text:
Robert Redford on Thursday blamed film distributor Roadside Attractions for his being passed over for an acting Oscar nomination in "All is Lost."
In his opening remarks on the first day of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford said the film "suffered from little to no distribution," according to TheWrap.com.
"We had no campaign to help us cross over to the mainstream," the 77-year-old actor said. "I don't know what they were afraid of. They didn't want to spend money or they were incapable."
Maybe they should've given him a volleyball sidekick or something, like Tom Hanks had when no one else was in a movie with him.
Redford was edged out by Christian Bale ("American Hustle"), Bruce Dern ("Nebraska"), Leonardo DiCaprio ("The Wolf of Wall Street"), Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave") and Matthew McConaughey ("Dallas Buyers Club").
According to TheWrap, while Roadside Attractions didn't spend like a major studio for a campaign, Redford didn't do much campaigning either.
"Would it have been wonderful to be nominated? Of course, but I'm not disturbed by it. I'm fine," Redford said in front of a packed house at the Egyptian Theater.
The Sundance founder said, "I don't want it to get in the way of why we are here."
"These films are reliant on campaigns. It can get very political," said Redford, again, letting it get in the way of why they were there. He said Hollywood is a business and one he respects.
"The film I made with J.C. Chandor is something I'm very proud of. It was for me a pure cinematic experience. For me as an actor, it gave me a chance to go back to my roots," said Redford, who has only been nominated once before as an actor for his work in 1973's "The Sting."
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/insertfoot.


text:
Certain to passionately divide the critics when it opens on Friday, director Baz Luhrmann's opulent vision of 'The Great Gatsby' brings Irish American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel to the big screen, this time in 3D.
Irish people who flock to the cinema this week to see 'The Great Gatsby,' one of the most anticipated films of the summer, may just leave the theater with a better sense of the greatness of this lyrical tale of excess and doomed love than almost any other audience.
The reason for that is because the film, made in eye-popping 3D, is an evocative portrait of a fast-talking nobody without wealth or connections who still somehow manages to rise to the center of New York society in the Jazz Age. Gatsby's rise turns out to have quite a lot to say about the rise of the Irish in America.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Irish American writer who had already made his name by the time his greatest book was published in 1925, knew all about the tensions that could arise when Irish Catholics (and every other socially disfavored group) tried to claim their share of the American Dream.
Sometimes the pushback was subtle -- by refusing you entry into an upscale gentleman's club, say -- but sometimes it came with a raised fist. The message was always the same -- you don't belong here. Both of these faces of discrimination, one genteel the other violent, add period authenticity to director Baz Luhrmann's opulent new film.
Born in 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota to an upper middle class Irish American family, Fitzgerald's mother Mary McQuillan was from an Irish Catholic family that had made a small fortune in Minnesota as wholesale grocers.
His father Edward Fitzgerald opened a wicker furniture business in St. Paul and thereafter worked as a salesman based out of New York, but in the end the family turned away from their nomadic lifestyle and returned to St. Paul to live comfortably off his mother's fortune.
Fitzgerald's rise to literary stardom was rapid and one of the most assured of any great American writer. Bright, handsome and ambitious, he cut a figure even in his teenage years where his talent was first noticed at the Newman School, the prestigious Catholic prep school in New Jersey.
Later Fitzgerald studied at Princeton University before dropping out in 1917 to enlist in the U.S. Army. Fear that he might die in World War I saw him complete his first novel weeks before reporting for duty.
Many of these straight from the elements eventually made their way into The Great Gatsby in a new fictional form, but there's more to Fitzgerald's vision than simply recreating the defining experiences of his young life. His appetite for life, which was insatiable, was matched by his ambition, which was all consuming.
Published in 1925 when Fitzgerald was 28, 'The Great Gatsby' is narrated by the lovelorn Nick Carraway, a bright eyed Midwesterner whose fateful decision to move to the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island ends up dramatically altering his life.
Next door to Carraway's cottage is a huge mansion owned by the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby. Soon enough a strange sort of friendship arises between the mismatched pair.
Gatsby increasingly calls on Carraway to help him with his obsessional pursuit of the married woman Daisy Buchanan, a pursuit that eventually leads to his exposure as a bootlegger and soon after that to a lonely fate.
If you don't know the story of 'The Great Gatsby' don't worry, I haven't just given it all away. Fitzgerald's tale ends up having a great deal to say about materialism, love and the American Dream, enough to keep you pondering the film for days after you've seen it.
Having pots of money is Gatsby's passport to the bright future that he's always aiming toward, but it turns out that the things he wants most, the private desires of his soul, cannot be bought. Some things like love, freely given and easily lost, are beyond price.
As the film progresses the intensity of Gatsby's (believably played by Leonardo DiCaprio) obsession with Daisy (an excellent Carey Mulligan) is admirable and increasingly unnerving. At times we have to wonder if it's her, or his idea of her that he's really in love with.
Admiring her moving through his extravagant shorefront mansion, he's just as impressed with her fashion sense as he is with her character.
Not much good can come of that kind of blatant narcissism, and soon enough the complications and unexpected snags keep multiplying. The more Gatsby wants, the more deeply he's disappointed by what he actually gets.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Preparations have already been made for Merry Meridian, with numerous Christmas-related events that will take place during November and December.
The Meridian Downtown Association announced its plans for Merry Meridian.
The activities will include the Moscow Ballet's performance of The Great Russian Nutcracker at the Temple Theatre Nov. 23 at 7 p.m., and Breakfast with Santa at Meridian Little Theatre Nov. 26. All events are designed to get this community in the Christmas spirit.
"This year we have the Merry Meridian boutique market in the MSU Riley Center that's going to feature 36 of our region's greatest boutiques," said Michele Pearson, chairman of Merry Meridian. "And we also have the Merry Meridian Craft Market, that's going to be held outside in Dumont Plaza."
Both of those events are Saturday, Dec. 3. The annual Meridian Christmas Parade will be held that evening as well.
Merry Meridian events will also feature the 43rd Annual Trees of Christmas celebration at Merrehope and the F.W. Williams house.
This year's theme is "A Touch of the Brush".
Twenty-two trees will be decorated in the two homes, featuring different artists and artistic movements.
Funds raised during the event go to preservation of the two houses.
"Trees of Christmas is a renowned event in Meridian and Lauderdale County, and we invite you to paint your season merry this year, with the touch of a brush," said Jones.
Trees of Christmas is Nov. 18-Dec. 31, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Other events:
Candlelight Gala
November 17th
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Blind Boys of Alabama with Sara and Sean Watkins
MSU Riley Center
November 20th
6 p.m.
City of Meridian Tree Lighting
Dumont Plaza
Tuesday, November 29th
5 p.m.
MCC Chorus Fall Semester Concert
Meridian Community College
November 29th
7 p.m.
Martinis at the Museum
Meridian Museum of Art
December 1st
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Crabb Family Reunion Tour
The Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts
December 1st
7 p.m.
December 1 - 7
"Dashing Through the Snow"
Meridian Little Theatre
Time: Curtain at 7:30 p.m. each night / Sunday – Curtain at 2:00 p.m. No performance on Monday
Information: Call 601-482-6371 for Ticket Prices
Merry Margarita Party
MSU Riley Center
December 2nd
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Miss Merry Meridian Pageant
MSU Riley Center Grand Lobby
December 2nd
6 p.m.
The Sucarnochee Revue
The Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts
December 2nd
7 p.m.
Junior Auxiliary
Breakfast with Santa
St. Paul Episcopal Church
December 3rd
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Merry Meridian Boutique Market
Rush Brunch
MSU Riley Center
December 3rd
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Merry Meridian Market
Dumont Plaza
December 3rd
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Merry Meridian Boutique Market
MSU Riley Center
December 3rd
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Merry Meridian Boutique Market
Peppermint Dessert Party
MSU Riley Center
December 3rd
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Meridian Christmas Parade
"Christmas in the South"
Downtown Meridian
December 3rd
5 p.m.
Meridian Symphony Orchestra's
Peppermint Pops Concert
A Celtic Holiday Celebration
MSU Riley Center
December 3rd
7:30 p.m.
Merry Holiday Brunch
December 4th
12 noon - 2 p.m.
Celebrate the Day
Highland Baptist Church
December 4th
6 p.m.
The Forgotten Carols
A Magical Family Musical
The Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts
December 6th
7 p.m.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Meridian Community College
December 8th
7 p.m.
The Singing Christmas Tree
Highland Baptist Church
December 8th - 11th
Various Show times
Pancakes with Santa
December 10th
8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Merry Museum Children's Art Workshop
Meridian Museum of Art
December 10th
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Miracle on 34th Street
MSU Riley Center
December 10th
7:30 p.m.
The Polar Express
The Temple Theatre
Various Times
Main Street Block Party
5th Street
December 15th
5 p.m.


text:
SFR announcement wrote: Not that I'm trying to shake off a possible purchase, but that sounds like it has bad idea written all over it. There are no guarantees when a CD will arrive.
Travadone wrote: b dolan is good live, [and] the production kills me.
Travadone wrote: i put this on my mp3 player at the gym last night,i cant stand the production,its the same run of the mill alias anticon sound i dont wanna hear.
rather hear bernard over boom bap production which i feel serves him better than this.
b dolan is good live, but the production kills me.


text:
Your browser doesn't have support for real-time updates. Please install flash or upgrade your browser.
Opening Plenary – Latin America: Delivering Growth, Strengthening Societies. What innovative approaches will ensure sustained economic growth and societal progress in the region? // Social Entrepreneurs Award 2013 for Latin America. Social Entrepreneurs design and implement innovative solutions to social and environmental problems. The Schwab Foundation announces the 2013 Latin American Social Entrepreneurs of the Year working in different sectors and countries across the region.


