text:
Can we walk and chew gum at the same time?
In this piece, written before the election was announced, Alan Sunderland discusses how the ABC will provide both comprehensive coverage of the next federal election campaign and engaging coverage of policy issues.
There are few things we can really be sure of as the next Federal Election approaches.
We certainly don't know when it will be. Officially, a full term would see an election sometime between August and November next year, but given the volatile state of politics at the moment, no one is relaxing.
We can't even say with certainty who will lead the Government into the campaign, as Labor's consistently low ratings in the polls mean that leadership speculation just won't go away.
But there is one thing we do know with a fair degree of certainty. By and large, the voters are hoping for an election campaign with more policy focus and more substance than we've seen in the past.
And that, more than anything else, is what we are turning our attention to at ABC News.
Of course, complaints about election campaigns being policy-free zones and the media covering them as if they were horse races are nothing new.
As a former political editor myself, I covered my fair share of campaigns in the 1990's, and I remember all too well the frustration of being bussed from one carefully crafted campaign event to another, recording endless pictures of politicians in hard hats and safety vests at one factory or another or chatting to suspiciously friendly members of the public in carefully stage-managed shopping centre walks. Meanwhile, the policies of the major parties, if they emerged at all, were often dropped moments before a media conference, almost ruling out any detailed examination by the time-poor travelling media.
The end result was far too much campaign coverage that focussed on where the two leaders went each day, what they did, whether they slipped up in an interview somewhere, or got shouted at by a random passer-by, or tripped on a stray piece of carpet while walking on stage. The most dramatic coverage was normally afforded to the all-too-regular opinion polling that charted each rise and fall in popularity, with the crucial numbers flashed on screen most nights like a political weather forecast.
Twenty years later, the public weariness over this kind of campaign coverage has become all too apparent. After all, when you're about to choose the Government that will manage the country for the next three years, some proper consideration of their actual policies is not such a bad idea.
Let me add a note of caution in all of this. The media does have a responsibility to cover the election campaign we are actually having, rather than the one we might wish we were having. And if, for the sake of argument, our political leaders are focussing on heat rather than light, moving from stage-managed event to stage-managed event with little or no time for detailed policy illumination, then it is reasonable to expect that would be reflected in the media's coverage of the campaign. The public is entitled to know what is actually happening on the ground each day. And, of course, if ever it was relevant to focus on who is ahead in the race for popular support, the election campaign is the time to do it. In many ways, an election campaign is something of a horse race, and it will always be covered like one.
But as a famous man once almost said, it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time.
The media shouldn't just confine itself to covering what the major parties are telling us is the agenda of the campaign. There's another stakeholder in the discussions, and that's our audience.
More than ever before, the Australian electorate is starting to put forward its own views about what should be the agenda for the coming election.
You can hear this emerging "citizen's agenda", as some have called it, coming through loud and clear.
You can hear it whenever you dip into the growing number of social media platforms; you can hear it on Q&A each week, and on the many talkback sessions across ABC local radio in every capital city, and in the letters pages of the newspapers and on the floor of community cabinet meetings and public forums.
So our aim for the coming Federal Election campaign, whenever it is, is to tune into that emerging agenda, work with our audiences to identify the policy issues that matter to the community, and ensure they are front and centre in our coverage.
We believe we can combine the best and most comprehensive coverage of the campaign with rich and engaging coverage of the policy issues as well. Why shouldn't ABC audiences get to have it all?
The key to this for ABC audiences will be an election website that brings together all of the rich, policy-based coverage we have always done during election campaigns, but makes it more accessible, more searchable and more comprehensive than ever before.
If Radio National provides a deep examination of the major challenges in health care, if Q&A has a program devoted to the big questions in education policy, if 7.30 has a debate between the Minister and the Shadow Minister on defence, the ABC's election website will bring all that content together and make it available throughout the campaign.
For example, if you have a particular interest in environmental policy, the ABC's election campaign website will give you all of the background on the policies of the major parties, a range of program material examining the issues in depth, and an easy way to track what is being said about environmental issues during the campaign.
On top of that, there will be a real focus on using the best techniques of social media to allow ABC audiences to engage on the issues in creative and interesting ways. That's where our engagement and the forums for discussion we provide will assist in identifying the issues you want covered and the questions you want answered.
I like to think that ABC News has always been about providing depth and analysis as well as covering the day's events. But perhaps in the past, the problem was that if you missed a particular program on a particular issue, it was impossible to go back and find it again, or to locate all the relevant information you need in one location.
That's where we are aiming for real improvement for the coming campaign. And if you're reading this and you have your own thoughts on what you'd like to see from the media for the next campaign, let us know. The planning has already begun, and we're up for the challenge.
Now all we have to do is get Antony Green back from Europe, where he is currently riding a bicycle somewhere between Rome and Paris. Pedal faster, Antony.
Tags: news
32 comments on "Can we walk and chew gum at the same time?"
Michael says:
I wish that untrue statements by politicians were labelled as such. E.g politician X said his party would stop doing Y as it was too expensive. This is despite treasury modeling indicating that costs were projected to be Z less over the next 4 years.
Stuart Anderson says:
I would very much appreciate it if you could avoid being taken in by spin. For example, if a politician goes to a factory to flick a switch and refuses to answer questions, then just report that: "Mr(s) xxxx went to Ford's Geelong factory today for a photo op, refused to discuss policy or answer questions and did nothing of consequence to anyone. Next story…"
Look forward to it!
