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Star Tracks: Monday, May 16, 2016 42 years, 2,191 covers and 55,436 stories from PEOPLE magazine's history for you to enjoy
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People Top 5
LAST UPDATE: Tuesday February 10, 2015 01:10PM EST
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- July 22, 1985
- Vol. 24
- No. 4
In a Troubling Tale of Two Cities, a Policeman's Bullet Kills a Promising Prep School Honor Student
On the evening of June 12 those worlds collided at the park's western border. Something happened, and when it was over, a young black, Edmund Perry, 17, lay on the sidewalk, mortally wounded in the abdomen by a .38 cal. slug from the gun of plainclothes police officer Lee Van Houten. Four hours later Perry died. The authorities say that he and his brother, Jonah, 19, were mugging Van Houten when the policeman fired in self-defense.
Muggings are common in New York. And people—especially black teenagers—get shot all the time. Just an hour after Perry was shot, a Brooklyn grocer allegedly killed three black youths in a dispute over a 65-cent can of soda. But Jonah and Edmund Perry, in all of Harlem, seemed among the least likely young men to risk life and future by committing a crime. Just 10 days before he died Edmund had graduated with honors from Phillips Exeter Academy, the prestigious, 204-year-old New England prep school, which he attended on full scholarship. He'd spent his junior year abroad in Spain. He was going to Stanford University (having turned down Yale) in the fall. And he had a $175-a-week summer job as a clerk with Kidder, Peabody & Co., the Wall Street brokerage house.
Jonah, also a prep school graduate (Connecticut's Westminster School, Class of '84), was going into his sophomore year as an engineering student at Cornell University and was about to begin a $185-a-week job as a neighborhood-association camp counselor. Neither had ever run afoul of the law. They were the pride of their Harlem neighborhood, held up as models of what hard work could achieve. Both seemed destined for successful futures far from the mean streets where they were born. What happened?
According to the police, Van Houten, 24, dressed in a sweatshirt, dungarees and white sneakers, was walking the brightly lit but lightly traveled parkside block on the lookout for thieves breaking into cars. If he spotted any criminal activity, Van Houten was to radio his backup team—a sergeant and two officers trailing him in an unmarked station wagon.
Suddenly, the police say, when his backup had lost sight of him around a corner, Van Houten was jumped by two black youths. One, allegedly Edmund Perry, punched the side of his head while the other, allegedly Jonah, yoked him from behind and dragged him to the pavement.
According to his lawyer, Van Houten tried to shout "Police!" but the word was muffled by a blow to his head. Pinned down and being pummeled by one of his attackers, his lawyer says, Van Houten feared for his life, pulled a pistol from his ankle holster and fired three shots. One felled Edmund Perry, who, says the lawyer, was standing a few feet away. The other youth, reportedly wearing a dark blue sweatshirt or sweater, was not hit and fled.
Within 24 hours the police announced that a departmental investigation had found nothing to dispute in Van Houten's account, and that "several" unnamed witnesses corroborated it. The department concluded that Van Houten had followed police guidelines permitting an officer to use deadly force—as a last resort—if he has good reason to believe that his life is in danger.
A grand jury investigating the incident reached the same conclusion early this month, clearing Van Houten and indicting Jonah Perry for assault and attempted robbery. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison on each charge.
Those who have known the Perry brothers reacted to the killing and the mugging charge with shock, disbelief and outrage. Alan Brooks, track coach at Westminster prep, where scholarship student Jonah was captain of the team, describes him as "a really swell kid. A nicer guy does not exist, as far as I'm concerned." To mug someone "is just completely out of character. It just does not compute."
Edmund's friends were equally incredulous. Kevin Johnson, 18, was Edmund's best friend on the block of public-housing tenements where the Perrys live. "We was like family," Kevin says. "When he came home we'd go out and have a congratulations meal because he was doing so good."
Kevin, who says he had been playing basketball with Edmund until shortly before his death, figures he went to the other side of the park to eat at the College Inn, a luncheonette near Columbia. "I honestly believe he didn't jump on that cop. Ed was always against crime. He was out to make Harlem something better than what it was, but he just couldn't do it by himself."
"Eddie never steals from anyone. No way. No way," maintains Edmund's best friend at Exeter, Kennett Marshall, 18, the stepson of Dick Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa. "He's a very moral and religious guy. He doesn't do things unless they're right. I know he didn't mug anyone. If they get away with this..." says Marshall, shaking his head, his sky-blue eyes filling with tears. "This was going to be our big summer." Marshall donated a $1,000 graduation gift from his grandfather to Mrs. Perry for funeral expenses.
The teenagers' mother, Veronica Perry, 37, an assistant Head Start teacher who is an elected member of Community School Board No. 3, which includes a large tract of middle-class Manhattan, was on her way home from a school board meeting when, at about 11 p.m., a neighbor told her that Edmund had been shot. "I thought, 'This is utterly ludicrous,' " she recalls. "My son carried no gun or knife because he walked with God. He always said, 'Jesus fights my battles.'
"My older son [Jonah] has a real temper. You get him mad and he'll hit you. But Ed didn't like to fight—he was a negotiator. That's why it's unbelievable," she adds. "If the man had said, 'I'm a police officer,' Ed would have raised his hands and said, 'Take me,' because my sons know cops shoot little black boys. He premeditated and took a gun and killed my baby."
Many Harlem residents believe that the shooting was racially motivated. The week after the incident, some 1,000 marched to Van Houten's station house, chanting "Stop killing us!" Says the Rev. Preston Washington of Memorial Baptist Church, who had led a special service to honor Edmund Perry's academic achievements the Sunday before he was killed, "The police kill and ask questions later. It's a new form of lynching. The police don't value black life at all."
The Reverend Washington says that Edmund was a deeply religious young man. "He was a member of the Memorial Youth Fellowship; he took part in our retreats; he was an usher. The only thing he wouldn't do is sing. But even if Edmund were the biggest criminal on earth, does that justify killing over a mugging?" asks Washington. "We're talking about the preciousness of black life."
The only ones who know for sure what happened on the night of June 12 are Lee Van Houten and the young black man who fled. According to a Puerto Rican fellow police officer who spoke to the New York Times, Van Houten had "never showed signs of racism." In his two years on the force he had won a reputation as a levelheaded officer, as well as a commendation for apprehending a man with a gun. He had never before fired his own gun except in practice.
Van Houten, treated at nearby St. Luke's Hospital Center, reportedly for a bloody nose, cut lip, scraped arm and sprained neck, remained on sick leave at home in suburban Rockland County a month after the incident and refused to talk to the press. "Lee really doesn't want to get into this," his lawyer explained.
The police claim to have an increasing mass of evidence that the man who fled was Jonah. They say that neighborhood witnesses have told them that Jonah played basketball with Edmund and bet a trip to the movies on the game's outcome. Jonah lost, but neither had any money and Jonah suggested that he and Ed "rip off" someone, the police say. (Sources in the Manhattan district attorney's office say no money was found on Edmund.) Jonah showed up at the hospital shortly after the shooting. And the blue sweater Jonah was wearing when he arrived at the hospital was "not inconsistent" with the clothing worn by the second youth—whose face Van Houten never saw. The police claim other witnesses, none of whom have spoken out or been identified publicly, saw Jonah run back from the park at about 9:30, saying, "We got a DT," street slang for "detective."
Jonah, who declined to testify before the grand jury, denies that he was with Edmund. "Anyone who says I was there, they're not just making a mistake, they're lying," he says. He suggests that he and everyone else with anything to say about the case should take lie-detector tests.
Jonah says that after the basketball game, he walked east to his grandmother's house, and Ed walked west, in the direction of the park. Later, Jonah says, he walked west to look for Ed. He reached the foot of the park when he heard shots. "A dude ran up and said your brother's been shot," Jonah recalls. Although this individual knew who Jonah was, Jonah claims not to know who he was. "He was just someone from the street."
So far no one has come forward to support Jonah's account of his actions, but at his trial there may be testimony that casts some doubt on the police description of the incident. Dr. Sidney B. Weinberg, a nationally known forensic pathologist from Long Island, attended Edmund's autopsy at the request of the Perry family. He says, "The wound was downward and backward, not upward. I don't think [the officer] fired from the ground. I don't see how that could be possible." Weinberg also says that there were no marks on Edmund's hands or body to indicate that he had been in a fight.
Meanwhile, the surviving Perry brother, freed in his own custody, holds to his story, and the police, apparently buttressed by considerable evidence, hold to theirs. Edmund Perry, whose short life bridged two wholly different worlds, lies buried in a loamy area of New Jersey's Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery. His mother says, "I don't feel any hate or malice. I'm overjoyed my son is with the King." As for the questions surrounding what happened that June night, Veronica Perry has an answer: "God knows the truth."
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The resulting character, attitude, and appearence, when Peter Parker is influenced by the symbiote in the movie Spider-Man 3; distuguishable change in hair style (emo style), some what "sexy" dance moves, and talking in a slang manner
The line :"Fix this damn door!!" was spoken by Emo Peter Parker.
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Created in this Craftsy class
Learn to knit two beautiful lace shawls with Laura Nelkin as she sends you on a lace journey that is out of this world!
Other projects made as part of this class:
Offer some kudos...
Join the conversation...
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|Here are some details about my project:
|Traditional, Classic
What materials did you use? Peruvian Collection Baby Cashmere Fingering Weight by Elann.com, almost four 100 meter balls, and size 4 Knitpicks Nickel plated interchangeable circulars (my favorite needles).
What are you most proud of? I love that I finally got to use this awesome yarn for something so beautiful without abandoning the project out of frustration, which has happened numerous times. Even though I've been a knitter for many years, I learned so many tips and techniques that I can generalize to other projects.
What advice would you give someone starting this project? Be patient and trust Laura's advice. Watch her demonstrate first, then use the 30 second rewind before tackling unfamiliar techniques or complicated patterns. Print out the charts and the regular pattern sheets. Read through the pattern sections first before you start them because some of the rows are not demonstrated in Laura's video. Invest in some blocking materials if you don't have them. Unfortunately, I was too impatient to wait for mine to arrive in the mail. ;) Instead, I used the knitting needle method which is inadequate. I used size US 4 needles so my shawl is only about 44" in diameter and about 21in from top to bottom. Next time, I'll likely go up to a US 5 or US 6 needle.
WOW! It looks great.
Thanks. This was a fun starter project. Can't wait to start the Clarus Shawl.
It is beautiful -- how long did it take you to complete?
Hi. It was my first shawl project, so I was very tentative because I don't like frogging lace. From start to finish, it took me about 1 week. I'm om my second Skywalker right now, so it's going much faster. :)
I think that was super fast!


