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This weekend, a number of you will spend your money to see a movie called 'Final Destination 5.' As with the deaths portrayed in the 'Final Destination' series of films, nothing can prevent this from happening. Also, it's mid-August, which means that the better movies are taking a break for a while. They'll be back! We promise! But not this weekend. This weekend, you get 'Final Destination 5.' As a service, we answer every question that you could possibly have about 'Final Destination 5.'
Q: So ... how have things been going for you so far at Moviefone?
A: Things were going swell ... that is, until I was forced to see 'Final Destination 5.'
Q: Why were you forced to see 'Final Destination 5'?
A: Because my editor, who decided that I can't write this piece about '30 Minutes or Less,' is being an as*hole.
Q: Does this mean that you did not enjoy 'Final Destination 5'?
A: It's nowhere near the worst movie that I've ever seen (and, for its very specific genre, it may even be considered serviceable), but it may have been the most excruciating 92 minutes of my life.
Q: Wait, isn't your editor going to read this piece?
A: You see, this is just an exercise in venting that my therapist suggested after I see bad movies. I'm certainly not stupid enough to turn in a piece in which I refer to my editor as an as*hole. I have this piece saved as "Destination 5." The actual piece I'm submitting is saved as "Destination_5" -- so there is absolutely no way I will get these two files confused.
Q: Why was it excruciating?
A: Well, for one, for the rest of my life, I will never be able to get the images of "death by LASIK surgery" out of my head. (Not to even mention the acupuncture scene.)
Q: What's the best movie ever made that features a character who dies during LASIK surgery?
A: 'Final Destination 5.'
Q: What's the worst movie ever made that features a character who dies during LASIK surgery?
A: 'Final Destination 5.'
Q: Will AOL compensate you for emotional damage you have sustained by watching 'Final Destination 5'?
A: The lawyers are still sorting that out.
Q: If I have never seen a 'Final Destination' movie, will I understand what's going on in 'Final Destination 5'?
A: For the love of God, why would you do such a thing? Why now? You've made it this far in life without seeing a 'Final Destination' film, what would ever posses you to start now?
Q: How intelligent do I have to be to understand 'Final Destination 5.'
A: If you can read at a 4th-grade level, you will understand what is going on in 'Final Destination 5.'
Q: At what grade level do I need to read to be able to understand this piece about 'Final Destination 5'?
A: Second grade.
Q: What's the plot of 'Final Destination 5'?
A: It's the same as 'Final Destination,' 'Final Destination 2,' 'Final Destination 3, 'The Final Destination' and, whenever it's released, 'Final Destination 6' (or 'Final Destination Rises,' or whatever it's going to be called).
Q: What is the disaster avoided in 'Final Destination 5'?
A: On the way to a corporate retreat, Sam (Nicholas D'Agosto) has a premonition of a bridge collapse in which most of his coworkers will perish. After the premonition, Sam saves a good number of his coworkers.
Q: Premonition about a bridge collapse? Oh, is this the movie with the ChapStick?
A: No, you're thinking of 'The Mothman Prophecies.'
Q: Is Sam crowned a hero for saving lives?
A: No. In fact, the police seem to think that he's involved somehow because of his prior knowledge of the bridge collapse.
Q: What is a sample line of dialogue from 'Final Destination 5'?
A: "It's not fat; they're called t*ts."
Q: How hilarious is David Koechner in 'Final Destination 5'?
A: Not really hilarious at all. In fact, his premonition death -- as seen in the trailers, "death by hot tar" -- is the most gruesome.
Q: When David Koechner gets hit by the hot tar, does he say "Whammy!"?
A: No.
Q: Do the characters in 'Final Destination 5' mourn the loss of their friends?
A: It actually becomes laughable how unaffected the surviving characters are by the gruesome deaths of their friends and colleagues. A character will die and, minutes later, another will celebrate a minor life victory. Or Sam will lament about his awful work situation.
Q: What is Sam's awful work situation?
A: Sam wants to be a chef and was offered an internship in Paris.
Q: Wait, Paris? How is that terrible?
A: Apparently for no other reason than that it is far away.
Q: Are you saying that 'Final Destination 5' is terrible?
A: I'm saying that if you like this type of movie, you're probably going to like 'Final Destination 5' just fine. I think.
Q: What's the best thing about 'Final Destination 5'?
A: There is an interesting tie-in with the original film that I think fans of this series will enjoy.
Q: With what three movies does 'Final Destination 5' surprisingly have something in common?
A: 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' 'Mallrats' and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.'
Q: If you're going to be blurbed in this weekend's commercials for 'Final Destination 5,' what quote do you think will be used?
A: "If you liked 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly', you'll love 'Final Destination 5'" – Mike Ryan,Moviefone
You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter.
Follow Moviefone on Twitter.
Final Destination 5
Survivors of a bridge disaster learn that they cannot cheat Death. Read More
categories Movies, New Releases, Horror


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Cold spring linked with melting sea ice
Across large portions of North America and Europe, the beginning of spring has been cold. Scientists have now attributed that to the intense loss of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change.
Just outside of Vegas, coal plant gambles with lives
For years, the NV Energy-owned Reid Gardner coal plant just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada has been poisoning the Moapa tribe of Paiute Native Americans.
Impending disaster uncovered at Louisiana refinery
An EPA inspection uncovered numerous air quality and job safety and health violations that ExxonMobil did not report at the nation's second largest oil refinery.