Geoffrey Ward says:
It will be vitally important to cover the senate races in each state, as really control of what legislation will actually pass in the next parliament will rest with the senate make-up, In particular the minor parties , DLP, FF, Katter, etc and thier interactions with the major parties and the implications for voters voting for these parties and thier preference flows. A very complicated job indeed I apprciate, Antony will need some help, but this must be given particular emphasis
Anna Christie says:
Someone needs to counsel Ms Grattan, as she is unable to conceal her disapproval of Julia Gillard, and it has unfortunately become so obvious that it is affecting the quality and integrity of her commentary. Unfortunately, this applies to Ms Fran Kelly also, who betrays a distinct animosity towards the PM. This has been apparent for some time now, and continues unabated. So much for the constant claims by the opposition about a pro-labor biased ABC. With friends like Grattan and Kelly, who needs enemies!
ElliotG says:
When a politician says something that a reporter knows something to not be true, and not merely just based on speculation, the reporter should push until he/she has an answer. Scrutiny must be applied.
Brett says:
I would like a comedian to compose a short song to end each evenings news coverage discussing the exciting things that happened that day on the campaign trail.
Carole says:
I am so disenchanted with both the major parties. The last campaign by both was a farce. I would like to see some commitment to real policy, taking into consideration things besides day to day economics and short term agendas.
Avoidance of action on long term major issues (such as climate change) is going to do this country real harm in the long term.
I am also disgusted by Liberal (especially Tony Abbott) playing party politics at a time of such volatile world economic, climate and humanitarian issues. Labour is trying to row us out of trouble and he doesn't like the direction so he's trying to sink the boat. We can't afford that kind of politicing to continue.
Kirsten Wahlstrom says:
There is no way of 'upvoting' other people's suggestions, so I am writing my own comment in support of Michael (July 24 11.09am) and Stuart Anderson (July 24 11.19am). Great suggestions.
Nathan H says:
Sadly, I believe the only worthwhile coverage would be one that Roy Slaven & HG Nelson were involved in. Its that kind of frank, honest, screw them sort of attitude I would appreciate in the gabfest and hot air that is the lead up to an election.
Bazza says:
You can always tell when a politician is telling lies, they move their lips…
Jared Lidgerwood says:
I'd love to see your campaign issue pages contain commentary on what the individuals are saying about each issue, as well as experts comparing the different responses in detail on a regular basis, say- week to week.
Serena says:
I would appreciate a bit of coverage about the respective government's arts policies (or lack thereof), with particularly reference to dollar figures going into the budget. Every dollar that gets cut is an artist or arts worker that has lost out on a job or on income, and the arts does positively contribute to the nation's economy.
Kathryn says:
I would like a bit more of shadow ministers and ministers debating so the focus is not always leaders. Also could Clarke and Dawe do a nightly update summary of the days events, so that we can get some healthy cynicism and break through the spin.?
Bill says:
I can't say that I see much difference between the way parties act in election campaigns and the way the Coalition are acting now. Basically, Tony Abbott turns up to a photo op in a high visibility vest, answers a couple of easy questions and then leaves as soon as the first hard one is asked.
I'm not convinced that the media can't do something about the way election campaigns are run and covered. Political parties need media coverage. The media can easily withhold that coverage to force the parties to change the way they act. If no journalist gets off the bus at the photo opportunity until they have read the policy then the politicians will get the message pretty quickly. If Laurie Oakes appears on Nine News and says that "Today Party X announced a new policy where they promised to think about doing something for someone if they win the election. Unfortunately I can't tell you any more because they deliberately didn't give us time to read and analyse the policy" then I think Party X might change the way they do things.
We only have the coverage we do because the media are happy to play the game as it currently is. There's no reason they can't try to change the rules themselves. The media is complicit in what is happening because they accept the way things are when they have the power to change them. We the public can't do much to solve the problem. You the media can.
Garry says:
At the last election the only press conference which really tried to get the guts of a policy was that of the opposition's non-NBN policy. The media obviously had a real interest in this policy as it would affect every media company. Both opposition MPs (Robb and another) were pummelled with questions about the viability of their plan. No other press conterence came close to holding policy under such scruitiny.
Concera Vota says:
The lack of accountability for media coverage (incl. ABC) is scary right now and was prevalent at the last election.
To use an Abbottism: Stop
a) using the Opposition as your basis for discussion/coverage – all media seems to think the opposition's opinions/rumours/statements have gravity whilst govt actions & policies have not.
The opposition has been 'playing' the media for several years by jumping in and pre-empting all issues to form the strong first impression (often with little to no fact to back statements etc.) and the media simply feed of it.
b) Stop using conservative think tanks as your sources.
c) try getting actual fact (without emotive language) out there first. We still have the imagery of: Kvinf Rudd being stabbed/decapitated etc etc. He stepped down for a ballot at the party's request. Also we have "Julia Gillard lied" at the election, yet the day before the ballot she stated explicitly she would price carbon. If you're going to tell a story, you owe it to the electorate to tell all sides.
d) stop using NewsLtd & Fairfax as your sources. These enterprises have vested interests influencing coverage. As national broadcaster you MUST stick to your charter.
