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Topic: FFXIV Thread (Read 171395 times)
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #285 on:
August 26, 2010, 05:35:12 AM »
Quote from: Andrmgic on August 26, 2010, 02:00:17 AM
If they changed it so that there were no physical level penalties unless you continued to play beyond the 8 hours on a particular class, it would be better.
That way you could switch classes and progress normally.. or you could go craft for a number of hours and then come back to your class of choice.
If they did that and cut the reset time by half, I think most folks would be ok with it. I intend to do a lot of crafting.. and if I've got several potential hours of varied and productive gameplay in any given week, I'm going to be happy.
Honestly, the physical experience point fatigue wasn't really noticeable. I think the community is willing to be reasonable, but they shouldn't be. I thought that way too when they had the interview at Gamescom, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how wrong it was. Letting them dictate how you play your game when you're paying them a monthly fee is morally bankrupt. MMOs are about freedom of choice, and letting them get away with such an Orwellian practice, no matter how they may neuter it, is the equivalent of giving them an affirmative - "Yes, you can micromanage my time." It sets a bad precedent and needs to be removed. If they are worried about lack of content, delay the game till March so we can have a true simultaneous release with real content, or just adjust the XP rate for levels and skills down a bit. It's like they're taking a page out of Apple's playbook "We don't care about being open, or even being pro-consumer. You're going to eat our vision and like it."
Posts: 897
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #286 on:
August 26, 2010, 11:40:56 AM »
I almost brought up wows economy for a comparison. But it's bad in it's own way. FFXI had a realistic economy. Which it turns out is ends up being pretty terrible in a video game. Meanwhile in wow, cash stops being useful once you've established yourself as max level with max crafting skill. What little you can buy to improve your character seems like a waste with what a short life gear has. So it's better to use it on mounts and train sets instead of using it to advance your character.
Got to be a middle ground where the economy means something without being outright stupid.
You think this would be funny?
Posts: 2442
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #287 on:
August 26, 2010, 12:30:21 PM »
Eh...I dunno, while the majority of good endgame gear in WoW comes from running instances or PvP (IE actually doing content and not farming for money for a really long time), there are a couple instances where gold can get you good gear (World drops from raids that casual player may not end up doing), not to mention it does take a long while before gold becomes completely worthless- I don't think there's anything especially wrong with WoW's system.
Agent D.
Posts: 4173
Agent Bewear.
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #288 on:
August 26, 2010, 03:06:10 PM »
This whole process is just a test. Square Enix is trying new stuff to see what will fly and what won't. If it is successful, hooray for them, but if it flops, they don't care. They will always have their ace in the whole, a FFVII remake. The moment it's announced, every bad thing they've done is immediately stricken from the record.
That being said, FFXIV must really look pretty, because all I've heard so far is it's boring gameplay wise (beta friends, etc), the character voices suck, and this fatigue fiasco is perhaps the most amazingly horrible design ever. 8 hours of steady leveling before you start to get penalized? That was a good grind session in FFXI, and the only penalty you'd get is maybe a party member having to bail.
I wish I worked for SE, cuz it seems these guys have so much money, they don't want people to play their games>_>
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #289 on:
August 26, 2010, 05:51:42 PM »
Here's the official translation of Kotomo's remarks that was posted on the NA beta test site this morning.
Balancing Character Growth in Beta 3
Once again, we would like to thank you all for your participation and support during the Closed Beta. We will continue to take your valuable feedback into consideration as we develop the game during Open Beta and even beyond the official release.
Now I would like to take a moment to respond to the many questions and opinions regarding the manner in and rates at which experience and skill points are obtained in Beta 3.
Firstly, the concept for FINAL FANTASY XIV was to design a system of character progression that offers meaningful advancement for those with limited time to dedicate to playing. We did not want to create a game that forced people to play for hours on end to see their efforts rewarded. To that end, in addition to the Guardian's Aspect and guildleve systems, we introduced a means of apportioning swifter advancement to shorter periods of play.
In order to achieve this balance, we calculated a value for the amount of skill or experience points that could be earned in a one-hour period. This theoretical value represents an hour spent engaged solely in combat, levequests, or any other activities that earn skill or experience points, and sets a threshold delimiting how many of these points can be earned in a period of play.
Based on this, we have implemented a "threshold value†concept. These thresholds are regulated by a one-week timer that begins counting down the instant you earn skill/experience points. After a week has passed, the thresholds will reset, and the moment skill/experience points are earned again, the timer begins counting down anew.
For the first eight thresholds during this week-long period, players will receive skill/experience points at the maximum rate possible. The actual amount of time spent reaching these thresholds is not significant. That is to say, a player who exceeds eight hours of gameplay will still be rewarded the maximum amount of skill/experience points, so long as the total amount earned is below the eighth threshold value. For the subsequent seven thresholds, players will earn skill/experience points at a gradually decreasing rate, eventually reaching a rate of zero.
It is worth noting, however, that the reduced rate will also gradually recover while players are engaged in activities that do not yield skill/experience points. In this manner, it is possible for the threshold value to reset completely, even before the completion of the one-week timer.
Any skill points earned in excess of the threshold maximum—that is, at a rate of zero—will be stored as "bonus skill points." These are specific to each class, so players limited to earning bonus skill points still have the freedom to change classes and begin earning skill points again at the maximum rate, allowing their reduced skill rates to recover in the meantime.
The experience point threshold, however, is unrelated to class, and switching classes will have no effect on the decreasing rate of earnable experience.
This is how the progression system currently works.
This system was not introduced in Beta 3, but has been in place since the beginning of beta testing. There are several reasons why many people believe that these features were only recently implemented:
- Leading into Beta 3, operation hours were extended, making it possible to play more often during the span of a week.
- To encourage players to form guidleve parties in Beta 3, skill and experience point rewards for guildleves were significantly increased.
- The process that reduced the amount of skill/experience points awarded for weak enemies attacking in groups was unintentionally removed at the start of Beta 3. (This issue has been addressed.)
That last reason in particular was the biggest cause for players running up against the threshold penalty, with characters earning far more skill/experience points than we anticipated. We also faced an issue where we were simultaneously unable to adjust the amount earned for guildleves as well as the effects of crossing each threshold.
We sincerely apologize for the lack of explanation and our failure to make the necessary adjustments in the game.
The threshold values are being reexamined, and we plan to further adjust the different rates of earnable points based on feedback from our testers. One of the top issues we are looking at right now is fixing the excessively rapid drop after crossing the eighth threshold. We also plan to improve experience point reduction rates, even more so than for skill points, considering the threshold is unaffected when changing class.
At the very least, we can promise that players won't be running into the threshold penalty in the same short time span as they did in the beginning of Beta 3.
We would like to take this opportunity to also explain the following issues.
The diminishing results experienced during gathering are a function related to that class alone, and have no connection to this progression system. We are in the process of adjusting this system, and plan to make changes based on tester feedback.
We are currently in the process of considering the means in which bonus skill points can be used. There have been suggestions for various types of incentives, but as encouraging people to play with that in mind defeats the purpose of this threshold system, we will be examining this issue very carefully.
These are not the only adjustments we have planned for Open Beta. As mentioned previously, we are looking into increasing the amount of skill points earned when fighting in a party, and we look forward to seeing your input on these changes.
Last of all, I would like to apologize for the delay in releasing a developer's comment due to my recent attendance to Gamescom. The article based on my interview during that trip, coupled with conjecture, outdated information, and some misunderstandings on overseas websites, only added to the confusion. In the future, I hope to avoid similar problems by responding directly through official developer's comments as often as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
See you in the Open Beta Testing!
FINAL FANTASY XIV Director
Nobuaki Komoto
Anyway, my fear is now that if they get rid of this system there is going to be a stupidly huge xp curve in place of it. We may just have to pick our poison.
Posts: 2755
Cheap? I paid a lot for this hat!
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #290 on:
August 26, 2010, 06:07:42 PM »
Quote from: Tenchi-no-Ryu on August 26, 2010, 05:17:17 AM
Quote from: Logick on August 26, 2010, 04:37:11 AM
I know wow is a touchy subject, but i think they did it best, devalue gold. plain and simple and it works. Why can't others work with that?
Actually it doesn't. WoW actually provides the largest amount of RMT demand of all the current MMO's to date. Gold may be easy to get in WoW, but it makes it easier for RMT to make stock and the huge playerbase makes for the best clientelle. Don't beleive me, do a search for WoW Gold and you'll have a ton more sites selling than for any other MMO out there. Believe me, even though it doesn't affect you because you're not struggling for gold, its still there.
Except WoW had a ton more subscribers, no? Logick was right, WoWs method did work. It cut down tremendously on botting and in-game hacking. Because of the devaluing, RMT now they make their gold by hacking accounts which apparently is extremely lucrative.
Honestly if someone buys gold in WoW, they are a tard. There are way too many ways to get ridiculous amounts of gold with not that much effort. Also, considering how easy it is to get geared, there's little reason to buy BoE's unless you have a huge surplus of gold or the piece you are looking at is extremely badass, not easily replaced (not an issue come cataclysm when 10/25 dungeons share drops), or not replaceable from heroics. If you were a tank looking to gear up fast I could see BoE's being desirable since people want ridiculously geared tanks in their instances. I guess you could also buy gold for GDKP runs, but that seems silly.
Last Edit: August 26, 2010, 06:10:30 PM by Akanbe-
"Karma is...secret top tier"~Starmongoose
Posts: 2366
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #291 on:
August 26, 2010, 06:54:11 PM »
BTW, it's worth noting that RMTs aren't stupid. They'll be instructed by management to rotate classes every 8 hours. This system won't curb their behavior.
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #292 on:
August 26, 2010, 07:13:28 PM »
I will agree that WoW's methods have cut down on these practices, but they're not full proof. Botting and hacking still go on in WoW, its just not as rampant as in NCSoft games. If you look in the right circles you'll still find plenty of small hacker communities who are poking holes into Blizzard's all mighty root-kit. The fact that money is so easy to get makes account hacking alot more effective anyway because the average player at 80 is loaded. RMT exists in *every* MMO, even in those where it doesn't even seem plausible. No matter how lame you think someone would have to be to use RMT, they do exist. I remember the dude who payed a couple hundred thousand gold for the first pheonix mount drop from Tempest Keep, and the dude who placed the lagest RMT order ever for WoW, a couple million gold so he could pimp out his toon, his girlfriends as well as his other friends - just cause he could.
As long as there are items people deem of value or status, hell even bragging rights, there will be people willing to pay money for them. Though they might not pay for it directly, they can certainly employ others to do the work for them, ala the Pheonix mount. So really, RMT is a fact of life - its just how badly can it ruin your economy. It destroyed Lineage II and Aion's economies - its made a mess of XIs economy intermittently, and it doesn't seem to have much noticeable impact on WoWs'.
I'm not saying WoW has failed in controlling RMT, it doesn't really even need to because its economy is unaffected by them - however, just because its not blatantly obvious that RMT isn't running rampant doesn't mean they aren't there.
Last Edit: August 26, 2010, 07:27:38 PM by Tenchi-no-Ryu
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #293 on:
August 26, 2010, 07:14:50 PM »
Quote from: Parn on August 26, 2010, 06:54:11 PM
BTW, it's worth noting that RMTs aren't stupid. They'll be instructed by management to rotate classes every 8 hours. This system won't curb their behavior.
Exactly, which is why alot of these decisions to combat RMT are more detrimental to the average player rather than RMT. Anyway this has been an interesting tangent we've taken. I'm glad at least that it's been clarified that the Fatigue is based on a set amount of skill/xp and not time and that it can be reset before the weekly timer. The funny thing is that now that the details have been explained, min/maxers will find a way around it. Back on topic, if I had to choose between this system and having the kind of xp curve we had in vanilla XI, I think i'd take the Surplus system. At the very least there's a workaround. Leveling to cap is only one small part of the game anyway - as XI showed us for several years, you don't need a level grind to make the game engaging. The gear grind is so much more entertaining :P The problem is that they don't seem to have the options available yet outside of leveling right now.
Last Edit: August 26, 2010, 07:26:31 PM by Tenchi-no-Ryu
Posts: 2755
Cheap? I paid a lot for this hat!
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #294 on:
August 26, 2010, 08:23:50 PM »
Quote from: Tenchi-no-Ryu on August 26, 2010, 07:13:28 PM
I will agree that WoW's methods have cut down on these practices, but they're not full proof. Botting and hacking still go on in WoW, its just not as rampant as in NCSoft games. If you look in the right circles you'll still find plenty of small hacker communities who are poking holes into Blizzard's all mighty root-kit. The fact that money is so easy to get makes account hacking alot more effective anyway because the average player at 80 is loaded. RMT exists in *every* MMO, even in those where it doesn't even seem plausible. No matter how lame you think someone would have to be to use RMT, they do exist. I remember the dude who payed a couple hundred thousand gold for the first pheonix mount drop from Tempest Keep, and the dude who placed the lagest RMT order ever for WoW, a couple million gold so he could pimp out his toon, his girlfriends as well as his other friends - just cause he could.
As long as there are items people deem of value or status, hell even bragging rights, there will be people willing to pay money for them. Though they might not pay for it directly, they can certainly employ others to do the work for them, ala the Pheonix mount. So really, RMT is a fact of life - its just how badly can it ruin your economy. It destroyed Lineage II and Aion's economies - its made a mess of XIs economy intermittently, and it doesn't seem to have much noticeable impact on WoWs'.
I'm not saying WoW has failed in controlling RMT, it doesn't really even need to because its economy is unaffected by them - however, just because its not blatantly obvious that RMT isn't running rampant doesn't mean they aren't there.
Well, the Phoenix Mount IS badass and even to this day, one of the most popular mounts I imagine. The hacking thankfully has died down since back in the days. It's mostly teleporting underground to different mining nodes in Wintergrasp these days. As for the last line, I think most people still know just because of all the players getting hacked and a shit ton of level 1s in Orgrimmar/Ironforge/Stormwind setting up a floating <RMT Site.com> messages.
I am curious about RMT destroying Aion's economy. What/how did that happen?
"Karma is...secret top tier"~Starmongoose
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #295 on:
August 26, 2010, 09:39:22 PM »
Well, for one they had more bots than players at one point. Literally it was impossible to finish quests because they kept killing all the mobs. There are vids still around of trains of bots farming areas or camping respawns. The main thing is that Aion has some pretty ugly cash sinks. Healing lost xp from death and crafting/enchanting required tons of materials and cost. Wings were expensive, transport was expensive - mobs rarely dropped money, they just randomly dropped uncommon quality items that vendored for decent sums of cash. The higher level you were, the more money they sold for but the less they dropped. ex. level 20 polearm would vendor for 8.5k, a level 50 polearm would vendor for 500k. RMT controlled the income (drops from mobs you'd sell) and they controlled the supply (crafting mats that were gathered) as well as the AH. The inflation got so bad that level 23-28 crit crafted gear was selling for millions of kinah because that was how crafters could break even because of how much supplies cost at the AH. They couldn't reasonably gather themselves because there were so many bots, plus bots using hacks making gathering almost impossible against them. The fact that it was impossible to accrue several million by the mid 20's, much less later in the game at 50 showed just how much they had a stranglehold on the economy. You could not effectively gear your character without buying from the AH, and the costs were directly influenced by RMT. The fact that there was so much kinah in circulation despite this was clear proof that alot of players were buying gold. By the time they effectively got down to banning and blocking RMT and bots, the damage was done. The economy had gotten so inflated already that sky high prices didn't drop much, and with the massive bleed off of players, there wasn't enough competition to drive prices down either. Then at endgame the best armor requires you to crit craft the Hot Heart of Magic which requires 100 of a specific item, and if you fail the crit, you have to gather them all over again. Mind you these components AH for 150-330k EACH. The ultimate RNG cash/time sink courtesy of Korean masochism.
Last Edit: August 26, 2010, 09:47:44 PM by Tenchi-no-Ryu
Posts: 2755
Cheap? I paid a lot for this hat!
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #296 on:
August 26, 2010, 10:45:12 PM »
Interesting. Sucks what RMT does to an in-game economy. I had a friend in college who was really into Lineage 2 and he has mentioned how they ruined the game as well. The botting in the game pretty much made him racist against Chinese people (he swears he didn't hate them before he started playing Lineage 2). Not sure I believe him but he was a strange one anyway.
I'm sort of curious though. I know you are interested in Tera. Tera obviously also being a Korean game, what makes you think Tera will be any different?
"Karma is...secret top tier"~Starmongoose
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #297 on:
August 27, 2010, 01:02:43 AM »
Well, for one TERA isn't going to be managed by NCSoft, that's a big plus to begin with. Honestly, all you really need to combat RMT is an ACTIVE support and GM staff as well as a game that doesn't burden its players with money sinks or too many out of reach "must have" items.
Games like Lineage and Aion have such simplistic macro routes that bots can be made quiet easily, WoW not so much since you can't put "wait" into any supported macro. Since TERA is all about player skill (aiming reticule) it will be very difficult for them to program a bot to farm mobs. Also, we have no idea how the currency is going to work in TERA either, if it follows the WoW model they may not have too many problems keeping the economic impact negligent. RMT will always be a presence, but as long as the developers are active in seeking them out and banning accounts etc. it can be held under control. RMT is MMO herpes - once its there, its there for life, all you can do is manage it so you don't have any unsightly flareups ;p
Last Edit: August 27, 2010, 01:04:34 AM by Tenchi-no-Ryu
Posts: 2381
Official Pony Thread
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #298 on:
August 27, 2010, 01:23:39 AM »
But the Phoenix Mount is BoP, unless you mean he paid the raid leader.
Also the first one to get it was that kid with cancer..
RPGFan's MMO Junkie
Posts: 1373
Re: FFXIV Thread
Reply #299 on:
August 27, 2010, 01:31:44 AM »
Quote from: Thoren on August 27, 2010, 01:23:39 AM
But the Phoenix Mount is BoP, unless you mean he paid the raid leader.
He paid the guild for the rights to the drop.
Here's the story about WoW's first RMT millionaire.
Last Edit: August 27, 2010, 01:37:43 AM by Tenchi-no-Ryu
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JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Office of the State Auditor today released Jackson County School District's fiscal year 2013 financial audit, and two issues were noted.
The audit found that the duties of the business manager and assistant business manager relating to journal entries and reconciling bank statement should be segregated.
Also, there was no year-end observation of the Child Nutrition Program inventory account balance.
"These audits are designed to identify and correct any financial and compliance issues found within the school district," Auditor Stacey Pickering said. "I thank the Jackson County School District for their cooperation during this audit."
Jackson County Superintendent Barry Amacker said both issues have been resolved.
The lunchroom issue "was a unique situation in that if, at the end of the year, inventory for food services surpasses a certain level, you're supposed to have an independent auditor there to observe," Amacker said.
"That year we received a large inventory at the end of the year, and we were unaware of this requirement," he said. "It was corrected in the 2014 school year that ended this spring, and we're going to continue to monitor that."
The business office issue was also corrected, Amacker said, through a restructuring of the department.
The audit, performed by Charles L. Shivers, was performed in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the U.S. and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in government auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, Pickering said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The arrival of spring has brought with it some pleasant, warm, sunshine-filled days.
They are the kind of days that get parents and youngsters alike thinking of the end of school year and summertime fun.
For the young sports enthusiasts that means spending at least one of those weeks at a camp geared toward improving their skills in their favorite sport. Below are a few options.
Seahawk Summer Basketball Camp
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SESSION: July 9-13; July 16-20; July 23-27; July 30-Aug. 3
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TUITION: $285 per week. Multiple week and group discounts available
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DIRECTOR: Bashir Mason, Wagner's head men's basketball coach, and other Seahawk staff members.
TO REGISTER: Email Scott Smith at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 718-390-3206.
Tom Masella Youth Football Camp
SITE: Wagner College, 1 Campus Rd., Grymes Hill
SESSION: July 23-27
AGES: Boys and girls 8-14-years-old
TIME: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early drop-off available.
TUITION: $250 per person (first-day walkups are welcome)
SPECIAL NOTES: Campers receive a T-shirt and lunch is included in the registration fee.
GOALS: The non-contact camp instruction will focus on fundamentals, skills and techniques of each position.
DIRECTOR: Tom Masella, Wagner's associate head football coach, and other Seahawk staff members.
TO REGISTER: Email email@example.com or call 718-420-4511.
Breakaway Multi-Sport Camp
SITE: PS 36, 255 Ionia Ave., Annadale, and Bloomingdale Park, 1898 Drumgoole Rd. W between Maguire and Lenevar Aves.
SESSION: Aug. 27-31
AGES: 3-to-15-years-old
TIMES: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. full-day; 3-5-year-old: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
TUITION: $195 per person (discounts and group rates available)
GOALS: Instruction in softball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse and soccer. Players may choose a sport to concentrate on.
DIRECTOR: Heather Barclay and notable Staten Island head trainers in all sports offered.
TO REGISTER: Online at www.breakawaysoccernj.com.
Victory Soccer Academy Clinic
SITE: Victory Performance Center, 425 Wild Ave., Travis.
SESSION: 8 consecutive Wednesdays beginning July 13
AGES: 3-to-14-years-old
TIMES: 7:30-9 p.m.
TUITION: $165 per person (discounts and team rates available)
GOALS: Instruction focuses on technical player development to increase each athlete's level of play. Parisi Speed School will infuse its training in each session.
DIRECTOR: Heather Barclay and notable head trainers.
TO REGISTER: Online or in person at Victory Performance Center.
Breakaway Preseason Prep Clinic
(presented by John Wolyniec)
SITE: John D'Amato Field, foot of New Dorp Lane.
SESSION: Aug. 7-9; Aug. 14-16; Aug. 21-23
TIMES: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
AGES: 6-to-17-years-old
SESSIONS: 9-a.m.-noon for 6-9-year-olds
12:30-3:30 p.m.: 10-to-13-year-olds
5:30-7:30 p.m.: 14-to-17-year-olds
TUITION: $60 per person per week
GOALS: To help players sharpen their skills, fitness and tactical understanding of soccer before the start of their youth, travel and/or high school league seasons.
DIRECTOR: Heather Barclay and notable trainers.
TO REGISTER: At www.breakawaysoccerny.com.
If you are running a sports camp and want the information printed in the Shores weekly section, please send a brochure via email to email@example.com or by regular mail to Jerry Lee, SI Advance, 950 Fingerboard Rd., SI, NY 10305.


