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Dallas mom who tortured 2-year-old, glued her hands to wall blames attorney for 99-year sentence in motion for new trial
A Dallas mother who was sentenced in October to 99 years in prison for torturing her 2-year-old daughter and gluing her hands to a wall claims her defense attorney promised her she would get probation, according to her motion for a new trial.
Elizabeth Denise Escalona, 23, alleges in the motion that her defense attorney, Angie N'Duka did not fully explain the prosecution plea offer of a 45-year prison sentence in advance of her trial.
"Defense counsel promised and/or guaranteed the Defendant that if she plead guilty to the trial court instead of a jury that the Defendant would receive deferred probation," said the motion, signed by her appointed appeal attorney John Tatum. "Defense counsel claimed the plea bargain offer was ridiculous and that there was not any way that the Defendant would receive a sentence as high as 45 years because the victim did not die."
Escalona elected to be punished by state District Judge Larry Mitchell, who handed down the 99-year sentence following a dramatic week-long punishment trial that garnered international attention.
Escalona began serving her sentence in recent weeks. She was brought back to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center Thursday afternoon so that she can appear in a scheduled hearing later this month at the Frank Crowley Courts Building.
Tatum said Escalona is "probably going to have to testify as to whatever communication she received or advice she received."
N'Duka, who could not be reached for comment, could also be called to testify.
Escalona's mother, Ofelia Escalona, now cares for the daughter who was abused and Escalona's four other children. She signed an affidavit in support of the motion for a new trial, which also attacks N'Duka's work on the case.
Elizabeth Escalona pleaded guilty to a felony injury to a child charge in July for kicking, biting and beating her child all over with a shoe, a belt and a jug of milk and gluing her hands to a wall with Super Glue as potty-training punishment last year.
Read the full motion below.


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(MONTVALE, NJ—JULY, 2012)—Endlessly bubbling up with innovation, Benjamin Moore has introduced Molten Metallics, a new addition to its Studio Finishes portfolio of specialty paints. The name of this new paint product evokes the end result: a surface imitative of a hand-hammered metal.
While most of the special effects coatings in the Studio Finishes collection are glazes, Molten Metallics is an alkyd high gloss paint. It is ideal for adding a dramatic, glamorous look to furniture, decorative pieces, trim and accent ceilings and walls. It also is recommended for exterior surfaces and delivers an effective rust-resistant treatment.
"The illusion of the texture that Molten Metallics creates is captivating and sensual," said Sonu Mathew, Benjamin Moore's senior interior designer. "It's an easy way to produce a rarified look that only artisans typically have mastered. And, it's a lot more economical, too."
Molten Metallilcs is sold in quarts, $22.95, or pints $15.95 MSRP. Six standard ready-mixed colors are offered: Gold, Copper, Bronze, Gun Smoke, Silver and Charcoal. Two coats are adequate to complete a project.
For more information visit www.benjaminmoore.com.
About Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of the country's leading manufacturers of premium-quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, its products are distributed via a network of independent paint and decorating retailers throughout North America.
Benjamin Moore has been a longstanding steward of the environment with a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and the ongoing development of the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, Natura®, the company's zero-VOC paint, received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability and rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in Benjamin Moore's Green Promise® portfolio are Aura, the über-performance low-VOC paint, ben, and EcoSpec®WB, a zero-VOC paint for commercial interiors. J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Interior Paint Satisfaction StudySM ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction; it's the second consecutive year the company received this rating. What's more, the Benjamin Moore color offering of more than 3,500 hues is unrivaled, but any custom color choice can be matched, as was done for the White House Oval Office ceiling and trims. The only assurance of getting an authentic Benjamin Moore color is using Benjamin Moore paint, since the colorants and resins are proprietary and uniquely zero-VOC, formulated with the company's own patented waterborne technologies. And, authentic Benjamin Moore colors are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore retailers.
Kimberlee Bradshaw
Director of Corporate Communications
Benjamin Moore & Co.
Strategic Objectives Public Relations
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

subset: commoncrawl


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Banff Gondola
- Call
- Directions
Step into a fully enclosed, four-passenger gondola cabin and let yourself be whisked to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where unforgettable views of the Canadian Rockies await.
The Banff Gondola is your ticket to one of the best vantage points in the Canadian Rockies. Lasting eight minutes, the gondola ride takes you 698 metres to the Summit Upper Terminal, which sits at an elevation of 2,281 metres.
Upon your arrival at the summit, you'll find a variety of view decks and observation points, providing panoramic views of six mountain ranges. The terminal also boasts two licensed restaurants, a gift shop and an interactive giant compass.
Leading out of the terminal, hiking trails and the Banff Skywalk an interpretive boardwalk reveal the natural beauty and fascinating history of the area. Walk along the summit ridge to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada, and the historic Sanson's Peak Meteorological Station.
The Banff Gondola is located at the base of Sulphur Mountain in the town of Banff, AB, 130 km west of Calgary.
- 1 hr viewing time
- 15 minimum group
- Coach parking
- Debit Card/Interac
- Eco-friendly
- Energy conservation
- Family friendly
- Group booking
- Group rates
- Guided tours
- Recycle
- Smoking area(s)
- Visa
- Water conservation
- Wheelchair access


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Welcome to the Cliffrose
Nestled in the heart of Zion Canyon in Springdale, Utah and bordering Zion National Park along the Virgin River. The Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens is a truly unique riverside boutique resort with clean, comfortable, and relaxing rooms and suites. We are also proud to announce that our brand new Cliffrose Café & Bar are now open for lunch and dinner. We are a great place to call home for visiting Zion National Park and other area national parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon North Rim, weekend getaways, romantic escapes, destination weddings, family vacations, or just to enjoy the view and the peaceful atmosphere.
Our Location
With our convenient location bordering the park, the Cliffrose is only 200 yards from the Zion National Park Visitor Center and Main Shuttle staging area! Our close proximity to other area parks like Bryce Canyon National Park, 1.5 hour drive, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, 2.5 hour drive, make us a fantastic choice to stay in one place longer and not have to pack/unpack and move around.