Louise Austen says:
I am so glad that Aunty is reflecting on its very poor in-depth analysis of the proposed policies during the last election with its decision to give to the audience what (I) expect of it, that is, journalism not reporting. Any year 7,8 or 9 student could follow a politician and report on what was being said or done, however, it is the thoughtful analysis and courageous questions applied by experienced journalists that separates the media packs. And, please identify and retrain those (so-called) journalists who give leading questions, which then gives the interviewee a lifeboat when the topic is difficult; and replace the overt partisan and emotional questioning style that seems to have become the norm now. Oh for the days of old where the journalist was content to be recognised for their craft and not a celebrity, or wannabe comedian.
Jody says:
The ABC has a duty to analyse and contrast the parties' competing policies. And it shouldn't just be during elections that the ABC does this, it should be ongoing.
Always hold uppermost in mind the ABC's obligation as a public broadcaster to inform and educate. Please present LESS of the politics and personalities and MORE of the policy, because it is policy that actually affects viewers' lives.
Most normal people, I'm sure, don't give a fig for the Sideshow rubbish you've been inflicting on us with such abundance lately. Lift your game please.
May I also remind the ABC of its duty to apply scrutiny even-handedly to all parties. Very often in the recent few years, the right-hand side of politics has been given soft, even fawning, treatment and allowed to get away with all manner of outrageous spin unchallenged. This occurs practically every day on ABC news and current affairs. Please lift your game.
Anne Hollinghsead says:
I agree with most of what has been said but I think the real problem is the culture that has developed in ABC News and Current Affairs generally – not just at election time. It is so frustrating
*when ABC staff seem not to know or ignore statements made on ABC programs directly relevant to the issues they are raising
* when News 24 has aired significant in depth statements from MPs and the whole is trivialized or ignored on ABC 1.
*when there seems to be no balance to reporting Government versus opposition responses
*when journalists rarely any longer spend time on communicating complex ideas. Ita Buttrose let the cat out of the bag when she revealed the common practice when she was editor of the Womens Weekly. They would be sent the latest policy government achievement and delight in breaking down the issues – the complexities so that there readers would more easily understand what was afoot.
*when ABC News can spend 20 minutes broadcasting government announcements backed up with charts and graphs without even having the camera switch to them let alone a second camera. Few people understand few are watching.
We have had -what is it -350 pieces of legislation passed. Ask the average person and they mention the carbon tax and maybe the NBN. How can you get your message across when there are few journalists interested to follow policies.
The disease is contagious just read -if you can stand it -the continual diatribe of Michelle Grattan. What is happening to our media ?
When did she and other so-called serious journalists attempt the hard tasks of communicating with their audience the complexities of successfully passed policies and their implementation ?
Where can Julia Gillard get her "clean air".
Does being a PM now need the skills of a journalist like Ita to communicate with the pubic.? I thought that was the job of the leading journalists.
Journalists rely on forecasting scores ( polls and ratings ) – just like the football really.
They focus on controversy, endless conspiracy
They delight on politician's repetitions – "announcables" their clothes – their speech –
They delight in "photo opportunities", "sound bites" particularly for the opposition.
They no longer strive for balance just endless negativity.
Ratee says:
Stop complaining.
We get the media we deserve – collectively deserve.
You individually these days have unparalleled ability to access good analysis on whats going on.
You can choose to watch only MSM or you can travel the net widely.
Blame no one in the media for "poor media" its your preference for quality that is the root of these complaints.
Simply put, if the population were more like the contributors to these comments then there would be no need for these comments.
There is always a choice between junk and quality and to complain that most of what is dished up in the media is junk is to complain that people like junk.
Colin says:
Hello Alan.
I saw your email today on Michael Smith News:
I also enjoyed reading your article, particularly the bit about reporting what is actually happening rather than what you wish was happening.
You seem very different from other Walkley award winners I know about. I'm thinking of people like Hedley Thomas – wonder what he's been doing for the past 2 months?
Anyway, thank you for your time, and please don't feel you need to publish my comments – honesty and integrity are, of course, highly overrated.
Jim says:
Two questions. Can any GENUINE swinging voter decide who they will vote for without the opportunity to scrutinise their full range of promises verified and fully costed by Treasury? And am I being naive by hoping the ABC will pursue them without falling victim to procrastination and at times outright lies?
Christopher says:
I think the most important issue is that you start this website as soon as possible. This would enable interested people to see what policies are already out and if any financing details are available. It feels at the moment, as if we are in a policy vacuum, especially from the Opposition. Being able to provide some background to where parties stand on particular issues would provide valuable insight into where parties are currently directing their policy attention and any shifts that will be made in the lead up to the election.
I want to thank the ABC for agreeing to do this. The ABC is demonstrating its valuable role it plays in the Australian media front. This is great and very valuable work, for which you should be applauded
Lee says:
Wow! I just arrived here after coming from an article on The Age about the abysmal state of current media coverage of politics. And guess what? Six months after this article was written, it still is. Why isn't the ABC investigating 'Ashbygate', for example, which a *federal court judge* (not a political spinmeister) has declared to be no less than a conspiracy to bring down an elected government. It doesn't get any bigger or more important than this in politics, yet the ABC has continued to follow News Limited's lead in largely ignoring this story, while pursuing the government over completely unproven and largely irrelevant smear (such as what the PM did as a lawyer 20 years ago). Oh how I wish you would start doing what you said you would do in this post, and fast.
Benn says:
The recent US election media coverage made a big deal about fact checking and turned it into its own segment. I think we see this already ie. Leigh Sales correcting Tony Abbott about Olympic Dam project mothballed because of the carbon tax – but it would be great to have more of that.
