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I was struggling with an article idea this week and realized that I have an excellent topic to discuss. I am a living example of it right now. I have an injury that is keeping me from running and I had my world rocked to the core at around the same time. I decided I would share some of my ideas with respect to loss, injury, disease and setbacks. But I have a few questions to pose first: When these incidents occur in our lives how do we handle them? With anger, with grace, with introspection? Do we search for the lessons and the deeper meaning? Do we shrink away and hide? Do we throw up our hands in despair? Or do we decide to use it as an experience to learn, to deepen our personal growth, and to perhaps look at our lives differently?
The idea for this article came to me while having lunch with a dear friend. She is a hero to me. She has had several very tough years since her partner was diagnosed with cancer. We have all witnessed what a strong loving woman she has been for her family. Through all of this she has become a powerful advocate for patient care within the hospital setting; trying to make big changes to create a gentler, healing environment for the people recuperating or undergoing treatment. And also being incredibly aware of how the families are experiencing this situation with their loved ones as well.
She gave me the example of entering the ICU and seeing huge signs with block letters that said: DO NOT ENTER. She felt this was an assault on the senses of the people coming in to see their loved ones. She called her assistant immediately and said: add this to the next meeting agenda as #1.
Gifts Are Hidden Within Challenges
To help make positive changes she has also spent her time seeking out ways to cope, to eat better and holistic/integrative approaches to help everyone stay well during this stressful time. She volunteers tirelessly, counsels, takes care of a big family, and sits on numerous committees and the list goes on. She did not hide away or shrink from the challenge. She met it head on with strength and determination. The world is richer for her being here… the experiences that could have devastated her made her that much more determined to learn and grow. She inspires me. I walked away from our time together pondering all of these things.
So we see in her case how her challenge has created the space for her to help others in ways that perhaps no one else could see or had the guts to do something about. But she had to BE in it to learn that and move in this direction. That is just one of the gifts from all of this. When we take this approach in our lives, we may begin to see the how's and the why's of it occurring for us.
We can look at challenges differently when we fall, get injured, get sick, etc. It is ALWAYS an opportunity to look beneath the surface. However, it might take some time to do so. We might need to lick our wounds for awhile and go through the appropriate stages of grief, but eventually we have to pull up our socks and move forward. We make the decision to live fully again. How many people do you know that have been sick or injured and a friend gave them a book that changed their life? Or maybe during their recovery they had an epiphany. The disease might have been the wake-up call they needed to change the way they were living their life. As a result, they made the decision to be healthy, to changes jobs, to retire, to leave a relationship. I have always felt that if we continue along without doing "our work" during these times of wake-up calls the universe "ups that ante" – in other words… be prepared for another wake-up call.
The Mind-Body Connection
Here is one way to look at the setbacks that occur. It is with a book I adore: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. It is one I picked up in my 20's and has been instrumental in my spiritual growth and wellness since then. Contained within her book is a list of physical problems that has a 3 part chart. It works like this: you look up the ailment, disease or physical symptom. The next column contains what the probable cause is and in the final column a new thought pattern one can incorporate into their life to help heal it. I opened the book for an example: Adrenals. The probable cause is listed as: Defeatism. No longer caring for the self. Anxiety. The new thought pattern is: I love and approve of myself. It is safe for me to care for myself.
When something shows up in my body or that of one of my clients, I always refer to this list and am continually amazed at how accurate it is. I use this list for my own self-care and awareness. When we are aware then we can make positive changes in our lives. If we move along without stopping to examine our lives when we have a setback we lose the opportunity for tremendous growth.
The Wisdom of Our Bodies
Remember from some of my past articles: when a physical symptom shows up in the body it is a red flag. Our body in its wisdom is waving for you; pay attention. Symptoms disease injury and setback always have an underlying emotion or thought pattern that has now shown up as a physical symptom in your body.
Why do we have setbacks in our lives? I feel that it occurs when something in our life is out of balance, when things are awry, when we need to slow down, make changes or pay attention. I see so many people avoiding taking care of themselves or avoiding issues or grief or pain and so they keep busy all the time. Avoiding setbacks by running around, watching TV, listening to the radio, on the computer, texting, reading, cooking, working out, never being alone. We fill the hole inside with busyness and the acquisition of more and more material goods. They are all excellent ways to avoid being still, because being still feels scary. When we stop and get quiet or are alone, feelings can come up. Whatever we have pushed away, or stuffed down or avoided shows up. And that is a good thing, by the way! Think of a pressure cooker. We need to take the lid off and allow the steam to escape. It takes a lot of energy to hold things in.
Releasing the Pressure
Although a meditation practice is an excellent tool to allow the lid to come off to release the pressure, you can simply allow yourself some quiet time to reflect. With the busyness we are often in the fight or flight response which is running on adrenalin. This stresses out the central nervous system which in turn creates anxiety, affects our immune system and can create a host of other problems. We are taught to chin, up, suck it up, that we cannot cry and to avoid our feelings. And that is exactly why I feel we have our setbacks… to get us out of that toxic loop and help us get back on track.
And so with my current setbacks I am spending some much needed time with friends, writing a shorter article this week and doing some things for my own self care. I am slowing down and letting go of a few responsibilities that were creating a schedule that was simply too much. I am doing more Yoga! I think of the image of a wrinkled shirt…Yoga irons out all of my wrinkles, releases pent up emotion, brings me into my body and I always feel richer for the experience.
Let Setbacks Be Your Guide to Growth
Take some time for yourself and look at your list of ailments, symptoms and setbacks. Are there changes you have been avoiding? Are you taking good care of yourself in the way you deserve? Do you keep promising yourself that you will do certain things? Take the time to honour and treasure yourself and your personal growth. Perhaps you can allow your setbacks be a guide to a greater awareness and to help create deeper meaning in your life.
My own current setbacks have created this article for you this week. My intent is that it inspires you to take a closer look at your own life. Look at the glorious opportunities that are there for you. Try changing the way you look at ailments and see the wisdom behind each one.
And know that I am here for you along the way to help you discover the wondrous you that IS there! I send each of you much love today.
Photo by janineomg


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From our readers:
KISSES to Neighborhood Night Out. KISSES to the Albacore Museum for the passes to visit the sub. KISSES to the Portsmouth Historic Society — John Paul Jones for the raffle prize. KISSES to the Stratham Clothes Attic for the gift certificate. KISSES to Nature's Wonders of Rye for both a gift certificate and providing children's programming at the event. KISSES to Maggie Stier from N.H. Preservation for information on historic preservation. Thanks to the spectacular neighborhood cooks and attendees, to Patricia Taylor and to Harold Mangold for their extra efforts! And especially to Lenore Bronson for all her work to organize the event!
— Sherry Brandsema
KISSES to Trader Joe's, who left me smiling Friday, Aug. 2. I was in the store and suddenly the fire alarms went off and we were politely escorted out of the building, where we waited for quite a long time — 20 or more minutes — before the firemen came and checked inside. We were all waiting outside in the heat, and suddenly a store manager came out with bundles of bottled water, which he offered to everyone. He wanted us to be as comfortable as possible. What could be better? Many thanks, Trader Joe's! With appreciation,
— Dean Diggins
Kittery, Maine
KISSES to the random stranger who took the toys my kids had been playing with up to the register, paid for them and gave them to my kids with just a nod and smile to me — thank you. I have no idea why you did that, which makes it even more wonderful. You left before I could chase you down and bombard you with questions, such as: Do you do this often? Are you paying it forward? Either way: faith in humanity restored. I'll be looking to pay it forward myself.
— Rebecca Skane
KISSES to the Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Thank you Knate Higgins, Craig Faulkner and the entire staff and volunteers of the SRT who created a wonderful fundraising event for AIDS Response-Seacoast (ARS). Thank you Delta Miles for delivering a hilarious evening at the Rep and Portsmouth Gas Light Co. for donating appetizers before the show! Thank you for all those who attended the event and supported ARS so it can continue to bring services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Seacoast area.
— Richard Leigh
York Harbor, Maine
Location, ST | website.com


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3 Artists for Prints, Posters & Photography
Images 1-5 by Sugarboo Designs. Artist Rebecca Puig and her husband Rick, created Sugarboo Designs to design thoughtful, sentimental, handmade pieces that warm your home. I love how simply she uses words across a blank canvas or how she paints over raw wood frames. Each frame is so nostalgic and perfect for any collage of artwork on the wall.
Images 6-10 by Nan Lawson. Nan creates clever, quirky drawings and colorful portraits of friends and movie characters. Also, some of my favorite drawings of hers are those of random objects around the house like a fan or typewriter. She also accepts commissions for custom portraits! What an excellent Holiday gift.
Images 11-15 by The Poster List. A design team of artists from Long Beach, bring a mixture of photography, silk screen, illustration and digital art for these creative and fun posters. Some of their most recognizable is their interpretation of "Keep Calm and Carry On", which they offer a rock and roll version "Keep Calm and Rock On". They are sold on line as single prints and can be purchased framed.


