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Rick Pitino thanks fans at National Championship celebration
Next video starts in : 7 Play
Rick Pitino thanks fans at National Championship celebration
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Moscow Warehouse Fire
8:30Now watching Up next
Rick Pitino thanks fans at National Championship celebration
Head Coach Rick Pitino addresses the fans at a Louisville basketball celebration Wednesday.
0:38Now watching Up next
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Moscow Warehouse Fire
The Russian government says a fire swept through a printing plant's warehouse in Moscow on Saturday, killing 17 migrant workers from Kyrgyzstan. (Aug. 27)
1:33Now watching Up next
Raw: Syrian Evacuees Leave Daraya for Shelter
Syrian rebels were evacuated from Daraya, a suburb of Damascus, and arrived in Idlib on Saturday, as part of a deal between Syrian rebels and the government. (Aug. 27)
1:53Now watching Up next
Today in History for August 27th
Highlights of this day in history: Krakatoa erupts in South Pacific; President Lyndon Johnson and Mother Teresa born; America's first successful oil well; Britain's Lord Louis Mountbatten killed; Beatles manager Brian Epstein dies. (Aug. 27)
1:01Now watching Up next
Raw: Italy's President Views Amatrice Damage
Before attending a state funeral for some of the victim's of Italy's earthquake, President Sergio Mattarella visited Amatrice, the town that saw some of the worst damage and the highest death toll. He viewed the devastation, and thanked rescue workers. (Aug. 27)
1:01Now watching Up next
Raw: Pedestrian Bridge Collapse in UK
A truck struck an overpass and collapsed a pedestrian bridge onto one of England's busiest highways, according to witnesses and British emergency services. The collapse left one person injured. (Aug. 27)
1:49Now watching Up next
Raw: Italy State Funeral for Quake Dead
As Italians observed a day of national mourning Saturday, President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Matteo Renzi joined grieving family members for a state funeral for 35 of the 290 people killed in Wednesday's quake. (Aug. 27)
2:13Now watching Up next
EpiPen Price Hike Has Some Wondering About Alternatives
ABC News' Dr. Jennifer Ashton reports the latest news on the price change of the life-saving drug.
0:36Now watching Up next
Wannabe Rockstars Take Part in Air Guitar World Championships
The world's best air guitarists gathered in Oulu, Finland, to determine a champion air guitarist.
5:01Now watching Up next
Mike Posner on the Ups and Downs of His Road to Success
The "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" singer said he's learned a lot about the downfalls of being in the limelight.


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Answer and name the next pair of cum-suppliers!
david archuleta or scotty Mccreery
Answer and name the next pair of cum-suppliers!
david archuleta or scotty Mccreery
Scotty McCreery
Chris Evans or Kellan Lutz?
kellan lutz!
Chris Hemsworth or Henry Cavill?
Chris Hemsworth
Zac Efron or Alex Pettyfer?
Jon Hamm
Mak Salling or Chris Colfer?
Mak Salling
Grant Gustin or Darren Criss?
Mark Salling.
Jensen Ackles or Jared Padalecki?
sorry too slow I was. Darren Criss.
Jensen Ackles or Jared Padalecki?
- seth
- ashton
Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) or Liam Hemsworth (Gale)?
- colin farrell
- sean faris
1. paul wesley (stefan)
2. ian somerhandler (damon) - probably spelled wrong
Ryan Philipe
Alexander Skarsgaard
Edward (Robert Pattinson)
Jacob (Taylor Lautner)
Taylor Lautner
Ben Aflack or Matt Damon
- david henrie
- sam worthington
first here - matt damon
second here - sam worthington
chord overstreet or jonathan groff - the comeback glee boys
Mario Lopez and Ricky Martin like latin cocks with there loads.
Mario Lopez!
Josh Turner or Luke Bryan?
Josh Turner
Cristiano Ronaldo or Ryan Reynolds
Sam Huntington or Russel Tovey?
Looking for inspiration
Justin Bartha or Paul Walker?
Justin Bartha
Anderson Cooper or Neil Patrick Harris
NPH without question.
tom welling or tom brady
drenched guys ... long-haired guys ... foodsex guys ...
Levi Johnston or Brody Jenner
Brody Jenner.
Misha Collins or Jensen Ackles?
Jensen Ackles
Roman Heart or Parker London
( I would be happy with both)
Hot and Horny
colin farrell
Bill gates or steve jobs? (this maybe a trick question)
Well, Steve Jobs you wouldn't have any control over, he would, and there would be no upgrade option - in 3 years you would be forced to buy a whole new cock or else go hungry. But when you finally got it, it's the best you ever had. With Bill Gates you would get no cum at all until you downloaded the patch to the patch to the patch to the patch to the patch, and even then, half the time you would just get the Blue Cum of Death, so you would give up and buy Jobs instead. So, Jobs.
Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez?
Dave Franco
Ron Jeremy or Dustin Diamond?
Dustin Diamond, but ewww.
Bret Michaels or Axl Rose
^ Both eww for me, but I guess I'd go with Axl
Dawson (Corbin Fisher) or James Jameson (Next door Buddies)?
Looking for inspiration
James Deen or Johnny Castle
Johnny Castle
Randy Orton or John Cena
Ryan Reynalds or David Borenaz
David Boreanaz. (But only just!)
James Marsden or Justin Timberlake?
Brad Brad Brad
Zac Efron
Matthew Lawrence ??
Zac Efron!
Chace Crawford or Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt
Jedward or R-Patz
Russel Tovey or Aidan Turner
James Marsters or James Lafferty?
Matt Lanter or Trevor Donovan?
Matt Lanter....
Zachary Quinto or Zachary Levi?
will smith
penn badgely or david cook
Penn absolutely
Grant Gustin or Chris Colfer
Elijah Wood or Orlando Bloom
Def. Elijah for me
Johnny Depp Or Leonardo DiCaprio

subset: commoncrawl


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- Best mix of rebound, feel and air rentention
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COVER: 32 panels of hand-stitched shiny, abrasion-resistant PU.
BLADDER: Air-Tech for superior air retention and true bounce.
Three-year warranty! NCAA legal. NFHS Approved.
Note: All of our balls are shipped deflated. This helps in keeping our shipping costs low, savings that we can pass on to you.
Standard Ball Sizing
Size 5: ages 12 and up
Size 4: ages 8-12
Size 3: ages 8 and under
Size 1: skills/practice
CUBIERTA: 32 paneles de PU resistente a la abrasión, brillante cosido a mano. VEJIGA: Air Tech para retención de aire superior y verdadero rebote. Importado


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Reviewed By jack c (Hollywood, CA) Reviewed for a 2002 Honda Insight —1/30/2014 8:15 PM
Big upgrade from the OEM Honda pads and easily saved over $100 from what the friendly Honda guys wanted to charge, parts and labor. Of course they're regularly 30% above street prices for everything. Good product...I have them on my '87 F250 Diesel Llama hauler too. Highly recommended!


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University of Alabama board of trustees committee approves renovations of Sewell-Thomas Stadium, Ferguson Student Center
Published: Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
The physical properties committee of the University of Alabama board of trustees on Thursday approved resolutions to renew leases for off-campus housing and advance a series of construction projects, including the renovations of Sewell-Thomas Stadium and the Ferguson Student Center.
Photo Galleries
The agenda items approved by the committee will go before the full board of trustees Friday morning.
The amended lease agreement with Tuscaloosa I LLC for apartments at the Lofts at City Center in Tuscaloosa would increase the number of units rented by UA from 23 to 30 and would run from Aug. 10, 2014, until July, 31, 2015. The university would pay $949,200 to rent the units, which officials say are needed to help meet the demand for on-campus housing.
Right now, the Lofts at City Center is the only agreement for off-campus space to rent to students, though UA has had similar agreements in the past, according to Alicia Browne director of Housing Administration.
The renderings for the expansion and renovation of Sewell-Thomas Stadium were among a series of preliminary design approvals by the committee. The project is scheduled to be bid in the spring. Construction is scheduled to begin after the spring 2014 baseball season and be completed in 2015.
The committee also signed off on resolutions to approve proposed architectural designs for the new Kappa Kappa Gamma and Phi Mu sorority houses and demolition of the existing Alpha Phi chapter house. The trustees also approved preliminary designs for a south campus parking deck behind the sorority houses on Magnolia Drive.
The trustees approved a resolution to increase the budget for the ongoing renovation of the Ferguson Center by about $1 million to $44.9 million for replacement of floor tile on the second floor and the stairs on the main stairways. The work would be bid in the spring, according to Tim Leopard, assistant vice president of construction.
A resolution to increase the budget for a one-story facility at Manderson Landing for the women's rowing team by about $500,000 and execute a construction contract with low bidder J.T. Harrison Construction Co. Inc. of Tuscaloosa was also approved for consideration by the full board. The change was needed to accommodate unexpected conditions near the river's edge, according to a presentation to the committee.
The committee approved a resolution to demolish the aging Palmer and Somerville residential halls at an estimated cost of $420,010. The demolitions are estimated to save UA about $5.4 million in deferred maintenance costs. Palmer, which now houses the Mallet Assembly student organization, would be demolished during summer 2014, and Somerville would follow in summer 2015.
While there are long-term plans for the location of the adjacent residence halls, the site would be temporarily landscaped after the demolition, according to Leopard.
The committee approved a resolution authorizing an architect agreement with Fitts Architects Inc. of Tuscaloosa for the planned $6.9-million Kappa Alpha fraternity house.
Similar resolutions would authorize agreements with Adams Stewart Architects LLC. for a planned severe weather shelter on the east side of campus and MidSouth Services Inc. of Birmingham for a $6-million University of Alabama Police Department radio communications tower on the recently acquired Bryce-East McFarland property off Campus Drive.
Reach Ed Enoch at firstname.lastname@example.com or 205.722.0209.Tuscaloosa News coverage on Facebook
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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this wiki
The Gaiapedia
The Gaiapedia is a collaborative website about the avatar community website, Gaia Online and related media. The wiki format allows anyone to create or edit any article, so we can all work together to create the site. Gaiapedia is currently quite out-of-date, a lot of information from past Gaia Events is missing, if you have any information that would contribute to the wiki then edit a page or discuss what you would like to see changed.
Gaia Online news
Due to the speed at which Gaia Online updates. The updates to the Gaiapedia will be slow. Apologies. -- Bunai82 (talk) View this template
[ Subscribe to a XML feed: Gaia's RSS Feed ]
Contents (All pages)
The Content section has been a Work in Progress since 06:36, June 19, 2013 (UTC)
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...Gaia Online staff and its moderators would NEVER ask for a Gaians passwords?
External links