text:
Configuring Hardware Systems into Personal Technology Devices
A friend of mine recently spent almost $ 800 on a food sealer. A device that vacuum seals food for it to stay fresh for storage. Although I have no great knowledge nor ideas about food sealers in general the concept is interesting, as it allows you to buy food in bulks for cheaper and then store in in a way that keeps in fresher for longer, but the real interest for me is the software behind the function of the food sealer.
You see, the device is programmed in a certain way to keep it working in a specific way and it got me thinking about hardware systems in all our tools and devices. And even if I am quite sure no one will hack into your VacMaster P112 (LOL) we all keep various devices around that can be – even our cars now a days are programmed and can be hacked!!


text:
SANTA CLARA — Colin Kaepernick emerged from the 49ers' offseason program with a $126 million extension and high regard for his revamped receiving corps.
How much will the passing offense benefit from those new riches? Kaepernick is willing to air it out more after leading the league's third-worst passing attack in yards per game last season.
"I want to see this offense do whatever it has to do to win games. That's really what's most important," Kaepernick said. "But I'm always good to throw a few more balls."
Kaepernick pointed his increased number of "playmakers" for such optimism after the nine-week offseason program. Newcomers Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd and Bruce Ellington should complement Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Quinton Patton.
"You have a lot of weapons you can put in a lot of different places," Kaepernick said. "You don't necessarily have to worry about where you're positioning people. They're all good route runners. They all have the capability of getting open and making plays."
Making another run at a Super Bowl is of the 49ers' and Kaepernick's utmost plans. Such success would also factor in greatly for his contract to reach $63 million in guarantees. The contract's structure was widely regarded as team-friendly since it didn't give Kaepernick more than $13 million guaranteed up front.
"You can skew things however you want," Kaepernick said. "At the end of the day, a lot of the way the contract is set up is how every other quarterback's contract is set up.
"The things that aren't set up like those contracts are because we wanted them that way so we could sign other players. It was very deliberate by my agents, the organization and myself that we wanted things done this way, so we could keep a solid team here."
For more on the 49ers, see Cam Inman's Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.


text:
Archbishop Mitty continued its unbeaten season and rise back to the top of prep volleyball with a 25-13, 25-23, 25-14 sweep of Las Lomas-Walnut Creek in a NorCal Division II volleyball semifinal. The Monarchs improved to 36-0 behind 14 kills from Clare Powers and 10 from Allie Wheeler.
Top-seeded Mitty had a streak during 2003-2009 of seven straight NorCal titles, four of which became state crowns, before a two-year absence, but appears to be back at the height of the game. Setter Kelsey Crawford contributed 31 assists and libero Anne Marie Schmidt led the defense with 17 digs.
"We're just so experienced against a lot of different teams from the WCAL and the CCS," Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar said. "We did a good job tonight of serving and keeping them out of system. And our defense did its job."
Fourth-seeded Las Lomas completed a landmark season at 37-8.
The Knights, led by middle blocker Maddie Borch with nine kills and Geneva Duffy with six kills, won their first-ever NCS crown, garnered their first-ever NorCal victory and surpassed the previous school record for wins by 11.
"Our girls played real well but we've never faced someone like that," Las Lomas coach Jim Changaris said. "They were excellent servers and it took us out of our rhythm. When we got the pass, we had a high percentage of hits that went down. But it was a great season. I am so proud of what these 14 girls have accomplished."
The NorCal title will be decided on Tuesday as the Monarchs will host second-seeded El Camino-Sacramento. The NorCal champ will meet the SoCal titlist on Saturday in Irvine.
Valley Christian 3, Bishop O'Dowd 1: The host Warriors played near perfect defense in dispatching visiting Bishop O'Dowd 25-16, 22-25, 25-12, 25-18 in the semifinals of Division III playoffs.
Valley Christian (35-8) advances to Tuesday's NorCal championship match, where it will face No. 1-seed Campolindo.
"It's really an accomplishment for us," Valley Christian coach Sheri Hess said of her team's water tight defense, "Being a tall gangly team, for us to also be a passing a defense team -- that's what we work for since August 1. As talented as these girls are offensively, if we pass and play defense, the talent can get us there."
The Warriors leaned heavily on their pair of junior setters/outside hitters Kirsten Nead and Maddie Dilfer for stability and guidance. Dilfer finished with a match 13 kills along side 18 digs, 62 assists and three aces.
-- Bill Kolb, correspondent


text:
News 12 at 6 o'clock / Monday, Feb. 18, 2013
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- A man is sitting in jail, accused in the gruesome death of his neighbor's dog. Deputies say Pablo Chaves shot the dog twice with a shotgun, and they also found a bloody chainsaw nearby. But, Chaves' family says his actions were necessary to save his own pet.
Rolonda Jackson's family's dog is the one that was shot and killed. She says the dog was about 9 years old, and they had raised him from a puppy.
"I just can't believe the dog's gone and how he did it," she said.
Deputies responded to a call to Chaves' home about trouble with a neighbor's dog. That's when they discovered the Rottweiler had been shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, but that wasn't all they found.
Investigators found the dog in a gruesome condition. The incident report describes the scene: "The officer observed an 18-inch chainsaw with dog hair and blood in it lying beside the dog. Officer observed a large cut on the neck area of the black in color dog consistent with being cut with the chainsaw."
"I just couldn't believe that. I mean we don't talk to them, but I couldn't believe he would do something like that," Jackson said.
Neighbors say they're shocked because the dogs aren't aggressive.
"They're good dogs, they don't bother anybody. They bark if somebody comes up, but they don't bother anybody," said Amy Roseburg, who lives next door.
But there's more to the story, the Chaves family says. On Sunday morning, family members say the dog jumped their fence and killed their chihuahua.
They didn't want to go into details on camera because they have hired a lawyer, who was close by Monday afternoon as Chaves appeared before a judge for his bond hearing.
"This will be a vigorously-defended case," said Chaves' lawyer.
His lawyer says Chaves will plead "not guilty" since he was defending his own property and his own pets.
The lawyer said in court, "This will be the second animal this neighbor's dog has destroyed -- and injured a third -- but it occurred in the enclosed backyard of my client."
As the lawyer stated in court, this is not the first time they say the Rottweiler has attacked their dogs. An incident report was filed by Chaves in 2008 that says two black Rottweiler dogs jumped the fence and started fighting with his chihuahua. It also says they were unable to find the dog afterwards.
Initial report:
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- An Augusta man was arrested for cruelty to animals after allegedly killing his neighbor's dog.
Deputies say when they arrived to the home on Chester Avenue on Sunday morning, they found 35-year-old Pablo Cesar Chaves covered in blood with a chainsaw covered in blood and dog hair nearby.
Chaves allegedly shot his neighbor's dog twice with a shotgun.
Deputies say the dog had a large cut in its neck area and looked like it had been cut with the chainsaw that was found nearby.
Chaves is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, discharge of firearms on or near public highway and possession of a firearm or knife during a crime.


text:
A detailed examination of instrumental music tuition in schools across Scotland has been announced.
Scooped by
Peter A Bell
onto Culture Scotland
Get Started for FREE
Sign up with Facebook Sign up with Twitter
I don't have a Facebook or a Twitter account
Your new post is loading...
Your new post is loading...
Once thought to be rock art, carved depictions of soldiers, horses and other figures are in fact part of a written language dating back to the Iron Age.
A giant three-dimensional map of Scotland built by Polish nationals in the grounds of a Borders hotel has been awarded B-listed status.
IT was a Wednesday afternoon in Glasgow, and the city stopped to stare.
The great Scottish novelist William McIlvanney once described Glasgow as "The City of the Stare". It was a place, he said, where you never know when to expect the next assault on your privacy. William, or Willie to all who knew him, died on Saturday after a short illness. Scotland has lost one of its genuine literary greats, and Glasgow, where he lived happily with his partner Siobhan, will miss him terribly.
Episode Three of 'The Last Kingdom', broadcast on BBC2 last week was the continuing tale of King Alfred's brave, Christian Wessex struggling to survive the onslaught of the terrible, pagan Danes.
he city of Glasgow has a very distinctive dialect and accent. Its famous incomprehensibility has even been demonstrated in a lab experiment, and is seemingly consistent over time. The glottal stop, where "t" sounds get dropped, was common currency well before the 20th century, as can be seen from these observations by a visitor to the city written in 1892:
Recently, on the Parliamentary Channel I caught a late-night adjournment debate with Chuka Umunna MP urging the government to ensure a more rapid response in the battle for greater diversity in private sector board-rooms as well as in senior corporate management. His diversity demands related to both greater gender equality at the highest levels of business as well greater participation by the ethnic minority community on boards and in senior management positions. (This writer with an Afro-Caribbean partner and bi-racial children listened with personal as well as political interest).
Bella is delighted to announce a new strand of work celebrating Gaelic and Scots language and culture with regular content to be published in both languages and in other forms (featuring poetry, music and visual art).
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture recently stated that the "Scottish Government and our partners Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, which form the film studio delivery group, are fully committed to finding the best way to ensure that a film studio is developed in Scotland". Recognising what Paisley would have to offer as a location for the studio, George put Paisley forward as the leading lady to become the studio's home.
Look beyond the dramatic skyline and striking architecture: this city is more than a pretty face
Perthshire Big Tree Country's multi-award winning show fuses the creative talents of Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes (lighting designers) with RJ McConnell and J...
The work of the great Scottish painter George Devlin, is being remembered in a special exhibition at the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh just 18 months after his death from cancer.
This isn't a "the place of Gaelic in modern Scotland" article, or a even "why Gaelic is relevant" one. I've read enough of those, and written a fair few. I doubt I'll bother with one of them again. If you're advocating the extinction of a language, due to utility, expense or whatever else, then you can go join the irrationality club with advocates of pre-Copernican astronomy and Galenic anatomy. On you go. Let the rest of us have a meaningful conversation on how to support and revitalise minority languages; retain the languages of our immigrant populations and strengthen Scotland as a multilingual country.
From newsnet
A leading film and TV pressure group has demanded that TV licence fee money raised in Scotland should be spent here.
The offending word was circled in red pen: 'outwith'
SCOTLAND'S landmark new £33 million performance centre will craft sports men and women and from "grassroots to greatness" after drawing inspiration from around the world, according to chief executive Catriona McAllister.
SCOTTISH writer William McIlvanney has died at the age of 79, it was reported today.
Last year Colin Waters wrote: "Throw a stone in Edinburgh or Glasgow today and you'll hit a poet. The Scottish spoken word scene has exploded, reaching a level of popularity last seen in the late 1970s, another era, coincidentally, when the issue of Scottish self-determination was in the air. A generation of poets has emerged who have grown up in an age of change, political and technological, with the internet providing them not only with new ways of sharing writing – through their websites, podcasts, Twitter – but also in some cases with a subject too."
largeThe corporate takeover of our towns and cities has been rampant in recent years. In combination with chronic under-funding of the Arts, the impact on cultural life across Scotland is all too strongly felt already, with no sign that our political leadership has the will to change direction.
The 'cringe' remains alive and well in the Scottish arts and creative sector public life - Newsnet.scot
I attended a conference this week with the theme "Access All Areas", about how to increase cultural diversity in our access to the arts in Scotland.
This week saw the launch of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2015, 'Stories Without Borders.' As well as bringing together world cultures – with a specific focus this year on Scottish, European, Middle Eastern and North African storytelling – the festival explores global issues through storytelling. This year there is a focus on the environment and sustainability, with a nod towards the World Climate Summit in Paris in November. Storytellers across the world bring a creative dimension to our sense of the environment and to the living connection between natural ecology and sustainable culture. One of this year's festival projects is the 'Tree of Life'. Tomorrow, at the Botanic Gardens, is an afternoon event called 'Storyelling for a Greener World', echoing the title of a book of collected essays released last year.
A variety of musicians are lined up to perform at this year's Perthshire Amber Festival.
Glasgow-born singer Jim Diamond has died aged 63.
Stomping tune by Jim Sutherland with bagpipes by Steven Blake and Sax and Kaval by Fraser Fifield.
As we approach the anniversary of the independence referendum in Scotland it's hard not to feel nostalgic for the energy that was tangible in the air this time last year.
|Follow us
|How it Works


