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CARROLLTON TWP. — Most mornings, a line of parked cars stretches along the length of the white-brick building at 508 Shattuck in Carrollton Township.
The cars belong to drug addicts who are queuing up for their daily fix of liquid methadone. A black metal frame in front bears no sign.
This is Victory Clinical Services, the area's first methadone clinic and treatment center.
Open since April 2009, it sits on a quiet strip next to Elena's bakery and across the street from a church and a dry-cleaning shop.
The for-profit operation opened at the urging of the Saginaw County Department of Public Health to treat the swelling number of opiate addicts, said Victory Director David Blankenship.
His company operates four of the 32 methadone clinics listed by the Michigan Department of Community Health, as well as another in South Bend, Ind.
"We did find the need in the community," said Amy Murawski, director of substance abuse treatment and prevention services at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health. "We found a high injecting-drug users and prescription-drug abuse population (in Saginaw). It's pretty much rampant throughout the state, and Saginaw is one of the ones on the high end.
"There's more access (to treatment) here. Now the clients can come in and address their addiction, where maybe before, if I had to had to drive to Genesee County, I might continue" abusing, she said.
County data reflects the number of new entrants into government-funded substance abuse programs in Saginaw County, who identified heroin as their drug of choice, increased from 84 in the 2008 fiscal year to 105 in the 2010 fiscal year.
Patients identifying "other opiates," mostly prescription pills, as their drug of choice increased more dramatically, from 172 in the 2008 fiscal year to 367 in the 2010 fiscal year, county addiction treatment records show.
Doctors began using methadone to treat opiate addicts — mostly heroin users and a growing population of pill abusers — about four decades ago. In the proper dose, methadone satisfies the body's cravings for up to 24 hours without producing a high, allowing its users to lead normal lives.
In Carrollton, Blankenship's employees treat hundreds of chronically addicted opiate addicts each day — one-time heroin junkies and an increasing number pill poppers, addicts who have traded pain relievers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine and even methadone — for supervised use of methadone. No one who is not a patient or a patient's child is allowed inside the building.
The clinic has about 280 patients now — approximately 125 of whom are government funded — and can serve a maximum of 400 patients, Blankenship said. He expects the clientele to reach that number within the year.
Patients spend four hours or more at the clinic before they're accepted, Blankenship said.
They're interviewed by doctors and counselors and tested to confirm they have the drugs they say they are addicted to in their systems.
If the applicant is uninsured and earns less than three times the federal poverty level — the equivalent of $34,107 in a year for a single individual in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — they're eligible for subsidized treatment, Murawski said.
One reason there is no sign in front of his business is because of the stigma tied to methadone treatment, Blankenship said.
"There're two big objections to methadone: One is you're trading one addiction for another," said Dr. John Evans, the clinic's head physician. "My answer to that is, 'Yup, that's exactly what we're doing.' We control the drug. I can guarantee that your dealer doesn't care if you overdose.
"We reserve the right to reduce your dose or not dose you at all.
"The second objection is that it's a crutch. You break your leg, they give you crutches.
Patients do complete the program, said clinic Director Blankenship, but not frequently.
"Intense cravings" persist even when an addict is no longer physically addicted, Blankenship said, and patients regularly relapse without methadone.
For this reason, Blankenship believes the counseling his patients receive in conjunction with the medication is vital.
The relapse rate is near 90 percent, even higher for chronic users, he said.
There "were some whisperings" — a perception that the facility would draw a criminal element — as news spread that the clinic was to open, said Carrollton Township Director Craig Oatten, also the township's police chief.
But, to his knowledge, there's been only one incident — a domestic dispute — at the address the clinic's two-plus years of operation.
New patients begin with low doses and are observed closely by staff each time their dose increases. Doctors ensure the patients are not high, drowsy or otherwise affected by the methadone before they're allow to drive away.
The patients need to come daily for a single dose; on Fridays, many of the patients will swallow their Friday dose on site and take home two for the weekend.
The center is open on Saturday, but some patients have to travel to Flint or Mount Pleasant — the locations of the next nearest clinics — for their Sunday doses.
Once addicts become stabilized with methadone and receive counseling, "it keeps them stable and functioning in society and the community," and they have a better chance of kicking their habit, said Murawski, of the Saginaw County Department of Public Health.
She said death and crime are often the alternative outcomes for the heavily addicted.
Bobbie Ayala, who works as a cashier at the adjacent bakery, acknowledges that she was initially concerned about the clinic. Now, the patients are also her customers, stopping in for a batch of cookies or tamales after their daily treatment, she said.
Stereotypical drug addicts — unkempt derelicts and thieves — didn't materialize, Ayala said.
"You can't even tell (they are addicts) because they're actually getting help," she said. ""I see a lot of females with kids, and they're getting help so they can be there for their kids. It's a good thing."
See more methadone-related stories below:
• Prescription for addiction (part 1 of 4): Young Bay County mother combats decade-long addiction to OxyContin with daily dose of methadone
• Prescription for addiction (part 2 of 4): OxyContin shifts from medicine to menace for Bay County teen after gymnastics injury
• Prescription for addiction (part 3 of 4): Methadone patient recalls chaotic teenage years addicted to OxyContin
• Prescription for addiction (part 4 of 4): Bay County mother addicted to opiates says 'relapse is not an option'
• Prescription for addiction: Government spends millions each year helping Michigan drug addicts get their fix


