brother, 18-year-old Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at age six.
Katie's mother, Barbara Unkle, said, "She watched him be mistreated when she went to school with him and thought it was really sad that such a sweet person would be mistreated by people just because they were unaware of what he was dealing with."
"People make fun of him and tell him he was stupid and he was weird and really he just couldn't help it and I didn't like to see people treat my brother that way when he did nothing to deserve any of it," said Katie.
This neighborhood barbecue joint keeps Katie's cakes in stock.
"It's going good," said Restaurant Owner, Bill Lafavers. "They're great cakes. I've taken a few of them home."
And the teenager says she wants her business to grow, so she can not just earn more, but give more to the cause.
"She's ready to do the work," said Katie's mother Barbara. "She's really excited about it."
"I would like it if people around the country are buying them frequently and were sending them out and making a lot of money to help," said Katie.
And Brother Ben says he's proud of her too." I think what she's doing is really cool. I'm really thankful she's doing it," said Ben.
Last year, Katie made about 200 cakes; she's donated $200 to the group "Autism Speaks" and will soon donate about $1000 to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.

subset: commoncrawl


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Resurrected: KBluetooth
KDE developer Alex Fiestas has taken on the orphaned KDE Bluetooth. The first release under his supervision, Kbluetooth 0.4, has now been released.
According to Fiestas, data transmission and receive now works with every Bluetooth device. Input pairing functions with almost all devices, he says in his blog.
The developer has greatly improved the user interface and more importantly, fixed a huge number of bugs. Application crashes have become a thing of the past, he says, and the program is now compatible with KDE, versions from 4.3.
Kbluetooth is under GPL and has its own page at KDE Apps. Currently only a tarball is available. Alex Fiestas would like users to ask their distros for finished packages.
Resurrected: KBluetoothKDE developer Alex Fiestas has taken on the orphaned KDE Bluetooth. The first release under his supervision, Kbluetooth 0.4, has now been released. For those who feel that the concept of this story is insightful, the probability is you are thinking about using Linux as your number one or simply a substitute Operating system when you find yourself simply sick and tired of your old OS. Though the majority feel that Linux is too difficult that it is attractive only to geeks, Linux-magazine.com can certainly demonstrate that this awesome operating-system is essentially for all people. It is regularly entertaining to find out about Resurrected: KBluetooth.
Tamesha Stauffer,
Resurrected: KBluetoothSuch insight KDE developer Alex Fiestas has taken on the orphaned KDE Bluetooth. The first release under his supervision, Kbluetooth 0.4, has now been released should be actually unusual.
Janie Hamann,
Issue 188/2016
Buy this issue as a PDF
ownCloud Forked
Founder of ownCloud launches the Nextcloud project.
HP Enterprise Unveils a Futuristic Computer
Will The Machine change the way future programmers think about memory?
CoreOS Announces Distributed Storage System
The new Torus distributed storage system is available under an open source license on GitHub
Google Beats Oracle in the Android Lawsuit
Juries decides Google's use of Java APIs Was Fair Use
Linux is the Largest Software Development Project in History
But if you are not using the latest Linux kernel, your system is insecure.
Linksys Says Yes to Open Source Firmware
Home routers will give room for custom firmware but still comply with FCC rules
OwnCloud Founder Resigns
Frank Karlitschek will continue to lead the open source ownCloud project
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS released
"Xenial Xerus" comes with a new packages format and several improvements for the enterprise.
MS Visual Studio Code Editor is Available for Linux
Linux users can now download and install the Windows code editor
Open Container Initiative announces Image Format Project
New initiative will address security and interoperability concerns around container technology.


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west end
The West End close to Stanley Park and English Bay Beach is densely populated and an intensively active portion of downtown Vancouver. During the 1930s and 40s, a wave of apartment development occurred. These were low rise structures with impressive Art Deco and Tudor-inspired facades. The 1960's and 70's brought more development when more than 220 high-rise apartments were built. This boom created the skyline that we are familiar with today.


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Culver-Stockton is winless in the HAAC at 0-7. The Wildcats of Culver-Stockton have won only three games this season and hold an overall record of 3-13.
Baker seniors being recognized tonight are Gina Schiraldi, Rachel Shepard, Alysia King, Emily Burks, Kristen Steppe and Mikayla Medlock.
Last Time Around
Last season when these two teams met in Canton, Mo., Baker came out on top, 16-0.
Postseason Bound
After being ranked No.15 nationally last week, the Wildcats dropped out of the top 25 poll while still receiving votes this week. The 'Cats look to put together a strong playoff run in the HAAC to keep their hopes alive for nationals.
Offensive Assault
Alix Schiraldi leads the team in goals (8), assists (5), shots (53), and shots on goal (32).
What's Next
Baker will take on HAAC leader Graceland to close out their season at home next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
The Baker men look to bounce back tonight after suffering a 3-0 defeat Tuesday to UMKC. The Baker men hold a 10-2-4 overall record and a 3-1-3 mark in the HAAC. Junior goalkeeper Alex Burton was named HAAC Player of the Week Monday after recording a 1-0 shutout over Lindenwood University last Saturday. It was his sixth shutout of the season.
Culver-Stockton comes into play tonight reeling. The Wildcats of Culver have one victory on the season and sit at 0-7 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Wildcats have not won since their first game of the season, Sept. 1 against Iowa Wesleyan University.
Baker will recognize seniors Luke Haidarovic, Kome Okiomah, Elliot Harvey, David Cooper and Matt Germain.
National Respect
The Wildcats remain ranked No. 16 nationally. The 'Cats have been in the same poll position the past two weeks.
Offensive Assault
Luke Haidarovic leads the team in goals (6), assists (3), shots (40), and shots on goal (24).
Postseason Bound
The Wildcats are in prime position to make back-to-back-to-back trips to postseason play this season. The Wildcats will face conference rival and leader Graceland University next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Liston Stadium.


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By Al StoverStaff Reporter
February 6, 2014 | Vol. 117 -- No. 42
The Medical Lake School District Board of Trustees passed several items at the Jan. 28 school board meeting.
The board first approved the first reading of Policy 3247 and Procedure 3247P, which concerns the isolation and restraint of students who are under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), an Aversive Intervention Plan or a plan developed under Section 504.
According to the policy, isolation and restraint of these students will generally be avoided and not used as a form of discipline or punishment. The district recognizes that isolation and restraint are necessary at times to pr...
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What happened on pit road between Nelson Piquet Jr. and Brian Scott. (Getty)
The dispute between the teams of Nelson Piquet Jr. and Brian Scott wasn't settled on pit road after Friday night's Nationwide race.
Two crewmembers from Scott's No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team were arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault charges after an altercation in the driver/owner lot at Richmond International Raceway Friday night.
According to the Sporting News, the fight involved Piquet, who was uninjured, though a person did sustain a shoulder injury.. After the two made contact on the track, Piquet kicked Scott in the groin on pit road following the race when Scott confronted Piquet.
Michael Searce, listed on the RCR website as a mechanic on the Scott team, was arrested on two charges of misdemeanor assault. Thomas Costello, an interior specialist for Scott, was arrested on one count of misdemeanor assault, according to Lt. Linda Toney of the Henrico County Police.
Searce, 50, and Costello, 35, were released following booking, according to Toney. According to an online incident and arrest data from the Henrico County Police, the fight occurred about 11 p.m. ET. Arrests were made at 2:26 a.m. ET.
The tension between Piquet and Scott apparently began during the Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville and carried over to their battle for position late in Friday's race.
Dream Chasers from Yahoo! Sports:
Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
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- Crime & Justice
- Sports & Recreation
- Brian Scott
- Richard Childress Racing


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I'm really not the type of cook who can taste a certain dish in a restaurant and then turn around and re-create it at home. I've had plenty of trials that turned out to be major errors. (Just ask my family!) But, I recently had a moment of success and it was so delicious, I had to share it with you all.
It started last fall when I had a butternut squash pasta dish at Macaroni Grill and absolutely fell in love with that flavor combination. I loved it so much so that it's still on my mind a year later. (I know--food issues much?)
So, after a little experimentation at home, I came up with a dish that's perfect for my fall cravings and super-easy to make, too.
Here's what you'll need:
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 20 oz pkg refrigerated four-cheese ravioli
4 Tbsp butter
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 475°. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar and olive oil.
Then, peel and cube the squash. (If you've never done this, click here for an easy step-by-step.)
Then, add the squash to the bowl and coat with the oil and sugar mixture.
Pour this onto a roasting pan and place in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. (By the way, the roasted butternut makes a great side dish as well.)
While the ravioli cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan, then stir in the sage.
When the ravioli is done, drain and toss with the sage butter sauce and parmesan cheese. Pour it onto a large platter and top with the roasted butternut squash.
It's super-simple, yet delicious. Hope you love this flavor of fall. I'm making this again tonight!
Sharing with a few of these friends.