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Staybridge Suites Naples-Gulf Coast
The Staybridge Suites Naples-Gulf Coast hotel is located one mile from the 35 acre Clam Pass Beach Park which is ideal for swimming and has a restaurant and watersports rentals. Got a car? Our Naples hotel is under a 15 minute drive from other peaceful and relaxing Gulf of Mexico beaches. Spend a day enjoying our white sandy beaches in comfort with our complimentary beach chairs. Don't forget breakfast before you go, our Naples, Florida hotel has free breakfast. Visiting Naples for our year round warm weather? Here's a tip: Naples hotels fill up fast, book your room now. Get comfortable at the Staybridge Suites Naples-Gulf Coast hotel which is centrally located to all of the Naples, Florida golf courses. Our Naples hotel poolside Chickee Bar has the most charming bartenders and fun drink specials. The Staybridge Suites Naples-Gulf Coast hotel also serves a free light meal, beer, and wine three nights a week.. Traveling to Naples, Florida for work? We are located on US Highway 41 and close to Downtown Naples and Interstate 75 which gives you easy access to businesses like NCH, Arthrex, Hertz, and Allen Systems Group and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Naples Municipal Airport (APF). Our Naples hotel also provides free wired and wireless internet access.
Quick Info
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 12:00 PM
- Minimum Check-In Age: 21
- Late Check Out Available
- Parking: Free
- Print Fact sheet
- Chat Online
Hotel Highlights
- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Housekeeping Full Service
- Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
- Standard Wireless Internet service is free for all members
- On-Site Fitness Center Available
Guest Reviews
Overall Experience
Good times at the Staybridge Suites in Naples
September 28, 2016
For a great quiet and relaxing time, stay at the Staybridge Suites while in Naples Florida.
What a great staff
ByLouis M.
September 27, 2016
I have stayed at this same Staybridge hotel for at least 10 times now, so I know and deal with the same staff many times. They are very professional and know what customer service is all about. This is one of the best hotels that I have stayed at and I have been to many.
Hotel confortable et calme
September 27, 2016
Bien qu'un peu éloigné du centre de Naples, cet hotel est à recommender pour ceux qui cherche le calme et le confort. la proximité du Village et des plages en fait un bon choix pour qui souhaite profiter du golfe du Mexique sans la foule des stations plus huppées.
Home away from home
September 21, 2016
It was an amazing weekend. I will definitely return in less than a month.


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Systemwide Events Calendar
Annual PFRP PI MeetingNovember 26, 2012 - November 27, 2012
Manoa Campus, Pacific Room, Imin Conference Center
The JIMAR Pelagic Fisheries Research Program (PFRP) will be holding its annual Principal Investigators Meeting on November 26-27, 2012, at the Pacific Room of the Imin Conference Center (EWC).
Keynote speaker will be Dr. David Welch of Kintama Research, Canada, and presentations of ongoing PFRP research projects will be given. The PI meeting is open to the general public and the agenda can be found at the PFRP web site: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/PFRP/pfrp1.html.
Contact Kevin Weng at firstname.lastname@example.com, 956-4109, or Dodie Lau at email@example.com, 956-7895.
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SOEST/JIMAR, Manoa Campus
More Information
Dodie Lau, 808-956-7895, email@example.com, http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/PFRP/pfrp1.html
|Monday, November 26
|UH Press Cyber Monday Sale - 40% Off Entire Webstore
Manoa Campus, University of Hawaii Press
|The Wellness Center - Fitness Class Schedule
Maui Campus, Pilina Bldg., Wellness Center
|WSRSL Alumni Association - Toys for Tots Collection Drive
Manoa Campus, Law Library
|International Management Final Oral
Manoa Campus, BusAd G102
|Students Helping Aloha United Way Silent Auction
Manoa Campus, Campus Center Dining Room 203 E
|Chemistry Final Oral
Manoa Campus, Bilger 150
|Back to the Cosmos with the AMS-02 experiment on the International Space Station
Manoa Campus, Wat 112
|Bollywood Mondays: 'Delhi Belly' (2011)
Manoa Campus, Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics Auditorium (HIG 110)
|Play In Clay
Windward Campus, Hale Palanakila 216
|Tai Chi (Yang Style)
Windward Campus, Hale Kuhina 115
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Ask Fraser how he feels about being one win away from becoming the franchise's all-time winningest coach and all he initially will offer is an eye roll and shoulder shrug.
"It's nice," he said after practice Tuesday. "It's a nice thing, but it's the last thing I'm concerned with."
Fraser, who is in his fourth year with the organization, will break a tie with former coach Danton Cole and become the Griffins' leader in wins with 117 with their next victory.
Fraser already is the team's all-time leader in games coached (247), which also led to him holding the mark for most losses (102).
He certainly wasn't expecting to reach those milestones when he was hired as the eighth head coach in Griffins history on July 23, 2008.
"Apparently, no other coaches have either, because this is a short time I've been here," Fraser said with a laugh. "I've been here three years and we're talking about this. A lot of coaches have changed in the past, but since I've been here, we've got a great group of young kids and it's fun to work with them."
BY THE NUMBERSGriffins' all-time wins leaders:
• 116 -- Danton Cole (208 games, 2002-2005)
• 116 -- Curt Fraser (247 games, 2008-present)
• 109 -- Greg Ireland (192 games, 2005-07)
• 95 -- Bruce Cassidy (162 games, 2000-02)
"Curt's professional, Curt communicates with me and that's why he's the best coach I've ever had here in Grand Rapids," Thompson said. "He communicates. If it's good, if it's bad, it doesn't matter. He lets you know what needs to be done."
Forward Francis Pare was a rookie during Fraser's first season with the Griffins, and is thankful for the opportunities the coach gave him in that first year. Pare said the two have developed a good relationship over the years, even when things might not be going well.
"He's really intense. Like, when something is going wrong or something happens, you're going to know it right away," Pare said. "He's going to have a couple swear words, but it's always nice and after that there are no hard feelings. There's a lot of emotion in him. That's what I like about him."
Defenseman Logan Pyett can relate. He may not be able to compare him to many other coaches -- he had the same coach for four years in junior hockey and now the same coach for four years with the Griffins -- but he said Fraser has helped him improve as a player.
"I think from my first year, when I wasn't playing a whole lot and had a lot to learn obviously, him and (assistant coach) Jim (Paek) have helped me along immensely," Pyett said. "I felt I had a lot better second year than my first and that's because of the experience they gave me and what they were able to teach me."
Helping young players develop is one area where Fraser can take some satisfaction.
"You just like to see these kids develop and grow into real good hockey players," he said. "You watch (Justin) Abdelkader and (Darren) Helm and these guys that play now for the Red Wings, and they're not just sitting there on the bench with a good seat. They're contributing every night and that's great to see.
"Hopefully, we can get five or six of these guys up there in the next couple years, and that will be a good accomplishment."
Grand Rapids isn't the only place where Fraser has made an impact.
After leading Orlando to the International Hockey League's Turner Cup finals in 1996 and 1999, he spent three and a half seasons as the first-ever coach of the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers.
Fraser, who also helped the Belarus national team qualify for the 2010 Winter Olympics before joining the Griffins, acknowledges that while he would love to return to the NHL at some point, he's in no hurry to leave his current post.
"Absolutely. That would be a good thing," he said. "But for now this is the next best thing. Grand Rapids is a fantastic place to live and coach. It's a pretty darn good spot to be."
Fraser and Craig MacTavish of the Chicago Wolves are the only current AHL coaches with more than 200 games of NHL experience as both a coach and player. It doesn't look like Fraser will be going anywhere anytime soon, since he signed a two-year contract extension in Aug. 2010.
Now he just wants to put together a team that can make a deep run in the playoffs. The Griffins have advanced to the postseason only once under Fraser, in 2008-09, but he's optimistic about this year's crop of players.
"We've always missed pieces, and maybe that's because the Red Wings finish so high every year," Fraser said. "The kids have been great, the team's been good. It's exciting, it's entertaining to watch.
"I've got the best seat in the house."
E-mail Michael Zuidema: email@example.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/michaelzuidema


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I don't think there's a lot you can do to speed up the process other than get 100% back on Primal as soon as you can.
I believe Mark mentioned that the longer you're Primal and the more dedicated you are, the easier and faster your body will recover from such wagon falls, but I think you're just kind of at the mercy of your body and its ability to reach homeostasis. Of course, I have no idea what I'm talking about and could be totally wrong!


