text:
India: A long, winding road to growth
Global Economic Outlook Q3 2013
India's economic growth is slowing down more than expected, and, given the country's current economic challenges, there is not much room for maneuvering fiscal and monetary policies.
The Indian growth story is turning out to be unique and perplexing. The economy is facing new challenges, while old ones persist. The question is how the economy will grow amid so many hurdles. The path to recovery is similar to Indian roads—full of pot holes, which not only slow down progress but also make maneuvering difficult.
Disappointing growth and outlook
After a disappointing growth of 5 percent in the calendar year 2012, the lowest growth reported in a decade, 2013 started with a weak recovery of 4.8 percent year over year in Q1 2013 compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to weak domestic demand. Private final consumption expenditure growth, which has experienced a sharp decline since Q2 2012 (figure 1), was a mere 3.8 percent in Q1 2013 due to poor consumer sentiments. Private capital formation declined as well due to the high cost of financing, infrastructure bottlenecks, poor investor sentiment, and weak domestic and global demand. However, it was government expenditure that declined the most in the past two quarters, owing to the expenditure reforms initiated in September 2012. Expenditure grew marginally by 0.6 percent in Q1 2013.
The latest monthly data on industrial production and PMI manufacturing indicate very modest growth in the FY Q1 2013. According to the April data, capital goods output rose 1 percent year over year, and the manufacturing sector grew 2.8 percent year over year. On the other hand, the mining sector contracted 3 percent year over year.
India's economic growth is slowing down more than expected. The International Monetary Fund's recent downward revision of growth in 2013 from 5.9 percent to 5.7 percent signals that the economy now needs stronger government policies and more reforms. However, the government's hands are tied, given the challenges that the economy is currently facing, and there is not much room for maneuvering fiscal and monetary policies.
The fall in external demand for exports (both merchandise and services) and the rise in fuel and gold imports resulted in a record-high current account deficit in 2012.
Inflation is a concern
Despite the low growth, inflation has continued to remain high, with consumer price inflation (CPI) hovering above 10 percent year over year for most of 2013. Supply constraints, particularly in food and infrastructure, the resulting food price rise, and high dependence on fuel imports have kept inflationary pressures high. The past few months have seen some respite in inflation due to a fall in food and international crude oil prices. As shown in figure 2, wholesale price inflation (WPI) has come down from 7.3 percent in February to 4.7 percent in May, while CPI (which has been higher than WPI) has declined to about 10 percent in April. However, the fall may soon reverse due to a reduction in fuel subsidy (leading to a rise in administered prices), persistent supply-side shortages (due to infrastructure bottlenecks), and the recent depreciation of the Indian rupee. The success of the monsoon in the next three months will also be an important determinant of inflation.
The challenge of twin deficits
The government's strategy of fiscal consolidation has repeatedly gone off course since 2008 due to a series of unfavorable developments. Faced with prospects of a sovereign rate cut and the crowding out of private investments in the economy, the government has undertaken a series of reforms, including fuel subsidies and rail fares, starting in September 2012. While cuts in expenditure due to the reforms have helped the government report better-than-expected fiscal performance, as suggested by the recent revisions (4.9 percent of GDP in FY 2012–13) shown in figure 3, the deficit is still wide enough to weigh on investors' confidence. The FY 2013–14 budget emphasizes measures to control the deficit further, with a target of 4.8 percent. Further, fiscal consolidation by the government, if it happens, may impact expense quality and result in necessary expenditure being deferred, adversely impacting long-term growth prospects.
On the other hand, the current account deficit in FY 2012–13 was the largest ever. The fall in external demand for exports (both merchandise and services) and the rise in fuel and gold imports resulted in a record-high current account deficit in 2012. Thanks to the recent fall in international crude oil and gold prices, the preliminary estimate of trade deficit in Q4 of FY 2012-13 came down to 3.6 percent of GDP, compared to a historical high of 6.7 percent in the previous quarter. This helped contain the current-account deficit to 4.8 percent of GDP in the past FY, lower than the earlier estimate of 5 percent.
However, the past three months data indicate that the trade deficit has bounced back to high levels in the first quarter of FY 2013–14. The fall in gold prices has only served to reinforce Indian consumers' appetite for purchasing gold as a hedge against inflation and uncertain equity returns. This has boosted demand for gold imports. A fast-depreciating currency has also led to an increase in the import bill for fuel, partly shaving off the advantage of a fall in international crude oil prices. Higher chemical and fertilizer imports too have increased in May. On the other hand, growth in exports remains sluggish due to poor external demand. In other words, there is strong evidence that suggests that the trade deficit is likely to widen in the short term, posing by far the biggest risk to the deteriorating current account deficit.
Emerging external and domestic challenges
One recent challenge that India has been facing is the reversal of capital inflows in the past few months. In the past, foreign investors have brought capital into the Indian stock market due to high global liquidity, interest rate differentials between advanced and emerging nations, and better growth prospects relative to the advanced economies. However, lower-than-expected growth, macroeconomic imbalances that include fiscal and current account deficits, poor investment conditions and corporate earnings, and a volatile currency have led to a reversal of the trend. Institutional investors are turning into net sellers in the Indian equity market. The market expectation of an improvement in the US economy and the hint of a possible exit by the US Federal Reserve this year have also contributed to the reversal of capital inflows. In a recent monetary policy review meeting, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expressed apprehension of a sudden stop and reversal of capital inflows from emerging markets, including India.1
Foreign direct investments picked up in the calendar year Q3 2013 after the government's announcement of reforms in the retail and the aviation sectors and the establishment of a ministerial panel to fast-track industrial projects. These factors helped improve investors' confidence and thus capital inflows. However, the growth in direct investments has lately been slowing due to government inefficiencies, the regulatory burden, and a lack of competition in the economy.
The steep currency depreciation in the past few months has been another cause of concern, in particular, the risk it poses to the current account deficit. The currency depreciated more than 14 percent against the US dollar in 2012 (figure 4), primarily due to the widening of the current account and fiscal deficits. The fall had briefly reversed until April 2013. However, in the past three months, the currency steeply depreciated, about 10 percent, due to a combination of domestic and global factors, a widening trade deficit, and the sudden reversal of capital inflows (due to growth concerns and the possibility of the US Federal Reserve's exit from the monetary policy stimulus program). While policy makers have emphasized that the recent currency weakening is temporary, there are significant downside risks to the further weakening of the currency in the coming year.
The reversal of capital inflows and widening of the trade deficit have led to a sharp fall in the foreign exchange reserves in FY 2013–14. While India's position is still comfortable, with an import cover of more than six months, under circumstances of unexpected external uncertainties, further weakening of the currency, and increased capital outflows, reserves may fall below sustainable levels.
Also, the persistent fall in capital goods production and poor industrial activity reflect depressed investment conditions in the economy. A sustained revival of growth requires a continuous growth of investment in the economy. However, investments have remained subdued due to poor business profitability, a slowdown in private consumption demand, poor governance and regulatory hurdles, and tighter credit conditions. On the other hand, unwillingness to lend to businesses stems from fears of erosion of asset quality, deteriorating cash-flow situations of borrowers, and heightened risk premiums.
Policies amid challenges
The combination of the previously mentioned challenges has severely restricted the flexibility of both monetary and fiscal policies in the economy. High fiscal and current account deficits restrict the government's ability to undertake proactive government stimulus programs to boost the economy. The recent austerity measures to consolidate the fiscal position have led to a fall in government expenditure and resulted in a fiscal drag on growth, as evident in the past two quarters.
On the other hand, widening current account deficits, currency depreciation, and inflationary pressures limit the RBI's ability to ease monetary policy. The industrial sector has been pushing for further monetary easing, which will likely encourage the fresh investments necessary to pull the economy out of the slowdown. However, the RBI prefers to wait until it sees sufficient evidence of further declines in CPI and inflation expectations, as well as currency stability. The RBI kept interest rates unchanged in its June meeting, after cutting rates thrice in its previous policy reviews. The cash reserve ratio has been held steady since the February policy meet to keep a check on liquidity.
Exploring more options to boost investments
Short-term risks to global financial stability have come down considerably compared to the past year. However, the uncertainty in the international environment still remains. The need of the hour is to boost investment in the economy, which in turn will likely help improve the labor market and consumer confidence. The issues in India are more structural, where supply factors (such as labor market bottlenecks), poor infrastructure, and domestic policy factors (such as policy uncertainty and regulatory obstacles) have contributed to the fall in investments. These issues cannot be addressed merely by monetary and fiscal policies.
The pace of reforms is slow as governance concerns and delay in approvals continue to weigh on business confidence. There is a need for some institutional mechanism that removes bottlenecks to stalled projects, especially in key sectors such as coal, power, steel, and roads. Policy efforts should bring enduring improvements in productivity and competitiveness to the economy. At the same time, the efficiency of the Indian banking system has to be improved, with a focus on managing systemic risks to banks emanating from the external environment, as well as on recent domestic macroeconomic risks.
The government is considering further opening up the Indian economy, including raising the cap on foreign investment in rupee-denominated government debt by up to $5 billion, reducing taxes on such investments, easing access to foreign funds for Indian companies, and reducing curbs on foreign investment in sensitive sectors such as defense, telecommunications, and media. India's finance minister has been pushing for more foreign investments in the country. Nevertheless, the pace of reforms will likely remain gradual. India holds elections in May 2014, and, until the next elections, the probability of significant reforms being announced is low.
EndnotesView all endnotes
- Reserve Bank of India, "Mid-Quarter Monetary Policy Review: June 2013" <http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/IEPR2109MR95261038C8.pdf>


