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From Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Berklee College of Music, Boston; Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge; and Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Sudbury, Massachusetts.
Acknowledgment: The authors thank Jenny Lai Olsen, Margaret Merlino, Karen Gannon, Leah Rondon, Vanessa Castro, Carolina Smales, Deirdre McLaren, and James Porter for technical assistance; Peg Toro, audiologist, for consultation on screening for normal hearing; and Drs. Dean M. Hashimoto, John W. Cronin, and Matt Travis Bianchi for helpful comments on the manuscript.
Grant Support: This study was funded by investigator-initiated grants (Dr. Solet) from the Academy of Architecture for Health, the Facilities Guidelines Institute, and The Center for Health Design. Sleep laboratory work was completed through the generosity of Massachusetts General Hospital and with acoustic consultation by Cavanaugh Tocci Associates.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Disclosures can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterestForms.do?msNum=M11-1159.
Reproducible Research Statement:Study protocol, data set, and statistical code: Available from Dr. Buxton (e-mail, firstname.lastname@example.com). Execution of a materials transfer agreement is required for the transfer of data.
Requests for Single Reprints: Orfeu M. Buxton, PhD, 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI438-K, Boston, MA 02115; e-mail, email@example.com.
Current Author Addresses: Dr. Buxton: 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI438-K, Boston, MA 02115.
Dr. Ellenbogen: Wang ACC 720, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114.
Dr. Wang: 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI438-M, Boston, MA 02115.
Mr. Carballeira: 10 Upton Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Mr. O'Connor: 3535 Market Street, Room 1514, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Mr. Cooper: 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI2-230, Boston, MA 02115.
Mr. Gordhandas: 15 Parkman Street, WACC 7, Boston, MA 02114.
Mr. McKinney: ICME, Suite 053B, Huang Engineering Center, 475 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305.
Dr. Solet: 15 Berkeley Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Author Contributions: Conception and design: O.M. Buxton, A. Carballeira, J.M. Solet.
Analysis and interpretation of the data: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, W. Wang, A. Carballeira, A. Gordhandas, S.M. McKinney, J.M. Solet.
Drafting of the article: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, S. O'Connor, D. Cooper, S.M. McKinney, J.M. Solet.
Critical revision of the article for important intellectual content: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, A. Carballeira, S. O'Connor, D. Cooper, J.M. Solet.
Final approval of the article: O.M. Buxton, A. Carballeira, S. O'Connor, D. Cooper, A. Gordhandas, J.M. Solet.
Provision of study materials or patients: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, D. Cooper, J.M. Solet.
Statistical expertise: W. Wang.
Obtaining of funding: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, J.M. Solet.
Administrative, technical, or logistical support: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, A. Carballeira, S. O'Connor, J.M. Solet.
Collection and assembly of data: O.M. Buxton, J.M. Ellenbogen, A. Carballeira, S. O'Connor, D. Cooper, J.M. Solet.
Background: Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining health and well-being; however, patients who are hospitalized are frequently exposed to noise that can disrupt sleep. Efforts to attenuate hospital noise have been limited by incomplete information on the interaction between sounds and sleep physiology.
Objective: To determine profiles of acoustic disruption of sleep by examining the cortical (encephalographic) arousal responses during sleep to typical hospital noises by sound level and type and sleep stage.
Design: 3-day polysomnographic study.
Setting: Sound-attenuated sleep laboratory.
Participants: Volunteer sample of 12 healthy participants.
Intervention: Baseline (sham) night followed by 2 intervention nights with controlled presentation of 14 sounds that are common in hospitals (for example, voice, intravenous alarm, phone, ice machine, outside traffic, and helicopter). The sounds were administered at calibrated, increasing decibel levels (40 to 70 dBA [decibels, adjusted for the range of normal hearing]) during specific sleep stages.
Measurements: Encephalographic arousals, by using established criteria, during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep stages 2 and 3.
Results: Sound presentations yielded arousal response curves that varied because of sound level and type and sleep stage. Electronic sounds were more arousing than other sounds, including human voices, and there were large differences in responses by sound type. As expected, sounds in NREM stage 3 were less likely to cause arousals than sounds in NREM stage 2; unexpectedly, the probability of arousal to sounds presented in REM sleep varied less by sound type than when presented in NREM sleep and caused a greater and more sustained elevation of instantaneous heart rate.
Limitations: The study included only 12 participants. Results for these healthy persons may underestimate the effects of noise on sleep in patients who are hospitalized.
Conclusion: Sounds during sleep influence both cortical brain activity and cardiovascular function. This study systematically quantifies the disruptive capacity of a range of hospital sounds on sleep, providing evidence that is essential to improving the acoustic environments of new and existing health care facilities to enable the highest quality of care.
Primary Funding Source: Academy of Architecture for Health, Facilities Guidelines Institute, and The Center for Health Design.
Study flow diagram.
EKG = electrocardiogram.
Schematic diagram of study protocol.
dBA = decibels, adjusted for the range of normal hearing; EEG = electroencephalogram; EMG = electromyogram; N2 = non-REM sleep stage 2; REM = rapid eye movement. Top. The solid vertical lines along the x-axis indicate stimuli evoking EEG arousals, and a sample of 4 noises is shown. Each color represents a different sound type. Ten-second noises were evaluated for their probability to induce a cortical arousal at increasing sound levels in varying stages of sleep and presented once per 30-second sleep epoch (while sleep stage was stable) until an arousal occurred, sleep stage changed, or the 70-dBA maximum was reached. Bottom. A typical sound-induced arousal from stage N2 sleep, as measured by polysomnography. Arousals are defined by their appearance on the EEG (the right frontal lead F3 shown here), characterized by an abrupt shift of frequency that lasts at least 3 seconds. Arousals during REM sleep require a concurrent increase in submental EMG activity. This transient arousal lasted for approximately 8.5 seconds before sleep resumed.
Sleep disruption due to noise stimuli presented during sleep, by stage of sleep.
Arousal probability of sound stimuli presented in sleep stages N2, N3, and REM. Ten-second noises were introduced during sleep stages N2, N3, and REM to evaluate their propensity to disturb sleep. Once a stable stage of at least 90 seconds was reached, noises were initiated at sound levels of 40 dBA (equivalent continuous A-weighted [adjusted for the range of normal human hearing] sound pressure level, averaged over the 10-second stimulus duration) and presented every 30 seconds in 5-dBA increments until an arousal occurred or the 70-dBA exposure level was reached. dBA = decibels, adjusted for the range of normal hearing; HR = heart rate; IV = intravenous; LA10, 10-s = sound pressure level, averaged over the 10-second stimulus duration, exceeded 10% of the time; N2 = non-REM sleep stage 2; N3 = non-REM sleep stage 3; REM = rapid eye movement. Top. Mean arousal probabilities for stimuli presented during sleep stages N2, N3, and REM versus presented sound level and adjusted for stimulus and body position (see Methods section). Middle. Mean arousal probabilities for individual noise stimuli by sleep stage, adjusted for body position. Bottom. Changes in the median HR during nonspontaneous, noise-induced arousals are aligned by the time of the peak HR response and expressed relative to the average HR in the 10 seconds preceding the arousals in sleep stages N2, N3, and REM. The vertical lines represent the median times of arousal onset (with CIs) before that peak.
Electroencephalogram arousal probabilities for noise stimuli presented, adjusted for body position.
See Methods section. dBA = decibels, adjusted for the range of normal hearing; IV = intravenous; LA10, 10-s = sound pressure level, averaged over the 10-second stimulus duration, exceeded 10% of the time; N2 = non-REM sleep stage 2; N3 = non-REM sleep stage 3; REM = rapid eye movement.
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We commend Buxton and colleagues for a thought-provoking and rigorous study that examines the association between hospital noise and heart rate in a cohort of healthy volunteers (1). This work highlights the importance of studies of actual hospitalized patients, especially given that nearly half of hospitalized Medicare patients report that their room was not kept quiet at night (2). Using objective measures of sound and sleep in a cohort of medical inpatients, we have shown that hospitalization is a time of acute sleep loss, with patients suffering two hours less sleep than they receive at home. Moreover, each hour of in-hospital sleep loss, morning systolic blood pressure was increased by 6mmHg (2). In a follow-up study, hospital noise levels in actual patient rooms was far from acceptable— patients in the loudest rooms lost over an hour of sleep than those in the quietest rooms, with peak noise levels equivalent to chain saws (3). The study by Buxton et al. prompted us to examine the association between sleep loss and heart rate as measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitors from a pilot of 16 hospitalized older patients. We found a relationship between sleep efficiency, a measure of fragmentation, and higher heart rates (as measured by continuous ambulatory blood pressure monitors) that is independent of noise level. This is important since sleep fragmentation in hospitals is not only due to noise, but also due to other medical factors, such as vital signs or blood draws. Therefore, while improving hospital noise may be one part of improving hospital sleep and patient outcomes, it is also critical to consider redesigning nursing protocols to prevent stable patients from being awoken for routine measurement of vital signs and lab draws that could be delayed until morning. Although randomized controlled studies are lacking, research suggests there may be limited or no value for routine blood pressure measurements in a wide variety of patient categories (4). Unfortunately, changing the time-honored tradition of every 4 hour vital signs and routine lab draws will require intensive culture change for hospital staff, as well as patient empowerment to advocate for their own sleep in the hospitals. Given the potential effect of in-hospital sleep loss on physical function in surgical patients (5), future studies should also explore the association between sleep and functional recovery after hospitalization, especially in older adults hospitalized on medical wards who are at high risk for functional decline.
(1) Buxton OM, Ellenbogen JM, Wang W, Carballeira A, O'Connor S, Cooper D, Gordhandas AJ, McKinney SM, Solet JM. Sleep Disruption Due to Hospital Noises: A Prospective Evaluation. Ann Intern Med. 2012 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print]
(2) Arora VM, Chang KL, Fazal AZ, Staisiunas PG, Meltzer DO, Zee PC, Knutson KL, Van Cauter E. Objective sleep duration and quality in hospitalized older adults: associations with blood pressure and mood. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59(11):2185-6.
(3) Yoder JC, Staisiunas PG, Meltzer DO, Knutson KL, Arora VM. Noise and sleep among adult medical inpatients: far from a quiet night. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(1):68-70.
(4) Conen D, Leimenstoll BM, Perruchoud AP, Martina B. Routine blood pressure measurements do not predict adverse events in hospitalized patients. Am J Med. 2006;119(1):70.e17-22.
(5) Redeker NS, Ruggiero JS, Hedges C. Sleep is related to physical function and emotional well-being after cardiac surgery. Nurs Res. 2004;53(3):154-62.
The implications of sleep disruption on hospitalized patients are thoroughly documented in this article, which establishes that protecting sleep is a key goal in advancing the quality of care for inpatient medicine. Appreciation for the benefits of rest hardly requires any specialized clinical experience, however. Patients, too, know inherently that rest is good medicine. Focus groups with thousands of patients have established sleep and a serene auditory environment as a patient priority.
Sleep as part of the quality equation is consistent with a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, defined by Planetree as "…care organized around the patient. It is a model in which providers partner with patients and families to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences."
Patient-centered hospitals around the world are considering the hospital experience from the patient perspective to develop strategies for minimizing noise emanating from hospital equipment, personnel and external causes—many of which are highlighted in this article.
Minimizing noise, however, is only half of the sleep quality equation. The restorative potential of sleep will only be optimized when noise reduction strategies are coupled with proactive systems and practices that promote partnerships between patients and caregivers to meet patients' sleep needs. Examples include a implementing a flexible schedule for routine procedures such as blood draws and vital signs that accommodates patients' sleep patterns. The Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, a member of the Planetree Membership Network, has recently begun administering a sleep assessment on admission which enables patients to make known their sleep patterns and preferences for non-pharmacological sleep aids, such as sleep masks, sound machines, warmed blankets, and aromatherapy. This sleep assessment opens up a dialogue between patients and caregivers about the importance of sleep and becomes the foundation for supporting more comfortable sleep for patients that will yield the well-documented health benefits of uninterrupted rest.
To advance the quality of sleep, and by extension health care quality in the broadest sense, providers must not only work to reduce noise, but even more importantly, to engage patients in making their sleep needs and preferences known.
Frampton, S.B., Guastello, S. and others. Patient-Centered Care Improvement Guide. Planetree and Picker Institute: Derby, CT and Camden, ME, 2008.Ibid, pg. 4.
Sleep Disruption due to Hospital Noises
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UNIVERSITY PARK - (AP) Nick Colella knocked the ball loose from an opponent, and two teammates followed him to the floor to save the ball for Penn State.
The Nittany Lions have worked hard all season - though they now have two wins over the last 10 days to show for their scrapes and floor burns.
After an 0-14 start, coach Patrick Chambers' scrappy club is finishing strong with two wins in three games entering Sunday's regular-season finale against No. 22 Wisconsin. The 66-59 win Thursday night over Northwestern ended a 17-game Big Ten road losing streak for Penn State (10-19, 2-15) that dated back to March 2011. It was also the first road victory in Chambers' two seasons in Happy Valley.
"You know, I love that play. It's a staple of who we are," Chambers said Friday during a weekly conference call. "That's Penn State basketball. We are laying a great foundation of things to come."
There's a ways to go still in Chambers' rebuilding project, but the enthusiastic coach finally has some positive results. in conference to which to point.
The 84-78 win over then-No. 4 Michigan on Feb. 27 snapped an 18-game conference losing streak. The Nittany Lions then got blown out by Minnesota on the road before rebounding to beat the Wildcats.
Sasa Borovnjak has emerged as a third scorer in the lane to help guards D.J. Newbill and Jermaine Marshall. He posted 15 points and a career-best 10 rebounds against Northwestern for his first career double-double.
Also, shooting has improved of late with the Nittany Lions hitting 40 percent from 3-point range in four of its last six games.
"What I've always said is you earn the right to make shots. We're finally earning the right," Chambers said. "With sharing the ball, they're getting more uncontested shots ... Now you're seeing higher-percentage looks."
Newbill and Marshall are also finally growing more accustomed to the ball-handling duties they had to assume after point guard and leading scorer Tim Frazier went down with a left Achilles injury four games into the season.
That forced Penn State to make unexpected changes on the fly, most notably having combo guard Newbill slide over to take over the point for the first time in his career.
"We playing our best basketball of the year," Chambers said. "They look like they're having fun out there. It's unfortunate that we're coming down to the end here. But we're focused on today ... and let's see what we can do against Wisconsin."