text:
- Flat Rate Shipping. Any Size Order -
Main Content
There's no reason to leave your passion for the gridiron behind when you hit the links. Take it along with this NFL® gift set from Team Golf®. It includes four golf balls and a divot tool with a double-sided marker. The team logo boldly adorns each item.
- Double-sided, color-fill, metal ball marker
- Each item is decorated with the team logo
- Four golf balls
- Made in China
- Metal divot tool
- Officially licensed
- Imported
- Brand: Team Golf
Titans Customers also liked:
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
Product Questions
- Ask
Average Customer Reviews
WMF 8.5 Qt. Pressure Cooker - 0793149300
Need more help?
Like this category?
(based on 1 review)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
Subscribe to Reviews
Reviewed by 1 customer
Displaying review 1
Back to top
I would buy this product again and again
By Sonia
from Chicago, IL
Best Uses
Comments about WMF 8.5 Qt. Pressure Cooker:
Excellent product! Good material, easy to clean it up! Easy to use and fast meal! I use it almost everyday and it is very important in my kitchen! I do not have so much time to cook, but i like to cook. This saves me a lot of time and makes delicious meat, full of flavor and ready in matter of minutes!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Comment on this review
Fill out the form below to request Better Price for this product.
Sign up for the latest information on new products, special offers, and savings opportunities at Abt and receive $25 off your next order of $250 or more.


text:
A couple of weeks ago I started the dreaded process of changing my email address after discovering that Road Runner was blocking some of email. I�ve been looking at dumping my road runner account for a while but was indecision on which email service to use. I�ve listed my reasons for wanting to dump my road runner account.
- Like most email you use a POP account to log into your account on your phone, which brings in a copy of the email but doesn�t apply any changes to the mail server if you move or delete the message. This means I still have to delete the message once it downloads to Outlook 2012. I don�t know about you, but I don�t have the time to move message multiple times.
- Road Runner only likes to send email from that account from my phone if I�m not on a Road Runner Wi-Fi connection or if my computer is connected to a Kansas City Road Runner Connection or another non-road runner connection. So if I�m visiting my sister in Minnesota and try to send a message from my Road Runner email, it won�t work since her Wi-Fi is Road Runner. FYI: you can't send email from any Wi-Fi connection if you are not at home unless you use the webmail.
- If I changed my internet provider, I would lose my road runner email address.
- I use to never get spam on my road runner email but that has changed in the past couple of weeks. Now I get an average of 2-3 spam emails a day but not the email from friends and family.
After playing around with outlook.com this week I was really enjoying the syncing between my computer, webmail, and my phone. Here are some features that I�m really loving on Outlook.com
- The Outlook.com webmail site is clean, uncluttered, and has a drop and drag feature when moving messages.
- Outlook.com has a plug-in for Outlook 2012 that syncs directly with the server. This makes it really easy for moving messages from my Road Runner Account to my new Outlook.com Account. Once I installed the plug in, I just had to enter my name, email, and password and everything else was done for me.
- I set up my iPhone in less than a minute since the Hotmail email settings are pre-loaded on the Apple Operating System. I just entered my email address and mail and within minutes all my folders and email had been loaded onto my phone. If I move or delete the message, it message is moved on the server.
- Flag, Move, and Delete icons help you quickly sort your email. When you flag an email it keeps that email at the top of the inbox.
- Outlook.com wants to keep you clutter free and offers scheduled clean up session for your inbox. Love this .... I can tell it to keep only the current email from ScrapGirls, who offer free download but they are only good for 24-48 hours so now outlook deletes them after 3 days - will keep my inbox a lot cleaner when I'm busy and it won't matter that the email is gone because the free file will have expired.
- The Unsubscribe tool will help you keep email you don't want out of your inbox altogether. I�ve already used this several times on companies that keep adding my email back on their email lists.
- Did your friend�s email get hacked? Let Outlook.com know under Junk Button when you open the email. You can also let them know that you received a phishing email. By reporting spam emails, you help Outlook.com keep the spam out.
- Already have a Hotmail, MSN or other Microsoft domain email? Upgrade to Outlook.com easily without losing anything. Your email address, rules, and all your messages will come with you.? You can start using Outlook.com now with the same email. You will however be automatically converted to Outlook.com by the summer, if you don't voluntarily switch before then. You can also upgrade your Gmail account with one click.
- Need to share photos from Disney with Grandma? Outlook.com gives you the ability to send massive files, including hundreds of photos at a time, in a single email.
- If you are tired of ads taking over your webmail screen. You will want to check out Outlook.com which offers uniform, neutral color ads that are tucked away on the right side of the inbox. They will stay that way unless you decide to interact with them and will disappear once you open or create an email.
- If you don't want to give your personal email address to online retailers or others who might send unwanted email, you can create another email address (an "alias") within your account. When someone sends an email to your alias, it goes to a folder in Outlook.com you designate. When you're done with the alias, you can delete it. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner � left of your name, click �More Email Settings�, then �Create an Alias� link to get started.
Want to check out how Outlook.com ranks against Gmail or Yahoo Mail in this comparison chart.
Let me know if you switch to Outlook.com or if you have favorite feature on the Adventures with Gadget Girl Facebook Page.


text:
You may have heard by now that Dennis Rodman, professional basketball's version of a beleaguered shock jock, is on a diplomatic mission to nightmarish dictatorship North Korea, accompanied by a team from Vice and the Harlem Globetrotters. It's a motley crew to be sure, but based on the fact that Rodman and Vice are now calling themselves "friends" to the famine- and gulag-ridden Asian nation, things seem to be going quite well. One Vice staffer, Jason Mojica, even tweeted about being allowed into North Korean supreme leader King Jong-un's own home to be feted with food and booze:
Vice correspondent Ryan Duffy described the dinner party thusly to the AP:
"Dinner was an epic feast. Felt like about 10 courses in total. I'd say the winners were the smoked turkey and sushi, though we had the Pyongyang cold noodles earlier in the trip and that's been the runaway favorite so far."
It sounds like a lot of fun! And because North Korea tends to be so secretive about what's happening within its armed borders, we thought we'd offer up some of our favorite recent photos from the nation in an effort to let you in on the action. Party on, Rodman and friends!
"Dinner was an epic feast."
"Felt like 10 courses in total."
"I'd say the winners were the smoked turkey and sushi, though we had the Pyongyang cold noodles earlier in the trip and that's been the runaway favorite so far."
"You have a friend for life!" -Dennis Rodman to Kim Jong-un
"We knew that [Kim Jong-Un's] a big lover of basketball, especially the Bulls, and it was our intention going in that we would have a good will mission of something that's fun." -Vice founder Shane Smith to the AP
"A lot of times, things just are serious and everybody's so concerned with geopolitics that we forget just to be human beings." -Shane Smith
"North Korea has a friend in Dennis Rodman and Vice"
[Images via AP]


text: I don't know about you, but the 30 my-way-or-the-highway "tea party" people are beginning to scare me. The majority of Republicans don't agree with what they are doing, but they are afraid to disagree. They gave us the sequester, they gave us the shutdown and now they are poised to lead us into default. Evidently holding on to your seat in Congress is more important than doing what is best for the country.