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MVCC regularly offers the opportunity to receive baptism. Baptism is offered to those who have repented of their sins and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation and who want to make a public proclamation of their faith.
If you would like to be baptized, or if you have any questions about baptism, please email Pastor Arthur or call the church office at (603) 624-4080. We would be happy to discuss this opportunity with you!


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The Best New YouTube Music Awards Videos, Including FKA Twigs, Action Bronson, Charli XCX, and More
FKA twigs, Action Bronson, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, and more.By Dee Lockett
FKA twigs, Action Bronson, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, and more.By Dee Lockett
The rapper answers our patented questionnaire.By Vanita Salisbury
Just don't get hm started on Sammy Hagar, who's a lot "like a Guy Fieri I don't like."By Clint Rainey
A ranking based not on followers, but engagement, for 2014 so far.By Joe Coscarelli
The Queens-based rapper Michelins out for few minutes.By Hugh Merwin
Paula Deen's replacement has been found.By Hugh Merwin
A surprise cameo by R. Kelly, for one thing.By Adam Martin
It's time to open up the abalone, smoke the macaroni, and eat the cannelloni if you still are hungry.By Hugh Merwin
And some goat-roasting tips.By Amanda Dobbins
"I laid it over the fish after it was cooked, and it had the same effect as if I smoked twenty blunts."By Vanita Salisbury
We'll stick with the treadmill, thanks.By Eliot Glazer
Yo! Pancakes rap!By Eliot Glazer
Action Bronson and Mr. Mothafuckin exQuire get over — plus word-of-mouth raves for Fiona Apple, Titus Andronicus ... and Carson Daly.By Nitsuh Abebe
It's fun and it's free!By Eliot Glazer
Another Das Racist dude does his own thing.By Eliot Glazer


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What do you think Miller meant when he wrote, ''this play is not history in the sense in which the word is used by the academic historian'?"
1 Answer | Add Yours
This question is one which is open to personal interpretation. What this means is that the question is subjective and, therefore, deems a subjective answer.
What can be assumed by the statement by Arthur Miller ("this play is not history in the sense in which the word is used by the academic historian") is that he did not want the play to be examined as something factual. While the Salem witch trials did take place, Miller wants readers, and watchers, of the play to understand that it (the play) is his interpretation of what led the hysteria to break out in Salem.
Academic history is written in a completely factual way (think dictionary or encyclopedia). Nothing is left to true criticism given texts written in this (a historically academic) way are interpreted as how it really was when it happened. Given that these texts are references, many simply accept what they say as truths. Miller wants readers to know that his play is a history given it provides information on the witch trials, but the play is not a completely accurate telling of what happened.
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Best route map between Winter Park, CO and Nederland, CO. This route take about 65 Miles.
The distance and estimated time is placed on the right depending on the status of the road.
, 23:14
* You can see Winter Park, CO and Nederland, CO photos above. We provide this photos from Google Panoramio service.
* Winter Park, CO weather as celsius: °C
* Nederland, CO weather as celsius: °C
* Weather information on route, provide by Open Weather Map.
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Love Art
- Overview
Show extra love in kids' spaces with this retro-style typography design. The white lettering is printed on pink cotton canvas with a distressed finish and framed in white solid wood.
- Frame is crafted of poplar wood.
- Art is printed on acid-free paper with a distressed finish.
- Paper closure on back.
- Features a glass covering.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 26" square, 1" thick
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
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At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923, 7 days a week, 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. PST.
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I am going into the studio to record my first album. I would love your support!
32 backers pledged $1,855 to help bring this project to life.
Dear Kickstarter friends,
I am so happy to announce that my album is finally finished! Whew, it sure did take a bit (ok, a lot) longer than I thought it... Read more
Successfully raised $1,855 with 32 backers
Album update (7 days left!)
Dear Kickstarter friends,
What a wonderful experience this has been! I think I may have underestimated the generosity of all my friends and family, as my original goal was met... Read more
Project launched


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Ever dreamed of owning a Gucci bag? What about a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes? Thought they were out of your reach? Not this weekend! A three day vintage extravaganza sale will be taking place this weekend, with all proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer's Groupe.
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The Alloy of LawPosted: February 29, 2012 Filed under: Book Reviews | Tags: Audiobook, fantasy, humor, Western Leave a comment
The Alloy of Law, by Brandon Sanderson
This is not the usual lengthy fantasy novel readers have come to expect from Brandon Sanderson. It's much shorter, faster-paced, and has more humor. The Alloy of Law is as much a western as a fantasy novel. While part of his Mistborn series, it's set 300 years later, with all new characters. Waxillium and Wayne fight crime in the Roughs, aided by their magical allomantic and feruchemical powers. Wayne can create a slow time bubble and heals well, while Wax can push on steel and make himself lighter or heavier, moving like a superhero. After a tragedy, Wax must move to the family mansion in the city of Elendel, become Lord Waxillium Ladrian, and take over the family business. He also needs to start a family, and meets with Lady Steris and her father, Lord Harms, to discuss a proposal for courtship and possible marriage. Their first date, where they are joined by Steris' cousin Marasi, a student of criminal justice, is at a wedding banquet. Their waiter turns out to be Wayne, a master of disguise. When thieves break into the banquet hall, open fire, and kidnap a lady, Wax and Wayne are back in the crime-fighting business, aided by Marasi. Recent mysterious railcar thefts and kidnapping of ladies with allomantic or feruchemical powers are probably connected, and they suspect their former colleague Miles, who is practically impossible to kill, of turning villain.
A fun read, and a nice change of pace. I read the book, but the audio version is also getting great reviews.
The Sisters BrothersPosted: January 24, 2012 Filed under: Book Reviews | Tags: gold rush, humor, Western Leave a comment
The Sisters Brothers, by Patrick deWitt
I don't read a lot of westerns, but the funny title and striking cover caught my eye. Eli and Charlie Sisters are outlaws based in Oregon City in 1851, during the Gold Rush. Their boss, the mysterious Commodore, has a new job for the Sisters brothers; to kill gold prospector Herman Kermit Warm near San Francisco. The trip doesn't begin well; Eli resents that Charlie has been put in charge, and Eli's current horse, Tub, may not be up for such a long journey.
Charlie got into a lot of fights as a kid, and the larger Eli defended him. Now Charlie likes to drink, and kill people. Eli, however, is starting to listen to his conscience, although he feels obligated to help his brother. But really, Eli's not very happy, and he might like to be a shopkeeper instead, and settle down with a nice woman. Eccentric characters and numerous adventures enliven their journey, along with comic interludes. The horse Tub continues his decline, but Eli doesn't want to part with him. Herman Kermit Warm is not the thief the Sisters brothers expected, and his secret to successful gold prospecting comes with a high price. I'm not a bit surprised that film rights have already been optioned for this darkly funny, award-winning, offbeat Western. For an animated video about the book, visit the author's web site.