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A Letter to the Editor in the Tomahawk Leader 1-3-06
Dear Editor,
Horse enthusiasts unite! There is a danger to our Northwoods' equine! …
There are two men (partners) working in the Northwoods area as horseshoers/farriers. They ask you to consider them professionals and tell you to rest easy, that you don't have to be present when they work on your horse. It may sound convenient but for your horse's sake it is not safe. I have even contacted the AFA (American Farrier's Association) regarding these two but they have never heard of them, neither is listed in their member database.
These men like to use a "lip chain," which means they put a chain between the upper lip and the gum of your horse and proceed to yank it until your horse stands still (from fear). … Many of my own horses ended up with open sores and one has lost partial sight in his eye due to being struck with something, and another now has a hard time being bridled after being left alone with one of these men. Trusting these "professionals" to work on my horses has cost far more than just money. My horses now have emotional scars that hopefully with kindness, will heal over time, long after their physical scars have. Anyone who has ever bought a horse with issues, or had a horse get hurt knows how delicate they can be. They rarely forget something that has caused them pain. It is hard for them to relearn that something won't hurt them. …
Indeed some horses need discipline but most need instruction and guidance. Certainly we do not allow our teachers to beat our children when they step out of line; rather we rely on them to educate and be kind to our children. I am not saying that it is the horseshoer's job to train your horse, but it is not his job to cause your horse pain and make him bleed. … Horses are incapable of showing jealousy, spite, they don't plan for their next action, they think only of what's next to eat, drink and how long it will be until they can be back with their pasture mates. They respond better to being asked for their next action rather than being forced. … When they feel attacked they want to fight back and then run. Those are simply their primal instincts kicking in.
Our horses here at Red Barn Farm aren't the only ones damaged by these men. There are damaged horses in Crandon, Merrill, Rhinelander and Wausau. Please watch out for these men. There are two of them, one is quiet and the other is outspoken, neither have much experience with horses, hence the reason they use the lip chain in order to maintain control, out of their own fear and lack of horsemanship skills. … If you have any questions or need the number of a new farrier/horseshoer, please don't hesitate to call us 715-966-0185. Remember just because it is convenient doesn't mean it is safe. Protect your horses – they are counting on you!
Tracy Van Ryen
Phil Kiefer
Red Barn Farm


