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2006-2007 Faculty Senate
Attendees: Arbelaez, Barnes, Betanabhatla, Boucher, Brown, Bullock, Chundi, Corcoran, Edick, Gascoigne, Hewins-Maroney, Holley, Huq, Mei, Miller, Mordaunt, Ottemann, Noble, Parnell, Randall, Reames, Reilly, Roland, Shaw, Skreija, Smith, Sollars, Tarry, Thorp, Wetig, Winter, Wolcott
Excused: Bernstein, Tilton-Weaver
Absent: Lahue, Lin, Stanichar
I. The meeting was called to order at 2:25 p.m. Unanimous consent was obtained to suspend the rules in order to take up an item of new business immediately. Robert Smith introduced the following motion and explained his concerns.
Resolution Regarding Proposed Expansion of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building and the Concomitant Increase in Student Fees at the Rate of $90 per Semester.
Whereas 54 to 70% of student respondents in a recent campus survey indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with various facets of existing recreational facilities (except for parking, which figure was only 18%), and
Whereas over 80% of student respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with existing Student Health Services and Injury Prevention and Care facilities, and
Whereas 56% of student respondents expressed opposition to an increase of $90 per semester in student fees for improved recreational, health services, and injury prevention facilities, and
Whereas an increase in student fees of $90 per semester is a 110% increase in existing fixed fees per semester, and
Whereas, fixed fees represent a significant fraction of college costs to part-time students, which is an important constituency for a metropolitan university, and
Whereas large increases in tuition rates are expected to meet anticipated budget shortfalls for the University in the upcoming biennium, and
Whereas this Faculty Senate does not know how simultaneous, large increases in tuition rates and fixed students fees will affect student enrollment,
Therefore, be it Resolved, that the University of Nebraska at Omaha Faculty Senate oppose the proposed expansion of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building at this time, and the concomitant increase in student fees at the rate of $90 per semester.
Be it further Resolved, that this Resolution be expeditiously communicated to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska prior to their consideration of the aforesaid building expansion and renovation.
With consent of the Senate, further discussion included responses from Assoc. V.C. Robinson and Student President/Regent Williams. Debate concluded at 30 minutes. The vote by show of hands was 2 in favor, 25 opposed. The resolution failed.
II. The March 14, 2007, minutes were approved as presented.
III. Officers' Reports
A. President's Report: Senator Shaw reported
1. Executive Committee and Administration met March 21, 2007. Much of this meeting was spent talking about plans for the renovation of the HPER building. I reported that a number of Senators had expressed serious misgivings about the size of the projected fee increases. In the discussion which followed, we learned that some portion of the fee increase is inevitable, due to a necessary retrofit of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) of the HPER building. Since much of the building will be torn up for this work, Interim-Chancellor Christensen noted that would prove less costly to plan for the renovation at the same time. LB605 bond funds are not targeted toward the HVAC project. Joe Kaminski (Director, Campus Recreation) E-mailed me a copy of the chapter in the feasibility study for the HPER renovation which addressed focus groups and the faculty/staff survey. I had it forwarded to the entire Faculty Senate for their review. Senators had expressed interest in the Board of Regents' consideration of a research metric for UNO. Sheri Rogers, Interim Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, agreed to contact NU Provost Linda Pratt to inquire if she could confer with the Faculty Senate about the issues. Provost Pratt sent me a copy of a PowerPoint presentation which she used at the most recent Regents' meeting. I also contacted Mary Laura Farnham (UNO Sponsored Projects Office) to inquire about information in her records. I intend to ask one of the Faculty Senate standing committees to examine the information and send suggestions to Provost Pratt. Dean Thomas Bragg (UNO Graduate Studies and Research) also expressed interest.
2. Chancellor's Council met March 22, 2007. Most of this meeting consisted of announcements. Work will soon begin on the Chili Greens property to create three multipurpose athletic fields, one of which will be constructed at a competition standard. The UNO soccer team will need a field by July, because their current Ak-Sar-Ben field will be overtaken by work there. The Chili Greens fields will be funded by a combination of Recreation fees and donated funds. The Coordinating Commission on Post-Secondary Education (CCPE) approved UNO's plan for new residence halls and a parking garage on the Dodge Street campus. The last remaining step is bonding authorization from the Nebraska Legislature. The Mid-America Collegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) will send several officials to visit UNO on March 29 and 30. This is part of the process which will lead to a vote on UNO joining the conference at the end of May. At the time of this writing, two candidates for UNO Athletics Director had interviewed on-campus, and two more were scheduled to visit. Dean Shelton Hendricks (College of Arts & Sciences) noted that work is underway to start a Center for Islamic Studies.
B. Treasurer's Report: Senator Tarry submitted the March 2007 budget report.
IV. Standing Committee Reports
A. Committee on Academic and Curricular Affairs: Senator Tarry moved the following resolution, which passed, for the committee:
Resolution 2852, 4/11/07: Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Assurance
Whereas the BS in Information Assurance has the support of the contributing colleges and units on the UNO campus and requires no new faculty; and
Whereas the degree positions UNO to become a national leader in undergraduate instruction and training in information assurance; and
Whereas the degree responds to the clear and substantiated needs of business, government, education, and prospective students in the area of information assurance; and
Whereas the degree fosters multi-disciplinary collaboration and learning; therefore,
Be it resolved that the UNO Faculty Senate supports the approval of the Bachelors of Science in Information Assurance.
B. Committee on Educational Resources and Services: Senator Wolcott reported the committee met on March 28, 2007. Present: John Thorpe, Peter Wolcott, Lisa Boucher, Lanyce Keel. Discussion was held on the following:
Selection of a Vice President for the committee
No decision was made, but absent committee members will be consulted.
Course Evaluation Faculty Task Force
The course evaluation faculty task force has met twice. At the first meeting, on March 6, Pres. Shaw gave an overview of the mandate for the task force and identified some milestones that the committee might look to. These include coming to a decision about the purpose of the course evaluation, and making a decision about whether to adopt an existing instrument or create a new one. The timeline will depend on the nature of the answers to these and other questions. At the second meeting, on March 26, the committee discussed problems with using student evaluations, concluding that there is no way to overcome bias within the evaluations, and that very clear and strong explanations must be made to those using the evaluations about their limitations. The goal for the third meeting, scheduled for April 30, will be to come up with broad areas the committee wants to see covered in the evaluation (e.g. organization of material, assessment), and begin using these to begin framing the instrument.
Paul Beck Scholarship
After the deadline for applying for the Paul Beck scholarship has passed (April 6th), Sue Bishop will make copies of each application for each committee member and distribute them. Since the criteria for the award include scholarhips, service, and financial need, we'll ask Jean Philips to provide information about the degree of financial need of each applicant.
Library Acquisition and Deaccession Policies
One committee member raised some issues, based on personal experience and informal polling colleagues within the department, about the library's acquisition and deaccession policies and, particularly, practices. Some key questions include
- How are decisions made to deaccession a book, journal, or other publication or scholarly work?
- How can faculty compensate for the narrow years of coverage of some serials in aggregation databases, or "the moving wall" or "fixed wall" in JSTOR?
- Is there a way that there could be more proactive communication with/from the library about acquisition and deaccession decisions? (give a heads up vs. report on past actions)
- To what extent are written policies on acquisition and deaccession actually followed?
The chair of the ER&S Committee is a co-chair of the Library and Learning Resources Committee. The ER&S member will be invited to the next LLR meeting, where these issues can get a preliminary hearing.
Survey software
Lanyce Keel reported that ITS is looking into automated scanning and delivery via e-mail of Scantron test results. Also, a web-survey interest group is being formed. By Fall ITS would like to purchase some web survey software that could be used to support any kind of survey, elections, course evaluations (e.g. for distance learning sections).
C. Committee on Faculty Personnel and Welfare: Senator Skreija submitted the following report: the committee met on March 28, 2007. Present: Stuart P. Bernstein, Samuel L. Brown, Barbara Hewins-Maroney, and Andris Skreija, Chair. Excused: Elaine E. Lahue, and Lauree C. Tilton-Weaver. The committee discussed the next steps in completing the investigation on faculty climate on campus. More specifically the preparation of a progress report on it. This would include a preliminary analysis of the survey results and a discussion of the focus groups to be convened next Fall. The aim is to submit such a progress report to the full Senate at the May meeting.
D. Committee on Goals and Directions: Senator Wetig reported the committee met on March 28th, 2007. Each committee member shared data collected on Community Partnerships. Each member will forward data to Dr. Reilly the week of April 23rd, 2007 to complete the spreadsheet which will be forwarded to Linda Mannering, Director, Institutional Research.
E. Committee on Professional Development: Senator Bullock submitted the following report: the committee met on March 29. Those present were Senators Bullock, Mei, and Noble. Senators Corcoran, Rowland, and Winter were absent. Dr. Karen Rolf, UNO Assessment Coordinator, discussed her role across campus in the area of assessment and offered some insight into what departments can do to facilitate effective assessment. Generally, she stressed the fact that academic units are best suited to determining their own assessment needs and means of assessment. The committee also continued the previous month's discussion regarding the implementation of myMAPP Faculty across campus for the Annual Review process. Senator Bullock updated the committee on the efforts of Academic and Student Affairs to solicit faculty input in improving the myMAPP system. ASA is planning to distribute a survey to faculty to gather feedback on this year's experiences with myMAPP and will hold at least one open forum for faculty to help in developing the system as we move forward. ASA has already held a meeting with faculty and staff who were myMAPP mentors in their home departments and colleges. Senator Noble suggested a Faculty Senate discussion on myMAPP might be beneficial and those present agreed with this conclusion.
The Senate consented to open discussion of myMapp to all senators. Senator Bullock took questions and problems to be reported back to the myMapp developers.
F. Committee on Rules: Senator Barnes moved the following two resolutions for the committee, both passed:
1. Resolution 2853, 4/11/07: University Committee on Library and Learning Resources
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following faculty member be appointed as a replacement to finish the term for Charles Johanningsmeier from 04/04/07 to 07/31/07 on the University Committee on Library and Learning Resources:
Saundra Wetig.