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Regional Directors
Posted: January 21, 2012 at 12:22:55 PM
In Boulder | Regional Directors | Midwest Region | IMBA Staff | Staff week
Man, I am wiped out. A full week tapped into the live wire that is IMBA and its staff. A lot of high wattage folks, electrified in their passion for off road cycling and that trails that define it. The week had it all, interesting conversations... Read More / Post Comments
Posted: March 25, 2011 at 5:16:30 AM
This weekend is the Southeastern MTB Summit in Brevard, NC. It has been a big switch for me as I drove to the Airport in a solid Blizzard and now I am standing in 70 degrees and smelling fresh flowers. Today I helped as some really dedicated and... Read More / Post Comments


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The DM-CMVU2000D-N from Dedicated Micros is a camVu 2MP IP camera PoE/12vDC. Offering Up To 6 Times The Resolution of Analogue Cameras, The DM Camvu Camera is Ideal for Situations where High Resolution, High Quality Images are Required. The Camera's High Resolution Technology is Based on Dedicated Micros Award Winning Netvu Connected Architecture, Allowing Seamless Operation and Deep Integration with AWide Range of Dvr's and other Devices as Well as Simplified Integration Into Large-Scale Systemsthe Unique Dedicated Micros Soft Codec Technology Allows The Camvu Camera To Transmit Simultaneous Mpeg-4 and Jpeg Images to The Associated Dvr for Image Capture. This Flexibility Allows Users to Record High Quality Images for Evidence and Watch Streamed Video at The Same Time.
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PR for Everyone
A new public relations option may help more spa/salon owners and independent beauty professionals get the word out about their services—without the often prohibitively high monthly or annual PR agency fees. Sharon Esche, president of the long-established PR agency Esche & Alexander, and her partner Alexander Irving, have added a new service to their BeautyPRpro subscriber blog: "PR à la carte," a menu of publicity services to provide targeted, much-needed direction to small businesses with limited resources.
"'PR à la carte' has been the missing communications ingredient for salons and spas, and especially independents, for a long, long time," says Esche. Adds Irving, "With a little coaching down the right path, everyone can begin and maintain foundational PR if they understand what is important, what they need to do, and how to do it ... public relations isn't brain surgery."
Plus, the well-seasoned team is having a ball with their latest venture, Irving recently told DAYSPA. "Frankly, our 'à la carte' clients are more fun, far better listeners and really satisfying to work with," he said. "We get to feel their joy when they get results from being better prepared, having sent well-thought-out and well-written news releases and good photos, and having put some basic PR principles to work for themselves."
To find out more, check out beautyprpro.com or call 760.414.3370.
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To a Skylark
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
To a Skylark Happiness Quotes
How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Like an unbodied joy whose race is just begun. (15)
Now we're on to the happy side of things. The speaker imagines the skylark as a pure spirit of delight. We love the phrase "an unbodied joy." It's such a great way of putting the way he feels about this bird's song. Even this early in the poem, it's pretty clear to us that he's really having a kind of spiritual experience with this bird.
Quote #2
Thou art unseen, but yet I hear thy shrill delight, (20)
The speaker finds a bunch of different ways of describing the bird's happiness. In this case, he uses the words "shrill delight." He really wants us to focus on that sound, to think about the bird's song as an expression of pure joy. Slowly but surely, he's trying to pull us away from the idea of the skylark as a kind of average-looking, little brown bird. He wants us to see that this creature's song is really like an explosion of natural happiness.
Quote #3
Joyous, and clear, and fresh, thy music doth surpass. (60)
It's the pure, clean, fresh feeling of this bird's happy music that the speaker really wants us to understand. The point is not just that this sounds like a happy skylark; it's that the happiness is totally unmixed. It's not the slightest bit worn out, or muddy. That's part of what makes it so much better than human art, why it can "surpass" even our happiest songs.


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Amanda Lee, the founder of PennyAuctionWatch.com has been interviewed and mentioned by the following media outlets:
- Wired Magazine – Penny Auctions Bet on Chump Change
- Time Magazine – Losing Your Cents
- The Denver Post – Bidders on penny auction sites can pick up deals, or a new addiction
- Reuters Entrepreneur (BidRodeo) turns pennies into million-dollar business
- Consumer Reports – With penny auctions, you can spend a bundle but still leave empty-handed
- CBS News & Radio
- ABC News
- FOX News Penny Auctions – Scams or Real Savings?
- And more!
If you are working on a story on penny auctions, we'd love to help. Please contact us!


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The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton Juster
The Phantom Tollbooth: Wouldn't All Parents Like Their Child to Visit the Silent Valley? Quiz
Think you've got your head wrapped around The Phantom Tollbooth? Put your knowledge to the test. Good luck — the Stickman is counting on you!
Q. Where are Rhyme and Reason imprisoned?
The Doldrums
The Castle in the Air
Q. Why is Reality invisible?
The residents never paid attention to it
It is shy
The residents painted it with invisible paint
It was ugly
Q. How does Milo bring back a sound to the Silent Valley?
He frees the sound of a kitten purring
He holds his next word in his mouth
He throws it out the window
He fails, and Silent Valley is forever silent
Q. Why can Tock fly?
Because he's a bird
Because time is fleeting
Because time flies
Because he is actually Superman
Q. What one thing did neither King Azaz nor the Mathemagician want to tell Milo?
That he really needed to take a bath
That they thought he was super cool
That he wasn't smart enough to go on his mission alone
That his mission was impossible


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OAKLAND -- The screening of prospective jurors in the Chauncey Bailey murder case ended late Wednesday -- five days sooner than expected -- with Superior Court Judge Thomas Reardon announcing he has qualified enough people for the jury pool.
"That's it for the interviews," Reardon said at the end of the seventh day of juror questioning. "I am done."
He had scheduled 12, daylong sessions to screen potential jurors.
Some 800 people received summons for the case in a process that began last month. The jury pool was whittled down to 109 through hardship dismissals and dismissals for cause, such as people who know potential witnesses, possess detailed knowledge of the case, or expressed bias against the criminal justice system or against 25-year-old defendants Yusuf Bey IV and Antoine Mackey.
The final jury -- 12 jurors and five alternates -- are scheduled to be picked on March 21. Reardon has said opening statements in the trial will begin immediately following the seating of the jury.
Bey IV, leader of the defunct Your Black Muslim Bakery, and Mackey, a bakery member, are facing murder charges in connection with the Aug. 2, 2007, shooting of Bailey, as well as the unrelated shooting deaths of two other men.
Bey IV is charged with ordering Bailey, editor of the Oakland Post, killed because he was working on a story about the bakery's bankruptcy filing and inner strife. He is also charged with ordering two other men, Odell Roberson and Michael Willis, killed in July 2007.
Mackey is charged with killing Willis with an assault rifle and helping confessed gunman Devaughndre Broussard kill Bailey and Roberson. Broussard, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter and is to testify against Bey IV and Mackey in exchange for a 25-year sentence.
Reardon has also scheduled a Tuesday hearing on a change of venue motion that has been pending since late summer, when he declined to immediately rule on claims of Bey IV and Mackey that they can't get a fair trial in Alameda County because of extensive publicity.
Prosecutor Melissa Krum declined to comment on the proceedings Wednesday, as did Mackey's lawyer, Gary Sirbu.
Bey IV's lawyer, Gene Peretti, said he would have to review the 17-page questionnaires jurors completed along with transcripts of the jury hearings before saying if concerns about fairness remain.
"Right now, I am sort of overwhelmed by the data," he said. "I have to get a sense of where we are."
During the seven days of screening, Reardon conducted what he called "a group discussion" on legal procedure with panels of about 20 people each day. He has repeatedly asked them if they could "follow my rules whether you like it or not."
People mostly said they could, although some expressed concerns over their ability to be objective, or said they had a deep objections to guns, or thought criminals often didn't receive enough punishment.
One women cried as she explained how her grandfather died in a shooting when she was a girl in the Midwest and one of the people responsible, a juvenile, was not jailed.
"Since then I have been against all types of guns," the woman said as a bailiff handed her tissues during a session last week. "The only people who should have them are the police and the military."
She was excused from the jury pool.
Eleanor Swift, professor UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law, said it seems unusual for a judge to go through jury screening, a process called voir dire, with a motion for venue change undecided.
Claims of excessive publicity tainting a jury pool are generally decided after a "ballpark determination is made on the effects on the jury pool," Swift said.
That enough people have been qualified after just seven days of screening could suggest that excessive publicity claims were overblown and that a jury of untainted people can be seated, Swift added.
That Reardon took control of the questioning, giving each lawyer about only about 20 minutes to question jurors each day, "shows he is setting the groundwork and establishing (himself) as the source of power in the room."
Generally, she said, voir dire proceedings are dominated by the lawyers.
Another legal expert said Reardon should have moved the trial after the change of venue motion was heard.
"This case has been radioactive in Alameda County," said Peter Keane, a professor at Hastings College of the Law and a former chief deputy public defender in San Francisco. "He should have sent it to some other county."
Keane said it's up to the judge to keep the case fair as the lawyers jockey for any advantage with the jury.
"Neither side is looking for a fair juror," Keane said. "The prosecutor is looking for someone who is pro-authoritarian. The defense is looking for people who are bomb throwers, people cynical about power. If the defense gets someone who is crazy, that's great."
Keane said that while race might appear to be a factor in the case, he believes many African Americans are extremely skeptical of the Black Muslim movement. "They certainly don't like the entire secondary role to which it commits women.
Neither Sirbu nor Peretti asked to remove a man from West Oakland who told Reardon that he had extensive knowledge of news coverage of Bailey's killing.
Krum, the prosecutor, told the defense attorneys that their decision didn't reconcile with their arguments that the trial had to be moved.
Reach investigative reporter Thomas Peele at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/thomas_peele.