text:
Mallorca Family Cottage/pool
Size150 m²
Floor No.
- Family/child friendly
- Kitchen
- Washer/dryer
- Indoor fireplace
- Parking available
- Disabled access
- Pool
|Ma- A km, 07320 Santa Maria de cami, Spain
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
Country house with swimming pool. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6 - ideal villa for a family.
The house has 3 bedrooms very cozy and spacious in a plot of 1800 m², in an absolutely perfect location on the outskirts of the village Santa Maria. The House is in an area that the kids could splash and shout in the pool with no worries about disturbing any neighbors. It is a 15 to 20 minute drive to a wide variety of lovely beaches and Santa Maria has most of the essentials. If you are looking for mountain views and tranquility this Villa is perfect.
The house is perfect for 6 people and was completely renovated and refurbished in 2011. The modern interiors with the Mallorquin-Mediterranean style and designed like an open loft house. Large living room with chimney, windows ensures a light-filled ambience. Off the living area is the open kitchen with dining area and bathroom are located directly behind it and the sleeping area with a king size bed for two people and the others two bedrooms one with tow single beds and other bunk bed. A front terrace offers views of the orange groves. They are a pool with sun beds is slightly elevated.
Situated at 20 minutes from the sandy beaches, 12 km from the close to golf course "Golf Son Termes", 3 km from the town of Santa Maria with supermarket, cafeteria, fantastic restaurant, great old pizzeria, and the Celler "Sa Signy" and ,1,8km from Festival Park shopping center and cinemas. Airport and Palma center is only 15 minutes away. It is a railway station "Train Station of Festival Park" is only 1.8km in a charming rural area.
The house is very comfortable for 6 people with heating and hot water and all amenities (washer, stove, etc.) there is an open fire-place for chillier evenings. Outside there is a swimming pool set as the old "soufreix" in a sand mallorquin stone.
Every Sunday in the town of Santa Maria it happens one of the largest and well know market in the island. Ideal for people which like to go walking to the mountain of Tramuntana with famous hiking and tracking trails or cycling to any of the town or just to explore the island. The mountains, Palma and beaches are within easy to reach, ideal base for exploring the entire island.
The house is located in the center of the island and with easy access to any corner of the island, to the beach, and Palma center city. Ideal for cycling
The house has all bed linen and bath towels, however you will need to bring your own beach towels.
Features: fireplace, iron, heating, private pool, parking area, ceramic hob, refrigerator, microwave, oven, freezer, washing machine, crockery / cutlery, cookware / kitchen, coffee maker, toaster.
The rental of this property is based on the Spanish Law on Urban Leases (29/1994, 24th November). According to this law the property is available for seasonal renting, however, the contract does not offer any tourist service. It is only for the use and enjoyment of the property.
-Flexible changeover day, arrival at 15:00 hours departure at 10:00
hours. We work hard at accommodating every body's needs so your holiday runs smoothly. If an earlier/later arrival departure into the apartment is needed please enquire at the time of booking, it is not always possible but we will try to help.
-We request information about the day and time of flight arrival and departure to organize the reception of clients and their departure.
-There is a charge of € 80 for final cleaning and laundry.
-Prices are for this property in Euros.
-Refundable deposit required of 300 Euros for any willful damage to the property or its contents, to be paid upon arrival. This deposit will be refunded after checking the apartment and its contents. If the guests leave before 11.00am the deposit will be refunded by bank transfer at 48hours after the departure, so for all guests we will request your bank details (full name, name and address of the bank, IBAN, swift or bic number) on arrival.
|Maximum nights
|2 months
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Wir wurden herzlich von Salvador begrüßt. Das Haus ist wie auf den Bildern. Alles ging gut. Wir würden es wieder wählen
Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt im Santa Maria Cottage Haus. Wir verbrachten dort 10 Tage im August 2014, mit 6 Erwachsenen.
Einen Kritikpunkt äußerten wir bereits dem Vermieter gegenüber. Erwachsene können nicht in dem Etagenbett schlafen. Das Etagenbett ist nur für Kinder geeignet und leider ist auch keine Klimaanlage in diesem Zimmer. Die anderen beiden Schlafzimmer waren absolut ok.
Das gesamte Haus ist sehr liebevoll eingerichtet und sauber.
Der Vermieter war sehr nett und hilfsbereit und stets telefonisch zu erreichen.
Ein Mietwagen ist notwendig.
Wir verbrachten dort einen wunderschönen Urlaub und würden dieses Haus jederzeit wieder mieten.
Great host. Quick to reply by mail and text. Supplied baby cot and chair without hassle. Just easy!
Amazing location in old town, Palma.
The host cancelled the booking, this review is automated.
We had a great stay in the apartment. Location is really great. In reality exactly like the pictures. Pay attention: the stairs are rather steep!
Everything was more than ok, except for the noise the wooden floor makes.....
We liked:
-Excellent location, easy to walk within minutes to restaurants, bars, shops, cafes. Perfect with little baby.
-Spacious lounge & dining area (we were 3 adults and a 5 month old baby).
-2 good size double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
-Elevator (but 3 steps to get up to it made it a little tricky with pushchair).
-Quiet - good for sleeping!
-Lucky it was available at short notice.
We didn't like:
-No electric kettle - just one for the hob - far too time consuming for tea & making baby bottles!
-No AC in the bedrooms, only in lounge. We had to have the lounge at lowest temperature for a few hours to help cools the bedrooms.
-Tiny microwave (our standard MAM baby bottles wouldn't fit).
-En suite bathroom did not have a shower curtain.
-Poor water pressure in showers.
Top flat, super service!
top apartment
top appartement
Super apartment located in the heart of Palma
Was received by Maria who recommended good restaurants and attractions nearby
Walking distance to shopping, sights, beach and more ...
Super lejlighed der ligger i hjertet af Palma
Blev modtaget af Maria der anbefalede gode restauranter og seværdigheder i nærheden
Gåafstand til shopping, seværdigheder, strand med mere...
Beautiful apartment directly in the city center (pedestrian zone), you can recommend. Everything is within walking distance.
Apartment was as described, clean and well furnished. 3rd floor without elevator is a challenge with large suitcases.
Get back paid deposit on departure immediately.
The position indicated on the map is not correct. The apartment is as described in the text in the Carrer de Jaume II in the pedestrian zone
Schöne Wohnung direkt in der Innenstadt (Fußgängerzone), kann man empfehlen. Alles ist zu Fuß zu erreichen.
Wohnung war wie beschrieben, sauber und gut eingerichtet. 3. Stock ohne Lift ist mit großen Koffern eine Herausforderung.
Gezahlte Kaution bei Abreise sofort zurückerhalten.
Die angezeigte Position auf der Karte ist nicht richtig. Die Wohnung liegt wie im Text beschrieben in der Carrer de Jaume II in der Fußgängerzone
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


text:
Cloverfield (2008) BDRip 1080p H264
IMDB Url: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1060277
Title: Cloverfield (2008)
Tagline: Some Thing Has Found Us
Genre(s): Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi
Rating: 7.3/10 from 163,996 users.
PEGI: Rated PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images
Directed by Matt Reeves. With Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller. Revolves around a monster attack in New York as told from the point of view of a small group of people.
Cloverfield follows five New Yorkers from the perspective of a hand-held video camera. The movie is exactly the length of a DV Tape and a sub-plot is established by showing bits and pieces of video previously recorded on the tape that is being recorded over. The movie starts as a monster of unknown origin destroys a building. As they go to investigate, parts of the building and the head of the Statue of Liberty come raining down. The movie follows their adventure trying to escape and save a friend, a love interest of the main character.


text:
In his first term, President Barack Obama created an environment of transparency never before experienced in American politics. His strategy? Personalized tweets. Facebook updates. And his very own YouTube channel. Today he assumes the highest office in the land for a second term. But, if he is to succeed, he must fully embrace the digital age.
Written by Jason Parham (@nonlinearnotes)
"He was the first politician I dealt with who understood that the technology was a given and that it could be used in new ways." –Marc Andreessen, 2008
In 2008, in the wake of the financial crisis, America elected a black man, Barack Hussein Obama, to its highest office. This moment, often rhapsodized as one of great historical and cultural import, marked the beginning a new American narrative. For so long the story of America had been told with moneyed white men in the leading role. But on January 20, 2009, a cold fever of excitement and awe surging throughout DC and the nation, Obama accepted his post as commander-in-chief, and became the first black president of the United States.
But Obama's ascendancy to the presidency has always been about more than his skin color. The Hawaiian-born, Harvard-educated politician exists in many worlds—the breezy enclaves of Honolulu, Chicago's gritty Southside, DC's old establishment—each with its own story of him. The well-known Walt Whitman line comes to mind: "I am large, I contain multitudes." The most important story, though, will be the one Obama tells; the one that will unravel before our eyes these next four years. It will not be an extension of the stories chronicled in Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope, but the story of now, of how Obama will cement his legacy as commander-in-chief. More than any other president, Obama understands he has a story to tell. That he must live his story as he writes it.
The way in which Obama has told his story up until this point, and the way he will continue to tell it, is perhaps the most important tenet of his narrative. Obama's embrace of social media—utilizing social networks as a means of encouraging civic engagement—has allowed him to create a conversation, and often times an open dialogue, with the public. He has created an environment of transparency never before experienced in American politics, a sort of new political ecology for the digital age.
A New Political Ecology
"He came into this office a figure of history, unlike anyone who's become president since George Washington. The simple event of him remains a great gravitational force in our politics. It changes the other parts of our politics in their customary orbits." –Charles P. Pierce, 2012
Aside from Newark Mayor Cory Booker, never before has such an important political figure been able to create a sense of connection and engagement through online platforms with constituents. A great deal of Obama's story, and the dissemination of that story, has depended on his understanding of sites like Tumblr and Facebook.
More than any other president, Obama understands he has a story to tell. That he must live his story as he writes it.
In the aftermath of the 2008 campaign against Senator John McCain, the online grassroots push skewed heavily in Obama's favor. The stats are startling: the Obama-Biden campaign built 5 million supporters on social networks, had 2.5 million followers on Facebook alone, sent 13 million emails, had 4 million digital donors, and 50 million viewers watched 14 million hours of video on YouTube, which was still only three years old. Even more impressive: 1,800 videos were posted to YouTube, many of which had more than one million views. By bucking traditional political etiquette, the Obama-Biden campaign was successful in not just getting Obama into the White House but also in creating a movement via social media. Therein lies the secret (partially, any way): Social media as movement. In the age of Obama, a tweet to your 300 followers about the importance of registering to vote is just as vital as knocking on doors in an effort to get community members to the polls.
Fast forward to the 2012 campaign and a similar story plays out. A Pew Research study examined social media activity between the Obama and Romney campaigns from June 4 to June 17 and found that the Romney camp tweeted on average once a day while the Obama campaign tweeted on average 29 times. The sheer output Obama has been able to manage is unlike anything we have ever experienced.
As researcher Richard Parker pointed out in the New York Times, the 2012 campaign was about "more than media. The Obama campaign correctly understood that to reach certain cohorts most effectively it would have to move beyond traditional media to the media that most resonates with Hispanics, young women, African-Americans and even Asian-Americans."
Obama has created a new political ecology. Politicians on Twitter, Facebook updates about policy, and behind-the-scene photos on Instagram will now be the norm. The way politicians engage with constituents has forever changed.