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Pennsylvania DCED secretary Dennis Davis visited Waynesburg to discuss the economic benefit of the proposed Shell cracker plant in Beaver County.
A 25-year-old Crucible man was charged by Cumberland Township police with two counts of child endangerment after officers said they found him passed out on the couch while he was supposed to be caring for his two young children earlier this month.
Ellen Zimmerman escorts Margaret Bell Miller Middle School students across Greene Street at Route 218 after school was dismissed Wednesday afternoon.
A Waynesburg man was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and other charges following a non-jury trial last week before Greene County President Judge Farley Toothman.
Single-lane restrictions will be in place on McCracken Road in Aleppo Township beginning Tuesday.
A paramedic found a newborn in a trash can while treating a woman who claimed to have suffered a miscarriage at a store in North Belle Vernon.
Charleroi Area School Board approved an updated no-hazing policy Tuesday, and gave its superintendent a raise.
Four marijuana plants in a box were found at an Interstate 70 construction site in Fallowfield Township, leading to charges against a Fayette County man.
A victim in a shooting Sunday night in Charleroi was expected to undergo surgery Tuesday to remove a bullet from his head.
Belle Vernon School Board voted 7-2 on Monday to extend the contract of the district superintendent for another five years.
A Washington man was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital Friday after he was ejected from his scooter when it collided with a SUV at West Chestnut and North Franklin streets.
The Observer-Reporter and Washington & Jefferson College have launched a partnership to put a small-business incubator in downtown Washington.
Work on the bridge on Route 136 between Route 519 and Eighty Four Drive has been completed, and the bridge is now open to traffic ahead of schedule.
One Washington County contract clears a hurdle, leaving three to go.
The color purple: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a local agency plans an event Saturday in Washington.
This autumn has a different feel to it.
One can only guess at the number of lives saved since first responders regularly began carrying naloxone, the drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Suffice it to say it is in the thousands.
The conventional wisdom over the last month or so, as Hillary Clinton lost ground in polls, is that Donald Trump had at last found discipline.
In 1915, "The Birth of a Nation" arrived in theaters, revolutionized the way movies tell stories and generated a whirlwind of controversy – even in an era we look back on as less enlightened – for its portrayal of African-Americans as being childlike and shiftless at...
Not too many years ago, illegal roadside dumps were a real problem in many rural areas of Greene County.
CHASKA, Minn. – The American Ryder Cup team could use what might be Dustin Johnson's greatest asset in golf.
O-R's Chris Dugan and Joe Tuscano travel to Wash High for our Week 5 High School Football Round Up video– plus, Joe Tuscano interviews Wash High head coach Mike Bosnic.
TORONTO – Sidney Crosby has been surrounded by the best hockey players on the planet at the World Cup of Hockey, and still seems as if he is in a class by himself.
The third and final golf event of the season for Washington County Special Olympics is success at Lone Pine Country Club.
MIAMI – Jose Fernandez escaped from Cuba by boat on his fourth try as a teenager, and when his mother fell into the Yucatan Channel during the journey, he jumped in and pulled her out.
Steelers won't shy away from Kansas City's top corner despite 13 interceptions in 21 games.
Roethlisberger: Steelers have plan to use both Bell, Williams.
Steelers not getting to the quarterback or tackling well in space and it's adding up to plenty of yards.
Steelers drubbed in Philadelphia by Eagles again.
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles have had three different stadiums and 14 different coaches since they last lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in a regular-season game.
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One of our nation's past vice presidents, Jack Garner, purportedly said about the vice-presidency that it "wasn't worth a warm bucket of urine." Only, he didn't say "urine." This offends me. Urine is NOT worthless - it can be a very useful diagnostic tool in my business! In fact, urine samples from our patients can be so precious that if one of our staff members mistakenly discards one prematurely, all Hades breaks loose. Only I don't mean "Hades."
Urine can tell us in mere seconds if a patient is a diabetic. Urine can contain cells that can lead us to diagnoses of kidney damage, urinary tract infections, bleeding disorders and even certain cancers. Crystals or pigments in urine can help us diagnose toxicities, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disease and muscle damage. The concentration of the urine can help us diagnose further disorders such as kidney disease and endocrine (hormone) diseases.
So, when I saw the bucket of warm urine sitting in the sink in the laboratory area of our veterinary hospital one fine day, I was inspired. It dawned on me that I had never truly laid eyes on an actual bucket of urine until that moment. After having a good chuckle about how valuable this authentic bucket of urine was (nobody dared to dump it out all morning, assuming it was being saved for a reason) - I decided to make it the subject of an article. Hey, sometimes you just gotta go where the wind takes you.
This unusual container of an unusual amount of urine was submitted for a urinalysis. Now, while this was much appreciated, and while there is nothing wrong with the container or the method of collection, it goes on record as quite possibly the largest container and quantity of urine ever submitted for this purpose to our office. We didn't mind - we had enough urine to test, and got the job done, no problem.
It's funny, though, not all owners have such a "can-do" attitude when asked to bring a urine sample from their pets.
Similar to the well-documented stages of grief, owners' reactions to being asked for a pet's urine sample progress generally in this sequence: Laughter - "Surely they're joking." Disbelief - "They must have meant a fecal sample." Confusion - "How do they expect me to do that?" Alarm - "Oh-my-gosh, they're serious." Acceptance - "I'll try ... but how?"
Collecting urine from a pet may be a challenge, to say the least, but it's well worth the effort. For dogs, the technique is simple: 1. Walk the dog on a leash; 2. As the dog begins to urinate, catch some urine in a clean container.
Use a container that can be easily slipped under the stream of urine without disturbing the dog.
Low, wide, shallow containers work well in many instances, but the size may vary with the size and height of the dog.
Although you'll look silly and feel like an idiot, don't worry about it - you'll give your neighbors something to talk about at parties and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when you obtain your prize.
Some more skittish dogs may need a team approach - working with one person walking the dog while another tries to catch the urine may be easier.
Your neighbors will find this even more amusing, but if you ask them to help, they usually will disappear quickly, leaving you to your task.
Keep in mind that you can collect the urine in one container, such as a shallow bowl, but transfer it to something smaller to submit it to us.
There's no harm in bringing a large sample of urine, but it's pretty rare that any more than an 8-ounce cup of urine will be necessary for any test we do - in fact, a few tablespoons of urine are usually adequate. We have seen all sorts of creative containers from the usual Rubbermaid variety to Ziploc bags or even old plastic film canisters (remember when cameras used to use film?)
Be careful using containers that used to hold food or medicines - make sure they are clean and dry before using them for a urine sample.
We have had some interesting (and bogus) results popping up on our urine tests as a result of residual chemicals or foods in the container.
For instance, one family was relieved to learn that their dog was, in fact, not a diabetic, after a scare from a urine sample collected in an old prescription pill vial. The glucose reading was off the scale - presumably because of residual sugary coating from the pills that were previously in the container.
Urine samples taken first thing in the morning for a dog that holds its urine all night will be the most concentrated of the day, and tend to be easiest to catch, as the dog usually has a full bladder and is generally pretty urgent to empty it.
This also will provide your neighbors more ammunition for teasing you about your jammies and bedhead later.
Cats? Depending on the cat's delicate sensibilities (or lack thereof) urine samples may be as simple to collect as with a dog - only without the observations of the neighbors - by catching urine in a container while the cat is using the litterbox.
Admittedly, this method of collection is rarely used, as most cats are a bit more private and suspicious about you holding a cup in their stream of urine as they use their litterbox.
However, we have several clients whose cats are unruffled by it. No kidding.
The more common method for urine collection from cats involves the isolation of the cat with a clean, dry, but empty litterbox (empty equals NO litter).
The isolation of the cat is important, as it tends to encourage litterbox use when the cat is confined to a small area and it keeps other animals out.
The addition of tiny, nonabsorbent plastic beads to the box in place of regular litter can help the cat understand its purpose and use it. If the cat urinates in the box, the urine can be collected (without the plastic beads) and submitted for tests.
In lieu of these cleaner "free catch" collection techniques, we often will accept urine samples that have been siphoned off a clean linoleum or tile floor, or even test urine that has been deposited on our exam tables or in carriers. These are not the best methods, but when desperate, we sometimes use desperate measures. We must make some allowances for a dirty collection technique and look past some odd results, but these samples can still be useful.
If attempts to obtain a "free catch" urine sample at home are unsuccessful, don't be shy about asking the staff at your veterinary hospital for help - our technicians and most assistants are very practiced at catching urine and never cease to amaze those who thought it couldn't be done.
But even we have trouble sometimes, and need to resort to other means, which I'll leave you wondering about until next time. Is that puddle on the floor my dog's or yourine?
Daverio is a veterinarian at Williamsport West Veterinary Hospital. Her column prints every other Sunday in the Lifestyle section. She can be reached at email@example.com.


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RENO (AP) - U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei says he'll serve as an assistant whip for the House Republican Conference.
In that role, the Nevada Republican will work closely with House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy to help build a consensus on pending legislation.
McCarthy says Amodei's knowledge of Western issues makes him a "welcome addition" to his team.
Amodei won re-election in November in the rural House district that stretches across northern Nevada from Reno to Elko.
He won a two-year term to the seat he won in a special election in 2011. He previously held seats in the state Assembly and Senate.


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on March 1, 2013 - 12:01 AM
There is a good sense of humor percolating through Bryan Singer's "Jack the Giant Slayer," an uncommonly wet and messy movie, and it is that winking energy that saves it.
That and Ewan McGregor.
As Elmont, leader of the fairy tale king's personal guards, McGregor carries himself with such ridiculously pragmatic fearlessness that you just know that none of the dozen or so screenwriters whose names are attached to this monstrosity would dare kill him off.
He is also one of the few characters who gets to do any acting. The rest, from the valiant young Jack (Nicholas Hoult) to the grotesque two-headed giant general (Bill Nighy. Yes. You read that right. Bill Nighy), pretty much fill in crayon outlines picked up from a "Princess Bride" coloring book. Westley, Buttercup, Humperdinck – they are all here under new names.
And, other than the skulls, rib cages and tibia tossed around the giants' lair, Singer makes no bones about it. Jack is called "Farm Boy," the princess is betrothed to a murderous creep whose only lust is for power, and we even get to hear "On ... your … knees!" in one scene.
Singer adds CGI giants well rested from their appearances in "300," some magical landscapes repurposed from "Avatar" and an overall "Hobbit"-y seasoning to his stone soup and, oddly enough, it comes out OK. Reheated, but OK.
The story is a tweaked version of "Jack and the Beanstalk": Once upon a time in a kingdom far, far away, a group of monks trying to reach heaven via a plant grown from magic beans accidentally discovered a land of flesh-eating giants in the space between Earth and God. The giants killed the monks and came to Earth, where they were eventually defeated and sent home by a king wearing a crown forged from their leader's heart.
The tale is the stuff of ancient legend in the time of poor farm boy Jack and the princess Isabelle, but beans and crown remain, and the current king's evil adviser Roderick (Stanley Tucci) intends to put them to bad use.
Before he can, a monk has swiped the beans and pawned them off on Jack, who is told to take them to a monastery in exchange for a fair amount of money.
This enrages Jack's uncle, whose horse the monk rode out on. You've been cheated, he tells Jack. "Monks don't have any money. They're monks!"
That is all part of the well-crafted but longish expository start. Soon after, Singer kicks things into high gear – let's say when they're about halfway up the stalk, which carried the princess Isabelle along with it when it shot to the skies. As the rescue effort begins, Singer bumps off members of his little fellowship of the bean with brutal abandon, including some departures that come along surprisingly early, giving the story some neat little plot shifts.
Let's admit right here that the comically violent pace keeps things interesting on both ends of the haricots verts gone wild, also much like "The Princess Bride." What is missing is the consistently clever banter of the first film. Jack and Elmont have their Westley-Inigo moments, but those are far too few to hold up against the weight of the effects. (Just a note, "Jack" comes in 3-D, but isn't really worth the extra price for it; the best parts of the movie work fine in 2-D.)
And, while there are just enough oddball moments to keep nightmares at bay, the body count is pretty high for a kids movie, and the PG-13 is well-earned.
Consider it OK for video-game-jaded adolescents; leave the nursery rhyme gang at home.
Rating: 2½ stars
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci. Eleanor Tomlinson
Director: Bryan Singer
Running time: 114 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and scary situations.
The Lowdown: An adventurous farm boy with magic beans reconnects an ancient kingdom with a land of giants in the sky, leading to much mayhem in an action-packed CGI fairy tale.
email: email@example.com