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Q&A: Getting Started Seems Impossible!
Here's a question that came from the Four Hour Workweek forum.
I seem to be stuck with the same problems forever and the problems are numerous: getting a muse, then designing a website, drive traffic towards it and so on and so on…
It's like an endless list of obstacles to overcome. And on top of that, I have to do all of that in between activities of my current job. So that makes that I am frustrated now because it seems to be impossible.
Hey Davey,
1) Set a goal for yourself. Realistically, what type of position do you want to be in exactly 1 year from today?
2) Once you set the goal, write down all the things you might possibly need to achieve the goal. This could mean a new computer, certain software, particular relationships, a mentor, # of hours a week you'll invest, money, sacrifices you need to make, etc..
3) After you've completed step #2 (if you don't complete step #2, you need to re-think your life), you need to organize all that information into a meaningful plan. Start from 1 year out, how might your new life be different from where you are at now? Picture your new lifestyle in amazing detail.
4) Then you need to dig deep into researching everything about your plan. Start talking to people, researching ideas, getting suppliers, finding a website designer, and all the stuff you NEED. Don't worry too much about all the pieces, just FIRE! Start taking small baby steps , EVEN if you don't know which direction to go! There's an amazing thing that happens when you start moving– that momentum will propel you forward.
5) Write down all the stuff from step #3 and #4 onto a new piece of paper. Label the paper "My Plan". Don't worry, it's nothing too difficult. Just jot down your thoughts and basic ideas about what you will do. Try to make a rough outline of what your business might look like.
6) Make sure your plan will provide an extraordinary amount of value for other people. If you are not totally excited and pumped about your KICK BUTT idea, go back to the drawing board and come up with an idea in a market that you know A LOT about.
7) Continue pushing forward with your plan, even if it's small steps. If you really want to change your life this exact moment, get off your butt– print out this page, get a few pieces of paper, and start at Step #1. DO IT NOW!
Good luck!


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Home > Strategy Games > War & Combat >
Here I Stand
Wars of the Reformation 1517-1555
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Product Description
The lineage of Here I Stand includes descent from both SPI's A Mighty Fortress (published in 1977) and GMT's The Napoleonic Wars (2002). Reusing the theme of A Mighty Fortress, the game improves on its predecessor with a much deeper system to handle religious conversions, the additions of New World exploration and Mediterranean piracy, and the explicit inclusion of minor powers that can be coerced into the conflict through card play. Borrowed from The Napoleonic Wars is the use of important cities to determine economic strength and elements of the land combat, avoid battle, and interception systems. Many game mechanics borrowed from The Napoleonic Wars were simplified to ensure a fast-paced game despite the wide range of factor considered by this design. From this base, the game adds mechanics unique to the 16th Century, including heavy use of short-term (and unreliable!) mercenaries, explicit wintering of armies, and the mercurial nature of siege operations, especially against targets that can be resupplied by sea.
Here I Stand is an innovative game system, being the first to integrate religion, politics, economics and diplomacy in a card-driven design. Games vary in length from 3-4 hours for a tournament scenario up to full campaign games that run about twice the time. Rules to play games with 3, 4, or 5 players are also included. The 3-player game is just as well balanced as the standard 6-player configuration, taking advantage of the natural alliances of the period.
- TIME SCALE: 4 years per turn
- MAP SCALE: Point to point system
- UNIT SCALE: Land unit = 5000 men Naval squadron = 25 galleys
Product Awards
Product Information
Ed Beach
GMT Games
Rodger B MacGowan, Mark Simonitch
Year: 2006
Players: 3 - 6
Time: 180 - 480 minutes
Weight: 2,075 grams
Language Requirements: Game components are printed in English. Manufacturer's rules are printed in English. This is a domestic item.
- Four full-color counter sheets
- One 22" x 34" full-color mounted mapboard
- 110 Strategy cards
- 19 Two-player Diplomacy Cards
- Ten 6-sided dice
- 32-page Rulebook
- 24-page Campaign Manual (including 2-player rules)
- Six full color 8.5" x 5.5" Power Cards
- Three full color Player Aid Cards (one and two-sided)


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Dayton Audio B652 Bookshelf Speakers Review
Unplggd blogger tryout, Ryan Ray, reviews a very affordable audio speaker product for those of us with audiophile aspiration, but modest budgets. Be sure to share your thoughts about the review below.
Product: Dayton Audio B652 Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $29.99
Rating: Recommended*
We all want to be audiophiles, the only problem separating us from this dream is money. It costs a lot of cold hard cash to start listening to music as it was meant to be heard. Don't despair though, we've got some great news for those on a budget.
What comes in the box? Packing foam and the beautiful speakers, that is all.
Once you wear out of those white earbuds, here is a way to better spend $30 bucks than replacing them. A company called Dayton Audio makes a great pair of high quality, but low cost bookshelf speakers. They are a great size and deliver beautiful clarity and separation you've been missing in your music. The speakers come tightly packed in a small box and their only accessory is a speaker grill that comes already attached to the speakers. You can take it off if you like the naked look of the speakers though.
Anyway back to the speakers. They have a solid build and are made for any kind of indoor use. We personally put ours on our desk and blast music all day long. They feature two speakers in each cabinet. The main speaker is 6-1/2" polypropylene and the tweeter is 5/8" polycarbonate ferrofluid cooled. To describe the sound these speakers produce in one word is clarity. The stereo stage is perfectly wide. Finally you can hear the mix just as the musicians heard it in the studio. The highs are clear and strong as well as the midrange. The bass is very tight coming from these speakers. Which contrary to popular belief is how it's supposed to be, and how we like it. Bass isn't supposed to be muddy and rattle everything in the house.
Overall for just under $40 you can't beat these speakers. They have a great size and produce awesome sound. You'll be blown away how good your music sounds once you set these guys up.
Pros: Super cheap speaker set, great sound, looks good anywhere.
Cons: Unpowered speakers, may be bulky for some people.
Our Ratings:
Strong Recommend
Weak Recommend
Don't Recommend
Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf. This product was purchased by the reviewer.