subset: commoncrawl


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Infertility Overview
A diagnosis of infertility is made when a man and woman have unprotected intercourse for one year without resulting in pregnancy, or for six months if the woman is older than 35 years of age. The cause of this lack of conception can be due to either the male or female partner, or a combination of the two. Both men and women suffer from infertility equally.
Infertility is not synonymous with sterility (the inability to have children). While 15% of couples in the United States are infertile, only 1-2% is sterile. Up to 50% of couples seeking medical assistance for infertility correction go on to become pregnant.
For women, causes of infertility are:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Pituitary dysfunction
- Conditions causing lack of ovulation
- Polycystic ovaries
- Obesity
- Significantly underweight
- Drugs
- Blockage of fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Prior surgery with scar tissue
- Prior tubal ligation
- Prior pelvic infection disease (PID)
- Uterine abnormalities
- Septum (wall in uterus from embryo development)
- Polyps
- Adhesions (scar tissue)
- Prior intrauterine device (IUD)
- Prior endometritis (infection)
- Eating disorders
- Malnutrition
- Anorexia/bulimia
For men, the four most common causes of infertility are:
- Low sperm count (or lack of sperm)
- Low sperm motility – sperm don't swim as well as necessary
- Sperm malformation
- Sperm duct blockage, making sperm unavailable
Show All
Doctors Who Treat Infertility
Often, the general practitioner or family doctor is the first healthcare provider that a woman approaches about her fear of infertility for evaluation and answers to questions. The general practitioner is a physician who treats both acute and chronic conditions for patients of all ages and also provides preventive care.
Additional specialists that provide care are listed below in this infertility patient education guide include:
Gynecologist – a physician who specializes in the sexual and reproductive anatomy of the female and its functioning
Endocrinologist – a physician who deals with the health, diagnosis, and treatment of hormonal system disorders such as thyroid imbalances, diabetes, and pituitary problems (a hormonal imbalance can cause irregular or no menstrual cycles and irregular ovulation)
Infertility Specialist – also known as a reproductive endocrinologist; maintains health and treats reproductive disorders for both men and women
Urologist – a physician who deals with the health and disorders of the male and female urinary tract, as well as male fertility
Psychologist – provides therapy for individuals through counseling and psychotherapy; devises techniques for controlling stress or mood problems (infertility often is accompanied by feelings of anxiety, guilt, and frustration)
Psychiatrist – a medical doctor who focuses on health and disorders of the mind and mood; may prescribe medications in addition to psychotherapy if imbalances or mental disorders are diagnosed
Nurse Practitioner – focuses on prevention, wellness, and education of patients about health and health choices
Nutritionist – a professional who formulates diet plans for both healthy and compromised individuals, as well as advises which vitamins and supplements would promote good health (nutritional status strongly affects fertility and certain supplements can help improve it
Holistic Practitioner – views the body overall, considering physical, mental, and spiritual components; considers herbs and nutritional supplements in addition to meditation, cleansing, diet and exercise protocols
How to Prepare for Your Doctor Visit for Infertility
Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain actions you can take to maximize the benefit of your doctor visit such as those listed in this infertility patient education guide.
On the day of the consultation with the physician, bring the following:
- A list of past medical conditions and infections
- A list of past surgeries with dates
- A chart of the dates of your last three menses (record on the menses chart all intercourse episodes)
- All recent laboratory test results
- All recent radiological images
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Infertility
From your initial diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your condition. This infertility patient education guide lists questions to discuss with the doctor so you can make informed decisions about your condition and care.
Questions About My Diagnosis
- What is my prognosis? Is this problem permanent or treatable?
- Is my infertility associated with other medical problems?
- Are there tests to confirm the diagnosis of infertility?
- Does my partner need to be tested?
- Will a donor egg or sperm be needed with this diagnosis?
Questions About My Treatment
- What type of treatment do you advise trying first? Why?
- Do I need surgery, drugs, or a combination? What are the risks?
- What is your success rate for the treatment advised? How many cycles would I need to repeat this treatment? Does my insurance cover part or all of this treatment?
- Do you freeze unused embryos? What happens to them?
- Do you advise donor eggs for women after a certain age or amount of failed treatments? What is that age? What is the number of treatments?
Questions About My Lifestyle & Family
- Are there any exercises that I should do to increase my chances of fertility? Are there activities I should avoid?
- Does infertility run in families?
- Is there a diet that you would recommend? Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take?
- Are there alternative therapies that will improve my infertility?
Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Infertility
The following chart involves testing for women. However, it is crucial that prior to undergoing a complete infertility workup, a thorough physical examination is performed and a history is reviewed. As part of the examination, a pap smear and vaginal cultures are taken. If there is any bacterial infection, viral infection, or sexually transmitted disease, this needs to be treated first and then the issue of infertility can be revisited.
A semen analysis should be performed on the male partner. If there is a deficiency of sperm or sperm motility problems, this needs to be addressed.
Why Test?
What Happens?
Normal Result
|Sedimentation test (ESR)
|After a tourniquet is applied to the upper arm, the puncture site of skin is swabbed with alcohol pads and a needle punctures the skin. Blood is then drawn into a syringe for analysis.
The test tube that received the blood is assessed in one hour. The more red blood cells that settle into the bottom of the tube, the higher the sedimentation rate and the higher the inflammation.
|Under Age 50
(in mm/hr)
Men: 0-15
|Hormone tests
|Hormone deficiencies can cause a lack of fertility. Also, some hormones, in conjunction with cycle timing, can suggest impending ovulation and fertile periods of time.
|After a tourniquet is applied to the upper arm, the puncture site of skin is swabbed with alcohol pads and a needle punctures the skin. Blood is then drawn into a syringe for analysis.
The needle is removed and a pressure bandage is applied to the puncture site.
|Thyroid panel
Serum thyroxin –T4
4.6-12 ug/dl
Serum triiodothyronine-T3
80-180 ng/dl
Thyroxine-biding globulin- TBG
12-20 ug/dl
Thyroid stimulating hormone- TSH
9-30 uIU/ml
Males=2-18 ng/ml
Females 2-29 ng/mL
Pregnant women=10-209 ng/ML
FSH= 3-20mlU/ml
(>10-12 mlu/ml can suggest ovaries are not functioning)
LH Day 3=
<7 mIU/ml
Estradiol (E2) Day3
25-75 pg/ml
Day 4-5=100+
Mid-cycle surge=
200+ pg/ml
Day 3= <1.5 ng/ml
Day 7 dpo=>15 ng
AMH (anti-mullerian hormone)
Total Testosterone Day 3= 6-86 ng/dL
Free Testosterone
Day 3= .7-3.6 pg/ml
DHEAS (dehydroepiandro-sterone Sulfate) Day 3= 35-430 ug/dl
Androstenedione Day 3= .7-3.1 ng/ml
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Day 3=18-114 nmol/l
17 hydroxy-progesterone Day 3= 20-100 ng/dl
Mid-cycle peak =100-250
270-1100 ng/dl
Free testosterone .95-4.3 ng/dl
FSH=1-18 mIU/ml
Prolactin= <20 ng/ml
|Basal body temperature
|Shows if ovulation has taken place and when ovulation and fertile time occurs
|Take your temperature daily, first thing in the morning before getting out of bed (with a basal body temperature thermometer) and chart the results.
*Need at least 5 hours of sleep
|Temperature rise of .4 degrees or more in a 48-hour period signifies ovulation. The result should be higher than the prior 6 days.
If there is no change in temperature, no ovulation has taken place.
|Charting cervical mucus
|A change in color and consistency reflects ovulation as taking place
|To visualize the cervical mucus, you can examine the toilet tissue after wiping or insert two fingers into the vaginal canal and get a little mucus from the cervix.
|When mucus snaps with no stretch, it is indicative of no ovulation and not a receptive time.
|Ovulation predictor kit
|Looks for the Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that occurs just before ovulation. The kit will pinpoint the time when you ovulate.
|Take a sterile cup, fill with urine, and dip the provided stick inside for 5-20 seconds. Testing will be done on consecutive days for 5-7 days mid-cycle.
|The LH surges just before ovulation. If there is no fluctuation in results, ovulation has not occurred or testing needs to be done for a longer period.
|Pelvic sonogram, or ultrasound
|Evaluates the structures of the ovaries and pelvic organs for any abnormalities. Follicles can be visualized in the first part of the cycle.
|After lying down on the table, the technician places clear water-based gel on your tummy and pelvic area. A hand-held probe is then moved back and forth over the area, transmitting sound waves. The echoes of these waves create an image on a computer monitor.
Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. Here, you lie on the exam table with knees bent and feet in stirrups. A covered probe is lubricated and placed in the vagina. The probe emits sound waves and the echoes create an image on a computer monitor.
|Should show no tumors or cysts of the uterus, tubes, or ovaries and no septum, obstructions, or strictures.
|Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
|Assesses any structural problems within the uterus such as adhesions, septums, fibroids and polyps; detects any obstructions or constrictions of the fallopian tubes
|You are placed on the examination table with your knees up and your feet in stirrups.
A speculum is placed into the vagina and a clamp grasps the cervix. A tube is attached to a cap that is placed over the cervix and a contrast dye is infused through the tube. The dye flows up the cervix, uterus, and through the fallopian tubes. X-ray images are obtained as the dye flows, which are impeded if there are any obstructions.
Abdominal or pelvic cramping may be experienced during this procedure and you may be advised to take a mild analgesic prior to the test.
|Should show no strictures or obstructions of the tubes and no growths or impingements on the uterine cavity.
|Views the uterine lining
|You are placed on the exam table with your knees bent and feet in stirrups.
A speculum is placed in the vagina. The tip of the hysteroscope is then inserted through the cervical opening into the uterus.
The hysteroscope has a light and camera attachment so that viewing is done on a monitor or video screen.
|Should show no septum, polyps, or fibroids and no break in integrity of the lining.
|Post coital test (PK)
|Checks to see if the cervical mucus is too thick, if there are sperm antibodies present, and if sperm are moving appropriately
| The couple has intercourse at home at the 12th-15th day of the cycle and comes to the office within an hour.The woman is placed on the examination table with knees up and feet in stirrups.
A speculum (clamp) is inserted into the vaginal vault for visualization of the vagina.
Cervical mucus is aspirated (withdrawn) and placed onto a microscopic slide.
The clamp is then removed.
|Should show thin cervical mucus with no clumping of cells on the microscopic slide.
Common Medications and Treatments for Infertility
There are several types of therapy when discussing infertility treatments. They center on:
- Stimulation of ovulation
- Hormonal imbalance correction
- Correction of structural obstacles
- Treatment of disease conditions
Treatments can be dietary, medicinal, surgical, or a combination of all three.
Dietary and Lifestyle Treatments
How/Why it Works
|Discontinue tobacco use/exposure to smoke
|Cigarette smoke decreases rate of conception; sperm counts are lower and are not as motile
|Discontinue birth control pills for two cycles
|Ovulation may take time to resume regularly.
|Stress reduction therapies (yoga, meditation, massage)
|Ovulation and fertilization are hampered by stress. While the mechanisms are not clearly defined, stress may lead to subtle hormonal imbalances and anovulation.
|Eat healthy, balanced, and nutritional meals
|Studies show that 79% of infertile couples had lowered antioxidant intake (fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants)
A study published in Archives of Andrology demonstrated sperm's ability to swim was increased with Vitamin E and selenium.
|Decrease seafood in diet
|High blood level of mercury can decrease fertility and cause abnormal semen
|Decrease weight if obese
|Losing 5% body of weight can stimulate ovulation and pregnancy
|Take daily vitamin supplements
|The following vitamin usage has been linked to increased fertility:
|Avoid exposure to pesticides
|Exposure has been linked to hormone imbalances (especially estrogen and its receptors)
|Avoid exposure to marijuana
|Prolactin can increase with drug exposure, causing a lack of ovulation or regular cycles
|Evaluate current prescribed medications.
|Certain drugs will affect success of fertilization or the ensuing pregnancy. Discuss the drugs with your physician. If the drug is not absolutely necessary, discuss discontinuing it and taking alternate means. If the drug is needed, discuss exchanging the medication for one that treats the condition but is not as harmful to the conceptus.
|Increase time for sleep
|Sleep deprivation leads to irregular cycles and decreased ovulation times
Medical Treatments
If a hormone imbalance exists due to dysfunction of the thyroid or pituitary gland, medication is given to correct these problems. Until then, anovulation (not ovulating) may present. The following chart is for ways that ovulation may be stimulated outside the scope of a hormonal imbalance.
How/Why it Works
|Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) increases production of gonadotropins by reducing the hypothalamic feedback pathway. This causes ovulation induction.
|Menotropin (also called human menopausal gonadotropin –HMG)
|Gonadotropins (LH and FSH), which are obtained from postmenopausal women's urine, are injected to cause multiple follicles in ovulation (stimulating the ovaries) to increase the chances of fertilization.
Surgical Treatments
|How/Why it Works
|Artificial insemination
|Sperm are placed into the cervix, uterus (intrauterine insemination/IUI), or tubes. This bypasses any obstructions or sperm motility issues.
|Surgical laparoscopy
|Adhesions are visualized in the pelvis or abdomen with insertion of a laparoscopic tube attached to a light and monitor screen and lysed (cut). Any spots of endometriosis are cauterized (burnt) out and the tubes are made mobile.
|Surgical hysteroscopy
|A hysteroscope tube with light attached to a monitor screen views the uterine lining. Any polyps or obstructions are removed. If a septum (wall) is discovered, it is removed.
|Tubal ligation reversal
|If the tubes were "tied" for contraception in the past, the open tube ends are joined together.
|In vitro fertilization (IVF)
|Egg and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory. The developing embryo is then inserted into the uterus. This bypasses the need to go through the fallopian tubes, which can be damaged beyond repair or absent.


