text:
Most employers understand that good employee training is essential
for an organization's success. A wide variety of training platforms and media
are utilized by employers. Training topics may include general skills such
as literacy, technical skills, orientation about the organization, and programs
designed to prevent legal problems, such as sexual harassment training and
ethics training. Training programs must not discriminate, and time spent in
training may be compensable. Federal law requires training in many health
and safety related areas. The federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds
numerous job skill training programs that are coordinated through individual
Employee training was once considered an optional benefit, an
"extra" that only the most forward-looking employers provided to the most
promising employees. Even now, when the economy turns downward, employee training
is often the first to go, viewed not as an investment but as an expense to
be disposed of in tough times. But today more and more employers understand
that, far from being a frill, good employee training is necessary to a company's
success and that an intelligent, well-trained workforce is central to worker
productivity and well-being. In fact, more than 70 percent of employers provided
some sort of job training for their employees, according to a Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) survey.
The survey also found that employers with high employee turnover
train less and spend less on training than other businesses. While it is unclear
which comes first, the probable inference is that training is linked to long-term
employment and is an important factor in successful performance, productivity,
and morale.
Employers offer training in sales, customer relations, various
work skills, management skills, computer skills, new technology, production
methods, safety and health, hazardous chemical exposure prevention and treatment,
communication skills, workplace law, sexual harassment, ethics, and diversity,
according to the BLS survey. Large companies often have on-site training departments;
medium and small companies may hire consultants, or send their employees to
training courses or community colleges. Both large and small employers often
use on-line training, or software programs.
Although most managers say they still prefer traditional face-to-face
training methods, there is strong growth in the computer-based training industry.
More economical in both time and money than conventional training, computer
training appears to be the wave of the future. Computer-based training may
be interactive and can take place at a trainee's own pace and convenience.
Training programs are offered on CD-ROM, and on the Web as well, and cover
every sort of skill or discipline.
Because orientation is generally the employee's first introduction
to the organization, it is important to do it well. Properly introducing and
assimilating new employees into the company will have a real effect on the
kind of job they do in the future. Orientation training generally should not
be done all at once and on the employee's first day of work, but should happen
over a period of weeks, or even months as part of the worker's progress to
maximum productivity, and to provide an ongoing check on the person's absorption
into the workplace.
Employers, supervisors, and human resources professionals should
assess the orientation training in terms of its effect on the individual worker:
Does the worker understand and feel comfortable with the culture of the company?
Does he or she know all about the benefits the company provides? Does he or
she understand the primary responsibilities of his or her job? The impressions
a new worker forms during the first weeks on the job have a significant impact
on long-range performance as well as job satisfaction, and may mean the difference
between an employee who succeeds and one who fails. Orientation is where most
of these first impressions are formed.
Today's workers, from salespeople to factory workers to managers,
need far more education and training than did their predecessors simply to
maintain their jobs today, and handle the expanded duties they may have tomorrow.
Experts recommend that businesses seek partnerships with local and state high
schools, technical schools, community colleges, and government agencies, to
enhance basic educational skills (e.g., math calculations, good writing skills).
Employers can set up school-to-work programs, apprenticeships, or mentorships
for new employees and for adults seeking to strengthen or redirect their work
skills. Beyond this, employers can develop specific skill training tailored
to their own workplaces, to teach employees how the job is done, how the particular
employer wants the job to be done, and how the job is likely to be done in
the future.
The U.S. Department of Education estimates that one in eight
of our nation's workers reads below the fourth grade level. Poor basic skills
in the workforce also include an inability to deal with numbers--this, at
a time when complex technology and international competition require ever
more sophisticated manuals, statistical applications, and communication techniques.
However, there are a few relatively inexpensive and effective steps employers
can take to address this problem:
Test employees for job-related literacy and math skills. Many
people become quite adept at hiding the fact that they can't read, write,
or handle numbers. If you have good employees with this problem, consider
sending them to one of the many literacy or math programs run by local schools
or community colleges.
Form a partnership with a local school. Thousands of employers
nationwide have made arrangements with schools in their communities, in which
the employer provides the school with management expertise and exposure to
the business environment. In turn, the school provides educational help to
your workforce.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that employers may be held liable
for sexual harassment if they did not exercise reasonable care to prevent
and promptly correct any such behavior in the workplace--even if they were
not aware of the specific actions in question. The decision highlights the
great importance of sexual harassment training. With the increased costs of
litigation and the many large jury verdicts, training programs are a relatively
small, but absolutely critical investment. Effective sexual harassment training
must involve all managers (to the highest level), supervisors, and rank-and-file
Training should not be a one-time event, but must be repeated
for all new employees, and held at least annually for all employees. It should
inform employees what sexual harassment consists of, and what the legal standards
for liability are, and instruct employees at all levels about the mechanisms
and procedures in place for immediate reporting of infractions. In addition,
because the burden is on employers to correct sexually harassing behavior,
special consideration should be given to training those responsible for investigating
such behavior when it is brought to their attention.
Diversity training refers to an employer's attempt, through
training programs, to create a workforce where employees of both genders and
all ages, ethnic groups, races, and religions, as well as those with disabilities
are represented at every level throughout the company and are able to work
harmoniously. It is about acceptance of others based upon their contribution
to the workplace, and their capacities as human beings. Diversity programs
are critical to an organization, but they must be extremely well done to be
effective. Often, outside consultants offer diversity training in combination
with sexual harassment training.
As a growing number of American businesses become global organizations,
more employers are sending employees to foreign countries for a short duration,
or a long stay. The kind of training provided these employees might make the
difference between success and failure for these businesses. Today, training
companies, private consultants, and most universities and colleges offer cross-cultural
training programs. Such programs are generally country- or at least region-specific,
and usually feature communication skills, social attitudes, religious mores,
gender roles, and much more. Training should not be confined to the new culture
itself, but cover the ways in which that culture may differ from American
culture--in its approach to punctuality, for example, or to conflict resolution,
or selling techniques, or to the meaning of a gesture. Employers may find
this sort of training invaluable, even for their stay-at-home employees as
a growing number of workers interact with employees from around the globe.
Apprenticeships are on-the-job training programs involving a
"learner" engaged in classroom instruction or education, and also working
under the guidance of an experienced member of the profession, trade, or craft.
Apprenticeships are generally a function of private sector employers, unions,
or trade groups, but often receive technical assistance or supervision from
federal and state agencies. They usually take from 3 to 5 years and wages
are generally progressive, increasing by agreed-upon increments as greater
competence is acquired.
Most adults are self-directed
learners; they want to learn what they want, when they want, and how they
want. Adult learners have their own style of learning that includes four key
elements, discussed below. Even if an employer structure its training program
to meet these elements, it may still run into reluctant learners.
1. Motivation. To motivate adult learners, set a friendly or open
tone at each session, create a feeling of concern, and set an appropriate
level of difficulty. Other motivators for adult learners include:
2. Reinforcement. Use both positive and negative reinforcement to
be successful in training adult learners. Use positive reinforcement, such
as verbal praise frequently, when teaching new skills in order to encourage
progress and reward good results. Use "negative" reinforcement, such as constructive
criticism, to stop bad habits or poor performance.
3. Retention. Adults must retain
what they've learned in order to realize benefits on both the personal and
companywide levels. Achieve great retention rates by having trainees practice
their newly acquired skills again and again until they are familiar and comfortable
enough to ensure long-term success.
4. Transference. Adults want to bring
what they learn in training directly to the workplace. Positive transference
occurs when adults are able to apply learned skills to the workplace. Negative
transference occurs when learners can't—or don't—apply skills to the workplace.
Instructors need to know what kinds of learners trainees are. In general, people learn
in one of three ways:
learners receive information best through seeing it or reading it. Their brains
process the information and retain it once they see it. These learners benefit
from written instructions, diagrams, handouts, overheads, videos, and other
visual information.
learners receive information best when they hear it. They respond best to
speakers, audio conferences, discussion groups, Q & A sessions, and other
oral information.
Kinesthetic or Tactile--These
learners learn by touch and feel. They will benefit from show and tell where
equipment is available to handle. They also respond well to demonstrations
of new procedures and in having the chance to practice themselves. Instructors
will inevitably have all three kinds of learners in every training session.
It's important, therefore, to integrate a combination of teaching styles into
the training.
The next step is to analyze and confirm the data to determine what training needs
exist. Remain open to the idea that training may not always be the answer
in every case. Use these guidelines to determine if another approach might
work best:
Once it is determined what the training needs are, who needs to be trained, and
how best to train them, it is time to develop a plan. Here's how:
1. Set specific goals to meet each identified training
2. List everyone who needs to be trained in each topic area.
3. Make a master schedule of all the training to be conducted this month or
this year.
4. Choose the appropriate method(s) for each group of trainees in each topic
Once all this information is collected and organized, it will be easy to develop and conduct the training sessions.
Many employers encourage their employees to attend outside education
or training programs by offering tuition-assistance, most commonly reimbursing
a specified percentage of the tuition to the worker upon successful completion
of the course.
Employers must be especially careful that their training programs
are free of discrimination in selection and presentation. Performance evaluations
of trainees should be reviewed for possible discrimination, and training documentation
should be kept in employee personnel files.
Training programs conducted during regular working hours constitute
work time and must be compensated as such, according to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). After-hours
training need not be compensated if:
A training program is considered directly related to the job
if the training is designed to help the employee handle the present job more
effectively (but voluntary attendance at school outside the workplace, after
hours is not work time, even if it is related to the employee's present job).
Time spent in training for a new job or in the development of new skills is
less likely to be classified as compensable work time.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires the following safety training:
The employer shall ascertain that each employee involved in
operating a process, has received and understood the training required by
this paragraph. The employer shall prepare a record that contains the identity
of the employee, the date of training, and the means used to verify that the
employee understood the training.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act's (OSH
Act) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires employers to
provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals in
their work area. The training must be given at the time of the initial assignment
and whenever a new hazard is introduced into the work area. The OSH Act's
requirements for employee information and training are flexible, allowing
a company to design a program tailored to its needs and operations. At a minimum,
the training must cover the following:
Information and training must be specific to the kinds of hazards
present in the workplace and the particular protective equipment, measures,
and procedures that are necessary. General training or a general discussion
of hazardous chemicals, for example, is not enough. This is a critical part
of the HCS, and if an inspector concludes that training is inadequate, a more
rigorous review of the company's entire compliance program will probably follow.
Under the amended Federal Sentencing Guidelines,
effective November 1, 2004, employers are able to reduce the fines imposed
on them for the criminal acts of their employees by providing their employees
at every level within the company, as well as agents of the company, with
compliance and ethics training in order to demonstrate an effective compliance
and ethics program. Before November 1, 2004, training was not a required element
of an effective compliance and ethics program. These new amendments have rigorously
toughened the requirements for companies to reduce their fines if even one
of their employees is guilty of criminal misconduct.
Whenever an employee commits a criminal act within
the scope of his or her employment, the organization as a whole can be held
criminally liable for that act. Companies can face hefty fines and probation
for a period of up to 5 years; can be forced to pay back victims of the their
employees' criminal activities, apologize to the victims, and post public
notices of the conviction; and have property used in the commission of, or
acquired from the proceeds of, criminal activity seized by the government.
According to the Federal Sentencing Commission, an organization that has
an effective compliance and ethics program can reduce its fines for a criminal
conviction by as much as 90 percent.
The Federal Sentencing Commission states that
the Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply to "all organizations whether publicly
or privately held, and of whatever nature, such as corporations, partnerships,
labor unions, pension funds, trusts, nonprofit entities, and governmental
The Federal Sentencing guidelines outline seven steps an employer must take to have an effective compliance and ethics program:
WIA consolidates about 60 federal job-training programs into
an integrated whole. The program gives each state three block grants targeting
adult employment and training, disadvantaged youth employment and training,
and adult education and family literacy programs. The federal government retains
oversight, reviews state programs, and rejects those that don't meet the Act's
The Act requires that each state establish a state partnership
made up of the state's governor; his or her representatives; and representatives
of business, labor, youth activity organizations, vocation and adult education,
state agency officials, and state legislators. The partnership must develop
a detailed, thorough 3-year plan for submission to the federal secretary of
labor, which must describe how the state will spend the funds for adults,
dislocated workers, and youth. When a state plan is approved, the governor
of the state will allocate funds for the various training programs in various
Each state must establish a one-stop training system, with at
least one center in each local area that provides core services. These core
services include determination of eligibility, outreach, intake and orientation,
skill level assessment, case management assistance, job search and placement,
provision of information regarding job opportunities, and information about
the performance of local providers. When a state's workforce development plan
is approved by the Department of Labor, the state is eligible for funding
of WIA programs. Employers who train workers through this system are then
eligible for grants, significant tax credits, and other benefits. Many state
plans have been approved to date
For further information, employers should contact their state
labor department or the Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department
of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20210.
See all free white papers »