text:
Definition of chirrup in English:
verb (chirrups, chirruping, chirruped)[no object]
1(Of a small bird) make repeated short, high-pitched sounds: a bird chirruped intermittently outside
More example sentences
- A bird chirruped from the boughs of a nearby tree.
- No life was visible - no birds chirruped in the matchstick trees, no children laughed among the remnants of the blaze.
- In the branches above him birds chirruped, startling him.
1.1 [with direct speech] (Of a person) say something in a high-pitched voice: 'Yes, Miss Honey,' chirruped eighteen voices
More example sentences
- 'Excellent, Princess Emmeline,' The first nymph chirruped brightly.
- 'A pretty penny for the NHS,' it chirruped the day after the budget.
- He's not from England, has visa problems, has money problems, has four kids back home: 'Love will find a way,' she chirrups to me.
A short, high-pitched sound: the chirrups of the crickets
More example sentences
- A thousand frogs who had been silent for two years were calling to each other in the wash… a monumental chorus of deep lusty ba-booms, frenzied clicks and seductive chirrups.
- The meadow was silent save for the chirrups of crickets.
- The usual chirrup of crickets down below filled Lily's ears, but as she glanced up at the stars, vaguely picking Ursa Major out of the bunch, she suddenly felt D.J.'s arm wrap around her.
chirrupy adjective
- Example sentences
- His chirrupy letters to Hofmannsthal make no mention of the trauma he was going through, namely that the text was triggering deep anxieties deriving from his own ambivalent attitude towards his parents.
- Meanwhile, strange chirrupy sounds draw me to the puppet show dais!
- Festive sprays of leaf and berry heighten the bright and breezy feel of this sub-Saharan Dinky-Dell, and enhance its Greeting Card air of chirrupy good cheer.
Late 16th century: alteration of chirp, by trilling the -r-.
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: chir|rup
Definition of chirrup in:
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
= trending


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Science Research Mentoring Program
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) offers high school students the opportunity to join ongoing research projects lead by AMNH scientists. Students interested in getting accepted for this science research experience must first take three After School Program Science Research courses offered at the museum. These courses prepare students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for doing science research.
Students who are accepted to conduct science research at AMNH must commit to:
Benefits of SRMP:
Science Research Courses
Science Mentorship Component
To Apply for the Science Research Mentoring Program you must complete the online application here and complete the supplemental documents below.
Students can choose between two concentration areas: Physical or Life Sciences. Each concentration area has its own scientific disciplines. Follow the links for each concentration to explore more about AMNH department involved, former and current SRMP research projects, and requirements to apply for one-year mentorship.
Support for this program is generously provided by the Pinkerton Foundation, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, Inc., the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation, and the Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation.
Complimentary test preparation and college admissions support for program participants is generously provided by


text:
See who's on Catholic Mingle:
Mother to a precious 9 year-old daughter; Convert to Catholicism; passion for studying/dialoguing about Salvation History and the life ...
pilgrim7 is a 36yr-old single woman in Cordova, Tennessee
Confident and outgoing. Happy and content. Companionship would be a bonus with the right person.
prisam is a 64yr-old single woman in Cordova, Tennessee


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Clicking on the articles won't interfere with the conversion, articles opens up on a new tab
Free XPS to PDF converter
How it works.
Converting document files was never easier. Just click the Browse button, select your XPS file, set PDF as output format and click on Convert. We will take care of the rest.


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Don't Miss
- A driver learns from the past to lead the future
- A driver builds up his own trucking business
- Father and son share a love of life on the road, even if it makes visits rare
- This driver always makes time to mentor the next generation — whether at home or on the road
- This driver helps rookie truckers learn the ropes
- Home-schooling in a truck means the country is a classroom
- This driver sees the world through Google Glass
- A career trucker brings his tales of the road to people in hospice
- How driver Paul Sedlak finds motivation to reach his fitness goals
- I Love Trucking: More than a job, driving is a way of life
All posts tagged "Safeco Field"
- These baseball stadiums score big with special attractions
While professional baseball's rules don't vary, every Major League ballpark's design, amenities and traditions do. Here's a look at some Major League ballparks and what, besides the game, awaits fans.
- Posted May 1, 2012


text:
Wide screen responsive website template
Portereus is a responsive HTML CSS website template that using 1140 wide screen and responsive on any screen sizes. This is multi purpose template for any kind websites, suitable for corporate, application, business, portfolio website and the homepage layout can be used as landing page with great above the fold call out button! Widescreen created with valid HTML5 and responsive layout that will adapt on any screen from a wide screen monitor to a mobile phone so the template responds dynamically to optimize viewing for that screen size. PSD of elements, template documentation included in the download package.
- Responsive layout
- Flexslider
- Pictogram buttons
- jQuery tooltips
- Working contact form
- Filterable portfolio
- Rich of features
- Working contact form
- Easy to customize
- PSD of elements
- Documentation included
- And much more, just see live preview
- pictograms web font from Daniel Bruce – http://www.entypo.com (configuration described in documentation file)All following photos used on live preview not included in download package.
- - http://photodune.net/item/social-media-network-hand-pointing-at-people/2353108
- - http://photodune.net/item/full-length-portrait-of-an-experienced-business-woman/2214649
- - http://photodune.net/item/smiling-businessman-offer-sign-paper/1906034
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- - http://photodune.net/item/computer-service/463689
- - http://photodune.net/item/keyboard/369302
- - http://photodune.net/item/hot-air-balloon/689880
- - http://photodune.net/item/hand-pressing-button/762961


text:
Minuteman MMPD2420V62 24-Outlet 15-Amp Receptacles 0U Vertical Mounting PDU.
- More Outlets for your Dollar than the Competition
- Longer 15-foot cord standard
- Premium Features at a Lower Cost
- High Standards - Unit is Listed with higher UL 60950-1 standards
- Maximum Input Amps
- Voltage In/Out V/V
- Maximum Output Amps per outlet
- Power Plug Type
- Power On/Off LED
- Frequency 50/60Hz
Found a lower price? Complete this simple form:
See any errors on this page? Let us know.


text:
Journey aboard the famous Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Beijing. We offer trips that start in either Russia or China as well as the original Trans-Siberian route to Vladivostok.
A comprehensive guide to climate, money, shopping, transport, food, health advice, visas and tips on travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway.
eg Pyramids, tigers, Angkor Wat etc


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
Overland Park police are investigating after thousands of dollars disappeared from a school's parent-teacher organization.
KMBC's Diane Cho reported that PTO members at Valley Park Elementary said almost $30,000 -- meant for students -- was stolen.
The money was used to pay for field trips and other activities.
Parents said they want to know how this could have happened and who is responsible.
"All I can say is that we'll continue to put pressure on them to see what caused it," parent Aaron Noll said.
Police said that they are still looking for the thief.
The PTO hopes its insurance policy will cover most of the stolen funds.
The Blue Valley School District said that since the PTO is a separate entity, it will not comment.


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POSITION: Defenseman
SHOOTS: Left
BIRTHPLACE: Lanigan, SK, CAN
DRAFTED: undrafted
|Signed as a free agent by Chicago, July 17, 2006. Missed majority of 2010-11 due to knee injury vs. Phoenix, February 27, 2011. Signed as a free agent by Houston (AHL), October 5, 2011. Signed as a free agent by Lugano (Swiss), November 1, 2011. Signed as a free agent by Anaheim, July 1, 2012. Signed as a free agent by Straubing (Germany), July 12, 2013. Signed as a free agent by Solna (Sweden), February 27, 2014.
|Began his seventh professional season with Houston (AHL) in 2011-12, scoring 0-2=2 points with a +8 rating and 10 PIM in 10 games…signed a one-year contract with HC Lugano of the Swiss Elite League in November and went on to appear in 29 games, earning 1-9=10 points with 18 PIM…appeared in his fourth NHL season with Chicago in 2010-11, scoring one goal (1-0=1) with four PIM in 37 games…scored Chicago's lone goal in a 2-1 loss on Dec. 11 @ SJ…logged a season-high 18:08 TOI, Feb. 24 @ NSH…had a season-best four shots on net, Jan. 23 vs. PHI…won his first Stanley Cup championship with Chicago in 2009-10, going scoreless with two PIM in 15 playoff games…appeared in 43 regular season games, earning 2-6=8 points with a +5 rating and 10 PIM…set numerous career highs, including goals, assists, points, plus/minus and appearances…recorded two multi-point games, including Apr. 7 vs. STL (1-1=2) and Mar. 5 vs. VAN (1-1=2)…picked up an assist in a season-high 21:42 TOI, Dec. 18 vs. BOS…appeared in his second NHL season with Chicago in 2008-09, going scoreless with four PIM in nine games…played the majority of the season with Rockford (AHL), scoring 3-6=9 points with a +4 rating and 45 PIM in 53 games…added two PIM in four Calder Cup Playoff games…made his NHL debut Chicago in 2007-08, collecting 1-3=4 points with 22 PIM in 40 games…recorded his first career NHL goal and added an assist (1-1=2), Apr. 2 vs. DET…registered his first career NHL point (assist), Feb. 14 @ NSH…also appeared in 45 regular season games and one Calder Cup Playoff game with Rockford, earning 3-4=7 points with 60 PIM…appeared in his second professional season with Norfolk (AHL) in 2006-07, scoring 4-12=16 points with a +20 rating and 84 PIM in 80 games…established professional career highs in plus/minus and PIM…added 0-2=2 points with six PIM in six Calder Cup Playoff games…made his AHL debut with Norfolk in 2005-06, recording 1-4=5 points with a +7 rating and 13 PIM in 13 games…added two PIM in three Calder Cup Playoff games…played four collegiate seasons with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) from 2002-06, collecting 11-25=36 points with 143 PIM in 112 career games.