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McDonald's has presented more than $7,000 in classroom grants to 18 area school teachers, including nine in Bedford and Blair counties.
Bedford Area Middle School physical education teacher Meg Pajak received a grant this month for pedometers, double dutch jump ropes and bags of games that students can take home on weekends.
"Any money we can get for the kids is just awesome," she said. "Grant money helps us replenish supplies we've lost and get relevant with the times."
Pajak has been applying and receiving McDonald's grants for the past six years, but this year she was joined by other teachers in the district.
Six Bedford Area teachers received a combined $2,545.
The grants of up to $500 per teacher are to fund the teachers' plans for a project or need they proposed. The grants will be used to replace 25-year-old music stands at Bedford Area, as well as fund new calculators and a science class project to examine groundwater pollution.
Fact Box
A closer look
Bedford Middle School
Butch Beidle, $475
Evan Cumo, $458
Jonathan Harrold, $363
Meggie Pajak, $464
Jack Pencil, $387
Bedford High School
Michele Fisher, $398
Hollidaysburg Area
Junior High School
Leigh Ann Craig, $504
Debbie Martin, $522
Tricia Rosas, $230
In Blair County, three Hollidaysburg Area teachers received a combined $1,256 in McDonald's grants.
"These grants allow teachers to do projects they wouldn't otherwise be able to do," Hollidaysburg Area Junior High Principal Ed Barton said. "And the equipment we purchase with the grants is used year after year. It's not a one-time shot."
Hollidaysburg Area teachers plan to purchase computer tablets for reading classes as well as specialized computer equipment for science classes.
This year's McDonald's classroom grant recipients were chosen based on "strong creativity and educational value" by a panel of professional educators, a press release states. The winning hands-on project ideas cover a wide range of activities, including exploring a replicated Revolutionary War haversack, constructing a greenhouse and creating a mock Olympic games.
"Now in its 19th year, the [McDonald's classroom grant] program has awarded more than a million dollars to tri-state area teachers who create memorable learning experiences for their students," the press release states.
Mirror Staff Writer Russ O'Reilly is at 946-7435


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NoSQL For Mere Mortals Review and Author Q&A
Addison-Wesley Professional NoSQL for Mere Mortals provides an introduction to NoSQL databases spanning across the major types of databases that fall under the NoSQL umbrella and explaining both advantages and shortcomings that each database type offers. InfoQ has spoken with the book's author, Dan Sullivan.
Agile Modeling: Enhancing Communication and Understanding
Modeling supports us in communicating and understanding when we create software solutions. As communication and understanding are two of the most critical aspects of delivering software solutions - modeling is a valuable tool that should not be overlooked. Agile Modeling adheres to and aligns with Agile values and principles and should be one of the practices within your Agile toolkit.
Virtual Panel: Security Considerations in Accessing NoSQL Databases
NoSQL databases offer alternative data storage options for storing unstructured data compared to traditional relational databases. Though the NoSQL databases have been getting a lot of attention lately, the security aspects of storing and accessing NoSQL data haven't been given much emphasis. This article focuses on the security considerations and best practices in accessing the NoSQL databases.
Concurrency Controls in Data Replication
Learn about leading concurrency control mechanisms used for data replication in distributed environments - techniques used by Oracle RAC, TimesTen, and GigaSpaces and NoSQL databases. 5
Graph Databases, NOSQL and Neo4j
Peter Neubauer introduces Graph databases and how they compare to RDBMS' and where they stand in the NOSQL-movement, followed by examples of using a graph database in Java with Neo4j. 10
NoSQL in the Enterprise
Sourav Mazumder explores what NoSQL databases are, how they fit into Enterprise IT, challenges facing enterprise adoption, choosing an appropriate NoSQL database, and NoSQL database adoption advice. 15


text:
Single Article Purchase:
A Unique Case of Recurrent Metachronous Volvulus of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Avgerinos DV, Llaguna OH, Friedman RL.
Arch Surg. 2009;144(12):1176-1178.
Published online December 21, 2009
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Obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ by reading an article and completing an online quiz. Quizzes are available to AMA Members, subscribers, and those who have purchased tokens.


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Planning an Alaska vacation can be challenging as you attempt to find the best place to visit with what little time you have to spend. Glacier Bay Country Inn has put together this website for your assistance so that you can feel confident that your vacation at this Glacier Bay Lodge will be just what you want at an affordable price. We are located in quiet Gustavus Alaska, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and home to some of the best Gustavus Alaska fishing charters, wildlife, and scenery that you will find in all of Alaska. The lodge rests on 160 acres of Alaskan rain forest and beautiful meadows overlooking snow covered mountains. If you are wanting to experience Alaska, there is no better place to visit. We are confident that you will not regret spending your vacation with us at this luxury Alaska Fishing Lodge.
- 164 Private acres
- Private landing strip
- Private hiking trails
- 2000 sq ft recreation room
- Shuttle service
- Hot tub
- Ramada with fire place
- Meeting room
- Theater room
- WI-Fi, Cable TV
- Daily maid service
- Massage service
- Private bathrooms in room
- 24 hr service desk
Glacier Bay and Icy Strait possess all the best attributes of saltwater big-game fishing, without any of the shortcomings. Because we primarily fish inside waters, travel time to blue-ribbon fishing grounds takes less than 20 minutes.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park offers one of the last unspoiled destinations in the American Northwest. Over the past two hundred years, mountains of ice have retreated to reveal a land unsurpassed in natural wonder and rugged beauty.
Whale Watching
North America's most famous Humpback whale feeding grounds – Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. These areas are world famous for the gathering of these little giants. Their unique feeding techniques, and vocalizations make
Below are some popular packages we have put together as suggestions you can choose from. If you do not find a trip that is perfect for you please Contact us and we will help you plan a trip that caters to your individual desires.
|Fishing Packages
|Adventure Packages
|Combo Packages
|Custom Packages


text:
The Eagles first full practice with pads came and went on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. And Chip Kelly still doesn't know which quarterback can stand in the pocket against a full pass rush. Still, he may have learned rookie Matt Barkley is for real.
Kelly's first practice with pads since becoming the head coach didn't involve any full-contact drills. There was no tackling, no full-out pass rushing, nothing that made the Sunday workout any different for the quarterbacks aside from actually wearing pads under their jerseys and working in front of 30,000 fans.
The result, however, was vastly different for Barkley than his first two days with the veterans. The USC product started by completing just two of his first four passes, but hit on his final eight attempts.
Barkley's most impressive throw was actually his first of the afternoon. On his first rep of live periods, Barkley hit wide receiver Greg Salas with a perfectly-placed deep pass down the right sideline beyond the outstretched arm of cornerback Trevard Lindley. It was a feathery throw that was a combination of excellent anticipation, pin-point accuracy and touch.
This came on the heels of two mediocre days for the rookie quarterback. Barkley had completed just 22 of 36 throws during live periods the first two days. He seemed much more in control on Day 3 when he was the most decisive of the Eagles quarterbacks.
|Michael Vick
|Nick Foles
|Matt Barkley
|Dennis Dixon
|G.J. Kinne
|25 reps (14 first team)
|26 reps (14 first team)
|15 reps (third team)
|6 reps (third team)
|9 of 13
|10 of 16
|9 of 11
|1 of 2
|TC Totals
|104 (57 first team)
|103 (55 first team)
|64 (third team)
|22 (third team)
|TC Totals
|49 of 66, 1 INT
|52 of 64
|32 of 47, 1 INT
|5 of 7
Michael Vick's performance was quite similar to his first two days. He completed 9 of 13 passes and looked solid but not spectacular. He still held the ball a little too long for my liking (and probably Kelly's). Vick again seemed a split-second late, waiting for the receiver to get open rather than anticipating he's open.
As for Nick Foles, he wasn't quite as sharp as the previous two days. Foles hit on just 10-of-16 passing on an afternoon where the Eagles seemed to concentrate more on running than passing. Foles had completed 88 percent of his passes on the first two days of full-team practice. He completed just 63 percent on Sunday.
The Eagles defense may need some credit. They seemed to be more physical with the receivers on the third day of training camp.
Wide receiver Riley Cooper, now running with the first team in Jeremy Maclin's place, still liked what he saw from Vick and Foles, the two quarterbacks he worked with.
"They put the ball on the money, for the most part," Cooper said. "I feel like they did good."
Not as good as Barkley though. At least not on Sunday.


text:
Image Archive
Detailed Record
Title: Advertisement for Doxsee's pure Little Neck Clam Juicee
Accession Number: 1981.98.14
Category: SIGNS & POSTERS
Type: advertising sheet
Maker: Hinds, Ketcham & Co.
Place: USA, NY, Islip
Date: 1866-1905
Materials: paper
Description: Folded chromolithograph advertising sheet, probably cover from a recipe booklet. On front of scene of clammers working from small boats: "DOXSEE'S/ PURE/ LITTLE NECK/ CLAM JUICE/ Delicious & Nutritious." On back is can of clam juice and "J. H. Doxsee & Son (Islip, N.Y.)/ Little Neck/ Clam Juice/ Guaranteed Absolutely Pure/ HINDS, KETCHAM & CO., N.Y."
Mystic Seaport Image ID m009583 Information regarding reproductions


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The seven astronauts aboard space shuttle Atlantis are hoping for clear skies above Florida so they can return home today.
Atlantis is due to land at 9:44 a.m. EST (1444 GMT) to cap an 11-day delivery mission to the International Space Station. The weather is expected to cooperate, mission managers said.
?I can tell you already, it?s looking pretty good,? said entry flight director Bryan Lunney.
Atlantis is poised to land at NASA?s Kennedy Space Center, where the shuttle launched on Nov. 16, after a week-long stay at the space station. Astronauts performed three spacewalks to deliver nearly 15 tons of huge pumps, tanks, gyroscopes and other large spare parts that will keep the space station going long after NASA retires its three remaining space shuttles next year.
Atlantis is also ferrying astronaut Nicole Stott back to Earth after her three-month stay on the station. Stott launched to the station in August and is the last station crewmember to be switched out using a NASA shuttle.
Mission Control roused the shuttle crew early Friday with the song ?Home Sweet Home? by Motley Crue, a tune selected for the entire crew.
?The whole crew says, ?Thank you very much!?? Stott said. ?Especially this one!? Stott is looking forward to seeing her husband and young son for the first time in months.
Returning to Earth aboard Atlantis with Stott are shuttle commander Charlie Hobaugh, pilot Barry Wilmore and mission specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert Satcher, Jr. The astronauts spent the Thanksgiving holiday in space, and even managed to have the space version of a turkey dinner. ?
Bresnik is especially hopeful for an on-time landing today and is looking forward to holding his new baby daughter Abigail for the first time. She was born last week just after his first spacewalk.
- Video - Astronauts Celebrate Thanksgiving in Space
- Holiday Sky Treat: Spot the Shuttle and Space Station
- Video - Space Crew Celebrates Birth of Astronaut's Daughter
SPACE.com is providing complete coverage of Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station with Staff Writer Clara Moskowitz and Managing Editor Tariq Malik. Click here for shuttle mission updates and a link to NASA TV.