text:
The Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service has a CPR class on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 6:30-10:30 p.m. the Healthcare Provider's CPR will be presented for those needing to update as well as those who have never taken the course. This class will be held at the Ambulance/Police Garage and to register, call Shari Hittesdorf at 507-794-3116. This is the last offering until next spring when a new series of classes will be offered.
~ ~ ~
ECFE families are invited to a Holiday Activity Event on Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary gym and cafeteria. Families with preschoolers may participate in an open gym and other holiday activities like games, music, frosting cookies and a reading corner. Registration is encouraged to help staff prepare for the activities.
~ ~ ~
The holiday season is here and with it comes many concerts and programs at our local schools. Check out the websites for the latest times and which groups are performing. School is in session through noon on Friday, Dec. 21.
~ ~ ~
The Community Education office is located in room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are generally 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since staff is part-time, they may not always be in the building. You can call and leave a message on voicemail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to e-mail staff with questions and to sign-up. Addresses are on the school website.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
A formal search for Dale Smith, a Silicon Valley executive whose plane disappeared earlier this month in the Idaho backcountry, has been called off. Smith was accompanied by son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Sheree Smith, and his daughter Amber Smith and her fiance, Jonathan Norton.
The video was by Valley County Sheriff's Office, provided to us by the Idaho Transportation Department.


text:
John got the boot and Candice is upset. She displays this by showing the middle finger to Brad at the start of Redemption Island. The heat is on both the Culpeppers. All the anger shifts toward Brad so Monica feels the need to defend her husband. Candice calls out Brad for "hushing" women. Basically, she calls him a misogynist.
"You cut my baby, I cut you" - Candice
The duel has two parts. The first part challenges the truellers to navigate a key though rope to unlock a bag of puzzle pieces. This bag contains supplementary parts to the second part of the truel. John flies through this challenge and wins it. It is between Candice and Marissa. As Marissa's lead dwindles, she becomes more frustrated. she asks for Gervase's help but it is a little too late. Candice gets 2nd. Marissa leaves this game; she played well.
The King and Queen are enacted. John wins the ability to give the clue to someone. As he ponders, Candice chimes in Monica's name. That is smart, put the target on her back. Well, Brad smelled through this. He advises her to walk it to the fire and burn the clue before reading it.
Redemption Island's royalty loves having time in the game together. They have about 2 days of solidarity together which is nice for the couple. They are on a beautiful island together. Can someone say vacation?
Monica defends her husband's actions to the tribe. Gervase shuts her down with logic and truth. He says Brad could play the villain on the other tribe. He does give her kudos for keeping poise as long as she could.
Tyson still has a bummed shoulder. He plays it up a little to keep sympathy from the tribe.
Tyson and Gervase sneak off into the jungle to eat coconuts. They open it different ways to throw off suspicion that someone from the tribe drank them. Laura brought back empty coconuts and wonder why there are holes in it. They think crabs entered the coconuts. Tyson and Gervase have a special bond. Major Foreshadowing, Tyson wants to work with Gervase because they lost their loved ones and Aras will work with Vytas. Hint Hint.
Brad feels like it is natural to be the leader. He wants Caleb gone because he is disconnected to the other tribe. No one will scream at Brad for Caleb's eviction from the tribe. Caleb, Vytas, and Hayden solidify a threesome. They are worried that Brad shanked John. It could happen to any one of the guys.
Immunity Challenge
For this challenge, the two tribes will race on a boat to gather 5 huge crates. Two tribe members will solve a puzzle to unlock the right key. This key will unlock the victor's flag. The winning tribe earns a feast of coffee and tea.
Tina and Kat sit out while Tyson plays. In a confessional, he says he is better than most people on his tribe with one arm; he just wants to win. Tadhana are on a fast start but thats the theme of every challenge. They start strong but fizzle out. History repeats itself again. The puzzle is a face-off between mother and daughter. Ciera thinks she is better at the puzzles than her mom. But, her mother outplays her time and time again. Galang continues their win streak. Tadhana has yet to win a challenge.
Brad pulls the girls aside to tell them of the plan to vote out Caleb. Ciera questions his motives but he has never lived to her. The three guys call upon Brad but he was too busy strategizing with the girls. The three guys think he might stir up trouble again. The guys finally unite with the plan to vote out Ciera.
Tribal Council
The heat is on Ciera for losing the puzzle. She takes responsibility for stinking at the puzzle and realizing that she may not be as good as she thinks. Brad feels he takes the blame for the loved ones departure. He says he might vote out someone who doesn't have a loved one, cough-cough Caleb. Caleb feels the pressure now. He says he loves a blindside but he doesn't want to be the butt of it. Caleb knows Brad campaigned against him. The trust is broken between the two. Caleb addressed Ciera that he doesn't want her to go home so he is writing Brad's name down. However, Brad will not write Caleb's name down. Vytas and Hayden are shocked and have to ask him if he is serious.
Tribal Vote
Caleb: Brad
Ciera: Brad
Katie: Brad
Brad: Ciera
Hayden: Ciera
Vytas: Ciera
We have a tie, 3 votes for Brad and 3 votes for Ciera. The tribe votes again
Tribal Vote 2.0
Caleb: Brad
Vytas: Brad
Katie: Brad
Hayden: Ciera
Brad leaves to redemption island to meet the royalty who expressed disgust over him. He quickly puts his guard down when he enters. Will they respect him? Find out next week.
LaRell's Analysis.
I commend Caleb for taking ownership of his game. He didn't wait 3 days later to get voted out; he took matters into his own hands. AND he got rid of the season's villain. Yeah, you almost forget that he is engaged to Colton.
Major foreshadowing between Aras, Gervase and Tyson. I predict Aras is the winner because Gervase choose him over Tyson. Tyson and Aras are receiving a winner's edit. Hayden is our narrator and Ciera is the mastermind whose chips never fell in the right spot.
Winner's Pick
1. Aras
2. Tyson
3. Vytas
4. Monica
Make sure you tweet #WDBJ7 every Wednesday Night to Chat with a Survivor Super-Fan. One of my twitter friends won a BUFF from Jeff Probst. Get on TWITTER!!
To re-watch this episode, click here.