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The notion of the wheeled backpack may appear a contradiction in terms. After all, a backpack is likely to go on your back. But the reality is — especially whenever you're traveling — you don't always have to put your pack on your back. There will be enough semismooth surfaces, paved and unpaved, to roll your back pack much of the time while traveling so a wheeled backpack might be the best possible option.
But because your travel experience will probably contains some long hikes and distant areas, you might also need to ensure your pack can function like a traditional backpack. Fortunately, technology has really held up with backpacks that now comprise allterrain and oversized wheels. But before having a *appear at particular wheeled backpacks, let's look at several of the benefits and drawbacks of going wheeled.
The largest benefits of wheeled backpacks, also referred to as rolling backpacks, are relaxation and speed. For those who are in possession of a fourmile walk from the bus depot to a remote village along a semismooth road, it's only must easier to roll your backpack than to make it that space. When you're shouldering the weight and because the earth and not your back is taking the load, you can go considerably faster than.
The largest disadvantage of wheeled backpacks would be weight. The improvement of wheels generally adds between 2.5 and 3 pounds to a backpack. So you trade a *small more weight whenever it's in your back, for the independence and simplicity of taking it off your back. But unless you're scaling Mount Everest or other acute, remote backcountry challenge, the inclusion of a few pounds won't significantly slow you down.
When selecting between a nonwheeled and wheeled backpack, you need to consider the kind of journey you be doing. When it's a blend of urban travel, including Prague or Amsterdam, together with semideveloped travel, including little South American villages, then a wheeled backpack is the correct pick.
So let's take a glance at some of the top wheeled travel backpacks in the marketplace.
The Caribee Fast Track series are one of the most versatile, fullsized wheeled backpacks available. At 85 and 75 liters, the Fast Track backpacks offer enough storage for equipment and clothes for almost any excursion. But what makes these wheeled backpacks so distinctive, is they also offer complete, thicklypadded hip belts that enable you to carry your pack correctly when it's in your back.
High Sierra's AT605 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack and bigger High Sierra Wheeled Backpack AT606 are perfect for somewhat more urban or developed adventure travel. Both are fullsize backpacks, but included in more streamlined designs.
If you're buying lightweight, wheeled back pack that's big enough for longterm travel, but little enough to become a carry on, the Roll On 40 is an excellent alternative.
So get a load off and allow the ground do the job with a quality, versatile wheeled backpack.


text:
Take a sneak peek at the new NIST.gov and let us know what you think!
(Please note: some content may not be complete on the beta site.).
We develop measurement science, technology, and standards to ensure the reliability of engineered materials in biological environments. We emphasize new measurement techniques to characterize the nanoscale to microscale structure and properties at interface between engineered materials and the biological environment.
Whole Cell Tomography—Our goal is to develop novel correlative microscopy approaches for locating and characterizing engineered metal nanoparticles within complex cellular environments. This metrology will provide …
Resonating Platforms for Nanomaterial Analysis—Our goal is to develop quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) instrumentation and advanced oscillators with enhanced sensitivity to address characterization of …
Nanotechnology for Sustainable Water and Energy—Objective We synthesize and characterize catalytic nanoparticles and nanoparticle-enhanced membranes for more efficient water treatment and alternative energy technologies. We systematically alter …
Medical Device Reliability—The growing sophistication of electronic medical devices results in two broad benefits for both individuals and society: improved survivability in the face of disease or injury and greatly enhanced …
Instrumented Bioreactors—Our goal is to develop novel bioreactors that combine mechanical stimulation with integrated sensing to enable real-time optimization of the durability, permeability, and transport properties of …
Applied Chemicals and Materials Division
Materials for Biological Environments Group
Timothy Quinn, Group Leader
325 Broadway, MS 647.08
Boulder, CO 80305-3328
303-497-3480 Office
303-497-5030 Fax