text:
Roving the AMASEing Arctic
Set Up and Ready to Start
by Adrienne Kish
August 4, 2009
|Adrienne Kish
Today saw the transformation of bare labs and storage warehouses into fully equipped biology and biogeochemistry facilities and Mars rover assembly rooms. True to the adventure of space exploration, most teams had to deal with parts missing or malfunctioning, resulting in some inspired MacGyver solutions. Alternatives were found, packages located, and sciences moved along. When you are working in a remote area far from civilization, or on Mars for that matter, you work with what you have and deal with the challenges as they arise. The show must go on, and so does the science. The peace and quiet of Ny-Alesund was periodically disturbed by the arrival of cruise ships chock full of ecotourists packing zoom lenses the length of their arms coming to view the quaint scientists and colorful buildings. Just wait until a cruise ship docks and sees a Mars rover picking up rocks–it'll be a paparazzi outbreak that will make people wonder if Paris Hilton was visiting the arctic. We are now set up and ready to start hauling in the samples and putting the instruments to work.
Arrival at Svalbard
by Juan D. Rodriguez
August 5, 2009
Juan Diego Rodriguez.
This is my first post to the blog about AMASE 2009. I am writing it from the Spitzbergen Guest house, a nice little accommodation place located in Nybyen at the southeast end of Longyearbyen (Svalbard), the place where part of the members of the AMASE expedition are staying before flying to Ny-Alesund today. I am writing this blog while lying on bed because I am very tired…after a full week of work… however, the start of this trip could not have been better.
From the window of my room I can see some mountains and the front of a glacier. It is 11 pm and it is sunny but with high clouds. The landcape is strange, quite evocative: big mountains, ice, old mining settlements — almost all of them abandoned — next to a place where the population is about five hundred people and you have to take a rifle with you if you go outside the town in case you need to defend against polar bears.
It has been a very long day and a very long trip. Liane Benning, one of the AMASE managers and my boss at the University of Leeds, and I came here by plane from Heathrow via Stavanger, Oslo, and Tromso and finally arrived at Longyearbyen after almost one day flying and only a little bit of sleeping. In fact we didn't come directly from our homes, but from the Diamond Synchrotron in Oxfordshire (UK), where we were working five days and nights carrying out experiments to understand the formation of calcium carbonates, minerals that are very important in biomineralization processes. But now we are here and we will have a couple of more relaxed days to prepare for AMASE before joining everybody and starting our work.
Svalbard from the air.
Credit: Juan Diego Rodriguez
Svalbard is amazing from the air. When we were approaching it by plane we could see the impressive mountains, glaciers and lakes partially covered by clouds. Sometimes it seems to be like the surface of another world. However, it is not so far away today if we consider that we only needed one day of travel to get here. A couple of years ago I read a very good book written by Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer who commanded a scientific expedition to the Arctic between 1893 and 1896 and reached latitude 84°N, following a route that went through Svalbard. He described the beauty of this landscape, the long polar nights only illuminated by the Moon and the northern lights, the impressive mountains, the loneliness and strangeness of the regions they visited. Today, more than one century later, we can travel to Svalbard by plane while reading a book and drinking a Coke. However, that does not mean that Svalbard has changed: it is still cold, isolated, beautiful and strange as it was a century ago. We simply have used science to develop methods to travel faster and more comfortable. Our goals are further away, the landscapes that we would like to visit, explore and understand are now also away from Earth on other planets. One of them is planet Mars.
I have come to Svalbard to join the AMASE expedition: a group of really great scientists and engineers that have the same spirit as Fridtjof Nansen and are here to carry out the first steps towards the advanced exploration of planet Mars. Over the years human kind have sent orbiters and landers to the Red Planet to understand its origin and evolution, to obtain information about its geology and climate but also to try to answer the question about the possible ocurrence of life. In fact nowadays we have the technology to go to Mars, both via unmanned and manned missions and although not easy this is nowadays not impossible: we only need some time and interdisciplinary collaboration. Today we know that liquid water existed on Mars millions of years ago. We have located very interesting candidate areas to look for present or past microbial life using orbiters that read the spectroscopic signatures of carbonates and other minerals and water. We have explored regions where water was present in past times, using rovers that have travelled kilometers while obtaining enormous amounts of data. But we don't know at all if microbial life developed or even exists nowadays on our neighbour planet. This question remains unanswered and AMASE expedition is going to be crucial to answer it.
Martian gullies on Earth!
Credit: Juan Diego Rodriguez
AMASE has the objective of learning how to search for life on Mars and how to develop and test the appropriate technology to do so. We just need a place that can be considered a good martian analogue, and Svalbard is one of the best ones in the world. Here we will test equipment that will fly in future Mars missions, especially on board of the Mars Science Laboratory (NASA) and ExoMars (ESA) rovers. Obviously there is life in Svalbard, but in some areas the conditions are so harsh that only extremophiles can thrive in on basaltic, carbonate-rich rocks or in glacial ice, a picture that could be similar to equatorial martian basalts or the icy regions of the Red Planet. If we want to search for life on Mars we need to develop and test protocols to find past and present habitable environments and to avoid biological contamination that could arrive to Mars from our planet or could come back from Mars to us in any Mars Sample return Mission. AMASE is developing the systems to search for life and prevent contaminations. In fact, all this research is not only focused on that planet, but also in any other icy planetary bodies that could potentially harbor microbial life, like Europa, Titan or Enceladus.
During the next days I will start posting blog entries explaining how the expedition is going on, what we do, how we work and why we do what we do on AMASE. I will try to give you a vision of the research we are carrying out and the big picture we learn from it. Stay tuned and join the trip with us.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Newmar Difference is the result of our collective obsession with craftsmanship, innovation and doing right by the people who make it all possible – our customers. This level of commitment is what allows us to build some of the very best motor coaches on the road today.
When you set foot in one of our gas coaches, you'll recognize the Newmar Difference in everything you see, every surface you touch and every feature you operate. It's all about delivering you with the unmatched quality of a Newmar motor coach for less than you ever imagined.
Superior Fit, Finish and Reliability
At Newmar, we believe excellence belongs in every coach we build, not just our diesel and luxury models. In fact, all of our motor homes, from the most affordable to the most luxurious, are built one-at-a-time on the same assembly line. This ensures that every RV we produce, from the gas-powered Baystar to the luxurious diesel-powered King Aire is crafted to the same demanding specifications.
Newmar gas coaches are not mass-produced, as evidenced by custom built, hand-sanded cabinetry, residential-quality sidewalls and flooring that is laid with painstaking precision. Every one of our gas offerings undergoes more than 1,000 quality checks before its assembly is complete, and each coach is tested and then tested again before delivery. Our goal is to provide a final product that is 100% defect free by the time it reaches the customer, which is why Newmar motor homes have the best initial quality in the industry.
The Features and Options You Want
We take pride is outfitting our gas coaches with features you may not expect to see in a gas-powered RV. Features like Flexsteel® leather furniture and our exclusive Total Comfort™ central air conditioning system, capable of making your motor home as comfortable as a traditional home with the touch of a button. And with multiple floor plan options on each Newmar gas model, you have more ways than one to match your coach with your lifestyle. You also get several choices in counter tops, flooring, exterior and interior décor, giving you the ability to create a space that is truly yours.
Choose the Canyon Star with an available toy hauler floor plan and get the only toy hauler with two slide outs and two permanent beds in the RV industry. What's more, Canyon Star is currently the only motor coach to offer a wheelchair accessible floor plan option, complete with a roll-in shower, microwave located below the range, switches at chair height and much more.
The Magnificence of the Full-Paint Masterpiece™ Finish
Standard on the gas-powered Baystar and Canyon Star, Newmar's Full-Paint Masterpiece™ Finish is one of the most beautiful, durable paint finishes available today. Every coach is painted in our state-of-the-art facility in Nappanee, Indiana by some of the most skilled paint specialists in the business. Using only the finest materials, equipment and techniques, the Full-Paint Masterpiece Finish delivers a show-quality look that will turn heads everywhere you travel.