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How to Access International ATMs
My wife and I still use Bank of America as our primary checking account and I called them the other day to let them know we'd be traveling and how we might be using our debit card abroad. I don't plan on using it (we have a Capital One card for purchases) but I wanted to ask them about using ATMs abroad.
The past few days I've been researching the best way to exchange money, trying to keep the fees low and the accessibility high. I've discussed things with my friends over there and the consensus was that ATM was probably the best way. Between ATM access and us simply paying with our 0% transaction fee Capital One card, we should be paying as little in fees as possible.
Global ATM Alliance
It turns out that Bank of America has partnered with a few international banks to form their "Global ATM Alliance." When we use a Global ATM Alliance ATM, we avoid a $5 access fee. If we use any old ATM, we would be assessed a $5 access fee. Otherwise, ATM transactions incur a 1% transaction fee to cover the exchange of currency.
Here are the partners in the Global ATM Alliance:
- Barclays (United Kingdom)
- BNP Paribas (France)
- China Construction Bank (China)
- Deutsche Bank: (Germany)
- Satander Serfin (Mexico)
- Scotiabank (Canada)
- Westpac (Australia and New Zealand)
Call Your Bank
If you're traveling abroad, call your bank to see what your international options are. I should have done this from the start, rather than poke around and waste time researching the best option. One simple phone call would've yielded the simple advice of "Try to find a Barclays, you can use their ATMs." The 1% transaction fee, which covers the currency exchange, is probably the leanest you'll ever find. You will always have to pay a fee to exchange money and it's either listed as a fee or integrated into an exchange rate that doesn't match the prevailing rate (this is how credit cards used to "hide" the currency transaction fee and the reasoning behind the foreign transaction fee lawsuit).
Time to pack for London!
(Photo: funkypancake)


text: Budapest, Hungary Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Antigua Guatemala Pit Cenote, Mexico Luxor, Egypt Mountains Segovia, Spain Bhutan. Part II. Thangbi Lhakhang Jakarta, Indonesia Gobi Desert, Mongolia India Bhutan. Part I Maldives. W Retreat & Spa Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France. Part II Santiago, Chile Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France. Part I Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, India Holland. Windmills Victory Day celebrations in Moscow Golden Ring of Russia


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Source: The New York Times
quote: The President doesn't have much power.
quote: I love our system of checks and balances, it is great. Don't, however, marginalize the power of our President. It is far from that--marginal. If you put a GOOD president in office (not a terrible one, ahem), they can accomplish quite a bit of useful... change--or, a better word here contextually speaking is... progress.


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Watering Spike
This item is currently not available.
Additional Information
Watering Spike Keeps Houseplants Properly Watered
- Watering Spike delivers water to a plant as needed
- Mosaic glass is a beautiful accent, too
- A helpful vacation watering solution
Simply fill the decorative mosaic glass globe with water and insert into your houseplant's soil. The Watering Spike will deliver moisture to the soil as the houseplant needs it, keeping your plant happy for up to two weeks.
Product Details
- Mosaic glass
- Ball is 3-1/2" in diameter with a 7-1/4" L spike
- Holds 13 oz.
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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6 Tips for the Socially Awkward Gal
Ever felt out of your depth in social situations? Wondered how to have a successful social interaction that didn't center on pop culture references? Held an entire text conversation with yourself so you could look at your phone rather than other humans? Then this article is for you, friend. That's right, you: the socially awkward girl.
Starline Hodge
Although I began life as one of you, I've spent years of Friday nights Gorillas in the Mist-ing with the socially adept, observing and mimicking their behavior until I could pass unnoticed among these fearsome but gentle creatures. Today I'll walk you through the six simple steps to successfully navigating a girls' night out -- one of the more treacherous obstacles standing between you and that block of cheddar you left in the fridge as a reward for leaving your apartment.
Step 1: Getting Ready
The goal here is to paint another, better face on top of your own face. Draw on your eyes and lips with glorified crayons (or, if all else fails, actual crayons). The "smoky eye" is a thing people say a lot, so maybe do one of those. Learn from my mistake, though: The name is a metaphor. This technique actually involves little to no actual fire.
You'll know a device is meant for your hair if it looks like a prop in a sci-fi B-movie from the '50s. Much like a friend's universal remote or a newborn baby, there's no way to know what it's meant to do until you try. Point it at your head. Does your hair look better? No? That makes sense. I gave you some pretty awful advice just then. That's OK; no one really cares what shape your head proteins are, I bet.
Put down those faded overalls, friend. You're hitting the town tonight. Time for your party overalls.
Did you do all those things? Great! You're ready to appear in 40 nearly identical Facebook photos tomorrow morning.
Starline Hodge
Step 2: Choosing a Venue
This is the highest-stakes part of your night. You could end up somewhere with cheap drinks, ample seating, and, if you play your cards right, a table with Pac-Man built right into it. (THEY CAN DO THAT NOW. TAKE THAT, EVERYONE WHO SAYS MAGIC ISN'T REAL.) Let your guard down for even a second, though, and you could end up at a club. Clubs are grad-school level social interaction. You'll have to manage your sensory overload while maintaining a face shape that says "I am interested in what you are saying, and also I am enjoying this experience much like any other normal human adult would" while a guy yells in your ear about how important Hangover 3 was to the integrity of the franchise.
Starline Hodge
Left: bar, and eternal happiness. Right: club, and pants you'll never be able to wear again because a weird guy spilled something on them.
If you're reading this article -- if you saw a link promising to guide you through basic social interaction and thought "yes please" -- you're not ready for a club. Steer the night toward calmer waters. When your friends brainstorm venues for the night, start off with the Hail Mary passes immediately. How about that 24-hour doughnut place that also has free Wi-Fi? Sure, they'll almost certainly turn it down, but if they go for it, you're back on home turf. You've been training for this night all your life.
If they veto that idea, try to find a middle ground. They'll want alcohol, and dancing, and people of the gender(s) they're attracted to who are also attracted to your friends' gender(s) right back at them. You want mozzarella sticks, and to be left alone with your mozzarella sticks. There are venues that can cater to all your needs; think "spacious but unpopular dive bar," or "struggling Tex-Mex restaurant that followed some misguided advice to institute a ladies' night." This is where your people are.
Step 3: Being One of the Girls
Your friends are like an aging alcoholic and you're their new liver: You've got a lot of great things to offer, like your ability to filter out toxins from their bloodstream and your encyclopedic knowledge of Pop-Tart flavors, but if you don't fit in like you've been there all along, you run the risk of being rejected and causing symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain. This analogy got away from me a little bit, but the point is, your goal here is to fit in. Be one of the girls. Don't talk too much about organ transplant rejection.
Starline Hodge
Things that are acceptable topics of conversation if you want to be one of the girls:
-Boys, and the sex you're having with them
-Boys, and the sex you wish you were having with them
-Double entendres
-The importance of owning at least one cowboy hat to let surrounding men know that you are looking to have sex and own a cowboy hat
-Television shows where bitchy vampires have sex with each other


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Source: Bloomberg
quote: The problem with your arguments (like many here on good old DT) is that it only applies to the US. Indeed, iOS use in the US is higher than Android. But a look at the worldwide stats shows a different story - a clear decline for iOS over the last year, where Android is going strong.
quote: If we could side step the tribal affiliations for a moment it would be interesting to hear people's ideas as to why there is this profound disparity between platform usage. In particular I would like to know from Android users what may be deterring them from using their Android devices for surfing the web, shopping online, buy apps, clicking on ads, etc
quote: If Android one day has 90% market share and Apple 6%, will you be making the same argument?
quote: You're missing the entire point.. Google may give Android away, but it gets far more back in advertising and analytics.
quote: Steve Jobs: We're better than you are! We have better stuff.Bill Gates: You don't get it, Steve. That doesn't matter!
quote: they DID try to sell it
quote: Can you imagine the market share iOS would have if Apple opened up their hardware platform to other manufacturers?