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Douglas Merrill
Co-Founder and CEO of ZestFinance.com; Google's Former Chief Information Officer
Douglas Merrill? Email us Give Us a Call
Douglas Merrill brings to his keynotes a rich real-world perspective on innovation as strategy, as culture, while delivering an overview of how new technologies have changed the way we live and work. As the former CIO and VP of Engineering at Google, he oversaw a team of 1,500, as well as all aspects of technology, and several high profile projects, one of which, Google Checkout, is now a multi-billion dollar business. Informed, passionate and brilliantly counter-intuitive, Merrill now helps companies around the world learn how to build their own sustainable cultures of innovation.
Merrill has also served as COO of New Music at EMI Group, and as VP of Infrastructure and HR Strategy at Charles Schwab. In academia, he was an Information Scientist at the RAND Corporation. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science from Princeton and is the author of Getting Organized in the Google Era: How to Get Stuff Out of Your Head, Find It When You Need It, and Get It Done Right.
Big Data Demystified: What's Important, What's Not, and What's Next
Everything you think you know about big data is probably false. Technology can mindlessly capture thousands of data points—anything you can think of—but without a good understanding of what's important, and what's simply noise, big data ends up as a barrier, and not a road map. Enter Douglas Merrill. He knows data. He has done research for the US government on large scale data analysis and visualization. He was the CIO at Google, the best big data shop in the world, and he's Founder & CEO of ZestFinance, the industry-leading big data underwriting firm. This peerless experience positions Merrill as one of the leading voices in big data, and allows him to make hard concepts simple to understand. In a lively talk, free of jargon, he shows you how to approach big data and make it work. His straight-forward talk features real people, relevant examples, and very smart companies making well-informed decisions. Big data is about science and intuition, Merrill says, emphasizing the human element while simultaneously focusing on rigor and analysis. After a bold primer that outlines early victories, common mistakes, and new paths to growth and innovation, Merrill suggests a new approach to data-driven decisions: have people from radically different backgrounds on your data teams, add more "signals" (data you can draw conclusions from) to your analysis, and, most importantly, use your data to solve real world problems, instead of crunching numbers for numbers sake. Enthralling, important, and immediately applicable, Merrill's big talk on big data is perfect for any organization that wants to make smarter choices now.
Innovate or Die: Building a Culture of Strategy and Innovation
Douglas Merrill provides a rare look into how Google fosters its renowned culture of innovation. In a fast-paced talk, he contrasts Google's strengths with those of other companies that are struggling to stay relevant. The best companies know that innovation is a process you can learn and implement. Merrill lays out a blueprint for innovation as strategy, as culture. How do you foster ideas in their infancy? What corporate structures drive innovations, and which ones get in the way? And how do you recognize the innovation that's already happening in your organization? Innovation, he shows us, is already happening at your organization, at every organization. But the mediocre companies kill it unwittingly. Having championed innovation at Google, Merrill demonstrates, with striking clarity, how to design a different kind of company-- one where culture, strategy and innovation are interrelated and drive massive, sustainable growth.
The Innovators Opportunity: Building the Business of the Future
You're at a successful company. You make a great product, and people are buying it. Congratulations. But do you know where your next successful product comes from? Most companies don't. Some companies are counting on their current product growing indefinitely. In fact, the whole notion of focusing on your "core" and ignoring "context" assumes that your core will grow indefinitely. However, most companies face the Innovator's Dilemma: How do we build a new product in an already successful company? Innovation and product development in these companies requires structural change, new kinds of employees, incentive shifts, and management fortitude. But, if a company gets it right, it can capture the Innovator's Opportunity: Building a new product in the safety of a stable company. Building on research from RAND, consulting to the world's largest companies in the US and internationally, his experience at Google, and lessons from his own start-ups, Merrill describes proven methods for creating the Innovator's Opportunity.
Google vs. EMI: The Innovation Gap
Douglas Merrill went from the ecstasy of Google to the agony of EMI-- and, in this talk, he shares everything he learned about the two wildly different cultures, and what each says about innovation. When EMI Group's New Music Department wanted to take on Apple, it hired Merrill as its COO. Despite having great talent, deep pockets, and innovative ideas, EMI ultimately lost the digital music war. Why? Merrill explains that, though Google and EMI were equally innovative, it was Google who had a culture of experimentation and implementation--and that's the real difference. Innovation isn't a panacea; it's only one part of a more comprehensive process. In this ambitious and enthralling talk, Merrill articulates why culture and strategy are what transform innovative ideas into revolutionary products.
Libro Financial
"All the feedback we received was tremendous. Douglas brought a well prepared, dynamic speech and a great sense of humor to the day. It was evident that he had spent time learning what our background and business was about—he did a great job of integrating that into his thoughtful comments."
Getting Organized in the Google Era
Whether it's a faulty memory, a tendency to multitask, or difficulty managing our time, every one of us has limitations conspiring to keep us from being organized. But, as organizational guru and former Google CIO Douglas C. Merrill points out, it isn't our fault. Our brains simply aren't designed to deal with the pressures and competing demands on our attention in today's fast-paced, information-saturated, digital world. What's more, he says, many of the ways in which our society is structured are outdated, imposing additional chaos that makes us feel stressed, scattered, and disorganized. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Luckily, we have a myriad of amazing new digital tools and technologies at our fingertips to help us manage the strains on our brains and on our lives; the trick is knowing when and how to use them. This is why Merrill, who helped spearhead Google's effort to "organize the world's information," offers a wealth of tips and strategies for how to use these new tools to become more organized, efficient, and successful than ever.
But if you're looking for traditional, rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies for organization, this isn't the book for you. Instead, Merrill draws on his intimate knowledge of how the brain works to help us develop fresh, innovative, and flexible systems of organization tailored to our individual goals, constraints, and lifestyles. From how to harness the amazing power of search, to how to get the most out of cloud computing, to techniques for filtering through the enormous avalanche of information that assaults us at every turn, to tips for minimizing distractions and better integrating work and life, Getting Organized in the Google Era is chock-full of practical, invaluable, and often counterintuitive advice for anyone who wants to be more organized and productive-- and less stressed--in our 21st-century world.
Twitter: Speaker
#FirstJob running network wires inside A/C ducts to connect IBM 3033 to printers that were the size of rooms.about 1 year ago
Twitter: Lavin
And here's travel writer @robinesrock speaking about his new book *The Great Global Bucket List* on @globalnews: https://t.co/Y2wbaLPuc7about 17 hours ago
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PAMPA — James Gordon "J.G." McConnell Sr., 94, of Pampa died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, in Amarillo.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in First United Methodist Church of Canyon with the Rev. Kevin Deckard, associate pastor of Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo, and the Rev. Rick Enns, senior pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon.
J.G. died of congestive heart failure on Feb. 9, 2013, at Hospice Care of the Southwest in Amarillo. He was born Nov. 29, 1918, in the family home five miles west of Pampa to Roger S. and Willie C. Hopkins McConnell. J.G. was the eldest of three boys. His younger brothers, both deceased, were John Edwin and Glenn Roger.
The family farmed and ranched in Gray and Carson Counties. J.G. went to work at an early age, sharecropping with mules, primitive tractors and helping tend the family herd of polled Hereford Cattle. He grew up on the frontier stories of his great uncle and aunt, Henry and Fanny Lovett, and attended the funeral of Charles Goodnight. His uncle, Skinny Adams, was a range boss on the JA Ranch.
He saw the oil boom of the 1920s and survived the Dust Bowl, giving a vivid personal account of "Black Sunday," April 14, 1935. In high school, he excelled in F.F.A. livestock judging and in state wide speech tournaments. He attended junior college at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M., when the cadet corps drilled on
horseback. He did his bachelor's work in animal husbandry at Oklahoma State University. His studies were interrupted by World War II, and he served with distinction in the Army, rising in the ranks from draftee and buck private to first lieutenant in the Medical Corps.
When he returned to Pampa, he met a beautiful high school teacher named Lee Una Sullivan on a blind date and married her in Fort Worth on Nov. 8, 1947. They farmed and ranched in Crowley County, Colo., until 1959. Their only child, James Gordon McConnell Jr., was born in 1950.
After selling the farm, J.G. returned to Stillwater to complete his final semester for his bachelor's degree at OSU. He then completed a Masters in Science Education degree at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., and became a science teacher at La Junta Junior High School in La Junta, Colo. A devoted teacher, he soon became head of the science department. He was a lay leader at First United Methodist Church and a dedicated volunteer and Key Man with the Explorer Scout group and the Koshare Indian Dancers in La Junta. In the summers, he took geology field study courses with Dr. Richard Burroughs of Adams State University. They floated the Colorado River and explored Canyonlands National Park and other places in the southwest. Lee often went along on these adventures.
He retired from teaching in the mid-1980s and was able to spend more time with Lee, friends and family in "God's Country" at Pearl Lakes Trout Club, near Creede, Colo. J.G. and Lee also were members of Denver-based Ports of Call Travel Club and traveled more than 200,000 miles together, visiting Mexico, China, Japan, Bali, Western Europe, the Middle East and seven countries in Africa. As J.G. was fond of saying, they "had a great run together."
In 1995, Lee and J.G. moved to Canyon and joined First United Methodist Church. They were members of the Crusaders Sunday school class and developed many warm friendships in the church and community. J.G. continued working in his later years as president of R.S. McConnell Inc. with properties in Gray and Carson counties. He supported several ministries and gave generous gratuities to college students working in the eateries of Canyon and Amarillo, helping them, in his words, "climb the ladder."
J.G. lost Lee, the love of his life, after 62 years of marriage in November 2009. Tenaciously independent, he continued to live at home for the next three years, aided by friends from church, the neighborhood and especially his "gal Friday," Becky and her husband Kevin Deckard. He often said, "I thank the Lord every day for my walk on this Earth." Those who knew and loved J.G., thank the Lord for him.
J.G. McConnell was the elder of the McConnell and Hopkins families, esteemed by nieces and nephews and cousins of multiple generations.
Survivors include a son, Gordon and wife Betty; held in loving memory by Betty's son, Brett Loos, and his family; a sister, Lillie Grace; and a sister-in-law, Laverne Sullivan Brewster, of Austin.
The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church or an educational institution of choice.
Sign the online guest book at www.brooksfuneral.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 12, 2013


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Barnowl Chainsaw Sculpture
Everybody does eagles: I like owls. This is a life-size barn owl in pine. I think I prefer hardwoods because I can get finer detail, but this one turned out nicely. I have dozens of patterns worked out for most of our native species and can give you whatever you might like. I am only limited by your imagination.
Dimensions: 20" x 8" 30" x 12"


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John Dudley: Penn State Behrend sports set to grow again
Athletic director Brian Streeter likes to say they have plenty of land out at Penn State Behrend, which sprawls across 854 acres of rolling woodlot that used to be the farm estate of paper magnate Ernst Behrend.
And they're not afraid to develop it, especially when that means adding athletic facilities or improving what they have.
The latest two projects at the school are moving along quite nicely after a budgetary delay last fall.
A new artificial-turf soccer complex and a track and field facility both could be open by late August, adding two more pieces to a sports-facility universe that revolves around the $10.2 million Junker Center.
Long-term plans call for the new venues to include locker rooms, offices and a press box. Eventually the school will add a weight room, too, since the one at the Junker Center is currently overflowing.
The soccer field will be marked for lacrosse, which Behrend currently offers as a club sport but, Streeter said, eventually plans to elevate to varsity status.
Built at a total cost of $10 million -- about $5 million each -- the new facilities will serve not only the soccer and track and field programs, but also the student body as a whole, Streeter said.
You can chalk that up, in part, to lights.
"Right now our intramurals basically have to stop at 9 o'clock at night or even earlier because it gets dark," Streeter said. "What the new complex will do is allow us to run intramurals until midnight, which will have a big impact. And that will also allow us to spread out our other practices and competitions to make room for events from outside Behrend in the community."
The hope, Streeter said, is to position Behrend to potentially host track and field meets, high school soccer playoff matches and possibly postseason lacrosse as the complex nears completion.
Phase one of the project -- the facilities themselves -- should be ready when students return to campus this fall. Phase two, the lights, will follow.
Phase three -- essentially a field house with the trimmings -- will take more time, Streeter said.
"We're actively talking to potential donors," Streeter said. "But we're still years away. Hopefully only a couple years, but years."
So the natural question is, what's next?
Streeter said he's not sure, but added that the soccer and track and field facilities followed a fairly natural progression on the heels of Junker Center's opening and the completion of the school's baseball and softball complex.
What's often talked about with respect to Penn State Behrend is the possibility of adding football, a much more involved, more expensive proposition. For years, Joe Paterno was said to have opposed the creation of football programs on Penn State's branch campuses.
But there are some indications that could change.
Streeter said football remains nothing more than a concept at this point, saying it would take, minimally, five years to have a program up and running at the Division III level.
"Who knows?" Streeter said. "Maybe football will happen."
This much seems certain: Behrend acres won't sit idle for long.
JOHN DUDLEY can be reached at 870-1677 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNdudley.