text:
Texas Health Resources establishes another accountable care organization with private insurer
Arlington-based Texas Health Resources has established its second accountable care organization with a commercial insurer in as many weeks.
Tuesday, THR said it had reached agreement with Aetna to create an ACO in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to raise the quality of care and lower the cost.
Two weeks ago, THR, one of the largest health care providers in North Texas, announced a similar agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the largest insurer in the state. The organizations said that ACO, THR's first with a commercial insurer, would be one of the largest of its kind in the country, initially beginning with about 50,000 enrollees.
Tuesday's announcement did not mention a number, but a spokesman said the ACO would initially involve about 21,000 members and could double in size in a year. It will launch sometime this year.
Texas Health already has two accountable care groups for Medicare – the federal program for those over age 65 – and an agreement with Methodist Health System to cooperate on accountable care initiatives.
Accountable care organizations offer financial incentives for higher quality and lower cost. They are designed to improve a patient's overall health while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, re-admissions, emergency room visits and duplication of services.


text:
11 Retailers You Should Be Following on Facebook
NEW YORK ( MainStreet) -- It's easy to see why retailers love Facebook. The top companies are able to amass a following of millions of fans, and that provides an incredible opportunity to communicate directly with customers and tell them about company news and new products. Of course, few people will sign up for a Facebook feed if it seems like little more than a glorified public relations release, so the smart retailers have figured out that if they want to attract fans, they need to offer up some deals.
Meanwhile, consumers usually want to limit the number of companies they follow to keep their feed from getting cluttered, ideally targeting retailers with a good ratio of deals to other, less useful content.
|Do you want a Quizno's sub? Do you want it right now? Then follow the chain on Facebook -- it gets you a free meal.
"People don't want to 'like' every store they shop at, because look at what it does to your news feed," says Jon Lal of BeFrugal.com. "You go on Facebook to connect with friends and family."
So if you want to get in on the deal train, which retailers should you be "liking" on Facebook? To find out, we checked out which retailers offer the best deals and the least amount of noise:
Banana Republic and Old Navy
The three major Gap(GPS) brands -- Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic -- are well known for their frequent deals, usually taking the form of printable coupons and coupon codes. And if you'd rather not subscribe to their email newsletters or visit their Web sites every day, following them on Facebook is a good strategy.
Each brand approaches their deals a little differently. Banana Republic is probably best for coupons, offering a coupon code or printable coupon approximately once a week; it also stands out for being relatively circumspect about how often it bombards its followers with posts about new products and company news. Old Navy , meanwhile, posts more often and tends to advertise in-store sales and promotions rather than coupons.
As for the flagship brand, color us unimpressed with Gap's Facebook feed, which is big on company news and pictures of new products but relatively light on deals. Unless you're a big fan of the store, we'd pass on this one.
The big kahuna of big retail doesn't have the best deal-to-noise ratio -- to find the deals you'll need to sift through a lot of recipes, company news and simple product promotions. But the deals are still fairly frequent. Last week, for instance, there was a two-pack of eyebrow razors for $5, and the week before that they tipped us off that you could get kitchen utensils for 88 cents apiece in stores.


text:
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Former Moss Point High School basketball coach Micoe Cotton has been arrested and charged with six counts of sexual battery of a female student and one count of child exploitation for possession of a video of one of the encounters.
Moss Point Police Chief Keith Davis said the investigation continues as to whether there were other victims.
Davis said the investigation began in earlier this month "and we were able to develop information and confirm that information surrounding a relationship with a student."
He added that information was confirmed in an interview with the student. He declined to reveal the age of the student.
"We have information that some of the assaults took place near the high school," Davis said.
The FBI office in Jackson also assisted with the investigation.
"I solicited their help with a forensic exam of his smart phone and evidence was recovered," Davis said.
Cotton appeared in Jackson County Circuit Court before Judge Kathy King Jackson on Friday and she said bail at $35,000 -- $5,000 for each count. The case is bound over to a grand jury.
"The safety of our students is always our highest priority," Moss Point Superintendent Maggie Griffin. "Based upon Mississippi's State Law, section 37.9.59 Mississippi Code 1972, the district took immediate action to remove and suspend the teacher when the allegations were made. The Federal Privacy Act also does not allow us to discuss personnel issues."
Curley Clark, president of the Moss Point-Jackson County chapter of the NAACP, expressed concerned, especially because his organization has pushed for more adult supervision in the schools.
"It is disgusting to learn that these type situations exist, when we have been encouraging more adult presence in our schools; in order to enhance student safety," Clark said. "All adults who interact with our children, in the school system, should be held accountable for their actions."
Griffin said in April that Cotton resigned from his position after six years.
Cotton was indefinitely suspended from his coaching job in December --- but remained on staff as a physical education teacher --- for reasons that were never fully disclosed, with assistant coaches Melvin Booker and Deadrick Bogard leading the Tigers the rest of the way.
"He resigned," Griffin said of Cotton in April. "We've begun advertising the position, but it's important to note that we have to hire candidates as teachers as well as coaches."
Led by McDonald's All-American and Kentucky signee Devin Booker, Moss Point's boys went 18-15 this past season. The Tigers won the Region 8-4A championship and lost to eventual state champion McComb in the South State semifinals.


text:
While I will continue to support it, I've gotten most of what I really want out of MOTUC.
But selfishly, the only thing left I HAVE to have is...
Type: Posts; User: jhoward
While I will continue to support it, I've gotten most of what I really want out of MOTUC.
But selfishly, the only thing left I HAVE to have is...
Great episode. So glad you guys are back on a regular basis :hmgrin:
Thanks, Scott!
I for one would have been very disappointed had we not gotten Dare. He's a crucial character from a lost era (much like He-Ro & Eldor) and he makes perfect sense to wrap up the...
I picked the wrong year to sit out Comic Con. :hmsad:
Must have these!! :hmeek:
Three-Beast of course :skgrin:
Was really skeptical of these at first, but after having them in hand I am IN LOVE. These have quickly risen to the top as some of my favorite toys ever. I just don't think you can truly appreciate...
AMEN! :hmwink:
Again, I implore everyone that has a problem with the scale - get a couple in hand before you dismiss them. I really think they work better at the smaller size. Now I don't care for the SDCC ones at...
Not that my voice matters AT ALL at this point, but putting price aside (which I agree is the main issue), I would like to address the concerns of the change in scale.
I too was greatly...
I'm normally one of the biggest defenders of the line, but I can't support this. This is officially the first MOTUC item that I'll be skipping.
Can't believe I'm saying this, but as someone who owns multiples of EVERTHING in this line (have always purchased 2 subs and often bought a 3rd or 4th on sale day) this will be the first figure I...
Well said. :hmgrin:
Absolutely love the Unnamed One, in appearance and especially story.
Having the "big bad" turn out to actually be a Trollan is actually pretty brilliant. Most EVERYONE, myself included, expected...
Completely geeking out over the fact that...
Three-Beast is now an official part of MOTU lore.
I can die happy now :hmgrin:
I like the way you think :skwink:
Hey, Val. Just a heads up - there was a slight mix-up in the news story. Three-Beast was my creation, not Ra-Jar :hmgrin: I don't blame you though, since it was Mattel that mixed it up in the...
It's also $100 more expensive than it was when it was first released a couple of years ago. Just food for thought when comparing it to the...
Yes! Details are at my blog:
Likely $10 each, or $40 for the set.
Looking forward to meeting everyone! Here's a preview of one of the prints I'll have at the show (there will be 5 total - Teela, Sorceress, Evil-Lyn, She-Ra, and Catra).
Well, I'm an exhibiting artist, but I'm not on that exhibitor list. But I don't know if it was an oversight or if they're planning a separate announcement for artists.
You guys are CRAZY! :hmlol: Cy-Chop is amazing! Seriously, I don't get the hate for this figure. I LOVE the Japanese inspiration. Plus, he just looks like a fun toy. If it wasn't for Photog (who I've...
My best guess would be some kind of pre-order system like others have suggested, or a series of bonus heads included with several 2013 figures - but for past characters, much like how Zodak's head...
That is too cool! Now if they'll just do Superman...
1 Roboto
2 Queen Andreeno
3 Oracle
4 Serpos
5 Battle Lion
Astronaut Marlena (white)
Grayskull Robot
Red Beast
Three-Beast :hmgrin:
Hard choice. I'd say A or D. One or the other, no inbetweens.
Hey, thanks for the plug, Val! I just wanted to correct the record though - I created Three Beast, not Ra-Jar. Mattel switched up the names on the slide show. Glad you liked him, Eamon!
Awesome. We need more people like you :hmgrin:
So much I could say, but I'll to keep it as diplomatic as possible.
When the line was initially announced, taking into account my love of MOTU and the fact that a line like this had never been...