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The Results Speak For Themselves.
- Kyle never thought that he was a hero. That term was reserved for Superman, Wonderwoman, and Quailman. But on a sunny California beach, he quickly learned that not all heroes wear a cape, and that it is often simple choices that put us in a position to make a difference in the lives of others.
With help from his guitar, Kyle uses his experiences to offer audiences a slightly different definition of the word hero. His humorous but heartfelt... read more!
- The Making of a Guitar Hero
- FOCUS Training is excited to announce a new, more affordable implementation option for the Ignition program. The Ignition Experience 2012 is a comprehensive transition, orientation, and mentorship conference being held in Milwaukee, WI May 7-9, 2012. Open to new and active Ignition schools, this conference has specifically tailored workshop tracks for new advisors, established advisors, and student mentors! read more!
- Ignition Experience 2012
- Here at FOCUS Training, we understand the importance of social media among today's society. Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn are especially popular and, in some cases, essential for our 'Gen Y' population.
Pewinternet.org, an Internet research organization, states that "Nearly three quarters (73%) of online teens and an equal number (72%) of young adults use social network sites." read more!
- The Internet Never Forgets
- Megan Kiepert
- email@example.com
- Our facilitator made the training fun yet totally applicable to our situation. His excitement was infectious! I feel absolutely prepared for my advisory role because we have all the tools we need for a successful program. His knowledge and awesome attitude were awesome. We cannot wait to see the results of the program. The students are excited about it and to see that is amazing! read more!
- Riverton High School
- Teacher / Advisor
- Riverton, WY
- This workshop provided a new learning experience for everyone here with innovative ways to keep our attention. The FOCUS presenters did absolutely everything to keep us positive, involved, and active by presenting a good example themselves. The most important thing I learned at the workshop was that to lead, you must listen, but also must guide others out of their comfort zone. FOCUS Training provides a new experience for all people who want... read more!
- SD CTSO Fall Leadership Conference
- State Treasurer
- South Dakota DECA
Here are some great tips on how to help motivate yourself! https://t.co/ZHAxOnoVP0
Self development is key to anyone's success. Always look for ways to grow and develop yourself as an individual. https://t.co/V3WyjjgFpq
Request a Proposal
Please share as much detail as possible to allow our proposal development team to design a customized leadership training program for your officers, students, or staff. Your proposal will be based on your specified learning objectives, logistics, budgets, and more.
You can also contact FOCUS Training directly at (877) 273-4670.


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One of our servers mysteriously stopped accepting rdp connection this week. We did apply some updates in December 2012. So I thought the solution provided at http://msitpros.com/?p=1293 would solve our problem. But rdp still didn't work after removing KB2667402.
The server is pingable, and telnet to port 3389 also worked. So, it should not be firewall or network issue.
Are there any other places I should be looking?


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A triathlon is a competition which involves multiple stages of endurance related events. Usually, a triathlon consists of running, cycling, and swimming for distances dependent on the particular rules of the event. As such, a triathlete must be extremely fit and skilled in a variety of ways that many individual sports don't train for.
There are multiple types of triathlons in existence which switch up the distances and thus skill level required for each. For instance, a sprint triathlon will usually consist of:
Sprint Distance; 750-meter (0.47-mile) swim, 20-kilometer (12-mile) bike, 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run
Compare that relatively short course to the standard "Olympic distance" which consists of:
1.5-kilometer (0.93-mile) swim, 40-kilometer (25-mile) bike, 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run
Since the distances are doubled the type of training one will have to do in order to accomplish a finishing result will be more intense and even more methodical to achieve the type of endurance required. Of course, there are even longer distance triathlons reserved for some of the greatest athletes but the above two or most common for beginner's looking to start their first triathlon.
The above photo is not an actual triathlete in competition, though, that little guy would probably do quite well. Swimming is an important component of training for a triathlon whether it be a sprint or longer distance course. Swimming takes a different type of endurance than running it seems. While endurance does translate somewhat, if one hasn't been swimming but has been running they will most likely find themselves exhausted in the pool or open water within pretty short distances. Here are some helpful links for swim training for triathletes:
Complete Programs for Triathlon Training
Whether one is a beginner or has a great deal of experience with triathlons, having a set training routine is very important towards reaching a goal. If one has not planned out how to attack a specific race, then it is very likely that they will fail to finish or even risk injury in either their training or the actual race itself. To avoid this, one should have a solid foundation of where to start training for a race and how to build from a beginner to a seasoned athlete.
- Beginner Triathlete
- Tri Newbies Training Plans
- Runner's World Triathlon Page
- Best Hip-Hop Workout Songs


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Dr. Stuart J. Hecht
associate professor
American Musical Theatre
American Theatre History and Drama
Modern Theatre and Drama
Stuart received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's and doctorate from Northwestern University. He worked on the artistic staff of the Goodman Theatre and was resident dramaturg for the Wisdom Bridge Theatre, both in Chicago. He has worked with a range of prominent theatre artists, including Bob Falls, Gregory Mosher, David Mamet, Wole Soyinka, Frank Galati and Del Close. Articles about his dramaturgical work have appeared in publications ranging from The Chicago Tribune to Yale University's Theater.
Stuart is an American theatre historian who has worked extensively in Chicago theatre history and more recently on assimilation and the American musical. His articles have appeared in Theatre Journal, The Journal of American Theatre and Drama, Theatre History Studies, Chicago History, The Sondheim Review, American Theatre, The Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism and The Journal of Popular Culture, amongst many others. He is the long-standing Editor-in-Chief of New England Theatre Journal, sits on the board of the New England Theatre Conference, and is past treasurer and current membership secretary of the American Theatre and Drama Society. He is also a board member of the Chicago Theatre History Project. Stuart was also named to the New England Theatre Conference's College of Fellows. Stuart was an advisory board member for, and also appeared as an interviewee in, the Peabody Award-winning PBS documentary, "Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy."
He has presented over seventy-five talks and papers at national conferences, organized several conferences, served as an evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts and was also briefly a member of the Joseph Jefferson Awards committee in Chicago. His book Transposing Broadway: Jews, Assimilation and the American Musical, published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2011, received Recommended status by the Journal CHOICE, and is scheduled to appear in paperback this Fall. He is currently researching a book on Chicago's community-based theatre and its Hull House social settlement roots.
At Boston College Stuart has taught classes in directing, playwriting, dramatic literature and theatre history. He has directed over twenty productions at Boston College and has supervised over seventy student productions. He also served as founding Chair of the Theatre Department, a position he held for thirteen years.


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Hey Baltimore, have you heard? Otakon is coming back to the Baltimore Convention Center August 8th to the 10th. And honestly, with hotels and food, and cosplay and all the fun things that visit Baltimore with Otakon, is it really too early to register for the fun three day weekend? Otakus unite on the East Coast's biggest anime event. And speaking of otaku, this week, let's look at a newer series. This week, we dive into Star Light Woman.
Stars are radiant, so with a title like Star Light Woman, we expect the story to be a real bright spot. From the first few chapters, that's really what the manga portrays. The story is all about Hoshi, a plain woman with extraordinary gifts- none of which that came free. The story entails this superwoman trying to keep out of the grasp of these very cartoonish squid like aliens. They're fighting a war of rebellion on a distant planet and has been abducting humans, giving them powers to fight their enemies. Hoshi just happens to be their star piece of work. The only issue is, she had no say in the matter and whenever they show up, they mess up her "normal" life.
The story is amusing for having such dynamic yet old fashion art. The manga starts out normal and Hoshi is introduced as this 'plain Jane' worker. But when she's first attacked by another woman, she vanishes and we see a bit of her power. The dialogue is still fairly normal and makes you smile. Then the cartoon squids walk in. Contrary to their appearance and the comedic niche they're meant to fill, they're pretty vicious in their assaults. Not really villainous, they give the story this edge of an ever present threat. If it had to be put into the light, there really isn't a 'bad guy' in this story. You understand Hoshi and you understand the aliens' reasons for needing her.
As it were, Hoshi wasn't the first abductee and isn't the last. While she's been running away, others have been made to stop her. It's more than obvious that these aliens think of humans as lab rats, and it feels like the authors are turning the camera onto humanity a bit. But putting aside all the mysticism and hidden messages is this story about a woman who just wanted to be normal and still does, she just can't catch a break. As the story goes through, she gains a guy she may or may not like in Kousuke. While it's unclear how they feel about each other, the author, Kanou Rie, doesn't make their relationship overtly obvious. The subtly is good since it doesn't override the main story, and even if you took it out, the story wouldn't change. Hoshi also gains a stalker in Kinoshita, who can't take a hit and is obsessed with Hoshi to the point she works with the aliens to have her. She appears more as an evil of naiveté. The story wouldn't be the same without her, but you get the feeling that she isn't getting the whole story (and really doesn't care so long as she can have Hoshi).
The first impression of the story inspired curiosity as the art for the story is somewhat old fashion and reminiscent of older 90s style comics. But even without the slick edge of modern shonens or the supple alluring lines of shojo, the manga is still a serious yet attractiveness to it. So it threw a large loop when the squids came in like they were drawn by primary school students. But the novelty wore off fairly quickly as the artist flexed her muscles to show what she could do with the cartoonish characters. Applause deserved all around for keeping them silly while showing them as this 'villainous' group. Though the question did come up why they just didn't mod themselves to be all powerful. They seemed to have endless resources to spend on getting Hoshi back, but are losing the war back home.
Wrapping it up, Star Light Woman does really shine. Not many chapters in, the story picks up quickly and doesn't have a great deal of cliffhangers after every chapter (Don't you just hate that?). It's a great manga if you're looking for a light read and even better if you're looking for a new serious and silly serial. So be sure to look up and check out this manga – it's featured on Crunchyroll. And that's it. As always, keep laughing, reading, watching, and being the amazing otakus you are.