text:
Legislative Item
File Number: 131871
|Printable PDF Format Clerk's Official Copy
|File Number: 131871
|File Type: Ordinance
|Status: Adopted
|Version: 0
|Reference: 13-95
|Control: Board of County Commissioners
|Requester: Regulatory and Economic Resources
|Final Action: 10/2/2013
|Sunset Provision: No
|Effective Date:
|Expiration Date:
|Registered Lobbyist:
|None Listed
Legislative History
|Acting Body
|Agenda Item
|Sent To
|Due Date
|County Mayor
|County Attorney
|RER- Replacement pages with actions taken at CDMP meeting.
|Board of County Commissioners
|Substitute Special Item No. 1
|Assistant County Attorney Craig Coller read the foregoing proposed ordinance into the record. In response to Chairwoman Sosa's question about the voting process, Assistant County Attorney Coller responded that preliminary votes would be taken on each application for this cycle and then a final vote would be taken on the ordinance. Application No. 2 Mr. Mark Woerner, Assistant Director, Office of Metropolitan Planning, Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) Department, pointed out that Application No. 2 was the only privately filed application in the regular portion of the cycle. He noted that this Application was for a parcel consisting of approximately 8 ½ acres; that it was located at the northwest corner of SW 127 Avenue and SW 132 Street; that it was currently designated Industrial and Office; and that the applicant was requesting a change to Medium Density Residential. Mr. Woerner said the proposal was originally transmitted as a small scale application; however, it went through State review because the Board transmitted it as a standard application. He noted the RER Department found the request consistent with the residential trend of development in the area and it was compatible with adjacent properties, especially those located south of the parcel. Mr. Woerner said the State Fish and Wildlife Commission issued a comment that there was the potential to find burrowing owls on the site and that the County should adhere to its Burrowing Owl Nest Protection guidelines. He indicated that the applicant subsequently proffered a covenant where the owner agreed to implement the Burrowing Owl Nest Protection guidelines and to provide notification to any prospective purchaser of units within the property that it was located within one mile east of Tamiami Airport. Mr. Woerner said that purchasers would also be notified that the Nixon Smiley Environmental Land Preserve located to the north of the property was subject to preservation management, including periodic burns, according to the code. He said that the covenant indicated that a certificate of occupancy for residential dwellings could not be applied for within an eighteen month period subsequent to the adoption of the requested land use amendment to Medium Density Residential. Mr. Woerner concluded that the RER Department recommended adoption of this application with the restrictive covenant. Chairwoman Sosa opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to appear before the Board in objection to any of the Substitute Special Item No. 1 Applications. Mr. Javier Vazquez, Berger Singerman Law Firm 1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1900, Miami, representing Mr. Alvaro Adrian, President, AB at Hidden Lake, Ltd., noted that Mr. Adrian was present today (10/02) and that he was prepared to make a presentation to the Board, if necessary. Chairwoman Sosa closed the public hearing. Commissioner Moss pointed out that he previously requested that this item be reviewed by the State. He proceeded to inquire about how prospective property owners would be notified that the property was located within the designated area, pursuant to the covenant. Mr. Woerner responded that disclaimers would be included in purchase agreements signed by purchasers and that they would also be made aware of this at the time of closing on the property. Assistant County Attorney Coller also responded that the details of the requirement would be formalized in the zoning application. Mr. Woerner clarified that the CDMP covenant directed when the parcel came back for the re-zoning application to ensure both another covenant addressed the issue and all details were worked out. Commissioner Moss inquired whether a traffic signal would be placed at SW 128 Street and SW 127 Avenue. Mr. Woerner responded that traffic concerns would be addressed at the zoning level when a more detailed traffic analysis was performed. Commissioner Moss noted concern whether the community council would have the same traffic related concerns. Mr. Woerner indicated that the traffic issues would be presented to the community council. He suggested that another provision in the covenant could be included to address Commissioner Moss' concern. Mr. Vazquez commented that the residents of Tuscany Village were supportive of this application and that the developer made very significant commitments to them about future intentions. He stated that Mr. Adrian intended to proffer the inclusion of a traffic signal in the zoning process. Assistant County Attorney Coller commented that the matter could be appealed to the County Commission in the event that the RER Department believed that the Community Zoning Appeals Board had not done what it should do in respect to this issue. He stated that he believed the approach being presented was appropriate. Assistant County Attorney Coller indicated that although this was a preliminary vote; it would be with the acceptance of the covenant. Commissioner Jordan asked for clarification that the burrowing owls were protected and was assured that they were. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Commission proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed application, as presented. It was moved by Commissioner Moss that Application No. 2 be adopted as transmitted, with the acceptance of the proffered covenant, as recommended by the department. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Bell and upon being put to a preliminary vote, passed by a vote of 13-0. Application No. 4 Mr. Woerner pointed out that Application No. 4 was a text amendment filed by the RER Department as the result of Resolution No. R-944-12 adopted by the County Commission directing staff to consider the feasibility of adding a new land use category or modifying an existing land use category to better accommodate both retail and light industrial uses. He said the application would amend the Business and Office category and its description to include the concept of an employment center which would further allow for two sub-categories to be considered by applicants; a commerce oriented component allowing for light industrial uses and a community oriented component focusing on neighborhoods serving business with an emphasis on residential. Mr. Woerner noted a comment received from the State about including a percentage identifying the mix of uses within the employment center. As a result, he reported that the final recommendation included a change in the commerce oriented portion to include: "light industrial uses would not compromise more than 40 percent of the floor area designated for non-residential areas". Mr. Woerner said that the RER Department recommended adoption of this application; that no other comments were received; and that the County Commission had transmitted it as previously recommended by staff. Assistant County Attorney Coller indicated that motion included the change presented by the RER Department. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Commission proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed application, with the proposed change. It was moved by Commissioner Diaz that Application No. 4 be adopted as transmitted, with change as noted by the department. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Heyman and upon being put to a preliminary vote, passed by a vote of 13-0. Application No. 5 Mr. Woerner pointed out that Application No. 5 was filed by the RER Department to amend the Land Use element to include new policies under objective LU4 and amend the Aviation sub-element to include new policies and revisions to existing policies under objective AB-7 providing for criteria to achieve compatibility of land adjacent to the Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARP). He said the County Commission transmitted this application as proposed by staff; however, it was now necessary to comply with Florida State Statutes (Chapters 163.3177 and 163.3175) requiring that local governments take into consideration land use compatibility around military installations. Mr. Woerner noted that a new LU4G, LU4H, LU4I were the policies that were included in the land use element to maintain compatibility with HARP and its operations. He said that LU4H specifically set forth compatibility criteria that needed to be developed and put into a zoning code amendment to specifically address permitted uses, building Floor Area Ratio (FARs), setbacks, use restrictions, development density and intensity, lighting, noise, real estate disclosure process, continuation, aviation easements and other criteria, the same set of policy changes that are reflected in the aviation sub-element. Mr. Woerner noted that there was no negative comment received from the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO); however, the second set of year based amendment applications made reference to Parcel 293 and the retraction in the subject area, noting their support as furthering compatibility with HARB. He said the RER Department recommended approval as transmitted with no further changes. Chairwoman Sosa opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to appear before the Board in objection to this application. She closed the public hearing after no one appeared. Commissioner Moss noted he wanted the public to fully understand the implications of this request. Mr. Woerner explained that the CDMP already addressed LU4F compatibility issues, prior to filing this amendment. He noted that the State did not consider the existing regulations to be sufficient and criteria was needed that would be used to ensure compatibility. Mr. Woerner said that staff worked with the HARB and the DEO to develop a new policy related to LU4H which directs what will be included in the new zoning code to address compatibility issues. He pointed out that the purpose was to comply with State law that required more comprehensive planning criteria to guide the County's land use planning and zoning activities in the vicinity of the air base. Commissioner Moss inquired whether the disclosure portion was to be further defined. Mr. Woerner responded that the disclosures would come back to the County Commission as a Zoning Code amendment before the end of this year. Commissioner Bell noted her support of this item. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Commission proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed application, as presented. It was moved by Commissioner Diaz that Application No. 5 be adopted as transmitted, as recommended by the department. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Moss, and upon being put to a preliminary vote, passed by a vote of 13-0. Upon conclusion of the discussion, the Board by motion duly made, seconded, and carried, adopted the foregoing ordinance, incorporating therein preliminary votes taken on Applications Nos. 2, 4 and 5. Assistant County Attorney Coller noted this completed the business related to the October 2012 CDMP amendment cycle.
|County Attorney
|Craig H. Coller
|County Mayor
|County Attorney
|RER-CDMP Mtg for 10/2/2013-Substitute Special Item No.. 1
|County Mayor
|Jack Osterholt
|Legislative Text
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (Board) has provided a procedure (codified as Section 2-116.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida) to amend, modify, add to or change the Miami-Dade County Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP); and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County's procedures reflect and comply with the procedures for adopting or amending local comprehensive plans as set forth in Section 163, Part II, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Section 2-116.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, provides procedures for amending the CDMP, which comply with the requirements of the foregoing State Statutes; and
WHEREAS, three CDMP Land Use Plan map amendment applications (Application Nos. 1, 2 and 3), were filed by private parties on or before October 31, 2012 and are contained in the document titled "October 2012 Private Applications to Amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan," dated December 5, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County�s procedures provide for expedited processing of small-scale amendments as defined in section 163.3187, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the three Land Use Plan map amendment applications, are eligible and have requested expedited adoption as small-scale CDMP amendments; and
WHEREAS, two standard CDMP text amendment applications (Application Nos. 4 and 5) were filed by the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (Department) and included in the October 2012 Cycle; and
WHEREAS, the Department published its initial recommendations addressing the referenced Application Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the report titled "Initial Recommendations October 2012 Applications to Amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan" dated February 25, 2013; and
WHEREAS, affected Community Councils have conducted optional public hearings pursuant to Section 2-116.1(3)(e), Code of Miami-Dade County, to address applications to amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan that would directly impact their respective council areas and issued recommendations to the Planning Advisory Board and the Board; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Advisory Board, acting as the Local Planning Agency, conducted a duly noticed public hearing on April 15, 2013, to address the October 2012 Cycle Applications, the recommendations of the Department and the affected community councils, to formulate recommendations regarding the adoption of the referenced October 2012 Cycle Applications, and to address the transmittal of standard October 2012 Cycle Applications to the State Land Planning Agency and other state and regional agencies (reviewing agencies) pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes, for review and comment; and
WHEREAS, at its April 15, 2013 public hearing, the Planning Advisory Board, acting as the Local Planning Agency, made recommendations to the Board regarding the adoption of
eligible small-scale amendments Application Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and the transmittal of standard amendment Application Nos. 4 and 5; and
>>WHEREAS, on May 22, 2013 at a duly noticed public hearing, the Board adopted Application No. 1 as a small-scale amendment with acceptance of the Proffered Declaration of Restriction (Ordinance No. 13-45) and adopted Application No. 3 as a small-scale amendment (Ordinance No. 13-45), pursuant to Section 163.3187, Florida Statutes; and<<
>>WHEREAS, at its May 22, 2013 public hearing, the Board denied Application No. 2 as small-scale amendment and transmitted the application as standard amendment, pursuant to Section 163.3187, Florida Statutes; and <<
>>WHEREAS, on May 22, 2013, this Board, by Resolution, instructed the Mayor to transmit standard Application Nos. 2, 3 and 4 to the reviewing agencies for review and comment pursuant to Section 163.3184(3), Florida Statutes; and<<
>>WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Education by letter dated June 27, 2013, Florida Department of Transportation, District Six, by letter dated July 8, 2013, the South Florida Regional Planning Council by memorandum dated July 1, 2013 and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by letter dated July 12, 2013, each identified no adverse impacts to state facilities and resources and thereby made no comments on the transmitted October 2012 regular Applications to amend the CDMP; and<<
>>WHEREAS the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity by letter dated July 12, 2013, made comments on Application Nos. 4 and 5, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by letter dated July 9, 2013, made comment on Application No. 2; and<<
>>WHEREAS, in September 2013, the Department issued final recommendations on Application Nos. 2, 4 and 5 addressing the comments of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and<<
WHEREAS, the Board must take final action to Adopt, Adopt With Change or Deny applications to amend the CDMP no later than forty-five (45) days after receipt of written comments from the reviewing agencies addressing the transmitted applications, unless a greater time period is deemed necessary by the Director of the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources; and
WHEREAS, all existing lawful uses and zoning in effect prior to an amendment to the CDMP are deemed to remain consistent with this Plan as amended unless the Board, in conjunction with a particular zoning action, finds such pre-existing zoning or uses to be inconsistent with the CDMP based upon a planning activity or study addressing the criteria set forth in this Plan; and
WHEREAS, the approval of an amendment to the CDMP does not assure favorable action upon any application for zoning or other land use approval but is part of the overall land use policies of the County; and
WHEREAS, any application for zoning or other land use approval involves the application of the County's overall land use policies to the particular request under consideration; and
WHEREAS, the County's overall land use policies include, but are not limited to, the CDMP in its entirety and the County's land development regulations; and
WHEREAS, this Board has conducted the public hearing required by the referenced procedures preparatory to enactment of this ordinance.
Section 1. All matters set forth in the preamble are found to be true and are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim and adopted.
Section 2. This Board hereby desires to take action on applications filed for review during the October 2012 Cycle for amendments, modifications, additions or changes to the CDMP as follows:
Application Number Applicant/Representative
Location and Size
Requested Amendments to the CDMP Land Use Plan Map or Text Final Action
>>1<< >>3000 NW 62 Street, Inc and Dinah Investments Corporation/Felix M. Lasarte, Esq.
Southwest corner of the intersection of NW 29 Avenue and NW 62 Street (�3.75 gross acres; �2.16 net acres)
Requested CDMP Amendment
1. Redesignate application site on the LUP map
From: Low-Medium Density Residential (6 to 13 dwelling units per gross acre)
To: Business and Office
2. Revise the Restrictions Table in the Land Use Element to include the proffered Declaration of Restrictions, if accepted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Small-Scale Amendment<<
AB at Hidden Lake, Ltd/Javier L. Vasquez, Esq.
Northwest corner of the intersection of SW 127 Avenue and SW 132 Street (�8.63 gross acres; �7.72 net acres)
Requested CDMP Amendment
From: Industrial and Office
To: Medium Density Residential (13 to 25 dwelling units per gross acre)
>>Small-Scale<< >>Standard<< Amendment
>>Florida Atlantic Investments, Inc./Juan J. Mayol, Jr., Esq., and Tracy R. Slavens, Esq.
Southwest corner of SW 137 Avenue and SW 168 Street (�7.14 gross acres; �6.54 net acres)
Requested CDMP Amendment
From: Business and Office (Parcel A, �6.14 gross acres); and Industrial and Office (Parcel B, �1.0 gross acre)
To: Medium Density Residential (13 to 25 dwelling units per gross acre)
Small-Scale Amendment<<
Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources/Jack Osterholt, Deputy Mayor/Director
Requested CDMP Amendment
Amend the Land Use Element Business and Office land use category text to allow the integration of light industrial uses with uses permitted in the Business and Office category through the creation of Employment Centers
Standard Text Amendment
Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources/Jack Osterholt, Deputy Mayor/Director
Requested CDMP Amendment
Amend the Land Use Element text to include new policies under Objective LU-4 and amend the Aviation Subelement to include new policies and revisions to existing policies under Objective AV-7 providing for criteria to achieve compatibility of lands adjacent to the Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Standard Text Amendment
Section 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or provision of this ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby. If any application or portion of an application is found to be not in compliance pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statues, the remainder of the application subject to such a finding, and the remaining applications adopted by this ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
Section 4. It is the intention of the Board, and it is hereby ordained that the provisions of this ordinance shall be excluded from the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Section 5. This ordinance (overall amendment) shall become effective ten (10) days after the date of enactment, unless vetoed by the Mayor, and if vetoed, shall become effective only upon an override by this Board; however, pursuant to Section 163.3184(3)(c)4, Florida Statues, the effective date of any individual plan amendment included within the overall amendment shall be 31 days after the State Land Planning Agency notifies the local government that the plan amendment package is complete, if the amendment is not timely challenged. If timely challenged, the amendment shall become effective on the date the State Land Planning Agency or the Administration Commission enters a final order determining the adopted amendment to be in compliance. No development orders, development permits, or land uses dependent on such individual amendment may be issued or commence before it has become effective. If a final order of noncompliance is issued by the Administration Commission, the individual amendment may nevertheless be made effective, subject to the imposition of sanctions pursuant to Section 163.3184(8), Florida Statues, by adoption of a resolution affirming its effective status, a copy of which resolution shall be filed with the Clerk of the Board and sent to the State Land Planning Agency.
To: Honorable Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa
And Members, Board of County Commissioners
From: Carlos A. Gimenez
Subject: Ordinance Acting upon the October 2012 Cycle of Applications to Amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (Standard Applications)
This substitute ordinance differs from the original in that it revises the preamble of the original ordinance to reflect the actions taken by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) at its �transmittal� public hearing held on May 22, 2013, and acknowledges correspondence received from the State Land Planning Agency and other reviewing agencies issued between June 27, 2013 and July 12, 2013. This substitute ordinance addresses the disposition of pending regular Application Nos. 2, 4 and 5 filed in the October 2012 Cycle of Applications to Amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP).
It is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners (Board) take action on the attached ordinance (Substitute Special Item No. 1), which provides for the Board to adopt, adopt with change or deny the October 2012 Cycle Applications to amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP).
It is recommended that final action be taken on this substitute ordinance for the referenced CDMP amendment applications at the conclusion of the public hearing scheduled for October 2013. This ordinance follows the same format used in previous CDMP amendment cycles, That is, it contains blank spaces to record Board actions on the requests contained in the referenced CDMP amendment applications.
The CDMP is a broad-based countywide policy-planning document created to guide future growth and development, to ensure the adequate provision of public facilities and services for existing and future populations in Miami-Dade County, and to maintain or improve the quality of the natural and man-made environment in the County. While the adopted text of the CDMP generally applies countywide, some text amendment applications and individual, site-specific Land Use Plan map amendment applications may have localized impact on one or more Commission Districts; such as Application No. 1, which is located within Commissioner Monestime�s District 2, and Application Nos. 2 and 3, which are located within Commissioner Moss� District 9. Application Nos. 4 and 5 are CDMP text amendments that apply countywide.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal impact means the cost to the County of implementing the activities or actions that would be incurred after approval of the ordinance. Ordinance No. 94-238 requires a statement of fiscal impact on all activities and actions resulting from approval of an ordinance. In addition, Ordinance No. 01-163 requires the review procedures for amendments to the CDMP to include, for any proposed land use change, a written evaluation of the estimated incremental and cumulative impact to Miami-Dade County for bringing such public infrastructure to the area, as well as, annual operating costs. Also, in accordance with Resolution No. 530-10, County departments are required to include detailed financial costs and budgetary impact analysis for items that have a fiscal impact to the County. Information on the fiscal impacts from the referenced small-scale CDMP amendment applications are contained in the document titled, �Initial Recommendations October 2012 Applications To Amend The Comprehensive Development Master Plan,� dated February 25, 2013.
Fiscal impacts from approved CDMP Land Use Plan map amendment applications vary depending on the type of request and location. For example, proposals involving non-residential developments have less impact on public infrastructure and services than proposals involving residential developments. According to Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, for Application No. 1, if approved and the application site developed with 93 multi-family units (maximum residential development allowed under the requested CDMP land use designation of �Business and Office�), the annual operating and maintenance costs for water and sewer service are estimated at $16,563. However, if the application site were developed with 37,635 square feet of retail uses, the annual operating and maintenance costs for water and sewer service are estimated at $4,468. For Application No. 2, if approved and the sited developed with the maximum 215 multi-family residential units, the annual operating and maintenance costs for water and sewer service are estimated at $38,291. For Application No. 3, if approved and the sited developed with the maximum 178 multi-family residential units, the annual operating and maintenance costs for water and sewer service are estimated at $31,701.
Application Nos. 4 and 5 are standard text amendment requests to the Land Use Element and Aviation Subelement of the CDMP and, therefore, do not impose a fiscal impact to the County.
Housing Impact
The applications to amend the adopted 2015 and 2025 Land Use Plan (LUP) map of the CDMP have the potential to reduce or increase the county�s housing supply, based upon the current CDMP land use designation of the application site, the requested CDMP land use designation and voluntary restrictions on residential density. If the Land Use Plan map amendment applications were approved, the County�s supply of multi-family housing could be increased by a total of 367 dwelling units. If Application No. 1 were approved as requested for Business and Office uses but instead developed for residential uses, the supply of housing in the County could be increased by a net 45 dwelling units. If Application No. 2 were approved, the supply of housing in the County could be increased by 215 dwelling units. If Application No. 3 were approved, the County�s supply of housing could be increased by a net 107 dwelling units. No housing impacts are expected from the text amendment applications if Application Nos. 4 and 5 were approved.
Track Record/Monitor
Amendments to the CDMP do not involve contracts so a Track Record/Monitor is not applicable.
The attached ordinance (Substitute Special Item No. 1) provides for final action on pending October 2012 Cycle Application Nos. 2, 4 and 5. The County transmitted the referenced CDMP amendment applications to the State Land Planning Agency and other state and regional agencies (reviewing agencies) for review and comment by letter dated June 7, 2013. The Board�s previous actions at the May 22, 2013 public hearing were for Application No. 2 to �deny as small-scale and transmit as standard amendment�, for Application No. 4 to �transmit with changes and adopt as recommend by staff�, and for Application No. 5 to �transmit with changes and adopt as recommended by staff�.
Final Recommendations
The final recommendations of the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources and of the Planning Advisory Board on the pending April 2012 Cycle CDMP Application Nos. 2, 4 and 5 are contained in the Summary of Recommendations matrix attached. Additionally, the final recommendation of the Planning Advisory Board are also included in the attached resolution and minutes of the Planning advisory Board�s April 15, 2012 public meeting on the referenced applications.
Jack Osterholt
Deputy Mayor
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text:
Le Iene
Le Iene (pronounced [le ˈjɛːne]; The Hyenas) is a television program broadcast on the Italian channel Italia 1 . Beginning in 1997, it is a comedy/satirical show, with sketches and reports into political affairs and consumer issues. It is based on an Argentine show Caiga Quien Caiga.
The first series was hosted by Simona Ventura, Dario Cassini and Peppe Quintale. Since then, many comedians and actors have hosted, such as: Fabio Volo, Teo Mammucari, Andrea Pellizzari, Alessia Marcuzzi, Luca Bizzarri and Paolo Kessisoglu, Ilary Blasi, Luciana Littizzetto. It features several writers like Davide Parenti, Lorenzo Maiello, Roberto Marcanti, Andrea Bempensante, Fabrizio Montagner among them. Recurring features of the show, besides the reportage, are the double interviews in which two famous people are asked the same questions, and are edited together on a split screen, side by side so that they answer one after the other. The Spanish version (transmitted on Telecinco) had to close due to poor ratings, but the program later returned and in 2008 it moved to a new network, laSexta.
"Le Iene" was also the release name in Italy for the film Reservoir Dogs, and all the presenters on the show wear (like the protagonists of that movie) trademark black suits, white shirts and black ties.
In October 2006, Matteo Viviani reporter from Le Iene covertly tested deputies of Italy's lower house of parliament for drugs, by claiming to be performing TV interviews about the budget, when in fact the "make-up artist" preparing the deputies for the camera was actually swabbing their faces for samples to be tested for drugs.
Of the 50 samples from deputies, almost one third tested positive for drug use in the previous 36 hours; 12 for cannabis and 4 for cocaine.
When deputies discovered the ruse, they lobbied, on privacy grounds, for broadcast of the pertinent episode of the show to be blocked, which it was. And then they (Matteo Viviani e Davide Parenti) had to paid €5000 to avoid go to the prison.
In September 2009, reporter from Le Iene joked about the homosexuality of George Clooney at the press conference in Venice Film Festival; CNN Broadcast the news as "a man strips for George Clooney" unaware of the identity of the fake gay man.
In 2013 a report about the controversial Stamina therapy has been accused of causing pseudo-scientific misinformation.[1]
In October 2015, Stefano Corti, Alessando Onnis and a cameraman from Le Iene reportedly harassed Moto GP racer Marc Márquez in his garage. Márquez was earlier involved in a controversial collision with Valentino Rossi at the 2015 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix. During the altercation, the reporters from Le Iene reportedly attacked Márquez after the latter's father had asked them to leave. [2]
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- ^ http://realityshow.blogosfere.it/2013/12/le-iene-e-il-pasticciaccio-brutto-di-stamina-golia-e-soci-bocciati-in-giornalismo.html
- ^ http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/moto-gp-racer-involved-in-controversial-crash-assaulted-1739759100
- Official website
- Official Italia 1 website
- News article (translated into English) from Il Corriere della Sera about the parliamentary drugs scandal
- News article from ABC News about the parliamentary drugs scandal
- Guardian article on Le Iene from 2002
|This Italian television programme-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