text:
It's time for NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup, stock car's version of a playoffs system - only this post-season is unlike any other in sports.
NASCAR has literally drawn a line after the top 12 drivers in the season standings. That dynamic dozen will race for the Sprint Cup Championship. But, also on the track will be 30 or more other drivers looking for individual race wins and a strong finish to the 2008 campaign.
The Chase itself is packed with personalities, and they don't always get along. Points leader Kyle Busch has ruffled more than a few feathers this season, most recently trading paint with Carl Edwards, whose finish has landed him in the second spot in the standings. Third place Jimmie Johnson has also come on strong down the stretch, and is poised for a third straight championship.
Then there's fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Junior gunning for his first career Cup title in his first season with his new Hendrick teammates, including Jeff Gordon, who's also in the Chase. There are underdogs like Clint Bowyer and Denny Hamlin, and a sentimental favorite in Jeff Burton, who's finished the season in the top 10 six times.
Former champion, Tony Stewart, famous for his short fuse, is always good for a sound-bite or two. Toss in wildcards like Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick and another past champion in Matt Kenseth, and we're in for an exciting couple of months on the track.
But those 12 drivers aren't the only factors in this Championship Chase. In what other sport do players or teams out of contention for the championship continue to compete along side those still in the hunt?
It creates an intriguing dynamic: start with the competition of September-October-and-November madness, add the strategy of "Stock Car Survivor", and just for fun, toss in the drama of "As the Garage Turns." When it's all over, we should hand out awards for best leading man, villain and even supporting character.
Kyle Busch ticked off enough other drivers this season to be voted off the island. Will that prompt a rival not in the chase to retaliate? NASCAR's imposed probation on Busch and Edwards after their recent tussle doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent for bad behavior.
And how about the teammates of Chase drivers, like Casey Mears in the Hendrick camp? Will he, in the spirit of a "Survivor" alliance be of any help to his three teammates battling for the Championship?
And can Chase teammates like Busch, Hamlin and Stewart of the Gibbs racing stable be of any assistance to each other, or will it be every man for himself?
NASCAR implemented its playoff system to keep the season interesting down the stretch, and this year may be the most exciting and entertaining Chase for the Championship yet: filled with drama and intrigue, strategy and skill, all at 200 miles per hour. Let the green flag fall.
Goodman can be reached at email@example.com.


text:
Horizon Double Glazing, Design, Supply & Fit Service - 01438 300247
Horizon Double Glazing began trading in 1993, and has grown successfully based on a foundation of quality and providing the very best service from start to finish. We offer such products as Profile 22 PVCu and Smart Systems for Aluminium. We specialize in windows, doors and conservatories but we also offer a repair service that can fix most of the common problems windows and doors face as they age.
Our customers include both domestic and commercial clients, most of which come via recommendation. We are members of FENSA and abide by Part L of building regulations. Originally based in Luton, in 2012 our head office is now located on the High Street in the Old Town, Stevenage in Hertfordshire.
We have teams across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London. We offer a completely free quotation service and do not use high pressure selling techniques, so feel free to either call us by phone or fill in our enquiry form for us to contact you.


text:
on December 29, 2012 - 1:00 AM
What a difference between the labor market today and that of 50 or 60 years ago. Back then, you could land a job almost anywhere, anytime. If you had an education, all the better, but with the area's strong industrial base, little if any education was needed.
My first real job came shortly after I quit school at 16 to work at J.W. Clements as a "fly boy" on the five-color presses that printed pages for Life magazine. For 90 cents an hour, I scooped up sheets as they rolled from the press, shaped them into neat bundles on a vibrating box and stacked them on skids. Monotonous, yes, but we had fun on weekends with no bosses around, when we had oil can wars and raced forklifts around the plant.
Another of the roughly 50 jobs I held in my youth was in a wax factory on Seneca Street. My friend Bob worked in one section, where he froze, while I worked in another, where I melted with the wax. That job lasted until lunch time.
Bob and I also landed a job in a factory in Tonawanda. After saying we were experienced painters, we were put into baskets, or boatswain chairs, and slung up like Michelangelo to a 40-foot ceiling. With aching arms and necks and resembling an artist's colorful palette when we came down, we finished the day and never returned.
With more than 20,000 employees, Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna was then the region's major employer. It brought prosperity, but when layoffs occurred, businesses everywhere suffered. I remember first working there as a helper to a mechanic. One morning he told me to follow him "up to heaven." I wondered what he was talking about until we started climbing a metal stairway up the side of a smokestack that seemed to reach the clouds. Looking down through the grating as we climbed ever higher made my head whirl. I shook. When I looked out and saw the massive roofs of the buildings far below, I broke into a sweat that fogged my safety glasses, almost blinding me. When we finished our task, I descended so fast I almost tumbled headfirst the last 20 feet to the ground.
Yes, you might have to climb chimneys, broil near open-hearth furnaces or shovel slag, but at least you had a good-paying job.
In the late 1950s, I worked with the steamfitters for the genuinely huge wage of $3.49 an hour. Wrestling pipe you could fit a Volkswagen into at the Huntley Power Station was hard, but better than laboring inside the water intake tunnels. Heavy vibrations from drilling equipment threatened to collapse the walls and let the Niagara River in to drown us all. That was almost as scary as balancing on steel beams with the iron workers a year later.
Scarier yet was the time I worked as a claim agent with the New York Central Railroad. One of our workers was killed on the job and it was my duty to attend his wake and "keep the family in line" by promising company support. If the malice oozing from their eyes when I introduced myself could kill, I'd be dead today.
Back then, Buffalo was a vibrant city with steel plants, flour mills, railroads and stockyards, all of which helped businesses flourish throughout the city: restaurants, theaters, department stores, all of which in turn provided jobs for still others. Quitting was easy then, when all one had to do was saunter into any business and get hired on the spot. I doubt those days will ever return.


text:
Three Worlds Collide in 'Jerusalem,' the City and the Film
The old city of Jerusalem is smaller than one square mile. In 5,000 years of recorded human history there have been 180 conflicts around the city. It has been conquered 44 times, and completely destroyed twice. The story of conflict in this city is clearly not a new story.
When the producers of Jerusalem, a new movie for IMAX and other giant screen theaters, decided to approach the topic, they wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the long history.
"Jerusalem is a city in conflict," said Taran Davies, one of the producers of Jerusalem, at a recent screening of the movie. "We wanted a new way to think about it. This [movie] is more a celebration."


text:
Lucas planning two skeins based on pix
Fans and industryites have wondered for years what will become of Lucasfilm following the release of the final "Star Wars" pic, "Revenge of the Sith," on May 19. This weekend, George Lucas gave the answer: more "Star Wars," only this time on the small screen.
Making his first appearance at a fan convention in 18 years, Lucas told an Indianapolis crowd Saturday that he's making plans for two TV series that would continue the sci-fi epic.
The first is an 3-D animated half-hour that expands on the "Clone Wars" miniseries of which Lucasfilm has done two cycles for Cartoon Network.
Series could take advantage of the new CGI animation facility company is building in Singapore. News also jibes with recent buzz in the toon biz that has had Lucasfilm talking to high-profile talent, including "Aeon Flux" creator Peter Chung, who is known to have consulted on a TV project for the studio.
Supporting players
Lucas also revealed that the company is working on a spinoff live-action series that would focus on some supporting characters who've been introduced in the movies.
"We're probably not going to start that for about a year," he said. "Like on 'The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,' we want to write all the stories for the entire first season all at once. I'm going to get it started and hire the showrunners and all of that, then I'll probably step away."
Both skeins would be set in the years between the end of "Revenge of the Sith" and the beginning of the original "Star Wars," aka "Episode IV — A New Hope."
Neither project is close to production yet or has found a network. Lucasfilm reps emphasized there aren't any official plans yet.
Cartoon Network would be the logical home for a 3-D "Star Wars" animated skein, given the net's work with Lucasfilm on the "Clone Wars" series of shorts. However, a cabler like Sci Fi might also be interested given the probably high quality of the animation and the chance to be in business with Lucas.
Wanted: Live-action skein
NBC Universal-owned Sci Fi or USA Network might also want a live-action Lucas skein, given the two nets' success with franchises such as "Battlestar Galactica" and "The 4400." Peacock could also repurpose the series or launch it on its main broadcast net.
As for broadcast webs, Fox would be a logical home for either the animated or live-action skein, given the net's male-centric audience. Sister studio 20th Century Fox has a longstanding distribution relationship with Lucas on the "Star Wars" features.
There's clearly still strong fan interest in the franchise, with three-quarters of the sales on online ticketing service Fandango already going to "Sith." If the pic gets a warmer welcome from fans than the last two, demand will likely skyrocket.
A series would also keep the franchise alive for another generation of toy-buying children, resulting in millions of dollars in additional licensing.
And a story set between the two trilogies would leave the door open for appearances by some familiar characters, most importantly Darth Vader. Vader is easily the most popular of the "Star Wars" characters in toys and games.
(Josef Adalian contributed to this report.)


text:
Click Image To Zoom
California Prop 65
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Learn more >
Customers also bought
File Set
Inspection Scope
Arctic Silver ArctiClean
My Problem
I have stage 3 COPD. I needed a padding for my cannula to sleep because the tubing hurts my face. I couldn't find padding online for cannulas. I took a pair of my granddaughter's fluffy booties and cut them in half. I sewed on the velcro strips on and you've saved my face. I can take the padding off during the day, I can continue to use it even though I have to continuously change cannulas.
My Fix
Excellent. The tubing is no longer uncomfortable, nor does it leave huge marks on my face. Thank you for the prompt service and giving me exactly what you advertised. I will come back when I need a FIXIT.
My Advice
No. It was perfect.


text:
In any event, the real reason I'm posting this is a comment made at the bottom of the article, which appears to have predicted the future. (I came across this while looking up some things on the net that has absolutely nothing to do with hockey).
He may have got away with an obvious interference call, but in a few minutes I guarantee they're going to nail him for boarding.


text:
Cushe Coupons & Promo Codes
Most popular now: Save Up to 30% Off Sale Items.
Latest offer: Sign Up for Cushe Email Newsletters and Receive Exclusive News and Offers.
Save Up to 30% Off Sale Items
Sign Up for Cushe Email Newsletters and Receive Exclusive News and Offers
How to Use Cushe Coupons
Cushe sometimes runs a free shipping promotion on all orders - no coupon needed - so look for that when you shop. You will find their best deals in the Sale section of the website. Be sure to sign up for the Cushe email list to have promotional offers and coupons sent to your inbox as they become available. You will also be entered in a drawing for free products each month as well. More savings and coupon codes from Cushe can be found at Coupons.com.