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The crabbing industry has always played an important role in the economy of Westport, Washington. From the early 20th century, when the crab industry was doing well and you could buy an already cooked one for less than fifteen cents, to the modern day when tourism is becoming a major industry in the area but crabs remain an important symbol of the area's heritage and culture. The annual Westport crab fest is a local favorite and tourist draw. This year marked the 27th annual event which was held on April 18th, 2014. Heavy downpours didn't put a damper on the festivities (even if it did cause some leaking between the event tents). From crab races to crab feasts, the event went off without a hitch and brought the community together for laughs and good eats.
Westport, WA's 27th annual crab festival is a success
Use your key for the next article


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6 comments
nice strip but chuck norris will pass you some day
April 17th
Wait,I thought you see the movie then read the book!
April 17th
What The F**k Is Wrong With You bigbrendanface
April 16th
I see no trolls...
April 16th
@below trolling b**terd!!!
April 16th
April 16th


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I"m use to looking at the original but the Dark one is HOT!!!
My vote is Dark.
Original Please
Original is cool...
original is better.
Plus i check this site frequently at work and the dark blue stands out WAY too much!!!
The white original tends to blend in with my work related activities
No I LOVE The Dark One!!!! Its HOT!!
Dude had a good point about it sticking out at work. It would be cool if there was a way for the user to choose the color. Don't know if that's asking to much or not. Just wanted to throw that out there.


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This is a glorious time of year in my little town.
Daffodils burst from long-barren soil, neighbors emerge squinting into the sunlight, and, on certain days, the air is filled with cheers and the staccato pop of balls on bats. Every April, scores of boys and girls put on spotless new uniforms and wind through the streets to mark Little League Opening Day. It's a sweet, very American, tradition.
My munchkin was among the marchers for the first time Saturday. He had been trying on his Cardinals red for days, posing in front of the mirror. He's now absolutely certain he's destined for the Majors.
He's got a lot to learn about the game — lessons on sportsmanship, teamwork, and especially on the rules, and why they matter.
Of course, if he really does end up in the big leagues, he'll then have to learn that sometimes the rules don't matter. What else to conclude from the brouhaha over Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda, and the massive gob of pine tar smeared on his neck last week?
On Wednesday night, Pineda was ejected in the second inning at Fenway because the goop below his right ear was impossible to ignore, even for folks who have been turning blind eyes to pitchers' special sauces forever.
Suspended for 10 games, Pineda is being called a fool, but not because he cheated. To hear players and others tell it, Pineda's crime wasn't breaking the rules, but being too obvious about it.
Here's Red Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynksi: "It's one of those things; we all know everyone does it," he said. "There's no doubt I'm all for it. But you just can't do it so blatantly. [Sox manager John Farrell] didn't want to go out there; it puts him in a bad spot. But rules are the rules."
Except when they're not, of course. On April 10, Pineda had a blindingly obvious pat of the brown stuff on his pitching hand, clear as, um, mud, but nobody officially called him on it then. Perhaps the Sox were feeling magnanimous because Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz had been accused of applying a grippy concoction to his own forearm last year in Toronto. Still, even in this climate of tolerance, Pineda knew enough not to own up, claiming the greasy smear was just dirt.
He couldn't deny it the second time. He said the pine tar was purely for grip, though some expert types argue it's way more cheaty than that. Criticism has rained down on Pineda — not for the pine tar, but for the blockheaded brazenness with which he used it.
So, what's the lesson here for my 6-year-old? Always follow the rules, son, unless everybody's breaking them, in which case you should feel free to break them too, as long as you're not too obvious about it?
Look, I know shabby situational ethics sometimes find their way into kids' sports. We've all heard stories of Little League coaches who think it more important to win than to follow rules requiring fair playing time for everyone, for example. Some have even fielded ringers for big games.
And I know it's naïve to be disappointed by the example the big leaguers set. It's not like professional sports, supercharged by criminally high salaries, has ever been the province of saints. America's pastime has seen a long cavalcade of juicers, ball doctors, bat corkers, and other miscreants through the years.
Still, there's something dispiriting in Pineda's and other players' open disregard for the pine tar rule. It seems an awfully long way from the apple-pie ideals the game traditionally espouses.
That's what I was thinking on Saturday morning, as my kid stood with his little team-mates, hats on hearts during the national anthem, so excited about their first baseball season they could barely stand still.
I found myself confronting a thought that pops up a lot when one is trying to teach a kid black-and-white values in a world that is way too gray: It will never get better — or more pure — than this.Yvonne Abraham is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at email@example.com.


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Prove you are the #1 Kyle Larson fan with this wood sign! This WinCraft sign features printed team graphics on the face. It's the perfect addition to any Kyle Larson fan's collection. Add this sign to your Kyle Larson collection today and let it do all the boasting for you! NASCAR Shop is your source for officially licensed Kyle Larson gear.
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Hi there!
Well, this picture really applies to me!
This is in my Personal Buttercup. Love it! I've ordered the ruler on Etsy and ended up ordering another two. I'll show you in the next post that's all about the inside of the Personal Buttercup so hang on! :)
This is basically an update. An update of it all.
I wanted to thank you guys for commenting on the previous post. It was really heart warming and I felt so understood!!! Very helpful!
This also gave me strength to hold on to this Blog. At least for now. I've decided to stop selling out of my current collection. I'll only sell the ones that are marked red on the For Sale Overview. Other than those, I'll keep my collection as it is today.
Mainly the process of selling and sending out all the sold Filo's gave me tons of stress. Altogether with the job and the family life. A bit to much for me to also keep on blogging. I expect to have more time on my hands once I'm done selling my Filofaxes in bulk, that is.
I always liked to wrap the parcels nicely and put in there tons of extras to provide the new owner of the Filofax to start up fresh. Some cute things to decorate your Filofax always helps to get you started! At least to me!
So, with that mostly being over, I do think I"ll hang on there! Due to your support I must add! Especially Bonnie.. I made her a special offer… Hope she replies!
Here's an update:
Sold Filofaxes:
Malden in Grey (personal size)
Regency in Black (personal size) & Domino in Electric Blue (personal size)
So bye bye to those! I'm sure they've found a good new home!
I've already taken pictures to give you a peek in my Buttercup.
See you next time!


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PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey has apologized for wearing a baseball cap supporting former college teammate Aaron Hernandez.
Hernandez played at the University of Florida with the Pounceys from 2007-09. The former New England Patriots tight end is charged with murder in the killing of Boston semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.
Maurkice Pouncey posted on his Twitter account Monday he understands the ``seriousness of the situation involving my former teammate.'' Pouncey added he regrets making light of the situation and apologized if he offended anyone.
The Steelers had no immediate comment.
Copyright 2016The Associated PressAll Rights Reserved


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"Subject to Desire," held the following week, featured an adults-only display of "art" by X-rated "artist" Carolee Schneemann-36 close-up photographs of female genitalia. Ms. Schneemann also lectured at the conference, appearing in a red cape and horns and playing with hand puppets.
The conferences drew local opposition, which escalated with the appearance of an op ed piece in the Wall Street Journal on Nov. 5, entitled A Syllabus for Sickos. The author, Roger Kimball, is managing editor of the New Criterion, a monthly arts and cultural magazine. Kimball attended "Revolting Behavior," and slammed the conference in his editorial, noting that it was "aptly named" and that, while it "posed as an academic event, it was in fact a celebration of perversity and sexual libertinage."
He quoted SUNY New Paltz President Roger Bowen as saying that such conferences are "business as usual."
In the midst of the brouhaha, New York Governor George Pataki ordered an investigation, and is awaiting a report from SUNY Chancellor John Ryan before deciding his next step. "It's outrageous that the administration at SUNY New Paltz allowed the expenditure of taxpayers' dollars for the conference," Pataki said. In response to conference supporters' invocation of their First Amendment right to free speech, the Governor added, "This has nothing to do with freedom of speech and everything to do with the proper expenditure of tax dollars."
Several college council members and three state assemblymen have called on Bowen to resign for allowing the conferences to proceed. Council member George Morton criticized Bowen, saying that the council is required by law to supervise campus affairs. Bowen has refused to step down, insisting that "it is the right and responsibility of the academy to provide a free and open forum for people to express their views," and that the college council's role is "advisory, not supervisory."
Reaction from students and parents has been mixed. Some sources have stated that "the whole story is not being told in the press," and that "parents are calling in to local radio stations claiming that they are going to pull their children out of SUNY."