text:
Read testimonials and life changing stories from some of our biggest fans. We love to read your stories and receive your feedback - have you got a story or a testimonial you'd like us to share? Send us your story about how VIVOBAREFOOT help to change your life and we'll feature you below.
An avid peak-bagger wears the Breatho Trails and hikes 10-30 miles a week
For over 20 years I had suffered with blisters, blackened toenails and twisted ankles from countless clunky boots and approach shoes, spending thousands of dollars in the meantime. My foot problems and frustrations kept increasing and I found myself deciding NOT to hike…it was devastating. In 2011, a friend mentioned the 'minimalist' concept of footwear and with nothing to lose, I bought my first pair of VIVOBAREFOOT shoes. That same day I hit a short but steep trail and was blown away/elated by the performance of the Vivos and my perfectly happy feet! I was tremendously relieved and had an overdue boost of confidence and motivation to be in the mountains!
This year I did something very different: I accomplished a goal to hike/climb 50,000 vertical feet (100,000 vertical feet total elevation gain/loss) in honor of Conley Tucker, my friend's nephew on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant. I established Climbing4Conley.org to build recognition and raise funds for the Children's Organ Transplant Association and in addition, I am also Conley's living kidney donor. In between peak-bagging this summer, I was tested and confirmed a perfect candidate for Conley and our transplant surgery will be in January. The process has been immense and indescribably rewarding. Needless to say, discovering VIVOBAREFOOT has given me the ability to stay physically strong, accomplish goals and positively change lives.
Elementary Physical Education teacher, Wisconsin.
I was introduced to VIVOBAREFOOT shoes by a colleague and friend of mine at a morning exercise group I participate in. From the first time I put a pair of Vivos on, I was amazed at how it felt to actually USE MY FEET again! I believe that as a society, we have forgotten how much information our feet actually can give our bodies, and these shoes have helped me relearn this! They have changed the way I move my body completely, and for the better. My lower back, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles have all benefited from these shoes. To take it a step further, we received pairs of Vivos for students that do not have their own shoes during their gym class. The students LOVE them. The only bad thing is they "forget" their shoes on purpose now just so they can wear them! As an educator of movement, seeing students free their bodies and move in these shoes brings a smile to my face. Thank you Vivobarefoot for your wonderful products!
A fitness, dance and Pilates instructor and presenter at various international fitness events.
As a trained dancer and Pilates instructor, posture is important to me. I was convinced that with my history, my alignment would be spot on- I was wrong! Having spent some time with Lee Saxby and Ben Vesconte I learned new postural exercises and have transitioned into wearing Vivobarefoot footwear daily now. Finally my toes are beginning to spread out (after being scrunched up in ballet shoes for years) and I'm delighted that my feet actually look nicer as a result. The training has changed the way I teach Pilates as I incorporate some of the exercises I learned into the class. I have a range of members from desk bound city workers to serious runners- many have commented on the positive changes they have experienced. I was so delighted with the all changes that myself that I got my mum a pair at Christmas. It was a bit of a risk given that she has chronic fatigue and doesn't do much walking and absolutely no running. She loved them, despite needed to be constantly convinced that they aren't too big! She wears them around the house and he noticed massive different in the shape of her feet- result! Thank you Vivobarefoot for helping me and many others to improve posture, function and give us happy happy feet!
A tang lang (a style of kung fu) specialist and gymnast
I bought my first VIVOBAREFOOT shoes this summer and they are great! I walk, run and train in them. Indoors and outdoors. Just came back from a hill sprint session in -16°C and destroyed the hill with my Vivos.
I usually run about 2-3 times a week and I also like the feeling when walking with my Vivos (also on trail) and they also work great in my indoor training sessions doing all sorts of stuff from animal walks to squatting.
A runner, photographer and ultimate frisbee hero.
VIVOBAREFOOT as a company did all the things that really mattered to me from a company that makes minimalist shoes: the shoes stay true to their intended function and purpose, they educate people on how's and why's of barefoot/minimalist running, and their shoes look freaking SWEET. I wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of "toe shoes", but my eyes light up the moment I saw a pair of VIVOBAREFOOT Evos and haven't dimmed since.
Canadian Golf Professional
Until I discovered VIVOBAREFOOT about a year ago. I first began wearing their Evo's as a everyday shoe as well as to train in. And I am so thrilled that they just launched their golf shoe, something I've been dreaming about. From a performance standpoint I couldn't ask for anything else in a golf shoe. Tons of traction and even with the thin sole the shoe has more than plenty of stability. Being so close to the ground allows me to feel the contours of the course as well which is extremely important to me, every advantage helps.
Runner, Triathlete
Two and a half years ago I was overweight and had BP, and my neurologist suggested medication. Instead, I started running 3 times a week. After 6 weeks my BP was down to normal but what followed was a period of 18 mths with various ailments from the strain, and constant physiotherapy. In frustration I Googled "why does it hurt when I run", which led me to Christopher McDougall's excellent book Born to Run. At this stage I was desperate to try anything. As a father of three young children giving up, and thus risking my health, was not an option.
I tried on a few big brand name barefoot shoes but liked the feel of VIVOBAREFOOT Ultras best. I bought me a pair, and found instructions from Lee Saxby and Vivobarefoot's website how to ease into 'barefooting'. After 3 mths exclusively in my Ultras I was pain free. A month later I finished a sprint triathlon running in my Ultras. I've since bought Neo Trails for winter training and a pair of Neos for every day use. I've bought three pairs of Ultras for my children. I can't imagine getting 'regular' shoes anymore.
The urban walker, walks again
Call me a woman who can't be kept down for long. I had given up walking for exercise and enjoyment a while back when I was diagnosed with a neurological problem that threw off my balance and made my legs and feet numb. My feet wobbled in my shoes and walking my usual urban paths was what I imagined a stroll on a tightrope would be like.
Walking advice always starts out with "invest in a good pair of walking shoes". It sounds so simple when someone else says it. I found plenty of sensible shoes, but the standard padded running and walking shoes pitched me forward onto my toes, shot me backwards onto my heels, and were so cushioned that I couldn't feel the ground. I rolled, slid and fell on gravel or wet surfaces. The built-up sole and elevated heel caused me to roll over the sides of the shoe. I was falling off my shoes. They were like trying to keyboard wearing oven mitts…too much mitt, too much shoe. How much cushion and support does one person need? Where were my feet in all of this? I needed to grip the ground and let my feet be my feet.
I found out about VIVOBAREFOOT when I googled "flexible-soled shoes". With the minimalist design of VIVOBAREFOOT, the walker does the work of building ability, agility, flexibility and strength. It's like having young legs and feet again.
Now that I am walking for fun and adventure, I have a feeling of freedom again. I plan to increase my walking time and to tackle the hills, which Seattle is famous for.
VIVOBAREFOOT Rehab: Gabriel's dislocated Ankle
Wearing traditional heeled shoes every day significantly diminished my ability to further the recovery of my proprioception. It was so obvious. There is no ambiguity for me. I exhausted my options with rehab, went through two arthroscopic procedures to clean the cartilage and explore the answer to why I was having so much pain. The second I put on the VIVOBAREFOOT shoes I noticed my posture was better and my ankle began strengthening immediately. I began to feel 'perky' in my right leg for the first time in forever. The VIVOBAREFOOT tech is so legit. It is something I can wear every day with socks. I am now jumping rope for 10 to 20 minutes every morning. My ankle is getting really strong, and will soon have the lateral 'understanding' and strength to start running again. The jump rope is great because it is a simple repetitive movement that my ankle 'understands', but I will be moving on to Tri training soon.
Podiatrist, father. Wollongong, Australia
As a podiatrist and athlete, I have spent countless hours seeking out shoes that are beneficial to the human foot – and finally found what I was looking for in VIVOBAREFOOT.
I have been trialling VIVOBAREFOOT shoes for several months now, on myself, my wife and my little girl (three years old). My little girl has not worn another shoe since getting a couple of pairs of VIVOBAREFOOT; and not because I have selected her shoes - she gets her own shoes out of her wardrobe and puts them on herself. I also have been extremely impressed with the first three pairs of VIVOBAREFOOT I have been trialling, for work, casual and exercise.
A lot of parents will worry about the thin sole wearing out quickly; assuming a thicker rubber sole will last longer. In actual fact, this is just another marketing myth the footwear industry has pedalled for years. Bulky, hard, crippling rubber does not ensure longevity of a shoe...just degradation of feet! The VIVOBAREFOOT soles are puncture-resistant but still highly flexible and lightweight; which, as they say, allow kids feet to move more naturally.
As part of my exercise I regularly climb ropes. The descent on the rope rips the sole and upper, of every shoe I have worn previously, to shreds. After at least three dozen rope climbs in my VIVOBAREFOOT shoes, there is not a wear mark anywhere on the shoe – this is as good a test of rubber quality and durability as you could do.
At my clinic (Wollongong Podiatry), I've performed my own in-house walking gait pressure analysis testing on my force platform in many pairs of shoes over the years. I was, and am still, truly amazed at the stark similarity between my barefoot images and the images in the VIVOBAREFOOT shoes. I show the test results to many patients to help explain the need for footwear that allow the 33 joints in each foot to function as intended. I love to show these results, as there is no marketing influence or bias involved, just my feet on the same force platform in many pairs of shoes, as well as without shoes. I have three images on my website showing the analysis results in an old pair of work shoes (similar to a school shoe design), barefoot and then in VIVOBAREFOOT shoes.
So For those who have heard me moan and groan about the destruction of our feet by modern shoes, I have finally found a viable product to recommend with VIVOBAREFOOT for work, casual and performance, with a range that has something for the whole family.
I have recently written an article on why I needed to seek out footwear that does not destroy our naturally amazing foot function, titled: "The Foot: Evolutionary Disaster or Persecuted Masterpiece?" Have a read if you get the chance.
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Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
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- Brief Synopsis:
- New York Times-bestselling author Anne Lamott writes about the three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life.
- Long Synopsis:
- New York Times-bestselling author Anne Lamott writes about the three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life. Readers of all ages have followed and cherished Anne Lamott's funny and perceptive writing about her own faith through decades of trial and error. And in her new book,Help, Thanks, Wow, she has coalesced everything she knows about prayer to these fundamentals. It is these three prayers - asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating what we have that is good, and feeling awe at the world around us - that can get us through the day and can show us the way forward. In Help, Thanks, Wow, Lamott recounts how she came to these insights, explains what they mean to her and how they have helped, and explores how others have embraced these same ideas. Insightful and honest as only Anne Lamott can be,Help, Thanks, Wowis the everyday faith book that new Lamott readers will love and longtime Lamott fans will treasure.
- Book Quality:
- Excellent
- Book Size:
- 104 Pages
- 9781594631290
- Publisher:
- Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
- Date of Addition:
- 11/22/12
- Copyright Date:
- 2012
- Copyrighted By:
- Anne Lamott
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Nonfiction, Health, Mind and Body, Literature and Fiction, Religion and Spirituality, Self-Help
- Submitted By:
- Liz Halperin
- Proofread By:
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|Customer satisfaction with banks drops - Thu, 2 Jun, 2011
Consumers are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their banks, new research has suggested.
A survey of UK current account customers, carried out by Accenture, found that the number who feel they [more]
|Record number of zero-interest credit card deals on the market - Wed, 1 Jun, 2011
There are currently a record number of credit card deals on the market that offer 0 per cent interest for a year or more.
Analysis shows that there are now 54 credit card deals available which offer [more]
|Borrowers urged to consider consolidation - Tue, 31 May, 2011
Borrowers are being advised that a personal loan or zero-interest credit card that consolidates their borrowing may be a cheaper way of repaying debts.
The advice comes from moneysupermarket.com as i [more]
|CPI inflation rise causes problems for savers - Wed, 25 May, 2011
Following the announcement of the increase in the level of CPI inflation last week, things are looking bleak for savers.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced the further increase of CP [more]
|Personal loan rates hit ten-year high - Tue, 24 May, 2011
New analysis has shown that personal loan rates have hit their highest peak for a decade.
The research from Moneyfacts finds that the average rate on a personal loan of £5,000 now stands at 12. [more]
|Older travellers struggling to find travel insurance - Mon, 23 May, 2011
Older travellers are finding it more difficult to get travel insurance as insurers refuse to offer them cover, new analysis has found.
Research by Which? found that a quarter of firms who offer trave [more]
|Majority prefer online banking - Fri, 20 May, 2011
New research has shown that 67 per cent of Brits prefer to manage their money using online banking.
The survey from the Payments Council found that a quarter of people check their bank account online [more]
|Mobile banking on the increase - Thu, 19 May, 2011
Mobile banking is becoming increasingly popular, new research has suggested, with one in ten now using a 'mobile wallet' and one in five using mobile banking.
According to TNS, the number [more]
|High debts holding savers back - Wed, 18 May, 2011
One in five Brits say that their debts from products such as credit cards and personal loans are too high for them to feel financially secure, according to new research from Scottish Widows.
In addit [more]
|Car insurance warning over rear-end bumps - Tue, 17 May, 2011
Rear-end bumps now account for a quarter of road accidents every year, according to new research from Admiral.
The insurance firm analysed data from over 200,000 accident claims last year and discove [more]
|A third of credit card applicants turned down due to credit rating - Mon, 16 May, 2011
One in three credit card applicants was turned down last year because of a poor credit rating, according to new research from credit information firm Equifax.
However, a third of those turned down di [more]
|New savings account launched which tracks base rate - Fri, 13 May, 2011
The Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) has launched a new savings account with a rate of 2.25 per cent.
The underlying rate is guaranteed to rise with any Bank of England base rate c [more]
|Santander launches recommend a friend scheme - Thu, 12 May, 2011
Santander has launched an initiative that gives customers £25 if they successfully recommend a friend for one of the bank's current accounts.
The offer is available online and customers ca [more]
|UK savings accounts dwindling - Wed, 11 May, 2011
New research from ING Direct has shown that the average Briton has seen their savings fall by around £100 since the last quarter.
This is a drop of 2.8 per cent and leaves the average savings b [more]
|Fraud and criminal activity push car insurance premiums up - Tue, 10 May, 2011
Eight in ten motorists are paying more for their car insurance this year than they did in 2010, according to new research from What Car? magazine.
Although What Car? analysis shows that car insurance [more]
|Lenders offering competitive rates for large personal loans - Mon, 9 May, 2011
Personal loan providers are battling it out for customers with significant interest rate cuts on offer for large loans.
The interest rate cuts are mainly on loans of more than £7,000 and reduct [more]
|More than half have no life insurance in place - Fri, 6 May, 2011
Over 28 million, or 56 per cent, of UK adults have no life insurance in place, according to new research from Scottish Widows.
The Scottish Widows Consumer Protection Report, which surveyed over 5,00 [more]
|Credit card rates soaring - Thu, 5 May, 2011
Rates on 18 credit cards have increased since the beginning of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 when just four cards raised their rates.
The findings come from analysis by Moneyfacts, which [more]
|Credit cards could provide faulty goods protection - Wed, 4 May, 2011
Rules clarified recently by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) confirm that in some cases consumers may be able to claim a refund from their credit card provider for faulty goods.
Shoppers are oft [more]
|Santander offering £100 incentive for switching current accounts - Tue, 3 May, 2011
Santander has brought back its £100 incentive for customers who switch their main current account to Santander.
The deal was already available for online banking and is now being extended to te [more]
|Prev 1 2 3 4 5