text:
None of us truly know what Zack Greinke has to deal with in terms of his anxiety disorder, so to guess from our mother's basements on how he can or can't deal with the pressure of New York seems silly and a little inappropriate. From what I gather, winning is what matters to Greinke, and if he's willing to go to New York than as a Yankee fan I'm willing to accept him. Of course that's dependent on what the Yankees would have to give up to sign him and Cliff Lee's asking price, but that's besides the point.
With the Rangers are on the brink of offering Cliff Lee an offer now people are saying that they'd be better off without him. We can speculate on what the Rangers' budget and future budget may look like but I'm going to assume the Rangers know that better than any of us. So, with that said, I imagine the Rangers wouldn't give Lee a contract that wouldn't allow them to also extend Josh Hamilton, C.J. Wilson and/or Colby Lewis. The Rangers, as everyone knows, made it to the World Series this year, so they have to believe that's a realistic possibility for next year and the future, with Cliff Lee. If they keep Cliff Lee under the assumption it won't force them to lose some of their current players, I'm not sure signing Lee and having a shot to win the World Series over the next 4-5 years is such a bad thing.
In 2009 Jim Thome batted .249/.366/.481 and got $1.5 Million from the Twins. This year, Lance Berkman batted .248/.368/.413 and is demanding $7 Million. Berkman is younger and can play a corner outfield spot or first base while Thome is stuck at DH, but Berkman is likely to at best play 1b and on a one year deal age isn't a large factor. I think Berkman could be a great pickup for a team but not if you have to pay him more than Vlad Guerrero and Jim Thome got last offseason, coming off of better seasons than Berkman had this year.
The San Francisco Giants let their infielders leave (Juan Uribe, Edgar Renteria) and decided to bring back both of their DHs (Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell) and sign Miguel Tejada. I wouldn't quite call these bad moves per se, but they aren't really moves that will influence me to choose them as the NL favorites either. The Giants won last year based on great pitching and timely hitting. The pitching is still there but unless Brian Sabean has found a way to pick up players who "have a knack for getting the big hit", this formula may not work again.
Reliever Brian Shouse has retired. Shouse was nothing more than an adequate lefty specialist out of the bull pen but he'll always have a soft spot in my heart because of his MLB Showdown card (shown above). I can't really speak for his real-life performances but in MLB Showdown Shouse was awesome. He was a relatively cheap reliever but was respectable enough to actually use, the perfect balance to complete your Showdown pitching rotation. Shouse could get out a tough lefty in the 8th inning or give a couple of solid innings in the 5th or 6th if my starter got rocked.