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Less than a moment after this photo was taken, snow flurries came out of nowhere.
We spent the day at my parents and yes we all ate black-eyed peas, and stuffed peppers. The dog peed and Gray got his pants wet and spent almost the entire time we were there in the bathroom. The first hour or so we sorta forgot he was in there. In my defense, I was playing the longest game of checkers, ever, with Carter.
And when we put Gray's pants in the wash he had said, "besides, I had to go number two anyway." So I kind of thought he was still going to the bathroom. We found him just sitting in there in his underwear staring at the wall. Noah gave him his DS to play with until his pants were finally dry. Then he came out of the bathroom and we went home.
Psst- Gray's pants (and his shirt, and Ivy's dress) are from Tea Collection, of course, and they have a huge sale starting today. Take an additional 25% off all sale items with code 25OFFSALE . Had to share. Tea has been our fave since Grayson was a baby.


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Authorities in Everglades City, Fla., said an area airboat captain, whose right hand was bitten off by an alligator in June, was arrested and charged Friday with feeding that hungry gator, which they said may have provoked the attack.
The Fort Myers News-Press reported that 63-year-old Wallace Weatherholt faces a second-degree misdemeanor charge of unlawful feeding of a gator.
According to the newspaper, on June 12, Weatherholt was giving an airboat tour of the Everglades to a family visiting from Indiana when he was bitten.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the family said Weatherholt hung a fish over the side of the boat and had his hand near the water's surface when the alligator sprang up and bit him at the wrist.
The family said that after the attack, Weatherholt was able to steer the airboat back to the docks and went to the hospital.
The News-Press reported that Florida Fish and Wildlife officers tracked and euthanized the alligator, and were able to retrieve Weatherholt's hand from its stomach, but that doctors were unable to reattach it.
Weatherholt could face possible jail time and a fine of up to $500 if he's convicted of the charges.
According to the newspaper, he was released from police custody after posting bail and has a court appearance set for Aug. 22.
To read the original story, click here.


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Top Definition
the act of recieving a blumpkin (getting head while taking a shit) whilst packing a lip, preferably of grizzly
flanagan just got a southern blumpkin! the kid busted a nut on _______ while taking a dip shit!
автор: c4shm4n 21 сентября 2010
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
When a girl gives a guy head while he is taking a shit in an outhouse
Holy shit did you here Sams sister gave him a southern blumpkin!
автор: LBP 11 декабря 2004


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MARTINSBURG - Interstate 81 North was shut down for more than two hours Tuesday after a sports utility vehicle collided head-on with a tractor-trailer, resulting in one person being taken to a hospital and the spill of more than 100 gallons of diesel fuel on the highway.
The accident, which occurred near the Tabler Station Road Exit 8, was reported at about 5:22 p.m., police said.
"It was actually a two-vehicle accident. We had an SUV traveling southbound on Interstate 81. Preliminarily, it appears as if they had a tire blow out, a tire malfunction, which resulted in the vehicle going across the median and striking the tractor-trailer here head-on," Senior Trooper C.S. Maynard of the West Virginia State Police said at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was transported to City Hospital in Martinsburg for injuries sustained in the accident; however, information on the extent of her injuries was not immediately available at the scene.
"I know that she was mobile and speaking at the time of the accident," Maynard said.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the accident. The tractor-trailer had Maine license plates and lettering on the trailer indicated the vehicle was owned by Howl Transportation, LLC., out of El Paso, Texas.
An SUV with substantial front end damage was towed away from the scene.
Northbound lanes of Interstate 81 remained shut down as of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, with cleanup efforts continuing.
"The interstate won't be reopened until the tractor-tralier is removed due to the diesel spill," Maynard said.
Crews from the West Virginia Division of Highways could been seen placing a large amount of sand on the highway during efforts to clean up the fuel spill, while a large tow truck was attempting to remove the tractor-trailer.
The West Virginia State Police were being assisted at the scene by the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department's Deputy Reserves, as well as personnel from the the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority and the South Berkeley Volunteer Fire Department.
- Staff writer Edward Marshall can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 182.


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Top Definition
As long as you're still searching for Chin, you've already found him
door Anonymous 6 juni 2003
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
A great respectable person. A dude with charisma. Neither human nor animal, a superior being.
Man that new kid is so wonton animal chin!! I'm sure he's going to be captain for the football team.
door Phillip Brown 15 januari 2003


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Dear Mr. Henshaw
by Beverly Cleary
Publishers Weekly This amusing, often touching series of letters from Leigh Botts to a children's book author he admires again demonstrates Cleary's right-on perception of a kid's world. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


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|Welcome to the MANGA Forum.
|You will have to register before you can post: log in or sign up at the top of the page to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Loveless is my very first DVD boxset collection anime. Do you guys have a collection of anime in a boxset on DVD? For example, full metal alchemist, deathnote, bleach, naruto, etc,. ^______^
Bleach but i dont have that many boxset
i have to say it's betweem Tactics and Chrono Crusade. most of the time i generally buy anime as it comes out one disc at a time so i don't have an awful lot of box sets. "Someone once told me you can't put a price on human life, although when push comes to shove the price suddenly becomes negotiable"
#3: Vandread (Both Seasons in 1 box set)#2: Naruto (All of them)#1: GURREN LAGANN!!!! =DDDD
...I have a few box sets. I have DBZ and I have FMA. "You can only be young once, but you can be immature forever! "
it is the only one i have.
As the light doth fall the shadows will come to fight.
the ending killed me it sucked.
end of evangelion~All shall wither and die before my eyes~(-Otaku Graduate-)
your right the ending in the series sucked something huge. I do love the show overall though!Love... is just a different kind of pain.
trinity blood has a pretty good box set.
~All shall wither and die before my eyes~(-Otaku Graduate-)
it came with all the figures ~ The True User Of Mangekyō Sharingan 12,000 points ~
I own Hellsing the TV series, FMP!, FMP? Fumoffu, FMP! The second raid, Evangelion, trigun, black cat, fate stay night, moon phase, several Bleach 1-6, DBZ 1-6, I think thats it for box sets... as for a fav ... I would say box set wise DBZ and Bleach are my favsLove... is just a different kind of pain.
i just got it
~Nan Kuru Nai-Sah~
~ The True User Of Mangekyō Sharingan 13,000 points ~


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An informational meeting about a cross-country mountain bike racing team for Incline High School students will be held at the IV Coffee Lab on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m.
Parents and students from Incline High are welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about the team, officially an IHS club, forming to compete in the Norcal High School League this spring.
Doug Bedient, head coach of the Incline High mountain bike team, will discuss the program, answer questions and provide information on team activities. Bedient recently attended the Norcal Leaders' Summit, qualifying him for Norcal ride leader certification. Weekly training will start in January; competitions, which take place on Sundays around Northern California from February to May.
"We'll focus on safe bike handling skills, fitness, setting goals, teamwork, wilderness stewardship and achieving your personal best," Bedient said. "It's a way to get high school kids outdoors, on their bikes and engaged in a lifelong sport the whole family can enjoy."
The Norcal high school cycling league, presently in its 12th year, is a self-governing, self-funded, self-supported non-profit program that partners with more than 50 teams from Northern California high schools.
Riders of all levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Parents are also encouraged to get involved.
"Everyone participates and no one gets cut from the team. It's all about doing your best, no matter how big or strong you are," Bedient said. "Both boys and girls work together to score points during races, and they get to train and race mountain bikes on awesome trails around Nevada and California."
Incline's mountain bike team will be seeking support from the local community through team sponsorship in the weeks to come to help offset some of the fees associated with league participation. To learn more about the team, fees or sponsorship opportunities, visit IHSMTB.org.


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After I picked myself up from falling off the couch I asked where in the world he heard that. He said "It was on the T.V.!"
I look up to see a Summer's Eve commercial just ending.
Oh my.
Then yesterday in the car we drove by a house that had several police cars in front. Carter surmised that "there must have been a 'furglar' there."
I couldn't keep from laughing and told him, "You mean a burglar. With a 'B'." I made the 'B' sound, "Buh-Buh Burglar."
"Yeah- it starts with a 'B'. Furglar."
Last night I reminded the boys that we'll be visiting a new church this Sunday and Carter wasn't too happy about it. I said "It might be fun!" To which he asked, "Really? Fun? Like when we move the furniture around in the basement?"
Uh, yeah, something like that.