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Who's going to die on�The Vampire Diaries season finale�?
Stefan's buddies will work to save him on �the Other Side, but it won't be easy. But�it's not �Stefan who's in danger:�The brutal hour features many casualties and the lives of at least two series regulars will be left hanging in the balance.
Get more scoop in Watch This Tonight:
The Vampire Diaries�airs�on Thursday�at 8/7c on The CW.
(Full disclosure:�TVGuide.com�is owned by CBS, one of the CW's parent companies.)
View original Watch This Tonight: The Vampire Diaries at TVGuide.com
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Location, ST | website.com


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We have begun the serial publication of Life In The Piney Woods by Ona WOOD. It is available to members on the members-only page which you can access at the top right column of this page. It will also appear in the second quarter (June, 2010) newsletter.
The foreword (by Mrs. Ona Wood) was previously published here. If you would like to read it again before going to Chapter one, click here.
Thanks to member Mark Reid who digitized the first chapters of Mrs. Wood's book.
Life In The Piney Woods – Chapter One
The day dawned beautiful. The sun projected its rays across the waters of the northern seas in an effort, it seemed, to hold in check the restless beating of the waves.
On the deck of a ship lying at anchor in Baltic waters in the harbor of Copenhagen, Denmark stood a young man, well groomed and handsome.
The long locks of his light wavy hair sweeping loosely around his neck were tousled by the wind; the tangy sea breeze upon his face, caused his eyes to turn occasionally from their far-distant gaze; within their depths, like a mirror to his soul; shone a spirit of courage and strength, supported by an abiding peace.
Inside the iron-bound chest, bearing the name of P. M. Gunstream, that had just been placed on board were many tools that were to be used to ply his trade in a new world. To read the remainder of Chapter One, go to the member-only page.
Filed under: Books, Publications Tagged: | Gunstream, Life In The Piney Woods, Reid, Wood


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(preen dress, emma cook cape, mandy coon bunny bag, photo by morgan)
Oldie but a goodie in NYC. Been wearing some variation of this outfit for weeks now, because it's spooky but sparkles with enough whimsy to not pull me down further into my own melancholia. As a lifelong sort-of sad person, I do feel most comfortable when that part of myself is on display, but a touch of optimism prevents my brain from sinking deeper into my predetermined blues. We all have our tiny adaptations in which we use to churn through each day, days that in the moment seem to last forever but in retrospect, all blur together into one montage of joy and regret. I've learned that life is not about wishing away the heartache. It's about managing it until it fades into chalky background drawings.