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Celebrity Central / Top 25 Celebs
Michelle Williams
- 1994
Independent Darling
At 14, Williams makes her feature debut in Lassie (pictured with costar Thomas Guiry). By 15, the budding actress graduates high school, is legally emancipated from her parents (to avoid California's child-labor laws) and moves to Burbank on her own. Of acting, Williams tells PEOPLE, "There's never really been anything else."
- 1998
Heading to Capeside
Williams, 17, plays the girl with a past, Jen Lindley, on the WB teen drama Dawson's Creek. "She's this stable, happy-go-lucky girl still wrestling with demons," Williams tells USA Today of her character. "She grew up quickly at a real fast pace. Of course, I can relate to it." The show becomes a hit with the WB crowd, making household names of its four stars, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and James Van Der Beek.
Oh, the Horror!
With Jamie Lee Curtis and Josh Hartnett (left), Williams stars in the horror sequel Halloween H20. "I was worried about being a good screamer," Williams tells PEOPLE. Curtis says of Williams, "She's a very deep well of a human being. There's a lot that's not on the surface." The following year, she costars with Kirsten Dunst in the Richard Nixon-era comedy Dick, and makes her Off-Broadway debut in Killer Joe.
- 2001
Sowing Her Indie Roots
After playing a lesbian opposite Chloe Sevigny in If These Walls Could Talk 2, Williams continues to diversify her resume. In Me Without You (right), which is nominated for British film of the year, the 21-year-old actress plays Holly, an insecure Brit in a dysfunctional friendship with costar Anna Friel. "Michelle kind of straddles being an adult and a kid," writer-director Sandra Goldbacher tells the New York Times of her star, who ages from 16 to 28 in the film. "She can regress when necessary, but I think there's a real maturity there."
- 2003
Beyond the Creek
After six seasons, Dawson's Creek ends. "Everybody agrees that it's the right time for it to be over, so there's a lot of peace that comes along with that," Williams tells PEOPLE. She continues to take the road less traveled, working in indie films, like Prozac Nation with Christina Ricci (left). "I feel like I haven't been working in a particularly flashy or visible way," she reflects to Vogue. "If you weren't looking for them, you would miss the movies that I've made that I'm proud of."
- 2004
Brokeback Acclaim
After filming her first scenes in Brokeback Mountain, a love story about two cowboys costarring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway, Williams falls for costar Heath Ledger. Shortly after wrapping Brokeback, Williams is pregnant, and the pair begins nesting in a Brooklyn brownstone. "We have a very, very sweet life there," Williams tells PEOPLE. "The thing I hope the most is that it stays the way it is."
- 2005
Welcome, Matilda
Williams, 25, gives birth to daughter, Matilda Rose. "I have two great loves in my life – my family and my work," Williams tells the Los Angeles Times. "I can quickly and easily assure you this has been the best year of my life." Her best role-to-date, she tells USA Today, "Matilda's mom. I love being a young parent. It's me, the baby and the breast pump."
- 2006
Oscar Upset
For her performance as Ledger's tortured wife in Brokeback Mountain, Williams – who EW calls "a revelation" – earns an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. With Ledger (who is also up for Best Actor), Williams shines on the Oscars red carpet in a yellow Vera Wang gown. But the evening proves to be a disappointment, as the movie's stars are shut out of all the acting awards, and Crash pulls off an amazing come-from-behind win for Best Picture.
- 2007
Michelle & Heath's Surprise Split
It seemed Ledger couldn't stop gushing about his home life, calling Williams "the perfect mom" on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2006. But in October 2007, Ledger and Williams announce their split. "I didn't know where to go," Williams later tells Elle. "I couldn't imagine any place in the world that was gonna feel good to me." Soon after, Williams is linked to Blue Valentine costar Ryan Gosling.
- 2008
Goodbye, Heath
Ledger, 28, is found dead at his Manhattan residence. Williams is on location in Sweden with 2-year-old Matilda when she hears the news. The NYC medical examiner's office rules that Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
Photo Credits
BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Everett Collection; Everett Collection; Everett Collection; Everett; Kobal Collection/Wireimage; Alecsey Boldeskul; Lucy Nicholson/Reuters/Landov; Jason Winslow-Brian Prahl/Splash News
- Name
- Michelle Williams
- Date of Birth
- September 09, 1980
- Birth Place
- Kalispell, Mont.
- Relationships
Dustin Yellin (linked in 2013)
Jason Segel, ex-boyfriend (2012 to 2013)
Spike Jonze, ex-boyfriend (2008 to 2009)
Heath Ledger, ex-boyfriend (2004 to 2007)
- Children
Matilda Rose Ledger, daughter (10/28/2005)


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quote: Tens of millions of people and thousands of businesses around the world do? I wouldn't call myself a big fan of RIM, however, it is absolutely essential we have as much competition in Mobile OS'es as humanly possible to stop a possible duopoly from Google and Apple. This would stifle innovation very badly and would result in less options for consumers, higher prices, and so on. There is no reason why RIM shouldn't be able to develop a solid QNX eco-system between its new tablets and new phones and then proceed to license it out as well. I've personally seen some of the programming from this new tech and it is highly advanced and should provide a pretty impressive eco-system. It's never too late to introduce new ground-breaking technology. I think this will pit RIM against the big boys if they do it right and don't mess up the marketing. Hopefully with the recent shake-ups at RIM headquarters, we can see some decent improvement.
quote: Exactly, what would the purpose of "choice" be if there wasn't any choice? It's like McDonalds and Burger King, there appears to be choice, but it's not really a choice. Together, they control the entire fast-food burger sector and by a long shot. I don't want to see any Mobile Tech company fail and the same thing happen to Mobile OS'es, I like having different phones and unique experiences.
quote: In tech, as in politics, it's self-destructive to blindly pick one company and loyally follow it. Competition is the seed of greatness, and you should evaluate each offering's merits with fresh eyes, to the best of your ability.
quote: Mick, your commentary of late has been so two-faced, even I am taken aback. You are the ultimate hypocrite. You routinely abuse your position as DT "reporter" to flagrantly slam any corporation you personally dislike, and defend those you do (read: your beloved Google / Android). And yet you have the balls / arrogance / stupidity to sit there and offer us the benefit of your infinite wisdom, cautioning others against exhibiting undue bias or favoritism.
quote: The President's support of Google also raises some eyebrows given Google's clever use of the "Double Irish" and "Dutch Sandwich" (legal) tax evasion strategies, funneling money through Ireland, the Netherlands and Bermuda, courtesy of federal loopholes, to avoid paying federal income taxes on its profits. These strategies reportedly saved Google $1B USD in 2011 and cut the company's effective tax rate to 18.8 percent, far less than the standard 35-40 most small businesses pay on earnings.Google officially raised almost a million dollars for the President's election bid.
quote: I really could not give a damn about your personal preferences, but I DO take SERIOUS exception to your two-faced, juvenile, slanderous, biased, misleading, sensationalistic and self-aggrandizing reporting.You are the ultimate turd
quote: I take issue with your poorly written pro-Apple trolling and uninformed vehemence.
quote: You are either underinformed or just plain dumb... From my most recent piece on Obama's Google+ chat:
quote: You see, Mick, you should not care what my personal preferences are, nor should I care about yours. What I DO care about is responsible, fair-minded, even-handed journalism. This is the point that is continually lost on you. I do not care that you adore your Android; I DO care that it grossly influences your writing style the result of which is that you take every opportunity to recklessly distort and slander those corporations you feel are at odds with your beloved Google. Get it? The fact that you then lecture your dear readers on the merits of remaining unbaised and open-minded is rich beyond belief.
quote: I don't see any of that in Mick's writings on this subject.
quote: No one gives a s*** about BlackBerry.(Unless it involves PR disasters, then they're just entertaining.)