B. Resolution 2854, 4/11/07: Student Publications Board (Faculty Position B)
BE IT RESOLVED, as specified in the By-Laws of the Board of Regents, that the following names constitute the approved list of nominees to the Student Publications Committee from which the Chancellor is to select one for a three-year appointment from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010, to replace Teresa Lamsam on the Student Publication Board:
Karen Weber
Henry Bulley.
V. Non-Senate Committee Reports
A. Academic Planning Council: Senator Edick reported Program Reviews have been completed for Political Science, History, Biology, Black Studies and International Studies. April 12-13, 2007, is the review for Sociology. Computer Science will be reviewed in the Fall 2007.
B. Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Senator Holley reported:
Presiding: BJ Reed and Deb Smith-Howell
Welcome and update from the Interim Chancellor Interim Chancellor John Christensen opened the meeting and stayed during the entire meeting. He shared updating information:
- Housing . Residences and associated parking still on track . first new residence building will open in December, 2007, and at least one of the Chili Greens athletic fields (for soccer) may be in use by July. Residences architects (Hanscome Bashome) and builder (Peter Kiewit) briefings are solidifying conficence in UNO's new "design and build it ourselves" approach. Wade Robinson and Rita Henry have worked with neighborhood homeowners to ensure acceptance.
- Athletic Director search is well along, campus visits nearing completion and John Christensen would welcome observations and recommendations from UNO folks.
- Chancellor Search is being carried on independently. Informed opinion (BJR) speculates that the interview process could begin by the end of April.
While maintaining strong hope that the actual final outcome will be positive, John Christensen and many others present expressed concern about state appropriation levels currently being considered for UNO (see email to FacSen from SueBishop/Jim Shaw dated 032807)
2007 Strategic Forum, Friday March2nd - Debriefing, Next Steps BJR and Deb . despite the snow, a success.
- The early March time frame seems better for the faculty and other participants than, as in previous years, during April or early May.
- A summary of outcomes will be sent to participants and invitees.
- Evaluations for sessions and the overall event were very positive (averages between 4 and 5, with 5 being high score). Evaluations and comments for the MyMAPP session were lower than for other parts of the Forum. All acknowledge that MyMAPP is a work in progress. Data produced by MyMAPPFaculty is known to be less than comprehensive and within that, less than perfect. However, it compares favorably with UNO-wide data available without MyMAPP (developed via processes variously described as "a soft Delphi process" and "a Vulcan Mind Meld"). The MyMAPP data will be used for AQUIP and the Systems Portfolio for North Central accreditation, and the limitations of the data will be acknowledged.
- Next academic year initiative will be to ensure that UNO unit level plans are updates and consistent with the "framework".
NOTE fyi: BJ Reed mentioned that officials and senators in the state legislature have said to him that they regard UNO is a good model for strategic planning.
VI. New Business:
A. Senator Tarry moved and Senator Hewins-Maroney seconded the following resolution which passed unanimously.
Resolution 2855, 4/11/07: Truman Scholar (Sheila Korth)
Whereas, Sheila Korth has been recognized as a Truman Scholar, and
Whereas, Truman Scholarships are awarded to the best and brightest undergraduate students from around the nation who show an in interest in public policy, and
Whereas, Truman Scholarships recognize students for their public service as well as their scholarly performance, and
Whereas, she represented herself and UNO well in a most arduous application and interview process, and
Whereas, she serves as a model for other students and reflects UNO's strategic commitment to academic excellence and community involvement,
Be it Resolved, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha congratulates Ms. Korth and wishes her well as she pursues her academic and personal interests in graduate school and beyond.
VII. The meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m. with announcements.


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I KNEW I Was Right! Animals ARE Taking Over The World!Amy Fleck
You may recall that a couple weeks ago I did piece on pigs who had attacked and eaten a farmer (yes, for real). I had suggested that the pigs around the world were planning a revolt against humans. Well, I have found proof that not only are the pigs involved, but meerkats, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs are as well. I am sure there are other animals too (I bet spiders, spiders are always involved in stuff like this) but I haven't figured out which ones yet.
There is a company in the UK, The Maverick Shop, that I believe the animals are using to disseminate their intelligence to each other. This web site sells all sorts of harmless looking products like greeting cards and calendars and other darling children's products. Some of their products depict animals humorously engaging in human activities. That sounds really cute and funny, right? Maybe. Or maybe the animals are sending the message that they are preparing to take over.
If you think I am reading too deeply into it, then feel free to ignore me (at your own peril) and head over to Maverick's web site and stock up on calendars, puzzles, cards and books. Before you decide though, take a look below.
Looks Innocent 1 of 9These dogs appear to reading important documents but it's disguised as a greeting card joking about tea.
Meerkats 2 of 9These two are part of the special-ops troops.
Waterskiing Westies 3 of 9Again with the ever clever greeting card, these dogs are also showing off their mad special-ops skills.
KP Duty 4 of 9Kitchen Patrol or Kitchen Pig? This pig will go to any length to keep his "men" fed.
Coercion 5 of 9Just like human, animals will do anything to get some french fries, and this pig knows it!
Show of Strength 6 of 93rd time's a charm when the guinea pig version of an Army Ranger pretends to be posing for a greeting card. He's really trying to intimidate you.
All Out 7 of 9The Guinea Rangers are part of a calendar that show they are ready for any challenge.
Violinists 8 of 9These cats are part of the Rebellion's USO. Rather than fight, they entertain the troops.
Hep Cats 9 of 9Also part of the USO, these cats offer an edgier sound.
And remember, if you are blinded by the cuteness, all pictures are available as cards, calendars or puzzles from Maverick.
You can read more by Amy at her blog Donkeys To College. In between posts you can come join the fun on Facebook and Twitter.
Recent posts by Amy:
Baby Cracks Up at Rottweiler "Attack" (Video)
13 Reasons People Are Better Than Cats
Pigs: Piranhas Of The Farm World
Turtles Are Tricky
Can't We All Just Get Along: Petacular Tips


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No. 3 Blue Jays look to stay perfect
By Tom Dodge
The St. Edmund Blue Jays used both ball control and quick plays to defeat the Iota Bulldogs 47-21 last week.
The third-ranked Blue Jays hope to keep their perfect season going Friday as St. Eds (2-0) hosts Elton (0-1).
After the first two weeks were wiped out by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the Indians lost to Gueydan 44-13 last week.
St. Eds head coach Tom Andrus was pleased with the offensive production against Iota.
The Blue Jays gained 406 yards of total offense including 293 yards through the air.
"Iota has always been a physical team," Andrus said. "But it seemed by halftime, we had taken the wind out of their sails."
After the Bulldogs mounted a 15-play, 55 yard drive to open the game with a 7-0 lead, the Blue Jays scored three times in the second period to grab a 20-13 halftime lead.
Marshall Arabie connected with Trevor Hargroder for a 8-yard score and later found Tyler McGee open in the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
After Blaise LeJeune scored on a three-yard run for Iota to pull the game close, McGee and Arabie connected for a 23-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half.
"We kind of did what we wanted to do in the second half," Andrus said.
The Blue Jays scored twice in the third period on a 12-play drive capped off by a two-yard run by Arabie and a 17-yard pass from Hargroder to Jerod Fontenot.
Leading 33-13 as the game moved into the final period, St. Eds put the game away with a 31-yard pass from Arabie to Font- enot and a one-play, 60-yard strike from Arabie to Hargroder.
"Everything we did seemed to work perfect," Andrus said of the offensive production against Iota.
Hargroder was the top receiver with 10 catches for 172 yards as Arabie was 19-of-27 for 276 yards in the win.
"We have been telling the guy all along that they have the potential," Andrus said. "Once a team starts playing well each week, they need to start dominating."
Andrus said it is important the Blue Jays continue their wins going against Elton and Basile as St. Eds prepares for district play.
"We need to continue where we left off Friday night," he said. "We need to get it finished early, don't wait until the third or fourth quarter.
"We need to jump out rright at the start."
While Elton is winless, Andrus said the Blue Jays can't take them lightly.
"They have more kids than they did last year," he said. "They are still trying to rebuild their program back up.
"They are coming to play ball and we need to be ready.
"We can't take anybody lightly," he added. "That is when they can knock you off.
"There is always room for improvement," he concluded. "But I think we are ahead of where we were this time last year."


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Cyclist killed while traveling on Herman
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on December 21, 2012 1:47 PM
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News-Argus/KENNETH FINE
A mangled bicycle lies in the middle of Herman Street, near its intersection with Royall Avenue, Thursday evening.
A cyclist was killed Thursday evening when he was struck by a truck in the 800 block of North Herman Street. James Franklin Player, 48, was traveling south on Herman Street at 5:51 p.m. in the center turn lane...
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A Community of Exceptional Nurses
Critical Care Newsline, the electronic newsletter from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, contains information selected just for you by our clinical practice experts. In each issue, you'll find links to resources, research abstracts (individual sites may require registration and a fee to access complete articles) and websites that will keep you informed on issues affecting nurses and the nursing profession.
May 26, 2011
1. NEWS AACN sends message to those in Joplin, Mo.
2. CALL TO ACTION AACN Board, Nominating Committee Advocates for Patients, Families
3. NEWS Register for free nurse residency webinar on June 1
4. NEWS TJC approves reduced CAUTIs as new 2012 NPSG
5. CALL TO ACTION Submit NTI evaluation forms for CE, CERP credit by June 3
6. CALL TO ACTION Comment on draft CNS educational standards criteria by June 6
7. RESOURCE Free online certification verification now available
8. CALL TO ACTION Submit speaker abstracts for NTI 2012
9. CALL TO ACTION Participate in a survey about patient ventilator dyssynchrony
10. EVIDENCE DNR and full-code patients' reasons for decision differ
11. CALL TO ACTION Apply for HRSA nursing student scholarships by June 1
12. CALL TO ACTION Participate in 2011 ISMP Medication Self Assessment for Hospitals
14. AACN RESOURCES Look for jobs at NursePath.com
1. NEWS AACN sends message to those in Joplin, Mo.
The AACN professional community offers its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to our exceptional colleagues, patients, families and friends in Joplin, Mo., as they face the devastating tragedy brought on by extreme weather conditions. Especially in our thoughts are the skilled high acuity and critical care professionals at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, Mo., a community service of Mercy Health Ministry. With colleagues from Freeman West Medical Center and other facilities in Missouri and neighboring states, you are carrying out essential lifesaving and rescue work while facing grief and uncertainty in your own lives. Access information on donations, volunteering and how you can check on loved ones.