text:
For the most current version of this Note, see Background Notes A-Z.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Area: 1,100 sq. km.; Hong Kong comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and numerous small islands.
Terrain: Hilly to mountainous, with steep slopes and natural harbor.
Climate: Tropical monsoon. Cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall.
Population (2004): 6.9 million.
Population growth rate (2004): 1.0%.
Ethnic groups: Chinese 95%; other 5%.
Religions: About 43% participate in some form of religious practice. Christian, about 9.6%.
Languages: Cantonese (a dialect of Chinese) and English are official.
Education: Literacy--92% (95% male, 88% female).
Health (2004): Infant mortality rate--2.7/1,000. Life expectancy--81.9 yrs. (overall); 79.0 yrs. males, 84.7 yrs. females.
Work force (2004): 3.5 million. Wholesale, retail, and import/export trades and restaurants and hotels--28.4%; finance, insurance, real estate, and business services--12.7%; manufacturing--4.7%.
Type: Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, with its own constitution (the Basic Law).
Branches: Executive--Administration (Chief Executive Selection in June 2005), Executive Council, serving in an advisory role for the Chief Executive. Legislative--Legislative Council elected in September 2004. Judicial--Court of Final Appeal is highest court, other lower courts.
Subdivisions: Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories.
Suffrage: Permanent residents, at 18 years or over, living in Hong Kong for the past 7 years are eligible to vote.
Economy (2004)
GDP (2004): $165.5 billion.
GDP real growth rate (2004): 8.2%.
Per capita GDP (2004): $24,045.
Natural resources: Outstanding deepwater harbor.
Industry: Types--textiles, clothing, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks.
Trade: Exports--$259 billion: clothing, electronics, textiles, watches and clocks, office machinery. Imports--$271 billion: consumer goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures, capital goods, foodstuffs, fuels.
Hong Kong's population has increased steadily over the past decade, reaching about 6.9 million by 2004. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with an overall density of some 6,380 people per square kilometer. Cantonese, the official Chinese language in Hong Kong, is spoken by most of the population. English, also an official language, is widely understood. It is spoken by more than one-third of the population. Every major religion is practiced freely in Hong Kong. All children are required by law to be in full-time education between the ages of 6 and 15. Preschool education for most children begins at age 3. Primary school begins normally at the age of 6 and lasts for 6 years. At about age 12, children progress to a 3-year course of junior secondary education. Most stay on for a 2-year senior secondary course, while others join full-time vocational training. More than 90% of children complete upper secondary education or equivalent vocational education.
According to archaeological studies initiated in the 1920s, human activity on Hong Kong dates back over five millennia. Excavated neolithic artifacts suggest an influence from northern Chinese stone-age cultures. The territory was settled by Han Chinese during the seventh century, A.D., evidenced by the discovery of an ancient tomb at Lei Cheung Uk in Kowloon. The first major migration from northern China to Hong Kong occurred during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). The British East India Company made the first successful sea venture to China in 1699, and Hong Kong's trade with British merchants developed rapidly soon after. After the Chinese defeat in the First Opium War (1839-42), Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanking. Britain was granted a perpetual lease on the Kowloon Peninsula under the 1860 Convention of Beijing, which formally ended hostilities in the Second Opium War (1856-58). The United Kingdom, concerned that Hong Kong could not be defended unless surrounding areas also were under British control, executed a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898, significantly expanding the size of the Hong Kong colony.
In the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, Hong Kong developed as a warehousing and distribution center for U.K. trade with southern China. After the end of World War II and the communist takeover of Mainland China in 1949, hundreds of thousands of people fled from China to Hong Kong. Hong Kong became an economic success and a manufacturing, commercial, finance, and tourism center. High life expectancy, literacy, per capita income, and other socioeconomic measures attest to Hong Kong's achievements over the last five decades.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is headed by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who officially took office on June 21, 2005 after China's State Council announced its approval. Former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa tendered his resignation on March 12, 2005, citing ill health. Mr. Tung has since been confirmed as a vice-chairman of the National People's Political Consultative Conference. The selection process for a new Chief Executive concluded on June 15, 2005 when Tsang garnered 710 of the 800 nomination votes from the Election Committee, preventing any other candidate from garnering the minimum 100 votes needed to become an official candidate. Although pro-democratic groups argued for a full five-year term for the new Chief Executive, as outlined in the Basic Law, Mr. Tsang will simply complete the remaining two years in Mr. Tung's term. Mr. Tung was the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong and began his second five-year term on July 1, 2002, after his nomination by a selection committee established by the Basic Law. The selection committee is made up of 800 Hong Kong residents from four constituency groups: commercial, industrial, and financial interests; professionals; labor, social services, and religious interests; and the legislature, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the P.R.C. National People's Congress.
The 2004 Legislative Council elections were seen as generally free, open, and widely contested, though there were allegations of voter intimidation. The Hong Kong Government and the Legislative Council are currently engaged in a public consultation process intended to lead to changes in the mechanism for choosing the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council and move toward the "ultimate aim" of universal suffrage as prescribed by the Basic Law. In April 2004, the P.R.C. National People's Congress Standing Committee issued a decision on the scope and pace of constitutional reform, which laid out certain conditions for the process of democratic development. This decision precluded major changes to the electoral systems for the 2007 Chief Executive and 2008 Legislative Council elections. In December 2005 the Legislative Council rejected a Hong Kong Government-proposed package of incremental reforms to the mechanisms for choosing the Chief Executive in 2007 and forming the Legislative Council in 2008. The Hong Kong Government also implemented the Principal Officials Accountability System in July 2002, which was designed to make the government more responsive to public concerns. Eleven political appointees, directly responsible to the Chief Executive, to run the 11 policy bureaus were added. Three other senior civil service positions--the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Justice Secretary--also were converted to political appointments, although without a change in personnel.
Principal Government Officials
Chief Executive--Donald Tsang
Chief Secretary--Rafael Hui
Financial Secretary--Henry Tang
Secretary for Justice--Wong Yan-long
Secretary for Security--Ambrose Lee
Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology--John Tsang
Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands--Michael Suen
Secretary for Education and Manpower--Arthur Li
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food--Dr. York Chow
Secretary for the Civil Service--Joseph Wong
Secretary for Home Affairs--Patrick Ho
Secretary for Economic Development and Labor--Stephen Ip
Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works--Sarah Liao
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury--Frederick Ma
Secretary for Constitutional Affairs--Stephen Lam
On July 1, 1997, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, ending more than 150 years of British colonial rule. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs. According to the Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) and the Basic Law, Hong Kong will retain its political, economic, and judicial systems and unique way of life for 50 years after reversion and will continue to participate in international agreements and organizations under the name, "Hong Kong, China." In the past year and a half, China has taken on a more active role in overseeing the Hong Kong Government's management of political developments in the Special Administrative Region. While Hong Kong remains a free and open society where human rights are respected, courts are independent, and there is well-established respect for the rule of law, Hong Kong groups have alleged manipulation or pressure in connection with the September 12, 2004 Legislative Council election. The Hong Kong Government has promised to investigate thoroughly all such allegations. On June 21, 2005, Chief Executive Donald Tsang was sworn in to complete the remaining two years of former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa's term. Tsang won 710 of the 800 nomination votes from the Election Committee. As a result, no other candidate was able to garner the minimum 100 votes needed to become eligible to run for Chief Executive.
Hong Kong is one of the world's most open and dynamic economies. Hong Kong per capita GDP is comparable to other developed countries. Real GDP expanded by 8.2% in 2004 year-on-year, driven by thriving exports, vibrant inbound tourism and strong pick up of consumer spending. While severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused the Hong Kong economy to shrink during the first half of 2003, second quarter real GDP expanded by 3.2% year-on-year. Hong Kong experienced deflation from November 1998 until July 2004, when inflation reappeared at a 0.9% rate, measured year-on-year. A slack property market has also contributed significantly to deflation. By mid-2003, property prices had fallen 66% from their late 1997 peak, but have since rebounded by about 58% from that lower base. The Hong Kong Government has generally resisted pressure for large-scale public expenditures to stimulate the economy due to growing public policy concerns with the government budget deficit. The surplus for fiscal year 2004-05 was $2.7 billion or 1.7% of GDP, attributed to the sales of government bonds and notes.
Hong Kong enjoys a number of economic strengths, including accumulated public and private wealth from decades of unprecedented growth, a sound banking system, virtually no public debt, a strong legal system, and an able and rigorously enforced anti-corruption regime. The need for economic restructuring poses difficult challenges and choices for the government. Hong Kong is endeavoring to improve its attractiveness as a commercial and trading center, especially after China's entry into the WTO, and continues to refine its financial architecture. The government is deepening its economic interaction with the Pearl River Delta in an effort to maintain Hong Kong's position as a gateway to China. These efforts include the conclusion of a free trade agreement with China, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), which applies zero tariffs to all Hong Kong-origin goods and preferential treatment in 27 service sectors. Hong Kong, along with the Macau SAR, is also participating in a new pan-Pearl River Delta trade block with nine Chinese provinces, which aims to lower trade barriers among members, standardize regulations, and improve infrastructure. U.S. companies have a generally favorable view of Hong Kong's business environment, including its legal system and the free flow of information, low taxation, and infrastructure. The American Chamber of Commerce's annual business confidence survey, released in December 2005, showed 98% of respondents had a "good" or "satisfactory" outlook for 2006. Survey results indicated a positive economic outlook through 2008.
On the international front, Hong Kong is a separate and active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, where it is an articulate and effective champion of free markets and the reduction of trade barriers. Hong Kong residents across the political spectrum supported China's accession to the WTO, believing this would open new opportunities on the Mainland for local firms and stabilize relations between Hong Kong's two most important trade and investment partners, the United States and China.
Hong Kong's foreign relations and defense are the responsibility of China. Hong Kong is an independent customs territory and economic entity separate from the rest of China and is able to enter into international agreements on its own behalf in commercial and economic matters. Hong Kong, independently of China, participates as a full member of numerous international economic organizations including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
U.S. policy toward Hong Kong, grounded in a determination to promote Hong Kong's prosperity, autonomy, and way of life, is stated in the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. The United States maintains substantial economic and political interests in Hong Kong. The United States supports Hong Kong's autonomy by concluding and implementing bilateral agreements; promoting trade and investment; arranging high-level visits; broadening law enforcement cooperation; bolstering educational, academic, and cultural links; and supporting the large community of U.S. citizens and visitors.
Hong Kong is an active member of the global coalition against terrorism. Hong Kong has joined the Container Security Initiative and remains an important partner with regard to eliminating funding for terrorist networks and combating money laundering. Hong Kong has passed legislation designed to bring Hong Kong into compliance with applicable UN anti-terror resolutions and Financial Action Task Force recommendations.
The United States has substantial economic and social ties with Hong Kong. There are some 1,100 U.S. firms, including 868 regional operations (262 regional headquarters and 606 regional offices), and about 54,000 American residents in Hong Kong. According to U.S. Government statistics, U.S. exports to Hong Kong totaled $15.8 billion in 2004. U.S. direct investment in Hong Kong at the end of 2004 totaled about $43.7 billion, making the United States one of Hong Kong's largest investors, along with China, Japan, and the Netherlands.
The United States and Hong Kong signed a new civil aviation agreement in October 2002, which significantly liberalized the aviation market. Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a separate customs territory, with no changes to borders, staffing, or technology export controls since the 1997 handover. Intellectual property rights (IPR) protection has improved substantially in recent years and the introduction of effective new legislation to control illicit production and improved enforcement has now made Hong Kong a regional model for effective IPR protection. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and other U.S. agencies now regularly cite Hong Kong as an example for others.
The Hong Kong Government maintains three Economic and Trade Offices in the United States. Addresses, telephone numbers, and web sites for these offices are listed below:
1520 - 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 331-8947
Fax: (202) 331-8958
Web Site: http://www.hketowashington.gov.hk/dc/index.htm
115 East 54th Street
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 752-3320
Fax: (212) 752-3395
Web Site: http://www.hketony.gov.hk/ny/index.htm
130 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 835-9300
Fax: (415) 421-0646
Web Site: http://www.hketosf.gov.hk/sf/index.htm
Principal U.S. Officials
Consul General--James B. Cunningham
Deputy Principal Officer--Marlene Sakaue
The U.S. Consulate General is located at 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2523-9011 (general). Fax: (852) 2845-1598 (general); (852) 2147-5790 (consular); (852) 2845-9800 (commercial).