text:
It's nearly time to show off your animals
Published: Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:58 a.m.
Officials with the LSU AgCenter's 4H program would like to thank Caldwell Elementary School for holding the Beef and Sugar Cookery on Dec. 1.
Upcoming events
Thursday: Broiler chick arrival at 4:30 p.m. at the 4-H office in Houma.
Jan. 25-26: Fashion Camp in Pollock.
Jan. 26: Parish livestock show at the Houma Air Base.
Jan. 29-31: South Central District Livestock Show in Gonzales.
Feb. 9-16: State livestock show in Gonzales.
They said the participants made the event a success. Members of the 4-H program participated in the cookery and attended educational workshops presented by three members of the state's 4-H Citizenship Board.
The National 4-H Day of Service was also Dec. 1. Along with the help of the board members, 4-H members planted trees and flowers, while learning about service by helping Caldwell Elementary.
Terrebonne Parish Livestock Show
Youths from across Terrebonne Parish will show their livestock exhibits during the livestock show scheduled for Jan. 26 at the Houma Air Base. Members have worked diligently for months with their animals. The event will include a live auction of all market animals scheduled for 1 p.m. For information, call the 4-H office at 873-6495.
Cherie Roger and Ashly Pitre are 4-H youth-development agents with Terrebonne Parish's LSU AgCenter office, 511 Roussell St., Houma. They can be reached at 873-6495 or firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com. For information, visit www.lsuagcenter.com.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Natalie Porter
Personal Information
California School of Professional Psychology
Clinical Psychology
San Francisco Beach St Campus
Alliant International University San Francisco
One Beach Street, Suite 100
San Francisco CA 94133-1221
Courses, Research Interests, Publications
Research Cluster--Gender, Ethics and Supervision
Psychotherapy Supervision (General)
Advanced Clinical Therapy--Child and Family
Principles of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Supervision from a Feminist Perspective
Gender, anti-racist and social justice issues pertaining to child, adolescent, and women's development, and to therapy, ethics, clinical training, mentoring and supervision; leadership in women
Porter, N. (2005). Mental Health Diagnosis and the Rights of Children. Child and Family Policy and Practice, 1, 1-5
Porter, N. (2005).Psychological Gender Differences: Contemporary Theories and Controversies. In A. Barnes (Ed). The Handbook of Women, Psychology, and the Law. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Porter, N. (2002). Diagnosing children: Holistic versus medical models. In M Ballou and L Brown (Eds.). Personality and Psychopathology, Second Edition. NY: Guilford Press.
Porter, N., Ducker. D., Ferrell, H.E. & Helton, L. (2001). Exploring the rift: An intergenerational dialogue about feminism. Women and Therapy, 23, 57-78.
Porter, N., Garcia, M., Jackson, H., & Valdez, D. (1998). The rights of children and adolescents of color in mental health systems, Women and Therapy, 20, 2, 57-74.
Adleman, J., Hall, M., & Porter, N. (1998). Meanings and implications of failure in therapy. Women and Therapy, 21, 3, 69-100.
Porter, N., Vasquez, M., Fyqetakis, L., Mangione, L., Nickerson, E.T., Pieniadz, J., Plunkett, M., Synder, M., & Simpson, B. (1997). Covision: Feminist supervision, process, and collaboration. In J. Worell & N. Johnson (Eds.). Shaping the future of feminist psychology: education, research, and practice. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association Press, pp.155-171.
Porter, N. (1995). Integrating anti-racist, feminist, and multicultural perspectives in psychotherapy: A developmental supervision model. In H. Landrine (Ed.), Cross cultural diversity in the psychology of women. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Porter, N. (1995). Therapist self-care: A proactive ethical approach. In C. Larsen & E. Rave (Eds.). Ethical decision-making in feminist therapy. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Porter, N., & Yahne, C. (1995). Feminist ethics and advocacy in the training of family therapists. Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 6, 29-48.
Johnson, C.N., Worell, J., Brabeck, M., Chin, J.L., Gilbert, L., Greene, B., Porter, N., Santos De Barona, M. & Wyche, K. (1994). Proceedings of the National Conference on Education and Training in Feminist Practice. American Psychological Association Office of Women.
Porter, N. (1994). Empowering supervisors to empower others: A culturally responsive supervision model.Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 16, 43-56.
Porter, N. (1991). Working with resistance in families cross-culturally. In R.L. Hendren, & I.N. Berlin (Eds.), A multicultural approach to psychiatric inpatient care of children and adolescents. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lerman, H. & Porter, N. (1990). Why feminist perspective in psychotherapy ethics is needed. In H.
Lerman, H. & Porter, N. (Eds.). (1990). Feminist ethics in psychotherapy. New York, NY: Springer Verlag.
Moore, H., & Porter, N. (1988). Leadership and nonverbal behavior of Hispanic females across school equity environments. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 12, 147-163.
Porter, N., Geis, F.L., Cooper, E., & Newman, E. (1985). Androgyny and leadership in mixed-sex groups. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49, 808-823.
Porter, N. (1985). New perspectives on psychotherapy supervision. In L. Walker, & L. Rosewater (Eds.), Handbook of feminist therapy. New York: Springer.
Geis, F.L., Brown, V., Jennings (Walstedt), J., & Porter, N. (1984). TV commercials as achievement scripts for women. Sex Roles, 10, 513-535.
Porter, N., Geis, F.L., & Jennings, (Walstedt), J. (1983). Are women invisible as leaders? Sex Roles, 9, 1035-1049.
Porter, N., & Geis, F.L. (1981). When seeing is not believing: Nonverbal dues to leadership. In C. Mayo & N. Henley (Eds.), Gender, Androgyny, and Nonverbal Behavior. New York: Springer Verlag, Inc.
Lerman, & N. Porter (Eds.), Feminist Ethics in Psychotherapy. New York, NY: Springer.
Publications primarily focused in the areas of mental health service delivery, gender issues, psychotherapy ethics, and supervision.
Porter, N. (In Press). Location, Location, Location: Contributions of Contemporary Feminist Theorists to Therapy Theory and Practice. Women & Therapy.
Academic History and Background
Internship, Judge Baker Guidance Center/ Fellow, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., 1979-1980
BA, Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC., 1970
MEd, Educational Psychology, Glassboro State College (now Rowan College), Glassboro State College, Glassboro, NJ., 1974
PhD, Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE., 1981
APA Governance (Member, Finance Committee); Former Member of Council of Representatives
APA Divisional Leadership--Current Member of Executive Committee, Division 37; Leadership roles in several divisions, including former President of Division 35
Current Member of Program Committee, California Psychological Association.


text:
Credit: Keerthivasan Rajamani/keerth on Flickr, under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).
(WOMENSENEWS)--Rosa Parks' most historic hour may have occurred on the bus in December 1955 but a moment that perhaps revealed more of her strength of character came 40 years later.
On Aug. 30, 1994, at the age of 81, Parks was mugged in her own home by a young black man, Joseph Skipper. Skipper broke down her back door and then claimed he had chased away an intruder. He asked for a tip. When Parks went upstairs to get her pocketbook, he followed her. She gave him the $3 he initially asked for, but he demanded more. When she refused, he proceeded to hit her.
"I tried to defend myself and grabbed his shirt," she explained. "Even at 81 years of age, I felt it was my right to defend myself."
He hit her again, punching her in the face and shaking her hard, and threatened to hurt her further. She relented and gave him all her money--$103. Hurt and badly shaken, she called Elaine Steele who lived across the street and had become a key source of support. Steele called the police who took 50 minutes to arrive. Meanwhile, the word went out that someone had mugged Parks.
"All of the thugs on the Westside went looking for him," Ed Vaughn recalled, "and they beat the hell out of him."
Commentators seized on the news of Parks' assault to bemoan the decline of a new generation of black youth. "Things are not likely to get much worse," lamented liberal New York Times columnist Bob Herbert. "We are in the dark night of the post-civil rights era. The wars against segregation have been won, but we are lost. With the violence and degradation into which so many of our people have fallen, we have disgraced the legacy of Rosa Parks."
The editors of the Detroit Free Press similarly intoned, "It is impossible to escape the cruel irony of the attack on Rosa Parks, beaten and robbed in her Detroit home Tuesday night by an assailant described as an African American male. How could the woman credited with sparking the nation's civil rights movement to obtain equality for black people be assaulted by a black man?"
Rejecting Assumptions
With the nation eagerly consuming news of a black underclass, Parks' mugging served as a convenient metaphor for the decline of black youth and the degraded values of a new generation.
While saddened by the attack, Parks did not see it as a sign of community dysfunction, rejecting the idea that the biggest problem facing the black community was now black people themselves. Rather, she urged people not to read too much into it. "Many gains have been made . . . But as you can see, at this time we still have a long way to go."
Skipper received an 8 to 15 year sentence and was transferred to an out-of-state prison for his own safety.
Rejecting the media's characterization of Skipper as representative of a new, degenerate cohort of black youth (a view held by many black leaders of her generation, notably Bill Cosby, Alvin Pouissaint and Juan Williams), she prayed for him "and the conditions that have made him this way."
Her approach at 81 drew from her lifelong commitment to young people. "I hope to someday see an end to the conditions in our country that would make people want to hurt others." Similar to her frame on the 1967 riot, Parks believed that the ways to staunch individual acts of violence was to transform the structures of inequity that provided the ground in which they grew. Even as she regularly reminded young people of the importance of good character, hard work and motivation, Parks remained concentrated on changing the conditions that limited their ability to flourish.
"She adored kids," her cousin Carolyn Green, who became one of her caretakers, noted, "Worst child in the world and [she] always saw some good in everybody. That's her philosophy."
Cultivating Youth Leadership
To the end, Parks placed her hope in cultivating youth leadership. Worried that adults had become "too complacent," Parks founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development with Steele in 1987, seeking also to honor Raymond and his political commitment. According to Steele, "It always bothered her that he was kicked to the curb and never thought of. He, in fact, was her rock."
The institute, like the youth wing of the Montgomery NAACP she had founded four decades earlier, sought to develop leadership skills within young people in order to bring them into the struggle for civil rights . . . The institute stressed self-respect, comportment and education for liberation to Detroit students. Black history for Parks had been one of the great transforming discoveries of her life and so the institute focused on exposing young people to black history and encouraging them recover their own family's history.
"When students come to class and demand to be educated," Parks observed, "education will take place."
The institute sent young people both south and north through its "Pathways to Freedom" program to engage students in field research and immerse them in black history, including the opportunity to retrace the path of the Underground Railroad. Raymond had always regretted the lack of opportunity to get an education, so one key aspect of the institute's work was to provide college assistance. Parks saw a curriculum that stressed black pride and self-knowledge as a way to address the dropout problem affecting many black youth.
Excerpted from "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks" by Jeanne Theoharis. Copyright 2013. Excerpted with permission by Beacon Press.
Jeanne Theoharis is a professor of political science at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. She received her AB in Afro-American studies from Harvard College and a Ph.D. in American culture from the University of Michigan. She is the author or coauthor of six books and numerous articles on the black freedom struggle and the contemporary politics of race in the United States.
For More Information:
Buy the Book, "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks":
Would you like to Comment but not sure how? Visit our help page at http://www.womensenews.org/help-making-comments-womens-enews-stories.
Would you like to Send Along a Link of This Story? http://womensenews.org/story/books/130201/1994-mugging-reveals-rosa-parks-true-character