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Child Safety: Child Safe Blinds & Shades
- Ensures the safest room for children
- All products have cord-free options
- WCMA approved cordless options
- Cordless operation is easy at low heights
- Add motorization for hard to reach windows
Blindsgalore supports the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) in providing window treatments that meet the highest standards in cord safety to avoid any unwanted injuries or mishaps. The WCMA has created the Certified Best for Kids label to help identify products that are both suitable and strongly recommended in homes with young children. This certification program is the first of its kind and cordless lift options with this label have undergone rigorous third-party testing to ensure they meet stringent safety criteria. Select lift options labeled as Certified Best for Kids for utmost safety. Blindsgalore also recommends upgrading to a motorized blind or shade when available for extra protection and greater accessibility. Window treatment options that have been Certified Best for Kids are the smartest and safest choice for all of your blinds and shades.
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Levolor® Riviera 2" 9-Gauge Metal Blinds
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text:
Who: 500 military fathers and daughters, Armed Services YMCA San Diego
When: Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 5 pm – 9 pm
Where: Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego CA 92108
SAN DIEGO– On Saturday, February 16th, fathers and their daughters will be getting 'red carpet ready' for a captivating evening of dancing at the Armed Services YMCA San Diego's 7th Annual Father & Daughter Dance: A Night in the Spotlight. Dressed in their finest gowns, military uniform, and dancing shoes, guests will enjoy the Hollywood themed atmosphere. Sponsored again by TriWest, this special night for military dads creates lifelong memories with their daughters and continues to be a sellout event for the Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASY). 500 guests from 195 families are expected at this premier family bonding event.
Guests will be greeted by the flashing lights of paparazzi as they walk down the red carpet into the ballroom. Besides dancing to DJ tunes, guests can expect to enjoy a delicious meal, a variety of activities, party favors, as well as live entertainment from the Bunnell Strings. In between dancing and other fun, participants can make their way to the free candid photo booth or professional event photography station which will allow each family to go home with lasting memories. The highlight of the night will surely be the quality family bonding time that active duty service members, veterans, and retired military will be able to have with their daughters—ranging from toddlers to young ladies.
Many fathers who plan to attend have recently returned from overseas or have orders to depart soon. Lyndsay Neer, Program Director of Family and Youth Enrichment, comments: "Deployments, family separations, and relocations can all take a toll on the special relationship girls have with their father. The ASY is so proud to offer this event so families can strengthen those important bonds and have wonderful memories to look back on. We are so fortunate to have the support of Triwest to make this event possible for our families. They truly look forward to it all year long. "
The non-profit Armed Services YMCA San Diego was founded in 1920 and is focused on providing support services specifically designed for military personnel and their families. Our programs promote individual and family strengthening and bonding in ways that are relevant to the unique challenges of military life. Media is invited to attend. Visit www.militaryymca.org or contact Cat Quirk at (858) 751-5755 ext.105 or firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Media Contact- Cat Quirk, Director of Public Relations.
Event Phone- 714-928-7446. Email- firstname.lastname@example.com


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Top Definition
Some white pale motherfucker who sucks at call of duty but some how keeps a team alive because of his livestream. he is also sponsored by red bull which is bullshit because i'm better than him. cunt
Beküldő: ydnoV 2014. február 7.
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?


text:
Top Definition
Refers to authentic Australian behaviour, expressions and metaphors. Typically, found in regional/rural Australian settings.
Steve Irwin using Ocka language: "Crikey, look at that little beauty, she's a real gem!"
от usernametaken 04 септември 2006
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
another word for ocker
that ocka looks like a brick shit house
от stinkoman 24 февруари 2004
our company kicks ass- only cool people
ocka is way rader then you
от bram 26 май 2004


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Review Details
Red Heart Boutique Sashay
Product Review (submitted on June 4, 2012):
This, for the price, is the best ruffle yarn you can get- it knits beautifully and is super easy to work with. It doesn't feel synthetic and the colors are great- sometimes they don't balance super well when knitting and you get a bit of a half and half look depending on the dye pattern, but all in all a wonderful yarn. I continue to get several orders for these scarves and am so excited about the new colors!!!


text: A great lakes ore freighter has a mass of 86000 tons. It is designed to safely carry 76000 tons of iron ore, when it is in Lake Erie. How much ore could it carry safely on the ocean? Assume that safety depends only on maintaining the water line at the same position. The density of ocean water is 1025 kg/m3. Express your answer in tons.


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Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, Hay Day Top iOS Apps in 2013
European game makers continue to top the league tables of Apple apps.
Distimo, the Amsterdam-based apps analytics platform, published figures for the top-grossing apps at Apple's App Store for December, and revised its provisional 2013 figures released late last month.
Clash of Clans, made by Helsinki-based Supercell Oy, Candy Crush Saga, made by London-based King.com, and Hay Day, also made by Supercell, occupied the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 slots, respectively, in 2013. Minecraft, made by Stockholm-based Mojang was 6th — a spot higher than the provisional report, thanks to a strong performance in December.
But a very different picture emerges when looking at Google's store, Google Play, for the full year 2013. Candy Crush Saga was the top grossing app, but the other nine places in the top 10 all went to Asian game makers.
(And earlier version of this article appeared under a headline that incorrectly identified one game as "Clash of Titans" instead of "Clash of Clans.")


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See through wings!
Monochrome with colour pops. Quilt inspiration, anyone?
Camourflage, butterfly style.
In a wonderful return to some family time after a seriously busy few weeks, we went to a butterfly zoo on the weekend, which impressed Jasper enormously and Teddy not remotely (you can't win 'em all).
However, afterwards there was also miniature golf, which Teddy thought was extremely exciting (Jasper having to be eliminated after some golf club related violence. Swings and roundabouts, right?)
As one of those awful workaholic types who finds it impossible to step away from the computer when I'm at home, actual days out are a Good Thing, and I'm looking forward to being forced away from my computer next weekend on a camping trip too (weather gods permitting).
I'd love to say I have some sewing or something to show you at the end of all these photos to make it an actual purposeful post, but no, I'm just shamelessly sharing family pics. Maybe tomorrow?