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Brenda Muriel Thomas
Feb. 12, 1957-Jan. 7, 2013
Age: 55
Residence: Greeley
Brenda Muriel Thomas, 55, of Greeley died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at her childhood home in Platteville, surrounded by family. She had a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a survivor of breast cancer. Brenda was born on Feb. 12, 1957, in Greeley, to Ray Edward and Shirley Ann (Ceretto) Olin.
Brenda was raised and educated in Platteville, graduating from Valley High School in 1975. During high school, she was on the Viking Pom-Pom Squad. She then graduated from Highland Hills Beauty Academy.
On March 18, 1978, she married Bert O. Thomas, Jr. at Platteville United Methodist Church. He died on Nov. 3, 2012.
Brenda was a member of the Platteville United Methodist Church and Methodist Youth Fellowship, in her younger years. She was currently a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Johnstown.
She and her husband owned and operated the Mane Event Salon in Greeley. Brenda then worked for District 6 for 20 years, as a nurse and later with the visually impaired children as a Braille specialist. She was a partner in Thomas Specialty Advertising. She was the coordinator for Bright Beginnings at United Way of Weld County, which is designed for parent-child education. She worked at Bright Beginnings until she developed pancreatic cancer. She loved her chocolate lab dogs and was a Teddy bear collector. Above all was her love for her family, especially her grandkids. She never missed athletic or school events of her sons and her grandchildren.
Brenda is survived by two sons, Bryson Thomas (Sarah) of Greeley and Brady Thomas (Rachel) of Johnstown; her mother, Shirley Olin of Platteville; sisters, Kim (Olin) Nix of LaSalle, and Tammy (Olin) Salzman (Mitchell) of Westminster; four grandchildren, Shaun Marie LeBlanc of Greeley, Jackson Thomas of Greeley and Ellasyn and Avery Thomas of Johnstown; and life long friends, Effie Duran and Robin Schmidt.
She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant daughter; her father, Ray; and her sister, Deborah (Olin) Schoneman-Schwartz.
Visitation will be 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Faith Lutheran Church in Johnstown, with a celebration of life at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greeley.
She loved Christmas, so her family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brenda M. Thomas Memorial Fund, which will be used for Christmas baskets for underprivileged families, in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th St., Greeley, CO 80634.
Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.
Bryson and Brady invite friends and family to email memories or stories about Brenda or Bert to email@example.com.
Robert C (Bob) Wood
Dec. 12, 1947-Jan. 1, 2013
Age: 65
Residence: Gallatin, Tenn.
Robert C. "Bob" Wood, 65, passed away Jan. 1, 2013, in Tennessee. Bob was born Dec. 12, 1947, to Spurgeon "Woody" and Lucille (Paulson) Wood in Colorado Springs.
Bob grew up in Aurora, Colo., graduating from Aurora Central High in 1966. He was a member of DeMolay. He attended Colorado State College (now UNC) and Colorado State University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He married Pat Lawson, June 4, 1967, in Greeley. They later divorced.
He married Mary Ann Briggs in 1987.
Bob worked in retail all his life and managed Safeway stores in Sterling, Aurora, Denver, Grand Junction, and Littleton.
He also managed Pet Smart stores in Las Vegas, before returning to the grocery business. The last several years he has managed Publix grocery stores in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, and was currently managing Publix in Smyrna, Tenn.
To quote co-workers "We've lost one of the great ones."
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, Tami Wood Wagner, Toby Wood, Georgiann (Jeff) Dewey, and Kimberly Cox; his grandchildren, Taylor, Collin and Owen; and brother, John (Beth) Wood.
A celebration of Bob's life was held Friday, Jan. 4, 2012, in Hendersonville, Tenn.
Condolences my be sent to his children at firstname.lastname@example.com.
John Howard Smith
Nov. 13, 1954-Dec. 30, 2012
Age: 58
Residence: Windsor
Faithful Christian, devoted father, loving husband and obedient son, John Howard Smith, 58, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in a tragic motorcycle accident on a military base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
John joined the Army in 1983 as an aircraft turbine engine mechanic and dedicated 22 years to his country. During his 22-year military career, he served in five overseas deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He married Rena Michelle Hernandez (Smith) on Sept. 17, 1990, and they lived together in Hamilton and Helena, Mont., before relocating to Windsor, Colo.
John is survived by his wife, Rena Hernandez Smith of Windsor; his two daughters: Virginia (Caleb) Rogers of Longmont, Colo., their four children: Caleb, Caroline, Charlotte Mae, and Carson, and Sarah (Justin) Schaller of Greeley, and their two children, Blythe and Beau; and his son, Erik Matthew Smith of Windsor. He is also survived by his father, Homer Turner Smith, of Plantation, Fla; and three siblings: Joyce Ann Smith of Lexington, Ky., Kay (Douglas) Lindley of Roswell, Ga., and her two sons, Joshua and John Marshall, and Margaret (Darrin) Smith of Plantation, Fla., and their son, Homer Turner, III.
Services are 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Mt. Moriah Church in Penrod, Ky. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-6 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory in Owensboro, Ky. The full obituary may be viewed and condolence messages may be sent at www.davisfuneralhome.com.


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INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Preparing to leave for a conference in Philadelphia this week, my calendar is swamped with last-minute requests for meetings. Such is likely true for everyone in my situation. What strikes me, however, is less the business of this particular day and more the notion that pretty much all days - for all of us - are crammed. Full of good things, mind you, but not laid back. In most of our lives, there is rarely a dull moment.
Ironically, the perception of Lake Tahoe Life is that we are surrounded by the Great Outdoors and that all of us are able to avail ourselves of those resources whenever we wish. There are many and varied opportunities for such ventures, if one considers the word "opportunity" loosely.
I am frequently invited to join parents who are setting off on morning hikes or bike rides. I appreciate the invitations and would happily accept, were it not for the students and faculty in my care. School folk have lots of time when we are able to explore. Days when school is in session are not among us.
I love what I do. I love the energy level that exists within the halls and classrooms of Lake Tahoe School every day. I love the curiosity exhibited by the children, the fact that they want to share with me what they are learning and doing any time I see them.
I love the artwork on the walls, the music emanating from the music room. I love the sounds of children learning to read and reading aloud with confidence and the explanations by second graders of why some numbers are not divisible by 3. I actually love sitting with parents to talk through challenges for their children and with faculty as they explore new strategies for delivering old messages and data. I love it when parents or teachers or other administrators stop by my office just to chat about something.
They always bring me something from which I can learn, even if their purpose is to ask questions.
I believe that those of us who live in Incline Village are mostly busy, and that is a very good thing. We are a productive community, whether we are paid for the work we do or we volunteer. While we are a "vacation" or "destination" community for many, those of us who live here are the life's blood that keeps the heart of our little town beating.
Truth is, I am writing this column with just an hour to go until I leave for the airport. While there is absolutely nothing on my calendar that suggests Things to Do and People to See, likely I could use a revolving door between now and then. I will leave feeling that I've left things untended, regardless of how well-prepared and scheduled I thought I would be.
Philadelphia is the site of the annual National Association of Independent Schools conference. There I will have to make difficult choices, daily, among sessions and keynote speakers of merit and appeal. At night I will have the pleasure of gathering with old friends with whom I have worked in school across the country. I will go to bed late and get up early. Between now and then, I'm looking for a dull moment.
- Ruth Glass is headmaster at Lake Tahoe School. She can be reached for comment through her blog at www.laketahoeschool.org.


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The official report describes the very definition of an extremely bad night.
Jason London, 40, best known for appearing in Dazed and Confused, was arrested over the weekend after a bar fight in Scottsdale, Ariz., then allegedly defecated on purpose in the backseat of a patrol car, the police report says.
The twin brother of the troubled actor Jeremy London also cursed constantly to the officer, dropped a homophobic slur and told the officer to "look me up" because "I'm rich" and a "famous actor," according to the report.
A mug shot released Tuesday showed London with cuts to his nose and forehead and a swollen eye behind glasses perched askew.
London was charged with disorderly conduct following the 1:30 a.m. Sunday scrape at the Martini Ranch, according to ABC15 TV.
Jason London Arrested After Bar Fight in Arizona
Scottsdale Police


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Top Definition
1. n. Obscene. The female genitalia.
2. n. Slang. A dollar.
3. v. Informal. To be quiet.
4. n. Derog. A Scientologist.
5. n. A shelled sea creature.
2. n. Slang. A dollar.
3. v. Informal. To be quiet.
4. n. Derog. A Scientologist.
5. n. A shelled sea creature.
I told the clam to shut her clam because I don't have enough clams to be a clam.
door kumaki 7 april 2004
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
Nuts, testicles; most frequently used to explain situations in which a guy gets it in the balls.
Oof! Uuuggghhhh... I just got it in the clams.
door P'tainz 6 oktober 2010
n. A womans genetalia.
Man:(gives woman the eye)
Woman:"The clam is hungry"
Woman:"The clam is hungry"
door Digiboy 16 oktober 2005
another word for pussy. Usually referred to as a 'bearded clam', but, nowadays, I like them shaved.
"I'd like to butter her clam"
door evilpete 11 december 2002
A friendly sea creature residing in the sands of the ocean. They are lazy bastards and have one fat foot they gimp around on.
I took a fat hit of some smoked clams.
door maybenot 5 september 2003
The tasty orifice in the region between a hot chick's legs.
That girl is so hot, I'd eat her clam without thinking twice!
door Deezz Nutz 2 november 2005
dollas. dolla bills y'all.
you know how much it costs a month? 800 clams beeyotch
door serpeco 28 mei 2001