text:
The War on Terrorism, also known as the War on Terror, is the common
term for the various military, political and legal actions initiated by
the United States government, in response to the September 11th, 2001
The official objectives of the 2001 War on Terrorism are to counter
terrorist threats, prevent terrorist acts and curb the influence of
terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda. Both the term and the
policies it denotes have been a source of ongoing controversy, as
critics argue it has been used to justify unilateral preemptive war,
human rights abuses and other violations of international law.
Terrorist organizations, chiefly al-Qaeda, carried out attacks on the
U.S. and its allies throughout the last few years of the 20th century.
The 1993 World Trade Center bombing by Al-Qaida was the first of many
terrorist attacks upon Americans during this period.
Later that year, in the Battle of Mogadishu (1993), Somali militia
fighters loyal to warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid took part in an assault
upon US forces in Somalia, killing 19 members of the US military.
President Clinton subsequently withdrew US combat forces from Somalia
(there originally to support UN relief efforts), a move described by
Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden as evidence of American weakness.
These attacks were followed by others including the 1996 Khobar Towers
bombing in Saudi Arabia, and the 1998 United States embassy bombings in
Tanzania and Kenya. Also in 1998 came the World Islamic Front
declaration of February 23rd, 1998, entitled "Jihad Against Jews and
Crusaders", which described the actions of Americans as conflicting
with "Allah's order", and stated the Front's "ruling to kill the
Americans and their allies, civilians and military, is an individual
duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is
possible to do it."
Led by Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaida had by now formed a large base of
operations in Afghanistan, which had been ruled by the Islamic
extremist regime of the Taliban since 1996.
Following the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, President
Bill Clinton launched Operation Infinite Reach, a bombing campaign in
Sudan and Afghanistan against targets associated with al-Qaeda. The
strikes failed to kill al-Qaeda'a leaders or their Taliban supporters
(buildings destroyed by the Americans included a civilian
pharmaceutical plant in Sudan that produced 90% of the region's anti-
malaria drugs).
Next came the 2000 millennium attack plots, which included an attempted
bombing of Los Angeles International Airport.
In October of 2000, the USS Cole bombing occurred, followed by the
September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. The attacks of 9/11 created an
immediate demand throughout the United States for a decisive response,
leading to an invasion of Afghanistan dubbed Operation Enduring
Freedom, which removed the Taliban from power and ended al-Qaeda's use
of the country as a terrorist base.
In 2001, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1373,
which obliges all States to criminalize assistance for terrorist
activities, deny financial support and safe haven to terrorists and
share information about groups planning terrorist attacks.
In 2005, the Security Council also adopted resolution 1624 concerning
incitement to commit acts of terrorism and the obligations of countries
to comply with international human rights laws. Although both
resolutions require mandatory annual reports on counter terrorism
activities by adopting nations, the United States and Israel have both
declined to submit reports.
Stated U.S. objectives and strategies
The Bush Administration has defined the following objectives in the War
on Terrorism:
Number of persons killed in the "War
on Terrorism" as defined
There is no widely agreed on figure for the number of people that have
been killed so far in the "War on Terrorism" as it has been defined by
the Bush Administration to include the war in Afghanistan, the war in
Iraq, and operations elsewhere. Some estimates include the following:
CLICK HERE to learn more.
CLICK HERE to return to 9/11 Anniversary Main Page


text:
View e-mail address | Add Contact Info to Outlook
MI 132 Phone: (765) 285-5549 Fax: (765) 285-5401
School of Music
Hargreaves Music Building (MU) 203
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
Aryn Day Sweeney, prizewinner at the 2005 Barbirolli International Oboe Competition, is assistant professor of music performance (oboe) and principal oboe of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. After winning a prestigious Frank Huntington Beebe Foundation Fellowship to study abroad, Dr. Sweeney received a Solo Artists Diploma from the Royal College of Music in London, England. She also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Masters of Music degree from Rice University in Houston, Texas and her Bachelor of Music Degree, Cum Laude from the University of Southern California. Her primary teachers include Nancy Ambrose King, Robert Atherholt, Allan Vogel, Neil Black and John Anderson.
Her debut compact disc recording Les Illuminations is currently available for sale on iTunes and CD Baby. The recording contains Dr. Sweeney's recently published scholarly transcription of the Pieces de Clavicen by the Baroque composer Joseph Hector Fiocco for oboe and harpsichord that performed at the International Double Reed Convention in Provo, Utah in 2008. The sheet music for this work is available for purchase through Trevco Music.
She has performed with several prominent artists including Zubin Mehta, Jeffery Tate, Peter Schreir, and members of the Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra. As well as giving solo recitals throughout the United States and England, she has been a featured performer on CBC Radio 2, a 2008 Kia Borrego commercial, and performed as principal oboe in the Rocky Mountain PBS presentation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Dr. Sweeney has been a member of several established ensembles including the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Windsor Symphony, Johnson City Symphony, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra X, the Zephyr Wind Quintet, Dearborn Symphony, Plymouth Symphony and Orchestra Canton, Adrian Symphony, the Debut Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony. In addition she was also awarded scholarships to several exclusive music festivals including the Banff Music Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Hot Springs Music Festival, and the North Carolina School for the Arts International Music Program.
Dr. Sweeney has been on the faculties of East Tennessee State University, Colorado Mesa University, Idyllwild Summer Arts Festival, Wayne State University and Wayne Community College. She has given guest recitals at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Bowling Green State University and the University of Eastern Kentucky. Dr. Sweeney currently resides in Muncie, IN with her husband, music educator and trumpeter Zach Enos, and their children Myles and Kathryn.
Copyright © 2016 Ball State University 2000 W. University Ave. Muncie, IN 47306
800-382-8540 and 765-289-1241


text:
HOUSTON – The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Baseball team looked to be in control early on, but a late rally saw the team fall 7-2 against Houston Baptist in the non-conference game on Tuesday.
The Islanders (21-15) scored the first two runs of the game, and had shutout the Huskies (16-16-1) through six innings, but HBU broke through for seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the game. Next up for the Islanders will be a weekend series at Chapman Field against Central Arkansas.
O'Shea Dumes got the start and pitched well, getting through 4.2 innings before being lifted as part of a planned substitution once Dumes passed a set amount of pitches. Franco Pace came on and threw 1.1 scoreless innings, but AJ Longoria (1-1) was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs on three hits and a walk without recording an out.
The Islanders got on the board first in the top of the fifth as Brad Porras launched a solo home run, his first of the season, over the left field fence to make it a 1-0 game.
The team tacked on another run in the top of the seventh, as pinch hitter Russell Vaughan singled to right center, moved to second on a ground out and came home to score on a Cody Stephens RBI double that made it a 2-0 lead.
HBU struck back quickly however, plating seven runs on six hits and one walk to storm back with a 7-2 advantage.
Texas A&M – Corpus Christi was unable to muster any offense in the final two frames as the Huskies earned the win.
Stephens led the team with a 3-for-4 effort with one RBI, while Porras added two hits and the only other Islanders RBI. Vaughan was the only other player in the lineup to get a hit as the team was held to just six on the day.
The team must rebound quickly, as they host Central Arkansas this weekend at Chapman Field in a Southland Conference series. The Bears and Islanders will start the three game series with a 6 p.m. first pitch on Friday. Game two is set for 4 p.m. on Saturday, with the Sunday finale starting at 1 p.m.
For all the latest on Islanders Baseball, like the team on Facebook (IslandersBaseball), follow them on Twitter (@CorpusBaseball) and visit www.GoIslanders.com


text:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Whole Grain Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
OK, so I was a liar a few weeks back when I swore I was throwing away my sourdough starter. As tempted as I was to do just that, a small part of me clung to the fact that I'd created this living entity and I'd even bonded with him by naming him Bart (Bart Starr-ter. If you don't get it, don't worry... I'm old) So anyway, I decided to give Bart a few more weeks to develop himself to his full sourdough potential. This morning he was all smelly (good smelly) and I could really see the gluten strands running through him and I swear I felt his need to be made into a blueberry muffin. So that's what I did.
The original recipe by Richard Packham can be found here. I modified it by eliminating the nuts and making it whole grain and a little bit sweeter.
Whole Grain Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 12 count muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
In large bowl combine:
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dry milk powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (If frozen, do NOT thaw)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
In another bowl combine:
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup fresh sourdough starter
Whisk together dry ingredients and blueberries. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring only enough to moisten and thoroughly combine. Spoon evenly into muffin tins. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before removing to cooling rack to finishing cooling.
*NOTE* The next time I make these, I will add a teaspoon of vanilla and cut back on the flour by about a quarter of a cup.
3 comments:
- stephchows said...
What a great use for something you thought wasn't going to work out! They look delicious :)
- April 22, 2009 at 2:04 PM
- Mags said...
Thanks Stephchows!
- April 22, 2009 at 9:24 PM
- monasuz said...
Maggie, I made giant muffins (6) out of this recipe changing a couple of things. My husband said they were the best muffins he had ever eaten!
I did not have pastry flour, so I ground my white whole wheat and sifted the bran out, reserving the bran. (weighed the flour on a scale ).
I took the bran and used part of it to dust my tins with, (after spraying with Pam) and to the rest of the bran I added a good handful of oats and some brown sugar, along with around 2 Tablespoons melted butter and a pinch of salt. This mixture I used for a crumb topping on the muffins.
The other change I made is that I added a scant teaspoon of kosher salt to the batter, and used only 1/2 cup sugar. (since I was using brown sugar in the topping)
Today I made them a second time substituting 1/2 cup of the whole wheat with ground steel cut oat flour. (I have a mill) I used about 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice and dusted the pans with oat flour this time.
Hubby is in Heaven!
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I'm also on the other side of 50 at the half way mark :)
- March 4, 2011 at 2:45 PM


text:
Special Instructions for International Applicants
Alliant takes pride in fostering multiculturalism and diversity on our campuses. We welcome international students to apply and are available to answer any questions regarding the admissions process. Please call us at 866-U-ALLIANT (866-825-5426).
Application Requirements for International Students
In addition to the standard application requirements for each program, international applicants must submit the following information:
- Official, translated transcripts and results from an educational credential evaluation service agency. The evaluation must include degree equivalency to a 4 year bachelor's degree from an accredited university, US semester credit and grade equivalent for each course, and US grade point average. Any master's level courses and/or degrees should also be included in the evaluation. To locate an agency, go to www.naces.org.
- English proficiency must be evidenced by TOEFL and TWE results.
- Copy of passport.
- Alliant International Student Financial Certification Form. This form must be completed and submitted if you are not a US citizen and have not been classified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as a permanent resident. The Alliant Admissions and Financial Aid Offices will furnish this form upon request. In addition, you must provide an original and most current bank statement showing the required US funds for studying at Alliant. Students accompanied by other family members must certify additional US funds per year for each dependent. Alliant International University will not issue the I-20 Certification of Eligibility until this certification has been submitted.
Please note: International applicants must submit application materials via regular postal service or express mail by the appropriate postmark deadlines. However, you may fax materials to the Admissions Processing Center at (858) 635-4555 in order to expedite the application process. Applicants are still required to submit original materials, as materials which are faxed will not be considered official documents. If you are an international student and you have a fax number, please submit that number with your application in the event that we need to contact you quickly. We also urge all students to use e-mail to expedite the application process.


text:
Get an overview of this hotelDowntown Seattle high-rise hotel by convention center
Close to theaters
This 35-story hotel rises above Seattle's shopping and entertainment district, within two blocks of the Paramount and 5th Avenue theaters and adjacent to the convention center.
Leisure options
The top floor houses a health club with a fitness center, massage rooms, and an indoor lap pool with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city and Elliott Bay.
Sweet Sleeper Beds
All 1236 guestrooms offer Sweet Sleeper Beds with pillowtop mattresses, minibars, high-speed Internet access (surcharge), in-room safes, and signed prints and photographs by artist Dale Chihuly.Would you like to give us feedback? Share it! Opens in a new window
Sheraton Seattle Hotel1400 6th Ave Seattle WA 98101
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The high-rise Sheraton features a $1.5-million collection of original artwork, including paintings and blown glass by renowned Northwest artist Dale Chihuly.
The downtown Seattle hotel offers 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 14,000-square-foot ballroom, with event catering, audiovisual equipment, and high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Other facilities include a top-floor health club, 2 restaurants and bars, 24-hour business center, florist, gift shop, and barber shop. Breakfast is served daily from 6-11 AM for a surcharge.
The hotel provides valet parking (surcharge). The valet parking fee allows parking from the time of entry until 6 PM the next day. Self parking (surcharge) is available nearby.
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM/banking
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Concierge services
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Fireplace in lobby
- Free WiFi
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Health club
- Indoor pool
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage storage
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 35
- Number of restaurants - 2
- One meeting room
- Porter/bellhop
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Shopping on site
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Television in common areas
- Total number of rooms - 1236
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Use of nearby fitness center (discount)
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
- Free Wi-Fi
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Indoor pool
- Laundry facilities
Available in all rooms: Wireless internet access ( USD 14.95 per night ), Wired internet access ( USD 14.95 per night )
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free toiletries
- Free weekday newspaper
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Flat-panel TV
- Hair dryer
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- In-room massage available
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board
- Minibar
- Pay movies
- Phone
- Pillowtop mattress
- Premium bedding
- Premium TV channels
- Private bathroom
- Room service (limited hours)
- Shower/tub combination
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- WiFi (surcharge)
Where to Eat
Daily Grill - Modeled after the great American grill of the 1930s, this restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features Certified Angus Beef steaks and chops, fresh seafood, classic Cobb and Caesar salads, and traditional favorites such as chicken pot pie and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Home-style desserts, an extensive wine list, and cocktails are also available.
Loulay Kitchen & Bar - contemporary French restaurant. The lunch menu comprises soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, while small, medium, and large plates and a four-course menu are offered at dinner. Lighter fare is served throughout the day from our bistro menu. The wine list complements meals with 50 wines and a reserve list of more than 250 selections. Guests can choose between sitting in the main room, at the chef's counter, the mezzanine for private dining, or at the bar.
Nearby Things to Do
The Seattle Sheraton's 35th-floor health club features a 40-foot indoor lap pool and spa tub, as well as a fitness center with treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes, strength-training equipment, and free weights.
The hotel is seven blocks from the Seattle waterfront area, where sailing, parasailing, scenic cruises, and fishing excursions are available (surcharge).
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Sailing nearby
- Parasailing nearby
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
- Pets stay free
- Dogs only
- 1 per room (up to 80 lb)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Pets allowed (no fees)
Parking height restrictions apply
- Deposit: USD 100 per night
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: USD 21.95 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 14.95 per night (rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): USD 14.95 per night (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 57 per night
- Valet parking fee: USD 57 per day (in/out privileges)
- Refrigerator fee: USD 30 per night
- In-room microwave fee: USD 30 per night
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 20 per day
Hotel Name
- Hotel Seattle Sheraton
- Hotel Sheraton Seattle
- Seattle Hotel Sheraton
- Seattle Sheraton
- Seattle Sheraton Hotel
- Sheraton Hotel Seattle
- Sheraton Seattle
- Sheraton Seattle Hotel
We should mention
Children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
Awards & Affiliations
- This property is affiliated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) guests.


text:
Read more about this historically significant 19th-century foundry at Luc Devroye and Circuitous Root.Visit Bruce
Smuteční slavnost & Yehonala Tapesc. 2014
- Tom Is The Bastard
Contributed by Lecter Johnson
Staff Pick
Contribute to the Collection
Fonts in Use is a collaborative project. Create an account and submit your own work or other examples of typography.
Let's Talk Type! from Metropolis newspaper1977
- Mark Simonson
- Metropolis Weekly Newspaper
Contributed by Mark Simonson
Staff Pick
An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down by Rod Stewart1970
- Marcus Keef
Contributed by Neil Priddey
The Instructor Primary Science Concept Charts1960
- Cynthia Amrine
Contributed by Florian Hardwig


text:
Filed Under (Cadillac) by admin on 30-09-2010
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Remove the right side sound insulator. Pull back the carpet near the blower motor. Remove the IP compartment. Remove the dash integration module from the bracket. Remove the two rear dash integration module bracket fasteners. Reposition the dash integration module bracket in order to remove the blower motor. 7. Disconnect the electrical connector (2) from the blower motor. 8. Remove the blower motor retaining fasteners (1). 9. Rotate and remove the blower motor from the vehicle. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE Rotate the blower motor in order to install the blower motor into the housing. 1. Install the blower motor into the blower motor housing. 2. Ensure that the blower motor gasket is properly aligned. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. 3. Install the blower motor retaining screws (1). Tighten Tighten the screws to 1.4 N.m (12 lb in). 4. Connect the electrical connector (2) to the blower motor.