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(noun) A morning erection at least partially caused by the intense need to urinate.
My girlfriend thought I was ready to get busy this morning but I had to explain that I just had a whizdizzle and had to pee before making the beast with 2 backs.
af Stimpy-O 13. juli 2008
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WAILUKU - Two years ago, St. Anthony Junior Senior High band teacher Everett Lee Yamashita called a mandatory meeting for his entire symphonic band.
"He didn't tell us what it was about," said senior bassoonist Keili Johnson.
"I thought it was going to be bad," said fellow senior and baritone player Isaiah Ragasa.
Article Photos
St. Anthony band teacher Everett Lee Yamashita conducts his 44-student symphonic band Tuesday afternoon in the school band room. The conductor, his group of musicians, chaperons and parents will leave Maui for New York City next week. The band will play in the 2013 Manhattan Concert Production National Band and Orchestra Festival at historic Carnegie Hall.
The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo
Sophomore Courtney Hampton Fujihara plays her flute while practicing "First Suite in E Flat" by Gustav Holst.
The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo
Freshman trombone player Kaipo Stevens jokes during a break in rehearsal in the St. Anthony Junior Senior High band room Tuesday.
The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo
It wasn't bad. In fact, Yamashita's news likely would elicit the envy of almost every musician on the island.
He told them that they would be playing at Carnegie Hall.
Those musicians from St. Anthony would be gracing the same New York City stage as George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Benny Goodman and performing in a hallowed hall of music steeped in tradition and history.
"When they came in, you could tell they were sort of nervous," Yamashita said about the meeting in the band room. "When I told them what happened, they were ecstatic. They were cheering and everything . . . A lot of them were in shock, and it didn't settle in until about 10 or 20 minutes later."
"I was literally jumping for joy," Ragasa said. "To be such a small school on Maui going to the Big Apple. . . . It's really exciting."
"I was in disbelief," Johnson said. "I still am. . . . We're going to Carnegie Hall."
In about a week and a half, the 44-piece symphonic band from Wailuku will be playing in the Main Hall at Carnegie Hall in the 2013 Manhattan Concert Production National Band and Orchestra Festival.
The Maui band will be playing "The Witch and the Saint" by Steven Reineke and "First Suite in E Flat" by Gustav Holst and will be appearing with five other high school bands and orchestras from across the country April 1.
Yamashita got the ball rolling on the Carnegie Hall appearance by recording his band - secretly - and submitting the tape of their performance on a whim to the concert production officials in November 2011. He was looking for a festival on the Mainland to have his band play in.
About a week later, he received the acceptance and invitation to play at Carnegie Hall.
"The director accepted us and said we were in, as long as we could get there," said the band teacher.
Yamashita asked the director if they could come two years later though, so they would have enough time to raise the funds.
"We guessed it would take about $125,000 to cover everything," he said.
Since December 2011, the band has raised about $114,000, with a "big chunk" coming from alumni and businesses, he said. Students held benefit concerts and carnivals, along with writing solicitation letters to local businesses. They sold chocolate bars, selling a majority of them outside of church after Mass.
"We had a few students pay for their whole trip just selling chocolates," Yamashita said.
Students worked equally hard practicing, playing college-level arrangements that have "definitely been a challenge for even the top kids," Yamashita said.
For the past month, the band has practiced before, during and after school.
Sophomore bass clarinetist Jonathan Ibanez, who has never been to New York, said he tries to practice about four to five hours a day.
"We definitely chose challenging music," he said. "But it still highlights the range and strength of our band."
Besides Carnegie Hall, the band will be performing aboard the USS Intrepid and under the Statue of Liberty. Their concert bill has five numbers, including two by Maui's Grammy Award winning Keali'i Reichel, "Kauanoeanuhea" and "Kawaipunahele." A half-dozen band members will be dancing hula to the songs.
The entourage will be leaving next week and spend a week in New York City. In addition to the musical dates, the St. Anthony band members will be visiting historic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum and the site of the World Trade Center.
As the date creeps closer, Ragasa, who played in a "thank you" concert in the St. Anthony Church Center last week, said he has noticed himself getting a little nervous.
"I was thinking to myself, 'If I'm nervous now, imagine Carnegie Hall,' '' he said.
Feeling as excited and nervous as his students, Yamashita said he has never visited the East Coast, let alone Carnegie Hall.
"I tell the kids I might seem calm or mellow," he said. "But I'm equally excited as they are."
* Chris Sugidono can be reached at email@example.com.


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The Stetson women's tennis match at College of Charleston was interrupted early on by inclement weather and was cancelled. The contest will not be rescheduled.
The Hatters and the Cougars were in the middle of doubles play when the skies opened up and forced the two teams to halt play.
"It's unfortunate that we didn't get a chance to finish our match," Stetson Director of Tennis Pierre Pilote said. "We were playing very well in doubles, leading at number one and playing even at number three."
Stetson will continue regular season play on Monday, hosting Niagara at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.


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Recovering addict gives testimonial
October 15, 2013
H, smack, junk, flippin', nodding, slamming, slinging — all terms the Drug Enforcement Administration agents, police and state police know all too well....
I have met Mr. James and he IS the real deal. He has so much to offer this area....school administrators need to have him speak at each and every school in Lycoming County.
11 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Agree . I also know Mr. James. He is someone who understands and a good speaker. I disagree only regarding the methadone clinic. We need this component also. The "conventional " treatment agencies use suboxone, another synthetic .
0 Agrees | 5 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I think he was referring to the clinics' patients as targets for drug dealers who know they are vulnerable.
Unless I am not understanding you.
5 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
"The Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. and Sheriff Mark Lusk said there have been more overdose deaths than vehicular homicides this year," Reeder said.
That should be the most important point to take away from this article.
7 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
While education and knowledge is part of the key to dissuading youth down the road of addiction, I think more importantly, prevention by action is necessary. As a young person who lived the same kind of life as the Reverend and now have over 10 years clean and sober (am 33 now), looking back over my life I see the near absence of positive life and happiness building experiences. Our kids are looking for things to do, people to be with and needing to feel wanted and loved without reservation or condemnation. I fell into the wrong crowd because I was looking for some acceptance and where peer pressure is mounting, turning to people who felt just like me was a relief. And that's what ****** does: provide relief. Some kids need more reinforcement and attention than others and it's not their fault. I have been up to a couple schools in the area to share about my life as a recovering addict so it's not that the schools haven't had people up to share on such matters. It's time we get INVOLVE
12 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Noone is willing to step forward and do anything about the problem. They want to put the stress on law enforcement to stop it. People have to stand up and kick the dealers out of town. They are not hiding.
7 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
This took me by surprise "Those who sniff or snort ******, which is sold at $8 a bag locally, eventually need to feed a $200 to $300 per day habit."
That's a lot of stealing. Just think about how that compares to a normal paycheck around here. Yikes.
8 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
That is why if we tackle the drug problem, other crimes drop dramatically.
70%-plus of all those vehicle break-ins, thefts, robberies, etc. would go away if there was no drug problem.
I think this was the initial realization that created the failed "war on drugs".
A new approach is needed.
3 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I do appreciate the information Mr. James shared, however, I do think a methadone clinic is helpful to addicts. I agree there should be "time serviced" but not necessarily for the addict with a bag but for the dealers who sell. I think it is obvious that incarceration doesn't rehabilitate addicts. If that were the case our jails would not be full. We do need to come together, as a community, and make educated decisions, without bias, regarding treatment facilities, counseling services, job placement, etc. However, as always, law enforcement is the best tool to get drug dealers off the streets. Where is our drug task force hiding?
1 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
That is why if we tackle the drug problem, other crimes drop dramatically.
70%-plus of all those vehicle break-ins, thefts, robberies, etc. would go away if there was no drug problem.
I think this was the initial realization that created the failed "war on drugs"." - eriklatranyi
I'll give you credit for "thinking" (whatever numbers YOU'VE decided) "created the failed 'war on drugs'", but...you've always sounded too-young (to actually know), anyhow.
The "failed war on drugs" was created by Dick Nixon...when he KNEW we had a SERIOUS number of addicted 'Nam-vets that were coming home; "beneficiaries" of the Golden Triangle operation$.
A Brief History of How War Gets Us Hooked on Drugs
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
"Where is our drug task force hiding?" - Millwe
From what I've been reading (here), too-many (of them) are "hiding in the bushes"...wasting their time, busting Penn Tech kids for smoking/possessing Pot.
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I'd like to think your input will make a difference, here, regarding home-grown addicts...but, then I (also) realize you're addressing too-many (here), who enjoy picking-fights where they have the LEAST knowledge/experience.
In this day-and-age, when it's become so "hip" to bully people who don't act/think like the majority, I'm surprised we're not seeing MORE addicts...and, yes, I'm talking about school-kids.
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Its not my job to "kick the dealers" out of town. That is why we have a police department. As concerned citizens, it is evident, by recent community task forces etc. that we are taking a different approach and working together, expecting better results than what we've experienced in the past. What I meant by "hiding" is more police presence in our neighborhoods on a daily basis!!!
0 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
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Hoard's Dairyman Bookstore
Submitted by admin on Wed, 04/07/2010 - 11:02
Welcome to Hoard's Dairyman's Bookstore! We feature books, videos, building plans ~ information for producers and for training employees. A complete dairy library. Quantity discounts are available on some items. Please call 920-563-5551 or email Maggie at firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any questions.