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WASHINGTON — With the simplest of sentences, NBA veteran Jason Collins set aside years of worry and silence to become the first active player in one of four major U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay.
In a first-person article posted Monday on Sports Illustrated's website, Collins begins: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."
Collins has played for six teams in 12 seasons, most recently as a reserve with the Washington Wizards after a midseason trade from the Boston Celtics. He is now a free agent and wants to keep playing in the NBA.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different,' " Collins writes. "If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Saying he had "endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie," Collins immediately drew support for his announcement from the White House, former President Bill Clinton, the NBA, current and former teammates, and athletes in other sports.
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant tweeted that he was proud of Collins, writing: "Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others," followed by the words "courage" and "support."
"We've got to get rid of the shame. That's the main thing. And Jason's going to help that. He's going to help give people courage to come out," said Billie Jean King, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame who confirmed she was gay after being outed in the early 1980s.
"I guarantee you he's going to feel much lighter, much freer. The truth does set you free, there's no question. It doesn't mean it's easy. But it sets you free," King said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.
The Wizards issued a statement from president Ernie Grunfeld: "We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation."
Collins says he quietly made a statement for gay rights even while keeping his sexual orientation a secret. He wore No. 98 with the Celtics and Wizards — 1998 was year that Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming, was killed, and the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization, was founded.
According to the General Social Survey, the public has grown increasingly accepting of gay relationships since the late 1980s. That survey found in 1987 that 76 percent of Americans thought sexual relations between adults of the same sex was morally wrong. That fell to 43 percent by 2012.
"I'm glad I'm coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has shifted; public opinion has shifted," Collins writes. "And yet we still have so much farther to go. Everyone is terrified of the unknown, but most of us don't want to return to a time when minorities were openly discriminated against."
Momentum has been building toward this sort of announcement from a pro athlete in a top league in the United States. NFL players Brendan Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe were outspoken in support of state gay-marriage amendments during last year's elections. President Barack Obama spoke about his support for gay marriage during his re-election campaign.
The topic made waves during Super Bowl week when one player, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, said he wouldn't welcome a gay member of his team. At the time, Ayanbadejo estimated that at least half of the NFL's players would agree with what Culliver said, at least privately.
Living in the nation's capital last month while the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about same-sex marriage had an effect on Collins, who says "the strain of hiding my sexuality became almost unbearable" at that time.
"Less than three miles from my apartment, nine jurists argued about my happiness and my future. Here was my chance to be heard, and I couldn't say a thing," he writes. "I didn't want to answer questions and draw attention to myself."
As for what response other NBA players will have to his revelation, Collins writes: "The simple answer is, I have no idea."
"Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start. It all comes down to education. I'll sit down with any player who's uneasy about my coming out," he says in his account, adding: "Still, if I'm up against an intolerant player, I'll set a pretty hard pick on him. And then move on."
On Monday, there was an outpouring of positive sentiments.
In texts to the AP, Wizards guard Garrett Temple wrote, "I was surprised. I didn't know and I was right next to him in the locker room. It definitely took a lot of courage for him to come out. He was a great teammate," and rookie Bradley Beal said: "I didn't know about it! I don't think anyone did! I am proud of his decision to come out and express the way he feels and I'm supportive of that!!"
Former teammate Jerry Stackhouse, now with the Brooklyn Nets, wrote in a text: "I hope Jason is received well by our NBA family. Jason is a friend and a former teammate that I've enjoyed many laughs and conversations with and his sexual orientation won't change that with me. I've already reached out to him personally to show support and will encourage more guys to do the same."
NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement: "Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."
While Collins is the first male athlete in a major North American professional league to come out while intending to keep playing, several have previously spoken after they retired about being gay, including the NBA's John Amaechi, the NFL's Esera Tuaolo and Major League Baseball's Billy Bean.
"I think he is immensely brave. I think it's a shame in this day and age he has to be immensely brave, but he is," Amaechi told the AP. "He's going to be a remarkable and eloquent spokesperson for what it is to be a decent, authentic human being — never mind just for gay people."
Rick Welts, president and chief operating officer of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, is openly gay.
"He probably knows what he signed up for. There'll be a whole bunch more television reporters and cameras than he's probably had in the past. ... There had been a long of speculation about when, who, how. I think that speculation has been put to rest now," Welts said, "and we'll always remember that Jason Collins was the first man to do this."
Collins says that if he remains in the NBA, he could face uncomfortable reactions from spectators.
"I don't mind if they heckle me. I've been booed before. There have been times when I've wanted to boo myself. But a lot of ill feelings can be cured by winning," he writes.
He adds: "I hope fans will respect me for raising my hand. And I hope teammates will remember that I've never been an in-your-face kind of guy. All you need to know is that I'm single. I see no need to delve into specifics."
In February, former U.S. soccer national team player Robbie Rogers said he was gay — and retired at the same time. Rogers is just 25, and others have urged him to resume his career.
"I feel a movement coming," he tweeted after word of Collins' news broke.
Female athletes have found more acceptance in coming out; Brittney Griner, a top college basketball player now headed to the WNBA, caused few ripples when she said this month she is a lesbian. Tennis great Martina Navratilova, who came out decades ago, tweeted Monday that Collins is "a brave man."
"1981 was the year for me — 2013 is the year for you," her post added.
Sports leagues in Britain and elsewhere in Europe have been trying to combat anti-gay bias. But the taboo remains particularly strong in soccer, where there are no openly gay players in Europe's top leagues. Homophobic chants are still heard at some games.
Soccer "is not going to change," said Amaechi, who is English and now lives in Manchester. "If it wanted to change, it would change. It has the resources to do so. It doesn't want to change."
Justin Fashanu is the only significant British soccer player to have come out publicly, doing so in 1990. The former Nottingham Forest and Norwich City striker was found hanged in a London garage in 1998 at age 37. According to an inquest, Fashanu left a note saying that, because he was gay, he feared he wouldn't get a fair trial in the United States on sexual assault charges. Maryland police were seeking him on charges that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old boy.
Among other athletes outside the U.S. to come out was Gareth Thomas, a Welsh rugby star who attracted widespread media attention in 2009 when he announced he was gay. He continued playing until retirement in 2011.
Orlando Cruz of Puerto Rico came out in October as the first openly gay professional male boxer. Canadian swimmer Mark Tewksbury came out six years after winning a gold medal in the backstroke at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Four-time Olympic diving gold medalist Greg Louganis of the U.S. revealed he was gay in 1994, a year before announcing he was also HIV-positive. Former Olympic skiing gold medalist Anja Paerson of Sweden announced last year, after retiring, that she was in a long-term relationship with a woman.
White House spokesman Jay Carney called Collins' decision courageous and said the administration views it as another example of progress and evolution in the U.S. as Americans grow more accepting of gay rights and same-sex marriage.
Former President Clinton said: "Jason's announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community. It is also the straightforward statement of a good man who wants no more than what so many of us seek: to be able to be who we are; to do our work; to build families and to contribute to our communities. For so many members of the LGBT community, these simple goals remain elusive."
Collins attended Stanford with Clinton's daughter Chelsea and played in a Final Four while at the school. His twin brother, Jarron, was also a longtime NBA center who last played in the league in the 2010-11 season. Collins says he told his brother he was gay last summer.
"He was downright astounded. He never suspected. So much for twin telepathy," Collins writes in SI. "But by dinner that night, he was full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to step in and protect me."
Advocacy organization GLAAD released a statement from Aaron McQuade, the head of its sports program.
"Courage' and 'inspiration' are words that get thrown around a lot in sports, but Jason Collins has given both ideas a brand new context," he said. "We hope that his future team will welcome him, and that fans of the NBA and sports in general will applaud him. We know that the NBA will proudly support him, and that countless young LGBT athletes now have a new hero."
At Stanford, Collins was a college roommate of Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass. In his account, Collins writes that he realized he needed to go public when the congressman walked in Boston's gay pride parade last year — and Collins decided he couldn't join him.
"For as long as I've known Jason Collins he has been defined by three things: his passion for the sport he loves, his unwavering integrity, and the biggest heart you will ever find. Without question or hesitation, he gives everything he's got to those of us lucky enough to be in his life. I'm proud to stand with him today and proud to call him a friend," Kennedy said in a statement.
In Monday's story, Collins writes that the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15 "reinforced the notion that I shouldn't wait for the circumstances of my coming out to be perfect. Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?"
And now, Collins says, he will be in Boston on June 8, marching alongside Kennedy at the city's 2013 gay rights parade.
"Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay," Collins concludes. "In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out."
AP Sports Writers Joseph White, Nancy Armour, Larry Lage, Brian Mahoney, Antonio Gonzalez, Rachel Cohen, Paul Newberry, Jimmy Golen, Howard Ulman, Rob Harris and Steve Wilson, and Associated Press Writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Cara Rubinsky and Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.
Howard Fendrich is on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrich


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5 Things Video Games Do Better Than Any Other Forms of Art
Whoa, whoa -- video games are an art form now? Well, here's the thing: The first rule of art is "art is subjective," and the second rule of art is "ART IS SUBJECTIVE" (the third rule: "If this is your first day at art club, you have to art"), and thus the tiresome argument that video games aren't art is rather moot indeed. Oh, and video games are an output of drawings, writing, and music put together by skilled humans in a manner designed to entertain/enliven, so there's that, too.
So with that out of the way, being on the verge of a new console generation feels like a good time to file something of a progress report on the art form in question (if only to desperately justify those 147 hours I poured into Saints Row: The Third). So what the hell can games do that books and interpretive dance can't?
#5. They Can Make You Think Like Someone Else
In a bad video game, you'll tend to refer to your onscreen character as "him" (or, rarely, "her") -- "Look at him fight that giant crab," etc. But a more engrossing game inevitably has you referring to your exploits in the first person -- "I'm sorry, I can't join you for 11 hours of tantric sex right now, I have to kill this giant crab" -- and this is because games can put you in the boots of someone else, to the point where you might find yourself kinda sorta thinking like someone else. Psychologists have long detailed this phenomenon where you'll behave according to what your perceived role in life is, and it's games' ability to harness this in a fun/harmless way that's perhaps unique.
As an example, the Mass Effect trilogy of games (does 2.9 games count as a trilogy?) has a romantic side quest for the main character, and playing as the other gender and then finding yourself genuinely evaluating potential romantic matches from their perspective ("YOU SHALL BRING ME THE BIGGEST HUNK ON THE SHIP") is an experience you can't really get unless the medium is actively telling you to take on another role. A game that more completely focused on all this could be sociologically fascinating indeed (or at least spread appreciation of hunks).
#4. They Can Do What Existing Art Forms Can Do, Only More So
What makes a good painting? Arguably you'd distinguish a work of intrigue from a mere illustration by the presence of mystery, or if someone painted boobs on it. Thoughtfulness and ambiguity in an image are the starting point, and the audience's imagination completes the process that we call art. Thus, paintings are cool. But video games can take all this and extend it to the third dimension.
There's an unusually thoughtful and ambiguous game from Japan called Dark Souls that places you in a strange and beautiful undead land with little real direction as to your quest. You'll meet a number of characters, but the narrative and exposition are deliberately kept minimal to foster endless discussion (the game's director loved the process of making up his own stories when reading English fantasy novels as a child and attempted to translate that experience to the video game medium). The game succeeds as a piece of art because the obvious amount of thought and detail that have gone into it subconsciously tell the audience that it's worth their time to try and fill in its many blanks.
You're not told everything, just like you're not told what the hell The Scream is screaming about, only here you've got an added plane of depth, and this is what's known as "taking it up a notch." About halfway through Dark Souls, you encounter a five-story-high painting in a massive, eerie hall. As you approach, some strange force seizes you, pulling you into the painting, leaving you to wander interestedly around the mysterious world within. This is what's known as "literally the most convenient metaphor ever."
#3. They Let You Step Outside the Narrative
The movie Minority Report had some good ideas about the future, but whatever was in there was always gonna be mitigated by the fact that a movie gets made because a star gets attached to it, and thus it's the star you're stuck looking at 95 percent of the time. Maybe the movie Prometheus had some good ideas, too, but who the hell knows because the audience was hurtling by them lashed to a mindless, rampaging narrative. The point here is that a linear experience means the audience is largely beholden to whatever the camera is pointed at. It's a big deal that in video games you control the camera.
What makes a world feel real is the little things -- the overheard conversations, the emails, the informative brochures. This is particularly important with science fiction, which generally seeks to present a convincing vision of another reality. A game like 2011's Deus Ex: Human Revolution presents a complete picture of a world where human augmentation is a reality because you get to hear those conversations and read those emails and brochures -- you simply spend more time in the world than you ever could with a movie (Prometheus only seemed like it was eight goddamned hours long).
Sure, you have your mission, but you can easily just say screw it and go around breaking into people's apartments, and when you stumble onto the apartment with the clandestine human chop shop, bags of artificial eyes and arms littered about, alarming emails on the computer, you realize this is the kind of extraneous depth that makes shit actually feel plausible. Being able to park the narrative for a bit and wander off to take in the details is uniquely immersive, and anyone interested in speculative fiction would do well to go "Hmm ..." at this point.


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When Michael Jackson Died the major search engines like google slowed up to 50% due to internet traffic. the jackson effect is when any large news story hits and cause the web to clog.
the jackson effect made yahoo so slow the other day i had to use a dictionary
por frostyletitia 04 de Julho de 2009
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Tailback Aaron Stecker became the 13th member of the Saints' injured reserve list Tuesday, ending his season with a right hamstring injury. The Saints replaced him on their roster with free-agent fullback Darian Barnes. They also agreed to a deal with free-agent tailback Mike Bell, according to Bell's agent, Steven Feldman. Bell will be signed today.
Stecker, 33, had been battling his injury since the first week of the season. He aggravated it on a 12-yard catch early in the first quarter Sunday at Kansas City and left the game.
Agent Ronald Slavin said Stecker expects to need four to six weeks of recovery time. With only six weeks left in the regular season, the Saints needed to fill the roster spot.
Stecker is a free agent after this season, so his future with the team is uncertain. But he also was a free agent this past spring, and he chose to sign a one-year deal to stay in New Orleans.
The ninth-year veteran has been a valuable player for the Saints on offense and special teams since he signed as a free agent from Tampa Bay in 2004. He has gained 95 yards this season in six games, but he caught his first touchdown pass with the Saints in Week 6 against Oakland.
Stecker has run for 1,109 yards and gained 908 yards receiving in his Saints career, with a total of nine touchdowns (one on a kickoff return).
Bell, 6 feet, 225 pounds, showed great promise in his rookie season in 2006 with the Broncos, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona. But his star seemed to have flamed out as quickly as it rose.
Bell ran for 677 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, but he fell behind on the Broncos' depth chart last season and gained 3 yards in five games. He has been out of work since the Texans released him during training camp, when he was stalled by a groin injury.
Barnes, 28, has bounced around with eight teams since he signed with the Giants in 2002 as an undrafted free agent out of Hampton. His most extensive playing time came in Dallas in 2004, when he scored his only career touchdown. Barnes, 6-2, 240, has appeared in five games this season with Buffalo and Detroit.
The Saints are without starting fullback Mike Karney for at least another week while he recovers from a knee injury. They went without a fullback last week at Kansas City, and used tight end Billy Miller, tailback Pierre Thomas and even linebacker Troy Evans in various formations.
NO NEWS FROM APPEALS: No information was available Tuesday regarding the scheduled appeals hearing for Saints tailback Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant, all of whom are facing four-game suspensions after testing positive for a banned diuretic this summer.
Neither league officials nor team officials would comment on the proceedings, which are confidential.
It's not clear if the players flew to New York for face-to-face meetings, or if they elected to make their appeal via conference call. They are being represented by attorney David Cornwell. The Saints do not have another practice scheduled until Thursday.
The three Saints reportedly are among a group of six to eight players league-wide who tested positive for the banned substance Bumetanide. They claim it came from an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement called StarCaps, which is advertised as all-natural and does not list Bumetanide as an ingredient.
All of the players involved are expected to make their appeals by the end of this week, which means the league could make its ruling as early as next week. The league typically announces suspensions early in the week, before teams are deep into their game preparations.
Meanwhile, Saints practice squad tailback Lynell Hamilton began serving a four-game suspension late last week. According to Saints Coach Sean Payton, he also tested positive for a banned diuretic, but his case was not related to the StarCaps cases.
BREES LEADS VOTING: Saints quarterback Drew Brees is the leading vote-getter among all NFL players in fan voting for the Pro Bowl. He has 490,844 votes through five weeks of fan voting on NFL.com with three weeks to go.
The Pro Bowl rosters are decided by a consensus vote of fans, coaches and players, with each group counting as one third.
Redskins tailback Clinton Portis ranks second behind Brees in total votes, followed by Jets quarterback Brett Favre. Brees has a considerable lead among NFC quarterbacks, with Giants quarterback Eli Manning second with 395,526 votes.
The only other Saints who rank in the top five at their positions are fullback Mike Karney (fourth) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (fourth).
. . . . . . .
Mike Triplett can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3405.