Jim Duffield says:
I favour Billy Connolly as an expert "rapporteur" on each nights news. Would keep us all human, and tell politicians just where they fail with good humour?
Graeme Deeth says:
For as long as media gives airtime to airheads (politicians at the extremes) the extremists will continue to spin rather than discuss policy and detailed costings BEFORE the election.
Jeansdaughter says:
I would like to see your most experienced interviewers attempt to keep politicians of ALL persuasions focused on the question. Make them keep to the point and answer the question, or terminate the interview. As an aside, it is good to see the commentariat alleging bias – it is a healthy indicator that an even-handed approach is being attempted!
M.J. says:
Yes someone needs to act as the 'memory' to stop politicians getting away with spin and at time blatant falsehoods. This loner-term perspective struggles to get an airing in sound byte land.
Two bits of advice – give your reporters long enough on a story/in the field to say something meaningful. Also 45mins-1hr programmes are needed to explore issues in depth.
Half an hour is insufficient. RN's success with this is one example of how this can work. Build it and they will come.
Best of luck in your endeavours in the election campaign. We will need you to ask the tough questions and raise the tone of the debate.
Ms Lee says:
I have decided not to watch or listen to election coverage because of the spin and superficial coverage. I am not interested in hearing about what politicians are wearing or if they trip. Where is the point in hearing party policy without any critical analysis? For starters, I want to know how likely they are to implement policy as we have had some spectacular failures. Victorian teachers wages for a start. I will only reconsider watching election coverage if the ABC and other media start doing more than regurgitating media releases.
Paul says:
I'd like to echo those asking that you report lies as lies. If a politician makes a statement (say, about electricity prices rising solely due to the carbon "tax") which is plainly untrue (both the cause of the rise and the fact that there is no "tax", in this example), then the ABC has an absolute duty to indicate that it is not true via reference to objective information from non-party political sources.
I also urge you to report when a politician refuses to answer questions and simply walks away.
And it is absolutely essential that your reporters ask follow up questions and, more generally, questions of their choosing rather than questions suggested by the interviewee and his/her party.
As Lee says above, the lack of further investigation into the Ashby scandal is a huge indictment on the Australian media. If you are serious about in depth reporting, the ABC should be pursuing the story with vigor until answers are forthcoming. Has the ABC even tried to interview Mal Brough?
Len Heggarty says:
Lonnie Donegan could chew gum and stick it on his bedpost overnight.
And it would be just right for the next day.


text: On Monday this week I highlighted to subscriber two large trades in similar Tech stocks, Source Fire (FIRE) and Fortinet (FTNT), both of which are in the hot network security industry. Both of these companies are clearly takeover targets, growth names in a secular growth trend with no debt, and large cap Tech companies like Cisco (CSCO) wanting to gain exposure into this industry, and have plenty of free cash to make deals.These were large professional trades that Institutions use to be on takeover targets the way the trades were structured, and both are up nicely already from Monday. The spreads were complex, but is actually the most optimal way to position for a takeover, buying high Delta calls and selling LEAP Strangles.The trades were as follows:Fortinet (FTNT) trade bought 2,500 June $25 calls at $2.25 and sold 2,500 January 2014 $35/$20 strangles at $2.85, a net credit of $0.60, or $150,000, done at the PHLX.Source Fire (FIRE) trade bought 1,250 June $50 calls at $4.60 and sold 1,250 January 2014 $70/$40 strangles at $6.60, net $2 credit, or $250,000, also traded at the PHLX.These are professional trades that are finding opportunities to buy short-dated calls and sell longer-dated options where M&A is not accurately being priced into the options. With short-dated volatilities cheap on both FTNT and FIRE after the post-earnings IV collapse the options give an opportunity to gain exposure with limited risk, and also taking advantage of the options term-structure. Selling the longer dated options is also advantageous as a deal announcement will drive down volatility once announced, and with a limited downside view and also a price-target for upside on a deal in mind, the trade can be structured like those highlighted above.Scenario Analysis:Fortinet (FTNT) in the optimal case is acquired at $35/share, and the June calls are then worth $10 and upon the deal closing the January $35/$20 strangle expires worthless and the trader banks $2.5M (plus original premium). The worst case is that the trader has a longer term view willing to be put 250,000 shares of FTNT at $20/share.Source Fire (FIRE) in the optimal case is acquired at $70/share, and the June calls are then worth $20 and upon the deal closing the January $70/$40 strangle expires worthless and the trader banks $2.5M (plus original premium). The worst case is that the trader has a longer term view willing to be put 125,000 shares of FIRE at $40/share, near the recent lows before a blowout earnings report.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Driving Experience Control makes a difference: it adapts your BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to meet your needs – or those of your passengers. Chassis, engine, automatic transmission and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) noticeably change the driving style at the touch of a button from relaxing COMFORT to dynamic SPORT +. In addition, you can create your own configuration, for example, for dynamic driving on bad roads.
BMW Security VehiclesBMW X5 Security BMW X5 Security Plus


text:
A Quote by Chaim Potok on life
"...as you grow older you will discover that the most important things that will happen to you will often come as a result of silly things, as you call them--'ordinary things' is a better expression. That is the way the world is."