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Show #4033
Lea Michele, Andy Kindler, and Chromeo.
PLUS: Dave Does an Impression; We Make Donald Sterling More Likeable; Hillary with a Diagnosis of Karl Rove; Barbara Walters Goodbye; Taking Advantage of Justin Bieber's Misfortunes; Charts and Graphs; a Top Ten.
" . . . . and now, lead acapella of the Whiffenpoofs . . . . . . . David Letterman!"
It's me doing the announcing duties tonight. Tonight's Wahoo was written from the notes of others.
- "'Godzilla' opened today. The monster was stopped when a quick-thinking Chris Christie closes down the George Washington Bridge."
- "Godzilla destroys three cities, then apologizes in a sit-down interview with Anderson Cooper."
Dave does one of his famous impressions of himself. But is it really an impression if the impression is of yourself? Dave turns his back to the audience to prepare and to get into character. He then turns back around and mumbles a voice of an aged, "One senior for 'Godzilla.'"
It's a brand new segment; something we call "Would Donald Sterling Be More Likeable As . . . . " We take a look.
ANNOUNCE: "A baby goat."
We see a baby goat. We move the lips of the goat and voice-over some of Donald Sterling's apology with Anderson Cooper.
I guess the answer would be "Yes!"
Karl Rove made headlines this week by suggesting that Hillary Clinton may have suffered brain damage after a serious fall in 2012. Hillary Clinton's staff released this statement earlier today.
ANNOUNCE: "Recently, Karl Rove diagnosed Hillary Clinton with brain damage based on her physical appearance. Hillary appreciates Karl's concern and would now like to offer her diagnosis of Karl based on his physical appearance . . . . (headshot of a heavy Mr. Rove, with captioning added after each diagnoses) . . . shortness of breath, high blood pressure, vein inflammation, sleep apnea, gallstones, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, fatty liver, fat fingers, fat face, fat ass, gout, colon bloat, and jowl droop.
Karl Rove . . . . Fatty fat fat."
All the current and former hosts of "The View" are reuniting to send Barbara Walters off. It was very exciting. We take a look at this announcement about the occasion.
ANNOUNCE: "The ladies are back! All of your favorite co-hosts from the past are returning for one last chat with Barbara, including: Meredith Vieira, Elisabeth Hasselback, Debbie Matenopoulos, Lisa Ling, Squeaky Fromme, Charo, Pat Nixon, and Star Jones. Together again only on 'The View.' Check your local listings."
Justin Bieber . . . the name alone gets a reaction from the audience. He's in trouble again, this time for taking someone's cellphone. We take a look at how someone is using this and hoping to profit from it. We take a look at this:
COMMERCIAL CLIP/ELDERLY WOMAN: "I never thought I needed one of these alarm buttons."
ANNOUNCE: "Introducing Bieber Alert, the personal alarm system."
COMMERCIAL CLIP/ELDERLY WOMAN: "I had to find out the hard way. It was terrible."
ANNOUNCE: "You're alone. Justin Bieber stole your cellphone. That's when 'Bieber Alert' can help. At the push of a button, you're connected to a trained specialist."
VOICE ON BIEBER ALERT SYSTEM: "We're sending help right now."
ELDERLY WOMAN: "Please, no fuss. Can you call my neighbor Gladys for me?"
VOICE ON BIEBER ALERT SYSTEM: "Right away."
ANNOUNCE: "'Bieber Alert' costs just $29.99 per month. Order now and our second button is free. 'Bieber Alert': Don't Want Until You Need It."
"Bieber Alert" - I think I saw that on Shark Tank last week.
It's Friday night, so you know what that means . . . . time for CHARTS AND GRAPHS
Most notorious Justin Bieber allegations
- 20% - driving under the influence
- 22% - attempted robbery
- 58% - attempted music
If you could make one change in your life, what would it be?
- 53% - earn more money
- 46% - have more leisure time
- 1% - escape from Gary Busey's crawlspace
- 50% Dyke (photo of Dick Van Dyke)
- 30% - Patten (photo of Dick Van Patten)
- 20% - The Ford "E-150 Dick Van (photo of the Ford E-150 Cargo van)
What's your least favorite thing about Father's Day?
- 43% - pressure to find the right gift
- 31% - difficulty expressing thoughts in a card
- 26% - Fathers going door-to-door to get candy
Godzilla's most formidable foes
- 25% - Mothra
- 35% - Battra
- 40% - Eczema
What issue should President Obama tackle in his last two years in office?
- 40% - immigration
- 40% - equal pay
- 40% - America's declining math skills
Complaints of Pat Sajak ex-girlfriends
- 60% - he couldn't commit
- 30% - he was always at work
- 10% - he gave me an "S", a "T", and "D"
From "Glee." And she has written a book, "Brunette Ambition." Lea mentioned she was from Bergen County, New Jersey. Hey, that's my neck of the woods. And Pat Farmer's. Pat guessed she was from Tenafly. Let's go to the Google. And the answer is . . . . "Tenafly!" DING!
Dave heard there was a big dustup on "Glee". Dave is curious how much of what he's heard is true. Lea quickly explains how things get blown way out of proportion when it comes to any level of celebritiness. Dave jumps in, "Oh, what happened? I was just making that up!"
"Glee" - the sixth and final season will return on FOX in 2015.
"Brunette Ambition" - in stores May 20th.
And her CD, "Louder," is in stores now.
Oh, and look for Dave's book, "No Ambition".
TOP TEN: COURSES AT THE MARIJUANA-THEME UNIVERSITY - Clover Leaf University in Denver is America's first to offers a curriculum of Cannabis Business Certification
10. Introduction to Chillaxing
9. A History of Snack
8. Physics of the Bong
7. Mellows and What Harshes Them
6. Dude 101
5. Twentieth Century American Something or Other
4. Intermediate Cheech
3. Advanced Chong
2. 'Place to Crash' Appreciation
1. Seth Rogenomics
ANNOUNCE: "We'll see you Monday when Dave's back with Jack Hanna, and Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. Trendy summer fashions for your CPR mannequins . . . coming up, after this!"
The very funny Mr. Andy Kindler! I like his, "Stay out of my way, I'm telling jokes" approach.
"Ask Jeeves" . . . what a hoot! Andy will be at the Hollywood Improv this Saturday in L.A. Find out more about Andy at www.andykindler.com
They're a Canadian Electro-Funk duo. From their new CD, "White Women," Chromeo performed "Jealous (I Ain't With It)"
And that was our show for Friday May 16, 2014.
We tape two shows on Thursday; the 2nd one is for Friday. On Friday, we come in and catch up on everything we put off during the week. Since Thursday is a doubleheader, I again did the announcing duties for the ailing Alan. A sign of a real pro is making the difficult look easy. Mr. K's seemingly effortless announcing is quite deceptive. It ain't easy. Plus, you have the greatness of Dave out there, the excellence of Paul and the CBS Orchestra, and the professionalism of Director Jerry Foley and the entire crew . . . it's hard not to feel inferior. You don't want to bring down the superior standard we've all grown accustomed. So I went home Thursday and Friday night and couldn't bring myself to listen to my attempts at the announcing of the show. Couldn't do it. I'm just like Johnny Depp that way. Yeah, me and Johnny Depp. I can't bring myself to watch my performance, and he probably can't bring himself to watch my performance either.
Big thank you to David Yoder for yesterday's Cameo Wahoo of a Wahoo Reader. Too well-received by too many.
I probably shouldn't say this but I'm starting to find this Donald Sterling stuff to be fun. I hope he keeps saying things he shouldn't and I hope he keeps fighting the NBA tooth-and-nail. I'm hoping he gets to mad he threatens to hold his breath. I'm hoping the Clippers continue to win so it won't go away.
And speaking of basketball, did I miss this? Steve Kerr decided to turn down the Knicks offer to be their coach, and not once did I read a headline, "Kerr Nix Knicks". Let's Google . . . .
Hey, no findings for "Kerr Nix Knicks."
How about "Stevie Nix"
The hardest thing about announcing for Thursday's show? It was the ACT 1 bumper tease. I had a hell of a time saying the word "gaseous." In my head, I kept saying gas-ish and gash-ish. I spelled it out "gash-iss" and told myself "gaseous, like Cassius Clay"
Look for the Alt.fan.letterman on the Facebook.
I'm watching Gretchen on the FOX. She's reading letters from viewers. It's what O'Reilly does at the end of his show. And I see other shows on all the cable channels doing that, too. And do you know why they read letters from viewers? It's Miss Louise on "Romper Room" looking through her mirror and you at home hoping she says your name. Today, viewers are hoping the news commentator reads their letter. And it's not too much unlike the TV weathermen announcing temperatures in area towns. The difference in temp is usually no more than 3 degrees (if not near the mountains), so why mention 6 towns and show 10 towns printed out on the map in the background? It's the Romper Room effect. "Oooh! He said my town! He knows us! He likes us!" And then you will watch that show from now on. Which brings us to tonight's Cameo Mention of a Wahoo Reader.
From Preston, Ontario, fan of the open wheel, it's Dave Swift
This concludes another installment of CAMEO MENTION OF A WAHOO READER
Michael Z. McIntee
Twitter: @WahooMike