text:
WALNUT CREEK -- Asked about his reaction to Minnesota reportedly reaching an agreement in principle to trade forward Kevin Love to Cleveland, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he didn't have one.
"It doesn't include our team, so when other teams make moves, that's really their business," Kerr said Thursday.
The trade for Love involves Cleveland sending No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, forward Anthony Bennett and a 2015 protected first-round draft pick, according to Yahoo Sports. Any deal involving Wiggins would not become official until Aug. 23, one month after the former Kansas star signed his rookie contract.
While it's possible the Warriors could get back into the Love sweepstakes by sweetening a trade proposal, Kerr seemed confident that there would not be major changes to the existing roster.
"All indications are that this is the group we're going forward with, but you never say never," Kerr said. "You never know what's going to happen, and ultimately that's not my job. I'm coaching the team that's here, but there's no question that we feel very confident and comfortable with the group that we have."
Klay Thompson and David Lee, who were players in trade talks involving Love, were named by Kerr as having "automatic" starting spots along with Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut when a boy at the Warriors Basketball Camp at Tice Valley Community Gym asked the coach about the lineup.
"Andre (Iguodala) started last year, which he probably will (again), but there's a lot of options that we have because we've got really good players in Harrison (Barnes) and Draymond (Green)," Kerr said, adding that he would likely use the same lineup as last season. "But most of it usually comes down to how the combination fits. ... How do the pieces of the puzzle fit?"
"Fortunately, it doesn't appear to be a long-term recovery," Kerr said of the injury that took place while Nedovic trained with the Serbian national team.
"I think there's a chance he could be ready for camp. If not, then shortly thereafter."
Serbian national team doctor Dragan Radovanovic said in a statement that Nedovic would undergo additional testing, after an MRI exam conducted in Belgrade did not result in a diagnosis that was "definitive."
"We love Aaron's competitiveness and his defense and his energy and his intelligence," Kerr said of the former Ohio State star.
" ... Whether he's good enough or not, we'll see, but we like the idea of bringing him to camp and possibly sending him to Santa Cruz to work on his game."
For more on the Warriors, see the Inside the Warriors blog at ibabuzz.com/warriors. Follow Diamond Leung on Twitter at twitter.com/diamond83.


text:
Rihanna Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry
Speakeasy spent some of yesterday, and far too much of yesternight, hanging out with Rihanna. And by hanging out with Rihanna we mean being in Manhattan's Best Buy Theater with several hundred fans, journalists, and paparazzi while the singer stood on stage and promoted the heck out of her new album "Unapologetic." Yes, it was an intimate affair.
New York is the last stop on Rihanna's 777 tour–seven cities, seven countries, seven nights. The meet-and-greet with Rihanna was supposed to begin at 5 p.m., or so we were told by her handlers. Speakeasy has lots of things to do–transcribing Ke$ha lyrics, unloading our "Last Resort" memorabilia on eBay, etc.–so we have to keep to a strict schedule. Alas, Rihanna doesn't run such a tight ship. After about an hour outside the Best Buy theater, many of the photographers waiting for Rihanna began to grumble.
"This is f—ing rude!" said one.
"She's not going to apologize," said another.
"She's 'Unapologetic,'" said a third.
After a few photographers tried to encourage the throng of reporters to leave en masse, one lensmen in a baseball cap said "If every one of us would walk out, I would join you. But I know one or two would stay and get a shot."
In an effort to put down a Spartacus-like rebellion, a disarmingly cheery Rihanna handler handed out bags of candy to the photographers. All talk of a revolution quickly died down, and everyone went back to waiting.
"This is like a Mamet play," said a photographer with a goatee.
If by Mamet he meant Samuel Beckett, he was exactly right, but, in any case, when your life begins to turn into either "Glengarry Glen Ross" or "Waiting for Godot," it's time to go home.
So Speakeasy started to leave…and of course that's the exact moment, some two hours after we were told she would arrive, Rihanna showed up and was immediately bathed in camera flashes.
Rihanna never apologized for her tardiness, nor did anyone ask her to do so. She was, as her album title boasts, "Unapologetic."
Inside, in an on-stage conversation, Rihanna, who was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, talked about her new album, her tour and her home country.
"It's not only a beautiful place but it's a beautiful experience," she said about Barbados. "Great food, great music, great vibes, great great beaches. It's paradise and if I could work from there I would."
Rihanna also explained the title to her new album.
"[Unapologetic] is one of my favorite words because it sums it all up," Rihanna said. "The reason the album is called 'Unapologetic' is because it's the truth and there's only so much you can put into 14 songs."
Speakeasy didn't quite follow that explanation, but maybe it was because it was getting late.
You can watch some of the Rihanna circus here.
Follow me on Twitter @cjfarley.


text:
|Katy, Texas
|High School:
|Katy HS
2012 OUTDOOR TRACK (FRESHMAN): Posted a time of 5:41.11 in the women's 1500m at the Texas State Invitational (4/6) … clocked a season-best time of 5:06.02 in the women's 1500m at the J. Fred Duckett Rice Twilight (4/21) … competed in four events during the season.
2012 INDOOR TRACK (FRESHMAN): Clocked a season-best time of 5:46.47 in the women's one mile at the Red Raider Open (2/4) … competed in two events during the season.
2011 CROSS COUNTRY (FRESHMAN): Did not compete.
HIGH SCHOOL: Ran for Jim Pat Darcey at Katy High School in Katy, Texas ... named most outstanding runner in 2009 and 2010 ... holds the school record in the 3200m with a time of 11:43 and an individual school record for the second fastest mile with a time of 5:17 ... earned Academic All-State for cross country and track ... lettered four years in both cross country and track.
PERSONAL: Born Teresa Tauriello on July 26, 1992, in Katy, Texas ... parents are Terry and Rose Tauriello ... has three siblings ... major is nursing.