Source: The Chosen
Contributed by: hannah


text:
Local News
Currents Weekend
Athens 2004
The Last Week
Weekly Sections
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Rush for a second chance
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Photo: Relax, he won't bite
Del Mar interns on the fast track
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Studies of I-5 widening get fast track
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S.D. strong-mayor measure disputed
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College archaeology program adds course on old documents
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Officials describe building's shortfalls
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Businessman joins council race, wants to repay adopted country
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Updated park plan reviewed by council
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Police expanding hotline to target underage drinking
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Body in van identified; was one of three slain
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Pilots, merchants vent over pending ouster from airport
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Union says plan targets critics in Border Patrol
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Arts center gets new fund-raising chief
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Transit district rejects protest by losing bidder on rail project
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Palomar College reaches a deal with teachers
SAN MARCOS – After nearly four years of stalled negotiations, Palomar College has reached a tentative agreement on a salary increase with its more than 800 part-time teachers.
Fire damages home construction
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Suspect in hit-and-run pleads not guilty
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Artist's studio goes up in flames
A second-floor studio under construction at a local artist's home erupted into flames and smoke that could be seen for miles yesterday.
Panda at zoo has a snowy birthday
Giant panda cub Mei Sheng skidded and slid around in his birthday present yesterday at the San Diego Zoo: snow.
Van at tow yard searched for clues
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Artist's studio goes up in flames
A second-floor studio under construction at a local artist's home erupted in flames and smoke that could be seen for miles yesterday.
Panda at zoo has a snowy birthday
Giant panda cub Mei Sheng skidded and slid around in his birthday present yesterday at the San Diego Zoo: snow.
Life's a daily double for racetrack couple
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Artist turns plastic balls into keepsakes
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Grand jury studies complaint against business association
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Nursing mothers learn from each other
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Park will become 'wonderland of art' for Art Guild fair
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New coach, new outlook
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3 chains bite at resort project
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Ex-NFL player's rape case won't proceed, district attorney says
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Studies on widening of I-5 get fast track
The U.S. Department of Transportation will speed up the environmental review for a proposed widening of Interstate 5 from Carmel Valley to Oceanside, one of the region's priorities for traffic-congestion relief.
Sixth-grade scores
Sixth-grade scores (cont.)
Seventh-grade scores
Man pleads guilty to burglary charge
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2 more birds test positive for W. Nile
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2 men arrested in robbery case
SAN MARCOS – Two men have been arrested in connection with a gang-related home-invasion robbery last month at an Arbor Lane apartment, the Sheriff's Department said yesterday.
Woman OK despite being cut on throat
MIDWAY DISTRICT – A woman was cut on the throat during a robbery attempt in her home on Hornet Way yesterday, police said.
Woman OK despite being cut on throat
MIDWAY DISTRICT – A woman was cut on the throat during a robbery attempt in her home on Hornet Way yesterday, police said.
Group brings dads into classroom
CARMEL VALLEY – What a difference a dad makes. Frank Wypychowski is one of many fathers who will return this fall to Carmel Creek Elementary as a volunteer math tutor from Dads' Connection.
Continuing Education Center has new home
RANCHO BERNARDO – The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo has offered older adults enrichment through lectures, trips and cultural outings for the past 25 years.
Archaeologist will discuss Columbus' ships
RANCHO PENASQUITOS – Most schoolchildren get the scoop about Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue in 1492, but how many people realize the explorer embarked upon similar voyages in 1493 and 1498 – losing most of his ships in the process?
Solana Vista lesson plan: Bringing up baby
SOLANA BEACH – This fall will mark the end of a two-year baby boom at Solana Vista Elementary School. Eight staff members have given birth since March 2003, and a ninth is due to deliver twins in December.
Bodies of 2 murdered camp counselors found on beach
SAN FRANCISCO – Two camp counselors who were reported missing this week were murdered in their sleep on a Sonoma County beach, authorities said yesterday.
Work by welder starts brush fire
WARNER SPRINGS – A welder's sparks started a 20-acre brush fire near Lost Valley Road and state Route 79 yesterday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
Carmel Valley spotlight
The Polster branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito invites children ages 5 to 18 in the Carmel Valley and Del Mar areas to join its fall programs, beginning Aug. 30.
Rancho Bernardo spotlight
The Rancho Bernardo chapter of the American Association of University Women will take a tour aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train from Oct. 11 to Oct. 16.
Rancho Peñasquitos spotlight
Parents seeking a Saturday night out to enjoy dinner, a movie or a lecture can find respite in the Rancho Family YMCA's "Gymnastics Parents Night Out."
Solana Beach spotlight
Kathryn Holt, a feng shui lecturer and teacher, will address the significance of patterns and symbolism in the Chinese art on Sept. 1.
North Coast FYI
North Inland FYI
East County FYI
San Diego FYI
North County FYI
South Bay FYI
North Inland recycling locations
Rancho Bernardo service directory
Volunteer opportunities: North Edition
Ava Carmichael, 79; accomplished pilot, theater supporter
For late-blooming aviator Ava Carmichael, the Powder Puff Derby was a midlife flight of passage.
Esmé Pearson, 62; tennis official worked pro, amateur levels
Esmé Pearson's transition from tennis mom to multilevel tennis official was about as smooth as one of her sons' serves.
Hiram L. Fong, 97; businessman, 1st Asian-American U.S. senator
Hiram L. Fong, a son of immigrants who overcame poverty to become a millionaire businessman and the first Asian-American elected to the U.S. Senate, died Wednesday. He was 97.