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That is, if remaining Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and their successors are to live in a nation that even faintly resembles the exceptional America left to us by the Silent and Greatest generations.
Nearly half of all babies are born out-of-wedlock. Charles Murray's latest book documents America's middle and lower middle classes "Coming Apart." Last week, this column described millions of self-employed and under-employed Americans that have gone without adequate health care for at least 20 years thanks to high insurance and medical care costs wrought by market distortions including state health insurance monopolies, Medicaid, Medicare, Obamacare and malpractice lawsuits.
President Barack Obama lauded last week's January jobs report that claims over 100,000 net "new" jobs and an "official" unemployment (U-3) rate falling to a five-year low, 6.6%. But as AEI economics reporter James Pethokoukis points out, the "new normal" after five years of Obamanomics ain't what it's cracked up to be:
Before the Great Recession, there were 122 million full-time jobs in America. Now, four and a half years into the Not-So-Great Recovery, there are still just 118 million full-time jobs in America. That, despite a labor force that is 1.6 million larger and a non-jailed, non-military adult working-age population that is 14 million larger. To have the same share of civilian, non-institutional adults working today as back then would require some 11 million additional full-time jobs.
The Senator Barack Hussein Obama first campaigned for president promising to "fundamentally transform" America. Five years later, he can honestly claim success. His war on coal, oil and middle class enabling-cheap energy generally has the poor choosing between food and staying warm. The separation of powers envisioned by the U.S. Constitution to protect We the People from tyrannical government are no more. President Obama changes "the law" at will with a fellow Democratic party-controlled-U.S. Senate applauding like a King's royal court and a cowardly Republican Party leadership afraid to exercise their power of the purse to oppose even obviously impending and ongoing-Obamacare disasters for more than 18 days of a government shutdown. Today we learn that the "condition" the GOP-controlled House may add to a bill raising the debt limit will be to restore pension cuts that they initiated last month in surrendering on the budget bill.
It appears that the delayed roll-out of Obamacare and ongoing jobs depression have finally awakened a majority of Americans to the error of their ways when too many sleep walked to the polls to re-elect Obama, Biden and a Democratic Senate, or remained asleep dreaming of a disability check and food stamps rather than replace them with a Romney, Ryan and Republicans in control of both houses of Congress.
If they remain awake throughout this year's Democrat-Media attempt to paint the GOP as heartless and the Democrat-Media-for-Hillary blitz that awaits from 2015 on; voters will need to elect tea partier-like conservative Republicans if the United States is to have any chance of restoring what was.
It will also require that the Grand Old Party produce what the first Democrat declared:
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson


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A thick, grey fog settled over Beijing recently, obscuring the sun, driving people to hospital emergency rooms, halting children's sports, and hastening the sale of protective masks. The record smog also drew the world's attention to China's struggle with pollution.
By most accounts, China has a disproportionate number of the world's most polluted cities. A glance at some key metrics shows why. During the latest bout of smog, Beijing's air was literally off the charts in terms of particulate matter (PM), the kind of toxic grit that, when inaled, is most dangerous to human health.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a standard diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller for PM. According to the EPA, a measurement of 35 micrograms per cubic meter every 24 hours is the standard for good air. Any measurement of more than 500 is hazardous to human health. During the week of Jan. 16, 2013, Beijing's particulate matter count soared above 750.
China's cities aren't just suffering from poor air. Its water is also highly polluted. The country's water supplies are low anyway, so environmental hazards have exacerbated the problem.
The sources of China's pollution problems include years of uncontrolled industrial activity, in which waste products were often simply discarded in the atmosphere and rivers. China has also long relied on coal, a source of fuel that is a hazard to process, as well as to use. Add to all this the country's growing wealth and the resultant use of automotive travel.
China's cities bear the brunt of the the PRC's environmental struggle, and these are also the locations where popular support for reform is coalescing. Indeed, there's growing evidence that Chinese citizens are mad as hell about the price they're paying for productivity. An editorial in China's People's Daily newspaper cited recently by the Wall Street Journal stated: "The vast, unmoving haze has obscured our vision, but it has made the urgency of pollution control clearer to us." The piece followed with a call for "systematic, scientific, efficient and powerful management of the problem at its source."
The PRC isn't alone in facing the realities of sustainability. Cities all over the world can learn from China's environmental crisis. As it has with the Internet, China has a chance to lead by example in reversing its destructive habits.
In this report, we will take a look at the starting points for reform -- the cities in China most affected by pollution. Naturally, we welcome your feedback. Do you live in one of these cities?
We welcome your input on the message boards below.
Next page: 12: Xi'an


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August has arrived. No matter where you look, it seems there are signs of school staring back of you. August is not only the month to begin gathering the materials your child needs to be successful in school, it is also the perfect time to help your child begin developing the skills for academic success.
If asked, most children will state they want to do well in school. All too often, however, they either lack the motivation or the necessary skills to accomplish that goal.
Academic success is the result of a combination of schools – organization, time management, prioritization, concentration and motivation. GreatSchools.staff provides some tips to help parents with those issues.
Talk to your child: To determine which of the above skills your child has and which he may need to develop further, begin a conversation that focuses on his goals. Ask about his favorite subjects, the classes he dreads and whether he was satisfied with the results he achieved last year.
Listen for clues: Integrate your observation skills with your child's self-assessment. Was she overwhelmed by assignments? Could be she has trouble with organizing her time. Did she have problems completing her work? Perhaps she is too easily distracted. Is your child disinterested in school? She may need your help in getting motivated.
Identify problem areas: Begin here to help your child identify which of the five skill areas are the trouble spots.
- Organization – For many students, academic challenges are related more to lack of organization than to a lack of intellectual ability.
- Make a checklist of things your child needs to take to and from school each day. Put one copy by the door at home and another copy in his backpack. Make an effort to determine every day if he remembers the items on the list. (It is a good idea for him to check them off as he puts them into his backpack, coming and going)
- Have your child show you how he keeps track of his homework and how he organizes his notebooks. Then work together to develop a system that will be easier for him to use.
- Shop with your child so he can select tools to help him remain organized, such as binders, folders and/or an assignment book.
- Time Management – Learning to organize time into productive blocks takes practice and experience.
- Track assignments on a monthly calendar. Work backward from the due date of larger assignments and break it down into nightly assignments.
- Have your child track how much time she spends on homework each week. Determine if this can be broken up into more manageable chunks.
- Together, select a time for nightly homework, and work to ensure it happens.
- If all the homework can't be done during evenings, help your child determine other times, such as early morning, study halls or weekends, to get it done.
- Prioritization - Sometimes children fall behind in school and fail to hand in assignments because they simply do not know where to begin. Prioritizing tasks is a skill your child will need throughout life, so it is never too soon to get started.
- Have your child write down all the things he needs to do, including non-school-related items.
- Ask him to label each task from 1 to 3, with 1 being the most important.
- Review the list with your child so you can learn his priorities. If he labels all his social activities as 1s, then you know where his attention is focused.
- Help your child change some of the labels to better prioritize for academic success. Then suggest he rewrite the list so all the 1s are on the top.
- Check in frequently to see how the list is evolving and how your child is prioritizing new tasks.
- Concentration – Children should work on schoolwork in an area which has limited distractions or interruptions.
- Remove all access to email and games when your child works on the computer.
- Declare phones and TV off-limits during homework time.
- Find space appropriate to the assignment. If your child is working on a science project, she may require lots of space. If studying for a Latin test, she will need a well-lit desk.
- Help your child to concentrate during homework time by separating her from her siblings.
- Motivation – Tapping into your child's interest is a great way to get him excited about doing well in school.
- Link assignments to your child's life. If he's learning percentage, ask him to figure out what percent of shots LeBron James made during the NBA play-offs.
- Link your child's interest to academics. Provide books and activities which enhance his interests.
- Give your child as much control and choices as possible. With your guidance, allow him to determine his study hours, organizing system or school project topics.
- Encourage your child to share his expertise. Invite him to teach you something he's learned about in school.
- Encourage your child by celebrating all his successes, even the smallest ones.