2. CALL TO ACTION AACN Board, Nominating Committee Advocates for Patients, Families
Nominations for the FY2013-15 AACN Board of Directors and FY2013 Nominating Committee draw to a close on Tuesday, May 31. Natalie Correll-Yoder, clinical nurse specialist at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Napa, Calif., says serving as secretary to the 2010-11 AACN Board "gives me a chance to advocate on a national level for the many groups I interact with daily including nurse managers, educators, progressive and critical care staff to create a healthcare system driven by patients and families." Read candidate requirements and download forms at www.aacn.org/nominations. Contact AACN Governance, (800) 394-5995 x331 or email@example.com for more information.
3. NEWS Register for free nurse residency webinar on June 1
Versant Center for the Advancement of Nursing is holding the free 90-minute webinar "Institute of Medicine's Recommendations for Nurse Residencies," Wednesday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT. Linda Burnes Bolton, co-chair of the committee for "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" consensus report, and a panel of four nurses will discuss how their organizations implemented an evidence-based residency for new graduate transition. Learn more and register. Early arrival is highly recommended.
4. NEWS TJC approves reduced CAUTIs as new 2012 NPSG
On May 17, The Joint Commission, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., announced approval of a new National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) for 2012, which will require organizations to "implement evidence-based practices to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections" (CAUTIs). The new goal applies to hospitals and critical-access hospitals, but not pediatric patients. CAUTI is the most frequent type of healthcare-acquired infection (HAI).
5. CALL TO ACTION Submit NTI evaluation forms for CE, CERP credit by June 3
If you attended this year's National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI), submit evaluation forms online or by mobile phone for continuing education (CE) and CERP by Friday, June 3, 11:59 p.m. You must complete both program and session evaluations to receive credit. After June 3, you may only print your certificate.
6. CALL TO ACTION Comment on draft CNS educational standards criteria by June 6
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Philadelphia, Pa., invites clinical nurse specialists (CNS) to comment on the draft document "Criteria for the Evaluation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Master's, Practice Doctorate, and Post-Master's Certificate Educational Programs, " which will help guide the development, implementation and evaluation of CNS programs in the U.S. Complete the short survey online by 5 p.m. EDT, Monday, June 6.
7. RESOURCE Free online certification verification now available
Certificants, employers, verification agencies and consumers may obtain free online verification of certification for the following credentials: CCRN, PCCN, CCRN-E, CCNS, ACNPC, CMC and CSC. Verifications do not contain information that violates the confidentiality rights of certificants. If you have questions contact AACN Customer Care by email or at (800) 899-2226. Inactive, alumnus and retired status is also included.
8. CALL TO ACTION Submit speaker abstracts for NTI 2012
Be an essential part of the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition. Submit an abstract for an NTI Live Educational Session for NTI 2012 through Monday, June 6. Read the new submission guidelines.
9. CALL TO ACTION Participate in a survey about patient ventilator dyssynchrony
Are you a practicing nurse who cares for mechanically ventilated patients? Nurse researchers at the University of Pittsburgh invite you to participate in an anonymous, secure online survey about assessing and managing patients who experience mismatched patient-ventilator breaths. All nurses with varying levels of expertise in mechanical ventilation are encouraged to participate. This survey should take about 20 minutes to complete.
10. EVIDENCE DNR and full-code patients' reasons for decision differ
Patients who request full code (FC) or do not resuscitate (DNR) make their choices based on "personal, relational or philosophical considerations" but differ on how they manifest the choices according to "Why Do Patients Agree to a "Do Not Resuscitate" or "Full Code" Order? Perspectives of Medical Inpatients." DNR patients associate resuscitation with "suffering and futility" and DNR with "comfort or natural processes." FC patients understand resuscitation "as something that restores life" and associate DNR orders "with substandard care or even euthanasia," states June's Journal of General Internal Medicine.
11. CALL TO ACTION Apply for HRSA nursing student scholarships by June 1
Apply for the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA), Rockville, Md., Nursing Scholarship Program for RN students in accredited schools of nursing. Deadline: June 1.
12. CALL TO ACTION Participate in 2011 ISMP Medication Self Assessment for Hospitals
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), Horsham, Pa., invites hospitals to participate in its 2011 Medication Safety Self Assessment to evaluate medication safety practices, identify opportunities for improvement and compare their experiences with similar organizations. Participate anonymously by Wednesday, Aug. 31, through a secure, password-protected website.
Patient Safety
Access "Partnering to Heal: Teaming Up Against Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)," a computer-based, interactive learning tool from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, D.C., that allows trainees to follow five characters and make decisions about preventing HAIs. The tool promotes teamwork, communication, hand washing, flu vaccination, appropriate use of antibiotics and proper insertion, use and removal of catheters and ventilators.
On May 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Rockville, Md., announced new restrictions on rosiglitazone-containing medicines — Avandia, Avandamet, Avandaryl — because of continued concerns about increased risk of myocardial infarction. Healthcare providers and patients must a) enroll in the Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program, and b) after Friday, Nov. 18, patients can obtain rosiglitazone-containing medicines by mail order but only if they are enrolled in the program.
Look for jobs at NursePath.com
Visit NursePath.com, AACN's online career site, to find employment opportunities in high acuity and critical care across the U.S.
NTI 2011 webcasts, abstracts
See select sessions from the 2011 National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) for the first time or relive the experience. Access 2011 NTI webcasts. Free continuing education credit is available for most webcasts including "Bad Bugs: Clostridium Difficile Infection" and "Oh, Grandma, What a Very Big Medication List You Have: Toxidromes Every Critical Care Nurse Should Know." May's American Journal of Critical Care contains the "2011 National Teaching Institute Research Abstracts."
May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Expand your stroke knowledge by reading the special section in May's Bold Voices.
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Do you have a comment, question or story idea for Critical Care Newsline? Send your e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Amarillo city commissioners have heard requests for more sports facilities for decades, and starting with early voting Monday, residents can answer those requests by approving or denying the issuance of $31.5 million in debt to build the Amarillo Recreation Complex.
Election day is Nov. 5. Passing the bond would add $25 to a tax bill for property with a taxable value of $100,000.
The complex, which would be built with an additional $6 million in private donations, is planned to encompass Rick Klein Sports Complex at 3901 S. Grand St.
The land already is owned by the city and would allow expansion over more than 400 acres.
It would serve an estimated 26,000 to 32,000 families, said Trevor Caviness, a bond supporter.
Amarillo Area Foundation is coordinating the fundraising.
"We're sitting at $2.9 million in committed funds if the bond passes," said Charlotte Rhodes, vice president of the foundation. "We don't want to get into a situation where we collect millions for something that's not going to happen. It's all dependent on the bond election."
In the meantime, fundraising continues.
"The timetable to get this on the November ballot didn't give us time to apply to other foundations, but we're in the process of doing that now," Rhodes said.
Budget discussions in the city historically have revolved around keeping the property tax rate low, and that has meant dealing with priorities in small steps. In the big picture of city priorities, though, such a recreation project has an important place, said City Manager Jarrett Atkinson.
"Recreation is one component of the totality of what a city is charged with providing residents," Atkinson said.
In the recent past, increasing water supplies, boosting staffing of the police and fire departments and speeding up the resurfacing of roads have been budget priorities, while some small recreation projects such as splash pads and park updates also have been done.
Supporters of the issue said the complex will provide baseball and softball fields, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, trails and an aquatics center that will benefit local youth and adults and boost economic development. They say improving the quality of life will maintain and attract the kind of businesses and employees that contribute to economic growth. The facilities themselves also could contribute revenue to the city through sales and hotel occupancy taxes by providing venues to host tournaments and meets that would bring in athletes and their families from out of town.
"City councils considered their mandate to be strictly police, fire and water," said John Crompton, university distinguished professor at Texas A&M University specializing in marketing and financing parks and recreation. "That changed in the '90s. The cities that are flourishing today are the ones that invested in amenities. Some communities get it, others don't. The ones stuck in the mindset of 20 years ago of emphasizing low tax rates and basic services won't flourish."
Adding the proposed debt to existing city debt would put the total owed by the city at $318 million, or $1,629 per resident. That would give Amarillo the third-lowest debt per capita when compared with the 10 Texas cities closest to its size, according to a report from the Texas Comptroller.
Of the city's total debt, $237 million is to be paid by dedicated funds, specifically money collected for water and sewer service, not general funds largely raised by sales and property taxes.
Lubbock carries $1 billion in total debt, or $4,471 per person.
Bob Medina, president of High Plains Fast Pitch, a group supporting the complex, said this year he took his wife and two daughters to Lubbock for a tournament over several days.
"The hotel was over $600," he said. "Not counting that, we spent over $1,000."
Should the issue pass, engineering and final design work will continue for about a year with construction starting in February 2015 and operations beginning about a year later, said Amarillo National Bank vice president and project supporter William Ware.
Partners in the effort include High Plains Fast Pitch, Kids, Inc., Panhandle Aquatics, YMCA, Amarillo Area Youth Baseball Foundation and West Texas Youth Baseball League, all of which say they need more space.
On Wednesday, about 50 swimmers from the Amarillo Independent School District's four high schools practiced at the Amarillo Town Club's Cornell Street facility. In the large pool, five to seven people swam past each other — in each lane.
It's unclear whether the district would shift to the ARC for its approximately 110 swimmers.
"We are having some internal discussions, but no decisions have been made," said Holly Shelton, district spokeswoman.
AISD pays the Town Club $3,000 a month for a 10-month season to use the pool. Swim clubs also practice and hold meets there which, in addition to the district's needs, complicates scheduling for Town Club members to have access to the pool at popular times. That same problem could carry over to the ARC.