Neal Fredericks; 'Blair Witch' cinematographer; 35
Neal Fredericks, the cinematographer of the low-budget but successful horror film "The Blair Witch Project," was killed in a plane crash while filming over the Dry Tortugas, his agent said.
Radoi Ralin; dissident Bulgarian poet; 81
Radoi Ralin, a dissident poet whose satires inspired generations of Bulgarians during the country's totalitarian era, has died of cancer, his family said. He was 81.
County Obituaries A-E
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Game of Thrones is a site for the HBO-series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.
New to the series? Read our spoiler-free review of A Game of Thrones.
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From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV3RflsNxak
The first shot from the "Seven Devils" trailer features what certainly looks like a helicopter shot of the rugged, Icelandic landscape representing the lands beyond the Wall. I recall David and Dan mentioning they'd love to be able to afford helicopters for filming vistas and panoramic views, but it was prohibitive last year, especially with so many start-up costs. It looks like Iceland—and possibly inaccessible locations that needed helicopters anyways?—may have provided them some opportunities.
The Westeros network consists of several different sites, including a forum and a wiki, for all your A Song of Ice and Fire needs.


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KOCHI: Leading retail chain Suncorp would retail the Italian fashion and lifestyle brand Gas Footwear through 198 outlets in South India.
Announcing the foray into the South Indian market through Kochi Mr Rajiv Uppal, CEO of Suncorp said that the product would be sold through 45 outlets. The company will venture into other South Indian markets by October.


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Senator advocates easier absentee ballot process
A state legislator wants to make it easier for Virginians who can't go to the polls on Election Day to obtain an absentee ballot.
Sen. John C. Miller, D-Newport News, has proposed that voters be able to request and receive an absentee ballot by email. They still would have to return the completed ballot by regular mail or by hand.
Currently, only voters who are in the military or are overseas can use email to request and receive an absentee ballot from Virginia election officials.
During the General Assembly's 2012 regular session, Miller sponsored a bill to allow any registered voter to use email to apply for an absentee ballot.
Under Senate Bill 188, if election officials approve the application, they could email the voter an absentee ballot. The voter then would print out the ballot, mark his or her choices, and submit it by regular mail.
SB 188 passed the Senate but failed in a House subcommittee. Miller says he'll push for it again next year.
"In Virginia, you cannot be emailed the ballot," Miller noted. Instead, election officials must send absentee ballots by snail-mail. That's expensive, wastes paper and requires a lot of employees, the senator said.
"It costs $1 for each absentee ballot sent out," Miller said. "We could save half a million by using electronic applications." (In the 2008 presidential election, about 507,000 Virginians voted absentee.)
Certain state officials aren't the only people clamoring for the General Assembly to make it easier to vote absentee.
In February, members of the Student Government Association at Virginia Commonwealth University presented their legislative priorities to state lawmakers. Student leaders also were in favor of SB 188.
"This bill will provide Virginians with easier access to absentee ballots and therefore easier access to voting in all elections," said Tiffini Smith, an SGA officer. "It would allow military families and college students to receive absentee ballots electronically, which is vital to getting a greater and better represented response in elections."
Many states go much further than Virginia is contemplating in accommodating absentee voting. In Colorado, Mississippi and a dozen other states, voters can actually cast absentee ballots by email, according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program's website.
In Mississippi, for example, voters can email their absentee ballot "as a signed, scanned attachment" to election officials.
Free children's clothing for those in need
The Children's Clothing Closet at Highland Springs United Methodist Church will be open Saturday, Aug. 27 and Tuesday, Aug. 30 to provide free new or nearly new children's clothing for families in need, prior to the start of the school year. The Clothing Closet will be open from 10 a.m. to noon both days. The church is located at 22 North Holly Avenue. > Read more.
Local choral group seeks volunteers
Citizen Staff Reports 07/18/2016
Good Vibrations choral group is looking for all voices with some musical experience to sing with the volunteer choir. The season runs from August to November. Genre includes patriotic and inspirational. > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
It's a great weekend to get outside! The Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society is offering two events this weekend. Accompany the group to find and document native plants present and blooming in Echo Lake Park on Saturday or take a "Sunday Stroll" at Dorey Park to observe the seasonal changes taking place. Other outdoor events this weekend include the final summer concert at West Broad Village and "Fridays on the Patio" at James River Cellars Winery in Glen Allen. If you're going to be outside, don't forget the insect repellent! To learn more about avoiding those pesky mosquitos, check out Henrico County's "Fight-the-Bite TODAY" event tomorrow. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Business in brief
Holton campaigns for Clinton, Kaine in Henrico
Main Street Group names new VP
National Parenting Center issues Fall Seal of Approval report
Henrico man dies in Dinwiddie crash
- More News
Print Edition
Aug. 18, 2016Click here to read the print edition.
Weekend Top 10
Restaurant Watch
Cultural Arts Center announces 2016 fall class schedule
Weekend Top 10
Weekend Top 10
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Obituary – Dora Burnett Bowles
Obituary – Phyllis Dinwiddie Hobbs
Obituary – Jerry Lee Carper
- More Obituaries
Free children's clothing for those in need
Local choral group seeks volunteers
County plans Fourth of July event
- More Community
Storm woes for e-junkies
'Good old days' were good – for some
Of character and parenting
- More Opinions
RIR to admit children 12 and younger free next year
Henrico teams win district, state championships
Varina HS to host Basketball Skill Development Academy June 20-23
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CalendarCrafters are wanted for the 26th annual Short Pump Ruritan Craft Show on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Short Pump Middle School, 4701 Pouncey Tract Rd. For an application, call 360-2371… Full text


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BENTON - A Morley man is in custody on eight sexual offenses.