text:
Lafourche's top taxpayers
Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 12:08 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 12:08 p.m.
1: Hornbeck Offshore Services
The Lafourche holdings of Hornbeck, a Covington-based company, operates a fleet of 43 offshore service vessels. Its Lafourche assessed value decreased from $28.5 million in 2010.
The fleet also includes tugs and barges that service refining, marketing and trading companies.
Assessed value: $22.5 million
Tax bill: $2.96 million.
2. Mars Oil Pipeline
The company, owned and managed by LOOP, operates pipelines and transports crude oil from deepwater drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico to an offshore-port facility near Galliano. The company is up from the fourth spot in 2010, with a value of $15.9 million in 2010.
Assessed value: $16.3 million.
Tax bill: $2.1 million.
3. Chevron/Texaco Exploration
The international oil-industry giant, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., operates a series of pipelines and wells in Lafourche.
The company is up from the ninth spot in 2010. Its assessed value increased by more than $3.5 million for 2011.
Assessed value: $15.6 million.
Tax bill: $2 million.
The company, formed in 1972 to manage the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, is owned by Marathon Pipe Line, Murphy Oil Corp. and Shell Oil.
The Gulf facility, about 18 miles southeast of Port Fourchon, is the only port in the U.S. capable of off loading deep-draft supertankers. LOOP is up from its 2010 spot as the fifth-highest taxpayer in Lafourche. Its assessed value held steady for 2011.
Assessed value: $15.5 million.
Tax bill: $2 million.
5. Discovery Producer Services
This Tulsa, Okla.-based company owns and operates transmission pipelines for natural gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico. The company's assessed value also held steady for 2011.
Assessed value: $14.8 million.
Tax bill: $1.7 million.
6. Nautical Solutions
This Galliano-based Edison Chouest affiliate owns and operates much of Chouest's fleet, including offshore supply vessels, tug boats and anchor vessels. Nautical Solutions was the parish's third top taxpayer in 2010. Its assessed value is down $5 million in 2011.
Assessed value: $13.8 million.
Tax bill: $1.7 million.
7. Offshore Service Vessel
Another Galliano-based Edison Chouest affiliate also specializes in offshore transportation services both in the states and internationally. This particular affiliate is new to the top taxpayers list.
Assessed value: $12.8 million.
Tax bill: $1.6 million.
8. Nautical Ventures
Another Edison Chouest affiliate, Nautical Ventures, set up to own, operate and manage a variety of vessels, primarily in the oil-and-gas sector, is based out of Lafourche. Its assessed value is down from $12.6 million last year.
Assessed value: $10.9 million.
Tax bill: $1.5 million.
9. Seacor Offshore
A division of Houma-based SEACOR Marine, which operates a fleet of more than 250 oil an gas service vessels worldwide, the company's assessed property tax comes from ships registered in Lafourche. Seacor's assessed value decreased by about $3.5 million from its 2010 value.
Assessed value: $10.9 million.
Tax bill: $1.5 million.
10. Entergy Louisiana
The largest electricity provider for the parish, Entergy pays property taxes on its electricity infrastructure throughout. It was not a top-10 taxpayer last year.
Assessed value: $11.7 million.
Tax bill: $1.4 million.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
Patricia Pommersheim, 88
Published: Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 9:12 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 9:12 a.m.
HENDERSONVILLE — Patricia Elizabeth Boylan Pommersheim, 88, of Hendersonville died Thursday, November 8, at the Elizabeth House. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., she had lived in Hendersonville since 1999. Her husband of 64 years, Joseph Andrew Pommersheim, died in 2009. She was also preceded in death by a son, John. She is survived by her son, Robert, of Hendersonville; a grandson, Mark Stine, and several nieces and nephews. No services are planned. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731. To sign the online register please visit www. forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
The Lake of the Ozarks Christian Singles group will meet at 5:45 p.m., Friday, March 22, at the Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach for dinner.
The comedy play "Contempt of Court" will be performed by the Sunrise Beach Little Theater at 7 p.m.
"Contempt of Court" is an audience-participation comedy where on a typical night at Judge Judy's Peoples Night Court the audience members become plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses and jury in some of the most outlandishly funny law suits ever to double cross the bench. This production will be presented at the Sunrise Beach Community Center on Highway 5 in Sunrise Beach.
Admission is $10 for adults, which includes desert and the play. Reservations are not required.
The mission of the single's group is to provide an opportunity for Christian singles age 21 and over to grow in Christ, be involved in wholesome activities, and build Christ-centered relationships.
The group meets every fourth Friday of the month. The February meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.
For more information call 573 789-7188.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Best Buy said Thursday that it plans a massive expansion of its "store-within-a-store" concept, with Sony opening stores in 350 Best Buy locations and Samsung adding 500 new stores to its presence within Best Buy.
The Richfield, Minn.-based retailer has been aggressively trying to remake the way it sells products, carving out space for individual brands in its big boxes in efforts to once again become a go-to destination for consumer electronics. By June, Sony, Samsung, Microsoft, Pacific Kitchen and Magnolia will each occupy its own domain within Best Buy.
"I think Best Buy is brilliant in following this strategy, and co-existing on the same distribution platform with other strong brands," said Robin Lewis, CEO of the Robin Report, a newsletter that tracks retail companies. "That big box becomes kind of an enclosed mini-mall."
Samsung already sells phones, tablets, and other small tech gear at its Samsung Experience shops within all 1,000 Best Buy locations across the country. The 500 new dedicated Samsung areas will be separate and showcase the South Korean electronics giant's latest televisions, including its line of curved ultra-high-definition TVs. The company is the world's top maker of both TVs and cellphones by units.
Sony's 350 new locations within Best Buy, which it is calling the "Sony Experience at Best Buy," also will highlight home entertainment products, as well as audio equipment and PlayStations. The Japanese electronics company is the world's fourth-largest seller of TVs after Samsung, LG Electronics and TCL.
The emphasis on big-screen televisions is a calculated move, according to Stephen Baker, an analyst for The NPD Group.
"With its new model, Best Buy is looking to redefine the mainstream in-store home theater experience, making it logical and convenient to buy all your home theater products," Baker wrote. "By focusing on the fastest-growing and highest-visibility segment of the TV market, Best Buy and its core vendor partners, Sony and Samsung, are looking to re-establish the TV section, and the home theater area in general, as a go-to place in the store to draw consumers in."
The new stores will start opening within Best Buy locations this month and should all be launched by June.
"There will be some stores that have Samsung only; there will be some stores that have Sony only; there will be some stores that have both," said Best Buy spokesman Jeff Shelman, who declined to discuss the financial terms of its deals with Samsung and Sony.
Research suggests that stores-within-a-store do more than just occupy space. A study by marketing professors at the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University found that the concept can boost sales of high-value products that require a degree of service that can't easily be found elsewhere in the store.
"Europe's been doing this a long time -- it's called concession retailing," Lewis said. "This is one aspect of the future of retailing, where strong brands will collaborate with each other."
Despite a disappointing holiday season, Best Buy has stabilized sales and increased its fourth-quarter online revenue by 25 percent.


text:
WVU fans must walk the walk
April 24, 2013
Fans of West Virginia University football like to believe they 'talk-the-talk', but when it came to Saturday's Gold/Blue Scrimmage, they failed to 'walk-the-walk' as barely 8,000 showed up for the......
The last time I was at a WVU game I was subjected to a drunken fan who shouted obscenities at the players while holding up both hands with the middle finger extended. No, wait a minute, that was the coach...
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Oh ok Jarhead, I am located about 45 minutes North of Camp Pendelton in Orange County. Spent a lot of time there..... Watch your 6 brother... Those skinniest will strip your weapon off of you like you would not believe.. ( experiences in Somalia)
1 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Lots of good comments here. I, for one, did not even know that it was time for the spring game, nor what time it was, nor that it was on TV. Admittedly, I don't read the local news much, so I know that it's my fault.
As far as WVU fans being fair-weather, that's pretty much true. My personal opinion is that you can only wait so long for a national championship before you give up and realize that it won't ever happen. At some point over the last 10 years, I came to that realization.
1 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Remington...We are in Africa this time, we were in A-stan the last time. My user name can be misleading. I was in the Corps but now a National Guard guy out of Williamstown.
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Jarhead Where you currently located in A-Stan? When in the States where you based at?
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
"Are we not as good or better than Virginia Tech?"
Well...since you were 3-9 (last 12 yrs) and 0-2 (last 2 yrs) against them - I'd say you're not!
wvu fans are so fair-weathered that the past couple of years haven't you had home games that didn't even sell out in that mid-size stadium?!
2 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
They clearly don't teach geography and demographics at WVU either considering there's a little town of over 300,000 called Pittsburgh just north of the hole. There are so many WVU alums that live in that region that could've easily made the trip south. Morgantown has 30,000 alone, and add in Wheeling, Parkerburg and Fairmont and you have just as many people that could've made the trip as if you were to add in Lynchburg to the equation at VT based on the driving times. So really you had no excuse having only 8,000 at your spring game. Then again, what do I know about getting demographic numbers and reading a map, I went to Marshall.
3 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
If there are WVU fans within a reasonable driving distance that didn't attend the spring game then they should be ashamed of themselves but Blacksburg is 45 mintues from Roanoke.. an in-state town with a population greather than 300,000. That town alone represents around a fifth of the population of the entire state of WV. They really need to start teaching geography and demographics at Marshall.
2 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Blacksburg VA is also in BFE. Virginia Tech is coming off a 7-6 season. They turned out 30,000 for the spring game.
Are we not as good or better than Virginia Tech?
There are NO excuses. The turnout for West Virginia's spring game was pathetic. That's all there is to it.
3 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
<<Insert bogus excuse about weather, travel, college break here.>>
2 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
It isn't very honest to compare attendance at an Alabama or Auburn game.. both of which are fairly close together and within 90 minutes of several large population centers.. to a WVU game situated in BFE. I would love to see more attendance at the games but until Fairmont explodes in population or the school is moved a few hours south on 79 then it isn't going to happen. It would be more telling to know how far the average fan drives to see these games.
1 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Good article! One thing I have noticed is that there are way too many "fair weather" fans supporting WVU.I think some of that is attributed to the success the team has had over the recent years and have unrealistic expectations. I wouldve loved to have went to the game but Im currently deployed. But we will still be getting our season tickets.
1 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Showing 12 of 12 comments


text:
The Sierra Sands Unified School District Board of Education voted 6-0 Thursday to approve a request to declare the property value of 17 vehicles and allow for the sale of the vehicles to an auto recycling center as surplus property.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Elaine Janson said administrative regulations and the California Education Code allow the district to sell district equipment.
"Part of that regulation also provides the opportunity to sell the equipment without advertising if the board unanimously decides the equipment is worth less than $2,500 in an open board meeting," she said.
The regional occupation auto program at Burroughs High School receives donations of used vehicles and uses those vehicles for auto repair hands-on training of students.
"They have been on our inventory for a number of years," Janson said. "They have been used extensively by that program, and they are now at the point that they have gone way past their useful lives."
She said the district will solicit written proposals from two different auto recyclers.
Janson said the anticipated value of the 17 vehicles is approximately $2,000, and the funds received will be deposited into the general fund and used to offset future ROP auto expenses. ROP is a Tier 3 flexibility program.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Ivory was a rare and precious material highly prized in the West from late antiquity until the Roman era (10th – 12th century) and Gothic period (13th – 15th century).
This beautifully preserved Virgin and Child from the very early Gothic period is distinguished by the quality of the workmanship. The subtlety and softness of the Virgin's face and the delicacy of the details such as the strap holding her cloak to her breast, the fluidity and suppleness of the two figures' draperies mean that the sculpture can be attributed to the style of 1200, or Early Gothic. This stylistic current flourished in the north-east of France and in the Mosan regions circa 1200 and was characterised by a renewed interest in classical antiquity.
This statuette was preserved at Ourscamp Abbey (Oise département) until 1789. The passage of time has unfortunately faded the polychrome colours and gilding that used to be visible on this piece, which is as valuable as a gold object.