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Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Staff Tools | Classes | Newsroom
News from Unity
Unity Internal Medicine at Long Pond will open a new practice at 1561 Long Pond Rd., Suite 303, on the Unity Park Ridge Health Care campus in Greece on Tuesday, October 1.
Stephen Hellems, M.D. will see patients starting October 1. He will be joined by Sandy Sorrentino, M.D., Ph.D. and Diane Weezorak, M.S., A.N.P.-C. on October 15.
Call (585) 368-3000 for more information.
About Unity
At Unity Health System you'll find the friendliest and most compassionate people dedicated to providing the best possible health care experience. We have over 70 locations in Rochester and Monroe County, including Unity Hospital, located on the Unity Park Ridge Health Care Campus in the town of Greece and the Unity St. Mary's Campus in Rochester. Key programs include our Joint Replacement Center, Family Birth Place, Spine Center, Diabetes Center, Stroke Center, Brain Injury & Physical Rehabilitation, and Chemical Dependency. Our Center for Aging has the area's most comprehensive range of services for older adults which includes specialized care for dementia, a chronic ventilator unit, three skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, a short-stay transitional care center, home health services, adult day programs, and The Villages at Unity—an independent senior living community. ACM Medical Laboratory is a world leader of patient and clinical trials testing, with locations in western New York, York, England, and India, and lab partnerships across the globe. Our shared commitment to delivering health care the way it should be is reflected in our overall employee and patient satisfaction ratings and quality outcomes. For more information, visit www.unityhealth.org. ###
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When Drew Brees ended up 15 yards short of Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record in 2008, he figured he'd never get close again.
The Saints' offense was just too "lopsided" that year, Brees said, finishing first in the NFL in passing but 28th in rushing. And worst of all, New Orleans finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
This year might be the perfect storm, though.
This time, the wins are piling up along with the passing yards for the Saints (7-3). And they aren't quite as unbalanced, with a running game that has been inconsistent but showing signs of improvement.
The key is that the Saints are gaining a ton of yards. Not only is Brees on pace to shatter Marino's record, but the Saints' offense is threatening to break the NFL record for total yards in a season, set by the St. Louis Rams in 2000.
The Saints are on pace for 6,990 yards this season, and Brees is on pace for 5,322 passing yards. The Rams gained 7,075 yards in 2000, and Marino threw for 5,084 yards in 1984.
"It seems like we are putting up a lot of yards," Brees said. "There are other stats that are more important, but yards mean you are doing something right. You are possessing the ball, spreading it around and moving it down the field. You are probably getting a lot of scoring opportunities, which we are. I know we lead the league in times in the red zone and red-zone touchdowns. We are doing something right, but we set the bar pretty high for ourselves, so we look to try to be really good in every phase.
"Did I think that I would be on pace for that Marino record again? No, I didn't. Maybe that is another reason why I am not thinking about it, because it was never really a focus of mine."
Another reason Brees said he hasn't paid much attention to the record chase is that he's not the only one in pursuit during this passing frenzy that has overtaken the NFL this season.
In fact, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is on pace for even more yards (5,390) than Brees. And Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on pace for 5,100 yards.
Brees said he would love to break Marino's record, that any competitive person who gets close would think, "Man, that would be cool," and that the entire team would share in the accomplishment. But he said he only wants it if it comes "within the framework of us doing it the right way."
"If you can go rolling into the playoffs and collect a few record on the way, it's fun to talk about. And records are made to be broken, so why not," said Brees, who said he got caught up in the chase for Marino's record in 2008.
"I feel very different this year than I did back in 2008 in regards to this Marino thing," Brees said. "I think back in '08, maybe because it was the first time that any of us (in the NFL) had really been close to that record in a long time ... it seemed like every week it was a topic of discussion. And that was the first time I had been a part of anything like that. For me, I tried not to make it stressful, but it was hard not to think about it because people would always talk about it.
"Maybe because I have been through that before, I am really not thinking about it or letting it creep into my mind all that often. I am just so focused on winning games and doing whatever it takes to win the game."
Running is important
Last week's 26-23 overtime victory at Atlanta was a perfect example. The Saints didn't go into the game wanting to pass for 322 yards and rush for only 41 yards. But the Falcons' defense took away the running game, and the Saints were having a lot of success throwing the ball, so they stuck with what was working.
What was frustrating, Coach Sean Payton said, was their inability to convert a crucial first down in the final minutes of regulation, when they had second-and-1 and lost 4 yards on a running play and wound up with third-and-5.
"I think what's most important is that when we have to, we have the ability to rush the football," said Payton, who made it the No. 1 priority for the offense to become more balanced this year after their injury-plagued running game struggled so badly last year.
The Saints drafted tailback Mark Ingram in the first round, then added dynamic tailback Darren Sproles in free agency to replace Reggie Bush. At times, the running game has been terrific -- at other times, painfully ineffective. But overall, the Saints rank 14th in the NFL with 117.5 rushing yards per game and eighth in the NFL at 4.6 yards per carry.
"Are we a finished product? No," Payton said. "Yet, I know we're further along than we were a year ago in that element of our game. ...
"I think when we get into this next stretch and into the postseason, that element of our football team is an important one in regards to how the season finishes and how we play overall."
The Saints ran for 236 yards in a victory over Indianapolis, 195 yards in a victory over Tampa Bay and 177 yards in a victory over Jacksonville. But they ran for 81 yards or fewer in each of their three losses this season, including 56 against St. Louis, which was among the worst in the NFL against the run.
"I am not worried about (the running game), because I know we can do it," Brees said. "It's just a matter of being able to execute it on a consistent basis."
Brees' numbers impressive
There have been a few times this season where Brees has been forced to play catch-up, which has played a part in his throwing 11 interceptions.
Other than that, Brees is having an outstanding season. He ranks third in the NFL with a passer rating of 101.3 (behind Rodgers' 130.7 and Brady's 102.0). Brees and Brady are tied for second with 23 touchdown passes, behind Rodgers' 28. And Brees ranks first in the league with a passer rating of 118.6 on third downs.
Brees also is making a run at history with his remarkable streak of 37 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. That ranks second in NFL history behind Johnny Unitas' streak of 47.
Payton isn't interested in trying to frame Brees' brilliance in historical context nor is he trying to guess how long Brees, 32, will be able to keep this up.
"I think most importantly, we're seeing outstanding football," Payton said.
Mike Triplett can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3405.


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Before you determine what industry you want to move into, it's important to realize that every industry will be looking for certain skills all employees should have. In fact, a SHRM survey found that 2/3 of organizations currently hiring full-time staff stated that the 'soft skills' including critical thinking/problem-solving, professionalism/work ethic, written communication, and leadership are lacking in some candidates that are applying. So while you determine the hard skills you need for the hottest sectors in Phoenix, think about these tips to build your soft skills too.
- Volunteering: There are great options for problem-solving and leadership in various volunteer organizations. Find one that aligns with a passion of yours, or has committees or projects that can provide you exposure for developing skills or building on new ones.
- Professional Organizations: Depending on your industry, there may be Phoenix based professional groups where you can use your professionalism and written communication skills. Consider joining a committee or assisting with programs to increase your network too.
- Internal Activities: Talk to your current supervisor and see if there are projects, programs, teams, or committees that you can get involved in. See if your involvement can expand on your soft skills and leverage that experience into your next career.


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Steal of the Week: Eastern Caribbean from $70/Night + OBC
January 16, 2014 | By Brittany Chrusciel | No Comments
Everyone is looking for the deal of the century. So how do you choose the one that's right for you? Check the Lido Deck each week to get the scoop on our favorite deals — then grab the phone and pack your bags.
THE DEAL: Online Vacation Center is offering a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas sailing roundtrip from Baltimore on December 9, 2014. Prices start from $699 per person for an outside cabin and include onboard credit.
WHAT WE LOVE: It's not set to sail until later this year, but this December Caribbean cruise is a great time to go. Just $70 per night gets you a view, and a little extra onboard credit (and a few sea days to spend it). Grandeur was refurbished and upgraded in 2012 to include Oasis-class features. Past the threat of hurricane season, and home in time for the holidays, who could resist some sun on this 10-night island escape?
WHAT GIVES US PAUSE: Be sure to book soon before fares adjust, and by the end of February to ensure you qualify for the onboard credit bonus. You must be in an outside or higher cabin to earn onboard credit, and must be on a ship departing March through December. Prepaid gratuities are offered, but only in a balcony and higher cabin. Double-check the fine print on this deal before booking.
HOW TO BOOK IT: For all the nitty-gritty on this deal (including that pesky fine print), click here.
Compare flight prices with our sister site TripAdvisor's meta-search tool.
Looking for cruises for under $75 or even $50 a day? We've got 'em listed on our Cheap Cruises page.
Get great cruise deals — and exclusive member offers — delivered weekly to your inbox.
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The children of Grimsargh Pre-school enjoyed a visit from Longridge vet Paul Thomas.
He examined some of their pets, showing the children how to do so, and gave tips on how to take care of them at home.
Chloe the spaniel was examined by four-year-old Louisa Worden, watched by owners Matt and Lexi Hartley and vet Paul. Dexter Metcalf (3) examined Munch the rabbit and learned a new word – stethoscope!
The children had made a poster advertising National Pet Month and were proud to show it to Paul.
Grimsargh Pre-school has recently gained the Lancashire Step into Quality Award. Improvements were made in every area of the settings provision from September 2013 until March this year and all children are said to be playfully learning, enjoying and achieving more because of it.