Gary W. Calhoun, 51, is charged with six counts of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sodomy. As of press time, he remains in the Scott County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash only bond.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walker, Calhoun began assaulting his victim when she was 10, and it continued until she was 14. The victim told authorities he began having vaginal sex with her on a regular basis when she was 14.


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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Not The News I was Waiting to Hear...
Well, it's official. I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. Grrrr! I read that only 4% of pregnant women get it. 4%! I wish I would have been tested a lot earlier, because I really have no idea how long I have had it for. I am on a strict diet for a couple of weeks, and then if my blood sugar levels don't improve, I will be put on insulin. But, the midwife basically said it was up to me. If I can follow the diet, I should be fine. I haven't met with the nutritionist yet, but the Midwife gave me a diet to follow until I do. Basically, nothing sweet or with sugar is to pass my lips. No fruit, no juice, and obviously no desserts of any kind. I am to eat no processed or boxed foods, only fresh. For breakfast, I am supposed to eat an egg, some bacon, 1 slice of whole grain toast and a glass of milk. I can eat cheese and veggies as snacks, and for lunch I am supposed to have a green salad with protein. I am supposed to have another snack, and I get 1/2 an apple every day. For dinner, meat with vegetables and maybe a whole grain carb. And then yet another snack. And I will have to test my blood sugar when I wake up and two hours after every meal. So....that's what I get to do. Not fun, but I know it's worth it. I'm not worried, just unhappy that I don't get to eat what I want..LOL! I was loving my ice cream before this! No more ice cream for a couple more months. Maybe this is just what I need to jump start a healthier diet for the whole family. I just have to get used to a lot more cooking than I have been doing lately! Mark has gained some "sympathy" weight, too, so he is going to basically be doing the diet with me, just not as strict at all. So, that's the big news around here. So, pray that my glucose levels return to normal with the diet and everybody, eat some ice cream and yummy food for me!!
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People in their millions are extremely enthusiastic about MonaVie, a new and exciting juice product on the market that blends together the extracts of nineteen very nutritious and healthy fruits, one of which is the powerful acai berry we are hearing more and more about just lately. The juice is delicious to taste and the amazing number of antioxidants and phytonutrients it contains work well to provide every cell of the body with the necessary properties we need as far as rejuvenation and healing are concerned. Serving as a potent protection for our bodies and our immune systems, MonaVie can be enjoyed on a daily basis and only four ounces of this product will provide more or less the same amount of antioxidant potential as thirteen servings of fruit and vegetables. However, many people are asking how long MonaVie is good for and if it expires after a certain length of time.
The facts are that the acai berry ingredient of this not so cheap health supplement has to be used whilst at its peak in order for you to enjoy the associated benefits as far as nutrients go. For this reason it is essential that you have every trust in your supplier and are confident that you will be offered only the freshest products available. Being aware of how and why MonaVie expires is advantageous when using and storing this supplement too.
The best news of all is that although the juice is stamped with an expiry date, if unopened, that date is likely to be around twelve months in the future. The best way to store MonaVie is in a dark and cool environment and this may add a little more shelf life to the product. Conversely, if left in a well lit or warm area, the shelf life may be shortened quite considerably.
The product should be kept in a refridgerator once opened allowing it to be used for the next month or so. Take note of the expiry or best used by date which you will find printed on the bottom of each bottle you buy. Of course, this does not mean the product will be no good after this date; it's simply a guideline as to the period of time the juice will be at its best as far as benefits, taste and safe use is concerned.
To get the most out of your MonaVie purchase and reap the benefits of every drop of this remarkable juice, you will need to take heed of some simple safety measures. When you open a bottle of juice, put a label on the container stating the date you opened it and this will help you to keep on track. If there is still some juice in the container a month after you have opened it, take a smell and a small taste of the liquid and if all appears to be normal, the juice can be consumed. If in doubt about the freshness of the product, all you have to do is dispose of it and open a new bottle of MonaVie.


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"Uncommon" by KyoKaraMaouLuvr95
Categories: Kyou Kara Maou
Characters: Original Character(s)
Description: I find Conrad and Yozak to be one of the more uncommon pairings in the Kyou Kara Maou anime. But personally i LOVE this pairing and think there should be more of it. So i ask you to, please, for the sake of this perfect couple, write a story for Conrad and Yozak.
Posted: 07/05/08 | Deadline: None
This website is solely for non-profit entertainment purposes only. No profits are being made from this website whatsoever. All fan fiction represented in this archive are © their respective owners and/or authors. All original works are © their respective authors. No reproduction of the written works in this archive is permitted without prior consent of their respective authors. All Rights Reserved. Icons used on this site are from famfamfam.com. Protected by Spam Poison Bleach, Ichigo are © Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Tite Kubo.


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Plano police seek gunman who fled Compass Bank before carrying out robbery
Here's a report from staff writer Lauren Michaels:
Police are asking for help identifying a gunman who attempted to rob a Plano bank Monday.
The man entered the Compass Bank in the 2000 block of 14th Street about 12:15 p.m. and approached one of the teller's with a handgun.