text:
adidas Team Speed Small Duffle Bag
Product Information:
Great for any sport or activity, the adidas® Team Speed Small duffle bag is your go-to duffle for everyday use. A large main compartment securely keeps all your belongings while an interior zippered pocket stows your valuables. freshPAK ventilated compartment keeps your sweaty gear away from everything else in an adidas® duffle that has a climaproof water resistant bottom to keep your belongings safe from all the elements.
- Large main compartment with interior zippered pocket for valuables
- freshPAK ventilated compartment separates smelly gear from everything else
- Zippered end cap pocket for additional storage
- Easy-access front pocket includes key fob for easy, simple storage
- climaproof water resistant bottom protects your gear from indoor/outdoor elements
- Dual adjustable, removable shoulder strap, padded air mesh shoulder pad and haul handles provide a comfortable carry with every wear
- Side haul handle lets you store duffle in a locker or overhead compartment
- Screen-printed adidas® brandmark with 3-stripes delivers timeless adidas® style
- Blank space on opposite side of bag lets you customize the bag
- Style: SPEED SML
- adidas
Country of Origin: ImportedWeb ID: 13292264
Customer Reviews:
Rated 4.3 out of 5�by 4 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5�by Keed Good Bag Good Quality Right size. Most bags are just too big. This one fits in my gym locker. June 18, 2016
Rated 3 out of 5�by Vany Not so nice fabric Overall a nice bag but the fabric was kind of a disappointment March 12, 2016
Rated 4 out of 5�by Trixi Very Roomy This duffle bag serves the purpose of carrying all of my gym necessities. The only downfall is that there is only one, small interior zipped pocket. Otherwise, this product is durable and functional. February 23, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5�by Molly Awesome all-around bag! I play high school volleyball and basketball and this duffle has worked out great for me after 3 seasons of heavy use. The shoe compartment is convenient to keep my smelly shoes and ankle braces separate. The main compartment is roomy with a little zippered pocket for valuables and money. I also really love the large, easy-to-access packet on the front for small things such as deoderant, combination lock, tape, etc. The mesh pocket on the side is also nice although I wish it held my Gatorade squirt better. I love this plan and plan to use for sports all throughout high school! February 3, 2013
1-4 of 4


text:
Less than three months after their engagement was publicly revealed, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody secretly got married, multiple sources told Us Weekly.
The magazine reported about a year ago that the 27-year-old former "Gossip Girl" actress was dating the 34-year-old former star of "The O.C." The pair worked together two years earlier on the 2011 film "The Oranges" and "were always close and friendly," an insider said at the time.
They seem to have become even more friendly.
According to Us Weekly, neither has commented on their romance publicly, but they've been seen around Hollywood together a number of times the past year. They also worked together on the upcoming comedy "Life Partners."
This is the first marriage for both.
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/insertfoot.


text:
PINOLE -- Senior running back Howard Wikle led all rushers with 164 yards to lead the Valley Christian High football team on Friday night against host Pinole Valley in a Tri-County Athletic League-Rock Division game.
But it was Wikle's two-point conversion run with 5:10 left in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference.
Wikle's conversion run capped a wild rally by Valley Christian, which came back from a 21-point deficit to shock the Spartans 22-21.
The Vikings (7-2, 3-2 TCAL-Rock) converted two turnovers into touchdowns in the second half -- a 50-yard interception return for a TD by linebacker Josh Quadara and a 5-yard fumble recovery by linebacker Demaurier Blackwell in the closing minutes to pull off the thrilling victory.
Pinole Valley (3-6, 2-3) scored touchdowns in each of the first three quarters to take a convincing 21-point lead moments into the third quarter. Quadara's interception return of a Devin Davis pass turned the momentum for the Vikings.
Wikle, a 5-foot-6, 170-pound senior, scored on a 12-yard run with 5:29 left in the game and Blackwell's fumble recovery on Pinole Valley's next possession cut the lead to 21-20. The Spartans were whistled for a penalty on the PAT attempt and the Vikings decided to go for the game-winner.
Wikle bolted up the middle for the conversion and danced into the end zone with his teammates.
Davis got Pinole Valley on the board with a 34-yard TD strike to Isiah Lewis with 6:23 left in the first quarter. Davis added two short TD runs to put Pinole Valley up 21-0 in the early going of the second half.
Sophomore Javari Shepherd paced the Spartans with 122 yards on 14 tries. Fullback Josh Powell added 100 yards on nine carries.
TCAL-Rock Valley Christian 22, Pinole Valley 21
PV -- Lewis 34 pass from Davis (Bui kick)
PV -- Davis 1 run (Bui kick)
PV -- Davis 2 run (Bui kick)
VC -- Quadara 50 interception return (Marco kick)
VC -- Wikle 12 run (Marco kick)
VC -- Blackwell 5 fumble recovery (Wikle run)
Rushing: VC -- Wikle 24-164, Volpatti 14-70, Harris 6-14. Totals 44-253. PV -- Shepherd 14-122, Powell 9-100, Lewis 7-84, Dickson 7-17, Davis 9(-13). Totals 46-310. Passing: VC -- Volpatti 1-10-1-27. PV -- Davis 1-3-1-34. Receiving: VC -- Carter 1-27. PV -- Lewis 1-34. Fumbles/lost: Valley Christian 4/1; Pinole Valley 3/2. Records: Valley Christian 7-2, 3-2 TCAL; Pinole Valley 3-6, 2-3.


text:
New transilluminators with blue light LEDs
The Biometra GmbH, a company of the Analytik Jena AG, now offers illuminators with high-performance blue light LEDs for gel documentation purposes.
Blue light transilluminators are a quite interesting alternative to UV tables as there is no risk of sample damage during illumination. This is important when samples shall be processed furthermore after gel documentation. Users also benefit from it as there is no risk of UV exposure. Blue light excitation is applicable for fluorescent dyes for nucleic acid or protein stains with excitation wavelength around 470 nm. Examples for compatible stains are: SYBR® Green, GelGreenTM, SYBR® Safe, SYBR® Gold or SYPRO® Ruby. The amber lid of the instrument allows the direct view to the fluorescent samples. There is no need for separate glasses. The new blue light illuminators are available in two versions: "BLstar 9", the handy solution for mini gels and "BLstar 16" for gels up to size of 16 cm x 20 cm.
Contact information:
Hanna Engelhardt
Media Relations Life Science
Tel: +49 36 41 77-73 55
Fax: +49 36 41 77-92 79


text:
Bridget Thomas is a founder of Kirksville - Protect Our Pets (KV-POP), a non-profit organization dedicated to community outreach for the benefit of the area's pet dogs and cats. KV-POP helps low-income (or no-income) people spay/neuter, train, and tag their pets. Their ultimate goal is to help people care for their pets and thereby reduce the number of animals surrendered to overcrowded shelters. KV-POP also promotes adooption from a local shelter or rescue. She was a board member of the Adair County Humane Society from 2008-2013.
The Adair County Public Library has invited me to serve as discussion leader for their book club meeting at the end of April. We'll be talking about W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans.
This book has been getting extremely positive reviews in many major publications. The ratings on Amazon.com show that most readers really respond to its message about the role dogs play in our lives. There is even an effusive blurb on the front cover from Alice Walker (a Pulitzer Prize-winning author!).
While I understand such enthusiasm – the fact that it's written from a dog's point of view is novel and there are certainly many tender moments – my own opinion of the book is more mixed. Which means that we'll have something to talk about.
I'm not sure why they are promoting this book as a novel, because it's really a collection of loosely connected short stories about how we live with dogs. (Or that's what it should be.) This format is good for folks who don't have a lot of free time, because you can participate in the discussion even if you have only read a few chapters.
The discussion takes place on Tuesday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Adair County Public Library in Kirksville. Hope to see many of you there!