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Articles on this page are available in 1 other language: Spanish (8) (learn more)
Brief Summary
The Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) is a small, brightly colored songbird that breeds in the southeastern and southcentral United States and winters in the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, Mexico, and portions of Central America. The breeding range includes two disjunct populations, separated by a 550 km gap. The interior breeding population is found mainly from northeastern Mexico and Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana east along the Gulf Coast to southern Alabama and locally in western Florida. The Atlantic Coast population is limited to coastal portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and northeastern Florida.
In the breeding season, Painted Buntings are found in partly open situations with dense brush and scattered trees, riparian thickets, and weedy and shrubby areas. In migration and winter, they are found in a variety of open weedy, grassy, and scrub habitats, as well as in open woodland.
Painted Buntings feed mostly on seeds and insects, foraging mainly on the ground but also in shrubs and low trees (although males typically deliver their warbling songs from higher in the trees). During migration, Painted Buntings may forage in mixed flocks with Indigo Buntings (P. cyanea).
A male Painted Bunting may have more than one mate. The female builds the nest and lays 3 to 4 (sometimes 5) eggs. Nests are frequently parasitized by cowbirds. Incubation (by the female only) is 11 to 12 days. The nestlings are fed by the female and leave the nest 12 to 14 days after hatching, at which time the male may take over feeding if the female begins incubating a second clutch.
Across their breeding distribution, abundance estimates indicate that the Painted Bunting is in long-term decline. One key factor contributing to the overall decline of the Painted Bunting is loss of breeding habitat as a result of urban development, road-building, and agricultural intensification. The effects of this habitat loss are most acute along the Atlantic Coast, where this species' distribution is limited. Loss of riparian habitats in the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico, used during migration by the interior population, may also be influencing population levels in this species and wintering habitats in Central America continue to be degraded. It is likely that the cage bird trade on the wintering grounds has also played and continues to play an important role in the Painted Bunting's decline. The colorful adult males have been been traded for a very long time, with thousands of live birds having being shipped to Europe for sale in the early 19th century. This trade was banned in the United States in the early 20th century, but continues to be legal in other countries. Some estimates suggest that at least 100,000 Painted Buntings were trapped in Mexico between 1984 and 2000. International trade in wild-caught birds was banned in Mexico from 1982 to 1999, but resumed quickly after the ban was lifted.
Genetic data and studies of differential timing and patterns of molt and migration support the recognition of two allopatric and genetically isolated breeding populations in the southern United States, an important finding to guide conservation planning. These isolated populations represent incipient species--distinct evolutionarily significant units (ESUs)--which likely require distinct management plans.
(Thompson 1991; Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Herr et al. 2011 and references therein)
Painted bunting breeding range is divided into a western and an eastern population.The western population ranges from Kansas south to Louisiana and Texas. The eastern population is limited to the coastal regions of North Carolina south to northern Florida. The western population winters primarily in Mexico and as far south as Panama. The eastern populations winter in southern Florida, including the Florida Keys, and are occasionally seen to winter in the Bahamas and Cuba (Lowther et al. 1999).
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); neotropical (Native )
Global Range: BREEDING: southeastern New Mexico, northern Texas, central Oklahoma, west-central Kansas, southern Missouri, and southwestern Tennessee south to southern Chihuahua, northern Coahuila, southern Texas, southern Louisiana, and along Gulf Coast to southern Alabama, locally to western Florida, and, disjunctly, North Carolina to central Florida (AOU 1998, Lowther et al. 1999).
NON-BREEDING: northwestern Bahamas, Florida, southern Tamaulipas, and Sinaloa south to West Indies and Panama (AOU 1998); also locally in the U.S. along the Gulf Coast (Thompson 1991). Eastern population winters mainly in southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti; western population winters mainly in southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America (Thompson 1991).
Range Description
occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
National Distribution
United States
Origin: Native
Regularity: Regularly occurring
Currently: Present
Confidence: Confident
Type of Residency: Breeding
Physical Description
Painted buntings are small brightly colored birds. They are 12 to 13cm in length with an average body weight of 16 grams. Adult birds are dimorphic, the males being brightly colored. The head and nape of the males is blue, the back is bronze-green and the rump and underparts are red.The females are less brilliantly colored having dark greenish upperparts and yellow-green underparts.The wings and tail of both the male and female are dark brown or black contrasting with the rest of the body. The feet and legs, eyes and bill of both sexes are dark in color. The feet and legs are dull to dusky brown, the eyes are dark brown to hazel and the bill is dark brown to blackish in color. Plumage of juvenile birds resembles that of the adult female. The males differentiate from the females during their second year where they begin to exhibit the blue feathers on their head (Lowther et al. 1999).
Range mass: 13 to 19 g.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Length: 14 cm
Weight: 16 grams
Marismas Nacionales-San Blas Mangroves Habitat
This taxon is found in the Marismas Nacionales-San Blas mangroves ecoregion contains the most extensive block of mangrove ecosystem along the Pacific coastal zone of Mexico, comprising around 2000 square kilometres. Mangroves in Nayarit are among the most productive systems of northwest Mexico. These mangroves and their associated wetlands also serve as one of the most important winter habitat for birds in the Pacific coastal zone, by serving about eighty percent of the Pacific migratory shore bird populations.
Although the mangroves grow on flat terrain, the seven rivers that feed the mangroves descend from mountains, which belong to the physiographic province of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The climate varies from temperate-dry to sub-humid in the summer, when the region receives most of its rainfall (more than 1000 millimetres /year).
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans), Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and White Mangrove trees (Laguncularia racemosa) occur in this ecoregion. In the northern part of the ecoregion near Teacapán the Black Mangrove tree is dominant; however, in the southern part nearer Agua Brava, White Mangrove dominates. Herbaceous vegetation is rare, but other species that can be found in association with mangrove trees are: Ciruelillo (Phyllanthus elsiae), Guiana-chestnut (Pachira aquatica), and Pond Apple (Annona glabra).
There are are a number of reptiles present, which including a important population of Morelet's Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) and American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in the freshwater marshes associated with tropical Cohune Palm (Attalea cohune) forest. Also present in this ecoregion are reptiles such as the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum) and Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta). Four species of endangered sea turtle use the coast of Nayarit for nesting sites including Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).
A number of mammals are found in the ecoregion, including the Puma (Puma concolor), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), Jaguar (Panthera onca), Southern Pygmy Mouse (Baiomys musculus), Saussure's Shrew (Sorex saussurei). In addition many bat taxa are found in the ecoregion, including fruit eating species such as the Pygmy Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus phaeotis); Aztec Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus aztecus) and Toltec Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus toltecus); there are also bat representatives from the genus myotis, such as the Long-legged Myotis (Myotis volans) and the Cinnamon Myotis (M. fortidens).
There are more than 252 species of birds, 40 percent of which are migratory, including 12 migratory ducks and approximately 36 endemic birds, including the Bumblebee Hummingbird, (Atthis heloisa) and the Mexican Woodnymph (Thalurania ridgwayi). Bojórquez considers the mangroves of Nayarit and Sinaloa among the areas of highest concentration of migratory birds. This ecoregion also serves as wintering habitat and as refuge from surrounding habitats during harsh climatic conditions for many species, especially birds; this sheltering effect further elevates the conservation value of this habitat.
Some of the many representative avifauna are Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis), Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), sanderling (Calidris alba), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), Mexican Jacana (Jacana spinosa), Elegant Trogan (Trogan elegans), Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus), Merlin (Falco columbarius), Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) and Wood Stork (Mycteria americana).
The western population's breeding habitat consists of partially open areas scattered with brush, riparian thickets and shrubbery. The eastern population's breeding habitat consists of scrub communities and the margins of maritime hammocks.
Wintering habitat is similar for both the western and eastern populations, consisting of tropical forest margins and tropical savanna.
Foraging habitat is the same as either their breeding or wintering habitat. During migration foraging can occur in mixed flocks with indigo buntings
(Kaufmann 1996, Lowther et al. 1999).
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; scrub forest
Habitat and Ecology
- Terrestrial
Comments: In general, few data exist on habitat requirements and they are not well quantified (Lowther et al. 1999). Partly open situations with scattered brush and trees, riparian thickets and brush, weedy and shrubby areas, woodland edges, yards and gardens in the southern U.S. Nests in bush or vine tangle, usually 1-2 meters up; sometimes in tree in thick Spanish moss at greater height (Harrison 1978). Western breeding populations use semi-open country with scattered trees and shrubs, riparian areas, abandoned farmland and other early successional stages (Parmalee 1959, AOU 1998).
In the Ouachitas of southwestern Arkansas, common in areas with a patchy mixture of open pasture and well-developed fencerows where farms are still small and family-run (J. Neal, pers. comm.). In southwest Missouri, 18 of 19 measured territories included predominantly old field vegetation (82 percent), with the remainder woodland (18 percent). Vegetative characteristics, however, varied widely between territories suggesting that a broad range of conditions are tolerated (Norris 1982, Norris and Elder 1982).
The southeastern coastal population uses a variety of habitats for breeding (Lanyon and Thompson 1986, Cox 1996, Meyers et al. 1999). While Meyers et al. (1999) found nesting success to be similar in beach shrub-scrub, managed pine-oak forest, and old growth oak forest, some forest-nesting individuals traveled up to 800 meters to feed in grassy or marshy openings, while shrub-scrub birds remained in core areas. Lanyon and Thompson (1986) determined that salt marsh/forest edge territories were preferred over interior forest, and concluded they were of higher quality.
Territory sizes measured include 1.13 hectares for one in Oklahoma (Parmalee 1959) and an average of 3.15 hectares on the edge of the range in Missouri (range 0.64-6.66 hectares, n = 19; Norris 1982, Norris and Elder 1982). Territories tend to be larger when there are no other territories adjoining (Norris 1982, Norris and Elder 1982), and smaller in high-quality habitat where territories are contiguous (Finke 1979, Lanyon and Thompson 1986). Males tend to return to nesting sites used in previous year (Lanyon and Thompson 1986).
Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.
Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).
Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.
Thompson (1991a and 1991b) notes that the western population begins fall migration two months earlier than the eastern population, and that western birds undergo a molt while stopping in desert areas of the southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico (rather than molting while still on the breeding grounds as eastern birds do). Loss of riparian habitat in this area may be a "bottleneck affecting population numbers" (Lowther et al. 1999). Arrives in Costa Rica in late October, departs by late March (Stiles and Skutch 1989).
Trophic Strategy
Painted buntings are diurnal foragers, mainly feeding on grass seeds (Panicum spp., Amaranthus spp., Oxalis spp., Euphorbia spp. and Carex spp.) when in the wintering habitat and arthropods (grasshoppers[Orthoptera], caterpillars [Lepidoptera larvae], spiders [Arachnida] and snails [Gastropoda]) in their breeding habitat. The majority of food is foraged from the ground with some seeds being taken directly from the grass stalk. Painted buntings have also been observed stealing prey caught in spider webs (Kaufmann 1996; Lowther et al. 1999).
Comments: Eats mainly grass seeds, also insects and spiders (Terres 1980).
General Ecology
In winter in Mexico, occurs singly or in small groups; individuals may return to the same wintering site in successive years (Rappole and Warner 1980). Mean territory size 3.15 hectares (range 0.64-6.66, n=19) in Missouri (Norris 1982, Norris and Elder 1982).
Life History and Behavior
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Life Expectancy
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 126 months.
Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
The breeding season begins in late April through to early August peaking mid-May through to mid-July. Males usually arrive at the breeding territory one week before the females. Pairs are usually monogamous with rare instances of polygyny. Nests are located in low lying vegetation. The nests are built by the females and woven into the surrounding vegetation for strength. The females raise two broods per season laying between 3 and 4 eggs per brood. The eggs are incubated for a period of 11 days until the altricial young hatch. Parental care of the young is solely the female's responsibility until fledging occurs 12-14 days later . Time between fledging in the first nest to the second nest is around 30 days (Kaufman 1996; Lowther et al. 1999).
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; oviparous
Average time to hatching: 11 days.
Average eggs per season: 4.
Eggs are laid March-July (mostly May-June). Usually produces two broods per year, sometimes up to four. Clutch size usually is three to four. Incubation, by female, lasts 11-12 days. Young are probably tended by female alone; leave nest at 8-14 days.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Barcode data: Passerina ciris
The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.
There are 3 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.
Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.
See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.
-- end --
Download FASTA File
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Passerina ciris
Public Records: 3
Specimens with Barcodes: 3
Species With Barcodes: 1
Conservation Status