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Migingo Island
|Lake Victoria
|Total islands
|2,000 m2 (22,000 sq ft)
|Highest elevation
|15 m (49 ft)[1]
|Disputed waters
|Kenya; formerly claimed by Uganda; some nearby waters are Ugandan (fishing rights dispute)
|131 (according to 2009 census)
Migingo is a tiny 2,000-square-metre (0.49-acre; 0.20-hectare) island, about half the size of a football pitch, in Lake Victoria.[2]
Territorial claims[edit]
In 2008–2009, the island itself was claimed by both Kenya and Uganda. July 2009 a survey team found that the island is 510 metres (1,670 ft) east of the Kenya-Uganda border within the lake, a finding supported by openly available Google Earth imagery. [3][4] Since 1926, territorial ownership of the island has been consistently shown on maps and in language on official documents as Kenyan.[2]
However, much if not most of the Ugandan protests revolve around the lucrative fishing rights, mostly for valuable Nile perch, and Ugandan waters come within about 510 metres (1,670 ft) of the island. In July 2009 the Ugandan government shifted its official position, stating that while Migingo Island was Kenyan, much of the waters near it were Ugandan.[5] The island had been claimed by the Ugandan government in 2008-2009 until 11 May 2009 when Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni conceded that the island is in Kenya, but continued to point out that Kenyan fisherman were illegally fishing in Ugandan waters which lie about 500 meters to the west of Migingo,[6] the Ugandan flag was lowered, Uganda withdrew its military troops, and agreed that all its police officers would leave the island.[7] A joint re-demarcation line of the border was launched on 2 June 2009 to recover and to place survey markers on land, making delineation of the boundary on the lake more precise, with results released in late July 2009 confirming that the islands falls 510 metres (1,670 ft) on the Kenyan side of the line.[3][4]
The island has a population of about 131 (according to 2009 census), mostly fishermen and fish traders, who are served by four pubs, a number of brothels, and a pharmacy on the island.[8] A rocky and rugged piece of land with little vegetation, Migingo is one of three small islands in close proximity. The much larger Usingo Island is 200 metres (660 ft) to the east of the small white rectangle that is Migingo, and Pyramid Island, the largest of the three, is 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) due south of Migingo and 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) north of the Tanzanian border in Lake Victoria. On detailed maps, all three islands have been shown on the Kenyan side since the 1920s, when the Kenya Colony and Protectorate Order in Council, 1926 awarded all three islands to Kenya.[2][9] The boundary delineation in that 1926 agreement and the Constitution of Uganda state that the boundary line runs to "the westernmost point of Pyramid Island...thence continuing by a straight line northerly to the most westerly point of Ilemba Island." A line connecting those two points runs 510 metres (1,670 ft) west of Migingo, placing the island within Kenya along with the larger Pyramid and Usingo Islands, as shown on all known maps since 1926.[3][4][10] Tiny Migingo's location within 200 metres (660 ft) of the much larger Usingo Island is clear both on Google Earth and on widely available television network videos depicting aerial helicopter photography.[11] Migingo Island is so small as not to be displayed on some maps. However, it has not "emerged from the water" recently, despite a Uganda government official's claims. In the first decade of the 21st century, water levels have dropped only 0.5–1 metre (1 ft 8 in–3 ft 3 in) in the lake from the normal level.[2][12] Recent photographs clearly show the island reaching 10–15 metres (33–49 ft) above the lake level.[13][14]
Two Kenyan fishermen, Dalmas Tembo and George Kibebe, claim to have been the first inhabitants on the island. When they settled there in 1991, it was covered with weeds and infested with birds and snakes.[15] Joseph Nsubuga, a Ugandan fisherman, says he settled on Migingo in 2004, when all he found on the island was an abandoned house.[16] Subsequently, other fishermen — from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — came to the island because of its proximity to fishing grounds rich with Nile perch. An unusual claim in 2009 by some Kenyan fishermen was that since none of the Nile perch breed in Uganda (the nearest Ugandan land and nearest Ugandan freshwater is 85 kilometres (53 mi) away), then the fish somehow "belonged to Kenyans".[2]
Uganda–Kenya dispute[edit]
In June 2004, according to the Kenyan government, Ugandan marine police came and pitched tent on the island, and raised the Ugandan flag and that of their police department. Ugandan and Kenyan police have since occupied the island at various times.[17]
A diplomatic row between the two countries arose in February 2009, when Kenyans living on Migingo were required to purchase special permits from the Ugandan government.[18]
On 12 March 2009, A Ugandan-government press release proposed that the matter be resolved by a survey, using as a guideline the boundaries set by the Kenya Colony and Protectorate Order in Council, 1926, which is copied into the Ugandan constitution, and which identifies the boundary line as tangentially touching the western tip of Pyramid Island, and then running in a straight line just west of due north to the western tip of Kenya's' Ilemba Island.[19]
On 13 March 2009, several government ministers, including the foreign-affairs ministers — Kenyan Moses Wetangula and Ugandan Sam Kutesa — met in Kampala, Uganda, and reached an agreement that the fishermen from both countries be allowed to continue conducting business as usual, until the boundary was determined by experts. They also agreed that Uganda withdraw the forty-eight policemen it had deployed on Migingo.[7]
On 27 March 2009, Ugandan and Kenyan ministers travelled to the island where they held negotiations and addressed the residents. This ended in a row, with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Eriya Kategaya taking issue with the Kenyan Minister for Lands, James Orengo, for calling the Ugandan delegation "hyenas" during the meeting.[20] The Kenyan delegation demanded that Uganda withdraw its police. The Ugandan delegation insisted that they would remove the flag only after consulting the State House (the Office of the President of Uganda), and that the Ugandan policemen were there to keep law and order. Kenya's Internal Security Assistant Minister, Orwa Ojode, replied that he would be sending Kenyan police to the island.[20]
Amidst concerns that the dispute could affect cooperation between the two countries and within the East African Community, both Museveni and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki have voiced confidence that the dispute, including fishing rights, will be resolved amicably.[21][22]
See also[edit]
- ^ The Independent. London http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00153/island-one_153042s.jpg. Missing or empty
|title=(help)[dead link]
- ^ a b c d e Gettleman, Jeffrey (17 August 2009). "Ripples of Dispute Surround Tiny Island Along Watery Border in East Africa". The New York Times. p. A4.
- ^ a b c "New Vision Online : Ugandan surveyors return to Migingo". Newvision.co.ug. 2009-08-03. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ a b c [1][dead link]
- ^ AFP (2009-07-08). "AFP news report from the island from July 2009". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ "Kenyan MPs' fury over island row". BBC News (Africa). 13 May 2009.
- ^ a b Otieno, Daniel; Otieno, Elisha (29 March 2009). "Migingo now a different kettle of fish". Daily Nation (Kenya). Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ Howden, Daniel (23 March 2009). "Migingo: Big trouble on small island". London: The Independent. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ [2] (in PDF format)
- ^ http://www.law.fsu.edu/library/collection/LimitsinSeas/IBS139.pdf (in PDF format)
- ^ "21 July 2009 NTV African network television report". Youtube.com. 2009-07-21. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ Munaabi, Gideon. "Decreasing levels of Lake Victoria Worry East African Countries". Ugpulse.com. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ The Independent. London http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00153/island-one_153042s.jpg. Missing or empty
|title=(help)[dead link]
- ^ http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/uploads/1/news2_9.jpg. Retrieved June 1, 2009. Missing or empty
|title=(help)[dead link]
- ^ Mayoyo, Patrick; Otieno, Elisha (11 March 2009). "Long-standing struggle for Migingo to be discussed". Daily Nation (Kenya). Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ Olupot, Milton. "Ugandan settled on Migingo in 2004". New Vision (Uganda). Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ "Kenya, Uganda to withdraw from disputed island: Nairobi". Reuters. 17 March 2009. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ Oluoch, Nick (7 March 2009). "Uganda slaps work visas on Kenyans in Migingo". The Standard (Kenya). Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ Opolot, Fred (12 March 2009). "Migingo Island Press Release". Uganda Media Centre. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ a b Otieno, Daniel; Otieno, Elisha (28 March 2009). "Migingo talks turn stormy". Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ "Museveni: Migingo row a shame". The Standard (Kenya). 15 March 2009. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ^ "Kibaki: We will resolve Migingo". Daily Nation (Kenya). 26 March 2009. Retrieved 5 April 2009.


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Cannon was hard at work Thursday night, playing DJ at an Operation Smile fund-raising event in New York City. And his new bride – wearing five-inch heels and a fitted Ralph Lauren dress – was there to show her support.
So, two weeks after their surprise island nuptials, how is married life going? "Fantastic," Carey told PEOPLE. Later, she added, "It's a stone smash!"
(Carey is an ambassador for Operation Smile, which provides surgery to children with cleft palates and other facial deformities.)
Cannon also took time out from spinning to sing his wife's praises.
"It's a beautiful thing," the Wild N' Out star told PEOPLE of their marriage. "It's a beautiful situation ... carrying on and on each day."
So has he learned any of Carey's quirks since they've started living together?
"I've been doing my research for quite a while," said Cannon (who recently surprised Carey by renting out Six Flags Magic Mountain for a late-night bash). They dated for less than two months, but, he added, "we've been friends for a while."
Once Cannon's deejay duties were over, he made a beeline for Carey in the VIP room. They immediately put their arms around each other and began whispering. Before long, the two slipped outside into a waiting SUV.
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As you've probably heard, NASA has scheduled a news conference this week to discuss a potentially groundbreaking discovery about astrobiology and extra-terrestrial life. And while I'm sure there are many of us hoping they'll be unveiling a picture of little green men, it's probably a pretty safe bet that nothing quite so theatrical will be taking place. In all likelihood, the conference will probably focus on a brand new, convention-defying form of arsenic-based life discovered right here on Earth and how that should redefine what exactly we should be looking for elsewhere in the universe (particularly on Saturn's moon, Titan).
Until NASA actually holds their conference, however, that's all just nerdy speculation, so we figured, hey, why can't we offer up some speculation of our own? We may not have any astrobiologists on staff at Cinematical, but we've got a bunch of nerds who watch a lot of movies. Based on our highly scientific expertise, here's what we're hoping NASA unveils tomorrow about alien life:
Tim Burton got it right.
How great would it be if NASA pulled a sheet off of a big piece of poster board and instead of a blown-up picture of a bunch of microbes we got a full blown look at funny looking little aliens with bulbous space helmets covering their equally bulbous heads? (Don't ask me why they'd have to wear space suits on their home planet, someone else can explain that.) Creepy aliens like in 'Signs' and just plain weird ones like those found in cantinas on Tattooine are cool and all, but it would be a bit of a relief to see the universe populated by 'Mars Attacks'' cute, funny looking green men instead of scary ones.
'Species' got it right.
No cute aliens bouncing around in equally cute space suits? Fine, we'll settle for a sexy one a la Natasha Henstridge in 'Species.' If this newly discovered species of extra-terrestrial hotties could refrain from killing the males of our species, that would be a plus, but homicidal behavior isn't necessarily a deal breaker.
Whatever it is, it can easily be foiled by a computer virus.
We're probably getting ahead of ourselves here considering NASA hasn't even announced the discovery of alien life, yet alone complex alien life that have invented computers, but if the latter is the case, is it too much to ask that they be easily destroyed by a simple computer virus if need be? If 'Independence Day' has taught us anything, it's that A) the computer programming language used by aliens is so easy to learn that a virus can be written for it overnight, and B) We have all got to get us one of these! (Seriously, sweet, easy-to-pilot spaceships would be a cool bonus discovery.)
K-Pax has been discovered.
Fact: 'K-Pax', the 2001 drama starring Kevin Spacey as a patient in a mental hospital convinced he is an alien named Prot from the planet K-Pax, is actually based on a true story. That being the case, it would be good of NASA to have secretly been searching for Prot all this time. Jeff Bridges misses that guy; he thought he was helping Prot discover his true self, but really it was Prot who was helping him!
Whatever they've discovered, let's hope James Cameron can let us look at it in 3-D.*
We all love NASA for putting a man on the moon and keeping an eye on the sky so we don't get cosmically t-boned 'Deep Impact' style, but when it comes to photography they're just too darned old school. Sure, they can take a pretty picture of some nebulae (here's looking at you, Eagle Nebula), but no one wants to look at extra-terrestrial life in 2-D any more. That's so 2008. If you want anyone to take you serious at the box office, NASA, it's 3-D or bust.
*This entry sponsored by RealD. (Not really)
categories Features, Sci-Fi, Cinematical