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UPDATE: Erik Gustafsson confirmed the signing in Russia in a conversation with Flyers GM Ron Hextall.
Here's a statement from Hextall:
"I spoke with Erik today and he informed me that he does in fact, have a deal in place to play overseas. Although we are disappointed in his decision, we wish him all the best."
Original story below:
If a report out of Russia is true, then defenseman Erik Gustafsson proved that he's also a pretty good pitcher.
Because he will have thrown the Flyers a curveball.
The report, coming from Sports.ru hockey reporter Igor Eronko stated that Gustafsson signed a deal to join Avangard Omsk of the KHL next season.
The report comes as a bit of a surprise to the Flyers, who, according to general manager Ron Hextall, are aware of the report but had not heard one way or another from Gustafsson or his agent as of Friday.
Gustafsson, 25, played just 31 games in the 2013-14 season and two more in the playoffs in place of the injured Nicklas Grossmann. He often toiled along at practice as the No. 7 guy on the depth chart. However, considering his age, the Flyers still had interest in his development and planned on keeping him on the roster for next season.
However, now that seems a bit up in the air until Hextall con contact Gustafsson or his representative.
If there is any speculation that the Flyers may have told Gustafsson during his exit interview on break-up day that he wasn't going to be in their future plans, that would be wrong.
I have been told that the Flyers were planning on extending Gustafsson a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent – and will still do so – meaning they will retain his NHL rights if and when he were to return from the KHL – assuming the report is accurate.
It's a safe and smart move by the Flyers who can retain Gustafsson as an asset without any penalty as he would not count against the Flyers roster limit of 50 contracts unless the deal is signed, in which case he'd be back in the NHL.
Otherwise, Gustafsson would remain on the Flyers Reserve List.
Gustafsson made $1 million in 2013-14 and the Flyers only have to extend him an equivalent offer for 2014-15 by June 30 to retain his rights.
Stay tuned for more on this as it develops.
To contact Anthony SanFilippo, email firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter @InsideTheFlyers
PHILADELPHIA – Paul Holmgren joked that he cried when Ron Hextall left the Flyers organization in 2006 to go to Los Angeles and help build an eventual Stanley Cup winner.
Funny as his deadpan was, it was an important glimpse into the soul of a man who lives and breathes Flyers hockey. For Holmgren knew – has known for months really – that unless he got his assistant general manager a promotion, he would soon leave the Flyers again.
Several teams wanted to hire Hextall as their next general manager. The Flyers wouldn't say who was calling, but it's no secret that both the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks are actively searching for candidates to fill their open positions.
Holmgren knew that would be the case. Heck, he knew it when he hired him back from the Kings last summer. This time, Holmgren didn't want to let such a good asset get plucked from the nest.
The question became, how to make it work so that Hextall would stay in Philadelphia. So, he started formulating a plan as early as November. He met with Hextall and talked about the possibility of transitioning him into a general manager's role if Paul himself could stay within the organization in another capacity.
Then, in December, the position of team president opened up when Peter Luukko resigned and Holmgren had an idea. He talked it over with Hextall. In January, he took it directly to chairman Ed Snider.
The plan: Holmgren would move into the vacated president's chair and Hextall would take over as GM, effective the end of the season.
Snider liked the plan. It made sense. It's a direction that a lot of sports teams in other leagues are starting to take – where the operations people take more of a business role as the two parts of managing a franchise blend ever-more.
It put a sharp, astute businessman in Holmgren into a position of need and it put an equally sharp and astute analytical hockey mind into the general manager's chair.
It was a seamless idea, one Hextall wouldn't have accepted unless it were.
"I wouldn't have taken this job if Paul Holmgren didn't want to move to the position he's moving to," Hextall said. "I absolutely wouldn't. I would have refused. You can ask Homer, at one point when we talked about it, he said, 'Stop asking me that. I want to go where I'm going… I'm very comfortable.' Again, I've had a long relationship with Homer, but I'm not the type of person to kind of get in somewhere without the people around me that I care about and I've worked with being very comfortable."
And like that, the plan was put in place. Five months later, it came to fruition. It wasn't a kneejerk reaction to a first round playoff loss to the New York Rangers. It wasn't a change forced by Snider. It was something that was on the docket for quite some time.
Hextall will have a different approach to some things than Holmgren or any other general manager of Flyers' teams past. Namely, he will put an emphasis on player development and he will not shy away from advanced hockey analytics – although he did caution that you can't be a slave to the math, but rather should use it as an evaluative tool.
But, like Holmgren he believes in using the draft to make the team better. He believes in being strong at the center position. He believes a defense should be a good mix of size and speed and not all one way or the other.
But, if nothing else, Hextall believes in patience – something he hardly had as a player. He believes in exhausting all forms of analysis and thought – as well as conversation – about any personnel decision, whether it be free agency, a trade or a draft pick – and that will include leaning on Holmgren when the time is right.
"I'd been an idiot not to," Hextall said about consulting with Holmgren. "Homer played the game, he was an assistant coach, he was a head coach, as he mentioned [also] in another organization. He was an assistant GM and he's been a general manager. If I don't use all my resources, I'm not doing a very good job.
"Homer will be somebody I talk to about things, and bounce ideas off of. Why with a background like he's got would I not talk to him? It's no different than talking to our pro scouts and amateur scouts about amateur or pro players. Absolutely I'll bounce ideas off of Homer. In the end it'll be my job, like it was Homer's with Mr. Snider, to talk Homer into what I'm thinking and what I want to do, and then run it up the ladder to Mr. Snider explaining why we think it's a good move for the organization and why I want to move forward with it."
And that will start right away. Hextall has just seven weeks until the draft, a few days more than that until free agency. There will be trade discussions in the interim, mostly heating up at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, which has to end by June 18 at the latest. So, time is of the essence for Hextall to make an imprint on the Flyers for next season.
"If you think winning a Stanley Cup is easy, I've got news for you," Hextall said. "The one thing I mentioned earlier, Philadelphia's not sitting there waiting for No. 1 picks year after year after year for five years… To maintain something for 25 or 30 years, which has been done here… it's hard to do. You take a look at the franchises around the league that have been as successful as this one – probably in all of pro sports – in the last 30 years, and there's not many. It's a hard thing to do. They went to the finals in 2010… we lost in game 7 in 1987, we lost in the finals in 1997.
"if you look at the track record, other than maybe not winning the big one, which again there's 30 teams out there, and right now there's a team, I won't mention any names, there's a team out there just collecting No. 1 picks right now. Yeah, they're going to be a pretty good team in three or four years, but ask their fans if they've had a fun last seven or eight years.
"The culture of winning is nothing to be embarrassed about. We should all be damn proud of this organization and how successful they've been. Short of winning a Stanley Cup, this organization's done everything. That is the goal, and I can tell you there's nothing anybody in this organization won't do to win a Stanley Cup, from the very top all the way down."
To contact Anthony SanFilippo, email firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter @InsideTheFlyers
Well, this post is anti-climactic.
Here I sit, on the afternoon of the start of the second round, ready to give out my NHL playoff picks (for entertainment purposes only) to see who ends up in the Conference Finals and I'm a little deflated.
I know I went 7-1 in the first round with my picks, and that should have me feeling pretty good about my ability to forecast the sport, but when your only loser is the team that you write about the most – then it's extra disheartening.
I mean, you think you'd know that series more than any other, right? But no. I'm able to predict Minnesota upsetting Colorado. I'm able to correctly prognosticate that the Blackhawks and Kings would win their brutal first round matchups. I was able to not be snookered into the notion that Detroit could beat Boston or Dallas could upset Anaheim. I even pegged Montreal to beat Tampa and Pittsburgh to knock of Columbus with little fanfare.
But the Flyers? I was thisclose to nailing a perfect first round.
But it wasn't meant to be.
So, I won't get into grave detail with my second round analysis. I don't think I have it in me after coming so darn close to perfection. But I will offer you my picks anyway – to do with as you will.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings – The Ducks should be the best team out West, but for some reason, I'm not feeling their mojo right now. They didn't exactly handle adversity well in the first round when they lost Ryan Getzlaf to an injury in Game 4 and Teemu Selanne was benched. The Kings are battle-tested and I expect are going to be even more amped after overcoming a 3-0 series deficit against San Jose. The Kings also have the edge on defense and goaltending and are mentally strong. I think the Kings go back to the Conference Finals for the third straight year. Kings in six.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild – How good of a story are the Wild? How great was that series with Colorado? That was playoff hockey at its finest. The best series of the first round by far. I love the way Minnesota coach Mike Yeo has his team playing. The Wild are made up of a couple of Superstars (Zach Parise, Ryan Suter), some key veterans (Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville), some underrated up-and-comers (Jared Spurgeon, Mikael Granlund) and a bunch of castoffs (Danny Heatley, Nino Niederreiter, Ilya Bryzgalov) and they're playing an excellent team-oriented game. That said, I don't think they'll be a match for Chicago at all. The Blackhawks are too good, too deep and will be too much to handle for the Wild, setting up a rematch of the Western Conference Finals from last year. Blackhawks in five.
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens – If there is one team that gives the Bruins fits, it's the Habs. So, it wouldn't be a major surprise if there was an upset here… O.K… Who am I kidding? If Montreal beats Boston, it would be a huge upset. The Canadiens were flying in the opening round with a sweep of Tampa Bay. But something tells me that a lengthy layoff like Montreal had will stem some of that tide and the Bruins will advance rather easily. Bruins in five.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers – How much more excited would the league have been if it were the Flyers instead of the Rangers? Alas, we have to wait til next year for that possibility. In the interim, we are left with two flawed teams playing for a right to be in hockey's final four. No, I'm not being a homer when I call both teams flawed. The Rangers didn't overwhelmingly impress me against the Flyers. Watching all seven games as closely as I did, I think the Flyers lost three of the four games they did on their own without much help from the Rangers, never mind Henrik Lundqvist didn't seem himself. They went through large lulls against the Flyers where they seemed sluggish. Fortunately for them, the Flyers made more mistakes that cost them. Meanwhile, the Penguins looked better in Games 5 and 6 against Columbus, but they still seem shaky. Marc-Andre Fleury has had some chronic playoff goofs and Sidney Crosby hasn't been himself in the playoffs either. I don't like the Pens defense and they're still short on skill up front after Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Yes, I know James Neal and Chris Kunitz but…. then what? Somebody has to win though, and I think the Penguins got the matchup they were hoping for. If it were the Flyers, it could have been a blood bath. Instead, I think it's a cakewalk for Pittsburgh. Penguins in five.
Yes, I'm predicting two conference finals rematches. Sue me.
See you in the third round where I should be 11-1 and still lamenting my one loss.
To contact Anthony SanFilippo, email firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter @InsideTheFlyers
In the end, the Flyers lost a series that they'll insist they should of won.
In the end, they'll have to chew on missed chances – like Claude Giroux's shank in the second period of the 2-1 loss in Game 7 to the New York Rangers with a yawning net staring at him.