Overall there has been a general decline in painted bunting numbers since the mid 1960's. Their desirability as caged birds and loss of habitat is the primary cause of their decline. Painted Buntings are still trapped and sold in Central America and transported over-seas by ship. Habitat destruction constitutes the main reason for their decline. Development of coastal swamp thickets and woodland edges has significantly reduced their eastern coastal habitats. The loss of mid-migratory staging areas (riparian habitat) in southwest USA and in northwest Mexico have contributed to the western population decline. To a lesser extent brood parasitism by cowbirds (Molothrus ) contributes to the Painted bunting's decline. The painted bunting is currently listed on Partners in Flight Watchlist as a species of special concern (Kaufmann 1996, Lowther et al. 1999).
Painted buntings are listed as near-threatened by the IUCN, and they are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Act.
US Migratory Bird Act: protected
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
Red List Criteria
Year Assessed
National NatureServe Conservation Status
United States
Rounded National Status Rank: N5B - Secure
NatureServe Conservation Status
Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure
Population Trend
Comments: HABITAT: Breeding habitat loss is generally considered to be the greatest threat (Muehter 1998, Lowther et al. 1999); this is especially well documented along the Atlantic coast (Meyers, pers. comm.).
PET TRADE: Capture of individual birds for sale in the pet trade is apparently a significant concern on the wintering grounds in Central America (Muehter 1998).
PARASITISM: Brown-headed cowbird (MOLOTHRUS ATER) parasitism is known from both western and eastern populations. Thirteen 13 of 45 nests parasitized in Oklahoma (Parmalee 1959), 4 of 60 nests parasitized in Texas in an area where extensive cowbird removal had been carried out (Barber and Martin 1997), and 8 percent of an unspecified number of nests on barrier islands in Georgia (Meyers et al. 1999). Whether or not brood parasitism is a significant factor in population declines is not known.
PREDATION: Predators are likely similar to those of other small passerines and do not seem to be an unusual threat (Lowther et al. 1999).
Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is monitored, but no other specific actions are known.
Tightly control any ongoing trade in the species. Develop an appropriate management strategy to reverse population declines. Develop a comprehensive conservation strategy including adaptive harvesting for populations in the Caribbean and Latin America (Iñigo-Elias 2006).
Restoration Potential: Restoration potential is probably good, with appropriate habitat management. Some apparent range expansion along the Atlantic coast and in Florida (Potter et al. 1980, Taylor et al. 1989, Stevenson and Anderson 1994) suggests the ability to recolonize suitable habitat previously inhabited in southeast Arizona and New Mexico.
Preserve Selection and Design Considerations: Preserves for both the eastern and western populations will need to maintain early to mid-successional vegetation, with an emphasis on retaining a mix of open and wooded or shrubby components. In the southeast, protecting beach shrub-scrub and coastal wetland habitats will be important (Meyers 1999). More detailed preserve design specifications must await the completion of further study, some of which is underway (Sykes and Meyers 1999).
There are no data to suggest parameters for preserves on the wintering grounds; it is possible that protection from illegal capture and sale for the pet trade may be as significant a factor as habitat protection (Muehter 1998).
Because the western populations spend significant time molting and feeding during their autumn stopover in southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico, consideration should be given to the protection of habitat in this region--especially riparian vegetation (Thompson 1991a, 1991b). No information which might guide the design of such preserves appears to exist, however.
Management Requirements: In areas where succession proceeds toward forested climax conditions, managers will need to interrupt this process through mowing, burning, herbicide application or other means. The most significant concern for the Atlantic coast populations is the transformation of valuable wetland and scrub-shrub habitats into intensive pine management and residential development (Meyers 1999); successful management will require the protection of existing habitat.
Management Research Needs: Population declines are well documented, but reasons for the declines need more study. A better understanding of threats within the breeding range and wintering area, and the biology of the western populations on their fall migration stopover are needed. The relationship of habitat quality to nesting success, especially across the range of the western population, needs research. Effects of brown-headed cowbird (MOLOTHRUS ATER) nest parasitism needs further study. Cowbird impact is less than among some coexisting species (Barber and Martin 1997; Meyers et al. 1999), but may become a factor among eastern populations which have only recently come into contact with cowbirds (Lowther 1993, Lowther et al. 1999).
Biological Research Needs: Genetic studies of the eastern and western populations should be undertaken to determine if they are distinct species or if the two subspecies currently described are appropriately defined (Thompson 1991b, Lowther et al. 1999).
Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Painted buntings are highly desired as caged birds due to their brightly colored plumage. Painted buntings are trapped and sold in large numbers in Central America and exported from New Orleans , by ship, to Europe where they are sold for greatly inflated prices. (Lowther et al. 1999)
Stewardship Overview: Populations across the breeding range have shown decreases of 3.0 percent per year from 1966-1998, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Although more study needs to be done, loss of breeding habitat appears to be a factor in this decline. Management should include protection of existing habitat and vegetative manipulation to create early and mixed-successional stages. Monitoring by the BBS should continue, along with studies to determine relationships between habitat change over time and reproductive success. Better understanding of problems in wintering areas and (for western populations) important molt-migration areas in desert habitats of southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico should also be sought.
Painted bunting
The painted bunting (Passerina ciris) is a species of bird in the Cardinal family, Cardinalidae, that is native to North America.
The painted bunting was originally described by Linnaeus in his eighteenth-century work Systema Naturae.[2] There are two recognized subspecies of the painted bunting:[3][4]
- P. c. ciris – (Linnaeus, 1758): nominate, breeds in the southeastern United States
- P. c. pallidior – Mearns, 1911: breeds in south central US and northern Mexico
The male painted bunting is often described as the most beautiful bird in North America. Its colors, dark blue head, green back, red rump, and underparts, make it extremely easy to identify, but it can still be difficult to spot since it often skulks in foliage even when it is singing. The plumage of female and juvenile painted buntings is green and yellow-green, serving as camouflage. Once seen, the adult female is still distinctive, since it is a brighter, truer green than other similar songbirds. Adult painted buntings can measure 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) in length, span 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) across the wings and weigh 13–19 g (0.46–0.67 oz).[5][6]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
The painted bunting occupies typical habitat for a member of its family. It is found in thickets, woodland edges with riparian thickets, shrubbery and brushy areas. In the east, the species breeds in maritime hammocks and scrub communities. Today, it is often found along roadsides and in suburban areas, and in gardens with dense, shrubby vegetation. The wintering habitat is typically the shrubby edges along the border of tropical forests or densely vegetated savanna.[7] The breeding range includes southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, southern and eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, northern Florida, coastal Georgia, the southern coast of South Carolina, and northern Mexico.[1] They winter in South Florida, Cuba, the Bahamas, along both coasts of Mexico and through much of Central America. Occasionally, they may be vagrants further north, including to New York[8] Pennsylvania[9] and New Jersey.[10] The bird is also found every few years as far north as New Brunswick, Canada.[11]
Painted buntings are shy, secretive and often difficult to observe for the human eye, though can be fairly approachable where habituated to bird feeders. Males sing in spring from exposed perches to advertise their territories. They also engage in visual displays including flying bouncingly like a butterfly or in an upright display, body-fluff display, bow display and wing-quiver display. These displays are used in agonistic conflicts with other males or in breeding displays for females, with females rarely engaging in displays. Occasionally, males may physically clash with each other and may even kill each other in such conflicts.[5] When their breeding season has concluded, buntings migrate by night over short to medium distances. Western birds (Arizona and northern Mexico) molt in mid-migration, while eastern birds tend to molt before they migrate.[7]
Painted buntings often feed by hopping along the ground, cautiously stopping every few moments to look around. The painted bunting regularly eats a large quantity of grass seeds, including Panicum, Amaranthus, Oxalis, Euphorbia, and Carex. Seeds are eaten almost exclusively during winter. While breeding, painted bunting and nestlings mainly eat small invertebrates, including spiders, snails, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other insects. They have been known to regularly visit spider webs to pick off small insects caught in them.[7]
Painted buntings are mostly monogamous and are solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, but sometimes exhibit polygyny. The breeding season begins in late April and lasts through to early August, with activity peaking mid-May through to mid-July. The male arrives about a week before the female and starts to establish a small territory. The nest is typically hidden in low, dense vegetation and is built by the females and woven into the surrounding vegetation for strength.[7] Each brood contains three or four gray-white eggs, often spotted with brown, which are incubated for around 10 days until the altricial young are hatched. The female alone cares for the young. The hatchlings are brooded for approximately 12 to 14 days and then fledge at that time. About 30 days after the first eggs hatch, the female painted bunting usually lays a second brood.[7] Nests are often parasitized by cowbirds.[7] Common predators at the nest of eggs, young, and brooding females are large snakes, including coachwhip snakes, eastern kingsnakes, eastern racers, and black rat snakes.[7] Bird-hunting raptors, including short-tailed hawks, Accipiter hawks, and even the small passerine loggerhead shrike, may hunt painted buntings, including the conspicuous breeding-plumaged male. The painted bunting can live to over 10 years of age, though most wild buntings probably live barely half that long.[7]
The male painted bunting was once a very popular caged bird, but its capture and holding is currently illegal.[12] Trapping for overseas sale may still occur in Central America.[7] Populations are primarily declining due to habitat being lost to development, especially in coastal swamp thickets and woodland edges in the east and riparian habitats in migration and winter in the Southeastern United States and Mexico.[7] They are categorized as near threatened by the IUCN[1] and are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Act.
- ^ a b c BirdLife International (2012). "Passerina ciris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ^ Linnaeus, Carolus (1758). Systema Naturae (in Latin). Stockholm (Holmiae): Laurentii Salvii. p. 320. OCLC 174638949. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
- ^ "Passerina ciris". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. ITIS-North America. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
- ^ Gill, F.; Donsker, D., eds. (2014). "IOC World Bird List (v 4.4)". doi:10.14344/IOC.ML.4.4. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ a b "Painted Bunting". All About Birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
- ^ "Painted Bunting". Nebraska Bird Library.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Stefanyk, D. (2001). "Passerina ciris (On-line)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "Gallery of New York Rarities: Painted Bunting". New York State Avian Records Committee.
- ^ "Pictorial Highlights, Unusual Captures: Painted Bunting". Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC).
- ^ Kashlak, Jane (10 January 2005). "Stalking Cape May's Painted Bunting". Cape May Times.
- ^ "Rare painted bunting spotted in the Acadian Peninsula". CBC News. 15 November 2014.
- ^ McDonald, Gavin (1999). A Field Guide to the Birds. HMCo Field Guides. p. 252. ISBN 0-395-96371-0.
- Lanyon, S.M.; Thompson, C.F. (1986). "Site fidelity and habitat quality as determinants of settlement pattern in male Painted Buntings". Condor 88 (2): 206–210. doi:10.2307/1368917.
Further reading[edit]
- Lowther, P.E.; Lanyon, S.M.; Thompson, C.W. (1999). Poole, A.; Gill, F., eds. Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris). The Birds of North America (398) (Philadelphia, PA: The Birds of North America, Inc.).
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Passerina ciris.
|Wikispecies has information related to: Passerina ciris
- Painted bunting - Passerina ciris - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
- Painted bunting species account - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Painted bunting videos, photos, and sounds at the Internet Bird Collection
- Painted bunting photo gallery at VIREO (Drexel University)
- Painted bunting species account at NeotropicalBirds (Cornell University)
Names and Taxonomy
Comments: An examination of morphological variation by Thompson (1991b) indicated that recognition of the two nominal subspecies, PALLIDIOR and CIRIS, as currently defined, is not warranted. However, Thompson (1991b) suggested that the eastern population (breeds from North Carolina south to Florida) and the western population (breeds from Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri south to northern Mexico, southern Texas, southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and extreme western Florida) may be two distinct species. A phylogenetic, mitochondrial cytochrome-b study by Klicka et al. (2001) did not examine this relationship, but placed P. CIRIS and P. VERSICOLOR as sister species. LINARIA is an invalid generic name for North America buntings (Banks and Browning 1995).
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- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Housekeeping Full Service
- Standard Wireless Internet service is free for all members
- On-site Fitness Center Available
It's hard to leave your best buddy at home when you're traveling for extended periods, so we provide a pet friendly experience. Restrictions and fees apply.
Whether you are booking suites for a family reunion or suites for your company's training needs, Candlewood Suites hotels can accommodate your group.
Workout whenever you want: Candlewood Gym always has an open door and lots of aerobic and cardio equipment to make it easier to stick to your exercise routine, no sweat.
The IHG Green Engage system is an online tool that gives our hotels the means to measure their day-to-day environmental impact.
Getting Here
Guest Reviews
Overall Experience
Perfect place to stay
August 28, 2016
The staff was excellent and so helpful and friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Great for the price and nice area.
The best local hotel experience for a "Staycation".
August 23, 2016
I am a local resident, and went to this hotel to have some much needed "me time". I didn't even know about this hotel until I found it using a particular search engine. The Hotel staff and their customer service were the best that I have ever encountered in my limited travels. They made me feel so special.
The location is across from Santa Clara University, next to a historic train station within a transit mall, and just minutes away from places to eat, shop and entertainment spots.
I plan on using this hotel on a more frequent basis! I had a great time all by myself.
good value in San Jose
August 15, 2016
Close to Airport - quiet room, friendly staff. Lots of power for computer and phone.
August 12, 2016