text:
The Broke and the Beautiful: Best Picture Edition
This week on The Broke and the Beautiful Kodak may not have the naming rights for the theater where the Oscars are held, but it's still starring in the best picture nominations. Also, the trustee for former University of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro's bankrupt company is suing a law firm for its alleged role in Shapiro's Ponzi scheme.
Last year, Eastman Kodak Co. took a starring role at the Academy Awards, thanks to presenter Billy Crystal's jokes about the "Chapter 11 theater." Dolby Laboratories Inc. now holds the naming rights to the theater, but that doesn't mean Kodak can't still be in the spotlight. As Bankruptcy Beat reported earlier this week, the company could edge its way onto the stage because its film was used to shoot a number of movies that have been nominated for this year's best picture, including the musical "Les Misérables" and spaghetti western "Django Unchained." Other movies that didn't get nominated for Best Picture but still used Kodak's film include "Anna Karenina" and "Moonrise Kingdom."
Former University of Miami football mega-booster Nevin Shapiro's defense lawyer was put on the stand last week. This week, the trustee for Shapiro's bankrupt company, Capitol Investments USA, sued a Miami law firm for its alleged role in Shapiro's Ponzi scheme. The Miami Herald reported that Joel Tabas sued Shapiro friend Marc Levinson and Levinson's law firm, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, for "aiding and abetting" the $930 million Ponzi scheme. The law firm said it was "disappointed" over the fight, according to the Herald. Shapiro, who pleaded guilty to securities fraud, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. He has been investigated for using some of the Ponzi proceeds to provide former UM football players with cars, money and prostitutes.
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't played ball on Broke since November, when the city of San Francisco was looking to recover money from unpaid medical costs in the beating of baseball fan Bryan Stow. But the team, which has been spending a lot of money post-bankruptcy, is making headlines again. According to The Wall Street Journal, the team, which was purchased out of bankruptcy for more than $2 billion, has reached a deal with Time Warner Cable for a regional sports network. The deal, which hasn't yet been approved by Major League Baseball, would be the largest TV deal in the history of professional sports, according to the Orange County Register.
Former baseball player turned financial guru Lenny "Nails" Dysktra is knee deep in prison sentences, but maybe he'll get out in time to see his son Cutter get married to actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler. The pair announced their impending marriage on Twitter this week, complete with a photo of a sparkly diamond engagement ring. Us Weekly noted that Sigler is "over the moon," according to a Sigler representative. "Jamie couldn't be happier. Cutter is the perfect guy for her," the representative told Us.
Write to Melanie Cohen at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MelanieLisa.


text:
I've FINALLY gotten PMS to stream 720p content wirelessly to my PS3 without stuttering nearly 100% of the time. I've been trying for nearly a year to get this to happen, but the stuttering would always start at some point in the movie, usually within the first 10-30 minutes with no stopping once it started.
Obviously, I'm not streaming DTS sound with 1080p resolution, but I AM able to watch 720p mkv files with 5.1 AC3 sound (384 kbits/s) with almost zero stuttering.
I think a lot of it had to do with my router being nearly 120 feet away at the other end of the house with at least six walls between the PS3 and the router. Once I moved the router to the room next door (and did some other minor tweaks in PMS), everything became much easier. Now I don't have to use the TsMuxer GUI to demux and convert DTS tracks to AC3, then remux and split them into 4 GB files onto my 500 GB external and then run it back and forth between the PS3 and my PC to transfer files or play them. Now I leave my 500GB external plugged into the desktop and stream it directly from there. I was also able to reformat my external back into NTFS so I don't have to split files in order to accommodate the FAT32 4GB file size transfer limit. Its grrrrrrreat!
The crazy part? I can actually stream HD content from my wireless laptop to the PS3.
I'm going to post all the relevant info I can think of in hopes that others can use it to do the same thing. While I would love to be able to stream 1080p movies with DTS on a badass gigabit network, some of us don't have the resources to be able to do that. I would have to run a shit-ton of new wiring in my house as well as spend more $$$ on routers, etc. Besides, I'm only in this house for another year and then renting it out after that, so spending the money to install a good network setup (only to move a few months later) doesn't make much sense for me.
For those that are trying this and wondering about my specs:
The desktop:
3.4 Ghz P4
500 GB external connected via USB
XP Home
Linksys WRT-54G router with Tomato firmware
The laptop:
2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
Vista Home Premium 64-bit
The PS3: Original release 60GB (not that it matters, just giving all the info I can)
PMS Settings: I've included some screen captures of PMS to show all relevant settings. Everything not shown is still at the default setting. These settings are for the desktop. The only difference between these settings and the laptop is the selection of 2 cores on the transcoding tab.
Now, I have to admit that sometimes I do experience SOME stuttering, but its easily corrected by:
1. Hitting L2 to momentarily rewind for no more than 3 seconds. The image won't even change.
2. Hit "X" to continue viewing. I say hit "X" only because pushing Start seems to cause a DLNA error, making the movie start over or suddenly "corrupt". X just seems to work better.
After hitting X to continue playing, the video may stutter again momentarily, but it usually smooths out within a few seconds.
I may be the only one left trying to stream HD stuff wirelessly, but at least shagrath will know that PMS indeed capable of streaming wireless HD content.
True story.


text:
At Sleepy Eye Public High School, Brandon is involved in cross country, track and field, the fall play, one-act play, pep band, speech, choir and National Honor Society. He is the student body president. He has also served on the FFA Chapter as president, vice president and as an officer, class president, Region VI FFA president and on the 4-day school week committee.
In the community Brandon served on the National FFA organization, Stark Happy Hustler's 4-H Club, In The Spirit Youth Choir and Youth Group, Sunday School music teacher and has volunteered for Kids Against Hunger and Food for Kidz.
In his spare time, Brandon enjoys running in the off-season, playing volleyball with his sisters, bike riding, camping and staying busy.
His work experiences includes Ace Hardware as a cashier and at SouthPoint Federal Credit Union as a teller.
The personal values and strengths that Brandon said will help him succeed is honesty, a competitive nature and hard work.
"Honesty isn't always the easiest thing in life, but it is obviously the right thing to do," Brandon said. He went on to say he is a hard worker and his competitive edge drives him to be an overachiever.
"I hope that these strengths will help me build a strong family and take on more responsibilities as I build a career," he added.
He said the greatest influences in his life include his parents, teachers, friends and the people he has met in FFA. He said in both elementary and high school he has had great instructors who have helped shape his education. His parents have supported him and provided him with opportunities and all of the people he has met have helped build his future.
Following high school graduation Brandon plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and major in agricultural education and double minor in political science and youth studies. One day Brandon said he hopes to become an ag instructor or working in the area of agricultural policy.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
About 160 North Dakota National Guard soldiers who served a year in the Middle East are back on American soil.
The Guard says the members of the Wahpeton-based 188th Engineer Company arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Wednesday. They will return to North Dakota after going through the demobilization process, which will take more than a week.
The soldiers are from nearly 70 communities across North Dakota and into Minnesota. They deployed to Kuwait last August.
Comments are currently unavailable on this article
Location, ST | website.com