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Agriculture Community Embraces Call for Transparency
Agriculture Community Embraces Call for Transparency
Food and Farm Leaders Share Ways to Strengthen Relationships With Consumers
Attendees were urged to open the barn doors and showcase the importance of modern food production at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2012 Stakeholders Summit, held May 2-3 in Arlington, VA. The eleventh annual event brought together nearly 200 leaders across the food and farm sector to examine the theme: "Real Farmers Real Food: Celebrating Tradition and Technology".
Sixteen speakers helped attendees learn how to ensure authenticity while telling their unique agriculture story. Other recurring themes included the need to protect consumer choice and embrace ongoing consumer education efforts. See a full list of Summit speakers here. View photos from the event here. Now in its eleventh year, the Summit is a unique learning and networking opportunity for leaders from across the food chain.
Author, film maker, and science advocate Shawn Lawrence Otto led a strategic discussion of tactics to better communicate science to decision makers, consumers, and the media. His core message? Food producers must get involved in the dialogue, demonstrate shared values with the public, and continue to make science-based business decisions. After his presentation, Otto signed copies of his book FOOL ME TWICE: Fighting the Assault on Science in America.
"We need ethical reflection, not extremism," Otto said, encouraging the agriculture community to adopt his tips to confront and debunk misinformation about food production.
Tom Steever, a reporter with Brownfield and President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, served as the event moderator. He echoed the call for transparency and encouraged attendees to proudly spotlight the important work that they do. Animal agriculture is critical part of our nation's economy; contributing $289 billion in economic activity in 2010.
Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith and Chairman Chris Ashworth later led an awards presentation during a special 25th Anniversary reception honoring the organization's founding and long-term supporters. Representatives from Wyoming's Casper College Ag Club, the top-scoring collegiate club in the Alliance's 2012 College Aggies Online competition, also received a scholarship award.
"As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are thankful for the ongoing support of our members," President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith said. "Today, farmers and ranchers need a strong advocate to protect their ability to produce safe, nutritious food for the world. The Alliance provides that unified voice."
Podcasts and video from the conference will be mailed to all attendees and will be posted on the Alliance's website. Agwired.com also provided extensive coverage of the Summit. More than 200 people participated in the conference on Twitter, collectively sending 1,200 tweets with the #AAA12 conference hash tag.
Event sponsors included U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, Farm Credit, Vance Publishing Corporation, Murphy-Brown, LLC.,Elanco Animal Health, Provimi North America, Inc., Pfizer Animal Health, Merck Animal Health, Hy-Line, American Feed Industry Association, National Pork Producers Council, United Soybean Board, Alltech, Inc., Diamond V Mills, Inc., Aviagen Group, Potash Corp., Genus Americas, American Veal Association, Bayer Animal Health, Cactus Feeders, Inc., National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Pork Board , Brakke Consulting, Kemin Industries, United Egg Producers, Watt Agribusiness Media, AgriBeef Co., Tractor Supply Co., The Poultry Federation, Marcho Farms, and National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
To learn more about the Stakeholders Summit, or to join the 2013 planning committee, please email email@example.com.


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For Immediate Release: Oct. 24, 2012
Northampton, MA – Cooley Dickinson Hospital's orthopedic program today was ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for joint replacement by Healthgrades, the leading provider of information to help consumers make an informed decision about a physician or hospital. The findings are part of American Hospital Quality Outcomes 2013: Healthgrades Report to the Nation, which evaluates the performance of approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide across nearly 30 of the most common conditions and procedures. Healthgrades bases its objective measures solely on clinical performance.
Earlier this year, Cooley Dickinson was also recognized by HealthGrades for being in the top 5 percent in the nation for patient safety. Cooley is the only hospital in the Springfield region to have achieved the patient safety award for 4 consecutive years.
Healthgrades also released today new research conducted by Harris Interactive that underscores the importance of educating consumers on clinical outcomes. According to the research, 88% of adults agree they have the necessary information to make an informed decision about either a physician or hospital. But most Americans are not aware that there is data available on the chance of dying at a hospital (55%) or complication rates (58%).
Cooley Dickinson Hospital was also recognized for the following clinical achievements:
• Recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ in 2013
• Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement in 2013
• Ranked Among the Top 10 in MA for Joint Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2011-2013) (Ranked 4 in 2013)
• Five-Star Recipient for Joint Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2012-2013)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2012-2013)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2011-2013)
• Five-Star Recipient for Appendectomy for 2 Years in a Row (2012-2013)
"It is because our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and staff take the steps necessary to ensure that our patients receive safe, high-quality care that Cooley Dickinson achieves ratings like these," said Craig Melin, president and CEO. "This award is validation from an independent authority that our staff is continuously focused on improving quality of care.
"Ultimately, our patients benefit most from our safety efforts, because they are less likely to experience complications or worse at Cooley Dickinson," he added.
A wide variation in quality exists among American hospitals, according to the Healthgrades report. Patients were 61 percent less likely to experience a major in-hospital complication when being treated at a hospital receiving 5 stars when compared with hospitals receiving 1 star across a range of common procedures, such as total knee replacement, gall bladder and spine surgeries.
Melin explained that Cooley Dickinson Hospital achieves high-quality care in part through, for example, aggressive initiatives to prevent patients from getting infections in the hospital. It was the first hospital in the Northeast and one of the first in the country to start using Xenex ultraviolet light disinfection technology following traditional cleaning of patient rooms. Use of the robot technology dramatically decreased incidence of three of the most tenacious infections found in hospitals.
For its 2013 hospital quality outcomes analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 40 million Medicare hospitalization records for services performed from 2009 through 2011 at approximately 4,500 short-term, acute care hospitals nationwide.
Healthgrades independently measures hospitals based on data that hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of the analysis, and no hospital pays to be measured. Mortality and complication rates are risk adjusted, which takes into each hospital's unique population.
The American Hospital Quality Outcomes 2013: Healthgrades Report to the Nation, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.com/quality.
About Cooley Dickinson
Cooley Dickinson, a full-service community hospital, is ranked in the top 5 percent of all U.S. hospitals in patient safety by HealthGrades®, the country's leading independent health care ratings organization. It is the only hospital in the Springfield area to achieve the HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ for four consecutive years. Cooley Dickinson's staff of 1,650 professionals and more than 300 affiliated physicians comprise a network of emergency, surgical, clinical, rehabilitative, hospice and home care expertise that treats 40,000 emergency patients per year, delivers 800 babies, and collaborates with Massachusetts General Hospital to deliver comprehensive cancer care. Cooley Dickinson's vision is to make the Upper Pioneer Valley the nation's model healthy community, able to provide local access to the most advanced clinical treatments in a caring and neighborly setting. Learn more at www.cooley-dickinson.org.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital • 30 Locust St. (Route 9), Northampton, Mass. • (413) 582-2000


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Eddie Huang's New Podcast; How the Next Team Writes Menus
Plus: Nick & Toni's new deal, and more, in today's Leftovers.
Plus: Nick & Toni's new deal, and more, in today's Leftovers.
I Tried Hillary Clinton's Diet and Now I Sympathize With Her
Blake Lively Reportedly Just Gave Birth, and You'll Never Guess Who's Running to the Hospital
Brad Pitt Fights Back Against Angelina Jolie and Her Plot to 'Destroy' Him
Looks Like Kate Middleton Is Enjoying the View in Canada
Angelina Jolie Got Everything She Wanted in Temporary Divorce Deal With Brad Pitt
What It's Like to Be a Female Reporter Covering Donald Trump
What's New on Netflix: October 2016
Donald Trump Urges Voters to 'Check Out' Alicia Machado's Sex Tape
The Obscure, Legal Drug That Fuels John McAfee
The Best Part of Being a Royal Is Getting to Pet Bunnies


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Get ready to cheer on your Canucks as they look to bring home their first-ever championship trophy during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final with this small window decal featuring the team logo and a 2011 Stanley Cup Final emblem!
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Cardinals Run Away From Grambling, 78-51, in Opener
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Jesse Berry led five players in double figures with 17 points and Majok Majok debuted with 11 points and 12 rebounds as the Ball State men's basketball team opened its season Sunday with a 78-51 win over Grambling State.
Senior center Zach Fields nearly added a double-double of his own with career highs of 10 points and eight rebounds, combining with Majok to help the Cardinals dominate the paint at Worthen Arena.
Ball State (1-0) shared the ball on the offensive end with 17 assists on 25 field goals, and no single player attempted more than nine shots. Defensively, the Cardinals pressured Grambling State (0-2) into 20 turnovers on the afternoon.
The Cardinals turned up the pressure early in the second half, igniting a 19-5 run out of the break that turned a nine-point halftime lead into 23-point advantage at 54-31. They eventually stretched their lead to as many as 29 points.
"It was great to see such a strong collective team effort," Ball State head coach Billy Taylor said. " We made some defensive adjustments at halftime, and I thought Chris Bond set the tone in the second half with his defensive pressure on their point guard."
While Bond was taking the ball away from the Tigers, guards Marcus Posley and Jauwan Scaife were distributing it on the other end. The pair combined for 11 of the 17 Ball State assists on the afternoon. Posley, a freshman from Rockford, Ill., had six of those assists without a single turnover in his first college game to go along with 12 points.
Bond was the fifth Cardinal in double figures, doing most of his damage by using his aggressive play to get to the foul line where he scored eight of his 10 points. His other basket came on an alley-oop from Scaife as part of Ball State's run early in the second half.
Posley and Majok, a 6-foot-8 junior college transfer, were two of six players to see their first action in a Ball State uniform Sunday. Another one of those players, freshman forward Bo Calhoun, also turned in a nice floor game with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a pair of fast-break baskets.
On the other end of the experience spectrum, Sunday's performance was a long time coming for Fields. The fifth-year senior from North Vernon, Ind., who lost 30 pounds in the offseason in the hopes of playing a greater role in his final year, made his first start and took full advantage of it.
"The hard work is paying off," Fields said. "I've never given up, and it feels good. I'm truly blessed to have this opportunity right now, and I'm going to build off of it."
Berry scored 14 of his points and knocked down all four of his 3-pointers in the first half, shouldering most of the scoring load before the break. After halftime is when the Cardinals' balance started to show through, and Ball State shot 58 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes to open things up.
Terry Rose led all scorers with 22 points for Grambling State, knocking down 8-of-14 shots, including six 3-pointers. But Ball State limited the rest of the Tigers to a combined 10-for-32 from the floor, and no other Grambling State player scored more than seven points.Sunday's game was the first of three straight at home to open the season for Ball State. The Cardinals will be back in action Friday night, hosting Wofford with a 7 p.m. tipoff at Worthen Arena.