text:
Rosie Under Fire For Prop 8 Silence
Perpetually outraged activist Michael Petrelis and some of his chums are absolutely fuming over
Rosie O'Donnell's apparent silence on Proposition 8. Writes Greg Hernandez from Out In Hollywood:
Just finished checking Rosie O'Donnell's Rosie.com blog and find it kind of mind-boggling that she is writing about "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and old Reese Witherspoon movies and not a word about Proposition 8. I am curious about why Rosie, always so outspoken, has been so out of the picture …
Now what about the fight for equal rights in California Rosie? Any thoughts? Maybe we'll hear from her after the election because, as she writes, "i am trying to stay away from the news as we near the finish line … the noise distracts me i believe."
While we're on the subject of Hernandez and his adventures in Homo-Wood – the journalist had a chance to chat with Bill Maher about Proposition 8. And, yes, Maher's got an opinion.
First and foremost, the politically-minded entertainer simply flabbergasted people are donating their hard earned money to meddle in other people's lives, ie: the millions social conservatives have amassed to overturn gay marriage. Maher's also taken aback by the vitriol of the debate, although he's not surprised:
It is ugly because it's prejudice. It's denying people their civil rights. And it all comes from religion. If there wasn't a Bible, no one would ever think twice about homosexuality. It's obviously something that occurs in nature. It's just that it says in the old book of Jewish fairy tales that you're not supposed to do it with people of your own sex.
Hey everyone feel free to look up contributions to the No on 8 Campaign. At : http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/
Two other missing names: Andrew Belonsky & David Hauslaib. Not even a thin dime from our Queerty Editors. Cheap Cheap Cheap
While not a big Rosie fan, I'll concede she may consider this a state's right issue… if it were a NY ballot measure and she was silent THEN you could jump on her (so to speak).
Quite disheartening. I feel that its necessary to fight for marriage in each and every state in the Union. I would also like to hear from Queerty.com's Editors what they've done for Prop 8… since they've been called out!!!
Maybe it is best that Rosie keep silent. She certainly has a way of raising hackles in certain circles. She ought to write a big check, if she has not already, and she may have and asked not to be mentioned for the aforementioned reason, but silence is probably her best policy.
Well, seeing as most to all celebrities or companies have supported only the intiatives in their respective states, it makes sense that she wouldn't say anything. If anything should be brought to light, why haven't the celebrities supported ALL the states that trying to foil their Propositions? Florida needs way more help then California.
Everyone with a head knows the queer haters would LOVE to have Rosie as their target to put her face on No on Prop 8, she's their favorite whipping boy. Rosie's position on marriage and adoption is NO SECRET, and I'd be very suprised if she isn't donating and working in a low key manner for the causes in several states.
Tracy Chapman donated $10,000? Cool!
Well, don't believe everything in that admittedly very cool donation list. Both my parents are listed but I'm not, and I've given money five times.
So now the activists are keeping track of how much who is giving, what they are saying, how much they are saying, when they are saying it…isn't this some kind of reverse, fucked up political fascism from the other direction?
I am all for fighting this – but pressuring and forcing people to do what YOU want when YOU want them too, that kind of gives me the creeps…
Last week, the pro-Prop 8 folks sent threatening letters to businesses that donated money to fight 8.
So maybe Donald Trump was right in all those insults he hurled her way.
How can she sponsor those cruises that inflame the small Caribbean nations and not act against prop 8?
I don't understand it.
Look, Rosie has always been a coward. She pretended to be in love with Cruise, and didn't come out until after she was already announcing the end of her show AND several lesbian groups were talking to the press outing her. Ellen came out when she had a hit show on TV, now THAT is a hero.
Steff (No. 1): I'm not sure it counts as "haranguing" to point out that a normally outspoken out gay celebrity who's never lacked an opinion on pretty much anything, and who's never been shy about condemning others' anti-gay opinions, is being strangely Silent on a very real, tangible issue of importance to gay and lesbian Californians. Rosie's support could easily motivate significant activism in our community, and her silence on Prop 8 is just…weird.
Rosie has a link on her website to VOTE NO on PROP 8 on the right hand side of her page.
It would be really nice if Rosie donated, maybe she has already anonymously but last I heard, she was a celebrity, not running for "Saint" or "philosipher" of the year. This is not to excuse completely if she didn't do anything, but a person's popularity as a celebrity should not hinge on their politics. Eating live puppies, or beating your spouse, abusing your child – those are very different subjects.
What to me is more deplorable is that Rosie's pal Madonna, who has the gays to thank for keeping her 50 year old butt around all this time, has yet to drop a dime to "No on Prop 8." UNBELIEVABLE.
I know there are Madonna die-hards out there who will blast me for saying she's done plenty for AIDS projects in years past, and she has. However, this is a defining civil right movement and she's yet to donate or help.
I'm deeply disappointed in her and have once again been shown the kind of hypocrite that she is.
@ Ted, interesting to hear that the database may not be completely up to date. I've donated twice but only one is showing up. Quite a lot of friends and colleagues whom I assumed would donate aren't there. Glad to hear it could be slow reporting or something, because it would make me sad if they got married and then didn't do anything to oppose Prop 8.
>>Madonna, who has the gays to thank for keeping her 50 year old butt around all this time, has yet to drop a dime to "No on Prop 8."
Farrah, with her marriage to Guy skidding scandalously on the rocks and in print, Madonna may have soured on ALL marriage. :-D
GGreen, good point on the tight-waded Editors of Queerty who are probably scoring Crystal Meth from the DJ at G-Lounge.
Rosie might be a Hillary fan (and didn't see her dream of a Madam President) and is subsequently mad at the Democratic Party but not enough to weigh in.
Also, can people donate anonymously so the "Fake Left" Hit Squad don't call every celebrity a homophobe?
Rosie doesn't live in California. She gives plenty to many great causes. But having said that a check would be nice considering she did get married in California.
On a somewhat related topic. I. DONT. KNOW. HOW. KELLY. DOES. IT!!
I thought the gay marriage law in California had a codical: "Not to apply to Rosie O'Donnell". That's why she's angry.
By the way the photo of Rosie is just duckey!
im iaraqi gay escape from iraq becoze they are try to kill me plaese i need ur help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friends can send Donations to IRAQI LGBT:The immediate urgent priority is to Support and Donate Money to LGBT activists in Iraq in order to assist their efforts to help other Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and Trans gender Iraqi's facing death, persecution and systematic Targeting by the Iraqi Police and Badr and Sadr Militia and to raise awareness about the wave of homophobic murders in Iraq to the outside world.Funds raised will also help provide LGBTs under threat of killing with refuge in the safer parts of Iraq (including safe houses, food, electricity, medical help) and assist efforts help them seek
im iaraqi gay escape from iraq becoze they are try to kill me plaese i need ur help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my email > [email protected]
@ggreen: nice. truly, the emperor has no clothes!