text:
Samsung Galaxy S5 tops our blind camera comparison for the third time in a row, LG G3 close second
0. phoneArena 16 Jun 2014, 04:26 posted on
The votes are in, and the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the winner in our most recent blind camera comparison. In second place, with just three votes less, is the LG G3...
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. brrunopt (Posts: 742; Member since: 15 Aug 2013)
"Samsung Galaxy S5 tops our blind camera comparison for the third time in a row "
you mean, "we didn't use a Lumia in our blind camera comparison for the third time in a row "
11. Planterz (Posts: 2070; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
Yeah, that's definitely suspect. WP sucks donkey dong, but the Lumia cameras are amazing. The photos they show (in their peroidic "best smartphone pics" articles) from 808 and 1020s look great. Motorola is also absent; although it's been shown that their cameras aren't as good as others, the brand should still be represented.
17. ihavenoname (Posts: 1693; Member since: 18 Aug 2013)
Indeed. Blind camera comparison 5S+S5+G3+Z2+M8+1520/Icon/930.
24. Liveitup (Posts: 1798; Member since: 07 Jan 2014)
WP is an excellent platform. Its influenced the entire industry in terms of design language etc. That's a trend setter the opposite of donkey dong. I'll agree with you that preview cameras are great.
75. NokiaFTW (Posts: 2071; Member since: 24 Oct 2012)
"WP sucks donkey dong" these type of stupid comments should be expected from you spermdroids now. The only thing you'll know is to troll and hate on another OS, whether it be iOS or WP. Be ashamed of yourselves. You'll call yourselves tech enthusiasts? Well, to me you guys are just a bunch o stupid hypocrites trying to hide your failures by hating on things you'll don't know about. One can only imagine what you must be like in reality.
91. Planterz (Posts: 2070; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
spermdroid? Who's the hypocrite here? Pot and kettle, fanboy.
96. StraightEdgeNexus (Posts: 3689; Member since: 14 Feb 2014)
Hey dude, dont insult Grandpa... How dare you... You know he falls to the bait and then gets butthurt. Poor Grandpa. :-(
99. Planterz (Posts: 2070; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
You must love scrolling. And scrolling and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling...
100. Planterz (Posts: 2070; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
Oh, and how's your mediocre app selection working for you? Must be fun getting the ocasional app or game 6 months after it's released on iPhone or Android.
112. mrmessma (Posts: 186; Member since: 28 Mar 2012)
That's an arrow from iOS' fanboy's quiver that was aimed at Android for years up until about a year ago. App selection takes nothing away from the quality of the OS itself. Yes, I am an Android user, just pointing this out.
15. Astoni (Posts: 649; Member since: 28 Sep 2013)
Ehm if the lumia 1020 is a contender then Galaxy k zoom should be in cause its also a camera centric device.. this comparisons is for the top Flagships not a cameraphone.. 1020 is outdated. Yes it has an AWESOME camera but its all it has to offfer since you can buy a freakin 520 and get the same package..
104. refillable (Posts: 1046; Member since: 10 Mar 2014)
Well at least they can include the Icon or the 1520...
108. Astoni (Posts: 649; Member since: 28 Sep 2013)
Icon could have been included, true.
16. Nexus4lifes (Posts: 155; Member since: 13 Feb 2014)
Well this is a 'smart'phone camera test... so lumia doesn't qualify :)
26. mayur007 (Posts: 565; Member since: 10 Apr 2012)
bcoz lumias are not smatphone they just a feature phones which has a good camera..
31. StraightEdgeNexus (Posts: 3689; Member since: 14 Feb 2014)
Because no one in PA owns a lumia, they can compromise the inferior camera rather than live with a mediocre OS.
74. NokiaFTW (Posts: 2071; Member since: 24 Oct 2012)
The kid's got a point.
83. StraightEdgeNexus (Posts: 3689; Member since: 14 Feb 2014)
Grandpa... Please stop bothering me with your f@rty comments or I'll kindly show you the way to nursing homes.
105. refillable (Posts: 1046; Member since: 10 Mar 2014)
Since this is a camera test and Lumias are still Smartphones, that compromise isn't smart at all.
37. sar44 (Posts: 278; Member since: 14 Apr 2014)
On G3 (and other bsi sensors) white is yellow, blue is green, green is lime
This is good?
48. ImperialDynamics (Posts: 24; Member since: 30 Nov 2012)
^^ this :D No Lumia in the comparison makes the comparison pointless. And you should had included more than one Lumia model, eg 1020, 1520, 925. Then then gs5 would had barely made it to the top 5 :D
52. sar44 (Posts: 278; Member since: 14 Apr 2014)
m/features/item/19716_Camera_h ead_to_head_Nokia_Lumi.php
bsi is dead
1/1.5" sensor with ois and aspherical lens lose 1/2.6"
56. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
You know that the isocells main feature is that is supposed to capture more light. Not a better dynamic range. Samsung may have achieved that better range with many other things there is to the camera. And if you've seen any of the S5 Vs Z2 camera comparisons in almost darkness, the Z2 photos are a lot brighter. Isocell works quite badly in low light in fact.
And as for that 1020 vs S5 there, remember that 1020 had a lot more pixels resulting into a lower amount of light getting into the them. That has nothing to do with BSI or Isocell. I bet even you'll be dead before BSI sensors...
76. DerryAhmad (Posts: 278; Member since: 05 May 2012)
Yeah.. I couldn't understand it either. They had the Lumia 1520 in one of their blind tests (even beat all other flagship phones at that time) and then.. Then just stopped using a Lumia.
I can understand why they didn't use the 1020 tho. It is on its own league in still camera.
Also.. Why no indoor lowlight shots? Lowlight shots is important IMO.
It's where we take often pictures of friends/families/colleagues. In bars, restaurants, home.
92. tedkord (Posts: 11631; Member since: 17 Jun 2009)
This site included Nokia phones.
102. ph00ny (Posts: 1234; Member since: 26 May 2011)
damn you!!!
you beat me to this
101. ph00ny (Posts: 1234; Member since: 26 May 2011)
Apparently it does well against even the pureview 808
110. elitewolverine (Posts: 5183; Member since: 28 Oct 2013)
2. Awalker (Posts: 1498; Member since: 15 Aug 2013)
It's the top phone and only a third of people picked it.
3. 8800-Arte (banned) (Posts: 50; Member since: 05 Jun 2014)
Great job LG!
4. tech2 (Posts: 3455; Member since: 26 Oct 2012)
LOL...Xperia Z2 came last....hahaha.
25. StraightEdgeNexus (Posts: 3689; Member since: 14 Feb 2014)
Haha, I remember the typical sony fanboys at launch of z2, screamed the supremacy, S5 reigns supreme.
29. Diezparda (Posts: 871; Member since: 23 Oct 2013)
that surprise me but Z2 camera lacks contrast and a little bit cold
41. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
The Z2 has much more realistic colours. Almost all the other ones oversaturate them. And I know this because I have the Z2 and the pictures it takes have pretty much 100% natural colours. So if an other device takes more saturated pictures, it has to over do it.
Also this comparison doesn't take advantage of the 4:3 sensors some of the phones have (wider field of view). Also it's not fair to put the resolution into the same for all. Now it doesn't match the actual photos taken.
Also the number of photos taken is very small and the conditions in them are the same. There should be landscape, some kind of flowery shot, macro, indoor and night. Also a DSLR as reference would be nice.
And if somebody wants to know, I voted for M8
And now everybody will say to me "excuses, excuses"
57. tech2 (Posts: 3455; Member since: 26 Oct 2012)
Excuses, excuses.
'I know this because I have the Z2' - Do you also have GS5, LG G3, etc. used in the comparison ?
Also Dxomark gave GS5 82 for its color accuracy much-much higher then 74 of Z2
60. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
No I don't have the others.
Hmm. That seems to be true. Anyways it's weird. Those S5 photos look just so punchy compared to the Z2 images that they just can't be accurate.
79. Astoni (Posts: 649; Member since: 28 Sep 2013)
z2's cameras colour accuracy is IDENTICAL to the Z1's and Z1 can't handle greens.. it gets washed out..
80. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
In that case my unit has to be drastically different from the others.
87. Odiin (Posts: 340; Member since: 23 Apr 2013)
To whom you are explaining? Stop it.
Do you know before S5 test by Dxomark, when Z2 got top spot, these same brainwashed Samsung fanboys bashing that site like no tomorrow. Now S5 praised by Dxomark all of sudden they become professional. Praising their method of testing n technology.
n PA loves Samsung so much so obviously this is expected. Just see 'Details' section in this particular article. In that they praising Z2 for details n pointed out S5 flaws, but in number chart, S5 got higher points then Z2.
You cant give credit where its due nor you express your thoughts, all is forbidden here. Its a crime. If you like Sony LG HTC Nokia Blackberry WP anything other then Samsung you are dead. Because only Samsung counts. No quality no reality matters here.
90. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
True. Me writing my explanations here is useless in fact. But I just like to point out my feelings/opinions
89. BlackhawkFlys (Posts: 337; Member since: 07 May 2014)
It does not matter if photos looks natural or saturated, what matters is which photo looks better. And saturated images looks a lot better and pleasant.
72. akki20892 (Posts: 3901; Member since: 04 Feb 2013)
if you believe in this comparison then u shouldn't have been comment this "Go check dxomark. Xperia Z2 and GS5 has put your beloved pureview tech to shame" and this dxmark give rating by their technology, not by human point of view......if you believe in true rating then we all need to go to world professional photographer.
73. tech2 (Posts: 3455; Member since: 26 Oct 2012)
'dxmark give rating by their technology' - They dont give rating by tech they give rating by their 'camera and sensor'.
DXOmark employ the most comprehensive and comparatively accurate testing methods where testing cameras is concerned. Go read about their testing method they have all 'professional photographers' working for them.http://www.dxomark.com/About
If you've any other site which tests better unbiased testing method then Dxomark and has rated Lumia above all then I'll happy to take my statement back.
111. elitewolverine (Posts: 5183; Member since: 28 Oct 2013)
Dont forget that the 1020 is not in the mobile section of DXOMark testing.
It is tested and scored like a dedicated camera getting 222 otu of 244. While 'bad', it is not a dedicated camera. All testing and scores are from a full camera perspective and not a mobile perspective, which yes, gets different scores.
Unless there is a mobile test from dxomark with the same scoring as other mobiles. the 41 score of the 1020 is not the same 79 scale given from s5.
I searched but couldnt find the 'mobile' test of the 1020, the test it does show, imo outdo even the s5 still.
5. rehanmustafa90 (Posts: 11; Member since: 13 May 2014)
Z2 last phone :p
32. T.Law (Posts: 414; Member since: 10 May 2014)
I don't mind the S5 winning since I've seen how its camera performs but there's no way that the M8 is better than the Z2.
40. vincelongman (Posts: 4425; Member since: 10 Feb 2013)
You can quite easily tell which one is the M8 because of its low 4mp, so probably HTC fanboys voting for the M8 cause they don't want it to come last
35. StraightEdgeNexus (Posts: 3689; Member since: 14 Feb 2014)
Sony's software sucks, their UI is not the best looking or functional either, their camera processing algorithms suck, also software updates are slow and make the device buggy.
47. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
That's Utter Bullsh**!
62. T.Law (Posts: 414; Member since: 10 May 2014)
As an ex Note 3 user, I do agree for the software part but my Z2 definitely takes better pictures than the M8.
6. hassoups (Posts: 473; Member since: 06 Jun 2013)
That Z2 monstrous 20 megapixel camera though...
7. Planterz (Posts: 2070; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
I went with phone 2 (LG G3) on all of these, but phone 6 (GS5) was definitely my 2nd choice.
Very dissappointed with Sony's performance. The highest MP phone got beat by the lowest MP phone? It's like KISS bragging they're the loudest band in the world, but KISS f$@#$ing sucks balls, so nobody cares how loud they suck.
8. gigaraga (Posts: 1454; Member since: 29 Mar 2013)
That was to be expected. The S5 has one of the best cameras and tops most of the other ones. Z2 on the other hand, is just sad
42. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
Are you saying the test is sad or Z2 camera is sad?
77. PapaSmurf (Posts: 10456; Member since: 14 May 2012)
The Z2 camera is sad. Boom.
78. ArtSim98 (Posts: 3535; Member since: 21 Dec 2012)
Yaaaay. Boomboom.
9. strikercho (banned) (Posts: 156; Member since: 20 Mar 2012)
PA, you did not use neither Lumia 1020, nor 1520, but "SGS%5 tops your camera blind test comparison"?! Bhahahah! You are such "professionals", really. :)
12. koko1 (Posts: 103; Member since: 03 Dec 2013)
if 1020 must be included, then the k zoom must be included too !
even tho, u really think its old camera will beat S5 ?
21. strikercho (banned) (Posts: 156; Member since: 20 Mar 2012)
There are comparisons between K Zoom and 1020. Nokia beats. By the way, the K Zoom is hardly a smartphone, as the Lumia is a normal one with a bulge for the camera.
34. pwnarena (Posts: 1129; Member since: 15 Feb 2013)
i didn't know the bulge is now the determiing feature for something to be called a smartphone or not.