"The sheer size of the aquatics center will offer more lane availability, but they will still suffer scheduling conflicts for popular times," said Steve Halsey, vice president of the Town Club. "But there's a very high probability it will help the growth of aquatics."
Halsey added that he thinks the aquatics center would be little or no competition to the Town Club.
The proposed center, which would have three pools, would not only cater to competitors, but casual swimmers, patients needing water therapy, learning swimmers and divers and emergency personnel needing a place to practice rescues.
Outdoors, softball players would gain eight fields at the complex.
The city has two ballfields converted to meet regulations for fast pitch softball games. The league uses temporary fences and moves bases and pitchers mounds on other fields to play games.
"We had over 600 girls sign up for fall," said High Plains Fast Pitch's Medina said. "This is our biggest year ever. We had almost 1,350 girls in the fall and spring combined."
The city has a recreation program that had to cap membership in adult ball leagues due to excess demand for facilities that are fully booked.
"We're certainly maxed out," said Rod Tweet, director of parks and recreation. "We're in dire need of practice facilities for baseball and softball. The fields are scheduled most of the time for games."
Kids, Inc. is one of the largest supporters of the complex, with more than 10,000 youths participating in its activities at its own facilities and others across the city, including city parks.
"We have to park in the street and sometimes block people's mailboxes," said Jimmy Lackey, president and CEO. "If we could get out of the neighborhoods, that's a win for us and it's a good thing for the people who bought homes near a park so they can use them. We get phone calls."
The location of the proposed complex has also raised questions for not being as centrally positioned as possible.
"It's a natural fit to put it there," Harpole said. "There's housing and business growth in the area and more room to grow. Also, the city owns the land. It's a 10- to 15-minute drive. Wherever we put it in town, somebody's going to have to drive."
City Secretary Frances Hibbs said Thursday she has not received any correspondence expressing an opinion about the proposal. But there is a Facebook page devoted to largely anonymous posts criticizing the project at "Amarillo recreation complex — vote NO to higher taxes."
Some fear running the complex will be a drain on city budgets into the future in addition to bond payments.
"My experience is indoor pools are very expensive to operate, far more than the outdoor pools the city is used to running. For one, cheap summer help doesn't work with a year-round facility," said Amarillo resident Kent Ries. "Bottom line is that a proposed budget should absolutely be part of any decision-making process on the part of the commission and the public."
But the budget outlook is incomplete because plans are not firm.
Ware estimated construction costs at $12.6 million for the aquatics center, $7.2 million for the indoor recreation area, $7.2 for eight softball fields, $2.9 million for two baseball fields, $600,000 for hike/bike trails and lighting and $1.8 million to increase electrical and water capacity and for widening South Grand Street about two miles south of Interstate 40 at the entrance to the complex.
"We're not going over the top," Ware said. "We're not doing the Taj Mahal, but we're not cutting corners either. Our pool started at $20 million 10 years ago, but we've cut it back."
However, things could change as engineering work proceeds if the bond sale passes.
"You have a scope to begin with, then changes from the concept to how we're going to build it," Atkinson said. "They then begin to tighten construction budgets. You're in a constant give and take between costs and the budget. There will be multiple checkpoints."
At many points, changes can alter the ultimate cost of the project, contributing to the "Plan B" for if there isn't enough money to do what's planned, whether through higher costs or the private donation program coming up short.
"There's always the ability to cut back on venues or give them another opportunity to raise more money," said Mayor Paul Harpole. "Obstacles will turn into opportunities."
So until the ultimate size and shape of the complex are finalized, operating costs can't be determined, which in turn would help set user fees.
Critics ask if the city will bail out the construction of the project if it gets into trouble, noting taxpayers had to help complete the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts after donations came up short.
"We didn't spend any property tax money on that. It was (Hotel Occupancy Tax money), so it was people from out of town who paid for that," Harpole said. "Not one penny came from Amarillo unless you stayed in a hotel. Critics who say we shouldn't use property tax money for that are right, and we didn't."
But Ware said the facilities will, ultimately, be affordable to use. There would be no membership fees for the aquatics center, though there would be user fees.
"Deficits could run from $200,000 to $400,000 per year," he said.
But supporters say any fees must be affordable even if they don't cover all costs.
"Nationwide, there's never been a municipal recreation complex that made money," Ware said. "It's not intended to be a profit center."
Midland has the Mabee Aquatics Center with five indoor pools and two more on the way. It's operating budget is about $3 million per year, said Brad Swendig, executive director and president of the nonprofit that owns and operates the center.
Despite the nonprofit being named City of Midland Aquatics, it gets no money from the city.
"We charge for memberships month to month," Swendig said. "Membership is about 2,600 in the summer and now it's 2,300. That doesn't include high schools, the University of Texas Permian Basin, Midland College, the children's rehab center. Some we charge, some we don't."
Through regional swim meets and other contacts, Swendig is familiar with the aquatics scene in Amarillo and the desire for a facility.
"That will be well used," he said. "For a town that size, it's crazy. It's been needed for a long time."


text:
President Obama Commemorates Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks held no elected office. She was not born into wealth or power. Yet sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks changed America. Refusing to give up a seat on a segregated bus was the simplest of gestures, but her grace, dignity, and refusal to tolerate injustice helped spark a Civil Rights Movement that spread across America. Just a few days after Rosa Parks' arrest in Montgomery, Alabama, a little-known, 26 year-old pastor named Martin Luther King Jr. stood by her side, along with thousands of her fellow citizens. Together, they began a boycott. Three-hundred and eighty-five days later, the Montgomery buses were desegregated, and the entire foundation of Jim Crow began to crumble.


text:
The authentic red enchilada recipe gets gets a modern Mexican accent with the soothing, mellow flavors of baby spinach and button mushrooms. Family-friendly for all ages.
Spinach Mushroom Red Enchiladas
Share this Recipe
Print this Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 bunch green onion, sliced thinly into rings
- 6 button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 (28-ounce) can LA VICTORIA® Red Enchilada Sauce
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tsp sour cream
Cooking Directions
- Heat up a large sauté pan and add the teaspoon of oil.
- Sauté the green onion, saving a small amount for garnish later, and mushrooms on medium heat for two minutes, stirring.
- Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds more.
- Add the spinach and stir all until the spinach wilts and all is soft and well mixed together.
- Let cool in a bowl. When cool, tip the bowl over a sink and gently press out most of the water from the mixture with your hand, about 10 seconds. (or twist in a cheesecloth).
- Mix in the shredded cheese, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish.
- In a sauté pan just big enough to hold one tortilla flat, add the vegetable oil and heat on medium flame for 1 minute.
- Fry each tortilla one at a time for 5 seconds each and lay on paper towels. They should be fried through, but still soft.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pour the LA VICTORIA® Red Enchilada Sauce into a bowl or shallow dish.
- Dip each fried tortilla into the sauce two times, coating well.
- Place on a sheet of plastic wrap and stuff each with 1/4 of the filling.
- Roll up the tortillas and sit them seam side down in a greased baking dish or oven-safe sauté pan, in groups of twos or threes, depending on your desired portion.
- Sprinkle with cheese on top and bake uncovered for ten minutes.
- Remove with a spatula to a plate.
- Top with a slice of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of green onion.
Nutritional Information
View Nutrition


text:
Why do you think there is no Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops in the HD collection?
Why no Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops?
- Forum Posts: 4289
- Wiki Points: 12323
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- Reviews: 1 Lists: 2
I would have liked to see Portable Ops in there. I've never played it but always wanted to.
- Forum Posts: 250
- Wiki Points: 5
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 0
Portable Ops wasn't directed by Kojima, I assume that's why. Still, would have made a nice extra.
- Forum Posts: 4541
- Wiki Points: 0
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 4
Considering we're getting an HD console-version of Peace Walker, I'd thank your lucky stars for that, and move on.
- Forum Posts: 12453
- Wiki Points: 5545
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 0
The story stuff in Portable Ops was kinda neat (especially the art done for the motion comic style cutscenes), but gameplay wise that game isn't very good. Well, it's certainly not bad, but compared to the other games, it doesn't really hold up. And it's not a looker either (well, when it was released it was a looker for a PSP game, but not compared to Peace Walker). And Peace Walker already looks a lot less good than the other two games in that HD collection.
Basically, what I'm saying is that it's not really that big of a loss. At least not when the story (despite being kinda neat) doesn't actually add anything to the overarching story of the MGS series. Seriously, if I remember correctly, it ends with the situation being largely the same as when it started.
- Forum Posts: 737
- Wiki Points: 0
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 8 Lists: 5
My one question I have with Portable ops is this: Is this Canon?
- Forum Posts: 118
- Wiki Points: 8
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 1
@Stealthmaster86: Yes it is.
- Forum Posts: 6262
- Wiki Points: 2231
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 3 Lists: 5
Because it was bad.
Well OK, thats a bit harsh but there's no denying that Peace Walker essentially 'replaces' it as the first major portable MGS. No offence to Ghost Babel.
@MysteriousBob said:
Because it was bad.
Well OK, thats a bit harsh but there's no denying that Peace Walker essentially 'replaces' it as the first major portable MGS. No offence to Ghost Babel.
Ghost Babel was pretty rad, but at least it was SOOOO obvious from the start that it was non-canon. It was definitely one the best Game Boy Color games.
- Forum Posts: 53
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Honestly still why no MGS1 in this collection. The lack of Twin Snakes is obvious and it really makes Konami's deal with Nintendo and Silicon Knights seem like a really bad idea that it essentially cannot be rereleased unless on the Wii U. But come on, MGS1 is already there, its already playable on PS3 with no issues. At there very least a download code as some sort of online pass would have been appreciated.
I hate how Kojima and Konami try and forget that Portable Ops even exist, it was my favourite PSP game. I spent 80+ hours on the online, it was also my first online experience too so that could be why. But when Old Snake came to the game along with Raiden it got super awesome.
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|May 31, 2009, 07:22 PM
Characters Welcome
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Clow Country
Posts: 5,905
NyNES: Might of the Pen
I have decided to create a NES entirely based upon something that has been a fundamental part of NESing since the very beginning: collaborative storytelling. However, rather than just creating a world where people control countries without much in the way of rules, I have decided to take this aspect of NESing and point it in a different direction. This is a writing tournament, and I have loosely based it on the popular Original Character Tournaments found elsewhere on the internet. Through participation in this competition, the members of the NES forum will weave together a cohesive story with a life of its own.