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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - From "ol' Hippies" to young professionals, it appears a lot of Staten Islanders want to take the high road and see New York state legalize marijuana for recreational use, and tax it.
Posting on SILive.com, Tottenville8, said, "The state - and the federal government, too - might as well make money off pot by legalizing and appropriately taxing it, instead of losing massive amounts [of] money prosecuting it."
State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) is introducing legislation to legalize pot for personal use. Democratic city Comptroller John Liu favors legalization, saying it could bring hundreds of millions of tax dollars into the five boroughs.
"There are hundreds of ways to screw up your life... alcohol and cigarettes are at the top of the list," wrote Moose. "Marijuana is a safer alternative, and quite frankly, a financial cash cow for the state of New York."
Proponents also said that legalization would also save money by reducing the number of pot arrests. Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) has signed onto Ms. Krueger's bill.
Greatkills wrote, "I do not smoke marijuana. I do not have the energy to do so. However, I witness the effects of it being illegal: Jails full of low level offenders, sometimes arrested for the first time because of possession - marked for life."
bmansback wrote, "I'm as anti-drug and anti-drug abuser/addict as they come but I say legalize it. If alcohol is legal then why not pot?"
"You can smoke all day long and you will OD on cheese doodles before you OD on THC," wrote machigreens, who described themselves as as 30-year-old with a six-figure salary. "Come on people..."
blatentbs wrote, "my friends and I have been imbibing for over 40 years - goes back to the good ol' Hippie days....and I hope I will finally be able to smoke it legally for the rest of my life."
grtfulguy: Frankly our prescription meds like oxycontin and Xanax are more dangerous and addictive than marijuana.
But others aren't so sure.
Addressing other possible drawbacks, Swim wrote, "Taxing pot will create a black market. Why add to the drunk and medicated people driving the roads with people who are stoned."
Wrote Franico, "How many innocent deaths are because of dwi or dui?"
Nobdyaskbut write, "When walking off the ferry at Whitehall on the car ramp there is always at least one dimwit that lights up a cigarette for everyone behind him to inhale. Imagine if pot becomes legal!"
Others have also said that marijuana is a gateway drug and can lead users, particularly the young, to harder and more dangerous substances.
State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) is looking to legalize marijuana for medicinal use in the state. She told the Advance in August that she didn't think the state was ready yet to approve pot for personal use.


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HANCOCK - Hancock got a typical big night from Alex Almquist, but it also got a big night from the players around him, resulting in a 59-53 come-from-behind WestPAC win over West Iron County Tuesday.
The Bulldogs (8-3, 2-1 WestPAC) outplayed the Wykons down the stretch to win their seventh game in a row.
"Down the stretch we moved the ball better and made quicker decisions which gave us some good looks," Hancock coach Curtis Wittenberg said.
Many of those good looks got converted. Not only did Almquist finish with 23 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks, but guards Jared Peryam, Chad Raasio and Cole Kemppainen each hit a pair of 3-pointers apiece.
Ryan Rogers hit three treys and finished with 17 points to lead the Wykons.
Peryam and Raasio both finished with 10 points for Hancock, which plays at Chassell Friday night.
West Iron 16 13 16 8 53
Hancock 14 17 12 16 59
West Iron County Adam Newby 15, Ryan Rogers 17, Aren Newby 6, Hopkins 7, Andy Ridolphi 4, Pisoni 4; FT: 12-20; Fouls: 19; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Rogers 3.
Hancock Kyle Hill 2, Jared Peryam 10, Chad Raasio 10, Cole Kemppainen 8, Spencer Silvola 4, Sean Patchin 3, Alex Almquist 23; FT: 11-23; Fouls: 15; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Peryam 2, Raasio 2, Kemppainen 2, Almquist 2.
Calumet 44, Baraga 27
CALUMET Calumet turned in its second strong defensive performance in as many nights to put away Baraga.
A night after allowing 24 points and no individual over seven vs. Chassell, the Copper Kings (7-3) allowed 27 points and no individual over six Tuesday.
Calumet's offense, meanwhile, clicked off the necessary points led by 16 from Paul Torola.
"They ran a very good offense and they ran it through Torola and he played another fine game for them. Their defense was real solid and they played well," Baraga coach Scott Artley said.
The Copper Kings go for the three-win week with a home game Friday against Houghton.
Baraga, now 2-8, will try to end a four-game losing streak at Republic-Michigamme Friday.
Calumet 11 13 15 5 - 44
Baraga 3 8 4 12 - 27
Calumet - Russ Bjorn 2, Josh O'Dell 4, Paul Torola 16, Jack Hyrkas 5, Kurt Keranen 2, Jake Pieti 15; FT: 6-13; Fouls: 12; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Torola 1, Hyrkas 1.
Baraga - Brandon Varline 5, Austin Smith 4, Steven Hadden 3, Dillion Huckstaedt 5, Zac Owens 2, Lucas Coffey 2, Chaz Forcia 6; FT: 2-5; Fouls: 16; Fouled out: Varline; 3-point field goals: Hadden 1, Varline 1, Forcia 1.
Houghton 78, Ontonagon 47
ONTONAGON Houghton got its groove back quickly, dumping Ontonagon to stop a losing streak at two.
The Gremlins (6-3) jumped into the lead early, going up 19-7 after a quarter and 40-17 at the half.
"They jumped on us right away and they just kept their foot on the gas all night. They dominated us in every aspect of the game," Ontonagon coach Tim Nelson said.
Trent Keteri led the attack, making five of Houghton's 10 three-pointers en route to a game-high 23 points. Houghton also got 14 from Nate Gockenbach.
Ontonagon falls to 2-7 despite putting three players in double figures led by Kyle Karttunen's 16. Mitch Borseth added 15 and Alex Ashley 10 for the Glads, who play at Ironwood Friday.
Houghton is at Calumet the same night.
Houghton 19 21 24 14 - 78
Ontonagon 7 10 12 18 - 47
Houghton - Trent Keteri 23, Ben Collaer 4, Eero Niemela 9, Thomas Strome 6, Sam Bethancourt 7, Nate Gockenbach 14, Joel Mewbourn 3, Ri Chen 6, Hunter Richards 6; FT: 4-4; Fouls: 20; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Keteri 5, Niemela 1, Strome 2, Bethancourt 1, Mewbourn 1.
Ontonagon - Kyle Karttunen 16, Mitch Borseth 15, Taylor Beaudry 3, Alex Ashley 10, Aaron Dean 3; Fouls: 11; Fouled out: none; FT: 14-23; 3-point field goals: Borseth 5.
Lake Linden-Hubbell 69, Ewen-Trout Creek 26
LAKE LINDEN - Lake Linden-Hubbell drilled nine three-pointers in a lopsided home win over Ewen-Trout Creek Tuesday.
The Lakes shot 40 percent (9-of-22) on their attempts from outside the arc, only a slightly weaker clip than they did from the rest of the field (18-for-42, 42 percent from inside).
Brett Poissant had a pair of those threes and a game-high 15 points. Luke Monette finished with 12 and Tyler Roose with 10, and both also made two threes as the Lakes officially made it to the halfway point of their regular season unbeaten at 10-0.
For E-TC, which falls to 2-7, Nick Hearns led the way with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
The Panthers host Ironwood Thursday in a make-up game. LL-H returns to action Friday with a trip to Dollar Bay.
Ewen-TC 7 3 10 6 26
LL-Hubbell 15 30 17 7 69
Ewen-Trout Creek Andy Meverden 2, Nick Hearns 10, John Berglund 5, Michael Boro 4, Lane Brown 5; FT: 3-4; Fouls: 9; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Berglund 1.
Lake Linden-Hubbell Trevor Ongie 8, Cole Beauchamp 7, Trent Ambuehl 2, Luke Monette 12, Cody Kunnari 2, Brett Poissant 15, Tyler Roose 10, Lucas Klein 4, Chuck Heckel 2, Ryan Knoll 7; FT: 6-6; Fouls: 9; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Ongie 2, Beauchamp 1, Monette 2, Poissant 2, Roose 2.


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Recap: 'Live to Dance' - Performance Show #2
An act moves into the finals, but one judge isn't happy about it
It's probably too late now, but someone at CBS should consider giving this show a revamp before it frustrates someone to death. Wondering how much fluff is packed into the beginning of the show? Two minutes to tell us who's going to be on the show, a minute for the judges to walk onto the stage like three little Eva Perons greeting their public, and then another minute to recap the previous week's episode. So, if you were wondering how the producers stretch six short performances into a full hour of prime time, well, there you go.
[Full recap of Wednesday's (Jan. 19) "Live to Dance" after the break...]
Anyway, first up we have to finish business leftover from last week: the viewer's choice to enter the finals. The two acts that had the most votes are D'Angelo & Amanda and Jittin' Genius. The act that made it through is… D'Angelo & Amanda. This is not exactly a shocker, although our helpful Australian host and a ridiculously overwrought musical score tries to create tension where there is none. But seriously, how could anyone not vote for little D'Angelo & Amanda? D'Angelo goes all Mia Hamm and, while he doesn't rip off his shirt, he does drop to his knees and shake his little fists. I wonder if he does this at ballroom competitions, because I doubt such sports-inspired displays of happiness fly in that realm.
Another cutesy-poo entry is Jalen, who's up first. He's lost a tooth since his last time on the show, so he's just that much more adorable. It's like watching a B-boy bunny rabbit. And while some of his moves are pretty impressive, I'm not exactly wowed by this kid. He's not in synch with the music, and at one point it just looks like he's jerking around on the floor for his own amusement.
Paula tells him he worked his little butt off. And thinks he's 19 and not nine for reasons that don't make a great deal of sense. Um, okay. Gold star. Travis says it was great. Gold star. Kimberly thinks he has skills beyond his years. Gold star.
Next up, Dance in Flight. We are told that Gary is a crematory operator and they're both old, although they don't say how old. Unless you cop to a number, I'm not giving you points for age, geezers! They try to kiss up to the judges by choreographing part of their routine to a Paula Abdul song, but this is a train wreck. Gary almost drops Kate at the end, there are a few missed connections and they just look nervous.
Travis feels they've lost their luster since the audition. Red star. Kimberly is conflicted because she admires their love of dance but thinks Kate didn't nail some of her extensions. That would be an understatement, sweetie. Gold star. Paula thinks they have a commitment to excellence but felt Kate couldn't nail the sharper moves. Gold star. So much for playing hardball, Paula.
Twitch is eight girls and one guy and once again we learn that everyone has a crush on Anthony. But the latest development is that he's dating one of the girls now. Ooh, drama! Well, even if the other girls are quietly devastated and wanting to kill the Chosen Girl, this routine is still amazing. There's great use of the stage, the routine is beautifully synchronized and it's powerful storytelling. However, someone needs to tell the girls that they really shouldn't be yanking one their boy shorts while waiting for the judges' comments. Kinda gross.
Paula is proud of them and thought it was beautiful. Gold star. Travis thought it was hot and tells them they raised the bar. Gold star. Kimberly thinks their ability to tell a story is exquisite. Gold star.
Next up, Du-Shaunt Stegall. He just moved to a new school, so he's happy to have dance in his life. And because he's short, though I'm not really sure what dance does to improve that situation. Du-Shaunt has a nice stage presence and some sharp isolations up his sleeve, but the whole routine sputters out too quickly. At one point, he looks like he's just killing time, waiting for the music to end.
Kimberly gives him props for his moves, but felt it fell flat. Red star. Paula thinks he needs to learn beyond hip-hop. Red star. Travis thought he was good but not great. Red star. Wahh-wah.
Dax & Sarah are next in line and, though only a few letters off, not a Ben Folds song. They're a couple, which is cute, but their dancing dreams could be at risk because Dax has a bad back. Actually, make that two herniated discs. We even get to go to the doctor with Dax and see him looking worried in a hospital gown. Alright, we get it, this is a Dramatic Moment about to happen on Live Television because Dax is going to dance, but his entire spine could pop out and slither across the stage if he busts the wrong move. That doesn't happen, but not much else happens, either. I loooove the Lindy hop, but this starts out achingly slow and isn't as crisp or as exciting as I would have hoped. Oddly, Sarah is the one who looks like she has a back injury. In the opening her arms look awkward and she carries some weird tension in her shoulders.
Paula feels for them and thought they were still entertaining. Gold star. Travis hated the slow opening and thought it was boring. Red star. Kimberly fully disagrees and thought it was true to the spirit of the Lindy hop yet modern, too. Gold star.
White Tree Fine Art is the final act. Just in case we think he's a little girly or something, he points out that he was the captain of the football team. Now, of course, he's a sculptor and a painter, and Nikki writes about dance. And all I can think is, how can you guys afford to live in San Francisco? Do you live in a coat closet? Anyway, this is beautiful, but I will say I'll like almost anything if it's set to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Still, I love the aerial work with the red fabric (very Cirque de Soleil), and she has exceptional form. I know he's trying to butch it up by wearing pants, but it just makes his moves look a little heavy.
Kimberly gives them a standing O. She says they bring little girl dreams to life. Gold star. Travis wants to be more excited about them. Red star. Paula and Kimberly want to kill him. Paula loved it, and points out that she thought of the aerial thing, so nyah nyah, Travis. Gold star.
So, now the judges must pick an act to put through to the finals. I'm thinking Twitch might be a good choice, as they were solid, fun to watch and no one had a bad back. And the act they're putting through is… White Tree Fine Art. That's a surprise, given that Travis didn't love them, but I guess Paula and Kimberly dragged him behind a backdrop and beat him into submission with their high heels. I do like White Tree Fine Art and I'm thrilled to see ballet in the finals, but these two are going to have to ramp it up. While the aerial work brought a new dimension to their routine, they still seem a little reserved. But Paula will surely have some ideas, right?
Do you think White Tree Fine Art should have been picked? Do you think Paula is turning into a big, mushy marshmallow of love and support? Which act are you voting for?


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BATON ROUGE - When it comes to fullback, LSU has quantity. Quality is up for grabs.
Five players are vying for the job with no clear-cut leader. Coach Les Miles is hoping one can seize the position, sooner rather than later.
The first question Miles fielded on media day was about fullbacks.
"I think there are a number of young guys that we are looking at to factor in there, and I think there is some development at that position that needs to take place as we go forward, " Miles said. "That is certainly one of those spots that we are trying some guys and seeing how they work, but there is good competition there, and I think we have good enough players."
Fullback is no longer an every-down position, but it is vital to maintaining a power running game. He leads the back through the hole and has to take out the first free defender, or the play goes nowhere.
With fullback Quinn Johnson leading the way two years ago, Charles Scott rushed for 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns. Last season, with Johnson with the Green Bay Packers, Scott sputtered to 542 yards and four touchdowns, and ended up playing some fullback himself.
An underperforming offensive line was a big part of that, but Miles acknowledged that the Tigers weren't getting enough help from the fullback, where four players were shuffled in the starting lineup throughout the season.
The competition this year is far from complete. Miles said if the Tigers were to play today, James Stampley would get the first shot, and he also mentioned walk-on Richard Dugas, a 262-pound converted offensive lineman. His father, Robert Dugas, was an All-American offensive tackle at LSU (1976-78).
Also in the mix are converted linebacker Kellen Theriot and freshman Brandon Worle, and freshman tight end Travis Dickson has also worked out there.
Stampley, a junior walk-on from Baker High School, said he's not taking anything for granted.
"It's competitive, " he said. "Every fullback brings something different to the table. It's wide open."
Stampley, who is 5 feet 10 and 230 pounds, said all the competitors are in better shape than last year, including himself. "I'm overall in better shape than last year, " he said. "I'm going to give it my all. We don't get many reps, but the ones we do have, we have to make them count."
Dugas had the early lead last season but didn't play much in the latter part of the season when he was in the 275-pound range. He has cut some weight and has an edge in experience on the rest of the group.
"We're deep this year, " he said. "We have five or six guys rotating in every day. It's going to be by committee again, but one or two guys are going to rise to the top and be called on."
Said Miles: "They (Stampley and Dugas) know where to go and where to contact."
Theriot was switched in the spring and made progress, and Worle is the newcomer who could also play running back. Sophomore Dominique Allen, who started one game last season, remains suspended for a violation of team rules and is not on the roster.
"(Runnings backs) coach Frank (Wilson) has been telling us every day we have to get better and nothing is set in stone, " Dugas said. "Every day you go out there, you have to make the best of your opportunity, whether it's one rep or five reps. It's a matter of competing throughout camp, and in the end, they choose the best one to go out there."
SCRIMMAGE COMING: LSU will practice twice today before holding the first major scrimmage of fall camp Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
Jim Kleinpeter can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3405.


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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Holiday lights will be glowing and streets will be bustling during Uptown's Shop Hop this week.
The annual four-district shopping event will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, with free shuttle rides. Shoppers can visit one the participating stores to pick up a shuttle stop map and business directory.
More than 80 businesses in East Hills, Eastown, Wealthy Street and East Fulton shopping areas will offer free samples, live music and discounts on merchandise during the event.
Horse-drawn carriages and carolers complete the annual Shop Hop tradition, organized by the Uptown Marketing Committee.
This year, there will be warming stations at Van's Pastry Shoppe (East Fulton), Brewery Vivant (East Hills), Wolfgangs & Trillium Haven (Eastown),The Image Shoppe and Wealthy Street Bakery (Wealthy Street) offering coffee, hot chocolate or cider for free or at a special price for Shop Hop patrons.
Haylea Gray, owner of One Girl's Treasure, 1146 Wealthy St. SE, has attended the event as a tradition with her friends, and is excited to participate in the event for the first time as a shop owner.
"I'm very excited to be part of it and celebrate the holidays and good cheer with our customers," she said. "It's a big, collective, festive party and I think it's fun to share that with the community."
Gray's store, which has been open for five years, moved from its previous location on Lyon Street downtown last April.
One Girl's Treasure will be hosting live music by Peri Jill and Dan, which will play folk-style holiday music. They will also have wine and chocolate samplings and offer 15 percent off the entire store and free gift wrapping.
The famous man dressed in a red suit who delivers toys to good girls and boys can be found at Under the Vines, 959 Cherry St. SE, in the East Hills shopping district.
"He'll be outside the store and people can take pictures with Santa," said Under the Vines owner Sandra Kidner Otte.
Under the Vines, which sells Michigan-made food and gifts, will be illuminated with holiday lights and a Christmas tree inside the store.
"It's a very social event," Kidner Otte said. "People want to get out and see the Christmas decorations."
See a list of all the stores participating in the Uptown Shop Hop event.
Email Kyle Moroney at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow her at Twitter or Facebook


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After a brief foot chase through the French Quarter Friday night, New Orleans police nabbed a driver and passenger who they say jumped out of their car after police tried to pull it over. Inside the car lay a loaded stolen semi-automatic handgun, a loaded rifle, marijuana and 24 crack rocks in plain view, according to a department news release.
Police said the driver, Trey Mitchell, 20, blew through a stop sign near the corner of Bourbon and Bienville streets. An officer signaled for the driver to pull over.
Just as the car stopped, Mitchell and his passenger, Damien Abrams, 21, jumped out of the car and ran, police said.
Nearby patrol officers chased the duo and eventually got both men in handcuffs.
After finding the guns and drugs, police also found boxes of ammunition in the car's trunk, police said.
Police determined that the semi-automatic handgun was stolen in Houma.
Both Mitchell and Abrams were arrested and booked on counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of a stolen handgun and resisting an officer, police said.
Mitchell was also booked on a count of driving on a suspended license.


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Two children who took off in their grandmother's car in Blount County Monday night were found today in Jefferson County after deputies spotted the vehicle overturned near the Pinson area.
Deputies found the white Nissan Sentra about 6:20 a.m. down an embankment on Goodwin Road and Lee Ann Circle. There were no passengers in the car, however there was some blood inside, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian.
Deputies ran the tag, which came back as reported stolen out of Blount County.
Sheriff's officials set up a perimeter and brought out the tracking dogs, which found the children, ages 14 and 12, about 8 a.m.
Christian said they found the pair near Old Springville Road. At first they started to run from lawmen, but then stopped. The girl and boy had minor injuries and were taken to Children's Hospital for evaluation.
"It looks like they had a fun little night until they turned over their grandmother's car,'' Christian said.
Blount County will handle any investigation, he said.
"We're just glad they're OK,'' Christian said. "It certainly could have been tragic."


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JACKSON — Jackson Lumen Christi's Pat Campbell and Andrew Conway nearly shut out Tyler McCall and Ben Vasquez in 1 doubles to help the Titans boys tennis team defeat visiting Charlotte 6-2 on Monday. Patrick Doerr won 2 singles over Charlotte's Andrew Fulton 6-0, 6-0.
"I'm happy with my singles' performances today, especially Patrick Doerr - he's been ramping up his game, especially today," Lumen Christi coach David Darling, "He was playing really loose, didn't make many mistakes, and in a game like his where he's always going for a lot it's good to see him doing well.
"This was a great win to have going into a conference tournament. For today I was happy with mostly how we played. 1 and 2 doubles did a great job taking care of business. Luckily we have two more days to practice and get ready for our tournament at Mason.
"I think I was also happy with how 3 doubles bounced back after they lost the first set. It's always tough fighting back, and they didn't get discouraged."
Despite the win, coach Darling saw room for improvement in several facets for his team.
For more on this story and other Jackson area high school sports action, visit the preps page.


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Dallas Cowboys Roster Locks And Bubble Dwellers
DeVonte Holloman, LB
Holloman solidified his role as the second team's unrequited playmaker and ball-hawk with an interception and a forced fumble. He looked a step behind on some of his pass coverages, but that's to be expected from a rookie. With Ernie Sims out with a groin injury and special teams man Alex Albright waived, Holloman stands alone as the best reserve linebacker the Cowboys have.
Nick Hayden, DT
Like Holloman, Hayden's got a proclivity for converging on the point of attack. He's a swarmer and that seems to be a big part of the new-look defense. Throughout the preseason, the Wisconsin product has shown he can penetrate the backfield on running plays with precise instinct, and he looks athletic and fleet-footed enough to generate his own pass rush from the middle.


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List: Prishtina-L
[Prishtina-l] Violence in Pristina (fwd)Etrit Bardhi etrit at alb-net.com
Mon Nov 29 11:03:34 EST 1999
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 08:32:29 -0700 From: Anthony Teran <anthonyt at azmicrotek.com> To: support at alb-net.com Subject: Violence in Pristina Good Day, I am writing in response to the horrible crime that occurred in a main street of Pristina. For years, my neighbors and I have supported Kosovo's cry for independence and justice, and continue to do so, but these latest crimes I am now hearing about is really starting to make me think twice. How can people behave so sadistically?? I don't understand what an elderly couple can do to the independence of Kosovo or how they undermine the people's will. I truly understand the animosity that is held towards the Serb people and culture, and I truly feel sorry for the harsh and unfair treatment they pressed upon your people, BUT WHERE DOES IT ALL END?? How do you think NATO and the U.N. feel about trying to protect people who do the same damn thing to the other side. We are not talking about soldiers, or spies, or propaganda people, we are talking about elderly people. If this is the way Kosovar-Albanians are going to act, the same and not a dignified people who just won independence to make life better, Kosovo will begin to lose support of the U.N., NATO, and the rest of the countries that put their reputation on the line to help you. If this is the way newly independent people are going to act, well I guess it would be better for you to fight each other until one conquers the other with no outside help. Maybe all the people with hatred in their hearts will all be killed off, and somewhere down the line humanity and civilization can finally start. Please forward this to the proper people. Anthony S. Teran
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TriMet says its blue and red MAX lines are experiencing disruptions this morning because of a car on the tracks in the westbound tunnel near downtown.
Westbound trains are getting around the blockage using the eastbound tracks, but trains in both directions will experience delays.
Shuttle buses are expected to serve stations between Sunset Transit Center and Kings Hill station, said Roberta Altstadt, a TriMet spokeswoman.
-- The Oregonian


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Morris led the Big 10 in assists per game (6.7) as a sophomore, setting Michigan's single-season assist record with 235, and led his team with 15.0 points per contest.
Morris, who is drawing many comparisons to Andre Miller, has a scheduled workout with the Trail Blazers according to the Detroit Free Press. Portland holds the No. 21 and No. 51 picks in the June 23 draft.
Darius MorrisMichigan
Position: PG
Height/weight: 6-5/190
Mock drafts:
• DraftExpress.com: 33, Pistons
• ESPN.com: 28, Bulls
• NBA.com: 23, Rockets
• NBADraft.net: 23, Rockets
• NBA Draft Insider: 23, Rockets
• HoopsWorld: 27, New Jersey
Walker Beeken, DraftExpress.com (1/14/11): "The area where Morris has really stood out and made strides this season has been as a distributor. Aided by the fact that he's asked to handle the ball and create shots for himself and his teammates dozens of times per game, he's shown to have a solid feel for making drive and dish plays, even if there's still plenty of room for improvement. He's clearly embraced his role as the Wolverine's primary ball-handler and playmaker, nearly doubling his assist rate from last season."
NBA draft prospects
Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com: "One of the few true, playmaking point guards in the draft, Morris has the size and instincts teams like."
Josh Cochran, NBADraft.net (via FoxSports.com): "He has outstanding size for a point guard, standing at 6-5 with a 6-7-1/2 wingspan. Morris is very quick with an excellent first step, giving him the ability to drive to the paint and create plays. He plays an aggressive, attacking style utilizing his size and quickness effectively. Morris had the ball in his hands a tremendous amount in John Beilein's offense, and he parlayed that into a Big Ten-leading 6.7 assists per game."
SwishScout.com: "Morris is 6'5" point guard with outstanding court vision, passing ability, ball handling, quickness, and loves to back down smaller guards. Lacks great range or consistency on his jumper, but does a great job of incorporating his teammates and making them better. He was one of the NCAA's top assist men his sophomore year, and while he may never be an elite NBA point guard, he's a player with the skill set and potential more than capable of eventually leading a team."
You decide: If Darius Morris is available at 21, should the Blazers draft him?


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Brad Arnold carried a touch of southern politeness with him Sunday night at the state fair grandstand.
After every song Arnold performed with his four band mates in 3 Doors Down, he made sure to say, "Thank you, friends," or some phrase of gratefulness and familiarity.
The fans warmed to the modern rock band from Mississippi on an evening that was surprisingly pleasant considering the rainy day that had led up to it, but the first sweatshirt night of the fair nonetheless.
Arnold acknowledged the storm named Irene, whose outer fringes hit Syracuse on Sunday. He added that he wished a storm could be that tame when it hit his beloved southern Mississippi, which has seen its share of horrible devastation from hurricanes past.
The fans cheered early and loud for the older favorites from the band that started in 1996.
"When You're Young" earned quick recognition for the song that's about those who look back and those still looking ahead.
"Loser," from the first album, got cheers early and often.
Top five hit "Here without You," made the fans stand.
They were into the big wall of sound that always carried a hint of melancholy and a touch of brooding.
The title cut from the latest album, "Time of My Life," which led off the show, and "What's Left," also from this year's release, proved that 15 years in, Arnold and mates Matt Roberts on lead guitar, Chris Henderson on guitar, Todd Harrell on bass and Greg Upchurch on drums are still delivering the sound their fans crave.
An encore that included the career-making hits "Kryptonite" and "When I'm Gone" proved just how hot 3 Doors Down can be at the top of its game.
Opening band Saving Abel also calls Mississippi home.
For sure, front man Jared Weeks, lead guitarist Jason Null, guitarist Scott Bartlett, bassist Eric Taylor and drummer Blake Dixon threw many southern touches into their set.
When they rocked out, on songs "Bloody Sunday," "Hell of a Ride" and "New Tattoo," they sounded somewhat like their forefathers in Lynyrd Skynyrd, with a rough-and-tumble edge.
But they knew of softer southern ways, too, pulling out four stools for the singer and guitarists to represent sitting on a porch for some acoustic songs, best accompanied by drinking Jack Daniels with the neighbors, Weeks said.
He considered his new Syracuse friends neighbors, and gave them his heart with the acoustic "In God's Eyes."
The biggest impression on his new pals, though, came from a heartfelt salute to our troops.
Saving Abel has toured the world of U.S. bases this year, Weeks explained, and they always ask our soldiers why they do what they do.
The answer: "I do it for my friends. I do it for my family. I do it for my home. I do it for my freedom," Weeks explained.
"Miss America," the title cut of the band's latest album, explained that love, with Week's deep and rugged rock voice cutting to the heart of the matter.
"18 Days" was a right-on song about dealing with loss, and then it was back to rock 'n' roll matters. The subject of "Addicted" was not subtle; a scantily-clad woman worked the stage, presenting her cheeks to the crowd.
It was supposed to be a three-band night, but scheduled opener Safetysuit couldn't make it from Pennsylvania to Syracuse because of the effects of Hurricane Irene, said fair assistant director Troy Waffner.
The details
What: 3 Doors Down, Saving Abel in concert.
When: Sunday night.
Where: State fair grandstand.
Length of performances: Saving Abel 55 minutes; 3 Doors Down 75 minutes.
Crowd: 4,000 (estimated by fair officials).


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Manicures are the most popular service offered at nail salons. (93% of nail salons offer this natural nail service, according to NAILS' 2012-2013 Big Book.) Complete this assessment to learn about the steps, implements, and customer service aspects of this essential offering.An answer key is included on the second page. Get the step-by-steps to a basic manicure — plus options for add-ons and upgrades — in NAILS Magazine's story Tending to the Natural Nail.
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text: This is a summary of user visible changes in srm. release-1_2_8 Documentation updates. release-1_2_7 Minor bugfixes. Correctly handle symlinks. Build with most recent versions of automake. release-1_2_6 BSD variant fixes. Display verbose messages when -f and -v are both specified. release-1_2_5 Updated README coverage. Fixed a rare deadlock. release-1_2_4 Build on tru64 and Solaris. release-1_2_3 None. However, a file descriptor leak is plugged. release-1_2_2 -f now really does ignore nonexistant files. release-1_2_1 srm will now try and chmod() files without write permission if the user answers yes at the "Remove write-protected file?" prompt or when -f is specified. Note that chmod() will fail unless you own the file, however. release-1_2_0 Fixed .spec for rpm 4. release-1_1_0 A massive restructuring to allow automake support (no more bad dependancies), cleaner integration of third-party modules (no more phony snprintf on Irix, a cleaner tree_walker coming soon), and an rpm distribution due to popular demand. release-1_0_0 Use sprintf()/vsprintf() when snprintf()/vsnprintf() are absent. This allows building on Irix 3.5. release-0_9_2 Dynamically search for /dev/urandom rather than at build time, to allow cross-compiling. Generic random module should allow use on systems without kernel entropy devices. release-0_9_1 Misc build patches for Solaris 2.7 from Gael Roualland. release-0_9_0 Added a new option, -s --simple, which only overwrites the file once, which is much faster than the default behavior. On BSD, check for immutable, append, and nounlink flags before overwriting data. Use nftw and a simple psuedo-random stream instead of fts and /dev/urandom when they are missing, this should allow building on more platforms. release-0_8_3 Added a missing overwrite pass. (Thanks to Gael Roualland for sharp proofreading) release-0_8_2 Fixed a bug which was truncating some error messages. Special files, and links are now renamed before removal. Fixed a bug which made it unable to remove files from filesystems other than ext2 under linux. (Thanks to Gael Roualland for reporting these three bugs) Added a Credits file. release-0_8_1 Fixed a bug where some writes were cached and not sent to disk. release-0_8_0 Use random, 14 character alphanumeric sequence to mask the file name rather than a name based on the original. Fixed some minor resource leaks which may have been apparant over extremly long runs. Removed the empty BUGS and TODO lists, and added this list of changes. release-0_7_0 Improved ext2 support, srm will not attempt to shred files which have the undeletable, immutable, or append-only attributes set. Ext2 support is always enabled on Linux now, even if the ext2 development libraries are not installed. release-0_6_0 Improved file locking, srm now tries to lock the file before overwriting, avoiding trashing locked files. release-0_5_0 Improved hard link handling, srm will now only overwrite files when removing the last link. release-0_4_0 Improved error handling. Removed a bug where some recursive runs would fail. release-0_3_0 Added a configure script and ported to BSD. release-0_2_0 Added man page. release-0_1_1 Fixed bug which caused srm to fail when removing files on different file systems. release-0_1_0 First working version.


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April 23, 2001
PSE submits new rate proposal
|Puget Sound Energy filed a new time-of-use rate proposal to replace the one submitted earlier this month.
Unimogs are dipped, not sprayed
|April 15-21 has been designated National Grange Week in honor of granges as family fraternities that provide aid in agricultural, legislative issues and community concerns.
Ancient Chinese art from a forgotten region at SAM
|On July 18, 1986, an important archeological discovery was accidentally unearthed near Sanxingdui, a small village about 20 miles northeast of Chengdu, in the Sichuan Province of China.
Solutions for power crisis
|President, Chroma Lighting Supplies Inc.
In the not-too-distant past, electrical costs did not rank so highly among the budgeting concerns of businesses and homes.
Honors Society Literacy Drive asks for books
|The Cedarcrest Honors Society Community Literacy Drive will be taking place through May 4. The society is asking for donations of any used books in fairly good condition.


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Spring football practice for Syracuse University opens on Wednesday. The Orange will hold 15 practices spead across a month. The spring game is on April 21 (scrimmage is at 1, pre-practice is at 12:30).
Here are some notes surrounding the opening of spring practice:
- Starting tailback Curtis Brinkley had arthroscopic knee surgery after the season for a torn meniscus. He's cleared to go and is considered a co-starter with Delone Carter.
- Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Tucker Baumbach had off-season shoulder surgery and will be banned from all live contact.
- Senior receiver Taj Smith is good to go after missing the last eight games last season with a broken collarbone. Some type of appeal to win back his year of eligibility remains on the NCAA docket.
- Junior walk-on quarterback Cameron Dantley has been placed the scholarship. So has kicker John Barker. They were the only walk-ons added to the scholarhship group.
- Tight end Jawad Nesheiwat will practice this spring while his appeal for an extra year of eligibility winds its way through the NCAA. Because of that, he will not participate in SU's annual Pro Day on Tuesday.
- Turns out tight end Arthur Kapalanga has another year of eligibility and remains on the roster.
- Tailbacks Jeremy Sellers and Derrell Smith have been moved to outside linebacker.
- A working lineup for the offensive line on Day One of spring practice is - RT - Larry Norton; RG - Ryan Durand; C - Marvin McCall; LG - Carroll Madison; LT - Corey Chavers. Look for plenty of experimentation and opportunity for the redshirt freshman group.
- Newly arrived freshman Lou Falzone will work at guard and tackle, not tight end.
- Sophomore quarterback Andrew Robinson will not be handed the starting job just yet. He's got to earn it, says head coach Greg Robinson, though ARob will clearly be the first quarterback out of the huddle in spring practice.
- With just two quarterbacks on the roster at the moment, don't be surprised if Joe Fields and Bruce Williams take a few snaps at quarterback during spring practice.
- A working first group of linebackers is no surprise - Ben Maljovec, Jake Flaherty and Vincenzo Girruzzi.
- Nick Chestnut averaged 20 plays a game at cornerback last season and is a front-runner for one of the starting jobs. Who's on the other side? Robinson said he'll be keeping close tabs on former receiver Quinton Brown. "It's his turn," Robinson said. The same goes for Fulton's Jason Tanner, who Robinson said "displayed some skills" on special teams.
- More to come in the lead-up to the opening of camp.
- Donnie Webb


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A credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours. Credits are granted by a principal on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training for courses that have been developed or approved by the ministry. A half credit may be granted for each 55-hour part of a 110-hour ministry-developed course. Half-credit courses must comply with ministry requirements as outlined in the curriculum policy documents.
GRADES 9 and 10
Grade 9 and 10 courses are organized into four types: Academic, Applied, Open and Locally Developed. All courses prepare students for the senior grades. Because the emphasis is on core concepts in Grade 9 and 10 courses, students may move from one type of course to another between Grades 9 and 10. Moving from a Grade 9 Academic Course to a Grade 10 Applied Course is possible. Moving from a Grade 9 Applied Course to a Grade 10 Academic Course is possible but it will not be easy. Excellent work habits and motivation are key when changing program levels.
ACADEMIC and APPLIED COURSES
GRADES 11 and 12
University preparation courses (U) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.
University/college preparation courses (M) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.
College preparation courses (C) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the requirements for entrance to most college programs or for admission to apprenticeship or other training programs.
Workplace preparation courses (E) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers, if they plan to enter the workplace directly after graduation, or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.
Open courses (O) are designed to broaden students' knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind.
Interdisciplinary Studies are courses designed to help students combine the skills required for and knowledge of different subjects and disciplines to solve problems, make decisions, create personal meaning, and present findings beyond the scope of a single subject or discipline.
Prerequisites are specified for many of the courses offered in Grades 11 and 12.
Locally Developed Courses are courses that meet educational needs not met by provincial curriculum policy documents. Such courses may be developed to accommodate the educational needs of students receiving special education programs and services. At O.D.S.S., Locally Developed courses are offered in Grade 9 Mathematics, English, and Science as well as Grade 10 Mathematics, English and History.


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Jazzercise owner celebrates eight years in Federal Way
Local Jazzercise class owner Kimberly DeMile will host a free open house at the King County Aquatic Center (KCAC) Banquet Hall at 7 p.m. May 31.
DeMile, who's been involved with Jazzercise in some form or another for the better part of 15 years, is hosting the open house of the popular workout program as part of celebrating her eighth year as a Jazzercise franchise owner.
DeMile hopes the open house will help people experience the community of Jazzercise and the positive effects it has on people's lives.
"What I'm trying to do is impart to people that Jazzercise is not old ladies in leg warmers," she said. "It's kick-butt music. It's sound instruction and a lot of fun in a non-pretentious environment. We change things up enough that people don't get bored. And our program allows people to feel successful because of the consistent nature in which it's taught."
DeMile herself had to overcome that perception of Jazzercise when she first started, she said. Following a fatal car crash in which she was a passenger, DeMile said she felt an impetus to try new things in the aftermath of the crash.
Jazzercise originally started in the late 1960s, and has been one of the most successful group workout programs in America, with corporate growth/profits steadily increasing every year since its inception. For women like DeMile, it's also an opportunity to be self-employed while still being family-oriented.
For the open house, DeMile said anyone decides to sign up for class that night will have their sign-up fee waived. Sign-up fees range between $25 to $45. The theme of the open house will be rock music, DeMile said, with the emphasis for the open house on just having fun and getting a good workout.
"The reason I can make it in Federal Way for eight years, is because I have a really good base of customers," she added.
Learn more
DeMile's current Jazzercise class schedule runs Monday-Thursday with classes at the aquatic center. There are morning classes on Tuesday and Thursday, along with evening sessions during those Monday-Thursday classes. On Fridays and Saturdays, DeMile takes the show over to the Federal Way Community Center, with an afternoon class on Fridays and a morning class on Saturdays.
"It's really nice, you don't have to be a member there (at the Community Center) to attend classes, and members can go to my classes," she noted.
There are three membership options, ranging from a two-month membership at $52/month to a 12-month membership at $42/month. Either way, the value of Jazzercise is fairly apparent, DeMile said.
"$42 a month seems kind of expensive, but if you're coming twice a week, that's $5.25 a class," she said. "If you go to a hot yoga class or different group fitness classes around, it's like $18 a class. So five bucks a class? And if you're coming three or four days a week, obviously your price per class is going down because you're using it more."
To learn more, contact (253) 333-8886 or visit www.jazzercise.com.
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text:
By Richard Adams
Social networking site becoming primary source of evidence in divorce proceedings and custody battles, lawyers say.
Even though the rate of divorce in the US has remained largely stable in recent years, American divorce lawyers and academics have joined Middle East analysts in picking out Facebook as a leading cause of relationship trouble, with American lawyers now demanding to see their clients' Facebook pages as a matter of course before the start of proceedings.
"We're coming across it more and more. One spouse connects online with someone they knew from school. The person is emotionally available and they start communicating through Facebook," said Dr Steven Kimmons, a clinical psychologist and marriage counsellor at Loyola University Medical Centre near Chicago.
Yet while the US media has been quick to trumpet any evidence of Facebook as the country's leading marriage-wrecker, the truth is "It's complicated," as the site's relationship status would have it.
A 2010 survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) found that four out of five lawyers reported an increasing number of divorce cases citing evidence derived from social networking sites in the past five years, with Facebook being the market leader.
Two-thirds of the lawyers surveyed said that Facebook was the "primary source" of evidence in divorce proceedings, while MySpace with 15% and Twitter with 5% lagged far behind.
Those statistics included not just evidence of infidelity but other legal battles, such as child custody cases in which parents deny using illicit drugs but boast of smoking marijuana on their Facebook pages.
Photographs harvested from social networking sites – including those posted by friends or colleagues on their own pages – are a particularly rich source of damning evidence, according to divorce lawyers.
"This sort of evidence has gone from nothing to a large percentage of my cases coming in," Linda Lea Vicken, a member of the divorce lawyers' group from South Dakota, told the Associated Press.
Marlene Eskind Moses, president of the AAML, said the openness and sharing of social networking sites left their users' public and private lives more exposed.
"If you publicly post any contradictions to previously made statements and promises, an estranged spouse will certainly be one of the first people to notice and make use of that evidence," said Moses.
Statistics for January from online analysts Nielsen showed 135 million people in the US visiting Facebook during the month – nearly 70% of the country's internet users. On average, users spent more than seven hours a month visiting the site, far longer than the less than half an hour spent on visits to Amazon or the average of two hours and 15 minutes on Google, America's most popular web destination.
Computers That See You and Keep Watch Over You
How your smartphone is keeping track of you
Facebook unveils new profile page and it reveals more about you than ever before


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Track teams are sports in Pasco
On a windy Saturday way out east in Pasco, South Whidbey track athletes showed that spring break didn't take away their edge.
At one of the state's most exclusive annual track meets, last weekend's Pasco Invitational, a handful of Falcons had to give everything they had to stay close to the competition. Running, jumping and throwing against the best athletes from more than 40 teams in both Washington and Oregon, the Falcon boys and girls didn't score many points, but notched some of their better performances this season.
Only a few members of South Whidbey's boys and girls teams made the qualifying standards for the meet, which are the most selective of the season, save those at the state meet. But what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in good breeding. The team won the meet's Don Monson team sportsmanship award, something that encouraged Falcon coach Doug Fulton as much as any athletic performance during the meet. He said his athletes are always expected to be courteous both to the competition and to officials.
"It pays off, I guess," he said.
The boys had the best day on the track, both in terms of a team placing and individual results. They scored 14 points to place 16th behind team champion Mead. Having the best day was junior Brandon Bilyeu, who ran to a personal best time of 1:57.95 in the 800 meters to place third, and to a 4:26.12 personal record in the 1,600.
Buffeted by winds gusting up to 40 mph, the South Whidbey sprinters still had a good day. Sophomore Nick Plastino made respectable showings in both the 100-meter race and the 300 hurdles, even though he had to run into the wind on the backstretch. With a few more meters to run, senior Joe Candelario picked up the second individual scoring place of the day in the 400. He placed seventh in a time of 50.91 seconds -- one of his best runs of the year, wind notwithstanding.
In the relays, the boys prospered. With junior Andy Wills fully recovered from a hamstring injury, the Falcon 4x400 team of Wills, Plastino, Bilyeu and Candelario ran the second-fastest time in team history. Only last year's state championship performance in the event overshadows the 3:23.93 third-place finish the team grabbed Saturday.
In 4x100, Plastino, Adam Tenuta, Candelario and Wills placed 11th.
On the girls side, the only story in terms of point scoring was Karen Schwager. The Falcon senior distance runner had to run a personal best time of 5:22.33 to take eighth place and score the team's only point on the day.
But other South Whidbey girls stayed in the hunt. Freshman Becky Gabelein made top 20 in the 300 hurdles and top 30 in the 100 hurdles, while her classmate, Kimery Hern, was 23rd in the discus in her first appearance in Pasco. Her toss placed her 11 spots higher inthe girls meet than a 121-6 discus throw by her senior brother, Brandon, in the boys event.
Also dashing in the wind and swirling sand of Pasco were Lindsay Binford in the 200 and Claudia Gil-Osorio in the 100.
In relay action, the girls had trouble staying close to the fastest teams. Veterans Binford and Melissa Poolman, along with Gil-Osorio and Nicole Mock, ran solid races, but found themselves 3 seconds out of the lead in the 4x100 relay and almost 10 seconds out in the 4x200 behind the team from Benson.
In the team competition, the Benson girls won the meet with 66 points, while Mead High School's 55 were enough to take the boys meet.
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text:
STUDY: CDC Report Shows HIV Infection In Gay Men On The Rise
There's good and bad news from a report on HIV infection released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The annual number of new infections in the U.S. has remained stable despite continued increases in the number of people living with HIV, which according to the CDC, "[indicates] that HIV testing, treatment and prevention programs are making an important impact. But infections rates persist "at far too high a level," according to the Atlanta-based organization.
Some key findings in the CDC's HIV Supplemental Surveillance Report:
* Overall, the number of new HIV infections in the United States has remained stable at about 50,000 per year over the last decade. (In 2010, there were 47,500 new infections.)
* This is the first CDC incidence report to show a statistically significant decline in new infections among African American women (21% comparing 2008 to 2010). However African American women continue to represent the majority (64%) of new infections among women
* New infections among young gay and bisexual men (ages 13-24) continued to rise sharply (by 22% comparing 2008 to 2010)
* Young, black gay and bisexual men continue to bear the heaviest burden and now account for more new infections than any other subgroup – a total of 4,800 in 2010
* Gay and bisexual men represent 2% of the U.S. population but a majority (63%) of new HIV infections, and the number of new infections in this group increased 12% comparing 2008 to 2010
* African Americans represent 14% of the U.S. population but almost half (44%) of new infections; the number of new infections remained stable comparing 2008 to 2010
* Latinos represent 16% of the U.S. population but 21% of new infections; the number of new infections remained stable comparing 2008 to 2010
Examining data from 2010, the study provides the most up-to-date picture of the U.S. HIV epidemic.
It is because the AIDS crisis is over for the rich white gay men who contribute to the gay organizations who have left AIDS activism on the back burner. They are putting all their resources into marriage and ignoring the life and death problems of the young, the minorities, and the poor people – they are more interested in ridding their gentrified neighborhoods of these "elements" than helping them.
Like many I'm healthy and have been positive for 23 years. While this is good news,
it has opened the door for complacency with some. As healthy as I may feel, it will
kill me eventually. I suppose you can argue may things can, but why give the Grim
Reaper a head start?
And people look at me funny when I say I've been abstinent for over 6 years, be telling me I need to have sex lol. No thank you.
@Dionte: Uh… you have HEARD of condoms, haven't you?
unfortunately I have to say I like many others have been tempted by the "condom-free," attitude but fortunately I have read enough numbers like this to know better. The sad part is as @londonbridge: said, to many people these days simply think that hiv is no big deal. I personally think that the way to do it is to advertise "super aids," cause that sounds far more scary than MDR HIV-1.
BB porn is so hot. Till facial wasting kicks in. The porn perpetrators should be ashamed. Wrap it up.
The community has never taken HIV seriously. I think it's because they're full of internalized homophobia.
Ironically, we could stop the spread in three seconds by setting adult standards.
But nothing will be done about it. Self hatred has been a fixture in the gay character for thirty years. And it isn't going anywhere.


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Tasty smooth delivery from start to finish.
Best flavor and smoke from a small Cigar I have ever had. I review many cigars and the Garcia Y VEGA 1882 has to be one of my favorite for an everyday smoke.00
Best flavor and smoke from a small Cigar I have ever had.11
Tasty smooth delivery from start to finish.10
Received these as a sampler with my last order and I m loving these tasty cigars. The smell of them alone will make you want one. They re a little flimsy but other than that, I very well constructed little cigar.10
Received these cigar gems as a sampler, like so many so far, and they are absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I ll be buying these regularly from now on. Try em, you will love them.22
First and foremost when compared to Backwoods. The GyV 1882 Sweet has some quality assurance Backwoods lack. All 40 of the GyV's I smoked had a proper wrap, none too tight, falling apart, and no holes. The flavor is slightly less sweet than the BW Sweet Aromatic which I also prefer.10
WOW.. I love it. So does everyone else who bums one off of me. IMO,Its a much better smoke than Backwoods. Better quality control as well. Rarely do I need to correct the burn. Very good construction, taste and draw. My favorite cheroot.02
OK to start but turn very bitter 1/2 way through00
there is at lest one or two in ever pack that is row so hard you can not smoke02
I prefer Backwoods Sweet Aromatics to the 1882's, but the price makes the smoke a little nicer. Sometimes the 1882's taste too bitter for my liking... Tried the test flight of Ugly Coyotes. I usually dislike flavored cigars? the chocolates are delicious! BUT, with quality seemingly important once again to Backwoods, the Sweet Aromatics remain my favorite.01


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Title is quote from Dawn on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
This is probably going to be my last blog on this site. As many of you have heard tv.com is getting rid of the blog feature on this site.
If you want you can comment on the Community Announcements section on the FORUMS page and try to convince tv.com staff to keep our blogs. They probably won't listen because they never do, but we can at least try.
I just think this is one of the stupidest things this site has ever done. How are we supposed to communicate and make friends on this site without blogs? Majority of the forums I used to like going on are dead and the busy forums are filled with members fighting with each other. Blogging was the main source of my communication with people on this site and now it's being taken away. It's unfair. The one thing I dislike most about it is that there's nothing we can do about it because tv.com staff are too stubborn to listen to us.
Anyways, I made a facebook account with the name Jonathan W-Something. If anyone wants to keep in touch then add me. Obviously, that's not my real last name, but I enjoy my privacy. I'm the one with Andrew from Buffy the Vampire Slayer holding a camera.
I also joined the facebook group Return to tv.com, so there are other members from this site you might know if you join the group.
I just want to say how much I appreciate all my tv.com friends. I'm very thankful that this site allowed me to connect with people from all over the world and that I got to learn about different countries and cultures. I'm really going to miss what we all have in common, which is discussing our favourite television shows. I have met so many wonderful people on this site. I'm going to miss all you guys.
If tv.com decides to change their minds, then I'll be back, but for now it's goodbye.


text: I don't know about you guys, but here at Four Pins, we love us some ugly. Ugly style icons are the true measure of the power of a good wardrobe and magnetic personality. I mean, if you can look like Quasimodo and still make the magic happen then, truly, there are no limits to what we can accomplish as men. And before you get all sanctimonious and start complaining about how this is a superficial sophomoric exercise in the self-serving interest of our own insecurity, just realize we are well aware of this. Four Pins ain't some handsome boy modeling school, son. We do this shit for everyone—swans and ugly ducklings alike. If these dudes can become inspiration board material, we all might just stand a chance after all—if not based solely on our stellar personalities and bench-made shoes.