Alerted that someone had called police, the gunman became frightened and fled before carrying out the robbery — but not before a surveillance camera captured a picture of the man.
The robber is described as a Hispanic man between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-8. He was wearing white pants, a white shirt and a white baseball cap with the letter T on it.
Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to call Plano police at 972-941-2148 or Crime Stoppers at 877-373-8477.
Police officials said the suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous.


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BEIJING/ATSUGI: Nissan Motor Co is looking to give its Infiniti premium brand a design makeover that will dilute its Japanese roots and flaunt a more "passionate" Latin feel.
The bold initiative aims to rev up an upscale brand that has struggled to establish itself in a competitive global market for premium autos. Launched a quarter of a century ago in the United States with an emphasis on its Japanese aesthetics, Infiniti sold about 180,000 cars globally in the year to end-March — about a tenth of rival Audi's sales.
Now seeking to attract Chinese car buyers and more genuinely compete with established global premium brands such as Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen's Audi, Infiniti is quietly scaling back its Japanese roots and "going global", says the brand's chief Johan de Nysschen.
To stand apart from "cold and clinical"-looking German rivals, Infiniti aims to be "a seductive provocateur ... to attract people, seduce, be emotional" de Nysschen, a South African former Audi executive, said in a recent interview in Beijing. Infiniti is going "Latin, very Latin," he said, noting the recently launched Q50 sedan offers a strong hint at that new design direction.
De Nysschen wants to boost Infiniti sales to half a million cars a year in the next 4-5 years, with a fifth of those sold in China, the world's biggest autos market. That's a big jump from the 21,000 cars it sold in China in the year to March. For comparison, Audi sold 1.6 million cars worldwide in 2013, including 492,000 in China.
The Infiniti targets are "very ambitious" if not impossible, said John A. Casesa, senior managing director of investment banking at Guggenheim Securities in New York and a veteran auto industry observer. "It will take a terrific amount of time and money to achieve any measure of success. The dominance of the German luxury brands says clearly that success is a result of cumulative efforts over a long period of time. You'd have to do great cars again and again and again. That might be for 10, 15, 20 years."
"Audi contributes half of Volkswagen group's profitability. We should have a similar noble objective," said de Nysschen, 54, who joined Nissan from Audi around 18 months ago.
Infiniti's target buyers are those independent-minded entrepreneur types who have charted their own non-traditional road to success, says the brand's chief designer Alfonso Albaisa, a Cuban American named last year to conjure up a new look for the brand.
"Nothing against doctors ... but they (target customers) didn't necessarily go to Ivy League schools," Albaisa said at Infiniti's design studio in Atsugi, 50 kms outside Tokyo, adding that the brand's "emotional" new-look should be on show in cars rolling off production lines by 2016. These models will have more sharply toned and sculpted "shoulder lines", more nuanced and undulating hoods, and a more athletic posture with all four wheels pushed as far as possible to the corners of the vehicle, Albaisa said, adding that exterior surfaces should resemble "the open ocean ... right before a wave becomes a defined wave."


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Knights of Crylail
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Product Description
A dark wizard has summoned three mighty Drak-Borgs, equipped them with stones of power, and sent them to their death in the Void. When each Drak-Borg meets their fiery doom, the wizard and his legions increase in power. The hope of the Free Lands of Crylail depends on the brave knights and their fellow fighters sent to slay the Drak Borgs in the Lanten fields at the edge of the world.
Product Information
Blue Panther
Year: 2010
Players: 2 or more
Time: 30 or more minutes
Weight: 289 grams
Language Requirements: This is a domestic item. Manufacturer's rules are printed in multiple languages (including English). Game components are language-independent.
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Last week, I spent an afternoon in the old apple orchard to check out the bird nesting scene. The cows found this fascinating.
The chickadees mostly ignored the cows under their tree and carried on with the hard work of feeding hungry hatchlings.
After a while, I followed the flight path of a red-naped sapsucker to another tree on the edge of the canyon.
About three feet above the sapsucker nest, nuthatches tended their young.
Then I glanced into the branches above and saw this:
My initial thoughts went something like: "oh cool, what a gorgeous snake. And in a tree! What snake around here climbs trees? I feel like I'm in some tropical jungle." Then, I realized why the snake was in the tree.
Uh oh. From an avian perspective, there never has been a Garden of Eden.
But from an ecological perspective, it's a pretty cool example of how the system works — and it's not about cuteness. I feel bad for the baby birds (though I never saw whether the snake succeeded in eating one), but I suppose I should feel equally sorry for those still-live bugs being stuffed down baby bird gullets. Or for the calves destined for human dinner plates.
That reminds me: while watching birds, I should look around now and then to see if a cougar is stalking me.
(Note on the cows: although I don't object to raising animals humanely and sustainably for meat, the cows don't belong to me. They belong to our neighbor and visit our pastures for a couple weeks every summer).


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Capt. Ken Chapman will conquer his fear of heights and spend 24 hours on a billboard to raise awareness about the Salvation Army's mission.
Chapman will go up on the billboard on Interstate 55 North in front of Steinmart at 4 p.m. Wednesday and will stay there for the next day without food or modern conveniences. He will even sleep outside all night.
The platform he'll stand on is 24 inches wide and has no front rail.
Chapman's campaign, "What are you willing to do?" will include a Christmas Camel from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., hot chocolate, live music and the Red Kettle inflatable.
The goal is to lift up the Salvation Army and its mission to help others in their time of need.