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Police in North Huntingdon want to know who is firing shots at homes in the community.
Investigators said six shots were fired at two homes on Brokers Lane about 3 a.m. Sunday.
Officers said the shots were fired from a vehicle.
Detectives said they are looking for a white or silver Dodge Neon with a loud exhaust.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


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2012-13 Record: 3-5-0-0, 6 points (2-3-0-0 Home, 1-2-0-0 Road), Fifth Place – South Division
Week 4 Recap:
The Texas Stars had just one game in Week 4, an uncharacteristically light schedule that occurs only twice during the entire 2012-13 season. They squad hosted the Grand Rapids Griffins for a Saturday night contest at Cedar Park Center as they looked to win their second home game in a row. However, the Griffins continued an amazing early season trend, by scoring first at 3:08 of the opening frame from defenseman Adam Almquist; Grand Rapids has scored first in eight of their first ten games this year. Right wing Colton Sceviour suffered an injury during the first period of Texas' first preseason game and missed the entire month of October. Playing in his first game of the season, Sceviour struck back to tie the game ten minutes later. But the Griffins retook the lead on a quick response from Joakim Andersson who scored 1:39 after Sceviours goal to put the visitors back up 2-1. Grand Rapids got a power play goal early in the second period from Almquist to take a two-goal lead and then added a fourth goal from Gustav Nyquist with four minutes left in the third period to cap of the scoring.
Texas out-shot the Griffins 15-7 in the first period, but trailed on the scoreboard 2-1; the shots were more even the remainder of the game, with the hosts holding a 30-27 edge at the end of play. Grand Rapids received a stellar goaltending performance from rookie Petr Mrazek, who stopped 29-of-30 shots in his American Hockey League debut to record his first career AHL victory. Mrazek was a big reason why the Stars went 0-for-7 on the power play and also why Texas' comeback fell short.
Week 5 Preview:
After only playing three games in the past two weeks, the Stars amplify their schedule with their second three-in-three block of the season. Friday night, November 9th at 7:30 pm they host the Toronto Marlies for their only visit to Cedar Park Center this year. Saturday, November 10th the Lake Erie Monsters return for their second meeting with the Stars at 7:00 pm. Texas will finish off the weekend with a Sunday road trip to Houston for a 5:05 pm faceoff with the Aeros at Toyota Center.
This weekend is Stars & Stripes Military Appreciation Weekend presented by Sport Clips. The team will be wearing special Stars & Stripes jerseys for both Friday and Saturday night's games and the jerseys will be auctioned off via silent auction with the proceeds going to the Texas Stars Foundation. Also on Saturday is the Stars & Stripes Hat giveaway presented by Sport Clips; fans are encouraged to arrive early as supplies are limited.
Week 5 Schedule:
(All games are broadcast LIVE over the Internet at www.TexasStarsHockey.com and can be viewed via internet pay-per-view video on www.ahllive.com.)
Friday, November 9 – 7:30 pm – Cedar Park Center – Cedar Park, TX
vs. Toronto Marlies (3-4-0-1, 7 pts)
Fifth Place, North Division
• Team Notes: The Marlies are the defending Western Conference Champions, but have not yet won consecutive games this season. Toronto is currently in the middle of an eight-game road stretch that keeps them away from home for almost one full month; the team's last home game was on October 21st and the Marlies won't return to Ricoh Coliseum until November 17th. Last week Toronto lost 3-0 and 4-2 in a weekend trip to Abbotsford. This week the Marlies face the Texas Triangle; at Houston on Thursday night, in Cedar Park on Friday and at San Antonio on Saturday. Toronto ranks 26th in the AHL in power play percentage with a 8.9% (5-for-56) and are tied for 22nd in the league in penalty kill at 78.9% (30-for-38). This is the only visit by the Marlies to the Cedar Park Center this year; the Stars will travel to Toronto Sunday, February 10th.
• Leading Scorer: Keith Aucoin (C) – 6 points (0 goals, 6 assists) and 16 PIMs in 8 GP.
• Leading Goaltender: Ben Scrivens (G) – 2.59 GAA, 0.902 save pct., 2-3-0 in 5 GP.
• Who's Hot: Keith Aucoin (C) – Leads the team in points and assists and has six assists and an even rating in his last five games played. Greg McKegg (LW) – Has four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and a +1 rating in his last five games played. Joe Colborne (C) – Has three assists and a team-leading +3 rating in his last four games played.
Saturday, November 10 – 7:00 pm – Cedar Park Center – Cedar Park, TX
vs. Lake Erie Monsters (7-4-0-0, 14 pts)
Tied-First Place, North Division
• Team Notes: The Monsters are off to a strong start in 2012-13, currently level on points with Abbotsford for first place in the North Division, however they have a lower winning percentage with two more games played. Last week Lake Erie had a three-in-three road trip, beating Peoria 4-3 in a shootout on Thursday, winning 2-1 at Milwaukee on Friday and losing to Rockford 6-3 on Saturday. This week the Monsters continue a seven-game road stretch with two games in Texas; they play at Houston on Friday night before returning to Cedar Park on Saturday. Lake Erie is currently 10th in the AHL with a 20.4% power play percentage (11-for-54) and tied for 12th in penalty kill at 85.0% (51-for-60). With 60 power plays against, the Monsters have allowed the second most man-advantages against in the AHL
• Leading Scorer: Tyson Barrie (D) – 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) and +5 in 11 GP.
• Leading Goaltender: Calvin Pickard (G) – 2.41 GAA, 0.0.926 save pct., 4-3-0, 2 SO in 7 GP.
• Who's Hot: Bryan Lerg (LW) – Leads the team in goals and has three goals in his last four games played. Tyson Barrie (D) – Leads the team in points and has five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in his last five games played. Mike Sgarbossa (C) – Ranks second on the team in points and has four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in his last five games
Sunday, November 11 – 5:05 pm – Toyota Center – Houston, TX
@ Houston Aeros (5-3-1-1, 12 pts)
Second Place, South Division
• Team Notes: Houston lost their first two games of the regular season, but has only lost once in regulation since, posting a 5-1-1-1 record in their last eight games. Last week the Aeros lost 4-3 at Oklahoma City on Friday night, beat the Barons 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday and then returned home on Sunday where they lost to Grand Rapids in a shootout 2-1. Last Friday's game in Oklahoma was rough on Houston as they lost two of their top prospects to injury. Leading scoring Mikael Granlund suffered a lateral right ankle sprain and will miss two to four weeks, while defenseman Jonas Brodin broke his clavicle as a result of a third period hit by Barons' forward Taylor Hall; Brodin will be out at least eight weeks. The Aeros have the 4th best power play in the AHL with a 23.9% success rate (11-for-46) and their penalty kill ranks 18th at 80.6% (29-for-36).
• Leading Scorer: Mikael Granlund (LW) – 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) and +5 in 8 GP.
• Leading Goaltender: Darcy Kuemper (G) – 2.15 GAA, 0.914 save pct., 3-1-0 in 4 GP.
• Who's Hot: Brian Connelly (D) – Ranks second on the in points and has six points (1 goal, 5 assists) and a +5 rating in his five games played. Charlie Coyle (RW) – Leads the team goals and has five points (4 goals, 1 assist) and a +1 rating in his last five games played. Justin Fontaine (RW) – Has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and a +1 rating in his last five games played.
Week 4 Game Results:
November 3, 2012 Grand Rapids 4 @ Texas 1
Stars Player of the Week: (Week 4)
Colton Sceviour – RW – #7 1 GP, 1 point (1 G, 0 A), Even, 0 PIMs
Right wing Colton Sceviour gave the Stars a boost in Week 4, returning from injury to score his first goal of the season. The Red Deer, Alberta native suffered a broken hand during Texas' first preseason game on October 3rd vs. Houston and missed the start of the regular season. Exactly one month later, Sceviour made his season debut against Grand Rapids and scored midway through the first period to tie the game at 1-1. In 233 career AHL games for the Stars he has 126 points (47 goals, 79 assists); he has also played in one NHL game with the Dallas Stars.
Stars Quick Hits:
• SEASON DEBUTS – Colton Sceviour and Scott Glennie each made their first appearances of the regular season for Texas on Saturday night against Grand Rapids. The two have played a combined 308 career games for the Stars.
• SURPRISING DISPARITY – Texas is one of three AHL teams that has a shots on goal differential of +40 or greater; the other two clubs are Providence (+48) and Albany (+44). Defying logic, all three have negative goal differentials: Texas is -11, while Albany and Providence are both -5.
• SHORT WEEK – The Stars had only one game during Week 4, their lightest game schedule of the season. Texas has one more single-game week on the calendar in Week 17, which also features the AHL All-Star Break. In Week 17 the Stars will play just one road game at Houston on Friday, February 1st.
• SIBLING RIVARLY – Rookie left wing Reilly Smith faced his older brother Brendan Smith on Saturday night as the Stars hosted the Grand Rapids Griffins. It was the first time the two have played against each other as professionals. Brendan, 23, is two years older than Reilly and is in his third year as a pro. Both brothers made their NHL debuts during the 2011-12 season, Reilly played three games for the Dallas Stars and Brendan notched 14 games for the Detroit Red Wings.
• STREAK SNAPPED – Cam Barker had his four-game penalty minute streak snapped on Saturday against the Griffins. Barker's streak, which accumulated 16 PIMs over that span, is the longest by a Stars player this season. The longest PIMs streak in the AHL so far this season is six games, done by three different players, including one current streak.
• FRAMES BY THE NUMBERS – The Stars have out-shot their opponents in six of their first eight games this season, but they have struggled to turn their shots on goal advantages into goals on the scoreboard. So far this season Texas has the following breakdown of shots and goal-difference by period: First – Shots +16, Goals -2; Second – Shots -1, Goals -7, Third – Shots +28, Goals -3.
Stars Week 4 Transactions
**No Player Transactions in Week 4**
Texas Stars Team Leaders:
Games Played: 14 players tied (8)
Goals: Cody Eakin (4)
Assists: Tomas Vincour (5)
Points: Cody Eakin (7)
Plus/Minus: Cody Eakin (+4)
Penalty Minutes: Antoine Roussel (49)
Power Play Goals: Travis Morin (2)
Short Handed Goals: Cody Eakin (2)
Game-Winning Goals: Jamie Oleksiak & Toby Petersen (1)
Shots: Cam Barker & Tomas Vincour (24)
Shooting Percentage: Colton Sceviour (50.0%)
Saves: Jack Campbell (96)
Wins: Jack Campbell (2)
GAA: Jack Campbell (3.18)
Save Percentage: Jack Campbell (0.873)
The Texas Stars are back in action on Friday, November 9th for Stars & Stripes Military Appreciation Weekend presented by Sport Clips as they host the Toronto Marlies for a 7:30 pm face off at Cedar Park Center. The players will wear special Stars & Stripes jerseys for both Friday and Saturday and the team will auction off the game-worn jerseys; Friday night is also the first $3 beer night of the season. Pro-rated full and partial 2012-13 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.
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AIDS se na raho anjaan , samna karo seena taan (Hindi)
AIDS Slogans
Ladies, be wise! Make them guys condomize.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
AIDS is no joke, wrap before you poke.
AIDS brings pain! Girls, please abstain! Ladies, be wise! Make them guys condomize!
Avoid the Scare…Be Aware.
Be beautiful! Be smart! Be stylish! But, protect yourself.
AIDS Da Gyan,Bachhaye Jaan (Punjabi Slogan)
Knowledge of AIDS Help Save our Life.
Submitted by Rupinder Pal Singh.
Pleasure for a moment; pain for a lifetime.
Try different position with the same woman instead of same position with different women.
End the Dread…Stop the Spread.
Help Us Find A Way to Take AIDS Away.
Is 20 minutes of unprotected thrills worth a life time of pills?
No glove no love.
Lets aid each other to combat A.I.D.S.
AIDS – Don't condemn yourself, condom yourself.
Wear plastic, it's fantastic.
HIV is dangerous cargo – use a condom!
What's life threatening, incurable and preventable?… HIV. Protect Yourself
End the Pandemic…Help Us Find a Cure.
Let HIV be your worst enemy! Fight HIV/AIDS.
Be wise, condomise.
No one's immune from AIDS. Is Sex Worth Dying For?
Wear it or bear it.
ABC – Abstain, Be faithful and Condomise
Nothing comes to your aid when you contract AIDS.
The best packages stay wrapped.
It Could Happen To You.
AIDS: Prevention is the only cure.