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As the calendar turns to 2014, so, too, the Hatters' schedule shifts from non-conference action to conference play.
The Stetson University women's basketball team (8-4) will visit Florida Gulf Coast (6-6) in the Atlantic Sun Conference opener for both teams Saturday night at Alicio Arena in Fort Myers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:03 p.m. in a game broadcast live on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App for mobile devices.
"I think we have done really well in the first half of the season, and now we have to get down to crunch time," junior Jama Sharp said. "Everyone starts 0-0, everything is new, and every team has new players. It's exciting and we are all so determined. We just have to take it game-by-game."
The Hatters enter league play on a hot streak, having won three straight and five out of six in the month of December. Stetson has averaged 87.0 points per game over the past six games, shooting 48% from the floor and 39% from behind the arc during that stretch.
"I thought the non-conference schedule was hard and we did much better than I thought we would," head coach Lynn Bria said. "It really helped prepare us for conference play. I still don't think we are where we need to be, but we improved a lot faster than I thought we would. I am pleased with the progress."
Having won the Atlantic Sun Championship last season and owning a league-best eight wins this season, the Hatters can be sure other teams in the conference will be looking forward to their match-ups with Stetson. In the double round-robin format, the Hatters will face each conference opponent twice, once at home and once on the road.
"I think there is target on our back since we are the defending champs," said senior Sasha Sims, who leads the league with an 18.6 scoring average. "I also just think because we are Stetson and people know that we like to compete, we get everybody's best game, it doesn't matter who we are playing. So we have to bring our 'A' game every day."
Stetson leads the conference in several offensive categories, including scoring (79.2), field goal pct. (.448), and assists (15.6). Defensively the Hatters rank among the best shot-blocking teams in the nation (no. 12), led by freshman Amber Porter's 47 swats. However, Bria would like to see the defense improve overall, especially in the area of rebounding.
"We just have to do a better job of pursuing the basketball," Bria said. "I think there are times we are in pretty good position, but we just don't get the ball. It's something we are going to continue to work on and emphasize."
Stetson will open conference play against a familiar foe as the Hatters and Eagles have met six times in the past two years, including in each of the past two A-Sun championship games. The two teams will not meet again until the final game of the regular season, Mar. 8 in DeLand.
The Hatters will also be looking to build upon an impressive league record of 39-17 over the past three seasons, including a 14-4 mark last year.
"The games that we have already played have helped us prepare for conference," Sims said about the Hatters' non-conference slate. "It has made us tough and let us see where we are. Right now, this is what we have been preparing for all this time, so it is time to see what we are made of."
Broadcast Note: ESPN3 and WatchESPN is available to fans who receive ESPN's linear networks as part of their video subscription from Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity TV or Midcontinent Communications, Cablevision or Cox Communications. The app is available free to download for Android devices from the Google Play store and Amazon Appstore and for Apple devices from the App Store, as well as online via WatchESPN.com.
WSBB will also broadcast the game on AM1230 New Smyrna Beach, AM1490 DeLand, and on myam1230.com.


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on January 16, 2013 - 1:00 AM
Gun ownership helps reduce violent crimes
I am opposed to any new gun control laws. We should strictly enforce all current laws, and prosecute and punish those who break these laws. Criminals do not care about new laws. New gun control legislation will only punish law-abiding citizens. I am currently a member of law enforcement, and encourage gun ownership by law-abiding citizens.
"Gun-free zones" are the favorite place for bad guys to go. They can feel confident that people will be unable to fight back.
Many communities are considering putting armed guards in schools, including the states of Arizona and Utah. It is a very sensible idea, and should be implemented everywhere.
It has been proven many times that the highest incidence of violent crimes occurs in places that have the strictest gun control laws. Examples include Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Australia.
David Bystrak
West Seneca


text: Racks & Bands is a monthly party focused on one thing and one thing only, bringing booty back to the Underground. Turn up with resident DJs Johnny Hockin and Vanity Muscles as they motivate the winin' and grindin', playing only the hottest in current Rap and R'n'B. Dress 2 Sweat.


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It seems with Gray turning two this weekend I'd be wearing him less and less, which is partly true. He wants to run around and have his freedom, but he also still benefits from being worn close to Mama. This past week he has been overcoming croup and an ear infection, and at one point last night just about had a melt down. I needed to finish making dinner, so I put him in the mei tai on my back and he calmed quickly, resting his head on my back as I finished what I had to tend to. This is the type of magical moment many babywearing Moms have testified about. When you just can't put something off, but must also tend to baby at the same time.
Of course there are still plenty of times I try the sling and that's not what he wants, but I'd say more often than not, the sling does the trick.
Here's my top 5 places and times I wear Gray as a toddler:
1. Going to the park- I'll always bring the mei tai for our park playdates in case he needs to nurse (usually much more convenient and discreet for us this way), needs to nap, or in case he needs to be confined (this happens often at the park with other little ones he has to share with!)
2. Church- I always have the sling handy in case he's asleep in the car when we get to church. This way I can keep him with me and hopefully he can continue his nap while worn in the sling or mei tai. Lately, if he's awake, he's enjoyed the church nursery and last time didn't want to leave when church was over! (What a blessing!)
3. Shopping- whether it be grocery shopping or at the mall, I always am sure to bring along the sling. Gray starts out riding in the cart (unless he's asleep then we do like #2 above) and then if he tries to climb out or needs to nurse, I can just put him in the sling and then finish my shopping with no further inconveniences.
4. Home- As described above- the meltdown times, sick times, or just times baby wants to be held close. The sling can save your sanity!
5. "No-No" times & places- for those quick visits to stores or someone's home that you just don't want your little one breaking something or harming himself. For example- Barnes & Noble is ok to roam, however the salon while big brother gets a hair cut is more of a sling time & place. Dropping off something at your Aunt Mabel's with her Hummel collection on full display- also a "No-No."
Also, for any quick trip that you think you could just leave your little one in the car while you run in to pay for gas or pick up the pizza, it takes just a few seconds to get them in and out of the sling. NEVER leave your child in the car unattended. EVER.
So, what is your number one time & place to wear your baby or toddler?


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3 Books from Dinosaur Erotica's Most Prolific Author
T-Rex Troubles
"I gasped between licks as his cock hardened against my hungry, greedy lips. 'Your dino dick wants to enter my warm, wet cave!'"
Layla is a cavewoman who sets out to prove her worth to her tribe by bringing down the most fearsome beast of the -- huh, that's weird. Just got a sudden rush of deja vu. But unlike Beliria, Layla is unappreciated and burdened with a lover who can't even get her off because she's been hunting saber-toothed tigers instead of the more dangerous and respectable dinosaurs. So, of course, she sets out to bring one down her own damn self.
Now, if you're like me, you may have naively assumed that the "T-Rex Trouble" of the title would just be another rapey lizard. It is not. The trouble is that this particular rapey lizard ALSO HAS MAGICAL TELEPATHIC MIND CONTROL POWERS.
Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
Which has led to hours of debate among dino-raperotica purists.
"'I was given a mystical gift,' it said, mouth not moving, eyes black as tar, rimmed with gold that seemed to flicker in the sun. 'Not only to speak with the humans, but to bend their minds -- and their bodies -- to my desires.'"
Please note that this is the only explanation you're going to be getting. Carnus -- the fucking dinosaur is named "Carnus"! -- gives Layla a choice between having sex with it and being eaten, and she understandably chooses the former. Now, if you're familiar with what a Tyrannosaurus rex actually looks like, you may have already realized that there is a few slight problems with this, mostly involving relative size and the awkwardness of being a 40-foot-long dinosaur with tiny little arms.
Christie Sims does not back down from the challenge of figuring out how this would work.
Christie Sims/Alara Branwen
"I've figured out how to rub one out with these things; I can figure this out, too."
"With that, the giant beast knelt to the ground. Its black eyes, swollen and round, never left mine as it lay, with some difficulty, on its back."
Oh, man. I know that it's a psychic interspecies rapist and all, but the mental image of a T. rex awkwardly trying to flop over for reverse cowgirl is straight up adorable.
Seriously ... I think this might be my new favorite book.