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People, etc.: Chastain tops box office with 2 films
Jessica Chastain easily outmuscled Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mark Wahlberg over the weekend, topping the box office with both her supernatural horror film "Mama" and the Oscar-nominated Osama bin Laden-hunt thriller "Zero Dark Thirty."
"Mama" opened well above expectations with a box-office topping $28.1 million for Universal Pictures, according to studio estimates Sunday. Chastain also held the second spot with "Zero Dark Thirty," for which she's nominated for an Academy Award for best actress. In its second week of wide release, "Zero Dark Thirty" took in $17.6 million.
Schwarzenegger's post-governorship comeback got off to a terrible start. His action flick "The Last Stand" opened with just $6.3 million for Lionsgate, one of the worst debuts for the brawny 65-year-old star. The film came in 10th.
The Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe-led New York crime film "Broken City" didn't fare much better. The Fox release premiered with $9.1 million.
The Oscar-nominated "Django Unchained," meanwhile, became Quentin Tarantino's biggest box-office hit in its fourth week. The Weinstein Co. release surpassed his previous film, "Inglourious Basterds," by adding $8.2 million for a domestic total of $138.4 million. But it did exceptional business internationally, taking in $48.1 million and proving that Tarantino's spaghetti western set in the antebellum South had tremendous appeal worldwide.
Manti Te'o to be interviewed by Katie Couric
Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o will be interviewed by Katie Couric, the first on-camera interview given by the all-American since news broke about the dead-girlfriend hoax.
Te'o and his parents will appear on Couric's syndicated talk show Thursday. ABC News announced the interview Sunday, but gave no details as to when it will take place and where.
Te'o gave an off-camera interview with ESPN on Friday night. He insists he was the victim of the hoax, not a participant. The Heisman Trophy runner-up said he had an online romance with a woman he never met and in September was informed that the woman died from leukemia.
Te'o told ESPN that the person suspected of being the mastermind of the hoax has contacted him and apologized.
Gordon-Levitt makes directorial debut at Sundance
Just call him Mr. Sundance.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is attending his sixth Sundance Film Festival, this time as writer and star of his directorial debut and host of the festival's closing-awards ceremony.
The 31-year-old premiered "Don Jon's Addiction" Friday at the independent-film showcase. He plays the title character, a man who prefers pornography to real sex, even though he brings home a different woman every weekend. Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza and Julianne Moore also star.
Filmmaker Winner dies at 77
The British filmmaker behind "Death Wish," restaurant critic and bon vivant Michael Winner, has died at the age of 77.
Winner's wife, Geraldine, says he died Monday at his London home after an illness.
Winner's 30 movies included three "Death Wish" films starring the late Charles Bronson.
He had a second career as restaurant critic for the Sunday Times newspaper, where his highest praise was to declare a meal "historic."
His wife, a former dancer who married Winner two years ago, said he was "a wonderful man, brilliant, funny and generous. A light has gone out in my life."
Radcliffe conjures new role as Allen Ginsberg
Daniel Radcliffe doesn't mind hearing that schoolgirls were staking him out at Utah's Sundance Film Festival, hoping for a Harry Potter sighting.
In fact, Radcliffe is happy if his Potter fame draws interest for what he wants to do with the rest of his career, such as his bold turn as young gay poet Allen Ginsberg in the Sundance premiere "Kill Your Darlings."
Radcliffe goes nude for an explicit sex scene with another man, makes out with co-star Dane DeHaan and also appears in another sex scene with a library clerk.
As with his Broadway debut in "Equus," which also featured a nude scene, Radcliffe said his celebrity from the boy-wizard franchise might lure fans who wouldn't have seen a film such as "Kill Your Darlings."
-- from wire reports


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Testimony Music Video
Featuring the men of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the TESTIMONY MUSIC VIDEO brings to life the powerful message of hope and love that so many LGBT youth still need to hear.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the TESTIMONY DVD will be donated to the "It Gets Better Project."
Journey to Testimony
"Journey to Testimony" is a documentary featuring the men of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus sharing their own stories about growing up gay, persevering, and choosing life. Follow them from the first rehearsal to the world-premiere, as they prove that it gets better, it gets amazing and astounding.
Also includes Mac & PC Digital Files
The Testimony DVD also includes an iTunes/iPod compatible audio recording and a full 1080P HD video version of the Testimony music video.