They'll have to question why they passed on so many chances to shoot the puck to try to make that extra pass that didn't need to be made.
They'll have to wonder how their raging inconsistency in the playoffs was the fact that they couldn't play a full 60-minute game.
And while they will definitely feel the sting of those and other little mistakes and missed opportunities in the series, the Flyers have a lot to look forward to moving forward.(Click "Full Story" for more...)
Game 7. Just saying it aloud sends chills down your spine. It means both teams, who have slugged and scrapped and scraped and clawed for six games only to find themselves dead even enter the deciding game with the same thing on the line:
Win and you move on to the next step of your quest, lose and you go home licking your wounds.
For a Flyers team rich in playoff history, this marks the 16th time in 68 seven-game series' played that a Game 7 was reached.
The Flyers have gone 9-6 in the previous 15 incarnations of Game 7 (Meanwhile, the Rangers are 6-5 all-time).
Here is a look back at the previous 15 Game 7's in Flyers history:(Click "Full Story" for more...)
PHILADELPHIA – When watching Wayne Simmonds play hockey, no matter if its preseason, regular season or playoffs, it's hard to think of a time when he just takes his foot off the pedal and goes into cruise control.
It's not in his DNA.
So, when he finds yet another level of performance that you didn't think possible, it leaves you in awe of his dedication and relentless perseverance in the sport.
Tuesday was one of those games.
Simmonds was like Pablo Sanchez in the Backyard Hockey video game – he was all over the ice, winning board battles, fighting for positioning in front of the net and scoring goals – not one, not two, but three.
It was his first career playoff hat trick and just the second in his time in the NHL.
And it was enough to provide the offensive jolt for the Flyers in a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup First Round series with the New York Rangers, a series tied 3-3 that will have a deciding Game 7 Wednesday night in New York.
"He was all over the puck," said Flyers captain Claude Giroux, who had a goal and two assists and is now averaging
|Wayne SImmonds had his arms raised often in Game 6 and hopes to do it again Wednesday in Game 7.
a point per game in the playoffs. "[Simmonds] was jumping everywhere, he was strong on the puck, and I think when Wayne wants to win the battle he wins it and kind of gives everybody in the room a little bit of motivation to do the same."
He scored the first goal of the game on the power play with sheer determination to fight through defenders and whack a loose puck past Henrik Lundqvist.
His second goal he was Johnny on the spot as Brayden Schenn lost a puck cutting to the net, but it ended up on Simmonds' stick for a slam dunk.
The third came on another power play as he re-directed a Jakub Voracek shot past Lundqvist for 4-0.
"It was just a matter of time," said Voracek. "He's a good player especially around the net. He finds that soft spot on the side of the posts. He buried the big goals tonight."
Simmonds was the catalyst for a Flyers team that needed someone to emerge during a furiously paced opening period.
"He's an effective player," Schenn said. "I know what he's going to do every single night. He's going to be an up and down the walls type guy. He's going to win his battles, he's going to be tough, he's going to be physical and to add [Scott] Hartnell to that too, we all kind of play the same way – north and south hockey – and we try to be a big, physical line and get our chances off the cycle."
Simmonds just wanted a chance at a Game 7, and now he's got it, thanks to his fine performance – and that of his teammates.
"We need to take the positives from this game, take them into tomorrow night and keep it rolling," Simmonds said. "I think it's great that we're having a back-to-back. The other games we had a couple days off and I think that's why you've seen this series go one-one-one-one-one-one because teams have had time to regroup. Now we have the momentum. We've got to keep our foot on the pedal and keep pushing forward."
Erik Gustafsson made his first appearance in the playoffs a memorable one.
Gustasfsson scored what would be the game-winning goal on a breakaway as Braydon Coburn hit him in stride as he emerged from the penalty box after serving a penalty for a phantom high sticking call on the Rangers' master embellisher Derek Dorsett.
Gustafsson broke in on Lundqvist, made a quick move and beat the goalie to the five hole.
"I was pretty happy after it," he said. "A lot of emotions went into it. I think we played a great overall game and that adds to it as well."
Gustafsson played 18:19 and drew high praise from his coach.
"His game overall was good," Craig Berube said. "I thought he moved the puck well, skated well and was heads up all game. He checked well too. He did a really good job."
NOTES: The Flyers will participate in the 16th Game 7 in their history. They are 9-6 all time. They will be trying to complete a comeback from a 3-2 deficit for just the fourth time in their history… The Flyers have won their last three Game 7 situations, one at home (2011 ECQF vs. Buffalo) and two on the road (2010 ECSF at Boston and 2008 ECQF at Washington). They have won four of their last five dating back to the 2003 ECQF, a 6-1 Game 7 win at home vs. Toronto. The one Game 7 loss in that timeframe was the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals at Tampa Bay (2-1), which was also the last series the Flyers have played in before this one where neither team has won consecutive games… This is only the third series between the Flyers and Rangers to go the distance and only the second seven-game series to do so. The Flyers won a Game 7 4-3 at the Spectrum on May 5, 1974 en route to their first Stanley Cup. They lost a five-game Patrick Division Semifinal to the Rangers in 1986, with the Rangers taking a 5-2 win at the Spectrum on April 15 of that year… The Flyers are 1-1 when facing elimination at Madison Square Garden. They lost the third game of a three-game preliminary round series there by a 9-3 score on April 9, 1983 and won Game 4 of the aforementioned 1986 Patrick Division Semifinal on April 14, 1986 (7-1) before dropping the subsequent Game 5 at the Spectrum the next day. This will be the first Game 7 the Flyers have ever played at MSG… This is the first Flyers playoff series to reach six games without requiring overtime since the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals vs. New Jersey, which the Flyers lost in seven games. It's just the eighth Flyers playoff series all-time to reach at least six games without an overtime… Before Simmonds The last Flyer to record a hat trick vs. the Rangers (regular season) was Simon Gagne on December 30, 2009. Eric Lindros had a hat trick in Game 3 the last time these teams met in the playoffs back in 1997… The Rangers outshot the Flyers 36-29, marking the fifth straight game in this series that the winning team has been out-shot… The Flyers were 5-for-5 on the penalty kill tonight, marking the fourth consecutive game they've been perfect on the PK. They have killed off 20 consecutive shorthanded situations dating back to Game 2 of the series.
To contact Anthony SanFilippo, email email@example.com or follow him on Twitter @InsideTheFlyers
PHILADELPHIA – Something hasn't seemed right about this Flyers-Rangers first round series.
It has nothing to do with the Flyers facing elimination tonight, nor does it have to do with their struggles on offense – which has a lot to do with how well New York has played on defense.
No, it's something else. Something that isn't tangible, but yet is quite noticeable.
It's almost as if the series has been played by card-carrying members of the mutual admiration society.
That's not to say there haven't been some plucky moments – because there have. It's not to say there hasn't been any not-safe-for-work verbal exchanges between both sides – because that's just part of the fabric of playoff hockey.
It just seems – off, and maybe because it is.
Typically, Flyers-Rangers carries with it the stigma of deep-rooted animosity. Typically, a matchup between these clubs is hard, physical, and sometimes ruthless.
But this is a new era of this rivalry.
Rangers coach Alain Vigneault is a bright hockey mind who focus on speed and technique. Craig Berube, for all that he was as a player, wants the Flyers to be a disciplined hockey team and worry about competing within the system he has in place and not outside of it.
As such, the powder keg explosion everyone has been anticipating in this series hasn't really come to fruition.
That could change tonight.(Click "Full Story" for more...)
NEW YORK – Claude Giroux got on the scoreboard in Game 5. He fired six shots on goal. For all intents and purposes it was his best game of the series – one which the Flyers now trail 3-2 and face a long summer if they can't win both Tuesday and Wednesday.
As well as Giroux played though in a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers, he still didn't think it was enough.
"I have to play better," he said. "I want to play better. It will happen. It's Game 6 at Wells Fargo Center. Right now we're a little down but we're going to have to get jacked up again."
Giroux knows how to amp himself up for a Game 6 at home. The last time it happened was the 2012 Penguins series. It was "the shift." An opening salvo fired who he buried Sidney Crosby with a big check followed by a goal on the same shift – replete with his patented, "Let's Go," primal shout to the crowd.
He's going to need to elevate his game to that level again against the Rangers who are hitting him every chance they can.
It's been a sound strategy for New York – smother Giroux and let everyone else beat you. At times it's worked. Game 5 it didn't really.
Oh, they still hit Giroux – a lot. There was a slash across the hands on a 2-on-1. There was a cross check to the lower back. There were hits upon hits along the wall.
Giroux's got to be feeling it physically. Him getting hit repeatedly is certainly as much of New York's game plan as dropping to a knee to block shots and embellishing penalties.
But in Game 5, Giroux found some room. Not a lot of room – but enough to get noticed.(Click "Full Story" for more...)
PHILADELPHIA – The list this season has been lengthy. It goes something like this:
Vinny Lecavalier
Michal Raffl
Apologies to anyone who was forgotten. This marks the list of players this year who have taken a regular shift on a line with Matt Read and Sean Couturier.
In the playoffs it's been Akeson, who has held his own and actually impressed with his play. But that's the point – no matter who you put with Read and Couturier, it's probably going to work.
Downie had his best stretch of the season playing with them. Hartnell got out of an early-season funk on that line. Raffl earned himself a new contract with his play there (among other places). Rinaldo looked good there too prior to his end-of-season suspension.
And now it's Akeson, who has more playoff games to his credit (four) than regular season games (two).
After all, it was Akeson who made the smart play to miss a shot on purpose to have a hard shot carom off the lively end boards onto the stick of Read for the tying goal in Game 4.
And as good as he's looked in these games – and this isn't a knock on Akeson – but he probably looks better because he's playing with Read and Couturier.
They have that ability to do that. They make you look good. Mostly because of their disciplined, defense-first approach to the game.
Click ("Full Story" for more...)
VOORHEES, N.J. – The Flyers will be adding another option to their playoff stable.
Scott Laughton, considered the Flyers top forward prospect, will join the team in the next day or so after finishing his season in the OHL Wednesday.
Laughton, 19, will join the Flyers following a successful season with the Oshawa Generals. Laughton finished with 87 points in 54 regular season games for Oshawa, tallying 40 goals. He also had a fine playoff run with the Generals posting four goals and seven assists for 11 points in nine playoff games. His Oshawa team lost in the OHL Eastern Conference Finals to North Bay four games to none.
Laughton missed three playoff games earlier in the playoffs serving an automatic suspension after being assessed a match penalty for a hit with the butt end of his stick in the series against the Peterborough Petes. When a match penalty is called in a game in the OHL there is an automatic minimum suspension of three games. If the penalty was just a major penalty with a game misconduct, it still would have come under review, but a suspension was not automatic.
Laughton played five games for the Flyers at the start of the shortened 2012-2013 season before being returned to Oshawa. A candidate to make the team out of training camp last September, the Flyers opted to send Laughton back for one final junior season.
It isn't certain whether Laughton is just being recalled to join the black aces or if he has a legitimate shot to see some playing time in the playoffs, however if Laughton plays more than nine playoff games, he would lose his first year eligibility on his entry level contract.
That gives the Flyers some leeway if they chose to put him in the mix at some point.
Laughton was selected by the Flyers in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
To contact Anthony SanFilippo, email firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter @InsideTheFlyers