(Vague, Preliminary) Plot Summary
Word is announced of a fighting tournament being held in a mysterious, abandoned amusement park far from civilization (known only as Carnivale), and the prize for winning is listed merely as one wish. Some fighters come of their own accord and eager to fight for their chance to make their dreams come true or change their lot in life. Others are compelled. Upon arrival, there seems to be no way to get back out, except perhaps
The Tournament
You will create a character and enter them in the competition, beginning with an entry where they find themselves in the amusement park. This entry should demonstrate a little of their personalities and what they are capable of (NOTE: This is submitted before matchups are posted and the first round begins). Each round, you will be paired up against another player. Each of you must write a story with your character defeating your opponents character. The judges will select which story was better and that character will move on, while the other will be eliminated from the competition. Victory goes to the last character still in the competition.
Those who are eliminated from or are not part of the competition may post what are known as spectator entries, where a character of their creation is in the carnival observing the competition. There is an observation tower in the middle of Carnivale, where the friends and family of competitors have been invited to watch the competition. Spectators do not have to stay in the tower; however, any character on Carnivale grounds is free game for the competitors.
-Anyone can enter! Please dont hesitate to give it a try. Have some fun writing!
-Fan-characters will not be accepted. Do not introduce any characters from an existing franchise you do not yourself own. Any sort of special abilities, magic powers, or weapons you bring with you are allowed, just remember that good story writing is the name of the game
-Characters will be allowed to summon, have familiars, etc. However, you cannot squeeze an army into one slot as a character. If you include more than one person in your battles, then one must be your primary combatant while the other offers minimal aid
-Battles can be written however you like, so long as they end in your defeat of your opponent. Of the utmost importance is preserving story canon (entries from the winners of previous rounds) and capturing the personality of your opponents character.
-Battles dont necessarily have to end with your opponents character getting mutilated or focus entirely on your characters sweet moves. The focus should be on creativity and originality, and it just has to be a defeat. Write the way you like to write, and dont be afraid to express yourself or try something new. Essentially, just demonstrate your character defeating their opponent, and give the judges a reason to want to see more of them.
-Quality trumps quantity
-Since a nice clean 1 2 4 8 16 32 tournament isnt likely, we are going to have to improvise. If there is an odd number left, a group may have three contestants or one player may be given a bye. Matchups will be randomized each round to ensure fairness.
-Lurker comments are encouraged, so long as they are on topic
-The judges words are law
-Above all, HAVE FUN Thats what its all about, really
Entry Submission Process
As soon as matchups for a particular round have begun, you may begin writing your entry. You neednt wait for the deadline to submit it, and revisions will be acceptable until the submission deadline. Once that deadline has passed, no further entries will be accepted and posts that have been edited will be considered invalid. If you need an extension, do not hesitate to ask for one.
Entries are submitted by posting them in the thread with ROUND X ENTRY: and your storys title. They can be submitted all at once or in segments (which I understand is preferable to some players). However, each part of the story must be linked to the other portions of the entry so the judges arent hopping around the thread looking for your conclusion.
Please also remember that your entry is entirely independent of your opponents, and as such only one of them will become part of the canon of the tournament. If you acknowledge your opponents entry for that round in your own story, YOURE DOING IT WRONG.
After the winners of each round are announced, you are more than welcome to ask for a more specific critique of your entry, but only after judging for that round has completed. Improving our collective writing skills is an objective of this tournament
Judging Criteria
While it is difficult to define hard-and-fast rules for something like a writing competition, this section exists simply to give you a general idea of the sort of things the judges will be looking for. They are no more than guidelines, but they are a good place to start.
-character development
-compatibility with the overall storyline
-accuracy in representation of the opponents character
-creativity in problem solving
Kraznaya - Nylan - LightFang
"If you want to know the truth, you must have the courage to accept it" - Bear
Moderator of the NyNES storywriting competition
Last edited by Nylan; Jun 17, 2009 at 02:57 PM.
|May 31, 2009, 07:23 PM
Characters Welcome
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Clow Country
Posts: 5,905
1. Ninja Dude's Jiefin Huphata (and his boulder):
Jiefin 1
Jiefin 2
Jiefin 3
Jiefin 4
Jiefin 5
Jiefin 6
Jiefin 7
2. Vertinari118's Cabera:
Cabera 1
Cabera 2
Cabera 3
3. Condor green's Nolan Hasbeeue:
Nolan 1
Nolan 2
Nolan 3
Nolan 4
Nolan 5
4. flyingchicken's The Splotch:
Splotch 1
Splotch 2
Splotch 3
5. Fuschia's Anesthesia:
Anesthesia 1
Anesthesia 2
6. lord joakim's Tok-Tok:
Tok-Tok 1
Tok-Tok 2
Tok-Tok 3
Tok-Tok 4
Tok-Tok 5
7. germanicus12's Germanicus Octavian Caesar:
Germanicus 1
Germanicus 2
Germanicus 3
8. Azash's Thuraen:
Thuraen 1
9. Lord_Iggy's Sybrus Brayne:
Theme of Sybrus
Sybrus 1
Sybrus 2
Sybrus 3
10. Charles Li's Steven The Dwarf:
Steven 1
11. merciary's Merc:
Merc 1
12. Icekommander:
Icekommander 1
13. orangelex44's Kyle:
Kyle 1
14. Diamondeye's Harlequin
Harlequin 1
Round One
Round One Matchups
Jiefin vs Anesthesia
Merc vs Cabera
Icekommander vs Germanicus
Sybrus vs Nolan
Thuraen vs Kyle
The Splotch vs Harlequin
Steven vs Tok-Tok
Round One Results
Round Two
Round Two Matchups
The Splotch vs Cabera
Tok-Tok vs Sybrus
Icekommander vs Anesthesia
Kyle vs Jiefin
Round Two Results
Round Three (Semifinals)
Spectator/Intermediate Entries
Signups will remain open until the start of Round 1 on Thursday, June 4 at 12:00 AM EST. If you intend to join but have not done so already, you must post something introducing your character and their capabilities by this time in order to enter the competition.
If you have already posted in the preview thread, please confirm your participation.
"If you want to know the truth, you must have the courage to accept it" - Bear
Moderator of the NyNES storywriting competition
Last edited by Nylan; Aug 11, 2009 at 08:56 AM.
|May 31, 2009, 07:24 PM
Characters Welcome
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Clow Country
Posts: 5,905
The Reserves
You may post
"If you want to know the truth, you must have the courage to accept it" - Bear
Moderator of the NyNES storywriting competition
Last edited by Nylan; May 31, 2009 at 07:46 PM.
|May 31, 2009, 07:27 PM
Rambling and inconsistent
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: A Silver Mt. Zion
Posts: 12,357
Gender: Unspecified
Confirmed/First Post!
Story coming up, yes.
The car's on fire, and there's no driver at the wheel. And the sewers are all muddied with a thousand lonely suicides, and a dark wind blows. The government is corrupt, and we're on so many drugs with the radio on and the curtains drawn. We're trapped in the belly of this horrible machine, and the machine is bleeding to death. The sun has fallen down, and the billboards are all leering, and the flags are all dead at the top of their poles. It went like this: The buildings tumbled in on themselves. Mothers clutching babies, picked through the rubble and pulled out their hair. The skyline was beautiful on fire, all twisted metal stretching upwards. Everything washed in a thin orange haze. I said; "Kiss me, you're beautiful - these are truly the last days." You grabbed my hand and we fell into it, like a daydream or a fever. We woke up one morning and fell a little further down, for sure it's the valley of death. I open up my wallet and it's full of blood.
|May 31, 2009, 07:30 PM
Wandering the World
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ft. Lauderdale
Posts: 8,626
Story soon.
Blank Space Baby, and I'll write your name
|May 31, 2009, 07:52 PM
"I'm the hero!"
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,976
Here is the FIRST EVER SPECTATOR STORY OMFG.
The first thing that most people see when they arrive on the lonely island is a girl. Of course, some people miss her due to being blind, having generally poor eyesight, or arriving on the island via other means, but those who alight from the boats onto the dock find a lone girl, standing underneath a sign. The sign is wooden and it's just possible to make out the last vestiges of ink from the faded sign, worn out over the ages.
The captain brings his ship to a mostly full and complete stop, the boat still rocking gently with the tide. He gets out, ties the ship to the dock expertly and motions for you to get out. You do so, taking your first tentative steps on land. It's hard to believe how fast you lost your land legs, so you wobble a bit, but after a few seconds of looking rather silly you've composed yourself again. You feel a presence drilling into your brain, and you look. There's the sign, and a girl standing underneath. She doesn't look like one of the workers - you doubt that her pleated miniskirt would be sanctioned by the dress code and she looks kind of too young to be involved in such shady business - but you figure that anybody here has to be here on purpose. It's pretty hard to wander accidentally onto this amusement park.
You walk up to her and she looks you straight in the eyes, without batting an eyelash. You notice that there is a small stack of papers extruding from her messenger bag on the ground and that she's retrieved one to hand it to you. Wordlessly, you take it. You say thanks, nodding your head a bit, but your action doesn't even register on her face. She just leans against a pole, crossing her legs, and stares at the dock. Your ship has left by now. You get the feeling that she's waiting for another one to come. Shrugging, you gather your belongings and look at the paper. It's a map of the island, with a big X where you're supposed to show up. You begin walking, and when you round the bend you throw a glance back at the girl. She's still out there, like a sentry, guarding the island...
(-3.75, -5.23)
"I'm Lighty, and I'm a proud member of #fiftychat and #nes!"
I'm running a simple mafia game! Come play!
|May 31, 2009, 08:52 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Polar North
Posts: 972
Ooooh oooh sign me up!
Icekommander (OOC: Time to put that name to use!)