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Search for Models in Action and learn about the many innovative ways that the workforce investment system, employers, and educators are using industry competency models to address their workforce challenges.
Search for existing competency models, assessments, skills standards, technical curriculum and other resources.
We're sorry, but the page you requested has moved or no longer exists, or you might have entered an incorrect Web site address (URL). You may browse our site map to find the page you were looking for.


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2-Gallon Stoneware Keg
This item is currently not available.
Additional Information
Authentic Stoneware Keg for Your Favorite Drinks
- Dispense lemonade, iced tea and other cool beverages
- Perfect for picnics and barbeques
- Stoneware keg includes spigot for easy pouring
Store and transport beverages in old-time, country style. Thick-walled, food-safe stoneware keg helps keep contents cool and looks great on a shelf even when not in use. Keg includes plastic spigot for easy dispensing.
Product Details
- Stoneware with food-safe, lead-free glaze
- Food-safe plastic spigot
- Keg is 8-1/2" in diameter x 12" H
- Holds 2 gallons
- Weighs 11-1/2 lbs.
- Hand wash
- Made in USA by Ohio Stoneware
There are no special shipping restrictions or charges associated with this item. For detailed information about our delivery methods and charges, click here.
We're proud of the fact that this item is shipped to you directly from our warehouse in Vermont, by one of our 250 employee-owners. In-stock items are packed with care and shipped within the next business day to ensure prompt delivery to your home and garden!


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UPPER SANDUSKY - Mohawk's girl's golf team improved to 8-2 with a win over Ridgedale at Lincoln Hills, 209-266 on Monday.
Leading the way for Mohawk was Katelynn Kinley, shooting a 47 and earning medalist honors. Brooke Weininger chipped in 51 for the Warriors. One stroke behind her was Chelsea Clinger, firing a 52.
Mohawk returns to Lincoln Hills today for a match against North Baltimore.
Article Photos
Willard no Flash in the pan against TC
WILLARD - Tiffin Columbian was unable to come off the course with a win as it traveled to Willard for a dual meet.
The Flashes took the match 165-191 over the Tornadoes to improve to 6-4.
TC's Wesley Henkel finished out carding 50, despite having a birdie on the sixth hole. T.J. Wickham also tallied 50 for the day.
Jack Burkes led the Tornadoes, carding a 43 after shooting par on four of the nine holes.
Gorrell paces H-L in win
NORTH BALTIMORE - Hopewell Loudon (163) came away still undefeated in a tri-meet with Elmwood (185), and Seneca East (192) thanks in part to Bryce Gorrell's outstanding play.
Gorrell shot a 35 for the Chieftains and also earned match medalist. Jarid Gelinas wasn't too far behind his teammate, firing a 38.
Seneca East was led by Johnny Diehm, who carded 42 for the Tigers and Braden Nagel tallied a 48 for the day.
St. Wendelin holds off Blue Jackets
FOSTORIA - St. Wendelin had the home advantage and course familiarity in their win against New Riegel 180-219 at Loudon Meadows.
St. Wendelin's Peter Campbell had the lowest score, shooting 42 for the day. One stroke behind him was teammate Dalton Murray carding 43. Gabe Walters chipped in a 46 for the Mohawks.
New Riegel's Shane Halcomb led the Blue Jackets, tallying a 50. Aaron Reinhart and Jake Dreyfuse contributed a 55 each.
St. Wendelin improved to 13-2.
BC wins 10th
NEW WASHINGTON - Buckeye Central continues again and again to find a way to win at Cranberry Hills. Buckeye Central (10-2) won 172- 176 against a very game Colonel Crawford.
Zach Parker shot 41 for the Bucks and also earned team medalist. The honor was shared with Chase Brlan from Colonel Crawford, who also shot a 41. Yet, it was the strong effort of Adam McGinnis and Tanner Zaebst, who each carded 43 in this close match that allowed Buckeye Central to walk out with the close win.


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Two storms raged within just a few years, their destructive forces capsizing Andy Breauxs career in the New Orleans housing market: Hurricane Katrina followed by the nations economic descent.
How to stay positive while job hunting
A vast, empty workday can destroy your mental health and motivation. Heres how to stay sane while you job hunt:Stick to a schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. The job search is your job, so treat it that way.Set daily goals. If the big picture seems depressing, set smaller daily goals and meet them.Go somewhere, anywhere, every day. Its too easy to become depressed if youre at home alone while others are at work.Surround yourself with people who are employed. Misery doesnt always need company. People with jobs can lift your spirits and be good sources for job leads.Take a class in your field. Looks good on your resume, and keeps you busy.Dont be ashamed. Get out and network. Let people know you are job hunting. You never know who has a lead.Celebrate little things. The interview may not have gone well, but hey, at least you got the interview. Stay focused.Consider speaking with a professional. If you feel depression setting in, seek out a mental health professional.FinancialHighway.com; St. Andrews Church jobs ministry
Before Katrina, Breaux and his wife, Brandon, were raising two young children and running a comfortable business together buying historic properties to renovate and resell.
Want to learn more?
What: Career Transition CourseWhen: Four-week course begins Friday and is 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays.Where: Year Team Room at St. Andrews Church, 440 Whilden St., Mount PleasantPrice: FreeMore Info: Register online at www.wearestandrews.com/our-ministries/men/mens-ministry-coming-events.aspx?ArticleId=1209. Contact Kurtz Smith at email@example.com or 284-4335.
After Katrina, three feet of water stood in their house, trees had collapsed on top of it, and the National Guard ordered folks to leave town.
Helpful resources
S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, dew.sc.gov/jobs or 803-737-2400SC Works Trident, particularly for information about local job fairs, toscc.orgSC Works Lowcountry, for Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, http://www.lowcountryscworks.org/Online search engines such as Indeed.com, or job search engines dedicated to specific fields of workThe Post and Courier, lowcountryclassifieds.com/jobs
They had no place to go. And no place to work.
In one week, we lost our house and we lost our business. I was in a tailspin, Breaux recalls.
A business partner on Daniel Island brought them to the Lowcountry. They would stay a few months, long enough to get their children, 2 and 5 years old at the time, settled away from the chaos back home.
It was 2005, before the housing market spiraled downward. Even when it became clear that they would not be returning to New Orleans soon, Breaux figured that surely he could find work in Charleston.
He embarked on a big commercial real estate deal. He would make it work. He had to.
He also had to raid their savings to pay for two houses with no income, two children, plus flying back and forth to New Orleans where his family and his hope of returning home remained.
Scrambled eggs
Then, the rental market dropped; building expenses rose. After 15 years as a self-employed businessman, the big project he had been planning on for financial rescue looked frighteningly risky. He withdrew before it tanked.
His wife asked pointedly, Whats the plan?
He looked her in the eye. I dont know.
It was the first time he had ever said that. Suffice it to say, Breaux is not a guy used to sitting around conceding defeat.
My brain was like scrambled eggs, he recalls. I was scared. I was confused. I wasnt being productive. I was trying to be a good husband and a good father. But I didnt know what to do. My skill set was useless. And I didnt know anybody here.
A friend recommended St. Andrews Church. Desperate for help one Sunday morning, Breaux went to the church and found its small, historic building. Alone amid a few dozen people, tears streamed down his face with the fear and loss he could no longer keep inside.
The next Sunday he returned and followed the crowd to the churchs large ministry center. He sat amid 700 people packed in as a praise band served up a whole new style of worship for him.
Amid a crowd, he sat alone, sobbing again.
He prayed, God would you fix this? Please put this all back the way it was.
And he felt an answer, Ill fix it. But I wont put it back the way it was.
Something calmed the storm, as if he had found refuge from within. Or from above.
Although it was really hard and painful and messy, something amazing was going on inside of me spiritually, Andy recalls.
He brought his family the next Sunday and soon met Kurtz Smith, who oversees the St. Andrews mens ministry. Smith invited him on an overnight hiking trip for guys in the church.
Career change
At night, sitting around a campfire, Breaux took a risk. He opened up enough to discuss his frightening situation two kids, one wife, no job, no prospects.
Then he went on another, longer mens hike. Call it a mountaintop moment.
I learned more about myself and my spirituality and Christ than in my previous 43 years, he recalls.
It was 2007, and he realized that real estate was not bouncing back soon. He would need to switch careers. He met a guy who worked in financial advising and thought it might be a good fit. He took a series of tests and landed a job.
He had been unemployed for two years.
At his new job, he found himself talking to co-workers about his struggle and his faith not something he had done before. His leather Bible sat on his desk, yellow Post-It notes marking favorite Scripture.
Back on his feet
Two years later, the market fell off for the financial industry as well. We were still struggling. How long do you hang on? he wondered.
In his office, he heard: Its time. Time? Time for what?
He called his wife, then he went home to pray. They knew what it was like for him to be unemployed. But they also believed. So Breaux chose to leave his job.
His boss told him he was crazy. Others agreed. And more than a few times, he wondered himself.
But I knew what I heard, so I stepped off the edge, he says.
He had some ideas for business ventures, but it was like trying to grab smoke.
Kurtz Smith called from church two agonizing weeks later. He knew a guy who needed someone to pack boxes for $12 an hour. Breaux took it. He wanted to stay busy.
Two months later, his wife asked him again, Whats the plan?
For the second time, Breaux admitted, Ive got nothing.
I was a sloppy mess, he recalls. I was faithful, and I knew what Id heard. But for the first time I stepped outside of myself and saw what I looked like to everyone else.
The next morning, a guy from church called. He needed help running day-to-day operations of his business, and through the church grapevine he had heard that Breaux needed work.
Today, Breaux is chief operating officer of American Benefit Services Inc., a national insurance and financial services marketing company.
At 49, he is still digging out financially. Their children are 13 and 9; his wife landed a job as a teaching assistant.
They insist that with faith, they will survive their lives storms.
- Keywords