text:
Fast Facts
- Status:
- Endangered
- Type:
- Mammal
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Average life span in the wild:
- 8 to 10 years
- Size:
- Head and body, 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m); tail, 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m)
- Weight:
- 240 to 500 lbs (109 to 227 kg)
- Did you know?
- A tiger's roar can be heard as far as 2 mi (3 km) away.
- Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power and strength.
There were eight tiger subspecies at one time, but three became extinct during the 20th century. Over the last 100 years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than 2,500. Tigers are hunted as trophies, and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, and many protection programs are in place.
Bengal tigers live in India and are sometimes called Indian tigers. They are the most common tiger and number about half of all wild tigers. Over many centuries they have become an important part of Indian tradition and lore.
Tigers live alone and aggressively scent-mark large territories to keep their rivals away. They are powerful nocturnal hunters that travel many miles to find buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and other large mammals. Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes). They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds (27 kilograms) in one night, though they usually eat less.
Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous maneaters. These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally, or live in an area where their traditional prey has vanished.
Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 18 months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory.
Big Cats Features
Quiz: Lion Lessons
The king of cats rules with a roar and a fierce bite. What else do you know about this top predator? Take this quiz and find out.
Cause an Uproar
Big cats are quickly disappearing. Now is the time to act. Cause an uproar to save big cats today.
Big Cat Cub Pictures
The world's top felines—including lions, tigers, cheetahs, and leopards—are slipping toward extinction. Browse this gallery of big cat cubs and learn more about the threats they face.
Animal Conservation
Find out what National Geographic Society is doing to save animals all over the world, and learn what you can do to help.


text:
Share < br />this article:
Rachel McAdams Best Looks Ever
Kristin Koch
| November 16, 2012 - 11:17 pm
Share < br />this article:
View Full Size
Return to Story
Rachel Mcadams
Recommended for you
17 Times Canadian Celebrities Did Very Canadian Things
2016 Academy Awards: Rachel McAdams' Dress Wins the Red Carpet
Breaking Hair News: Rachel McAdams Debuts Platinum Blonde Hair
Rachel McAdams, Jacob Tremblay, Anthony Mackie and More Announced as SAG Award 2016 Presenters
Benedict Cumberbatch Transformed into Doctor Strange Will Cast a Spell on You
Critics' Choice Award Nominees 2016: 'Mad Max: Fury Road', Jennifer Lawrence Stack up the Nods
Around The Web
Elle Macpherson Regrets Her 'Friends' Role
WATCH: Katy Perry Tries (and Fails) to Vote Completely Naked
Taraji P. Henson Drags 50 Cent Over 'Empire' Diss
Rob Kardashian Tweeted Out Kylie Jenner's Number in the Midst of…
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Relax Poolside in France
Sign Up For The Latest Celebuzz News
Thank you for signing up for our newsletter. You will receive a confirmation shortly.
Sign Up
Top Photos
All »
Chrissy Teigen Looking Back on Her Wedding Leads Today's Star Sightings
Prince William and Kate Middleton Encounter Mounties, Totem Poles and More in Canada
Mandy Moore Explains the Meaning Behind Her Random Sperm Tattoo
Here's What Janet Jackson's Baby Bump Looks Like
Gigi Hadid's Attacker Tried to Kiss Kim Kardashian's Butt in Paris
Drew Barrymore Appeared Alongside Ex Father-in-Law at an Event
You'll Love
Benedict Cumberbatch Hates Hiddleswift
Britney Spears Gushes About Selena Gomez
Miley Cyrus Isn't a Mariah Carey Fan


text:
Gray Duck makes a small-batch masala chai. We want to brew more tea, but before we can we need larger equipment to keep up.
74 backers pledged $5,308 to help bring this project to life.
Successfully raised $5,308 with 74 backers
7 days to go!
Hey everyone! We have 7 days to go. It's time to rally! Thank you so much for your pledges and support! If you're willing to share our link one more... Read more
We're in this months MSP magazine! It's a big Gray Duck 1st!
Thanks MSP, and thanks to all our backers as well!
Project launched


text:
For the first time, the No. 14 Cardinal and the No. 11 Beavers face each other as ranked teams. In honor of this new reality, This Week in Stanford History features a pair of games that offer a study in contrast. One represents an outcome Stanford fans would dearly love to repeat itself. The other is Exhibit A for just how inept both the Cardinal and the Beavers once were.
Nov. 7, 1970: Stanford 29, Washington 22
Let's complete the mosaic that is the 1970 season. You know all about Jim Plunkett winning the Heisman. The victory in the Rose Bowl over No. 2 Ohio State remains entrenched in Cardinal lore. You may recall the campaign beginning with an upset win at Arkansas. But what game saw the Indians clinch the conference title and the Pasadena berth that came with it?
Stanford secured the Pac-8 Championship and its first Rose Bowl berth in 19 years this week in 1970 with what felt like three different games. The over 58,000 in attendance at the old stadium witnessed some serious twists and turns – and even Plunkett becoming the nation's all-time leading passer – as the Indians battled the 17-point underdog Huskies.
Washington took The Opening kickoff back for a touchdown, only to see the Tribe respond with 21 unanswered points to end the first period. Plunkett, in today's terms, went off. Short touchdown tosses to Jackie Brown and Jack Lasater preceded a 27-yard bullet to Miles Moore. Despite two interceptions in his final Stanford Stadium appearance, the senior became college football leader in career passing yardage (7,082 career yards by day's end).
But it was Sonny Sixkiller who led the nation in passing coming in. Hampered by the flu, he came off the bench to rally the visitors. With his nine-yard scramble for a touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion toss, Sixkiller had the Huskies up 22-21 heading into the fourth. Washington faced a fourth and three at the Indian 33 early in the final period when Stanford decided another momentum swing was in order.
"The Huskies dominated the game until Stanford's winning drive," the Associated Press wrote.
The Indians held and took over on downs. Plunkett took it from there. The ensuing 67-yard Stanford march culminated in a 15-yard touchdown toss to Randy Vataha, who made a nifty maneuver to stay inbounds. The two-point pass to Brown increased the margin to seven points. The scoreboard showed 7:32 left to play.
Sixkiller led a march that reached the Stanford 28, where the Indians' long-held Rose Bowl dreams finally became a reality. A screen pass on fourth down went for negative yardage, and the celebration was on. Stanford – who'd lose to Air Force and Cal to end the regular season – moved to 8-1 (6-0 in conference play) and No. 6 in each of the major polls.
Nov. 9, 1985: Stanford 39, Oregon State 24
Jack Elway's second Cardinal team epitomized his program's 1980's plight: Some talent, little depth, and a quarterback running for his life. Undermanned Stanford had a difficult time finding wins on its remaining schedule by the time Oregon State arrived for a late-afternoon visit.
The Cardinal survived a game that featured back-to-back safeties and a steady rainfall, scattering what remained of the 26,000 who bothered. Stanford improved to just 3-7 (2-4 in Pac-10 play). The Cardinal took the lead for good in the second quarter, a welcome outcome for a team just weeks removed from a five-game losing streak. John Paye (separated shoulder) and Brad Muster (bruised ribs) each nursed nagging injuries.
The Beavers "play football the way Barney Fife plays deputy," one Seattle sports writer wrote the previous month. That was before the 37-point underdog Beavers shocked host Washington by a 21-20 score, but OSU remained a doormat. The Beavs wound up 3-8, one of the eight times they'd finish with three or fewer wins during the decade. The fact that TBS televised this game – for just the second time in history, the Cardinal played under the lights at home – makes some sense. These were the days when Andy Griffith reruns ruled the superstation's airwaves.
Appropriately, each team traded soft punches. Oregon State stood poised to break an early 7-7 deadlock when the Stanford stopped Darvin Malone on fourth and goal from the one. On the next play, Muster was tackled in the end zone for a safety.
After going three and out, Oregon State reverted to its old ways. Punter Charles Stempeck missed the snap and had it bounce behind him into the end zone. He was tackled, and the game was tied once again.
The Cardinal immediately capitalized, with a 50-yard connection from Paye to Greg Baty setting up Muster's three-yard touchdown run.
Stempeck would soon bobble another snap. The 15-yard punt that followed set the table for David Sweeney's 34-yard field goal and a 22-9 Stanford edge. Ernie Fisher then registered the fourth blocked punt by an Oregon State opponent that year, and the Cardinal soon led 39-16. At least the smallest home crowd in a dozen years went home happy.
Are you fully subscribed to The Bootleg? If not, then you are missing out on all the top Cardinal coverage we provide daily on our award-winning website. Sign up today for the biggest and best in Stanford sports coverage with TheBootleg.com (sign-up)!