Standing 6'5 the strange man before seems to glow with a shimmering blueness. As he walks past you can start to shiver and suddenly feel cold, despite the sun. Appearing to have walked all the way to the Carnivale. Then so fast you would be sure you saw it (except that it's still there) a blueish white sword is in his hand. With a start you realize it's ice. From the ground suddenly arise two similarly icey figures only two feet tall. With a strange menace one of them seems to spit three icy darts onto the ground. With a sudder you realize you have stopped breathing, and the breath flows once more as the Icekommander walks past.
_ _ _
The Icekommander as he was known, is almost a legend in today's society. Supposedly seen several times during the last war, he killed almost indestcriminatly against those who he deemed invaded his territory. He has the ability to draw water to him and form it as his will, able to form shields and weapons from seemingly thin air. Each tale is different but the universal fact is that all the survivers recount a strange dryness in the air after each battle, as if all the moisture had taken some other form. Also giving him is name, he has two almost familiars. Both constructed completely of ice, they are told to be able to spit icicles. A few man tell of actually destorying these creaturs, only to see replacements pop up. However there seems to be only two at any one time. His reason for being at the Carnivale are unknown, but he looks to be a powerful opponent.
Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.
Winner of the coveted EYPC Excessive Whitespace Award
|May 31, 2009, 08:56 PM
Rambling and inconsistent
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: A Silver Mt. Zion
Posts: 12,357
Gender: Unspecified
The ox cart had stopped at a clearing; a small lake lied a few steps from the wagon, while the trees were as tall as always. The duo was taking a break from the trip towards Carnivale; Hickles was standing next to the ox, preparing for it to be tied. While he messed with the ropes, Tok-Tok hopped down from the cart and stretched out. Letting his knuckles emit a number of soft cracks, he then put them down his pockets and began whistling a tune. Hickles turned his head at Tok-Tok, who was slowly walking towards the lake; tightening the rope, he watched as Tok-Tok sat down next to the water and began drinking with cupped hands. Hickles wondered about this young macabre body, where his long arms may have come from. He was indeed some unique physique; while the limbs were clumsily plunged together, as a whole Tok-Tok was strong and fit. He did, at least, seem healthy and bright. Strawman Hickles had never felt safer next to a stranger, trusting that Tok-Tok would be prepared if the cart was attacked by highwaymen.
Tok-Tok felt the cold, fresh water being poured down his throat; the sensation of a moist mouth had been so strange for him a while ago. But he knew that a dry mouth always was the result of a long journey; soon they would make it to Taran; from the city harbor, they would take the boat to Carnivale Island. The distance was now mere miles before they were riding the waves. Tok-Tok refreshed himself by smearing his face in freshwater, rose, and turned around to find the old man looking at him. He froze, a bit surprised from the look on the Strawman's face, before they both looked elsewhere.
"Uhm," the old man said, "Have ye drunk 'em up?"
"The water?" Tok-Tok answered. He smiled for a bit, then looked at Hickles again.
"Yes, I liked drinking it," he said, "Have some yourself. I'll lie down for a bit."
Strawman Hickles walked past Tok-Tok while he found a good spot to relax. The old man crouched and began drinking as Tok-Tok took a straw from the soft grass beside him and put it into his mouth. It tasted like spring as he looked into the cloudy sky. Soon, he would be awaiting the first combatant against him in the arena; he imagined himself proudly defending himself against a vile taurus beast; like the golden meadows of his home, where those damned tauruses always broke into his home and stole his corn, and his fish. He had never understood them, why they always cleaved the door with their axes and mauled it with their fists, and why they never learned. The knocks always scared him during the dark night, with their voices roaring outside. The tauruses should just have chosen another farm; one which was further away from the lake... And the river. His room was cold and humid, with only the stone walls and bed to watch and know. The gridded window only let moonlight and skies in; but he loved those clouds. They weren't out tonight; and tonight it didn't matter. He didn't even care to share a moment with the beautiful stars. Instead, he was listening; sweatily he heard the muffled noises outside the barred door. Steps moved, knocks were light first, then forceful. Some high-pitched voice was wet and watery; now he heard two strong fists drum on the door in rage.
"We're good ter go, Tok-terk," Strawman Hickles said, "Jumpin' aboard, 're we?"
Tok-Tok woke up, covered in sweat, staring into the old man's eyes. He was fearing the day now; his recently wet mouth was now dry.
"What's wrong, lad?" the old man said, "Yer be haven' nightmares?"
"No," Tok-Tok said, taking the straw hat from the grass beside him; he rose, "Let us go."
Tok-Tok rapidly walked towards the ox cart, Ol' Man Hickles staring after him.
The car's on fire, and there's no driver at the wheel. And the sewers are all muddied with a thousand lonely suicides, and a dark wind blows. The government is corrupt, and we're on so many drugs with the radio on and the curtains drawn. We're trapped in the belly of this horrible machine, and the machine is bleeding to death. The sun has fallen down, and the billboards are all leering, and the flags are all dead at the top of their poles. It went like this: The buildings tumbled in on themselves. Mothers clutching babies, picked through the rubble and pulled out their hair. The skyline was beautiful on fire, all twisted metal stretching upwards. Everything washed in a thin orange haze. I said; "Kiss me, you're beautiful - these are truly the last days." You grabbed my hand and we fell into it, like a daydream or a fever. We woke up one morning and fell a little further down, for sure it's the valley of death. I open up my wallet and it's full of blood.
|May 31, 2009, 09:16 PM
Discordian Mod
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Homework Workshop
Posts: 13,469
Steven was born a Dwarf, with poor eyesight, and hated it. He looked into the mirror and imagined, conservatively, himself three times higher. In Gym he was more often mistaken for the ball, than ever got it, in art he can barely pickup the thick brush for mural painting, and in math, he can hardly open his thick textbook that the teacher keeps on his desk, let alone every hoping to carry it.
He felt bad for himself, and often, during his sleep, plotted his revenge.
One day, Jonathan threw him when he accidentally dropped his books during his checkers game, and Steven fell into a waste-paper basket. Only by finding a cellphone did he get free. During his sleep he dreampt of Jonathan being tore into pieces, then fit back together, then growing bugs from his skin.
When he woke up, he heard that Jonathan has been brutally tourtured with flesh-eating bugs, quartered, and then killed. Steven, for once, didn't feel bad, but felt a strange warmth of being in power. He often is depressed, but when he was in one of his depressed day-dreams... his imaginings become real.
He never grew taller, however, and heard of a contest... a contest for a wish... a wish to become who he wants to be: Normal, not small, and without powers... That is his only wish in his whole life.
|May 31, 2009, 09:49 PM
No idea what I'm doing
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: OSU
Posts: 1,541
Oh, I'll have to join this. I enjoyed playing Stadium of Superpowers, which has already been mentioned and guess what for those who played the Merc is back *evil laughter*
*System Rebooting*
*Transferring Intelligence*
*System Operational*
*Starting Program*
"Ugh, what happened to me. I remember the firing squad, then I have a strange memory of a cemetery, and for so reason an intense hatred of elephants. Hmmmm..... I'll figure those out in time, first where am I? Computer location." A voice in his head chimes in. " GPS coordinates scrambled, only the text "Location: Carnivale" is displayed" "Well that was helpful. Lets see what happened to me."
He moves over to this odd stand covered in a red and white striped fabric. "Well the names certainly fits, lets get a look at myself." He found a mirror and when he looked into he saw a rather messy looking robot staring back at him that seemed to be made of scraps. Oddly enough he didn't seem shocked at all.
"Well it looks like my self preservation program executed properly, that explains the memory fragmentation, more should come to me once the program sorts itself out. Now what's functional at the moment, Systems Check" "Basic weapons operational, Basic Sensors on line, All Primary Systems online. Advance Systems will be operational after the Central Program becomes completely integrated into the new frame." "So I have a while, lets see what weapon I have, Weapons Online." His hand shifted into an energy cannon of sorts. "So the plasma rifle is operation, we see what more this body has later. First lets find out why I'm here."
(Note to those that don't know this is a form of my character in SoS, which did very well until I was voted to be executed.)
Snarky/historical/thought provoking quote to come later
Last edited by merciary; May 31, 2009 at 10:06 PM.
|May 31, 2009, 10:05 PM
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 661
Screw the beauty sleep!
I like pigs, cats look down on us, dogs look up at us, pigs they look at us as equals-Winston Churchill
Musical Porcupine
Crayon Eater
Trike Tar
Last edited by Condor_green; May 31, 2009 at 11:21 PM.
|May 31, 2009, 11:00 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Weyauwega, Wisconsin
Posts: 1,481
From Latin, via French. The normal English polyglot. Polyglot is a fun word, too. Damn, if he wasn't an effing geek. Still, he was an effing geek with an effing gun, several guns. Gun has it's own etymology, slightly less refined, but no less interesting. Norse.
He didn't bother naming his arsenal, though. They were tools, not people. He did much better relating to tools than people. You usually knew what a tool would do; you always knew what a person would do. The wrong thing. Fail. Support the errant cause. Do whatever possible to mess things up.
He knew that was unfair, but screw it. In the words of one of his long-ago friends: people suck. Including himself, which largely explained why he was driving a crappy truck loaded with entirely too many high explosives towards a carnival, of all things. Or at least, he thought it would explain it.
He parked well off from the entrance. The grassy damned knoll. A good enough place to sit and watch his fellow... competitors?... enter. A confusing bunch, and one that in any other situation would seem to imply an acid trip. Any group where a Roman legionaire becomes a logical inclusion... well, he certainly fit right in.
Leave the rifle. Bring the shottie - always bring the shottie. Brace of pistols, although "brace" is, perhaps, no longer the correct term. Backpack with ammo, and a couple full sticks'o'dyno.
And walk towards the Ferris wheel. Why not?
The physical description:
His name is Kyle. Lanky, not especially well-muscled. Wearing prescription sunglasses, worn jeans, and an AC/DC T-shirt.
|May 31, 2009, 11:16 PM
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 661
Nolan watched as the concession of fans walked towards the viewing tower. A sure sign as any that the games are about to begin.
Getting up stiffly and cracking his neck and back Nolan picked up his bag of chemicals and made his way to the Ferris wheel where he knew that everyone would end up in the end. As he walks to the Ferris wheel he notices.