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This story updates Families of deceased sue Ryder Funeral Home for neglect, emotional distress
SOUTH HADLEY — Suspended funeral director William W. Ryder's disciplinary hearing before the state Division of Professional Licensure has been rescheduled for July 17 in Boston, said Barbara T. Anthony, the state undersecretary of consumer affairs and business regulation.
The hearing was to have been June 6, but Ryder's attorney asked for it to be delayed. Ryder's license remains suspended in the meantime.
Speaking Wednesday afternoon at an unrelated housing news conference in Springfield, Anthony also said money already paid to Ryder Funeral Home for pre-need and per-arranged funeral services is not an asset of the Ryder Funeral Home. That money, in accordance with state law, is in a trust account and customers who arranged those accounts through Ryder Funeral Home can use the money elsewhere, Anthony said.
On Tuesday, two families saying they were victimized by misconduct at Ryder Funeral Home filed court papers claiming damages and seeking to block Ryder from liquidating his assets and selling the funeral home pending adjudication of their complaint. Anthony said she wants consumers to know that pre-paid funeral monies are not part of that discussion.
Under state law, customers who pre-arrange for funerals should get an annual statement from either the trust company or an insurance company holding the funds. A list of consumer tips for funerals can be found here at the state Consumer Affairs and business Regulation Website.
The state Division of Professional Licensure suspended Ryder's license May 28 after state inspectors, acting on a tip, found six sets of human remains sent to Ryder for cremation poorly stored, not properly embalmed and in states of decomposition. He is also accused of accepting delivery of, or trying to accept delivery of, three more bodies while inspectors were present.
Other funeral directors stepped in and completed the funerals and cremations.
Ryder's attorney, Paul Boudreau of South Hadley, has said Ruyder is being treated for an unspecified medical condition and was unable to help help formulate a defense.

subset: commoncrawl


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The state's Board on Public Safety Standards and Training unanimously voted Thursday to revoke the certifications of a former Hillsboro police officer who reportedly admitted to having sexual contact with a woman while on duty in 2010.
Officials determined that Justin D. Morris, 34, should have his police certifications revoked for 10 years, said Eriks Gabliks, director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. A state committee of law enforcement professionals determined in November that Morris demonstrated "gross misconduct" and recommended the revocation to the board.
Morris will have 60 days to schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge to contest the decision, Gabliks said. If he does not request the hearing, the case will be closed, his police credentials will be revoked and the revocation will be entered into a national revocation database.
On Dec. 19, 2010, Morris responded as a backup officer on a traffic stop of a suspected drunken driver, according to documents released last month from the Washington County District Attorney's Office. He was tasked with making arrangements for the intoxicated female passenger to get home, the reports say. Her boyfriend, the driver of the vehicle, was reportedly taken into custody on an accusation of driving under the influence of intoxicants.
The woman sat in the front seat of Morris' patrol car, and the two flirted during the drive, the documents say. At the woman's residence, Morris asked to use her restroom, according to reports, and the two eventually exchanged phone numbers.
Morris and the woman later exchanged sexual text messages, the documents say. And during his next shift -- the same day -- Morris returned to the woman's home, where she reportedly performed a sex act on him.
Morris resigned in lieu of termination June 6, one year and three days after authorities say he was shot in the shoulder by Sepp Dietrich Tokanaga, 46, who pleaded guilty in November to attempted aggravated murder. Morris received his department's highest honors for his role in the incident.
According to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, Morris was a police officer for six years. He first worked for the Tualatin Police Department, then joined Hillsboro police.


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'Menopause the Musical'
Celebrate the lighter side of hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats with "Menopause the Musical" at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the Potter Center at Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road.
The laughter-filled show centers on a group of four diverse women in a department store with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra. Through parodies of classic songs from the 1960s, '70s and '80s, the women find solace in determining "the change" is simply a natural part of life. Nearly 11 million people have witnessed the 90-minute musical since it debuted in 2001.
Tickets are $40 to $50. They are available through the Potter Center box office by calling 517-796-8600 or visiting jccmi.edu/events.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
The Potter Center's 2013-14 entertainment season comes to a close, as the Golden Dragon Acrobats return to Jackson for a show Sunday, April 13.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats, led by world-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang, combine eye-popping acrobatics, dance and costumes with ancient and contemporary music to create a fantastic stage show.
The performance is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at the Potter Center at Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road. Tickets ($15-$28) are on sale through the Potter Center box office (517-796-8600, jccmi.edu/events). Students and children ages 12 and younger receive a $5 discount.
Pioneer Wine Trail
Celebrate Michigan Wine Month with a Southeastern Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail's celebration Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13.
Participating wineries include Burgdorf's in Haslett, Chateau Aeronautique (Jackson), Cherry Creek Cellars Old Schoolhouse (Brooklyn), Flying Otter (Adrian), J. Trees Cellars (Tecumseh), Lone Oak Vineyard (Grass Lake), Pentamere (Tecumseh) and Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson).
This self-driven tour features an appetizer or dessert with a glass of a specialty selected wine at each location. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $30 per person. Visit pioneerwinetrail.com or call 517-592-4663 or 517-531-3080.
Second Sunday
Sharon Sunday, one of Jackson's most popular painters, is the featured artist this month at Art 634's Second Sunday open house from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13.
The event also will feature make-and-take crafts and demonstrations from in-house boutiques and studios, as well as the debut of a new studio, Accalia Shroads Photography.
Admission to Second Sunday is free. Nominal costs apply to some of crafts.
Also, the new Jackson School of the Arts' new family theater series will feature a performance by magician Chris Clark. See our preview for all the details and admission cost.
Blue Mountain Belle
Detroit indie folk band Blue Mountain Belle will perform at Grand River Marketplace, 117 W. Louis Glick Highway, on Friday, April 11.
Led by singer-songwriter Stephanie Hamood and guitarist Nick Bourgeau, recently formed Blue Mountain Belle combines the influence of Hank Williams, Roy Orbison and Amy Winehouse with jazz and experimental noise music. The four-piece group includes Hamood, