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For New Orleans residents Rachel Meese and Jason Schoenfeld, the search for a public prekindergarten for their daughter, Bella, has already consumed the kind of money, time and energy typical of an Ivy League college search.
And now the couple is engaged in a prolonged dispute over whether their 3-year-old is in fact gifted.
In January, a private psychologist declared Bella gifted. But the Orleans Parish School Board, which reviews evaluations for the city's public schools, found the designation to be invalid. Now the parents are on a quest for answers.
"I feel like I'm in one of Dante's new circles of hell, " Meese said.
The case highlights disparities between a private gifted-testing process for preschoolers, where children "pass" in relatively large numbers, and the public process, where very few students are cleared.
Further, it underscores the complexities and challenges of winning a coveted prekindergarten spot at a New Orleans public school, some of which accept only gifted 3- and 4-year-olds, and the lengths to which parents often must go to secure one. Bella is fourth on the waiting list at Edward Hynes Charter School but can attend only if the "gifted" dispute gets resolved in her favor.
"I don't want to send my child to a private school, and why should I have to?" Schoenfeld said. "This process really stinks."
In a written response, school district officials noted that they follow state standards in reviewing gifted assessments, and use the same review process regardless of who conducted the evaluation. They declined to comment on the case, saying it would violate student confidentiality.
A Times-Picayune analysis last winter found that preschoolers appeared to have much greater odds of earning the gifted designation with private testers, who typically charge at least a couple hundred dollars, than they do through the public -- and free -- process. Specifically, one New Orleans tester, Nancy White, last year found at least 64 students to be gifted. By contrast, only five of 153 prekindergartners who went through the public testing were judged gifted.
The numbers from this year are comparable: Only three of the 182 prekindergartners who went through the public process were gifted, while the private psychologists identified 43 gifted students.
It's impossible to compare passage rates, since the private testers do not report when a child fails. But the numbers, as well as anecdotal evidence from parents and teachers who have experience with private and public testers, paint a picture of two sharply different testing tracks -- with the one that costs money bringing much greater potential for success.
Critics of the dual-track testing process say the discrepancy symbolizes inequities in the city's public school landscape, where wealthier, more-connected families have long been able to secure better educational opportunities for their children. They point to the difficulty of assessing a child's intelligence at such a young age, and the need for quality prekindergarten programs for all children.
"Until New Orleans parish is able to serve all children with public prekindergarten, it seems to me that having gifted-only is a setup for some very divisive political issues, " said Denise Newman, the psychologist who evaluated Bella.
A high achievement bar
Schoenfeld argues that his family's case shows that it can be hard for any New Orleans family, rich or poor, to get a child into prekindergarten.
Critics of the school board's process, like Schoenfeld, argue that it's overly rigid and mindlessly bureaucratic, while critics of some of the private testers argue that the state deliberately sets an extremely high bar for gifted prekindergarten. They also argue that some private testers don't understand the state's requirements, or ignore them.
Based on documents provided by the family, school board officials rejected Bella's first evaluation because she did not score high enough on an intelligence test. The school board seemed to argue that she needed to score at a certain level when all of the sections of the test are combined, with Newman and the couple arguing that she needed a score that high on only one section. The case has been referred to a legal division of the state education department.
In a letter to the school board, Meese and Schoenfeld wrote that Bella's psychologist noted that there probably are not enough children in New Orleans who would meet the more rigid intelligence-test standard to fill a classroom.
Indeed, several experts note that only about one percent of the population typically tests at that level.
Meese and Schoenfeld brought Bella back to the psychologist last month to see whether she could meet alternate criteria to earn the gifted designation. They say she surpassed that mark, but haven't heard yet whether school board officials accepted the revised evaluation.
All told, they estimate they have spent about $600 on the private testing.
A financial incentive
This year, the school central office determined that nine out of 43 of the private evaluations were out of compliance with state standards, including Bella's. That was a change from last year, when only a couple of the evaluations were judged noncompliant. Families used a broader array of testers than last year, however, when nearly all of the families who went the private route brought their children to Nancy White.
The gifted designation brings increased access to preschool programs at sought-after schools such as Hynes, Lake Forest and Benjamin Franklin Elementary. And schools have a financial incentive to take gifted preschoolers: The state typically reimburses schools only for serving prekindergarten students who are gifted, have a disability or are low-income. In other words, schools serving middle- and upper-income regular education students typically get no state money.
A large source of the frustration for Meese and Schoenfeld stems from the lack of communication.
"If she is not gifted, fine, " Meese said. "But someone please explain to me why."
For now, the limbo persists as the family waits to see whether the results of the second evaluation will be accepted.
"There are parents who are fortunate enough to be able to go out into the private sector and push for the placement of their child, " Newman said. But "there are many, many children who have no one out there advocating for them, and they are just going to be left behind."


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At this time of year, a rear dining room with a blazing fireplace is still the favorite choice of many diners at Francisco's on the River, just north of Washington Crossing, Pa.
But in warm weather the front dining room and outside tables, which look toward the Delaware River, are preferred at this attractive BYOB in a country setting that features Italian cuisine by a Central American chef.
Francisco Argueta didn't learn to cook until he came to this country 28 years ago from El Salvador and found a job in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant. In a story that is not uncommon, he showed promise and quickly rose through the culinary ranks until he became a skilled chef and eventually a restaurant owner.
In the nearly five years Francisco's has been open, he has built a steady clientele of regulars who go back for his traditional Italian dishes plus the daily specials, which often feature whatever fresh fish is available in the market.
"Ninety percent of my customers are regulars," he says.
Reservations are recommended on weekends, especially when the weather gets warmer.
We started our meal with an order of whole wheat garlic bread, $2.75 to share, the soup of the day, $7, and a caprese salad, $10.75. The bread was warm and flavorful, while the soup of the day, wild mushroom, was hearty without being heavy, a warm treat on a cold day.
The salad was mixed greens with slices of plum tomato that were better than expected for March, plenty of slices of homemade fresh mozzarella and a light dressing. Instead of fresh basil leaves, the chef added a scoop of pesto on the side for a refreshing take on this traditional dish.
From among the entrees we chose an order of spinach ravioli, $19, capellini with crab, $25, and Francisco's lasagna, $22.
The spinach and cheese filling was creamy and flavorful in the ravioli, which tasted homemade and were cooked to a perfect bite. Finishing the dish was a plum tomato and basil sauce.
The capellini pasta was tossed with plenty of lumps of crabmeat and a light, flavorful pink vodka sauce. It was good, but made better by sprinkles of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
The lasagna was thick and hearty with layers of pasta, ricotta and a rich Bolognese sauce that included hints of smoked bacon and porcini mushrooms. Topping the large portion were the house red sauce and dollops of mozzarella, making it an especially rich version of this traditionally homespun dish.
Desserts are made in-house at Francisco's, and we sampled a slice of coconut layer cake, $8, which was moist and flavorful with a light vanilla frosting and sprinkles of shredded coconut.
Lately, Argueta's attention has been drawn to his new endeavor, Mamita's Restaurante Latino, located in nearby Newtown. There, with the help of his mother, he has developed a menu made up of the El Salvadoran cuisine he grew up eating. But it is good to know that the quality at Francisco's is unwavering, and that those he leaves in charge are continuing to do things his way.
"I have very talented people working with me," he says, including "chefs who have been with me for a long time."
No doubt Francisco's will be satisfying customers for years to come.
Francisco's on the River
1251 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pa.
(215) 321-8789, franciscosontheriver.com
HOURS: 5-9 p.m. Tue.-Thur., 5-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 4-9 p.m. Sun., closed Mon.
CREDIT CARDS: Most major.
FOOD: Very good traditional Italian dishes.
SERVICE: Pleasant, helpful.
AMBIENCE: Located in a country setting between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal on Bucks County's River Road, this white-tablecloth restaurant gives the diner a choice of a river view or an indoor seat near the fireplace.
COST: Appetizers $2.75-$13, entrees $19-$28.

subset: commoncrawl


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Just getting around too watching the Dragons opening day game. Keep in mind this is the 1st game of the season for them so some things may be not be as they seem.
Some observations:
Tom Browning is one of the corniest Color guys around.
Tom also "had most of these guys in the instructional league", and has nicknames for most of them to prove it.
Sean Watson is now at 6' 2 215, last year he was at around 240 lbs. and per Browning they (the powers that be) had to have a sit down with him towards the end of the season. Apparently about attitude, he had let his whiskers go a bit and that + his performance (1-2 8.59 era 10 appearances all out of the pen) warranted it apparently. They told him he was going to start this season and he needed to grow up a bit (or something to that effect), so the kid responded by getting in much better shape and dropping the 20+ lbs. Although he still looks chunky too me, think Burba or Mark Portugal.
Watty (as Browning calls him) has 4 pitches FB/CiCh/KnCu/SL. Pitches alot FB/CC with that very nasty KnCu sprinkled in just right. Doesn't throw the slider much and it hasn't proved to be much of a pitch yet anyhow.
Seems to pitch from the belt and up to most everyone, had a difficult time getting the ball down around the knees much. However we are talking about a game played @ 35 degrees, and once he got about an inning and a half to 2 he seemed to warm up a bit and get it down a little more consistently. Gave up his 1 run in the 1st where he was around the letters alot. His line 5ip 1 run, 7hits, 6K's, 0 BB's.
Disclaimer: Based on this game alone
Talked about too much:
Chris Valaika (didn't hit in this game, although did show a strong & acc arm)
Not talked about enough:
Chris Heisey (plays smart ball), Dennis Phipps (DR) (as athletic as Stubbs)
Travis Webb looks long and strong but mechanically looks like he has a hitch in his delivery. Throws alot of balls up and again the weather may have had alot to do with it. He throws a 4SFB, 2SFB (best pitch), CB/CH. That sinker (2SFB) is is main weapon but he didn't use it much or it wasn't gettin down. Gave up an opposite field HR with his 1st batter, up and out over the plate.
Stubbs looked solid in every facet. He looks like his bat speed could be his issue at the plate, he's not up there hacking at a lot of junk. He reminds me of Dunn alot in that he has the patience and a decent eye but he is not getting around alot on the FB when the count doesn't necc. call for it.
Juan Francisco will swing at most anything (as some have already noted) and he won't ever get cheated up there, he is swinging for it all on nearly every pitch. He is about EE's size/stature but plays like Tony Batista too me.
Julio Mateo closed it out for the home team (W of course 3-2) he kinda gave me the impression of a young Jose Mesa, tall & thick and flys open wildly with every pitch. But looked pretty solid getting the save.
Tom Brownings Nicknames:
"Ticket" Stubbs (I did hear him call him Stubbsy at 1 point)
"Firehead" Justin Turner (who BTW looked good in this game also, didn't explain the nickname however)
"Watty" Sean Watson
All in all the team looked pretty solid. The OF Heisey LF, Stubbs CF, Phipps RF all have speed and strong arms and a sense for the game.
The IF of Parker 1B, Turner 2B, Valaika SS, Francisco 3B all looked pretty solid although I wondered if Francisco might be a bit raw over there and if Valaika has enough range.
And Esquer behind the plate seemed to call a good game, has a solid arm and looked like he at least understood what not too swing at offensively. He has little power though and a few balls got past him (but none that mattered).
I have 2 more games I will watch soon (I hope) 4/20 vs. Quad City Swing and 4/21 vs. Burlington Bees.


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Ravens' Secondary will Have Hands Full with Texans' Andre Johnson
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson has flown under the radar in the NFL because of the Texans' lack of success and non-postseason appearances in the receiver's first nine seasons.
At 6-foot-3, 218 pounds, Johnson a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro — has all the physical ability, as well as relative durability. In 2007, Johnson missed seven games due to a knee injury and and he also missed nine games this year due to a nagging hamstring injury.
During the John Harbaugh era, Johnson's 140 receiving yards in last year's Monday-night overtime thriller at Reliant Stadium are the third-highest single-game total any receiver has gained against the Ravens, topped only by former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice (170) and Cincinnati's Jerome Simpson (152).
In three career games against Baltimore, the 31-year-old has 20 receptions for 276 yards with two touchdowns, which both came in last year's contest. When T.J. Yates starts this Sunday, it will mark the fourth different starting quarterback Johnson has played with in four career games against the Ravens. The three others were: David Carr, Sage Rosenfels and Matt Schaub.
For the Texans to have a chance Sunday, Johnson must have a stellar performance, similar to what he did in last Saturday's wild-card game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he had five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.


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A 23-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly refusing to stop at a police checkpoint in Conception Bay South.
According to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's overnight report, the roadside checkpoint was set up in Long Pond. At approximately 11 p.m., one vehicle reportedly fled from police after officers attempted to stop it at the checkpoint.
A chase ensued, ending on Kenmount Road in St. John's. The driver was located with help from the K-9 unit after the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle and ran away.
The accused is expected to face charges of flight from police, dangerous driving, two counts of breaching probation, and driving without both a licence and insurance. The accused, who owes $28,000 in fines according to police, is also expected to receive several tickets under the Highway Traffic Act.
He was being held to appear in weekend and statutory holidays court on Sunday.


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Sugarland, Jim James, Modest Mouse lead slow release week
Amanda Blank finally sees the light of day
Next gallery »Lollapalooza Day One: Depeche Mode, Of Montreal, The Decemberists
« Previous galleryAll Points West: Coldplay, Echo & the Bunnymen perform Sunday
Modest Mouse, "No One's First, And You're Next" (Epic)
This eight-song EP containes B-sides from the rock band's last "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank" from 2007. Some things just didn't fit: for instance, "Autumn Beds" is unusually sunny for this quirky, aggressive band. Still, some songs are total keepers, including "King Rat" and "Satellite Skin," both which have kick-ass music videos.
Photo Credit: Epic


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MOBILE, Alabama -- Rain will move into the Gulf Coast region Friday afternoon, soaking areas still trying to dry out from last week's floods.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Sunday for southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and northwest Florida. Look for showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.
Highs will be near 80. South winds will be 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of rain is 80 percent.
Tonight, showers and thunderstorms continue with a chance for heavy rainfall. The low will be around 67. Southeast winds will be 10 mph. Chance of rain is 90 percent.
Look for much of the same on Saturday.


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Running's next superstars | Community sports feature
Regardless of the sport, there is no shortage of programs, teams and leagues for youth in the Bellevue area to join. Whether taking to the pint-sized diamond for a Little League game or firing the first of thousands of jump shots in AAU basketball, team sports offer a consistent outlet for boys and girls of all ages.
But when it came to running, Linda Reichenbach saw a void.
"Those can be intimidating to some kids," she said of team sports, which become more selective at a younger age each year. "Running is kind of the everyman's sport."
After three of her own children finished high school at International School (they competed in sports for Newport), Reichenbach found there was another void as well, one that was previously filled by various volunteering endeavors around the district.
So she decided to take action that would fill both and create a new structure for middle schoolers in Bellevue to find an accessible athletic outlet.
"For track and cross country, there are some select and club programs," Reichenbach said. "But not something that is available to everybody."
Without interscholastic athletics in Bellevue middle schools, students have limited options for competing in individual sports until reaching high school.
Those with the talent, financial means and countless hours to spare can find a foothold in one of the select programs Reichenbach talked about, or at a private club in the case of tennis or swimming. But for economically disadvantaged youngsters, or those who play for enjoyment rather than a college scholarship, the opportunities were not as apparent.
Until Reichenbach began making a change that could soon sweep across the entire BSD.
After originally hoping to coach with the high school program, she decided that dedicating her time to the development of a middle school running team would best utilize her efforts. But without any foundation for a program, Reichenbach started from square one. She met with Jean Verbka, a counselor at Tyee Middle School and decided the new team could be added to the intramural sports programming at the school.
But the news wasn't all good and certainly wasn't what Reichenbach expected.
"We're only talking about Monday, Tuesday and Thursday," she said. "And only after tutorial, but before the activity bus leaves, that's 48 minutes."
While the limited practice time was at first a source of consternation, Reichenbach soon realized it was an ideal setup for a group designed for kids getting their first taste of competitive running and sports in general.
"I know how burned out kids can get," she said. "They wanted to be at practice and were excited to be there. I realized it was the perfect amount of time."
Newport girls cross country coach Caryn Heffernan said Reichenbach's dedication has been an invaluable asset to cultivating an interest in competitive running, which she said is one of many conduits kids can use to ease the transition to high school.
"It's really great for middle schoolers to get involved because it gets them in new social networks," she said. "We have a camp for incoming freshman during the sumer and we have them meet kids. We have kids that met at that camp and were best friends through high school."
The first iteration of the middle school team at Tyee met for six weeks, but were left without any competition with fellow district middle schools devoid of a team and those in neighboring towns part of the WIAA's Triangle League, meaning they were prohibited from competing against non-WIAA members like Tyee. That hangup stopped a potential meet with Islander Middle School and led to Reichenbach's discovery that Tillicum had begun a running club in a similar vein what she was doing. That led to the competition the kids and coaches had been hoping for since the idea was formulated.
But for Reichenbach, that was just the beginning.
Ideally, she would like to see athletics reincorporated at the middle school level in the district. While that possibility seems unlikely, she said nothing will dissuade her from expanding the program throughout the BSD.
"My short term expectations are to become part of the intramural programs and be able to have meets with the other middle schools," she said. "We can open up opportunities for kids to get exercise, feel good about themselves and build up the programs at the high schools. I'm on a mission."
Linda Reichenbach (left) and Caryn Heffernan hope the Tyee and Tillicum programs can act as a conduit for the rest of the district. JOSH SUMAN, BELLEVUE REPORTER
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The teenage girl who was injured Saturday when an Amtrak train hit the vehicle she was in will be released from the hospital Sunday, police said.
Ypsilanti police Detective Sgt. Tom Eberts said the girl, who was a passenger in the vehicle, suffered non-life threatening injuries. He said she was going to be released from C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Sunday afternoon.
The girl and her mother were both hospitalized after the crash about 12:21 p.m. Saturday in Ypsilanti's Depot Town. The girl's mother was the driver of the vehicle.
According to Ypsilanti fire officials, the woman didn't realize the vehicle was stopped on train tracks because they were covered by snow. The vehicle was stopped on North River Street northeast of the tracks and the train struck the rear end of the car.
The woman was able to get out of the vehicle following the crash and she was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
An Amtrak official said there were 95 people on the train, which was westbound to Chicago, its eventual destination. None of the people on board the train were injured, a spokesman said.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or you can follow him on Twitter. Find all Washtenaw County crime stories here.


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No one can accuse Miley Cyrus of not being into the holiday spirit.
Over the last couple weeks alone, the singer has Twerked on Santa Claus. She's dressed up for Christmas and flashed her censored boobs.
And, last night in Washington D.C. as part of Hot 99.5's Jingle Ball 2013, she donned reindeer antlers and danced with a little person dressed in a silver bodysuit. Naturally.
Watch the artist put on a rendition of "Wrecking Ball" now:


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Silverhawks Vol. 2
The Centurions Mini Series
Type: Posts; User: Hobby One Kenobi
Silverhawks Vol. 2
The Centurions Mini Series
Looks like Season 9 is on the way!
And add a return of the Littles to DVD & the long awaited Get Along Gang DVD...
With the new year comes a new purge since it looks like I'm the only one reading monthly books now with the kids going almost entirly to TPB.
DC Comics:
Green Lantern
Green Lantern Corps...
Ah it's the narrow minded folks like this that make me laugh, as they just don't get it. If you want your childhood favs to come to DVD officially then this is the only way, as just like markatisu...
Very sad news as my family & I greatly enjoyed these beloved 80's toons in comic form every month. Hopefully...
Tha would make sense as both Cars & Muppets have already moved to Marvel. But as much as I'd love a Gummi Bears or Talespin monthly, I'd rather have a Gooftroop or Bonkers monthly first. But then...
I'm stoked to finaly be getting the Get Along Gang on DVD (it was originaly supposed to come out back in 2007 if I remember right). But yeah I wonder why they wouldn't put out a complete series...
I used to collect a lot of Marvel & DC over the years but I grew tired of all the big crossovers, unappealing reboots, & sudden cancellations. Which is why I'm glad all these small publishers are...
Masters of the Universe (MYP)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (200x)
The Batman
The Spectacular Spiderman
Transformers Animated
Wolverine & the X-Men
X-Men Evolution
I've done some adding & some purging since I posted last! LOL:hmlol:
Batman Beyond
Captain America
Captain America & Bucky (July Debut)
Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers
Conan: Island of no return...
Then you didn;t look hard enough! LOL:hmlol:
Great news another classic 80's franchise soon to be complete on DVD!
Just ordered Mister T & Gobots Now I'm off to order Herculoids. Keep it coming Warner Archive you guys keep hitting home runs.
Good point
Yeah I have no complaints with the sets from Australia, but I have heard not so good things on the UK sets. Makes me glad I imported the Australia sets when they came out.
First off we all know Vanquest is a little high strung, but that is what being a devoted fan of a franchise is all about. And second a big thumbs up & thank you to Heeeere's Olesker! for all the...
I have a question on this set, does anyone else feel that Shout Factory is commiting fraud by putting "complete series" on the package? I was about to order this until I saw the tvshowsondvd.com...
Yeah they are by far the best thing ever made, I imported the Headmasters set from the UK years back but missed out on the other 2. So I will be getting the complete series when Shout releases it.
So true can't believe I forgot those, & Warner Archive has been fantastic as my wallet & I have rarely turned them down on an animated release!
Yeah but you guys across the pond have been spoiled for years LOL, with the Marvel catalog, Pole Position, Inhumanoids, Visionaries, Mortal Kombat, plus many many more we have yet to get or may never...
I am as well I hope it will be one of the two big 80's cartoons that Millcreek was talking about for DVD release later this year.
Could this be the year that 80's toons finally get thier due with all the toons coming our way on DVD this year?
We have re-releases of:
He Man & the Masters of the...
Great news & this will just about complete my 90's toons with the biggest omission still being Big Guy & Rusty. Plus with all the great 80's toons finally hitting DVD at some point this year Gobots,...
Even though these will be radio stories I'm still stoked as any Doctor Who with Tom Baker is win win, plus these have all been...
I can't wait for this monday as the last Power Rangers series was horrible, & this looks a whole lot better. Now if Saban ca just start releasing all the shows on DVD I'll be happy & won't mind...
This is great news & I'm getting these the minute they are made available, thank you Warner Archive as my wallet hurts from all the great releases but I'm not complaining one bit! :hmlol: First...
If I understand this quote correctly he did release the original theatre trilogy on DVD. They came out about 4 years ago on dvd if I remember right & they were packaged along with a copy of the...
Truer words were never spoken!
Yeah I bought a bootleg set years back at one of the cons I went to & I paid $100 for a complete set with quality that is just barely watchable. But this is one...
I can't wait for this as I'm a Thor fan & it's looks pretty good from the trailers. It's going to be a pretty big coimcbook movie year for me as in order I can't wait to see:
Green Lantern
I'm pretty stoked as I asked about this classic toon on WAC's facebook page & this was the reply I got from them:
Anthony > Warner...


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Whats up folks.
Getting ready for my first IM in Houston (Woodlands) next month. Trying to make a decision on gear.
As a former swimmer, I'm personally not a fan of wearing anything around my chest/shoulders as it feels constricting. Hell, sometimes I don't even wear underwear (Free ball Friday?) - kidding.
If I must wear a top, any recommendations for a good/comfortable Tri top for an IM? Brand (Ie Castelli, TYR, etc)? The last Tri I did, the top I was wearing opened up like a parachute around the neck area. Talk about drag!
Let me know guys.
Btw, hope to see everyone at Masters swim practice tonight!!
- Nams
Nams - sorry, dude, but no shoes, no shirt = no service. I believe the specific wording for Ironman branded events is that the nipples must be covered. (I read about a race in France where no chest hair could be visible!) So women (or men, I suppose) can wear a sports bra, but no totally topless. At least you don't have to wear underwear under your cycling shorts! (There will also be changing tents at T1 and T2 so you can wear cycling clothes and then change into running clothes, if you prefer -- though still, cover those nipples.)
As for recommendations, there's the DC Tri Club kit, of course, which has a zip down the front. Good for ventilation but bad for chafing. Zoot has a lot of different styles. Smashfest Queen has a men's line and is super bright and cute, though just one neckline (no zipper). Check the sizing because some are longer or shorter in the torso. You're a tall dude so I recommend trying before you buy. Tri 360 has a good variety and they'll order things as well. Since your day will be long, comfort is key.
Good luck!
Damn! So much for carving flames into my chest hair! - kidding
Thanks Katie, you are the best.
Three words: Faris Al Sultan ;)
That's about as minimalist as you can go.


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ella's ten weeks old.
before last week, she was having a bowel movement every day.
last week, she didn't have one for four days
(we actually had to use an infant suppository)
one doctor told me she might be impacted and to call the ER NOW....
but when i called, the ER RN told me that it was normal for breastfed babies to have as little as one bowel movement per week
also, she's passing a lot of (smelly!) gas....
could this be my fault?
also one nurse told me to give her water, but ella's only two months old and i've read i'm not supposed to give her supplementary water til she's four months old....help? anyone?


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© AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Minnesota Wild's Matt Moulson follows through on a shot against the Phoenix Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Glendale, Ariz., in March. NHL teams can begin making deals with free agents Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Matt Moulson is returning to Buffalo, signing a US$25-million, five-year deal with the Sabres.
The goal-scoring winger who was traded twice last season, first from the New York Islanders to the Sabres for Thomas Vanek and then to the Minnesota Wild, reportedly has a no-trade clause in this contract.
Moulson had 23 goals and 28 assists last season. In 394 career games, the 30-year-old has 141 goals and 134 assists.
The Sabres also signed Brian Gionta from Montreal and made a deal with the Canadiens for defenceman Josh Gorges.


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This deal has ended.
Today (2/29) only, Buy.com offers 29x Rakuten Super Points on everything when you follow this link and press the "Opt-In" button. That is the biggest Rakuten points bonus we've ever seen! The points are equal to 29% of whatever you purchase and may be used on a future purchase. For instance, when you purchase this Panasonic Viera TCP65ST30 65" 3D Plasma HDTV, listed at $2999.95, for $1799.99 with free shipping, you get 52200 Rakuten points. That equals $522! The points are available 15 days after your order ships and are valid for 5 days after that. Sales tax is charged in most states.No longer available


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If you missed the opportunity to chat with winemaker Paul Hobbs in his previous appearance on What's Cooking with host Chef Benard Tamburello, there's another chance today. He and wine importer Stephen Humphreys of Athens Imports will have another visit.
Tune in this Saturday, June 4, from noon till 1 pm, WERC-FM 105.5. If you are not in Birmingham, you can listen live at www.wercfm.com . The number to call in and talk to Paul Hobbs is 888 910 5105.
"Paul has had an interesting journey, full of unexpected detours and coincidences, leading through stints as head winemaker for Opus One and Nicolas Catena, on the path to making such a name for his own wines," said Humphreys.
You can see more about Hobbs at this link and this one.


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HOUGHTON - The Health Occupations Students of America student organization deals with helping others but in actuality, HOSA ends up helping the students involved just as much.
"I've seen dramatic changes in students' lives," HOSA coordinator Linda Pelli said. "They often find strengths they never knew they had."
HOSA recently held its state competition in Traverse City April 18 through 20, and 28 Copper Country HOSA students traveled downstate to compete. As they have every year since the HOSA program started locally, the Copper Country students brought home a gold medal and will have eight students advance to the national competition.
"When students see the competition and recognize they're going against some of the best in the nation, they start believing in themselves," Pelli said. "The sky's the limit (from there) and they understand how to communicate better and gain leadership skills."
Students from nine different schools competed in Traverse City, and four brought home gold medals. Nikki Eskola of Calumet High School and Lorena Jurmu of Houghton High School teamed up to win gold in the Health Education Team category, Braden Peterson of Hancock Central High School took home gold in Researched Persuasive Speaking and Billy Autio of Lake Linden-Hubbell High School garnered a gold medal in the Nursing Assistant category. Bringing home silver medals were Ashley Kela of Dollar Bay High School and Kathryn Heikkila of Chassell High School - both for extemporaneous writing - Linnea Halonen of Jeffers High School for Medical Photography and Maddie Stimac of Hancock for Prepared Speaking. All eight will now advance to the national HOSA leadership conference in June, to be held in Orlando, Fla.
"Students are so busy with everything," Pelli said. "To take on another project for HOSA, these are the type of health care professionals people are looking for."
Seven other local students placed in the top eight in the state. The Calumet team of Carla Helminen, Julia Helminen and Rowena Torola took sixth place for Health Education Team, Zach Jutila of Lake Linden-Hubbell placed fifth for Extemporaneous Writing, Lucia Nye of Dollar Bay earned fifth place for Researched Persuasive Speaking and Kyle Keranen of Lake Linden-Hubbell won seventh place for Researched Persuasive Speaking.
Also at the competition, Copper Country HOSA was presented with a 100% HOSA Award. A mere 13 chapters in the state received this recognition, in which schools are rewarded for having 100 percent of their Health Science students participate in HOSA through teamwork, leadership academies, community service and competitive events, according to a press release.
"The 100% HOSA Award is kind of rare, and dear to my heart," Pelli said. "I embed (HOSA) into the curriculum, where everybody is part of HOSA."
With recent cuts to education in the state, Pelli has had to work a little harder to raise money and keep HOSA going. The money raised allows students to participate in events and compete in state and national competitions and Pelli raises money year-round.
"We're raising the last part of the money to get to nationals," she said.
To donate to HOSA or for more information about sponsorships, email Pelli at firstname.lastname@example.com.
HOSA has been a national student organization since 1976, and its mission is to "promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people," according to the HOSA website. Pelli still gets calls and letters from former students now in the health care industry, and that is one of the reasons she believes so strongly in the HOSA program.
"Every year it kind of reaffirms why I do what I do," Pelli said.


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According to the recent canon law, national councils are the deliberating assemblies at which all the bishops of a nation are convoked by the patriarch or primate (Cf. Benedict XIV, "De Synodo", I, i), but, in order to include the ancient national synods, it would be more correct to say a legitimate assemblage of the episcopate of a nation, the decisions of which are valid for an entire national Church. For the classic definition is far from being applicable to all the ancient national councils, as it is difficult to apply to all recognized ecumenical councils the present classic definition and conditions for such councils.
Councils are commonly divided into general or ecumenical, or particular; the latter are subdivided into national and provincial according as they assemble the bishops of a whole nation or of an ecclesiastical province. Finally come the assemblies of the clergy of a diocese, which are called diocesan synods rather than councils. But writers point out that this classification is not and cannot be very exact. For instance, to what category belongs the Council of Arles of 314, at which Constantine in agreement with the pope convoked all the bishops, or at least a representation, of the whole episcopate of his empire at that time ? So also if we agree with most authors in regarding as national councils the assemblies of African bishops, it may be objected that Africa did not form a distinct nation in the Roman Empire. On the other hand there have been councils which, while they did not assemble all the bishops of a nation, may nevertheless be regarded as real national synods; such were the reform assemblies held at the command of Charlemagne in 814 simultaneously at Arles, Reims, Mainz, Tours, and Châlons. Moreover, if in order to be national a council must be presided over by a patriarch or primate, we must remove from the list of national councils nearly all the episcopal assemblies of the Frankish Kingdom and Empire, for they were convoked at the command of kings and emperors, and the Frankish Church never had any patriarchal or primatial see whose bishop was qualified to convoke or preside over the entire national episcopate. Besides the term "national" was not very widespread in ancient times, it being the custom to speak rather of "universal" or "plenary" councils as in Africa or Spain, but this word was not used as synonymous with ecumenical. It meant plenary for all the provinces of Roman Africa or for the whole Visigothic Kingdom, in the same sense that the plenary Councils of Baltimore were meetings of the episcopate of the United States.
This being understood, the canonical prescriptions regarding national councils are the same, proportionately speaking, as for general and provincial councils. To be legitimate their convocation must proceed from the authority having competent jurisdiction over the national church, either partiarch or primate (provided that these titles be not merely honorary). In default of this authority the convocation should proceed from the Holy See, as was done for the recent national councils enumerated below. It was because the convocation was not competent that the "national council" of Paris of 1811 was not legitimate. To this convocation corresponds on the part of the bishops the obligation to appear in person at the assembly unless they have a legitimate reason. But representation of a numerous episcopate will suffice, as was the case in Africa, according to canon ix of the Plenary Council of Milevis in 402. The presidency rightfully belongs to the delegates of the Holy See, if there are any; if not, to the partiarch or primate, or to the oldest metropolitan, as was the custom in the Frankish kingdoms. A national council freely discusses the ecclesiastical or mixed matters which have been the cause of the meeting; the decisions adopted become a law for the entire nation, but like those of provincial councils, and with much more reason, they must first be submitted to the approval of the Holy See.
No historical or canonical interest of any importance determines which of the ancient councils held at Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople may be classed as national councils. Obviously, the presence and authority of the patriarchs of the various churches rendered this sort of meeting very easy. On several occasions the Patriarchs of Constantinople convoked the whole episcopate of the Byzantine Empire. But these councils have left no very distinct traces in the Greek canonical collections, whereas those of the Nestorian Church of the Persian Empire consist chiefly of canons of the national councils held from 410 to 775 (cf. "Synodicon Orientale", ed. Chabot, 1903). In the West also there was an important series of national councils, the most noteworthy being the assemblies of the episcopate of Christian Africa under the presidency of the Bishop of Carthage, especially the twenty-one plenary council held during the episcopate of Aurelius (393-427), which form almost the entire canonical collection of Africa. In like manner the Spanish canonical collection is chiefly composed of the canons of the seventeen national councils which the episcopate of the Visigothic Kingdom held, nearly always at Toledo, from 589 to 694. But while the African councils consisted wholly of bishops, the kings and nobles of the kingdom assisted at those of Toledo, without, however, otherwise interfering in matters properly religious. The same was true of the Frankish national councils, where the episcopal assemblies were, as it were, duplicated by an assembly of nobles; occasionally, as at Mainz in 813, there was a third group, composed of abbots and monks. The list opens with three national councils which assembled the episcopate of the three kingdoms into which Gaul was divided at the beginning of the fifth century: Agde (506) for Arian Visigothic Kingdom; Orléans (511), for the Kingdom of the Franks ; Epaone (517), for that of the Burgundians. Most of the Frankish councils held under the Merovingians and Carlovingians assembled the episcopate of one, sometimes of several kingdoms. The king often assisted thereat and the conciliar decisions bearing on discipline were the subject of royal ordinances or capitulars. These double assemblies of bishops and comites (counts) were the usual method in the Frankish kingdoms, and Thomassin rightly regards them as the historical origin of parliaments. The acts of these meetings have not been gathered into a uniform complete canonical collection.
In recent centuries Catholic national councils have been resumed in the East and the West at the instance of the popes and under the presidency of their legates. Without going into details, the most noteworthy of these were: the provincial or national councils of Mount Lebanon, for the Maronites, in 1736, confirmed by Benedict XIV ; those of 1803 and 1871 for the Albanians ; those of Zamosk 1720 and 1891 for the Ruthenians ; that of 1841 for the Melchites ; that of Sciarfa in the Lebanon (1888) for the Syrians ; that of Cairo in 1898 for the Copts ; that of Rome in 1911 for the Armenians ; in America the three plenary Councils of Baltimore (1852, 1866, 1884), and the plenary rather than national council of Latin America in 1899.
The Catholic Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive resource on Catholic teaching, history, and information ever gathered in all of human history. This easy-to-search online version was originally printed between 1907 and 1912 in fifteen hard copy volumes.
Designed to present its readers with the full body of Catholic teaching, the Encyclopedia contains not only precise statements of what the Church has defined, but also an impartial record of different views of acknowledged authority on all disputed questions, national, political or factional. In the determination of the truth the most recent and acknowledged scientific methods are employed, and the results of the latest research in theology, philosophy, history, apologetics, archaeology, and other sciences are given careful consideration.
No one who is interested in human history, past and present, can ignore the Catholic Church, either as an institution which has been the central figure in the civilized world for nearly two thousand years, decisively affecting its destinies, religious, literary, scientific, social and political, or as an existing power whose influence and activity extend to every part of the globe. In the past century the Church has grown both extensively and intensively among English-speaking peoples. Their living interests demand that they should have the means of informing themselves about this vast institution, which, whether they are Catholics or not, affects their fortunes and their destiny.
Copyright © Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company New York, NY. Volume 1: 1907; Volume 2: 1907; Volume 3: 1908; Volume 4: 1908; Volume 5: 1909; Volume 6: 1909; Volume 7: 1910; Volume 8: 1910; Volume 9: 1910; Volume 10: 1911; Volume 11: - 1911; Volume 12: - 1911; Volume 13: - 1912; Volume 14: 1912; Volume 15: 1912
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Press TCA Press Tour 2012: 'New Normal' creator Ryan Murphy doesn't mind controversy
When Andrew Rannells, star of the new NBC show "The New Normal" joked to a journalist at press tour, "Who are you going to offend this time?" he could have posed the question to show creator Ryan Murphy. The show about a gay couple hiring a surrogate to bear them a child has become the focus of a ban by One Million Moms. "I obviously have been through this before," sighed Murphy, who also created "Glee" and "American Horror Story."
"I think every person and group has a right to protest. I think it's interesting that they take that position before they've seen it...I would think they'd be excited because they're represented. Ellen Barkin's [character] is one of them. I think the show is about... it's about tolerance and a discussion of tolerance, and the points of view are delivered with sensitivity.
"I think the show is about... it's about tolerance and a discussion of tolerance, and the points of view are delivered with sensitivity. I think if they watched it, they would like it."
As for Rannells, he had a different take on the protest. "I was very excited I was mentioned by first and last name," he said.
Co-star Georgia King added, "My parents were very proud."
Murphy, who said the show is loosely based on his life, as he and his partner are exploring surrogacy, thinks Barkin's character may be controversial, but is based in realism. "I think all the characters are lovable… I think the most controversial character will be Ellen Barkin's character. I remember Thanksgivings where my grandmother would say these jaw dropping things… so it feels very familiar to me, and hopefully will to other people."
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star NeNe Leakes was also on the panel, and had no problem professing her love for the gay community in Atlanta, where there are "lots of gays running around. They invented nail posh haircuts and high heeled shoes, so we love them."
Executive Producer Ali Adler summed up the real focus of the show, which isn't the gay surrogacy that bonds the main characters. "I asked my son about gay stuff. He says it doesn't matter about the private parts, the hearts are all the same.


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April 16, 2009
Ron is a once in a generation candidate. What he and we do during this campaign could resonate for generations to come. Let's make sure Ron is not the last of our type of candidate. Let's not regret the opportunity. Let's get this man elected.
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These simple, no-nonsense boots give a man exactly what he wants – hard-wearing soles and practical comfort with understated good looks and a laid-back style that fits in with any casual environment. They're tough enough to cope with wilderness treks, and smart enough for the urban jungle too.
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Measure the length of each mark and match it with the size chart. Let the longest foot decide the shoe size.


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Jason on Jan 27, 2013
I do not think anyone at all has received a refund yet as the tax season hasnt even begun. The IRS isnt even handling returns right now, and not until the 30 of this month. You can file and submit the return but you have to wait until the 30th no matter how complicated or not the return is. I did read that the IRS ran some sort of tests with their new systems, but those tests are done, some people were accepted but no one has received a refund. A few more days to wait!
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CJ on Jan 27, 2013
Jason, people have been accepted already due to early testing of the systems. Some people have even received their whole refunds (NOT LOANS).
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Comment: When religious rights and LGBT rights conflict over equal marriage
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Reader comments
I suppose he's saving himself some hassle by writing a whole article about religion and lgbt rights without mentioning the 'M' word or the 'I' word, but the article does feel a little incomplete.
Excellent article, I agree with every single word – it captured exactly how I feel right now. I've gone from ignoring religion a few years ago to absolutely loathing and hating it now, or more precisely the bigoted leaders of the Anglican and Catholic churches, and pretty much most Evangelicals (they're the worse of all).
Don't get me wrong, there are amazing Evangelicals like Steve Chalke, and Rob Bell, but Evangelical churches are so overwhelmed in their hatred they now can't be reasoned with, not even by these respected leaders.
Welby will find that within his homophobic empire there are few who are prepared to carry on fighting, and that a lot of bishops welcome change. I don't know if they're genuine about equality, or they just see the writing on the wall of their future.
If would be good if we could have some reconciliation, but I personally think I'm now past the point where I will ever forgive them, and for many it may be decades too soon.
Great article and thanks, the only thing I could add is my signature,
Love Conquers Hate
Always has, always will
Mr. Pink
The many obstacles that fundamentalism is up against is raw truths. The truth is that after all these many years of different countries, of different US states gaining marriage equality, so far to date absolutely none, not one of the religious right's predictions have come true. Even if one thing came to pass, these and those like them would be shouting it from the housetops as proof of their dire predictions. In this time is on our side. Another truth that there up against is the fact that some people truly are "born this way from their mothers womb". For sin to exist one must have a choice. The power of choice of whether to sin or not to sin. Being born this way removes choice and thus "sin" (in this particular case) has no foundation. In this is the greatest fear of fundamentalists, that this truth is becoming more and more apparent to not only science but to the people as a whole. People that unlike fundamentalists, still use their minds in critical thinking.
The solution is simple. Civil liberty before religious bigotry.
You have the right to believe what the heck you like. It's not my place to police your views, but your beliefs should not be imposed on others.
It's amazing how many people agree with that statement, but make an exception to their own beliefs pushed onto others.
And frankly religions only ever got to be part of the "protected classes" because they were constantly killing and fighting with each other, discriminating against each other, like in N.I.
They weren't born with religion, it's not an innate characteristic, they can, and many do, just up and change their religion at will. And thus, when it comes down to protections, innate characteristics must come first, before things which people chose, like religion, or marital status. It is just a logical approach, a reasoned way to decide on rights.
Given the way organised religions have behaved they don't really deserve any protections. They have harmed us and our loved ones for thousands of years – they could apologise daily and it would never be enough.
If you don't like religion, don't join one, simples!
'The eventual winner'? What a presumptuous title
"If you don't like religion don't join one"?
If only it was that simple. What choice do infants have when they're baptized basically from birth. Male Jews circumcised from birth, (or if Muslim around age seven?) Christian evangelists 'born again' at age five? Or doctrine taught as fact in school? By the time these children are adults, they've had twenty years worth of brainwashing thrust upon them
This is child abuse. These children, many of them have conflicts of faith vs reason, have nightmares of Hell clouding their rational judgement. To even question their religion can lead them (according to their belief) to eternal torture in Hell. They're taught to "love & fear" their god. How can you love something you fear, anyway?
And not only that, I've never been religious, and yet I still have religiously based laws and customs shoved down my throat, daily.
So saying "If you don't like religion don't join one" simply doesn't work
"If only it was that simple. What choice do infants have when they're baptized basically from birth. "
And what choice do some adopted kids have that should be entitled to a mother and father but end up with sames sex parents?
The fact is, children have much imposed upon them.
I was however referring to the freedom of choice adults have. Nobody is forcing religion down your throat or perhaps you could say how?
is it not homosexuality that is being forced down peoples throats with their ridiculous Pride marches Rainbow flags gay bars, gay quarters gay cruises, gay associations.
Your filthy harmful perversions are promoted everywhere, even in schools.
Homosexuality has no benefit whatsoever to society. It does not create life, it creates death. Did you know that homosexuals are the most promiscuous group of all orientations and that the HIV plague is 50 times more likely in male homosexuals than heteros according to the center for disease control?
Oh Keith, you are such an angry little man, it can't be good for you. Still not found someone to help you indulge all your fantasies?
Religion is forced upon us daily. Everything you list there as homosexuality being 'forced down people's throats' has its equivalent in religion. Plus gay person has a place reserved for them in our legislature unlike the 20 odd bishops of the CofE. Religion also creates plenty of death and I can't see any benefit of it to society either.
Please Keith, go and see a professional to help you deal with your anger towards people you don't even know or go and get laid. Either way, it's obvious you need help.
That should read 'Plus NO gay person has a place reserved for them….'
If religion is being forced down peoples throats as you claim, the gays are not the ones who should be saying it, for the reasons I have stated.
You will be a calmer, less reactionary person if you deal with the content of my posts rather than the issue of my well being, especially as I could not give a toss about yours!
Then bugger off to some website where you and your buddies can have a circle jerk for christ together.
Wouldn't it be better for your health if you just ignored my posts?
Your anger will be your undoing!
F\/ck off pr!ck….
There is a village somewhere missing it's idiot.
Oh you poor, poor thing! I feel so absolutely sorry for you! Do you really have to troll this website and libel people as reactionary simply because they have turned away from the psycologically most damaging thing the world has ever seen(i.e. religion)? Do you have nobody else that you can impose your horrible views upon? Are you really that scared of free love? Oh you poor thing! I think you need a huge dosis of love that comes directly from the heart. Here's a kiss for you :*
I despise religion just as much as I despise homosexuality, perhaps more since many homosexuals are deluded due to brainwashing LGBT activists and militants whereas the religious leaders have no such ignorance and are misleading good people, not to mention the homosexual child abuse that is rampant in the church.
As for my views being 'horrible', surely it is natural to be disgusted by filth. Aren't you disgusted by sca-=t for instance? Does that make you a horrible person?
As for what you call free love. It is not free when you consider the end result of the promiscuous lifestyle and degraded practices which the good for nothing homosexual community promote. Surely there is more to life than hanging around public toilets and looking through peepholes.
You will clearly never know love in it's pure form and the loyalty and bond that can exists between a mutually monogamous married couple, where two truly do become one.
Go do some crystal meth or whatever it is you get off on!
Yo, Keith, nobody's being reactionary but you. You're libeling people who have turned their backs on the construct of religion for a reason. Bobbleobble recommends you to either see a psychologist or get laid. Please do one or the other or both, or more. It's for your own good, man. The last thing this website needs is comments by frustrated guys like you.
May you be blessed with true love
Religion gets in the way of one possible argument against gay marriage that I've not seen seriously addressed. This is the idea that marriage evolved as a way to ensure that children are properly supported by both natural parents. The purpose was to lock males into taking responsibility for their sexual behaviour, not just leaving females in the lurch to cope on their own. No-one else really wants to devote their resources to raising some other male's unwanted offspring. So sex before marriage was forbidden, and divorce difficult unless provision made for children. If I'm right, marriage is irrelevant for those for whom sex cannot result in children. And if gays do marry anyhow, why should they be locked into that by irrelevant restrictive divorce laws? Risk is that pressure will grow to weaken such laws, so weakening what little protection remains for children. In short, gay marriage can be seen as undermining an institution created for a very specific purpose.
"Marriage" was originally created to protect property rights. Nothing more.
Really? By Who?
Go look it up.
You made the claim but cannot provide the evidence. I always win, eventually!
"No-one else really wants to devote their resources to raising some other male's unwanted offspring."
That's obviously not true, given the number of couples, both gay and straight, who are more than willing to adopt children.
As for your first statement, it's pretty much backwards — religion invented the idea of marriage as being about children. There are lots of variations on "marriage" as an institution, and anthropologists have even found societies that don't recognize marriage at all. Marriage in the Judaeo-Christian tradition (which "Christians" would like us to believe is the only tradition that ever existed) was for establishing paternity to insure the orderly inheritance of property — which included women and children. In the middle ages and Renaissance, it was a means of cementing alliances between families and countries. If you want to know what marriage is about, look at what's at issue when a marriage is dissolved: property.
Those who adopt do so for a variety of reasons. Some cannot have children of their own, some have children and take on others. These days we have the resources to do so. In ancestral environment, such 'altruism' would have been much rarer. Marriage, or something akin to it probably evolved long before religion added its own skew to it. And if you read Old Testament, a lot more makes sense if you see avoidance of children out of wedlock as being main driver. Idea that men just decided to make life hard for women for no good reason doesn't stack up, in my view.
I don't know the particulars of the relationship between church and state in the UK, except that the CofE is the "official" church, but what's happening in the US is a concerted effort on the part of evangelical "Christians" in particular to establish that their personal religious beliefs trump everyone else's fundamental rights. I have noticed some stories coming from the UK about "Christian" hotel and bed-and-breakfast owners trying to refuse service to gay couples, but nowhere near the heights of bizarre reached by the attorneys for a florist claiming that arranging flowers is "expressive speech" and therefore subject to First Amendment protections.
The bottom line is not that they're interested in "religious freedom" — they're trying to establish their religious supremacy.
Thank you Gary for higholighting some important issues. When a chuirch leader says we hould have religious freedom it usually menas freedom so long as you adhere to our beliefs.
I'm Christian and while I don't support gay marriage I know several Christian's who do.
The objection is not because it can damn our souls. It is only our own actions which need forgiving. Following the Bible's teaching is to honour God and express of our belief and trust in him, not earning our way into heaven, which is impossible.
The main reason is because Christians believe marriage was a part of God's perfect creaton and homosexuality came with 'the fall'. So a covenant that is from God shouldn't support that lifestyle. Others believe 'sin is here now and a gay couple marrying is better than a gay person being promiscuous'.
I believe in treating gay's with respect(as I would any person) but not necesarily accepting gay marriage. I didn't come here because I'm bigotted or ignorant, but I'd like to ask; why SHOULD gay marriage be institutionalised? If you think it's a stupid question then don't answer, but it has to provide some societal value to merit a constitutional change.
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Artist: The Reptilian
Album: Low Health
Tattoos in my room,
Haikus read by you,
Are some of the best parts.
Bend like a reed in the wind.
Be the slow blade.
Wear out those drawings on the plans of your feet.
Better to recount than regret.
When we leave we'll keep your company.
Coast to coast is what I remember most.
Clean yourself off and sink in the ocean.
What a great way to take a vacation.
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The winter offseason for the New York Yankees has gotten off to a much different start than usual.
With the exception of re-signing Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees have been relatively quiet.
In fact, during this week's annual baseball winter meetings, the Yankees were not involved in one single free-agent move while in Nashville.
They have made an official one-year offer to Kevin Youkilis, but other than that, things have been very quiet from the Bombers.
However, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPN, Cashman is listening to offers on three of his current players.
Yankees are listening to offers on Granderson, Hughes and Nova— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) December 6, 2012
Curtis Granderson's name has come up in trade discussions all winter, and with him only signed through 2013, it's no surprise that he is being talked about in potential trades.
The other two mentioned, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova, are intriguing by being brought up in trade rumors.
Do you think the Yankees will trade Curtis Granderson?
I'd actually hold on to Hughes as the Yankees' No. 4 starter if I were Cashman, unless I get an offer I simply cannot refuse.
Now Nova I'd be more willing to trade.
However, his value is a little down after he struggled in the second half of the 2012 season; he was forced from the rotation and did not see a single inning in October.
But, he'll also be 26 years old by the time next season starts; do the Yankees really want to give up on a young arm this soon in his career?
I think right now, Cashman is just seeing if he'll get any nibbles on any of those three and judging what kind of trade proposals and deals come floating back his way.
Do you think the Yankees should trade Phil Hughes or Ivan Nova?
But once the bigger names like Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke come off the market, teams will start to look for trades to improve their teams.
And once the main center fielders and pitchers are gone, that's when Cashman's phone could be ringing more frequently.
I don't think any trades involving these players will happen before Christmas, but once we get toward January, that can certainly change.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.


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These sweet and spicy nuts — which go great with drinks — would make a nice hostess gift.
Leave a Review
I never use the onion or garlic powder.Actually I would never use these in anything! I up the cayenne for those who like hot things.
These were fine but I think there are better recipes.
The butter in the recipe ensures that these have a rich taste. I agree with other reviewers though, too much onion and garlic powder; next time, I'll reduce those and up the curry a little. These get a little spicier the longer they sit after baking. A hit at New Year's Eve, an even bigger hit the next morning!
I was so excited about these, but being allergic to dairy, I had to substitute Earth Balance for butter. The pecans got too brown, perhaps because butter has a higher water content than the Earth Balance spread. Now I know to cut the toasting time down. They are not inedible, though. I sprinkled them with some Maui Gold natural cane sugar and that made them a lil sweeter. I think they need more sweetness to balance the flavors.
I can't show up at our annual Thanksgiving potluck without bringing these or there is a revolt!
I asked my husband to try one when I made the first batch (following the recipe exactly) - he kept marveling at how when you first pop one in your mouth, it just tastes like a pecan...and then each flavor creeps up on you and surprises you, ending with a "wow!"
I LOVE this recipe! Chop them up and use them on a salad. Serve them with cocktails. Serve them for Thanksgiving appetizer. Give them as a holiday gift!
I used garam masala instead of curry b/c that's all I had. Tasty! I definitely like the mixture of sweet with spice/curry, but am not sure I liked the garlic and onion. I even used much less of those than the recipe called for. I like the reviewer's suggestion of sprinkling turbinado sugar over them after they've cooled slightly for additional crunch.
I made them without onion and garlic powders, much more elegant that way These pecans are simply elegant that way!
Nothing special. Tastes like checks mix.


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A look at business news around New York today:
Hurricane Sandy credited for rise in construction jobs in New York. (Crain's New York Business)
Kodak posts first quarterly profit since 2010. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
A merger of Unity and Rochester General health systems would affect thousands of people who rely on those systems for their health or their jobs — or both. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
The dredging of PCBs from the Hudson River started again on Monday as a dispute between General Electric and National Grid flares. (Albany Times Union)
Utica's Bagg's Square on the way up. (Utica Observer-Dispatch)
Contact Rick Moriarty at firstname.lastname@example.com> or (315) 470-3148. Follow him on Twitter @RickMoriartyCNY and on Facebook at rick.moriarty.92.


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Months after the Kenner City Council voted down a similar measure by his predecessor, new Kenner Mayor Mike Yenni is proposing a sewer rate increase over a four-year period that will boost residential rates by 145 percent by the end of the four years.
Kenner's aging sewer system has insufficient pumping capacity, deteriorated equipment and sewer lines filled with leaks that cause sewage to back up during rainstorms. Officials estimate that making all the necessary repairs will cost more than $50 million.
"We can't put this off any longer," Yenni said.
The ordinance spells out the yearly proposed increases: one to be effective once the ordinance is adopted, and then increases in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Starting in 2015, the ordinance calls for rate increases to be tied to the consumer price index, which city officials estimated to be about 2.5 percent a year.
The first increase would be the largest percentage jump, raising the average monthly residential bill from $10.81 to $16.04, or 48 percent. An average user uses 8,000 gallons per month.
The increase in 2012 is a 31 percent jump, to $21.02 for an average monthly residential bill. Then, in 2013 the increase is only 2 percent, to $21.43 a month, on average. In 2014, the increase is 23 percent, or $26.45 a month on average.
The minimum residential charge is now $3.27 a month and would increase to $4.87 per month if the ordinance becomes effective. By 2014, a minimum user would pay $8.01 per month.
The user fee is also increasing for commercial customers, though city officials didn't offer figures detailing the average business increase because there is such a range in the size of businesses.
But the total amount raised from commercial customers will increase 48 percent in 2011 from $751,275 collected to $1,114,877 collected monthly.
The extra revenue from the residential and commercial increases that start in the first year will pay for half of a $22 million state Department of Environmental Quality loan and money the city owes to its sewerage contractor, Veolia Water.
The rate increases that start in 2012 and 2014 will allow the city to pay back $16 million in bonds officials hope to issue at the end of 2011, along with another $16 million at the end of 2013. That $32 million will allow the city to do all the repair work necessary to get out from under two DEQ compliance orders, with hundreds of violations between 2001 and 2009.
The city faces $16 million in fines from DEQ for the violations, according to Prat Reddy, head of the public works department.
Yenni said that if city doesn't complete the required work, the city will be faced with not only fixing the problems but also paying the fines. "If we don't act now the public is going to have to pay for this later," he said.
Sewer user rates have not increased since 1991. Kenner's bond attorney David Wolf, said that if Kenner had a yearly cost-of-living built into the user rates in 1991, the average monthly bill would be about $16 or $17 now.
"The rates haven't kept up with the cost of running the system," Wolf said.
Yenni said paying for sewerage improvements with a user fee increase is preferable to a sales or property tax increase because some of the largest users are nonprofits and, as such, wouldn't have to pay taxes. "A user charge means everybody has to pay it," he said.
The proposal is on Thursday's council agenda for first reading, but is not expected to be discussed. A vote would be scheduled for the first meeting in November, when a public hearing will be held on the matter.
Former mayor Ed Muniz, Yenni's predecessor and mentor, proposed a rate hike that the council defeated in April by a 4-3 vote. Yenni said he's had at least one meeting with every council member and met with two members twice. He said he's not sure what to do if the council votes it down.
"This has been neglected too many times by too many administrations," Yenni said. "There's no Plan B."


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New Freeland series delves into the mixture of science and ethics
Kit Ketcham is stepping up her campaign in the defense of science, so long as science is done right.
"There's a mistrust," said Ketcham, pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island in Freeland. "Anti-science, anti-education, anti-intellectual attitudes just seem to be growing in the country."
"There's a fear of change," she added. "If you ask people to consider new information when they're accustomed to holding beliefs based on traditional information, that's a scary prospect."
In response, the third in a series of interactive discussions on the subject of science will be held tonight at her congregation's meeting hall.
The program, "Ethics, Climate Change and Individual Responsibility," featuring Lauren Hartzell, an instructor of environmental ethics at the University of Washington, will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Ketcham said the idea for a series of discussions arose about a year ago, and she put together a task force to explore ways to counteract a perceived antipathy toward science in general.
The result was a pilot session on the subject of Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution earlier this year, which attracted about 50 people. That success led to another program in October, this one on conservation.
Tonight's program marks the launch of Lyceum 2.0, a continuation of the Whidbey Institute's previous Lyceum discussion series. Whidbey Institute and Transition Whidbey are partners with UUCWI in the new series, which will feature a different speaker each month, Ketcham said.
"We want to help bring science to people, to help them feel more like science advocates," she said. "But with an ethical foundation — the ethical piece is very important to me."
She said the format of tonight's program will feature a short presentation by Hartzell, followed by a discussion involving local panelists and including questions from the audience.
"We want to have a dialogue, not just a talking head," Ketcham said.
She said Hartzell will discuss issues such as the ethics of climate change, individual responsibility and how to make a difference.
The local panel will include Ketcham; Langley City Councilman Robert Gilman; small-fishery owner Paula Keohane of Coupeville; and Amy Vallat, a young mother.
Ketcham said she has several questions to toss into the mix. Among them are whether people should be forced by government to live with less, or technically whether they should be forced into any kind of action at all.
"Our overall hope for the series is to help people become more articulate about science and ethics," Ketcham said. "Science needs to be neutral, and scientific research ethical. We need that approach to some of our human crises."
"Can we force things down people's throats? Where do we draw the line?" she added.
Ketcham said she declines to take an apocalyptic view of the Earth's future, such as will it ever be necessary to sacrifice people's lives to save the planet.
"I'm learning about this all the time," she said. "I'm such a mind-changer."
"But I'm optimistic humankind will adapt, and we're not going to have to throw anybody overboard," she added.
Ketcham said the overall theme of Lyceum 2.0 is "Energy Futures for Puget Sound." Programs for upcoming months are tentative, she said, but topics probably will include sustainability, research, tidal power and the technical innovations that continually emerge.
"We're still learning how to do this," she said. "But these are all things that science must address."
The UUCWI meeting hall is two miles north of Freeland at 20103 Highway 525. A donation of $5 is suggested, and coffee will be served.
For more information, call 331-2163.
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© Guardian photo
David Suzuki was the guest lecturer Friday for the annual National Symons Lecture on the State of the Canadian Confederation.
David Suzuki's passion for preserving the planet he inhabits is explosive.
His language can be, well, quite passionate as well.
Nothing, though, seemed to convey his great angst over the self-destructive path that he believes humankind is on more dramatically than his emotional reaction Friday to hugging a child.
Following the embrace, the country's most recognizable scientist choked up on stage in front of an enthralled crowd that packed the main theatre of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
"I have two young grandsons who are everything in the world to me,'' he said, fighting back tears.
"It's all about them.''
Before the award-winning Canadian broadcaster took to the stage to deliver a call to action to save the planet from ruin, Suzuki sat down with The Guardian for a chat not short on colorful wording or alarming assessment.
"The crux of my message is we're in a big crunch,'' he said.
"In the next few years, what we do or do not do is going to determine whether we survive as a species and it's not like thousands of years from now.''
He told the largest crowd to ever gather for the annual National Symons Lecture on the State of the Canadian Confederation that the dire forecasts of many experts are both frightening and realistic.
Sir Martin Rees, one of the eminent scientists in England, gives the unsettling odds of 50/50 that any human beings will be left on earth by 2100.
While Suzuki wouldn't offer his own forecast, he was clear in hammering home his scientific view that the path we all are currently traveling needs to change course dramatically.
"If you look at what we have not done even though the warnings have been coming for 40 years, you have to conclude we are a suicidal species,'' he told The Guardian.
"We are just going right over the edge of the cliff.''
He struck a somewhat softer tone in concluding his speech to the more than 1,000 people crammed into the Homburg Theatre and the audience tuning in to a live web stream.
"There is a great deal of hope but it's urgent that we get going on it,'' he said to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Suzuki says individuals can do plenty to reduce their own environmental footprint, such as conserving water and turning off lights.
But what he most wants to see is the public get "very involved'' in politics.
Governments must realize, he warns, that the economy cannot trump ecology or the environment.
Clean air, clean water and clean soil, he stresses, is essential to our survival. So air, water and soil cannot continue to be used as toxic dumps.
"We live in the biosphere. It is finite.''
Suzuki is a scientist clearly disgusted and disillusioned with the current federal government, particularly with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He calls Harper's government the most hostile he has ever encountered.
Suzuki says Harper, the only prime minister to decline him a personal meeting, continues to demonstrate an "astonishing display of insensitivity'' towards critical environmental issues like climate change.
He says Harper has turned Canada into "an international outlaw" by turning its back on the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement linked to the United Nations framework convention on climate change.
Premier Robert Ghiz even took a shot from Suzuki who noted Islanders bombarded him with requests to speak out against Plan B. He told the crowd he is not familiar with the issue than turned to the premier to deliver a jibe.
"Mr. Ghiz, it's your problem, not mine,'' he said, drawing a loud burst of laughter and applause.


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With Boyden for 20 years, Bill leads Boyden's Greater China Practice. He has a successful track record in a variety of industries including manufacturing, chemicals and specialty minerals goods, and logistics. His work in the financial services sector has also been extensive.
Bill focuses his practice on leadership positions including regional and country level CEO and business development roles. Bill also has been successful in managing many Human Resources management roles and CFO roles.
Bill spends a good deal of his time on cross-border searches working closely with the on-the-ground research teams in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Bill is currently serving his third term on Boyden World Corporation's Board of Directors. He has also held several leadership positions in the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, including Chairman of the Nominations Committee and Chairman of the Human Resources Committee. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors and Supervisors.
He holds a BA in History from the University of Minnesota. He completed the Boyden-Kellogg Advanced Consulting Program held at the JJ Kellogg Graduate School of Management. In 1997 Bill was the recipient of the Asia-Pacific Sidney Boyden award. In 2006 he received the Boyden Spirit award for contributions to the firm and in 2009 the Board of Directors Award for distinguished service to the Board and the firm.
Bill is a US citizen and a fluent Mandarin speaker.
Managing Partner
Phone: +86 139.1037.2885
Email: email@example.com


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Fear is a great motivator.
Back in 1958, one small nun controlled 60 unruly kids in the third grade class at St. Brigid's School in Westbury, L.I. We all learned to read and do math. We all memorized our prayers.
Why? Fear.
That good sister wielded a mean ruler.
In politics, fear also can get things done. President Bush used the fear of another terror attack to convince Americans to support the Patriot Act and an aggressive worldwide war against terrorism.
The results were mixed, but Bush had little problem getting the money and consensus he needed.
Now, President Obama is using a page from the Bush playbook. He is flat-out saying that if the country doesn't embrace his giant stimulus package, the United States will experience "catastrophe." He uses the "C" word often.
He is very clear about the fear.
Interestingly, during the campaign, Obama derided both Bush and Sen. John McCain for using the fear factor.
Speaking in Ohio on March 1, 2008, Obama said: "America is at its best when it's not fearful. I mean, if you think about our history, our most shameful times have been when we were afraid."
How quickly times change.
Obama is now very afraid that the economy will get worse, and he is not shy about saying so.
So how should we the people process the fear equation?
When George W. Bush and Barack Obama agree on something, I think we have to pay attention. Bush was genuinely concerned that the entire U.S. financial system would melt down last fall unless a massive government bailout was passed immediately.
And it was. Who knows whether the TARP bailout was smart, but the financial system is still standing, if not exactly on solid ground.
Obama implies we are heading for another Great Depression without almost a trillion dollars in government spending to "create and save" four million jobs. And he is going to get the money.
The interesting thing in the "create-and-save" scenario is that it is impossible to calibrate. How does anyone know how many jobs are "saved"?
This is a smart ploy by Obama on the accountability front.
Cynics will rarely accept political warnings. Many Americans simply don't trust the government to look out for them.
And I believe that skepticism is sometimes warranted. Both Republicans and Democrats allowed the U.S. economy to implode. What, they got smart all of a sudden?
With unemployment accelerating and millions of Americans suffering, I think we have to give the powers that be the benefit of the doubt despite our suspicions.
But we should be honest. Obama does not know whether the trillion-dollar rescue strategy will work because no one knows.
That being said, President Obama is right about one thing: He was elected to deal with America's problems, especially the economy.
Now he has the chance.


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En las Artes Marciales Mixtas, este 8 de febrero el peleador Rick Nuno busca ganar su segunda pelea como profesional en el Casino Valley Forge.
Rick Nuno busca ganar su segunda pelea como profesional en las Artes Marciales Mixtas
Posted: 4:58 PM EST Feb 08, 2013
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Directory of Research and Expertise
Welcome to the School's Directory of Research and Expertise. The Directory is the first stop for anyone seeking experts or further information about projects or research resources in, or in collaboration with, the School.
Search tips: You can search for experts and projects by name, by subject area, by institute or division, or in the case of experts by position held. You can narrow your search by entering keywords.
Journalists: Please email email@example.com if you cannot find the person or project you are looking for, or call on +44 (0)20 7862 8859.


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No birthday gifts please
By RACHEL BRANT
Staff writer
Birthday parties are all about cake, presents and spending time with family and friends.
At Josh Stones party today at Olympic Gymnastic Center in Silverdale, however, guests will bring unusual gifts for the birthday boy: bags of dog and cat food.
The Esquire Hills Elementary School student told his party guests to bring dog and cat food to his birthday party because the soon-to-be 9-year-old wants to donate the items to the Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale.
I just wanted to help the humane society because I wanted to help the animals, Josh said.
The Stone family got the idea from Joshs Cub Scout group, Pack 4540. For his ninth birthday, den leader Valerie Kindschys son, William, asked his guests to bring money to donate to the Quintuplets Foundation set up to help support the Stevenson quintuplets and their family build a home in Keyport.
Theyre the ones that started this idea and hopefully other boys and girls get the idea and will do something similar, said Bryan Stone, Joshs dad.
The Kindschy family showed the importance of giving back to the community and Josh, an animal lover, decided he wanted to help the animals at the Kitsap Humane Society.
Were extremely proud of him. When the idea first came up with giving a donation to the humane society he was all for it, Bryan said. Hes really thinking this is a great idea and we couldnt be happier.
Don McBurney, executive director of the Kitsap Humane Society, thinks its absolutely wonderful that Josh and his friends are donating dog and cat food to the animal shelter.
It provides a means for children to contribute directly to the welfare of animals and its just outstanding ... its just an exciting thing to do, McBurney said. They may not be able to build sheds or donate millions of dollars, but they can donate what matters to them.
Josh said he decided on dog and cat food because it is a basic necessity for the animals.
Really they need food and water to survive, Josh said. They just really need to have water and food.
Josh has wanted a dog for most of his short life thus far, but his parents said he cannot have one until he is 10 years old and can prove he is responsible enough to take care of a dog.
Josh has been doing chores working hard to save money, $200 to be exact, to care for a dog. Josh said he wants a beagle or a puggle, a pug/beagle mix, and Bryan said next year is the year his son will get his wish.
I want to get a beagle that stays inside all the time, Josh said with a smile.
Josh will drop off the donated dog and cat food to the humane society after his party today and said he feels really good about doing it.
It shows their dedication to the animals, McBurney said. We love children giving to the animals. Theyre making a significant contribution thats important to them.
Josh said he hopes to donate more items to the Kitsap Humane Society and wants to volunteer there in the future. Bryan and Josh hope more children will forego birthday presents and ask for donations to help local groups at their next birthday parties.
Its a good idea because you dont need toys, Josh said. Its not all about gifts.
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But his work is not yet done.
For Fuentes to secure his legacy as the reform leader of the state police, he must transform the culture of a police force split in two: Between those who arrogantly believe they are above the law, and those who are trying to do the right thing and perform the job as the public service they know it to be. The blue wall of silence victimizes the public. But it also drags good police through the mud.
The state Attorney General has instituted a new policy to release traffic stop videos in a more timely manner. Good, but not enough. Guidelines for punishment and promotion must be made consistent and transparent.
Is it a few bad apples? We don't know because the state does not issue a meaningful public accounting of misconduct in the ranks. Until the agency comes clean, there is no way to credibly assess the scope of the problem and efforts to root it out.
It won't be easy. As The Star-Ledger's Christopher Baxter reported on Sunday, 2012 revealed the profound dysfunction that continues to affect state police operations, a "persistent culture of secrecy and a resistance to public scrutiny," which emboldens some troopers in their wrongdoing. Only after lawsuits, including from the ACLU, and Baxter's persistent questioning were the facts revealed in cases that dated from two or three years earlier, and which the agency was clearly trying to keep from public view. In one case, rogue officers beat a disabled man; in another, they arrested a man in diabetic shock and refused him treatment. The illegal, high-speed escort of luxury cars to Atlantic City on state highways was stupidity of a high order.
The knee-jerk reaction of troopers to protect their own must come to an end. When an off-duty state trooper seriously injured a Philadelphia man three years ago in a car accident, his fellow troopers put a bogus name on the accident report, delaying justice for the injured man and accountability for the trooper, who was not tested for alcohol at the scene.
It should outrage everyone that our taxes support a police force incapable of holding its own accountable under the laws they are sworn to uphold among the rest of us.