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EAST LIVERPOOL - It wasn't exactly loaves and fishes, but a quantity of food nonetheless was shared with the public Thursday outside the soon-to-reopen Way Station, 127 W. Fifth Street.
Pastor Ed Sferra, of the Not Just Smoke cooking ministry, said men from multiple churches come together to grill food and set up prayer tents at various locations to "be the hands, feet and voice of Christ."
On Thursday, Not Just Smoke provided food and fellowship to about 200 people in conjunction with preparing the West Fifth Street building he owns for the Way Station. He is also on the Way Station board of directors.
Article Photos
Volunteers worked at the new location of the Way Station in West Fifth Street in East Liverpool, which will re-open in about a month, offering a variety of services to the community. (Photo by Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert)
Kelly Weyand, site director, said the Way Station will reopen in about a month. The previous site inside the city closed due to the condition of the building in which it was located. There is also a Way Station in Columbiana.
"We're trying to do what we do in Columbiana," Weyand said, elaborating that that will include food give-aways, GED classes, helping people who have emergency situations such as fires, and small Bible study groups.
Clothing will also be sold at minimal cost.
"We'll do what we need to do. Who knows what God has planned (for the site)?" Weyand smiled, adding, "God is going to provide. We have to see what He has planned for me."
Plans call for the Way Station to be open four days per week, although the exact hours have not yet been set and will be announced later.
Weyand's husband, Terry, is pastor of the Avondale Baptist Church.


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Gender In Tech: No Longer A Silent Issue
Ellen Pao's lawsuit allows our community to discuss these "women in tech" issues as real problems.
By Cristina Cordova (Business Development, Pulse)
TechCrunch reported that Kleiner Perkins Partner Ellen Pao sued her firm for gender and sexual discrimination. A friend immediately told me "Well that's career suicide" and I can't say I didn't think the same thing. While few can comment on whether the allegations are true, this news does highlight some of the reactions the media and tech community have had to gender issues in the past.
Over the past few months, many have been engrossed in the Valley gender gossip on "brogrammer culture", sexist comments at tech panels and the general lack of women in tech. Many


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Top Definition
New, feminine form of the name Michael. Mickale is Strong and beautiful, and like the archangel she is named for, is able to delve into darkness and pull out light. Mickale is compassionate, artistic, intelligent and passionate about what she holds dear. She stands out in a crowd as a natural leader.
Mickale is heading up the "Take back the night" rally at the game tonight.
Circleteacher tarafından 2 Şubat 2010, Salı
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?


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"Yamaha Forest" – Report on the 5th Year of the Joint Reforestation Initiative in Indonesia
The collaborative tree-planting initiative "Yamaha Forest" jointly undertaken by Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is now in its fifth year. Both companies have manufacturing and sales in Indonesia, and see "Yamaha Forest" as a five-year plan to contribute to society by providing environmental education and protection through the planting of trees. The project is supported by the OISCA foundation, a Japanese NGO with a track record in environmental conservation, and in promotion and developmental support of agriculture in Asia and the Pacific region.
Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. have conducted tree-planting activities in the regency of Sakubumi in western Java, aiming to restore land that has suffered from deforestation back to a near-natural state. In total approximately 86,000 trees have been planted on 94 hectares over the past four years, and a further 26,000 seedlings will be planted on 26 hectares of land before March 2010, representing this fiscal year's contribution. Including those planted in 2010, a total of 112,000 seedlings will have been planted on total 120 hectares over a five-year span, bringing to a close the five-year "Yamaha Forest" scheme.
On December 5, 2009, this year's forestation event was held in Sukabumi's regency's Pelabuhan Ratu. 1,926 people, including Yoshiaki Hashimoto (Operating Office, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd), Katsuya Nakamura (Deputy manager, General Affairs Division, Yamaha Corporation), Kiyomi Osumi (Head of CSR, Yamaha Corporation), employees of Indonesian subsidiaries of both companies, joined with local residents and representatives from regional administration to plant approximately 3,000 seedlings. At a ceremony held after the planting, those in attendance sang the Indonesian national anthem, which was followed by greetings from Yamaha personnel, and from members of the Sukabumi regional administration. Gifts of school supplies were presented to local children, and Yamaha personnel also received items from schools and the local region commemorating their support to date.
Attendees of the seedling planting event
Planting the seedlings
Planting the seedlings
Planting a commemorative tree
(Katsuya Nakamura, deputy manager, General Administration Division, Yamaha Corporation)
Presentation of school supplies
(Yoshiaki Hashimoto, Operating Office, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.)
Receiving commemorative items from schools this initiative has aided
Shunichi Yamada, Indonesian representative for Yamaha Corporation)
In conjunction with this five-year afforestation effort, we have worked to offer environmental education, educational support, and regional aid in support of continued forest preservation activities in the future. Our efforts this year have included the construction of public water installations at three locations, the provision of desks, chairs, and sports equipment, raising seedlings with farming groups and schools, and an eco-camp in association with World Environment Day.
Trees planted in 2005
The third public water installation
Seed beds managed by local agricultural groups
A beach clean-up at the Eco camp
Both companies will continue their activities until the end of the current fiscal year, when the five-year "Yamaha Forest" scheme will reach completion. Furthermore, afforestation initiatives in Japan also continue, in an effort to contribute to society in the future through forest preservation activities.


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on October 22, 2012 - 2:52 PM
Three of the four men convicted of robbing the Outback Steakhouse on McKinley Parkway at gunpoint in September 2011 were sentenced today to prison.
The three had admitted participating in the robbery, during which the robbers bound employees' hands and feet with tape.
They took about $1,200 and personal items, including two Buffalo Bills tickets. The tickets later helped lead to their capture when one of the defendants sold them to someone who alerted police.
Jason Brooks, 31, of Lackawanna, who pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted robbery, was sentenced to five years by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns.
Burns sentenced Willie Martin, 39, and Denivorie J. Jackson, 26, both of Lackawanna, to six years, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Jackson, who pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery, was a dishwasher at the steakhouse who helped plan the robbery and pretended to be a victim as the other robbers bound his and other employees' hands and feet. Martin pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted robbery.
Joseph Tucker III, the only defendant to stand trial for the robbery, was convicted Oct. 10 of second-degree robbery and will be sentenced on Nov. 14.


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Top Definition
LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing
A LARP kiss is one given while doing LARP
A LARP kiss is one given while doing LARP
Bethany gave Sydney a L.A.R.P. kiss since their characters are lovers.
door buttmunchkin 28 oktober 2005
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
When someone is asleep, and you are to put your tongue into thier ear.
"Jessica just gave Mark a L.A.R.P. kiss."
door STONE2 27 september 2005


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on January 27, 2013 - 1:00 AM
People have no clue what goes on in class
This is in response to the Jan. 18 letter, "Teachers need to spend time in the private sector."
Does the governor dictate how you should be evaluated at your job? Are you evaluated on something you have no control over? Does your job require you to have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and to pass a state certification test in your content area(s)? Do you need to take a minimum 30 hours of coursework outside of your workday at your own expense annually to keep current with your trade? Do you have to take work home many evenings that cuts into your family time? When you need to take a day off, do you have to create detailed lesson plans for a substitute? Do you spend your own money on supplies to do your job?
I get paid for only 185 days of work and that is divided into my 10-month salary. I do not get paid for July or August. Can you select any week you want for a vacation? I can't because I am contractually obligated to be present for those 185 days. I am off (without pay) for one week at Christmas, one week for mid-winter break and one week for spring break. Snow days are a day off without pay, too.
It is not the unions that are crippling the education system, but people who have no clue about what actually goes on in the classroom, making accusations and decisions on how to evaluate teachers.
Janet Miles