text:
Photo: Evening sky
The view in front of me, just moments ago.
Been a while since I walked out of office, while the sky is still somewhat bright.
No thanks to some toots, for inducing such on-call stress for the past week.
A calm sight, for me, to end a ridiculous week.


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The Pros:Small sized speakers can be fit in wherever you have room. No distortion through the mids and highs even when turned up. Can clearly hear all the details in what you're listening to at lower volumes.
The Cons:Doesn't have the warmth you'd get from larger speakers. Need a separate subwoofer to fill the lower range, poorly represented.
The Mirage Nanosat is a bookshelf speaker offered by Mirage, and is one of the smaller models available. The compact size, stylish design and magnetic shielding make this fit virtually anywhere in any room.
Loading latest prices from ProductWiki...
Although this speaker is only 4" square, it is designed to give impressive and powerful sound quality for music listening or movie watching. Lows are created by a 2-3/4" titanium deposit polypropylene cone with butyl surround, with highs being handled by the 3/4" pure titanium hybrid tweeter. The Nanosat is available in a platinum or black finish, and can be shelf or table mounted, wall mounted with the included hardware or can be mounted on the optional MS-STB floor stand for further flexibility. The Nanosat is sold as individual speakers, or as the Nanosat 5.1 surround systtem.
small sized speakers can be fit in wherever you have room
no distortion through the mids and highs even when turned up
can clearly hear all the details in what you're listening to at lower volumes
audio is lively and energetic, makes sound effects and performances come to life
excellent value for the price, would expect to pay at least 3 times this much for the quality
audio is crisp and clear, doesn't sound tinny
doesn't have the warmth you'd get from larger speakers
need a separate subwoofer to fill the lower range, poorly represented
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text:
ok... Im getting there
I added a method to the pageflow like:
public String getFruit(Long myKey)
return fruitMap.get(myKey.toString()).toString();
then added the following to my jsp:
This, as you may guess returns the name carrot for every row.
What I need to do now is change the value for the methodParameter so that it takes the main tables´ id
I thought I could do this:
but I get a nullpointerexception.
any ideas ?


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You've seen my loving cups, my Pyrex, my globes, my … well the list goes on and on.
Since it takes three to form a collection, it's official!
I am the proud owner of three, count em three, vintage portraits.
Isn't she lovely …
or is she strangely disturbing?
I can't quite figure out which?
Of course the 80's mauve frame has got to go and I think she should totally donate her braids to Locks of Love don't you?
The bigger question is should I hang them on my hubs side of the bed?
Or will it give him nightmares?
Would you pass by these ladies at the thrift store?
Want Eclectically Vintage delivered right to your inbox?
Just enter your e-mail in the box below!