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Maine state fire marshals were back at the scene of a fire in Windham that heavily damaged an apartment building last week.
The fire in a building behind Corsetti's Market on Gray Road, has been ruled an arson.
Investigators were collecting evidence from the market and another building Wednesday evening.
On Tuesday, investigators said they had interviewed Donato Corsetti, who owns the apartment building and the market.
Fire marshals said Corsetti had duct tape on him when he was rescued from the burning building on Friday.
An employee at the market told investigators that she heard a commotion and spotted Corsetti in a window.
Investigators left the scene at about 6 p.m. Wednesday.


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Indonesia, located in the southernmost portion of Asia, is a unique country in the sense that it is situated in between both the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, its close placement to the equator makes its climate tropical, humid, and warm throughout the year. Because of this and the various other benefits that the small yet booming country has to offer, Indonesia is a favorite vacation destination for many wise travelers. If you are interested in finding a special discount on some of the top hotels in Indonesia, now is a great time to plan your trip there.
Because Indonesia is essentially warm and beautiful year-round, there is simply not a bad time to travel to this exotic country. However, travelers looking for the absolute lowest rates on reservations in Indonesia hotels are generally encouraged to book during what is considered to be the country's off season for tourism, which is from November through March.
Regardless of when you plan on traveling to Indonesia, there is plenty for you to see and do upon your arrival. The country itself has more than 160 active volcanoes, which makes for a fascinating trip for those who enjoy natural wonders. Specifically, the volcanoes of Mount Rinjani in Lombok and Mount Batur in Bali are relatively accessible to visitors. Mount Rinjani even has a beautiful crater lake that travelers can admire making for a memorable experience and a great photo opportunity.
Aside from natural wonders, Indonesia also offers plenty of fun activities for those who are active and outgoing. Here, there are many places in the country where visitors can go scuba diving. The areas of Bali, Bunaken and Wakatobi are all known to be among some of the best places to go scuba diving in the entire world. These same areas are also widely known to be wonderful for surfing, and a number of surfboarding competitions are held on the beautiful beaches of Indonesia each year. It is also possible to locate great Indonesia hotel deals on properties along the beaches.
If a trip to Indonesia sounds like it might be up your alley, now is a great time to search for cheap hotel deals in Indonesia to ensure that you can find the lowest prices on rooms in the particular area in which you would like to stay. To find the absolute best, cheap Indonesia hotel deal, consider looking in one of the country's spa and wellness districts, where travelers can get a great deal on Indonesia hotel packages.
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OAKLAND -- This year, Libby Schaaf begins her third term as District 4's representative on the Oakland City Council.
The Montclarion recently interviewed Schaaf to hear about her plans and hopes for 2013, for the city and her own area, which encompasses Montclair and surrounding neighborhoods.
"My primary focus is on two things: public safety and increasing people's faith that government is spending their money efficiently and effectively," Schaaf said.
Schaaf said she's "thrilled" with the recent hiring of William Bratton as a consultant to the Oakland Police Department.
"No individual has a better record of reducing crime in the country than William Bratton," Schaaf said. "When he was police chief in New York City, crime went down by 80 percent in all categories. When he was police chief in Los Angeles, there was also a dramatic decrease in crime."
She said Oakland has a challenge in managing limited resources to maximum effect.
"I understand Bratton will be helping to do that," she said.
Schaaf is disappointed that the OPD requires federal oversight in the form of a compliance officer who will be appointed by a federal judge. The OPD did not comply with standards set by the federal government in the wake of the Riders' lawsuit in 2003, which involved police misconduct.
"It's unfortunate that we need that," Schaaf said. "But a compliance officer is preferable to a full federal receivership (whereby the federal government would take over the OPD) because it falls within the OPD's budget. Under a receivership, there is no limit on spending."
Schaaf said she will continue to look at the many different options for creating safety -- such as surveillance cameras on homes and businesses, Neighborhood Guard and Neighborhood Watch and environmental improvements such as better street lighting and less foliage.
She is also spearheading, along with Councilman Larry Reid, a proposal to install 21 civilian workers who will free up officers from administrative work.
"I hope that with better management from William Bratton, we will have better response from officers in the field," Schaaf said.
While all these new developments are good, Schaaf believes Oakland basically needs to boost its police force -- Oakland laid off 80 officers in 2010 to help close a budget deficit.
"Oakland needs to work at building back up its police force," Schaaf said. "Oakland has fallen down in letting its police force shrink. I'm going to keep pushing to build it back up as quickly and effectively as possible."
She said typically the council doesn't authorize new spending outside the budget process in July.
"But we can't wait that long," she said. "We have two police academies per year; that's not enough."
She said the reason she feels "comfortable" requesting $1.8 million from the city's coffers to increase the police force is that Oakland had $10 million in unanticipated revenues this year.
"It's an indicator of sustained economic growth," Schaaf said. "It's evidence that the city is recovering from its low point as far as the economy goes."
She said Oakland saw positive growth in terms of an upturn in business profits, property values and sales tax revenues. Oakland saw a 3 percent increase in property tax receipts and a 17 percent hike in sales tax receipts.
"The statistics are a good sign that the economy is perking back up," she said.
Tech upgrades
Schaaf believes that the city of Oakland could better serve its residents if upgrades were made to its current technology.
"Oakland is behind the curve in utilizing technology and innovation," Schaaf said.
Last year, Oakland was selected as a Code for America city, a fellowship program that helps governments leverage the power of the Internet to make them more efficient and transparent. In 2013, three highly skilled "techies" will work with the city to design applications to improve municipal processes. These will include speeding up the contract process and response time to Freedom of Information requests.
"Right now, if your business wants to do business with the city, it takes months to approve contracts, start work and get paid," Schaaf said.
In 2013, Schaaf also wants to look into providing more recreation programs and open spaces in her district, particularly for youth.
"This comes from a promise I made in fighting against a sports complex in Blair Park in Moraga Canyon," Schaaf said. "We succeeded in stopping that project, but it came with a recognition that we need more recreational space for organized sports."
She's also looking at opening a park in the Laurel district.
"The Laurel doesn't have a park, so we're working on developing a park for that neighborhood," Schaaf said.
The councilwoman, who grew up in Piedmont Pines near Montclair Village, wants to continue to promote the village as a "great place to shop." A major focus is how to make parking easier for shoppers. The parking garage on La Salle Avenue is currently greatly underutilized, she said.
"We are looking at how to create affordable spaces for employees in the garage, thereby freeing up more street parking for shoppers," she said. "We're also looking at more flexibility on how long people can park at meters — right now it's limited to two hours."
The Montclair library is also getting a face-lift.
"The library looks the same as it did 40 years ago," Schaaf said. "We have some money for improvements such as new flooring, paint and seating."
Schaaf also wants to ensure that undergrounding of utilities in Piedmont Pines continues on track.
"It took 10 years to get going on phase one," Schaaf said. "We want to ensure that it's not going to take another 10 years for phase two."
Part of the undergrounding problem is that there are several players involved -- the city, PG&E, Comcast and AT&T -- "and there's always an argument about who pays for what," she said.
Schaaf is also trying to be proactive about people's concerns over placement of cell phone equipment. AT&T is planning a big equipment installation as many of their customers can't get coverage in Montclair.
"We have to reconcile people's desire for cell phone coverage with their concerns over where the equipment is placed," Schaaf said. "We're trying to get the information to people so they can see the full plan."
In November, Alameda County voters rejected Prop. B1, a half-cent sales tax increase earmarked for road maintenance. However, Oakland voters overwhelmingly approved the proposition.
"One option is to look at a version of Propostion B1 for Oakland only," Schaaf said. "Every year we put off maintaining roads means a big increase in the cost to repair them."
She said she recognizes that Oakland residents already pay a lot of taxes.
"However, voters have indicated that they are willing to pay for roads," Schaaf said.
The Wildfire Prevention Assessment District is a special fee that only hills residents pay. The assessment, which is due to expire in July 2014, funds such projects as the goats that graze at the Oakland Zoo and other potential fire-hazard areas.
"This year, we have to look at whether to support it and renew it," Schaaf said.
There will be three new members on the City Council -- Dan Kalb, Noel Gallo and Lynette Gibson-McElhaney.
"I'm excited about the new City Council," Schaaf said. "They're all smart, thoughtful and dedicated to the communities they'll serve and the city as a whole. They bring different backgrounds and experiences that will help to inform all of us."


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Beware: Columnist has gift ideas
|A reflective riding vest, such as this one designed by John Purdy Jr., helps drivers to see riders coming. Credit: contributed
I won't reveal the chain's name, but the catalog did cause the Latin phrase "caveat emptor" (or "let the buyer beware") to pop to mind for the simple fact that it made me wonder about the shelf life of some of the products. Were they the kind that might be opened on Christmas and broken by New Year's Day?
I only mention this because it's time for RIDE-CT's annual "Christmas gifts for motorcyclists" column. Not having the inclination, the budget or the time to buy and test each of the following items, I can only say "caveat emptor" and let you decide. I've stumbled across them. You can do the testing.
If you're an avid rider and reader like me, your house may be littered with old motorcycle magazines, the kind you grab where you headed to, ahem, the head. Motorcycle journalist Mark Gardiner taps the need for "reading room" material with his new "Bathroom Book of Motorcycle Trivia." It has 365 entries. For instance, what was the first production motorcycle with electronic fuel injection? The answer: The 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo.
The cover of the "Bathroom Book of Motorcycle Trivia" cleverly melds two riding positions. It comes in paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($5.99) editions, and is available at Amazon.com.
On his Bikewriter.com website, Gardiner notes that the rise of "print-on-demand book publishing has made it possible to publish, distribute and sell crap that would never see the light of day when I got into this business." Such forthrightness makes me want to buy it.
Being noticed is always a plus for riders, and the Screaming Banshee warning system upgrades the wimpy stock horn that is prevalent on most motorcycles with a pulsing, high-decibel air horn. It activates when the horn button is depressed and held.
The horn alone sells for $49.99. The complete horn system that also causes a bike's headlights to flash runs $99.99. It's supposedly easy to install. More information may be found at screaming-banshee.com.
More useful is a reflective riding vest. John Purdy Jr., who runs the rider education program at Naugatuck Valley Community College, presented me with one a few years ago. His belief in the benefit of wearing one prompted him to have some made for his riding buddies, too. They bear the phrases "Church of 2 Wheels / "Waste No Curve." He subsequently launched a small side business selling vests, including customized models.
I'll admit to feeling self-conscious the first few times I wore the bright accessory, but now I won't get on a bike without it as it helps drivers to see you coming. Purdy sells a plain model for $40 and I can attest to their durability. A customized version with whatever the rider would like printed on the back runs $12 to $20 more. They can be ordered by emailing Purdy at jnyrocket@ yahoo.com.
Saving money is always a good idea. With Harley-Davidson getting ready to celebrate the company's 110th anniversary, Harley owners might want to spend a little to save a little by purchasing the 100th anniversary hog bank. It's a ceramic piggy bank with 100th anniversary graphics and costs $40.
Last year, I suggested that a pewter gremlin/guardian bell to ward off evil road spirits would make a nice gift. While I had one attached to what was then my main motorcycle, I had two bikes without bells. A friend sent me two as a present and one immediately went on a bike that I purchased back in the summer. It has worked so far in preventing a mishap.
Happy shopping!
Bud Wilkinson may be reached by email at email@example.com. He also writes about motorcycles daily at ride-ct.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/ridect.
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