text:
Take a look at some new Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare gameplay, pre-order for the Terminal map
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare news from San Diego Comic Con.
Blockbuster headlines
Blockbuster stores coming back to UK High Streets courtesy of Crash Entertainment [UPDATE]
This story just keep getting stranger by the day: Dish has told Eurogamer it has not licensed the Blockbuster brand to Crash Entertainment despite the latter's announcement yesterday.
Blockbuster announces closure of remaining UK stores
Blockbuster has confirmed it will close its remaining 91 stores across the UK by next week, putting 808 people out of work.
Blockbuster UK to shutter 72 stores, 452 jobs will be lost
Blockbuster UK has confirmed it will close 72 stores across Britain, at the cost of 452 jobs.
Blockbuster shutting 300 stores in the US, franchises and licensed stores will stay open
Blockbuster is shutting down in the United States, it has been announced, just days after the company entered into administration in the UK, canceling many Xbox One and PS4 pre-orders in the process.
PS4 pre-orders are "through the roof" since price announcement, says Blockbuster
Blockbuster has announced that PS4 pre-orders are "through the roof" at the retail chain.
Xbox One shatters pre-order records at Blockbuster
Xbox One doesn't have a solid release date or a price yet, and still, a record number of pre-orders for the console have been reported by Blockbuster UK.
More Blockbuster stores expected to close in the UK
Deloitte has said further Blockbuster store closures will occur in the UK. At present the stores closing are ones already announced, according to the administration firm, but there will be more as the administration process continues. Blockbuster went into administration in January and 160 out of 500 stores were tagged for closure, with Morrisons picking […]
Blockbuster closures continue as total store cull hits 324
Blockbuster has announced the closure of 164 more UK stores, brining its entire tally to 324. The movie and game rental chain has handed the keys over to administrators Deloitte, which is now trimming the fat.
Retail husks: inside Edinburgh's last indie game stores
The high street is in disarray right now with Blockbuster, HMV and Game experiencing turbulent times. VG247's Dave Cook visits his home city's remaining indie game stores and asks why they've survived.
Blockbuster administrator to shut 160 stores, 30% of workforce affected
Deloitte has confirmed 160 Blockbuster stores will be closed as part of the administration process announced earlier this week.
Report - Up to 140 UK retailers are in "critical condition"
Begbies Traynor, a business recovery firm, estimates that 140 UK retailers are currently in "critical condition".
Game retailers would like to see releases spread out more over the year
HMV CEO Simon Fox would like to see more game released outside of the Q4 holiday period.
Blockbuster announces new reward scheme, Blockbuster VIP Gamer
Blockbuster has announced a new reward scheme which will reward gamers for "their gaming behaviour and knowledge," and not just for "spending money."
Rumour - Blockbuster UK lists 25 Wii U games
A mix of announced and unannounced Wii U titles have shown up in what is purported to be Blockbuster UK's internal release database.
Blockbuster selling Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City for a fiver
If the reviews hadn't turned you off REORC somehow, Blockbuster is selling Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City on PS3 and 360 for £4.99. The catch? Trade either Mass Effect 3, Street Fighter x Tekken, FIFA Street or Twisted Metal. Watch some footage of it in action here. The Slant Six shooter's out in the UK […]
Rumor - Blockbuster UK list has PS Vita down for October 28 release
A Blockbuster UK flier has PS Vita down for an October 28 release in the country, if an advertisement sent in by an IGN reader is authentic. According to the listing, the handheld is also down for a release the same day in Europe. Sony told IGN Vita would get a "phased global release" this […]
Blockbuster files for bankruptcy in US
Blockbuster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US.
Pre-order Tekken 6 in the UK, get hats, lapel pins
Admit it. You've always wanted a Tekken hat. Fortune smiles on you this morning, then, thanks to the announcement of Tekken 6's pre-order bonuses for the UK. For the early fight adopters in the audience, Game has special collector cards (PS3, 360); HMV has t-shirts (PS3, 360); Play.com has lapel pins (PS3, 360); Blockbuster has […]
Blockbuster to close up to 960 stores by 2010 year-end
Blockbusters is to close between 810-960 stores, the company confirmed in an SEC filing yesterday, in an effort "to improve four-wall profitability." The games and video retailer will close the stores by the end of 2010. It's not all bad, though. Sort of. "All these stores are candidate stores," said spokesperson Randy Hargrove. "Although we […]
Page 1
Blockbuster latest
Take a look at some new Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare gameplay, pre-order for the Terminal map
Blockbuster stores coming back to UK High Streets courtesy of Crash Entertainment [UPDATE]
Blockbuster shutting 300 stores in the US, franchises and licensed stores will stay open
PS4 pre-orders are "through the roof" since price announcement, says Blockbuster
Blockbuster administrator to shut 160 stores, 30% of workforce affected
Game retailers would like to see releases spread out more over the year
Blockbuster announces new reward scheme, Blockbuster VIP Gamer
Blockbuster selling Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City for a fiver
Rumor – Blockbuster UK list has PS Vita down for October 28 release
Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Riteaid get PSN cards in September
Rumour: 60Gb 360 in US in October says leaked retailer email


text:
In 2008, Celtic Woman's album The Greatest Journey Essential Collection debuted at number one on Billboard's World Music chart. Three of their albums combined have held the number one position for ninety consecutive weeks. Now, having sold over 50 million records worldwide, the multi-platinum Irish darlings of PBS are releasing their fifth studio album on January 26th.
Celtic Woman seems to be an unstoppable force, but few knew that the group would see more than a night of success. Originally, Celtic Woman was set to perform a one-night show with members Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha and Máiréad Nesbitt. None of these singers had worked together before or knew each other, but under the musical direction of David Downes, they performed to a sold-out audience for the first time in 2004 for PBS Television in Dublin.
Despite changes in the lineup since then (according to statements released by Celtic Woman, Ní Mhaolchatha and Fallon both left to pursue solo careers), the quintet has continued to captivate audiences, specifically American ones, up into the new decade.
The answer as to why American audiences have responded so enthusiastically to Celtic Woman has not always been clear. When I asked Lynn Hilary, who joined the group in 2007, why she thought American audiences continue to be so responsive to Celtic Woman, she admitted that at first, she wasn't sure. "I didn't really understand it for a long time, that they would react in such a way," she said. "They'd be crying and on their feet every night applauding us. But American people really identify with Ireland, and a lot of Americans have Irish in their ancestry, so Celtic Woman allows them to re-identify with their roots and gives them a feeling of belonging."
Alex Sharpe, who became a permanent member in 2009 for the Isle of Hope tour, added, "I think without America, to be honest, Celtic Woman would not be the success that they are. It was only supposed to be a one-night special, but Americans have taken us into their hearts and really embraced Celtic Woman."
It's no secret that America has had a long-standing relationship with Ireland, politically, culturally, and of course musically. With the Irish diaspora in America at about 45 million people, there is a secure space for a crossover group like Celtic Woman to thrive. Perhaps no one knows this better than David Downes, the creator of Celtic Woman and former musical director of Riverdance.
Building upon the massive success of Riverdance in the U.S., Downes decided to return to Celtic-influenced music and dance but this time in the format of an all-female lineup, similar to that of pop groups like Girls Aloud and the Spice Girls. The structure, however, is where the similarities end – the members of Celtic Woman are trained in everything from classical to theatrical to traditional Irish singing, with formally trained Máiréad Nesbitt on fiddle.
Máiréad, Lynn, and Lisa had stints on Michael Flatley's dance shows, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, while Alex Sharpe began her career playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Olympia Theatre in Dublin. Chloë Agnew, the youngest member at 20 years old, got her big break when she recorded a single with David Downes shortly after 9/11 to help American and Afghanistani children and raised over 20,000 pounds.
When they aren't touring or making promotional appearances, the women of Celtic Woman spend time with their families and often work on other interests. Chloë, for instance, completed high school "with flying colors" in the early years of Celtic Woman and is now taking an online college course in child psychology. Lisa, who had her third child, Ellie, in 2008, balances life on tour with family time. "A lot of hard work goes into the balance of it, but I'm very lucky because I have a huge support group [her children] with me on the road." She humbly added, "But it's no harder than balancing any other career with three children, it's just that I have to do it in a hotel room and on a bus. They enjoy it and that's the main thing. They're learning and seeing places they might never see again."
Lynn Hilary released a solo album in 2008 called Take Me With You and Máiréad Nesbitt is currently working on her second solo album.
With lives as full and varied as these, it's hard to see how five women with different personalities come together to make such harmonious music. The members have resounding praise for David Downes in this respect, who controls the look, sound, and production of Celtic Woman in a way that is extremely polished but allows the musicians' individuality to come through. "Each of the girls are an entity in themselves and I think that's what makes it personal for an audience," said Alex. "The fans have built up a relationship with these girls and they have their own favorites."


text:
Knitter's Review
May 9, 2013
Like people, some yarns are better storytellers than others. This week, I present a veritable Mark Twain of yarns, one that combines not one but two story lines.
You may recognize the names Kristine Vejar and Sally Fox—the former for her pioneering work in natural dye, the latter for her pioneering work in organic naturally colored cotton. They have now come together in a yarn fittingly called Pioneer.
Bale Bash
Upcoming Events
In the Forums: Software for Soft Wear?
Need help logging into the Forums?
As ever, I thank you for letting me be a part of your knitting life.
I'll talk to you again on May 23!
P.S. Do you have friends who would enjoy Knitter's Review? If so, don't hesitate to forward this email to them.
Knitter's Review Poll
Do you prefer yarn in 50g or 100g skeins?
Participate in our Knitter's Review Poll and you'll see an instant tally of all the votes.
On the Cover
Pioneer in a sunbeam
Subscriber Services
Having problems viewing this? %%webversion%%
Did you miss a week? Visit our online archive of all past newsletters.
Has your email address changed? Update your subscription: %%modifydetails_3%%
Receive this from a friend? Join us!
No longer wish to receive this newsletter? %%unsubscribelink%%
© Copyright 2000-2013 by Clara H. Parkes. All rights reserved.


text:
Welcome to Smogon Forums! Please take a minute to read the rules.
Click here to ensure that you never miss a new SmogonU video upload!
Ever find yourself missing out on the latest Smogon articles? We've now got a subscription service, so the newest articles (of your choice) are delivered right to your inbox! Check it out here.
RU Pokemon of the Week: Cinccino
Discussion in 'BW RU' started by Jellicent, Jul 15, 2012.
Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8


text:
There were 59 bookings at the San Joaquin County Jail in the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. Thursday. At that time, there were 1,369 people held at the jail, which has an official capacity of 1,411.
Robbery: A 34-year-old man was walking to his mailbox in the 4800 block of Grouse Run Drive about 5:30 a.m. Thursday when he was approached by a man who was armed with a black semiautomatic handgun. The man demanded money and grabbed a watch from the victim's wrist, police reported, but the watch broke. The robber then fled on foot through an apartment complex toward Venetian Drive. He was described as a black or Latino man 18 to 25 years old standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds with black clothing.
Assault with a deadly weapon: A 48-year-old man confronted another man who was digging through trash shortly before noon Thursday at an apartment complex in the 5300 block of Carrington Circle. When he asked the man to leave, the man stated that he had a gun and threatened to kill him if he called police. The man then spat upon the victim and threw a rock at him. Officers arrived and arrested Hans Madave, 41, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, battery and making terrorist threats.
The California Highway Patrol did not submit an incident report Thursday.
The Stockton Fire Department responded to 91 calls for service in the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. Thursday, including four vehicle accidents, 63 medical calls and one structure fire.
Location, ST | website.com