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The fashion conglomerate owns 14 luxe brands, such as Gucci and Alexander McQueen. And by 2015, all of them will do something very unindulgent: Each will undergo a meticulous, unparalleled environmental review, publicly identifying waste and costs through-out its system. Then they'll adjust products and their production lines to make themselves greener. "It's not something that's in addition to what we're doing; it's completely at the core of what we are doing," says PPR chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault.
What will this look like? "We want to act green in a unique way for each of the brands," says Jochen Zeitz, who launched the project. Puma was the first to undergo the accounting, and the result is a collection of shoes and accessories made from 100% biodegradable or recycled material. Other changes continue to roll out. But for higher-end brands, with customers less eager to try new materials, PPR will find other ways to save: LEED-certified offices and stores, eco-friendly packaging, and investments that offset carbon emissions.
[Flowers: Vorkot via Shutterstock]


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Artist: O.S.I.
Album: Miscellaneous
Genre: Rock
Go on ahead
Your story is just where you left it
Go on ahead
But I still can't believe you can't help it
Ninety-five percent happen in the home
Swallowed by the bed, caught in the phone
Hammering the walls, sleepwalking falls
Overstepping out, haunting the halls
Go on ahead, go on ahead
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RAZER Destructor Precision Gaming Mat
Packaging and Contents
Published: 30th August 2008 | Source: Razer | Price: £29.04 |
Packaging and Contents
The RAZER Destructor comes housed in a cardboard wrap-around that is covered completely by clear plastic. On the front of the packaging there is a nice image of the Destructor mouse mate with a RAZER mouse sitting on it. In the bottom right hand corner RAZER has included some figures illustrating how well the RAZER Destructor improves tracking on laser and optical mice. The front of the packaging also features three clan tags of players who I presume helped with the R&D of the mouse mat.
On the reverse side of the packaging there are testimonials (including photo's) from professional players who were involved in the development of the RAZER Destructor, as well as performance graphs and the features of the mouse mat.
After unleashing the RAZER Destructor from the confines of its cardboard protection we are greeted by a zippered black cloth case with the RAZER logo on the front. The rear of the case is just plain black, and I must admit it looks extremely smart and will aid in keeping your RAZER Destructor clean and undamaged.
Opening up the zippered case we are greeted by the usual suspects inside a RAZER product - a certificate of authenticity and a small fold-out product catalogue.
One thing that's really cool about the RAZER Destructor's zippered case is the fact that the inside is recessed out for the Destructor to fit snugly into. RAZER had to do this as the Destructor isn't as flexible as a standard cloth-type mat and rolling it up into a cardboard tube would have meant creases in the mat itself.
Let's head over the page to see the RAZER Destructor in a little more detail...
Most Recent Comments
Developed and tested by some of today's top gamers, will the RAZER Destructor crush the opposition in terms of speed, precision and control?
Find out in the reviewQuote
Find out in the reviewQuote
That is one nice looking mat. May well grab one to replace this slightly worn out Steelseries 5L i have here.Quote
Yep agreed there Jim. You won't be disappointed, that's for sure Quote
Got one myself to replace my titan and its the dogs danglies!Quote
arguably pointless but might upgrade from the Razer eXactmat... though they seem fairly similar. Still this will look kick a** on my desk Quote
Nice review mate! I have still got my sentimental old foam & fabric mousemat (with the kids pics printed on), and never really thought about a gaming mat. Do they really make that much of a difference? I reckon I will have to give one a try out.Quote
ooooooh yes! Combine a good mouse with a good mat and its quiet scary the difference. I had an MX1000 and stepped up to a HABU with the Razer eXactmat, and either my fragging skills naturally got much better (I wish...) or the new input devices worked well indeed!Quote
I've been meaning to buy a new mouse mat for months now so I reckon I will buy this one.. Been waiting for a good review of one.Quote
Thanks for the feedback guys, and I'm glad that you found the review poignant enough to make an immediate purchase doug2507.
@stuartpb:it certainly helps mate, that's for sureQuote
@stuartpb:it certainly helps mate, that's for sureQuote
i wonder how it compares to icemat series, i use icemat from 1 year , couldnt find better mouse mat for gaming yet , only bad thing is that mouse sliders must be changed every few months couse they dissapear;]Quote
Took delivery of mine a few weeks ago. Only problem is, i gave a shot of it to the old man for his mac in the office whilst im building my rig. He didnt wouldnt give it up so had to go order a 2nd.Quote
haha I'm just visualising that whole episode right now
@pafk0o: I'm not sure mate as I have never owned an icemat. However, the Fractal surface probably would wear away the feet on your mouse over time I'd imagine. Not terribly so though...Quote
@pafk0o: I'm not sure mate as I have never owned an icemat. However, the Fractal surface probably would wear away the feet on your mouse over time I'd imagine. Not terribly so though...Quote
I think it's about time I buy this...
I have a pretty expensive rig with decent mouse and large monitor but I'm using a buyagift.co.uk BT mouse mat.....
This has to end NOW!!
*Goes to buy*Quote
I have a pretty expensive rig with decent mouse and large monitor but I'm using a buyagift.co.uk BT mouse mat.....
This has to end NOW!!
*Goes to buy*Quote
I need to get one of these soon.Quote
I've lent mine to my house mate while my rig is in pieces.
He says it has improved the response he gets from his old laser mouse
Match it up with a lachesis and your flying
He says it has improved the response he gets from his old laser mouse
Match it up with a lachesis and your flying
i had a lachesis before i sold it very next day i bought.I didnt like it.They are huge.I could fit it in my hands...Tiny hands!Quote