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Josephine Turner, Michael S. Gutter, Nayda I. Torres, Horacio Soberon, and Vervil Mitchell2
You can assume there will always be some type of tax during your lifetime. Taxes are levied for many reasons, but primarily to fund government activities that should benefit the populace. Examples of these activities include education, defense, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Developing solutions and programs for citizens requires creative leadership, good management, and a great deal of money.
Revenue to meet these needs comes primarily from taxes—sales, property, income, and others. A major source of revenue is the federal income tax. Tax laws were created not only to raise money for government expenditures but also to encourage or discourage some behaviors. For example, tax laws encourage people to purchase homes because homeowners have tax deductions available to them. On the other hand, heavy taxes on liquor and cigarettes can discourage excessive use.
Income tax time is stressful for many people. Ideally, your employer will withhold enough taxes during the year to meet the tax due, but if you have to pay additional taxes, money must be available from the family budget. Otherwise, another source must be found to pay the additional tax. If you have questions about your withholding, check with your employer. Tax management involves minimizing the effects of taxes in order to help maintain a lifestyle compatible with your goals and aspirations. It is important that you take every opportunity to minimize your tax bill. Remember, you don't have to pay more in taxes than the law demands. Paying less in taxes by carefully planning and using the tax laws is wise and legal, but you must pay what the law requires.
If you keep records throughout the year, filing at the end of the tax year is easier. However, if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) questions your figures, the burden is on you to prove they are incorrect. The most acceptable forms of proof are your records and receipts, such as canceled checks, vouchers, sales slips, earning statements, dividends, and interest. If you cannot back up your figures with these or other means, you may be required to pay more taxes, as well as penalties and interest.
Even though some people who are employed do not have to file an income tax return because of low earnings, it may be to their advantage to file for several reasons:
If an employer has withheld tax from your wages and the amount is more than you owe, you must file a return to get the money refunded.
A tax advantage for low and moderately paid workers called the Earned Income Tax Credit reduces taxes owed, and, if you qualify, it may give you a refund even if no tax was withheld. Check with your employers to see if you are eligible for this benefit. In 2013, low- to moderate-income workers could be eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit return up to $6,044. (See the worksheet and table at the end of this publication to learn more about qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit.)
Your filing status, age, and gross income determine whether or not you have to file a return. To check if you have to file, a chart is listed in the 1040EZ, the 1040A and 1040 forms and instruction booklets. If you did not receive the forms, you can visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040.
Forms 1040EZ and 1040A can be used for low to moderate incomes if you meet the guidelines. These forms are simpler and can be completed in a shorter time and with fewer calculations than the 1040 form, but you must fall within the specified guidelines found in the instructions. In some cases, even if you qualify to use the simpler forms, it may be to your advantage to file the 1040 form. For example, if your charitable giving is greater than the standard deduction allowed on 1040EZ or 1040A, you can use a Schedule A with the 1040 form to reduce your adjusted gross income. If you qualify for Head of Household filing status, using 1040A or 1040, may result in a lower tax than filing the Single filing status on 1040EZ. The following information refers to the 1040 form:
Filing Status. A taxpayer's filing status is determined by his/her marital status on December 31 of the tax year. Married people can file one joint return or they may each file separately. Depending on specific circumstances, unmarried taxpayers may be classified as Single, Head of Household (unmarried person who paid over half of the cost of keeping up a home for qualified live-in dependents such as minor children or elderly parents), or Qualifying Widow(er) (person whose spouse has died during one of the previous tax years and has a child living with him/her whom he/she can claim as a dependent).
Age. Individuals receive an extra bump on their standard deduction if they are over age 65.
Gross Income. The last part of the filing formula is the gross income of the taxpayer. Therefore, it is important to know what is included in or excluded from gross income.
Wage/Salary. The employee's gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, tips, and income from second jobs. Generally the IRS will not tax the cost of most fringe benefits. By January 31 each year, your employer must give you a W-2 form showing your total earnings for the previous year and the amounts withheld for taxes and other purposes. Attach a copy of your W-2 to your income tax form. If you are paid on a commission basis, your employer will send you a 1099 form.
Unemployment Compensation. All unemployment benefits are taxable.
Dividends. If you own stocks, you will receive a year-end statement of dividends paid to you, either from your brokerage firm if it holds your stock, or directly from the issuing company if you hold the stock yourself.
Capital Gains and Losses. Capital gains or losses are your profits or losses from the sale of any property you own and use for personal purposes or investments.
Rental Income and Expenses. All of your income and expense records (such as taxes, interest, and depreciation) for rental property should be kept separately from records for property you use yourself.
Pension, Retirement Plans, and Annuities. At the end of the year, your pension fund trustee will send you copies of either (or both, if necessary) the W-2P form for pension and certain other periodic payments or the 1099-R form for lump sum distributions. In addition, your former employer will send you annual statements breaking down benefits paid to you in taxable and non-taxable portions.
Alimony. Alimony is taxable as regular income. Child support payments are neither taxable if received, nor deductible if paid.
Social Security. A portion of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Check the instructions on Form 1040 for details.
Non-taxable income does not have to be reported. Examples of non-taxable income include the following:
Child support payments received
Life insurance death benefits
Divorce settlements (lump sum)
Money from lawsuits for accidents
Gifts and inheritances
Workers' compensation
Income from municipal bonds
Value of food stamps
Proceeds from sale of personal items sold for less than purchase price (such as in garage sales)
Veteran benefits
Part of Social Security benefits
Employer-provided benefits, up to specific limits
Some expenses, such as moving costs, you can deduct from your gross income. These are called adjustments to gross income. Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is your gross income less your adjustments to income. The AGI is used to determine eligibility for many tax breaks, including personal exemptions, itemized deductions, and credits. Those with higher AGIs may face reduced benefits.
Examples of adjustments to income are follows:
Contributions to qualified retirement plans such as IRAs, Keough, or SEP
Moving expenses (restricted)
Alimony paid
1/2 of self-employment tax
Penalty for early withdrawal of CDs
Medical savings account deduction
Self-employed health insurance deduction
Deductions are expenditures you made during the year that can be subtracted from your adjusted gross income. The tax laws specify which expenses are deductible. Note you must choose between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions. Once you know your total Itemized Deductions, you compare this to the Standard Deduction provided on form 1040. Use whichever is greater.
The following are examples of tax-deductible expenses that may be itemized on Schedule A:
Mortgage interest
Gifts to charity (50% ceiling)
State and local income taxes
Property taxes
Job expenses (2% floor)
Medical expenses (7.5% floor)
Casualty and theft losses (10% floor)
The expenses labeled with floor or ceiling have built-in limits as to how much of the expenses may be deducted. These limits are often tied to AGI. The percentages indicate a floor or ceiling relative to adjusted gross income (AGI). A ceiling represents a maximum, while a floor represents a minimum level of expense. For instance, out-of-pocket medical expenses in excess of 7.5% of AGI may be deducted, but the amount less than this cannot. The amount deducted for charitable gifts cannot exceed 50% of AGI. Expenses you have to pay for your job, but not reimbursed and exceeding 2% of AGI may be included. Losses resulting from casualty or theft, not reimbursed by insurance and in excess of 10% of AGI, may be included as an itemized deduction. Many taxpayers do not have a large amount of deductible expenses. They would use the standard deduction shown on each tax form. The amount of the standard deduction depends on the filing status of the taxpayer. In addition, the standard deduction increases if the taxpayer and/or spouse are blind or if either or both are 65 or older.
Taxpayers should take time to do the math to find whether taking the standard deduction or itemizing deductible expenses will result in a greater deduction from the adjusted gross income.
You can deduct a personal exemption for every person in your household who can be claimed as a dependent, including you and your spouse. If an individual is eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another's return, he cannot take a personal exemption on his own return. An example of this is when a child is claimed as a dependent on a parent's return; the child is then unable to claim a personal exemption against his/her own income.
Currently there are six basic income tax rates: 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35%. The rates that apply to you depend on your taxable income and your filing status. These tax rates are called tax brackets.
A common misconception about taxes is that if your taxable income increases and you are pushed into a higher bracket, you will end up with a lower "take-home" income. The way taxes are computed does not allow this to happen because the tax rates are applied in income steps. Only the additional income is taxed in the higher bracket. The lower part of your earnings will still be taxed at the lower rate.
For example: A single taxpayer with a taxable income of $40,000 paid $6,030 in taxes in 2012. The tax rate bracket for $40,000 is 25%. This taxpayer is in the 25% tax bracket, but the first $35,350 of her income was taxed at the lower 15% rate. The remaining $4,650 is taxed at 25%.
Most people do not have to compute taxes themselves; instead they can use the tax tables provided with the tax forms to determine the tax due. These tables have been calculated using the procedure discussed above.
After the tax has been determined, you may qualify for additional credits, such as child and dependent care expenses, credit for the elderly or disabled, and/or adoption credit. Credits are deducted dollar for dollar from taxes due. On the other hand, deductions reduce your tax at your marginal tax rate.
Certain other taxes must be added to the tax if they apply to your situation. These include self-employment tax, Social Security and Medicare, tip income not reported to the employer, tax on qualified retirement plans, advanced Earned Income Credit payments, and household employment taxes.
After any credits have been deducted and other taxes added to the computed tax amount, deduct the withholding payments found on your W-2 form(s) and Earned Income Tax Credits (if you qualify), to find the amount of tax you owe or the refund due to you.
You can easily complete your return if you keep good records and your financial activities are not complicated. If you need it, free help is available.
The IRS provides many resources without charge:
IRS office: Contact for advice, forms, instructions and help filling out forms.
IRS website (http://www.irs.gov): Visit for forms, instructions, publications, and educational material.