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The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video.
Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
Even during these tough economic times full of empty store fronts, some businesses are holding strong.
Entrepreneurs like Jay Graves -- owner of Bike Gallery, a highly successful chain in Portland, Ore. -- are not just making sure their bottom line is in check. They're also focused on what's called the "double bottom line," and it's really paying off.
While Graves may be the boss, that doesn't mean he's above helping those who come into his stores.
"One of the things my dad taught me was that you treat not just your customers but your co-workers like you would like to be treated," Graves told CBN News.
Graves' father Bob opened the first Bike Gallery back in 1974 during the 10-speed craze. He became interested in bicycles during the big gasoline crisis, but his initial experience wasn't a pleasant one. "When he went into the local bike shops, he felt like people -- the staff, the owners -- were just interested in his money," Graves recalled. "They didn't care about really answering his questions. It was more, 'What do you want? Give me your money. Get out.'"
Believing he could do a better job, Graves said his father built Bike Gallery on a customer service foundation that remains secure nearly 40 years later.
"Money only motivates certain people so far, but we're in this business because we love what we do," Graves said. "We're getting to help people who are here because they want to change their lives."
Valuing the Community
Following the double bottom line means Graves is not only concerned about crunching the numbers and making a profit, but he also upholds a social bottom line -- placing a premium on taking care of his employees, customers and the community.
"People know you around town, and it makes it cool to take a city... rather than a small town and give it kind of a small town feel, which comes a lot from that community involvement," said Andrew Fiore, a service manager at Bike Gallery.
Steven, a Bike Gallery customer, is appreciative of Fiore's community involvement.
"One of my favorite mechanics is Andrew; the guy is an awesome, awesome mechanic," he said.
"I had a problem with an older bike; it's kind of my regular rider, and those guys just stuck with it and worked it out and fixed it and never had any other problems," Steven added.
Giving back is a mission of Bike Gallery. Over the years, the company has supported many community organizations. Graves works with numerous non-profits and encourages his staff to do the same.
"We are rewarded for that," a Bike Gallery employee told CBN News. "That is something from the top down that is valued highly."
Proof is in the Profits
Studies show that valuing people and building a loyal customer base -- internally and externally -- increase the value of a company's conventional bottom line.
Graves believes paying attention to the double bottom line benefits the financial profits of Bike Gallery in these tough economic times. And economists agree the business philosophy makes sense.
"It's not about sales," said Kereakos Zuras, an economic expert and author. "It's not about flashy things. It's about giving people a value and being consistent and standing behind what you do and letting them know that you care about them and that they mean something to you.
"If you look around at the businesses that are successful, they're the ones that are connecting with their community and customer," Zuras told CBN News. "And they're staying alive today amongst all the bad news in the economy."
Blessed to be a Blessing
Tim Redmond of the Redmond Leadership Institute says attaining success in business by developing client and community relationships is a biblical principle.
"If you only have a focus on growing your business, to grow your profits, to stack your bank accounts, you're not seeing the whole purpose of business, which is to operate in God's nature of what I call 'extravagant generosity' -- that you are blessed to be a blessing," Redmond told CBN News.
One marketing strategist called being socially responsible the differentiating strategy for 21st century businesses.
"When I'm done with this business, I want people to look back and say that Jay Graves made a difference in many people's lives, and it wasn't just because he wanted to make money," Graves shared. "It's because he cared about people, and he wanted to help as many people have a happy, healthy lifestyle."
For Bike Gallery owner Jay Graves, a double bottom line is all he has known -- business lessons passed down from his father and lessons he's passing along to his children.
--Originally aired August 9, 2011.
Bike GalleryRedmond Leadership Institute
The Secret to David Green's Successful 'Hobby'
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The "Trump train" was derailed in Wisconsin as voters in the Badger State gave Ted Cruz a major victory over "The Donald." The big question now is – are the Republicans headed for a contested convention this summer?


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I'm often asked how I come up with a consistent stream of investment ideas. There is really no single answer to this question.
I have been immersed in the financial markets since my first trade back in 1990. Since that time, my investing library has grown so large that it has overwhelmed my bookshelves and spread into attic storage boxes. I am also a voracious reader of the financial media, reading several magazines and newspapers on a near-daily basis -- not to mention subscribing to real-time news services to stay up on what's happening.
While my investing library has provided the foundation, and the daily financial media torrent turns the knowledge actionable, my favorite fresh idea source is other investors. New ideas can come from anyone, from the most naive beginner to the most sophisticated hedge fund manager and everyone in between. This is the reason I make it a point to talk to every trader and investor I meet about what's working and what's not working in their investing.
Another way to learn from others is by following the big-money players.
There are several large hedge fund managers who have earned my respect, and I watch their every publicly known investment. Fortunately, large money managers are required to file a Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a quarterly basis disclosing their equity holdings. By keeping track of these filings, investors can glean profitable ideas as to what stocks these players are buying or selling.
One of the most respected hedge fund managers in the world is Israel Englander, who operates Millennium Management. Millennium has more than $198 billion of gross assets; gross asset value refers to the total value of all assets under management, including leverage. Using this measure, Millennium is by far the largest hedge fund on earth. As a comparison, the next largest funds by gross assets are Bridgewater, with just under $140 billion, and Citadel, with $107 billion as of April.
To put these numbers into perspective, they are larger than the annual GDPs of many countries. It's important to keep in mind, however, that when leverage is not included, Millennium has just under $20 billion in assets.
Calling itself a global multi-strategy opportunistic fund, Millennium was launched in 1989 with just $35 million. The fund has a relatively unusual business model: Englander allocates capital to teams of traders who invest it to the best of their abilities. Traders can remain on the team as long as they're profitable. But as soon as a certain amount is lost, the trader is fired. In this regard, Millennium is often thought of as a trader of traders.
Most interestingly, Englander and his head managers rarely discuss investment themes or strategies with the actual trading teams. He prefers to give them autonomy to follow their own ideas. This team approach guarantees diversification and uncorrelated returns, as each team uses its best ability to outperform. In addition, Millennium does not charge the traditional fixed management fee; rather, it simply passes the actual costs along to the investors. Englander believes that having investors directly involved with the true costs of running the business, rather than paying an arbitrary fixed percentage, is truer to the original entrepreneurial spirit of hedge funds.
Here's what I found when I drilled into Millennium's holdings:
The firm increased its short position in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY) by 576% last quarter. This position now takes up 1.88% of the fund's portfolio. I am not overly alarmed by this move, since more than 15% of the holdings remain long on SPY. However, it is important to note that Millennium decreased its long position in this exchange-traded fund by 52% during the quarter. While I don't think this is signaling a basic macro shift from bullish to bearish just yet, I will be observing the next filing carefully.
Millennium's No. 1 single stock holding is PPL Corp. (NYSE: PPL). The fund owns more than 8 million shares and increased its ownership by 73% last quarter.
PPL is an energy and utility holding company in the U.S. and U.K. The company boasts a market cap of nearly $19 billion and trailing 12-month revenue of just more than $12 billion. The quarterly gross profit margin is more than 61%, and the company currently offers a 4.9% dividend yield.
Clearly, the traditional steady dividend payouts of utility companies are an attraction to Millennium. (Remember, the dividend strategies Amy Calistri shares in her Daily Paycheck advisory are effective no matter the size your portfolio.)
The technical picture shows the company has set up in a clear trading channel. The price has consolidated between $29.50 and $31 on the weekly chart.
This consolidation occurred after a long uptrend starting in April 2011, culminating at $32 in mid-April 2013. Shares have since fallen back into the present weekly channel.
Millennium's second largest holding is Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI). The fund owns more than 4 million shares and increased its position 30% in the most recent quarter.
Baker Hughes is an oilfield services, products and technology supplier. It boasts a market cap of nearly $24 billion and trailing 12-month revenue of nearly $22 billion. The company offers a small forward dividend yield of 1% on a payout ratio of 25%. The things I like best about this stock currently are the seasonal decline and an Iraqi disruption, which have knocked shares lower. Shares are presently right below the 50-day simple moving average, which opens up an ideal breakout entry point.
Risks to Consider: There are no guarantees when investing. Even the largest hedge funds and money managers lose money and make poor decisions at times. Always use stop-loss orders and diversify properly in your portfolio.
Action to Take --> I like the dividend producing qualities of PPL and see it as a potentially great addition to a long-term portfolio. However, Baker Hughes has set up to be an ideal buy candidate. Buying on a breakout close above $55 with a nine-month price target of $59 and initial stops just below $53 makes solid investment sense.


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Double Decker Red Blend
Sku: 14726
Winemaker's Notes
The grapes were fermented in upright stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature to retain aromatics and fruit flavors. The components of this blend were aged separately in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel tank. Grapes were harvested from several different Central Coast vineyard properties including Marina, Raboli, Wente, Smith, and Silva.
At Tamás Estates we've made it our passion to fashion California wines in a style honoring their varietal heritage. With Double Decker Red we've taken it a step further by crafting a proprietary blend of red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera to create an adventurously robust yet smooth red wine with mouth-filling flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum, and a smooth, spicy finish.
Varietal Content: A proprietary blend of red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Barbera


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Facebook hires Pixar artist to reimagine the emoticon
0. phoneArena 12 Feb 2013, 09:35 posted on
Emoticons have become a pretty standard part of communication these days. Ever since texting first started to get big, people have been using emoticons as a shortcut, because typing on mobile devices had been something of a chore. Even though text input has gotten quite a bit easier, emoticons are here to stay, but Facebook thinks it's time to reimagine emoticons, and has hired Pixar artist Matt Jones for the task...
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 3791; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)
Love them little creatures...never gets old.
2. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 3791; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)
Come to think of it... PA should support emoticons too.
3. GhostBear (Posts: 25; Member since: 01 Feb 2013)
Microsoft since 1981: ☺☻
4. Seymur (unregistered)
I think it's not a good idea, right now Facebook has the best emoticons. New emos not going to be successful.
5. NickPeters (Posts: 74; Member since: 24 Oct 2012)
Actually, Skype did a pretty good job about emoticons. I do like their animations and look. And plus, there is a big variety of them.
6. nikenturd (unregistered)
7. soshi (Posts: 154; Member since: 08 Mar 2012)
I love color, why they are racial? Racist is in people attitude. There are black, yellow or white people that make this world colorful but media make them bad