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Your directions start from Pickering, ON, Canada. And Montreal, QC, Canada is the place you need to reach.
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Need to see distances summary for the driving directions? You can see the Distance from Pickering to Montreal!
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Wish you could just fly and jump from Pickering to Montreal than following directions? Check the Flight distance between Pickering and Montreal.
With the road route plan from Pickering to Montreal you might also want to know the Travel timeYou can find the the Travel Time from Pickering to Montreal. This will help you estimate how much time you will spend driving from Pickering to Montreal.
Need all the information above in a single view to plan your travel? Check how to Travel from Pickering to Montreal. Help yourself to better plan your travel from Pickering to Montreal.
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A local wildlife commissioner is accusing judges in Nevada County of going soft on wildlife criminals by imposing light sentences and minimal fines.
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PKU Children or Young Adults?
If you are, we invite you to join Grand Power! The purpose of Grand Power is to reach out to grandparents of children and young adults with PKU in order to provide mutual support, information and a forum for helping with PKU causes.
Next to parents of children with PKU, we are the largest group of knowledgableknowledgeable, dedicated and caring people. We have the time, we have the passion and we have the resources to help.
That's why we call this special group GRAND POWER!
When the National PKU Alliance was formed in 2008 everyone agreed that there is a powerful, untapped community of dedicated grandparents throughout the United States wanting and willing to get involved. Since that time over two hundred grandparents have joined forces and become members of Grand Power.
We are currently working on a way to provide even greater networking in order to share ideas and provide greater mutual support.
How would YOU like to be involved?
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Please let us know who YOU are, introduce us to your PKU grandchildren and choose ways in which you want to help. If you just want to receive information that's cool too!
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A former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister has pleaded guilty in a case involving illegal use of a credit card.
Tony Tomassi is hoping to avoid jail time when he's sentenced later this morning.
Tomassi pleaded guilty in a Quebec City courtroom to a charge of receiving a material benefit from a third party, while two other charges of fraud and breach of trust were stayed.
The Crown and defence have made a joint suggestion that would see Tomassi avoid jail time, serve 240 hours of community service over 18 months and reimburse $11,750.
Both sides agreed that the 43-year-old Tomassi, who has no previous criminal record, has already had to deal with the stigma of public opinion.
The ex-family minister was forced out of the Liberal caucus in 2010 after reports surfaced he had been using a credit card provided by a company that received millions in government grants.
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The American Red Cross Is There....Helping Susquehanna Valley Residents When Fire Touches Their Life.
Published 9:36 AM EST Dec 26, 2012
Fire remains the greatest disaster threat to individuals and families across the Susquehanna Valley. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week our Red Cross staff and volunteers are on call to help families affected by a fire with financial assistance for emergency food, clothing and shelter as well as much-needed comfort and support. Help them help others. Learn more about the Fire Hurts Campaign at this link.
Copyright 2012 by WGAL All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Pat Cuneo: Sinnott right to oppose Klemm deal
Erie City Council's resolution to hire retiring City Clerk Jim Klemm as a consultant for two years, passed July 16 in a 4-3 vote, involves money from council's professional services account and is not subject to veto by Mayor Joe Sinnott, according to City Solicitor Greg Karle. Previous versions of this column urged Sinnott to veto the measure.
Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott's reaction to City Council's effort to reward retiring City Clerk Jim Klemm with a two-year, $12,000 annual consulting contract was right on the mark.
"I feel that a consulting contract of this type is inappropriate in a government entity," Sinnott said. "Giving a pensioner a $1,000-a-month retainer, I don't think is appropriate."
Sinnott was right, not because Klemm isn't a terrific guy and a real pro. He is. But setting up a consulting deal for someone already getting a $69,732-a-year city pension is indefensible. Even for a pro like Klemm, who spent 48 years at City Hall doing a terrific job.
It's not right for many reasons, such as setting a very bad precedent. It also undermines the new clerk, Klemm's former assistant, Rose Robie. Klemm's institutional knowledge and political skills notwithstanding, Robie needs to run her own operation in her own way.
I have nothing but respect for Klemm. I talked with him daily when I covered the City Hall beat for the old Morning News in the late 1970s, and he was a pro through and through with the press, with the Lou Tullio administration and, most of all, with the competing egos on council. Klemm has continued in that manner through the Joyce Savocchio, Rick Filippi and Sinnott administrations, including working with all three as council members before they became mayor. But this deal is simply wrong.
Councilman Bob E. Merski , to his credit, understood this and had the courage to speak up about it. Later, Cas Kwitowski and David Brennan wisely joined Merski in opposing it. But resolution sponsor Jim Winarski, along with Council President Mel Witherspoon, Jessica Horan-Kunco and Curtis Jones Jr., pushed it through in a 4-3 vote.
Was it merely a gift? Does it have political angles related to the next mayor's race? I'd like to think it's mostly a golden handshake, but that's no justification.
Good public leaders, I've found, find a way to do the right thing when placed in difficult positions. That's what Merski just showed -- leadership. And this is one terrible moment for Winarski, followed closely by Witherspoon, Horan-Kunco and Jones. They can't possibly believe Winarski's lame remarks that Klemm is needed for special projects.
This council, which has not been tested very often, needs to be effective for Erie. And it will likely face some very big decisions in the near future, such as guarantees related to a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, if Erie lands a designation. It also must play a key role in the new authority being created to handle the CRIZ.
It was discomforting to see that council voted to create the authority without knowing details like how the members will be picked.
- State Sen. Sean Wiley, D-49th Dist., deserves credit for helping to push legislation that could speed up CRIZ designations for cities like Erie. Less clear is Wiley's support for a "rural college" for somewhere in northwestern Pennsylvania.
How this made the state budget without clear details, such as where it will be located; whether it's run by a for-profit concern, as is suspected; its budget; a target number of students; a target startup date, etc., is beyond me. What happened to the days when a plan was actually developed and debated before being placed in a state budget?
I'm a community college advocate, and it would be nice to know if this idea in any way fits that definition.
The idea of having classes being offered by schools, organizations and online sounds eerily similar to the infamous "school without walls," Northwest Pennsylvania Technical Institute experiment. It turned out it was also a school without financial accountability.
PAT CUNEO can be reached at 870-1699 or send an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Minister Louis Farrakhan, the national leader of the Nation of Islam, addressed "America's Errant Foreign Policy" in the 34th installment of his weekly YouTube[1] address, "The Time and What Must Be Done," specifically challenging the Obama administration's call for military intervention in Syria.
RELATED: UPDATE: US Readies Possible Solo Action Against Syria, Obama Asks For Congress OK [VIDEO][2]
"Based on America's history of false flag operations, great doubt exists as to the truth of whether the Syrian government is in fact responsible for the use of chemical weapons or is America responsible through the use of her proxies," the fiery NOI leader questioned.
"What would Syria have to gain by using chemical weapons to cause America to intervene militarily in her country as she is experiencing this terrible civil war? I think it is America and Europe that are tired of the civil war going on so long without definitive results in the favor of the West and Israel."
Listen to Farrakhan's address below:
Read more http://newsone.com/2707746/farrakhan-us-syria/


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Microsoft seals its Windows, opens the door to Linux
Next Thursday, 30 November, is the feast day of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Pity he's not also the patron saint of computer users, because soon they are going to need all the divine help they can get. How come? Well, 30 November is also the day that Microsoft releases Vista, the new version of Windows, to its corporate customers.
Because companies don't squeal, we may expect the occasion to pass off reasonably peacefully. The screaming proper will only start on 30 January next year, when the system is released to consumers.
Vista, you see, is a new kind of beast. It's not enough just to install it on your computer; you must also 'activate' it. Activation involves Vista automatically contacting Microsoft and sending it information about the version, language and product key of the software, your computer's internet address and details of the hardware configuration of the device.
Read More ...
|All times are GMT +5.5. The time now is 07:12.


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Graphics in C++
Is there a way to add graphics to a program in C++ to make it look more fancy and just the boring type DOS window?
Re: Graphics in C++
There are quite a few libraries depending on the OS you are using.
Re: Graphics in C++
To learn about Windows programming rather than MS-DOS programming the Programming Windows books by Petzold are the best place to start.
Re: Graphics in C++
Thanks guys...let me start learning
|All times are GMT +5.5. The time now is 05:21.


text:
So that THIS never happens again... and this was just a charity walk!
When we first began blogging about Disneyland, it behooved us quite a bit to learn as much as we could about the place as we went along. And in the beginning there was certainly an awful lot to learn! We had been going into The Park for years, and we thought we knew everything about the place, but we quickly learned just how little we actually knew when it came right down to it.
One of the first things we found out was that there are an awful lot of really cool events that take place at the Disneyland Resort. Everything from conferences (like D23), to scavenger hunts (like MiceChat's "Gumball Rally" and the Cast Member's "Minnie's Moonlit Madness"), to parties inside Disneyland ("Mickey's Halloween Party"), just to name a few.
One of the first events we learned about, though, that really grabbed our attention and tickled our fancies, so to speak, were the runDisney sponsored events that take place not only at Disneyland, but at Walt Disney World, as well. With a name like runDisney, you can can probably guess for yourself just what we're talking about here. Just in case, though, we're talking about "runs" in The Parks. In particular, we were intrigued by the idea of running the "Disneyland Half Marathon" which takes place at the end of every summer.
When we first started blogging and reading others' blogs, we quickly learned just how many bloggers out there were runners themselves, and the idea of being able to do one for ourselves, and scoring an absolutely sick (the good kind of sick, not the bad) piece of hardware in the process, a nice shiny medal to show off, quickly took root in our consciences and became something we began talking about fairly regularly. Not only for the medal of course, but for the sake of being able to say we had done one of these, and maybe even beginning to do so on a fairly regular basis.
The problem is, of course, being fit enough to do so. We'll just be completely honest here, whether we like to or not, and hope that by being so, it'll give us an even greater impetus to meet our goal. Mark's been on the higher end of the scales lately, and Chad's been overweight for over half of his life at this point. And not just simply overweight, but medically obese. There, he said it. Honest is honest, right? So the idea of running a half marathon, all 13.1 miles of it, is pretty daunting. But once we started looking at just what all was offered by runDisney, we noticed they did in fact have a 5K run as well. Now, 3.1 miles? That just might be doable!
So that is in fact our plan at this point; to get ourselves in shape enough, and trained up enough to not just walk the 5K during the Disneyland Half-Marathon weekend this August (which you can just walk), but to be able to run the entire trail without breaking down. It might not sound like much to some people, and even we will admit that 3.1 miles isn't very far, but to us it would be a huge accomplishment and just one more stepping stone towards maybe one day going the distance and running the Half-Marathon. But first things first! We're in the middle of some weight loss right now, which is going very well, thank you much! Mark has dropped quite a few pounds and has begun running some (frankly, he can probably already run the 5K), and Chad has lost 26 pounds since the middle of September and is continuing to drop. We still have a long ways to go, though!
Our plan at this point is to utilize the Couch to 5K program to prepare ourselves for the run this August. For the next few months we're going to continue to work on our respective weight loss regimen, which could take some time, but around the "2-1/2 month to go" mark, we plan on beginning the Couch to 5K to begin training ourselves to run the entire 5K non-stop. It's a 9-week program, so it should work out nicely. We may start it even earlier depending on how our respective "losses" go, but we'll see and alter as we go along however we think is best.
So, that's the goal which, of course, we plan on sharing here on our blog, all the way up through the run itself. Obviously, for the foreseeable future, updates will probably be a little bit farther between as we work on our weight loss and regular exercise regimens, but as time draws closer and we begin training in the Couch to 5K, we'll be posting a lot more about our progress and getting ready for the race. And of course, we'll take you straight up through the race and our results, etc.
We're honestly very excited about this, which is why we're sharing it here!
The goal: Go from couch potatoes (and overweight ones at that) to runners, one step at a time
The first step: Run the 5K during the Disneyland Half-Marathon this summer
Only time will tell if we'll meet our goal, but we're glad to bring you along with us for the ride, or run, we suppose. We hope that you'll be rooting for us as we go through this process. We could certainly use all the support we can get. Let the running begin!