Phone: Call 1-800-829-1040 for advice.
2. Many of the forms, instructions, or publications are available at your local library or from http://www.irs.gov. The IRS website allows you to search for and see the forms to determine which form you will need.
3. Tax preparation software is available at local computer retailers, discount stores or through various websites.
4. In some communities, free help is available from trained volunteer groups such as the AARP Tax-Aide group. These sites are known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA sites.
If you decide you do not want to prepare the return yourself, commercial tax services are available. Their fees range from $30 up to $150 or more depending on the complexity of the return and the qualification of the tax preparers. Ask for a general estimate or take all of your records to the preparer's office and ask for a firm quote. Be sure to ask what liability the preparers will assume. For example, ask if they will pay any penalties and interest if they make mistakes. Check to see if the preparers are licensed to fill out the return. Be wary of tax preparation services that promise a quick refund. The fee you pay for this service can be substantial. A quick refund is a loan made to you secured by your tax refund. These loans have an APR interest rate of about 400%. Instead, you can file electronically and supply your bank account number and receive your refund in less than 10 days.
Also, be wary of firms that promise or guarantee a refund. No reputable tax preparer can promise such a thing before they have had a chance to look at your individual records. If a tax preparer cheats on your behalf, you are still responsible. Having someone else—even the IRS—complete your return does not relieve you of the responsibility for the accuracy of your return.
Mail. Complete your return and mail it to the IRS in the envelope provided or send it to the address for your state found in the instruction manual.
If you have a modem, computer, and tax software, you can e-file your return from home. Through a tax transmitter, you can file 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A tax transmitter may charge a fee for transmitting your return.
You can prepare your own return and have a tax professional transmit it electronically or have your return prepared and transmitted. Look for the "AUTHORIZED IRS E-FILE PROVIDER" sign. Tax professionals may charge a fee, and the amount depends on the professional and the services. Be sure to ask what the fee is before you request the service.
Some employers or financial institutions offer e-file services for free or a small fee to their employees or customers.
Be sure to keep all the records you used to file your income tax return. If the IRS audits a return, they will ask to see these records.
Keep your copy of the following records:
All the W-2 or 1099 forms you and your spouse received from employers for wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and tips
Unemployment compensation statement or check stubs
1099 forms for interest or dividend income received
All records to verify capital gains or losses
Records of income and expense for rental properties (Keep separate from your personal residence records.)
Annual statements from pensions and/or Social Security
Statement of alimony received
Keep the following expense records:
Year-end statements that show interest paid on your mortgage
Receipts and canceled checks for charitable contributions
Receipts for taxes paid, including real estate, state, and local income taxes
Receipts for qualified medical expenses, job-related expenses, and casualty and theft losses
Keep a copy of your records, as well as copies of previous tax returns, for at least three years. However, you may want to keep them for up to 10 years or until the statute of limitations for that return runs out (Table 1). In instances of fraud or securities transactions, time limits may not apply, so keeping a permanent file of tax records is recommended. The statute of limitations is the period of time in which you can amend your return to claim a credit or refund or the IRS can assess additional tax.
Save the following documents for three years: canceled checks, insurance claims, travel diaries, receipts, sales slips, invoices, and medical bills.
You should keep these records permanently: complete copies of previous tax returns, proof of when you bought and sold investments, all records of real estate or personal property, and divorce decrees or separation agreements that justify alimony or child-support payments.
Period of Limitations
If you...
Then the period is...
Owe additional tax and (2), (3), and (4) do not apply to you
3 years
File a claim for credit or refund after you filed your return
Later of 3 years or 2 years after tax was paid
Do not report income that you should and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return
6 years
File a claim for a loss from worthless secures
7 years
File a fraudulent return
No limit
Do not file a return
No limit
Adapted from IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/ar02.html).
Sometimes a mistake has been made on a previous return. The IRS permits you to file a corrected return using Form 1040X. The mistake may mean you owe more or that you are entitled to a larger return. You should file in either case. It's better to own up to a mistake than face an audit later. Taxpayers have three years from the original filing date to do this. Families who forgot to claim certain credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit should definitely do this.
Take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit if you qualify.
Take advantage of employer-provided benefits.
For homeowners, interest paid on a mortgage and real estate taxes are deductible if you itemize on Schedule A.
Contribute to your retirement by contributing to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Contributions may qualify as adjustments to income and, remember, Roth IRA earnings are tax free.
Take advantage of the tax credit available for day care for dependents if you qualify.
Residents of many communities in Florida may be close to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. These sites provide free tax preparation and filing for many eligible Floridians. You can call 211 in many counties to find a local VITA site.
The IRS hotline for questions about your return is 1-800-829-1040.
Florida residents may also call their local IRS office; this can be found on http://irs.gov or a local phone directory.
Those needing taxpayer advocacy service in Florida can call either 904-665-1000 (Jacksonville) or 954-423-7677 (Plantation).
Garman, E. T. & Forgue, R. E. (2006). Personal finance, 8th edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). (2013). IRS website. Retrieved from http://www.irs.gov/
You may claim the EIC if you answer "Yes" to all the following questions.*
1. Is your AGI less than:
$13,980 ($19,190 for married filing jointly) if you do not have a qualifying child,
$36,920 ($42,130 for married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child,
$41,952 ($47,162 for married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children, or
$45,060 ($50,270 for married filing jointly) if you have more than two qualifying children? (See Rule 1.)
2. Do you, your spouse, and your qualifying child each have a valid social security number? (See Rule 2.)
3. Is your filing status married filing jointly, head of household, qualifying widow(er), or single? (See Rule 3.)
Caution: If you or your spouse is a nonresident alien, answer "Yes" only if your filing status is married filing jointly. (See Rule 4.)
4. Answer "Yes" if you are not filing Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ. Otherwise, answer "No." (See Rule 5.)
5. Is your investment income $3,200 or less? (See Rule 6.)
6. Is your total earned income at least $1 but less than:
$13,980 ($19,190 for married filing jointly) if you do not have a qualifying child,
$36,920 ($42,130 for married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child,
$41,952 ($47,162 for married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children, or
$45,060 ($50,270 for married filing jointly) if you have more than two qualifying children? (See Rules 7 and 15.)
7. Answer "Yes" if you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) are not a qualifying child of another
taxpayer. Otherwise, answer "No." (See Rules 10 and 13.)
Stop: If you have a qualifying child, answer questions 8 and 9 and skip 10–12. If you do not
have a qualifying child, skip questions 8 and 9 and answer 10–12.*
8. Does your child meet the relationship, age, residency, and joint return tests for a qualifying child? (See Rule 8.)
9. Is your child a qualifying child only for you?
Answer "Yes" if (a) your qualifying child does not meet the tests to be a qualifying child of any other person or (b) your qualifying child meets the tests to be a qualifying child of another person but you are the person entitled to treat the child as a qualifying child under the tiebreaker rules explained in Rule 9.
Answer "No" if the other person is the one entitled to treat the child as a qualifying child under the tiebreaker rules.
10. Were you (or your spouse if filing a joint return) at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2012? (See Rule 11.)
11. Answer "Yes" if you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) cannot be claimed as a dependent on anyone else's return. Answer "No" if you (or your spouse if filing a joint return) can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. (See Rule 12.)
12. Was your main home (and your spouse's if filing a joint return) in the United States for more than half the year? (See Rule 14.)
*Persons with a qualifying child: If you answered "Yes" to questions 1 through 9, you can claim the EIC. Remember to fill out Schedule EIC and attach it to your Form 1040 or Form 1040A. You cannot use Form 1040EZ.
If you answered "Yes" to questions 1 through 7 and "No" to question 8, answer questions 10 through 12 to see if you can claim the EIC without a qualifying child.
Persons without a qualifying child: If you answered "Yes" to questions 1 through 7, and 10 through 12, you can claim the EIC.
If you answered "no" to any question that applies to you: You cannot claim the EIC.
Adapted from IRS publication 596, Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf). The information on this sheet is based on filing taxes for the year 2012, for more up-to-date information visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov.
Earned Income Credit in a Nutshell1
First, you must meet all the rules in this column.
Second, you must meet all the rules in one of these columns, whichever applies.
Third, you must meet the rule in this column.
Chapter 1.
Rules for Everyone
Chapter 2.
Rules If You Have a Qualifying Child
Chapter 3.
Rules If You Do Not Have a Qualifying Child
Chapter 4.
Figuring and Claiming the EIC
1. Your adjust gross income (AGI) must be less than:
2. You must have a valid Social Security number.
3. Your filing status cannot be "Married filing separately."
4. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.
5. You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ (relating to foreign earned income.)
6. Your investment income must be $3,200 or less.
7. You must have earned income.
8. Your child must meet the relationship, age, residency, and joint return tests.
9. Your qualifying child cannot be used by more than one person to claim the EIC.
10. You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
11. You must be at least age 25 but under age 65.
12. You cannot be the dependent of another person.
13. You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
14. You must have lived in the United States more than half of the year.
15. Your earned income must be less than:
1Adapted from IRS publication 596, Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf). The information in this table is based on filing taxes for the year 2012, for more up-to-date information visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov.
This document is FCS7026, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date November 1987. Latest revision May 2013. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Originally written by Vervil Mitchell, former family economics specialist; revised by Josephine Turner, former faculty member; Michael S. Gutter, associate professor; Nayda Torres, former faculty member; and Horacio Soberon, former visiting assistant Extension scientist, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences; Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.


text:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Welcome to Harmony!
Hello and thank you for visiting the harmony baptist church site. We hope that it will answer any questions you may have about us. If you are in the Chattanooga area and looking for a warm loving biblical place of worship drop by and pay us a visit.
Phone: 423-629-9660Fax: 423-629-01563832 Youngstown Rd.Chattanooga, TN 37406
Service TimesSunday school: 9:50 a.m.Worship service: 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m.Wednesday prayer meeting: 7 p.m.
423-629-96603832 Youngstown Rd.Chattanooga, TN 37406


text:
From a preson who dislikes NJO...
Buy balance point.... NOW!!!!
Great ending, very unexpected
kinda makes the war with the Vong more personal. My one complaint is the Lazyness, and stupidity of the Republic goverment, let the governemtn control polotics, and let the military control the military.
Tho near the end, i realized what was happening HAD to happen.... if there is a going to be a end to the series.
Han, Jacen, Jaina, Luke, Mara have major roles
Droma has a minor role, as wel as C3PO, and R2
the Warmaster struts his stuff
Nor Amor shows up where you least expect it.
and you learn a valuble bit of information about the Vong Gods in the book. And things start becomeing more clear.
Well done, this book is given my Force Seal of approvel
um... wrong pic... http://www.xwingalliance.com/forums/wink.gif
what about the galactic map? is it updated at all?
This thing's a hardcover! That's why it's so damn expensive.
I haven't even read Jedi Eclipse yet...
well, if you look inside the back cover you will see an updated map where it shows the route of the Vong, and a close up near the duros systems.
he is a scanned iimage ofthe map
BP updated map
tho in all honesty i think that map is very inaccurate
problem is the map is the map. it's the one that for the time being is the way it is.
what do you not like about the map?
I have it on reserve at the library, i'm not buying it till it's in paperback. Yes I'm cheap. Oh yeah, and it's not hard to figure out something major happens since it is called BALANCE POINT. It's the climax of the series.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
-Ben Franklin
Rogue 6
Damn - Han really hasnt aged well has he, whilst Leia - Wit Woo - she still looks mighty fine. Han looks like the dojo leader from Karate Kid 1 !
Errr - bit of a subject change there.....
I think too many of use oldens are complaining about the NJO series. It wasnt really aimed at us, so therefore we are gonna not take to it as easily. How many times am I gonna have to say this ?
Grow up and act your age........
Nove Squadron, Elite B-Wing flight group stationed aboard the MC Oracle, home of the tech library.
'No capitol too large, no corvette too armed. NOVA squadron, for ALL your extermination needs. Our special at the moment - Eclipse Star Destroyers !'
Commander Jon 'DFMD' Adamson - leader of Nova Squadron (B-Wing ID = 'The White Witch')
We ARE acting our age: Old guys are known to nag ! http://www.xwingalliance.com/forums/wink.gif
*old crotchty voice* Back in my day....
Well, dont have much time to explain my beef about the NJO map, have to go to my 2nd job
First of all, it is over simplified. In star wars you travel along hyperspace "routes" that have been known and catalog for over 5000 years. as you get closer to the core, you run into Gas Clouds, and stay asteroids. navigating near the core is very difficult, and most ships exlusivly rely on Hyper space beacons to travel from one system to the other.
He is a very well done star wars map (tho unofficial) here
The NJO map thinks that planets are strung like perals on a necklace along trade routes. and is dislike the fact that there seems to be a straight shot from duro to Courscant.. if that was the case, why didn't the republic use that system when they took Imperial center?
Typicall thetre is a star stsyemm in every 5 cubic light years (big guess, but fair assumpiton) light years on average. Our galaxy (which GL used as a model for the SW galaxy in ESB) is over 100,000,000 light years in diameter, and near the core it is esitmated to have a "bulge" that is 10 million light years in diameter. square root of (100 million times 10 million) is about 31 million cubic light years. that meas there shoudl be about 6 million star systems. yet the NJO map and story doesnt take in acount these millions of star systems. you can go from one improtant plaent to the other, and they all have stright shots to reachother.
the X-wing series did a good job with the hyperspace travel. they plotted a course and had to use minor systems to get to major ones.
From WEG SW, Kuat Drive yards had about 4 adjacent star systems.. and 4 hyperspace routes to the Kuat system. no others. now a good navigator could make a 5th one, but it would be very risky.. the "bounce off a supernove or hjit a stay asteroid, it isn't like dusting crops"
I wish the NJO authoers had more freedom on geography, but is seems they are relying on the dumb NJO map to make thier stories
but that's the problem with any map. It's a 2D representation of a 3D thing. The other thing you forget is that *****y little thing called gravity. Stellar bodies are not static. They drift over time. The other thing is that the 3D to 2D shift distorts something (Greenland on most maps)
the Lay out is correct probably on the map, so while looking down on the NJO map it is probably right but it's relationship in 3D (x,y,z) isn't.
also, i believe the use of the word system is defined by most star wars sources is a solar system (the planets orbiting a star(s), since binary systems in science are more abundant than unitary or trinary). A sector is probably the 5 by 5 by 5 light year volume. That would allow for something like Corellia to be the system with Corellia, Drall, Sacoria, Talus and Tralus and the Correllian Sector to include those, Duro, Sacoria etc.
uh yeah a system is a group of planents orbiting a star(s)
secotr is a group of systems that is linked together, yet has limit extranl acces. think of countries as sectors
the NJO mad does not use sectors one single bit.
Oh give them a break. At least it's something.
Keep in mind that Han's also been under a lot of stress.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
-Ben Franklin
Rogue 6
Its people like you that are bringing down the storylines by SIMPLIFING it all....
Anyone spare us some flak armour...
Nove Squadron, Elite B-Wing flight group stationed aboard the MC Oracle, home of the tech library.
'No capitol too large, no corvette too armed. NOVA squadron, for ALL your extermination needs. Our special at the moment - Eclipse Star Destroyers !'
Commander Jon 'DFMD' Adamson - leader of Nova Squadron (B-Wing ID = 'The White Witch')
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text: Critically-endangered American burying beetles have been released at the Fernald PreserveThe Zoo helps save endangered species through research, education, and habitat protection. In many cases, the Zoo's own staff spearheads conservation programs, such as the American Burying Beetle Release project and the Rhino Rembrandts program. In other cases, the Zoo helps by supporting programs led by world renowned conservation organizations. In either case, the Zoo forms critical partnerships with other scientists and organizations to help save endangered species.Many of the efforts are coordinated by the Zoo's Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), which is dedicated to Saving Species with Science®.The Zoo also participates in Species Survival Plans (SSP) for many species requiring protection. Managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, an SSP helps to ensure the survival of a selected species through managed captive breeding, research, education, and conservation in the wild. Zoo ProgramsAfricaBlack-footed CatBlack RhinoCheetahOkapiSahelo-Saharan AntelopesSand Cat Spot-necked OtterWestern Lowland GorillaAsiaAsian ElephantAsian Small-clawed OtterFishing CatGuam RailIndian RhinoPallas' Cat Red-crowned CraneRhinoceros HornbillSumatran RhinocerosCentral/South AmericaAndean CondorBlue and Gold MacawBlue-throated MacawSouthern Brazilian OcelotNorth AmericaAukletsBlack Warrior WaterdogFlorida ManateeMasked Bobwhite QuailMill Creek Restoration ProjectNorth American River OtterPolar Bear Rockhopper Penguin