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We've been posting about it for weeks, and Small Business Saturday is here! Whether you still have a list of people to shop for, or simply want to treat yourself today, it's a great time to shop small. Whether you patronize your local clothing boutique, the neighborhood toy store, or even the corner coffee shop, shopping small means supporting business owners in your own neighborhood, and helping your community thrive.
Here at The UPS Store, we love our small business customers, and work closely with them to ensure we understand their challenges, goals, and to find out what they think about small business. In fact, we host a private online community of small business owners – The Small Biz Buzz – where we ask for feedback about products and services, offer access to exclusive content, speakers and products. We also use it to get to learn more about our customers.


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The Kewanee Missionary Baptist Church Snap-N-Pops would like to say thank you to everyone who donated to the Fund-Raising Auction for Relay for Life.
Thanks to all the local businesses and everyone who made this a great success. Your many acts of kindness will never be forgotten.
The total raised was $4,200. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
Vera Strickland


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Local trip tips
WESTLAKE RELAXATION: Westlake Village Inn, 40 miles west of downtown Los Angeles in affluent Westlake Village, is offering two packages. The Inn Love package offers a night in a minisuite, chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne, a floral bouquet, See's chocolates, Swedish couples massage, lakeside dinner reservations at Mediterraneo restaurant with free dessert, and two Valentine's martinis in Bogies Lounge. The rate is $595 per night. The Single Ladies package offers a nigh in a minisuite, VIP entrance into Bogies Lounge and two Valentine's martinis. The rate is $199 for double occupancy, a nearly $100 savings. The packages are available during February. Visit www.westlakevillageinn.com or 818-889-0230.
BATTER UP: Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale is offering its Triple Play Package to baseball fans visiting the 10 stadiums in Arizona's Valley of the Sun for spring training. A three-night stay grants you a $300 resort credit at the property's signature restaurant, Prado, or its Joya Spa. Rates start at $349 a night through April 30. Visit www.montelucia.com/springtraining .
MAMMOTH DEAL: Mammoth Mountain is offering a midweek ski and snowboard package that includes round-trip air service from Lindbergh Field. The rest of the goodies are a Superior Room at Mammoth Mountain Inn, lift tickets, a free hour at Woolly's Adventure Summit tubing park on day of arrival and transportation from Mammoth Yosemite Airport to town and the resort and back. The four-night package (Sunday or Monday arrival) starts at $129 per person per night, based on double occupancy. Restrictions include 21-day advance purchase and holiday blackouts. Book by Jan. 31 for travel through April 16. Visit mammothmountain.com or call 800-626-6684.
WALK YOUR WAY TO HOTEL PALOMAR: Hotel Palomar Los Angeles and Hotel Palomar San Diego are enticing health-conscious guests with a package that provides a discount on a future stay to those who walk 10,000 steps. Guests receive a pedometer, area walking map and $20 food and beverage credit to a hotel establishment or in-room dining. The 50 percent discount is good for up to three nights for a future stay. The Walk This Way package starts at $220 a night and is available through June 30. Visit hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com or hotelpalomar-sandiego.com, or call 888-288-6601.
$20 OFF THIS AND THAT : Hotel Solamar's Eight-Fifty & Time for Recess package offers guests a five-night stay with a host of daily amenities at the downtown San Diego property for $850. Those amenities include glass of wine or champagne to celebrate arrival, $20 off daily valet parking, a $20 daily credit to Jsix restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner and $20 off a Kimpton robe. The package is available throughout 2012. Book at hotelsolamar.com or call 877-230-0300 and mention rate code 850.
WINTER ADVENTURE AMONG SEQUOIAS: The 102-room Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park celebrates the late arrival of winter (it's coming ---- really) with its Winter Adventure package. There are no lift-served ski areas in the park, but 70 miles of marked cross-country ski trails and trails are open to snowshoers. The Winter Adventure package provides overnight accommodations and all-day rentals of cross-country skis, boots and poles for two (or snowshoes). Rates start at $125 a night. The Winter Family Fun package features overnight stay, snowshoe rentals for each adult plus a new sled for the kids to keep. Rates start at $136. Visit visitsequoia.com or call 866-449-4902.
WHALE OF A TIME: Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is trying to entice whale watchers with its A Whale's Journey package: three nights in an Ocean View Garden Casita, a 2 1/2-hour whale watching excursion, airport transportation, a book on gray whales of Baja California and a pair of binoculars, lunch for two at La Palapa Bar & Grill, free daily breakfast and yoga classes, and fitness center access. Rates start at $2,959. Package is available through March 31.
RELAX IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES: Terranea Resort, with 225 fireplaces and fire pits throughout the resort's 102 acres overlooking the Pacific, dials up the romance in February with its Keep It Simple Sweetheart package: breakfast for two daily, dinner for two in Catalina Kitchen or mar'sel. Rates start at $470 a night. Use the rate code KISSPKG. The His & Hers two-night package features two rounds of golf at The Links nine-hole course and two 60-minute treatments in the Spa at Terranea. Rates start at $665 a night. Use rate code HISHERS. Packages are available Feb. 1 to 28 and include the daily resort fee. Visit terranea.com or 866-802-8000.
SAY ALOHA TO WHALES: Ka'anapali Beach Hotel in Maui's Whale Encounter package features four nights in an ocean-view room, a whale-watching tour for two, free rental car, daily buffet breakfast for two and a host of beach amenities. Rate is $1,388. Book package by April 1. Visit www.kbhmaui.com/cms/View.aspx/Show/81.
WELLNESS RETREATS AT THE GRAND DEL MAR: The San Diego resort is beginning a four-part health and wellness series this month. Each Saturday session is led by holistic aesthetician and wellness coach Nina Curtis. The theme for the first retreat, on Jan. 28, is "Sleeping Beauty ---- Mastering Rest." Sessions also feature a wellness discussion, nutrition class, al fresco lunch, 60-minute spa treatment and yoga. The retreats are $400 each. Resort accommodations for participants start at $325 per night. Visit www.thegranddelmar.com or call 877-814-8472.
HOTEL MAYA'S "YEAR TO GO MAYAN" CONTEST: Hotel Maya, a DoubleTree property in Long Beach, is holding a contest whose grand prize is a seven-night, all-expenses-paid vacation to the DoubleTree by Hilton Merida-Yucatan in Yucatan, Mexico. The winner will be announced Dec. 21, so the hotel company is evidently betting on minimal doom and gloom at the conclusion of the Mayan calendar. Guests must "like" Hotel Maya's Facebook page (facebook.com/hotelmaya) to enter. See the page for details. There will be monthly winners (announced on the 21st of each month leading to Dec. 21), and they will receive weekend packages at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach.
TROLLEY WINE TOURS: Pechanga Resort & Casino is offering the Trolley Tour Time hotel package, starting at $309. The package includes a Temecula Valley Wine Tour by trolley for two guests, wine tastings at three wineries, a beer or wine toast upon boarding, a lunch in Wine Country, a souvenir glass and more. Visit pechanga.com .


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Wasn't it Lady Macbeth who said "What's done is done," at some point either before or after that bloody dagger scene? (Just checked, it's after the dagger scene – that would be logical !)
Well, I've done it too and feel a bit like a parent dropping off his first child at kindergarten hoping for the best as tears well-up and Miss Crabtree leads the young one away to join the other rascals.
So what is it that's been done – the children's picture book which I've been working on for…let's just say many,many years is on its way to a printer in Singapore!


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Watkins Glen a go?
Posted 5 years ago by jackl - 6 comments Link: http://phi.sh/b/4d863270, posted in the Quote category
"Yeah, I'm taking my son phishing this weekend," Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said. "I can't help it if I can't spell."
Printup said there was no deal in place yet.
"We're talking to a promoter, trying to get a deal done," he said. "We'll be talking over the next two or three days and then hopefully we can get a deal and have something to say."
- From an article in the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin by Jason Whong (3/18/11)


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"The kits arrived . . . and I L-O-V-E them!! The hot pink will really make a statement, especially with the flames. Cute, cute!! The watermark is more subtle than I imagined, but that is fine so things don't look too busy. Teniqua (Account Manager) was awesome to work with." — Diane (UT) - March 2012
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Technical Components
© 2012 Pactimo. All rights reserved


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This is kind of a dive on the east side of town, but well worth the adventure. The staff is friendly, but speaks mostly Spanish. It is fun hearing the songs from the Spanish-only jukebox. Fresh, hot, gooey pupusas! Tangy, yummy cortido brought to you in a cup, instead of already in a jar at the table. (Bonus) Oh, the... More
Add Photo


text:
On 10 Nov 2003 17:46:09 -0800, email@example.com (Fernando) wrote:
> I was installed Mandrake Linux 9.1 in my computer and I like put a
> image kicker in my kde panel.
are you talking about putting a background on the panel?
if so, right-click on the panel:
configure panel->appearance->panel-background
/// Michael J. Tobler: motorcyclist, surfer, skydiver, \\\
\\\ and author: "Inside Linux", "C++ HowTo", "C++ Unleashed" ///
DeVries's Dilemma: If you hit two keys on the typewriter,
the one you don't want hits the paper.


text:
Angels of Assisi brings in animals with the hope of finding them a good home.
Last week someone brought in a whole lot more than normal, all at once.
A breeder of small dogs decided to retire, so Angels of Assisi agreed to take all 58 of her dogs!
The organization began taking the dogs, mostly chihuahuas and poodles, last week.
The shelter's executive director says they couldn't have done it without a lot of help.
"Honestly with a lot of volunteers, they're wonderful and they've come out and let us wash them and groom them. They've helped us when we've taken them up to the surgery area," said Executive Director Lisa O'Neill.
The dogs were all in relatively good health and almost half of them have already been adopted.