The Murderer, The General, The Giant, The Empath, The Hunter, The Assassin, and The Criminal are already there.
"All of them are insane" Nolan thinks to himself "But then again I'm no walk in the park either and you would have to be insane to join in these games of death".
As he greets his opponents Nolan smiles to himself. "Well... Time to make some martyrs".
Is this better with spacing?
I like pigs, cats look down on us, dogs look up at us, pigs they look at us as equals-Winston Churchill
Musical Porcupine
Crayon Eater
Trike Tar
|Jun 01, 2009, 12:55 AM
First Citizen of Rome
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ancient Rome
Posts: 4,627
A horse snorted, the young lad standing nearby shuddered, "Damn cold!" More horses snorted, fires blazed in the distance, trees blocking the view beyond several hundred yards, dogs barked, a man shouted. Germanicus was happy, he commands the Northern Legions and they have waged a successful war against the Briton defenders, this battle will determine Rome's fate on this blasted isle. He stares out past the woods, seeking the enemy he knows is there but is invisible, scouts pour in placing the number at around 120,000 to 150,000 warriors from all over the island. Germanicus' battle weary veterans number around 50,000, all that is left from 10 legions of 70,000 from Gaul. Inexperienced soldiers from Spain, Greece, Syria, Gaul, the whole lot of them now Rome's elite, personally trained and whipped into shape by Germanicus' well trained centurions and Legates. For 5 years these inexperienced lads went from conscripts who wet their pants at a sight of a Briton woman rushing down on them to a battle hardened veteran who would fight Pluto* himself, if commanded to do so.
Now at this point, the legionnaires face their most difficult test yet, an enemy who more than doubles their numbers, fearsome Briton warriors from all over waits just over past the treeline, painted blue and naked. No doubt a fearsome sight to a green soldier, but to his veterans, just another fanatic to bring down with cold hard Roman steel. Octavian's horse, Mars, shuddered under him and nearly burst forward, he patted his horse, "Calm, Mars, calm, you will get your chance soon enough." Octavian looked up and watched his lead scout approach, he was waving his hand and his horse was galloping at high speed through the ranks, he was liable to kill someone with that speeding horse. The scout finally arrived to within earshot and shouted, "They are attacking!" Just as the words left his mouth, a loud cry shattered the pre-battle atmosphere, and all eyes darted to the front as a blue wave approached, Octavian Germanicus raised his arm and shouted, "Archers! Release!" as he brought his arm down. Flaming arrows filled the sky, seconds later they struck their targets, rows of men fell burning, but the rest poured past unfazed that their comrades fell. The front ranks tightened and the entire Roman line solidified, shields interlocked one another and every man behind them braced for impact.
A lull came, arrows flew in the skies at slow speed, the sounds of the dogs barking was slowed, Germanicus looked around it appeared as if time slowed just for him, as it always seems to have done in previous battles, Mars snorted and then time returned with a thunderous crash, the lines met. Screams and clashing metals could be heard, the swish of arrows as they left their bows was loud, Germanicus again raised his arm and dropped it, a boing could be heard followed by another, a few seconds later something smashed near trees and dozens of blue fanatics fell to the ground burning, the catapults launched gaskets of oil with a burning cloth, a new terror weapon brought forth by Rome in recent times. Germanicus now focused his vision on the front ranks, his centurions were doing well, cool under pressure they moved the front row to the rear to allow them to rest their arms while the 2nd row fights. Every 15 minutes they do this, even his veterans, troops that fought under him for the last 5 years, show the same vigor and excitement that he shows. There is no doubt Rome will win this war with such men under his command, but first he has to win this battle.
The battle has been going on for only 2 hours and the line has not moved much in that time, his veterans were holding their ground well but the Britons numbers were beginning to wear them down. Germanicus has already ordered his reserves to reinforce his weakened flanks and prevent the flanking Britons to rout them there, fortunately for Germanicus, the Britons neglected to bring their horses with them and this gave him free reign with his cavalry. Despite this advantage, he could not use them himself, the dense woods prevent an effective cavalry charge, undeterred Germanicus donned his helmet and pulled out his sword and raced to his line, his bodyguards scrambling to catch up. Germanicus wanted to end this here and now, and if he had to fight with his men to see that end come, he would. Mars neighed happily and charged into the fray, Germanicus jumped off and hacked down a Briton before two others jumped on him, thinking quick he grabbed his spare sword from his bodyguard just before being tackled. Seconds later he emerged atop two dead Britons, much to the relief of his guards and nearby veterans. Abandoning one of his swords he grabbed a shield from a fallen legionnaire and began fighting his way to his troops. His bodyguards falling one by one, victims to Briton attacks, despite his fighting skills the Britons were still keeping Germanicus from reuniting with his troops. Seeing this a Centurion cried, "Charge! Save the General!" With this, a cry rose, "Save the General! Save the General!" The entire line surged forward, reinforced by fresh men the legions pushed with all their might and finally the Britons cracked. Three hours into the fight and the Roman Legions emerge victorious, but after chasing down the Britons they return to find out that no-one knows where their valiant General is.
They searched the woods, they sent cavalry patrols to raid and scout out Briton camps, scouts search far and wide, not even Briton chiefs who surrendered the next day know where he is and claim his soldiers never caught him. His one remaining bodyguard claimed he was with him when he disappeared, claiming to see a bright light emitting close to the General then a second later the light was gone and so was the General. It was at this point that General Germanicus Octavian Caesar was taken from AD 21 and brought to Carnivale.
*Pluto=The Roman God of Hades or Hell.
The people rule Rome, not you fine Noblemen. -insult to Senate of Rome.
The Average American will cross an ocean to fight for democracy, but would not cross the street to vote. -Unkown
"Our war can end one of two ways. Either the American Federation will fall, or Deseret will die. I myself will pass from this world before I allow the latter to occur."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Theocratic State of Deseret
|Jun 01, 2009, 01:55 AM
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Yukon
Posts: 24,410
He Was Given a Choice
Sheets of night-time rain cascaded down over a trenchcoated figure, leaning against the wall of the alley and breathing heavily. The sound of wet footsteps, slapping against the slick concrete, closed in behind him. Looking around with jerking motions, he saw no escape- the area was a dead end. Leaping upwards, a metallic claw emerged from his left sleeve, digging into the concrete wall. A second digitigrade mechanical limb emerged where his left leg should have been, and he began crawling, in a scrambling, asymmetric fashion, up the side of the building.
However, he was not fast enough. The black-clad group in his pursuit arrived at the entrance of the alley, drawing their weapons on him. A flashlight illuminated the hanging figure, completely exposed.
Give it up Brayne- get off that wall.
Youll kill me before you convince me to come back! Sybrus Brayne discretely slid a short, tubular metal device down his sleeve and into his human hand.
Well, wed hardly like to kill of someone such as valuable to the corporation as yourself, now would we?
A gunshot rang out. Instantaneously, the metal rod whipped out, with a loud ring. One of the black-clad men fell down, a bullet lodged in his cranium. The man on the wall barked out a single laugh, a fully-extended, two-bladed staff now in clearly visible.
Agent Crozier, youre slipping- you never lowered yourself to trickery earlier.
Whatever methods are necessary to accomplish my superiors goals, Subject Brayne. However I am willing to negotiate.
On what terms? And dont try to pull anything like that again- I dont want to kill anyone else tonight.
Regarding your contractual release. I am in a position to nullify any remaining inequities between yourself and the corporation.
I get full release, you guys stop chasing me... whats the catch?
The catch is the crux of this agreement. There is a tournament of combat that will be taking place under the auspices of another corporation. You will take part in this event, to serve as a test of your training and technology. The combat metrics gained from this event will be enough to recompense our expenses on you, and conclude our experiment. Regardless of your status after your fights, we will gain the necessary combat metrics, and conclude our experiment.
And if I dont want a thing to do with this?
Your family can... balance out the remainder of your debt.
You sick bastard, I have no family- after what you did to them.
Are you so willing to make that gamble, Subject Brayne?
Sybrus paused for some time.
Damned if I do, damned if I dont.
That is true. May I assume that this is acceptance?
Shake on it?
Not on your life, Crozier.
Very well then, Ill accept your verbal agreement. Your transportation is here.
The Agent placed a parcel on the ground, and backed away, along with his entourage. Several moments passed before Sybrus came down from the wall, and picked up the package. He looked at it briefly, then set out into the moonlit streets, in his limping, inhuman gait.
Elsewhere, Crozier began to speak into his cellphone.
Status? buzzed a voice from the device.
The breakout was staged as planned, and Subject Brayne has accepted the offer.
Good. Now, do you have any questions regarding my reasons?
Of course not sir.
Thats a good agent. Out.
NESLife VI
Life as You've Never Seen it Before!
Last edited by Lord_Iggy; Jun 01, 2009 at 02:41 AM.
|Jun 01, 2009, 02:41 AM
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Yukon
Posts: 24,410
The Theme of Sybrus Brayne
OOC: I uploaded a zip of the music's mp3, but am unable to attach it to this post... anyone have an idea of how to do this?
NESLife VI
Life as You've Never Seen it Before!
|Jun 01, 2009, 05:57 AM
Rambling and inconsistent
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: A Silver Mt. Zion
Posts: 12,357
Gender: Unspecified
There is an "Attachments" button somewhere in the Advanced Post Aditor. It's one of those metal clips with a downward arrow beside it, I think.
The car's on fire, and there's no driver at the wheel. And the sewers are all muddied with a thousand lonely suicides, and a dark wind blows. The government is corrupt, and we're on so many drugs with the radio on and the curtains drawn. We're trapped in the belly of this horrible machine, and the machine is bleeding to death. The sun has fallen down, and the billboards are all leering, and the flags are all dead at the top of their poles. It went like this: The buildings tumbled in on themselves. Mothers clutching babies, picked through the rubble and pulled out their hair. The skyline was beautiful on fire, all twisted metal stretching upwards. Everything washed in a thin orange haze. I said; "Kiss me, you're beautiful - these are truly the last days." You grabbed my hand and we fell into it, like a daydream or a fever. We woke up one morning and fell a little further down, for sure it's the valley of death. I open up my wallet and it's full of blood.
|Jun 01, 2009, 06:08 AM
So Happy I Could Die
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Dancing in the Dark
Posts: 6,527
Images: 5
The Harlequin found himself drifting away from the world. He could still feel the sword of the paladin piercing his skin, cutting through his red and yellow clothes like, well, clothes. He quickly got tired of the sucking feeling in the stomach that drifting from the world of the living provides, and felt a sudden... force, pull him to the surface.