text:
DVL Home Improvement, Inc. is a family owned/operated company. We work very closely with you to ensure that your demands are met, within budget. We will work around your schedule and your needs. We strive in running all projects smoothly.
No project is too small or too large. We work with you from the start to finish of each project and will always be available to answer any questions you may have. We will provide you a service for all your construction needs with a 100% attention to detail.
Our Service area: Maryland: Germantown, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Beltsville, Capitol Heights, Clinton, Collage Park, District Heights, Clarksburg, Clarksville, Colesville, Damascus, Derwood, Dickerson, Friendship, Fort Washington, Glen Echo, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Kensington, Lanham, Laurel, Montgomery, Bladensburg, Bowie, Brentwood, Capitol Heights, College Park, District Heights, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Glenn Dale,Occoquan, Oxon Hill, Riverdale, , Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Temple Hills, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Accokeek, Bowie. Virginia: Fairfax, Fairfax City, Fairfax Station, Alexandria, McLean, Arlington, Annadale, Aldie, Springfield, Ashburn, Burke, Bristow, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Dale City, Dulles, Dunn Loring, Dumfries, Falls Church, Gainsville, Great Falls, Haymaket, Herndon, Lake Ridge, Leesburg, Lorton, Manassas, Manassas Park, Merrifield, Mount Vernon, Nokesville, Newington, Occoquan, Oakton, Reston, Stafford, Sterling, Triangle, Vienna, Woodbridge. Washington DC. Resources


text:
Communications: U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Safecom Landmark National Interoperability Baseline Survey Begins in 2006
By Harlin R. McEwen, Chief of Police (Retired), Ithaca, New York, and Chairman of the IACP Communications and Technology Committee
he lack of interoperable wireless communications systems has been plaguing public safety organizations for decades. An October 2002 sniper shooting spree underscored the critical role interoperability plays for law enforcement officers to perform mission-critical duties. In that instance, local, state, and federal authorities participated in a cooperative effort to locate and arrest those responsible for a shooting spree that spanned two states and the District of Columbia. With more than 300 law enforcement officers responding to incidents across 125 miles, establishing on-scene and task force communications was a daunting task. Although some in-field operational solutions were employed, radio-based interoperability solutions would have increased the efficiency of the operations and drastically improved officer safety.1
Safecom, a communications program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), is working to improve interoperable communications. Safecom works with its federal partners to provide research, development, testing, evaluation, guidance, tools, and templates on communications-related issues to local, state, and federal public safety agencies. OIC is managed by the Science and Technology Directorate's Office of Systems Engineering and Development.
In early 2006, the Safecom program will take a much-needed look at where the United States stands in achieving public safety interoperable communications. Safecom will conduct a landmark survey known as the National Interoperability Baseline Survey that has the potential to affect every police officer in the U.S. By providing a statistical snapshot of the level of interoperable communications among local, tribal, state, and federal public safety agencies, the survey will help public safety leaders and elected and appointed officials identify the type of interoperability initiatives that work, where gaps exist, and how agencies can most effectively allocate resources.
The National Interoperability Baseline Survey will provide a better knowledge base of the current state of interoperability across the nation. According to Dr. David Boyd, director of the OIC, "This study will provide information allowing us to build upon our vision for interoperable communications and to help define future milestones and cost projections."
First of Its Kind The National Interoperability Baseline Survey is a ground- breaking assessment that will survey an unprecedented 37,000 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service (EMS) agencies. The survey will generate valuable insights by assessing the five elements critical to achieving interoperability:
The core facets of interoperability are depicted in Safecom's Interoperability Continuum graphic, which is designed to help the public safety community as well as local, tribal, state, and federal policy makers plan and implement interoperability solutions.
By assessing study findings across the five elements, DHS will be able to develop a more complete understanding of U.S. capacity for interoperability:
In addition to 37,000 law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies, the survey will poll state homeland security directors for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. State homeland security directors will complete a shorter version of the survey to provide a clearer picture of governance issues at the state level. Safecom will also conduct limited follow-up site visits to gather supplementary qualitative and anecdotal information from the public safety community. The information collected during the site visits will reinforce and make possible a deeper understanding of online survey findings.
Practitioner-Driven Approach In keeping with its practitioner-driven approach, Safecom worked with public safety community representatives from across the United States, including representatives from the law enforcement community, to develop the survey. A comprehensive definition of the five critical areas that determine an organization's interoperability served as the framework for the survey's 60 questions.
"At Safecom, we have found it is essential to have the input and guidance of public safety practitioners who deal with communications interoperability on a daily basis," said Boyd. "As we pulled this survey together, representatives from the IACP and the law enforcement community offered their extensive experience, insights, and perspectives on the issues."
Safecom plans to publish a complete analysis of the findings in September 2006. The program then plans to re-administer the survey on a recurring basis to measure the effectiveness of interoperability improvements made by local, tribal, state, and federal public safety agencies. ■
1 Safecom, "Washington, D.C., Area Sniper Investigation-Communications After-Action Report," September 2003, Washington, D.C., (http://www.safecomprogram.gov/Safecom/library/interoperabilitycasestudies/1062_WashingtonDC.htm), January 24, 2006.
From The Police Chief, vol. 73, no. 3, March 2006. Copyright held by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 515 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.


text:
|EcommerceBytes-NewsFlash, Number 1833 - July 14, 2008 - ISSN 1539-5065 3 of 4
Paymate objected to eBay's online-payments policy in a complaint filed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), claiming eBay Australia is acting in an anti-competitive manner with regard to its online payments policy. In addition, sellers have said they plan to fight eBay's new policy through letter-writing campaigns and possible court proceedings.
The complaints come after eBay backed down from its plans to make its Australian marketplace PayPal only - something it outlined as "Stage 2" in its initial notification to the ACCC government agency that oversees the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA). But eBay Australia continues to require sellers accept PayPal, as outlined in "Stage 1" of the ACCC notification, even after withdrawing its notification.
The ACCC told AuctionBytes that eBay Australia's mandate that sellers accept PayPal would be unlikely to raise trade practices concerns. But PayPal's competitors and eBay Australia sellers do not agree, and eBay may be unable to put the "genie" back in the bottle. In the UK, eBay also mandates sellers accept PayPal, but eBay did so with no notification to any government agencies.
In Paymate's complaint to the ACCC it wrote, "We consider eBay's conduct (notified as Part 1 under their prior notification) as a restrictive practice that is harming Paymate's business - both on eBay and via implication as a "less safe" service, outside eBay."
Paymate said eBay's practice "significantly restricts the ability of Paymate or other payment options to be adopted" because eBay mandates PayPal for sellers; requires that sellers not express a preference for any particular method; promotes PayPal aggressively to buyers to imply it is the "default" method; provides no or little information about alternative methods for assessment by buyers and sellers.
According to a statement on its site, Paymate also strongly objected to the inference in eBay's publicity that PayPal provides better safety than Paymate, calling the claims "misleading and/or deceptive in breach of s 52 of the TPA."
Paymate wants the ACCC to ask eBay to immediately cease its conduct or face prosecution by the ACCC in the Federal Court. In addition, it recommended the ACCC ask eBay to make available factual information on all accepted payment methods to both buyers and sellers on an "equal footing" basis, and to communicate the changes to policy and information on all payment methods clearly and prominently on the eBay website as well as via email communications.
Meanwhile, sellers may initiate their own action against eBay in the courts. According to a forum post, a group represented by Tony Green has coordinated writing campaigns to politicians and banks and other organizations to register their protest of eBay's policies, and said it would launch a further series of initiatives:
Mr Tony Green, the group's spokesman on legal matters, announced today that "... as ebay's response to member's legitimate concerns is woefully inadequate it is now time to commence our next offensive which will be to seek remedies through the courts". Mr Green went on to say "Ebay's recalcitrant behaviour has pushed us to the point that we must now use the legal system to bring ebay into line with decent trading practices."
Comment on the AuctionBytes Blog
About the author:
Ina Steiner is co-founder and Editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on ecommerce since 1999. She's a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is author of "Turn eBay Data Into Dollars" (McGraw-Hill 2006). Her blog was featured in the book, "Blogging Heroes" (Wiley 2008). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send news tips to email@example.com.
You may quote up to 50 words of any article on the condition that you attribute the article to
EcommerceBytes.com and either link to the original article or to www.EcommerceBytes.com.
All other use is prohibited.
Email this story to a friend.
3 of 4
eBay Sellers Appeal to Australia Reserve Bank over PayPal Requirement - July 22, 2008
ACCC Says eBay PayPal Requirement Not a Concern - July 08, 2008
eBay Cancels Plans to Go PayPal-Only in Australia - July 03, 2008