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Dairy Advisory Teams: A Handbook for Producers
Submitted by admin on Sun, 03/28/2010 - 15:53
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Dairy Advisory Teams: A Handbook for Producers
Beginning team concepts, why/how to start a team, improving team performance, a list of tools, resources as well as first-person team stories. 48 pages.
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Royal Family news, updates, gossip, photos and video.
Hot Harry, #1 cheerleader
Chris Jackson/ Alex Menendez/ Gustavo Caballero/ Getty Images
Today is the final day of the 2016 Invictus Games. Throughout the week, you have seen Prince Harry, the perfect ambassador, supporting the athletes, never short on enthusiasm, and generally just promoting the f-ck out of this event. Full Story
Big G doesn't know the "quiet" Harry
Chris Jackson/ Gustavo Caballero/ Pool/ Getty Images
An excuse to post more pictures of Hot Harry at the Invictus Games, pretty much making Americans wish they could vote for him instead. Bad joke! So Harry and First Lady Michelle Obama Full Story
Prince Harry denied
Wenn, Alex Menendez/ Chris Jackson/ Getty Images
Did you watch the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony last night? Even I got emotional. These athletes are true HEART. And the presentation of the entire event really speaks to how passionate and engaged Prince Harry has been behind the scenes, making this happen, raising awareness for the efforts of servicemen and women who are recovering through sport. Full Story
Hot Harry, wet and dirty
FameFlynet, RHONA WISE/ Alexander Tamargo/ Chris Jackson/ Getty Images
Prince Harry played polo in Florida yesterday to raise money for his charity Sentebale. Unfortunately for the participants, it was raining. Luckily for us, it was raining. Because now we have pictures of Hot Harry on his horse, getting muddy, getting wet, the water coming off his face, clothes clinging to his body, his hair slicked, like he's been worked over good…God he looks stupid sexy when he's riding, remind me again why we invented cars? And why am I still talking. Full Story
Dear Gossips,
Prince Harry covers the new issue of PEOPLE ahead of the start of the Invictus Games in Orlando on Sunday. In support of the Games Harry even gave the magazine an exclusive interview, full of quotes that the MiniVan Majority will eat up. Read Full Intro
The Princess and her portrait
Wenn, Bauer-Griffin
Busy day for Princess Catherine. Three official events ending with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery where her VOGUE portraits are now on display. As revealed earlier this week, Kate covers the new issue of British VOGUE to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Full Story
Dear Gossips,
Today is Princess Charlotte's first birthday. The Cambridges have released four new photographs of her to celebrate the occasion. And, amazingly, Big G doesn't make an appearance. Amazingly Charlotte has been permitted to enjoy her birthday without having to share it with her brother-who-will-be-king, the boy who makes everything about himself. Read Full Intro
Hot Harry and Daisy's bottom
Chris Jackson/ Getty Images
Prince Harry was in Toronto today to promote the Invictus Games 2017. He hung out with athletes and our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and they attended a hockey game. Justin Trudeau is pretty popular internationally. Hot Harry is VERY popular internationally. So these photos of them being best friends and laughing together are probably going to explode a few of you. Full Story
Princess Kate covers VOGUE
It's the 100th anniversary of British VOGUE. To commemorate the occasion, Katy Cambridge is on the cover of the June issue and the portraits will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Full Story
Her Majesty… trashtalking!
THIS IS THE CUTEST SH-T YOU WILL SEE ALL DAY. And it tells you too how much the Queen adores Hot Harry. So. Quick background, just in case: Hot Harry is all about the Invictus Games. You've seen him. He's put a lot of energy into promoting awareness for veterans and service men and women. Full Story
Harry in a tux
Wenn, Danny Martindale/ Getty Images
Prince Harry attended the BT Sport Industry Awards in London tonight. So the point is – please enjoy these photos of Hot Harry in a tux. The other point is… How come when he puts on a tux he still behaves as though he's in jeans? This is meant as a compliment. Full Story


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Students in several local elementary schools are taking part in Pizza Hut's 28th annual BOOK IT! reading program for the 2012-13 school year. Some schools participating are Calvert, Krout, Noble and Washington elementary schools.
The BOOK IT! program runs every year from October through March. The individual teachers set reading goals for each child with the help of a tracking chart that measures the number of books, pages or minuets.
All materials are provided by BOOK IT! and are free.
Article Photos
Photo by Nicole Walby, A-T Staff Writer
Students from Lindsay Newlove's second-grade class at Krout Elementary spend time reading.
Photo by Nicole Walby, A-T Staff Writer
Nicolette Stiltner, a fifth-grade student at Noble Elementary, poses with a diorama she created to represent "Wonder Struck," a book by Brian Selznick.
Photo by Nicole Walby, A-T Staff Writer
Second-grade students read with teacher Heather Arnold at Krout Elementary.
Nikki Reineke teaches second grade at Calvert Elementary.
"This program motivates kids and gives students the added value of reading with Pizza Hut coupons," Reineke said.
Each night, the students have to read for about 15-20 minuets and, at the end of each month, children who reach their monthly goal will receive a Reading Award Certificate they can take to a Pizza Hut and get a free one-topping personal pan pizza.
"The kids are able to focus on long-term reading goals and get the added incentive of getting a pizza at the same time," Reineke said.
"It is a good learning process for them," she said.
Mary Leibengood, fourth-grade teacher at Calvert, said, "Kids are reading that wouldn't have before. They are motivated with the incentive that they are getting something free."
"Read Your Heart Out" is this year's theme. BOOK IT! is a program that is simple for the teacher to use, flexible because goals match reading ability, and fun because achieving a goal is a great reason to celebrate. BOOK IT! was created in 1985 and reaches more than 14 million students in 38,000 elementary classrooms annually.
"Kids enjoy the reward and the incentive to read and then get a free pizza." Nate Haferd, general manager for Pizza Hut of Tiffin.
"The program is very beneficial to Pizza Hut and the community. Families come in at the end of every month and kids are able to receive other prizes along with their pizza," he said.
Charise Hall teaches fifth grade at Noble. Her students read five books a month, and after they have finished the book they can choose an activity related to their book to do from a list provided.
Activities include making a sculpture, writing a comic strip, making a 3D-diorama, creating a picture book or writing a summary.
"This program is very flexible. Children get their freedom to choose their own book, and if they are not enjoying it then they picked the wrong book," Hall said.
Pizza Hut deserves credit for also being a strong force in the community, Hall said.
"The kids love it and for them to promote learning is an awesome thing," she said.
Kids are able to have fun and find something they like to do and enjoy.
"It is more fun for them than the common text book and work sheet. The kids get to read for pleasure and are learning in the process," Hall said.
This program is good for all ages.
Judy Downie, a first-grade teacher at Washington Elementary, said the program enhances their reading program with students reading 15 extra assignments a month.
"Students are motivated to do their homework." Downie said. "I have seen a higher percentage on homework return with this program. ... Students also get to spend some personal time reading with their parents every night."
According to a release, The BOOK IT! Program is part of the "Share a Slice of Hope" movement at Pizza Hut. Share a Slice of Hope encourages consumers and Pizza Hut employees nationwide to help others through the company's three philanthropic pillars: children's literacy, world hunger relief and community involvement.
"This program is great for the community and the kids enjoy reading," said Lindsay Newlove, second-grade teacher at Krout Elementary.
She has been participating in the program for about 12 years and loves to see kids want to read.
"Some kids do not like reading at home, and this program is a way to kickstart and motivate them to read," she said.


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Top Definition
Someone who covers his circumcision scar by growing a beard, because he is such a prick his circumcision scar is along his jawline.
I liked some of the games SJG published, until I found out the guy who runs it is a scarbeard.
po contrarian demon Август 1, 2011
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Prophets & Losses: Part II
February 7, 2013
People on both sides of tax issues often speak of such things as a "$300 billion tax increase" or a "$500 billion tax decrease....
"50% of Americans pay ZERO federal income tax."
That was the figure for 2008. It is now 46.4%. Remind me again who took approximately 7.8 million families off the hook for taxes when giving tax credits that could net someone a tax refund if they have a negative tax bill. Another conservative idea that promotes social engineering and redistributes wealth downward. The money is not trickling down by earning it, but rather given away for free. One could say it was a "gift" of $18,000 for each tax credit claimed.
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"The government can only raise or lower the tax rate. Whether the actual tax revenues that the government will collect as a result will go up or down is a matter of prophecy."
So one can conclude that those who say tax cuts increase revenue are having an epiphany and we will never hear that bogus talking point ever again. Thank you for putting that to rest.
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On Tuesday, October 4, the American Planning Association announced its list of 2011 Great Places. The American Planning Association brings together thousands of people — practicing planners, citizens, elected officials — committed to making great communities happen through a professional institute for certified planners and through divisions and chapters as well as student memberships. And, the APA identified Maymont as one of America's 10 Great Public Spaces in 2011.
What is a public space?
A public space, as defined by the APA, can be a gathering spot or part of a neighborhood, downtown, special district, waterfront or other area within the public realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. Possible examples may include such spaces as plazas, town squares, parks, marketplaces, public commons and malls, public greens, piers, special areas within convention centers or grounds, sites within public buildings, lobbies, concourses, or public spaces within private buildings.
Maymont, of course, is Richmond's own 100-acre estate near downtown, now a city park with free admission featuring gorgeous gardens, wildlife exhibits, and open spaces perfect to romp and play.