The girl with the sign watched in silent determination for the next boat, when suddenly a clown's head appeared, breaching the water's surface. The bells on his hat was jingling, and he was laughing a surprised laughter. He swam to the shore, his clothes and make-up all ruined by the water, but still smiling. He took the map from the girl, careful not to ruin it by letting water run onto it, and read. "Oooh. A carnival? Teehee!"
He cackled happily as he wandered towards the center of the Carnivale. Whoever was going to face him would be in for an unusually large dose of insanity and improbability...
|Jun 01, 2009, 07:32 AM
La Sombra
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Net
Posts: 3,484
Real terror is not the sight of death. It is the fear of death.
What is the fear of death? Terror of the unknown.
Is it these eyes you peer into? No, I am not the unknown.
You and I are closer kin than you and it were.
|Thread Tools


text:
Norman Geisler
Dr. Norman Geisler is the author or coauthor of over fifty books and numerous articles. Dr. Geisler currently serves as president of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Geisler and his wife, Barbara Jean, have six children and ten grandchildren.
From God To Us Revised and Expanded: How We Got Our Bible
Norman Geisler, Norman L. Geisler, William Nix, William E. Nix$21.99
The Popular Handbook of Biblical Archaeology
Norman Geisler, Walter C. Kaiser JR., Dr Norman Geisler, Dr Walter C. ...$26.99


text:
The Creighton Bluejays got right back on track Friday after suffering a loss in the Big East tournament finals to Providence. Doug McDermott and Co. were heavily tested by the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, but prevailed in the end by a score of 76-66.
McDermott with 30 pts,12 rebs as Creighton defeats Louisiana-Lafayette 76-66. #MarchMadness— ESPN College BBall (@ESPNCBB) March 21, 2014
Creighton got off to a fast start, as McDermott already recorded a double-double in the first half, going 8-of-15 for 17 points and adding 10 rebounds. Austin Chatman played the role of a great sidekick, recording five assists and nine points in that span as well.
The Bluejays led LA-Lafayette by a score of 39-33 at halftime.
Creighton's lead at the half was a bad omen for the Cajuns, according to the team's official Twitter account:
Creighton has won 32 straight games when leading at halftime. Jays are up 39-33 at the break. McDermott 17 pts, 10 reb.— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) March 21, 2014
Early in the second half, the Cajuns got right back into the mix. Elfrid Payton got hot and allowed LA-Lafayette to tie the game with 10 minutes remaining. ESPN Stats and Info's Twitter account noted the turn of events:
Creighton, Louisiana-Lafayette tied.. Doug McDermott has 23 points, as many as the rest of his team. http://t.co/ELY4wHPLbt— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 21, 2014
With a great run from Payton and Shawn Long ongoing, what we all expected before this matchup began came to fruition. The Daily Advertiser tweeted a comment from writer Chad D. Washington that summed up the current performances of each team's stars:
RT @ChadDWashington: Only 3 players in double figures are the stars for both teams: McDermott 23, Payton 18, Long 10. #Cajuns #MarchMadness— The Daily Advertiser (@theadvertiser) March 21, 2014
Shortly after, Payton and Co. took the lead, and Twitter reacted accordingly.
ESPN's college basketball Twitter account put Creighton on upset alert:
#UpsetAlert: Louisiana-Lafayette leads Creighton 50-46 with 12:07 left to go. #MarchMadness— ESPN College BBall (@ESPNCBB) March 21, 2014
Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports felt the late-game anxiety coming on:
UL-Lafayette up four on Creighton. Oh boy.— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 21, 2014
Before the game got out of hand, the Bluejays got back on track.
When McDermott wasn't dropping buckets, his supporting cast took over. Jahenns Manigat showed up in a big way in the waning minutes of the game. Creighton's official Twitter account noted his sudden impact:
Jahenns Manigat with the lay-up and the foul! Creighton heads to media timeout up 58-53 with 7:55 left.— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) March 21, 2014
Ethan Wragge also got hot for Creighton, hitting shots from all over the place, as the Bluejays increased their lead with under five minutes left to play. Creighton's Twitter account marked his three-point shooting streak:
Creighton leading Louisiana 62-56 with 5:00 to go after Wragge's 4th trey. Bluejays have won 35 straight games when leading with 5:00 left.— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) March 21, 2014
This trend continued, as McDermott suddenly hit a cold streak. ESPN Stats and Info's Twitter account noted just how long it was since McDermott's last bucket:
Doug McDermott has not scored any of Creighton's last 22 points. Creighton leads by 8 with 3:32 to play— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 21, 2014
Just as LA-Lafayette pulled to within four point with two minutes left, McDermott showed back up in the clutch. This was expected by Omaha World-Herald writer Kevin White—he tweeted accordingly:
The Coverboy for 3. Who else. Creighton 71-64, 1:54.— Kevin White (@KWhiteOWH) March 21, 2014
Eric Prisbell of USA Today tweeted that McDermott should get some major national recognition for his continued stellar performances:
Under the radar all year, that number 3 on Creighton (named McDermott) with a huge 3. Unheralded senior should get some pub. Deserves it.— Eric Prisbell (@EricPrisbell) March 21, 2014
After his huge three-pointer and a LA-Lafayette turnover, McDermott followed it up with a layup to put Creighton up by nine with just over one minute remaining. That is called the dagger.
Seth Davis of CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated readied his bracket for an update, according to this short tweet:
Creighton. Sharpie.— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 21, 2014
McDermott finished the game connecting on 13 of 23 attempts from the field for a game-high 30 points, adding 12 rebounds, two assists and one block. The 30 points are the most ever recorded by a Creighton player in the NCAA tournament, according to ESPN Stats and Info:
Doug McDermott: 30 points, single-game NCAA Tournament record for a Creighton player— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 21, 2014
During a postgame press conference with The Associated Press, via ESPN.com, McDermott expressed his delight to be back in the NCAA tournament:
"It feels great to be back. This is what I came back for."
Chatman and Wragge showed up in a big way during the second half and finished with a combined 28 points.
Louisiana-Lafayette coach Bob Marlin explained how Wragge was a major contributing factor in the Cajuns' loss during his press conference with the AP:
"We lost Wragge. That's the guy we were concerned about."
For the Cajuns, Payton did everything he could to keep his team in the mix. He finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
Shawn Long was impressive as well, scoring 15 points and adding seven rebounds and two blocks.
LA-Lafayette will be heading home early. Creighton will move on to play No. 6 Baylor in the round of 32. Baylor is riding a serious hot streak after knocking off Nebraska in Round 2. We're sure in for some fireworks when these two teams take the floor.
Creighton head coach Doug McDermott put it best during his press conference with the AP:
"A lot of crazy things have happened in this tournament. You have to survive and advance."
In the matchup with Baylor, McDermott's scoring ability will be extremely important. The Bears play zone defense primarily, which could leave plenty of open space for McDermott to operate.
If Creighton can find a way to knock off its Big 12 foe, it'll be on a collision course for a matchup with either Oregon or Wisconsin in the Sweet 16.


text:
Never ever, in our
wildest dreams, did we ever imagine that a government could let its own citizens
perish like flies to a preventable and treatable disease like cholera in this
century? MDC-USA is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the suffering our
people have to endure.
That the country is in
this predicament is no surprise at all. For a long time, the proverbial "writing
on the wall" has been there for all and sundry. Zimbabwe does not have the
capacity or resources to deal with this catastrophe. For years, the health care
system has disintegrated, compounded by the exodus of qualified health
personnel. The government is broke and the little foreign currency that trickles
in has been reserved for personal gratification (shopping trips for the chosen
few, wide screen TVs to buy loyalty of judges and endless fickle material
stuff). Priorities have been shifted from the people in preference to self
preservation. The people's trust has been betrayed. A government is supposed to
take care of its people, but this government has been more concerned with
entrenching itself in power.
It is bemusing when
'illegitimate' president Robert Mugabe declared an end to cholera ("Now that the
cholera has been contained, there is no need for a war") when to this day,
cholera deaths rise unabated (1732 confirmed deaths to date). Is Mr. Mugabe out
of touch with reality or is he just a callous human being without regard to
life, we wonder? Has Mr. Mugabe and his ministers ever taken a tour of the
health care centers to assess the situation on the ground or they are tucked
away in their comfort zones, being fed cooked information? But then, would they
dare to take a walk in the masses without receiving the wrath of the people?
Statements accusing the British of bringing cholera upon Zimbabwe are not only
irresponsible, but silly. They are a reflection of the inner mind of an old and
tired man who needs a nap.
MDC-USA calls upon those individuals who control the government system to be responsible and act now! Many have called for the declaration of a state of emergency and that would be a first step. Calling for help is not a sign of weakness but courage! Mwana asingachemi anofira mumbereko. Denying reality is like chasing the wind - you don't win! To start with a Government of National Unity which satisfies the concerns of MDC should be put in place now. In the interim the existing illegal government of Robert Mugabe should invite all organizations and individuals who wish to assist to come without any preconditions. This is no time for political pandering because no one should play politics with people's lives. The unfortunate part is that cholera has no political boundaries - ZANU PF nor MDC it will strike.
Dr. Roderick
Machekano, Secretary for Health.
MDC-USA, www.mdc-usa.org
Dr. Roderick Machekano (Assistant Professor of Medicine (Tenure-track), Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Department of Medicine).College/University: 1985-1988 University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, BSc Hons (Mathematics). College/University: 1993-1994 University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, MSc (Mathematics) College/University: 2001-2003 University of California, Berkeley, CA, MPH (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) College/University: 2003-2006 University of California, Berkeley, CA, PhD (Biostatistics. Has extensive experience working in projects which give assistance to AIDS patients.