text:
Coyote Valley Casino
Casino Coupons?
The American Casino Guide has over $1,000 in money-saving coupons from all over the country!
Coyote Valley Casino is a Native American Casino in Redwood Valley, California and is open daily 24 hours. The casino's 10,000 square foot gaming space features 248 gaming machines and eight table and poker games. The property has one restaurant and one bar.
7751 North State Street
Coyote Valley Casino News
Redwood Valley, California 95470-9663
United States
Top 10 Fourth of July resort-casino activities
22 June 2015
Casino City's Aaron Todd gets you ready for Independence Day with a few casino-related suggestions, like taking a trip to Tunica or playing high-stakes bingo at Foxwoods.
Tribe Asks Feds to Keep Casino Open
25 June 2004
News Brief: Citing economic hardship, Mendocino County supervisors are asking federal officials to keep the embattled Shodakai Casino open while tribal leaders hammer out a gambling compact with the state.
California Tribal Casino Re-opens
21 June 2004
News Brief: Shodakai Casino, a tribal casino in Mendocino County reopened Friday after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to regulators who ordered it closed 11 days ago.
More Coyote Valley Casino News »
Website - www.coyotevalleycasino.comGaming Machines - 248 total
Facebook - www.facebook.com/CoyoteValleyCasino
Website - www.yelp.com/biz/coyote-valley-casino-redwood-valley
General Information - (707) 485-0700
Facebook - www.facebook.com/CoyoteValleyCasino
Website - www.yelp.com/biz/coyote-valley-casino-redwood-valley
General Information - (707) 485-0700
- Video Keno
- Video Poker
- Video Slots
- Angelina's Cafe - Café
- Cocktail Bar - Bar
CASINO CITY NETWORK: Online Casino City | Casino City Times | RGT Online | Casino City Press | Gaming Directory
Casino City is an independent directory and information service free of any gaming operator's control. Warning: You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before entering a Casino or placing a wager. There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet. YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular games or place any particular wager.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Copyright ©2002-2016 Casino City, Inc. or its affiliates.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Copyright ©2002-2016 Casino City, Inc. or its affiliates.


text:
|RP planners skeptical about proposals
Rohnert Park commissioners have many questions for downtown proposals during very preliminary preview
Rohnert Park now has two plans for a Downtown RP. At Thursday's July 24 Rohnert Park Planning Commission meeting, Joe Guerra, consultant on the staff at SunCal, the Irvine-based development firm that now owns RP's State Farm Insurance Company's property, presented a plan for Downtown RP based on the Windsor downtown park.
But chances are it won't work. The four commissioners present (John Borba was absent) were skeptical and had too many questions. Last week's meeting was only a "very preliminary preview," noted Marilyn Ponton development services manager, and it only concerned the State Farm's 30 acres on RP Expressway and State Farm Drive east to the SMART commute rail tracks.
Guerra said SunCal has plans to keep the almost three-acre plot of parkland at the southeast corner of RPX and State Farm Drive. It would have two retail buildings on the access driveway to the one-story office building (which will be torn down) and the driveway would run all the way to the commute train depot. Across the driveway would be more retail shops with apartments above them. The rest of the property would be multi-family apartments and condos. He calls it Rohnert Crossings.
Windsor's downtown with its park and mixed use two-story buildings is 2.4 acres, Guerra noted, and his offered parcel is larger by almost two acres. The commission spent two hours debating his plans, including public comment from Nancy Kaufman, Juanita Salisbury and three others. The commission praised their "intelligent input" to the debate. David Grabill, Sonoma County's affordable housing guru, scolded the city for its lack of housing for low- and medium-income families. "It's the worst in Sonoma County."
Kaufman said, "The commission needs a lot more public input. It seems to me the City Center idea here is more of a buffer between the City Center (north of RPX) and all the housing planned for the rest of the property."
Commissioner Susan Adams said, "I'm terribly concerned about the number of residential units planned for this property. When I think of downtown I don't think of a corner piece of property."
Commissioner Susan Haydon said, "It's a good plan for the railroad station. I like the open spaces here, but I have mixed feelings about the rest."
Commissioner Dan Blanquie said, "I like some of it, but my vision is to have more commercial use."
Chairman Guidici said, "This property is an iconic piece of property. The city council will have a lot more to say about it." Ponton had a lengthy list of questions for the consultants. The comments were scattered, some parts were "good" and some parts were "impractical." About the only solid answers to emerge from this "very preliminary" work session were the park with green grass and trees will remain at the southeast corner of RPX and State Farm Drive and east to the railroad tracks, the insurance company's headquarters will be torn down and the State Farm Drive name will be replaced with another name.
Guerra said his plan was "purely conceptual." He mentioned other SunCal projects in Dublin, Vallejo, Oak Knoll in East Oakland and near Oakley. "Our company does not build houses. We build roads and infrastructure like water and sewer facilities. The discussion Thursday night last week also included crossings of State Farm Drive to the shopping centers like Raley's and Safeway, and also crossings over RPX to the library and City Center Drive. The overall tone was purely preliminary as Ponton emphasized. She didn't bother to add a staff report to the package, but took many notes as people spoke.
Next stop is the RP City Council.


text:
Codebox Software in Network & Internet / Other
BitMeter OS is a free, open-source, bandwidth monitor that works on Windows, Linux and Mac OSX. BitMeter OS keeps track of how much you use your internet/network connection, and allows you to view this information either via a web browser, or by using the command line tools.
The Web Interface displays various graphs and charts that show how your internet/network connection has been used over time, why not try out the online demo right now?
Vidalia is a cross-platform graphical controller for the Tor software, built using the Qt framework. ... Qt 4.3 or later, including Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux or other Unix variants using the X11 .... Free download of Vidalia Bundle for Mac OS X 0.2.4.23
RightWebPage Pro is a quality assurance tool for web applications. It can check web sites against ... of conformance to international best practices · Support for web pages in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and many other languages · Optimized performance of validation for multi-core processors · Validation during navigation · Application ... command+R) · WCAG accessibility check · Balloon tooltips for contextual help · Recursive validation for frames · .... Free download of RightWebPage Pro for Mac OS X 5.6
4k Stogram is an client for Instagram on PC, Mac and Linux. It allows to download or backup ... enter username and all photos will be available for you. Application is completely free, open source and cross-platform. .... Free download of 4k Stogram for Mac OS X 1.1
Window Switch is a tool which allows you to display running applications on other computers than the one you start them on. Once an application has been started via a winswitch server, it can be displayed on other machines running winswitch client, as required. You no longer need to .... Free download of Window Switch for Mac OS X 0.12.21
... Cross-platform Support Windows (from Windows 2000 to Win7), Mac OSX (from Tiger to Snow Leopard), Linux i386/x64 ... accesses to a computer or a service individually. For example, you can prevent your gamer friend Bob from accessing the photos you shared with mom. High portability You can run NeoRouter portable client .... Free download of NeoRouter Free for Mac OS X 126.96.36.19900
Designed to function as a simulation tool for various SIP messages. Free download of SIP Inspector Pro 5.36
A network management, monitoring and discovery tool for office and home network. Free download of LanHelper 1.99
Inventories LAN PC`s, generates reports, exports information to SQL databases. Free download of Asset Tracker for Networks 9.4.6
Provides a complete software and hardware inventory of all your computers.. Free download of DEKSI Network Inventory 13.17
Easily create, edit and publish rss feeds and podcasts with software.. Free download of FeedForAll 22.214.171.124


text:
Top Ranked NHL Teams Should Pick Their Playoff Opponents
Imagine finishing first overall in the NHL and getting to choose your opponent for the playoffs. It's a business built around winning, so shouldn't winners get to choose who they want to play? The league should take the top 16 teams at the end of the regular season from all 30 teams and assign them a ranking from 1-16 based on total points accumulated in the regular season. The General Manager from the number one ranked team could get to choose any opponent ranked from 2-16. Odds are he would choose the number 16 ranked team or one ranked near the bottom. The idea would be for the GM (General Manager) to choose a team he thinks his team has the best chance of defeating in a best of 7 series. The GM from the next highest ranked team remaining would be next to pick his opponent. The GM would then choose if he wants to play the standard 2-2-1-1-1 playoff format or my favourite: the 2-3-2 format.The 2-3-2 format is all about home ice advantage in my mind. Most people look at the 3 consecutive home games the underdog gets to play (2 games if the series ends in 4), and feels that's too much of an advantage. I look at it completely differently. Most series' go an average of 6 games. This means a team is either trailing or leading 3 games to 2. If you have home ice advantage and are up 3 games to 2, don't you like your chances of winning at least one of two games on home ice? Look at the flip side, you're down 3 games to 2, but you have a chance to win two straight at home, instead of having to win game 6, an elimination game on the road. The obvious plus to the 2-3-2 format is the money and time saved from less travel.With the current playoff format, we are guaranteed that one team from each Conference will play for the Stanley Cup in the Final. This means Montreal will never play Toronto for the Cup and Calgary could never play Edmonton for the Cup, so on and so forth. Ranking teams from 1-16 would create more surprises and dramatic possibilities. Imagine you're a GM of a team, finished first overall and choose to play the 16th seeded team then get defeated by a team you chose because you thought they were the easiest to beat! If this occurred, fans and media would be buzzing about the upset. Underdogs would certainly feel an extra sense of motivation knowing they were specifically picked by their opponents as an easier team to beat. Of course, the number 8th seeded team would be matched with the last remaining team, but would still have home ice advantage with the choice of a 2-3-2 or 2-2-1-1-1 format.
Copyright © 1995-