text:
"Revolution" Ends, "TMNT/Batman:TAS" Begins in IDW's November 2016 Solicitations
Comic Books
Showing results 442-481 of 683
In the wake of its "Flashpoint" event, DC Comics will re-number its entire superhero line, debuting more than 50 first issues in September to introduce "a more modern, diverse DC Universe." UPDATED
Actor Mark Strong spoke with CBR News about the process involved in bringing Sinestro to life in Warner Bros. "Green Lantern," from creating he character's classic look to the character's emotional core and more.
During CBR News' visit to the set of "Green Lantern," director Martin Campbell spoke about his trepidation and excitement in realizing the film's epic scale and its unique mix of space adventure and romance.
CBR News shares an inside look at the filming of Warner Bros.' "Green Lantern" with an on-set visit, where cast and crew provided access to early test footage, the art department and a close encounter with a power ring
CBR spoke with "Green Lantern" star Ryan Reynolds on the set of the movie about taking on the iconic role, never physically wearing the character's costume, wielding the ring's constructs and a potential sequel.
CSBG's Greg Burgas takes an in-depth look at the first issue of DC's new crossover event, "Flashpoint," examining and dissecting the miniseries' entire first issue, page by page!
DC Comics is releasing advance looks at cover art and solicitation for August-shipping "Flashpoint" tie-ins, starting with the cover and solicit info for "Flashpoint" #4 and news on #5.
DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns speeds into CBR for a rundown of the changes at the heart of DC's summer event "Flashpoint" including the secrets of the world's Batman and a first look at Andy Kubert's cover to issue #4.
Doug Zawisza gives Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert's "Flashpoint" #1 3 stars, saying, "The end of the issue features a surprising revelation that leaves enough of an impact to pique my interest to come back for issue #2."
From the first meeting of Batman and The Flash to the rebellion of Abin Sur to a mystery baby, DC Comics has shared one last look inside the world of Geoff Johns' "Flashpoint" event before its first issue hits today.
DC Comics has released a preview of "Brightest Day" #24, the final issue of the year-long bi-weekly series written by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi. Questions are answered and fates are revealed, today!
Incoming Booster Gold Eric Martsolf tells CBR how he and Tom Welling explored the time traveler's psyche, how Geoff Johns connected Booster to Superman's mythology and how he once played the Green Goblin.
DC Comics has released a preview of "Green Lantern" #65, the latest chapter in the "War of the Green Lanterns" by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. The issue hits April 20.
Greg McElhatton gives "The Flash" #10 3.5 stars, saying of Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul's "Flashpoint" lead-in tale, "the parts that work absolutely shine, and that makes it worth reading the comic, easily."
Writer Tony Bedard talks to CBR News about the ongoing "War of the Green Lanterns," what the crossover event means for the "Green Lantern Corps" and the problem with the color yellow.
Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert's "Flashpoint" #1 gets a Cyborg of Steel-centric variant cover thanks to Johns partners Ivan Reis and George Perez, and CBR News has your exclusive first look!
Veteran writer Alan Burnett discusses the upcoming "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights," supervising scripts for DCU Animated Movies and the demise (and hopes for a resurrection) of an animated "Judas Contract."
"Green Lantern Corps" writer Tony Bedard will team up with on the rise artist Miguel Sepulveda for a two-part follow-up to the current event full of GL infighting and fallout with July's "War of The Green Lanterns Aftermath."
DC Comics has released a preview of "Brightest Day" #23, the penultimate issue of the series written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi, The secrets of the forest, Firestorm vs. Deadman and more are revealed today!
An excited crowd filled the WonderCon ballroom as the "GL: Emerald Knights" animated feature received its world premiere, and producer Bruce Timm revealed the next two titles in DC's lineup
WonderCon in San Francisco was "Green Lantern" central Friday evening as DC Entertainment CCO Geoff Johns took to the stage with stars Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively to show off new footage and discuss the upcoming feature film.
The CCO of DC Entertainment takes the stage in San Francisco as Geoff Johns talks Green Lantern at WonderCon digging into plans for the comic line in "War of the Green Lanterns" and unveiling his "Aquaman" artist.
Capping off the latest "Flashpoint Friday," DC Comics has unveilied Andy Kubert's cover for "Flashpoint" #3. The series, written by Geoff Johns with art by Kubert, is slated to debut on May 11.
CCO Geoff Johns spoke with CBR News to discuss the new "War of The Green Lanterns" event, the heart of Hal Jordan and how his views affect the character's upcoming big screen debut.
DC Comics continues their "Flashpoint Friday" tradition, kicking things off this week with a look at series artist Andy Kubert's design and notes for the event. UPDATED with the Canterbury Cricket!
DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns prepares for a futuristic DCU onslaught to hit The CW's Superman drama as "Smallville" releases its first images of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle from April 22's episode.
Geoff Johns has confirmed news coming out of MegaCon that a new Aquaman series by him will launch later this year following the conclusion of "Brightest Day." ROBOT 6 has the details.
Greg McElhatton gives "Green Lantern" #64 3.5 stars, calling the opening salvo of "War of the Green Lanterns," "a strong enough chapter on its own that I'll stick around to see what [Geoff] Johns and company have in store."
DC Comics has released a look at "Green Lantern" #64, the first chapter of "War of the Green Lanterns" by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. The long-awaited battle explodes in stores today, March 23!
With Brightest Day heading closer to its finale, Doug Zawisza gives issue #22 4 stars, saying, "I'm still not certain what the end game is that is being played towards here, but I'm definitely along for the ride!"
DC Comics has released a 5-page preview from "Brightest Day" #22 by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi with art by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason and more. The saga of Firestorm takes the spotlight, today!
DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns has publicly declared the "Sandman" TV project alive and well while promoting creator Neil Gaiman's involvement. SPINOFF has details.
As part of its massive "Flashpoint Friday" promotion, DC Comics today announced eight mini series and four one-shots including "Reverse Flash," "Green Arrow Industries," "Grodd of War" and much, much more.
Doug Zawisza gives "Brightest Day" #21 4 stars, saying Geoff Johns, Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason "let J'onn shine in a furious fashion that is atypical of the Manhunter from Mars."
Doug Zawisza gives "Green Lantern" #62 4 stars, saying writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke present "the best battle Hal Jordan has fought in recent months" in the lead up to "War of the Green Lanterns."
One month in and an army of characters later, CBR News spoke with Jim Lee about "DC Universe Online's" PC and PS3 launch, fan reaction, February's new content and how it all expands the DC brand.
The screenwriters of the incoming Ryan Reynolds actioner will team with Geoff Johns and DC's "Green Lantern" team for five comic prequels to the film shipping day-and-date with digital a month before the movie opens.
As a kicker to the week and their own "Flashpoint Friday" moves, DC Comics has let loose the first Andy Kubert cover for the incoming Geoff Johns-written event series.
As possible tie-ins to DC's 14 support mini series for Geoff Johns' next event, the alternate lives of heroes and villains from Cyborg to Deathstroke are hinted at in the latest "Flashpoint" icons.
Doug Zawisza gives "Brightest Day" #19 4 stars, saying that the Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi scripted event series is consistently entertaining while providing wonderful art as the Aquawar kicks into high gear.
Archives: All | Comic Books | TV/Film | Video Games | Web Comics


text:
Lorraine (Raby) Misner, 90, a resident of Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Chambersburg, Pa., and formerly of 5500 Lincoln Way East, Lot 9C, Fayetteville, Pa., passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in the nursing home. Born Oct. 31, 1922, in Waynesboro, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Earl B. and Helen (Staley) Raby. Mrs. Misner attended Quincy schools. She and her husband, the late Mr. Clarence W. Misner, were married Dec. 21, 1940, in Hagerstown, Md. They lived in the Tomstown area from 1940 until 1985 when they moved to their Fayetteville address. Mr. Misner passed away Sept. 27, 2005. She entered the nursing home in November 2009. Mrs. Misner was a homemaker who also did seasonal fruit work. She was a member of Chambersburg First Church of God where she was active in the Ever Faithful Sunday school class and where she attended Wednesday morning Bible study. She was a former member of Blue Rock United Brethren Church, Waynesboro, where she served as pianist for 40 years. She also was a member of Golden Agers Bowling League. Mrs. Misner is survived by two children, Nancy E. Barnhart-Black and her husband, William of Chambersburg and Douglas Misner and his wife, Lois of Chambersburg; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Taylor of West Grove, Pa.; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles Barnhart; two sisters, Madeline Harbaugh and Alese Holland; and two brothers, Eugene Raby and Rev. Stephen Raby. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, with Pastor Lester Swope officiating. Burial will follow in Quincy Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, Tuesday morning, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 201 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, Pa. 17201. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com
Location, ST | website.com


text:
|Greg Heberlein
|All Content
|View all podcasts & RSS feeds
Podcasts & RSS Feeds
Connect with Us
Most Active Stories
News & Music Contributors
Evening Jazz Host
Sunday Side Up Jazz Host
Music Director
Business and Labor Reporter
News Director
Online Managing Editor
Morning Edition Host
All Blues Host
Midday Jazz Host
Saturday Jazz Matinee Host
All Things Considered Host
Production Manager/ Jazz & Blues Host
Environment Reporter
Morning Edition Producer
Health & Science Reporter / Assistant News Director
Midday Jazz Host
Youth & Education Reporter
Law & Justice Reporter
Greg Heberlein
Financial Commentator
Greg Heberlein spent 32 years at The Seattle Times. In 12 years in the Sports Department, he was the only reporter to cover every game in the Seattle SuperSonics' championship season. Towards the end of his 20 years in the Business Department, an award was established to honor the Northwest's top business columnist. He won in each of the first three years and shortly after, wisely took early retirement.


text:
This was least-watched SOTU in 14 years
Posted January 30th, 2014 @ 9:54am by Rob Quinn, Newser Staff
(NEWSER) – American TV viewers chose to skip President Obama's State of the Union address en masse. The address pulled in just 33.3 million viewers, the lowest since Bill Clinton's final SOTU address in 2000, when there were 35 million fewer Americans, the Hollywood Reporter finds. The ratings were just a little down from the 33.5 million who watched Obama's SOTU address last year, but still well above the 31.5 million who watched Clinton in 2000.
Read the full story on Newser.com


text:
Country music stars Chris Cagle, Gary Allan and Toby Keith will headline the 2013 Missouri State Fair entertainment lineup.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced the entertainment lineup for the Pepsi Grandstand Tuesday.
Other returning events include the First Lady's Pie Contest, Governor's Ham Breakfast and the Show-Me Bluegrass Festival.
"The 2013 State Fair will feature the best of Missouri, from emerging technology and educational resources to youth exhibits and Missouri traditions older than the Fair itself," Nixon said in a press release. "The First Lady and I look forward to welcoming thousands of Missouri families to the Fair this summer."
The Fair opens Aug. 8 with Cagle and Will Hoge in the Pepsi Grandstand. Allan and Randy Houser will play Aug. 10 and The Oak Ridge Boys will play Aug. 14. Keith and Kelsey K will play Aug. 16 with all shows starting at 7:30 p.m.
The state fair director said four more acts will be announced in the coming weeks for the week of Aug. 8 through 18.
For more information on the Fair, visit www.MoStateFair.com.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
PARKERSBURG - A South Charleston-based senior health care firm is in the process of acquiring the Eagle Pointe care facility in Parkersburg.
The West Virginia Health Care Authority issued a certificate of need on Monday to Parkersburg Acquisition LLC and Parkview Land LLC for the acquisition of Eagle Pointe for a proposed $10.5 million. The 164-bed facility is located off Broad Street.
The two LLCs requested the certificate in September. A letter of intent was received by the authority one day after both the Parkersburg Acquisition LLC and Parkview Land LLC were registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Article Photos
Photo by Jeffrey Saulton
Eagle Pointe in Parkersburg is being acquired by a health care firm from South Charleston for $10.5 million.
The LLCs are managed by Lawrence Pack, a Charleston CPA, with Stonerise Healthcare in South Charleston. Attempts to contact Pack were unsuccessful.
Eagle Pointe is owned by American Senior Communities, which has corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. American Senior Communities operates a large number of facilities almost exclusively in Indiana. Eagle Pointe is its only West Virginia entity.
The proposed acquisition of Eagle Pointe is the second in as many years. In 2010, Genesis HealthCare attempted to acquire Eagle Pointe for $15 million.
Article Map
Ruby Block, director of marketing and admissions for Eagle Pointe, said the facility had no comment at this time regarding the sale.
Stonerise Healthcare announced the coming addition of Eagle Pointe on its website in October.
"Stonerise Healthcare is pleased to announce the coming addition of Eagle Pointe nursing and rehabilitation center to its group of West Virginia-based care facilities. We expect Eagle Pointe to officially become part of the Stonerise family by early 2013," the release stated.
The company has senior care facilities in Pleasants, Monroe and Monongalia counties.
The company's release stated it recently finished major renovations at Carehaven in Pleasants County.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity to serve another West Virginia community," the company said. "Stay tuned."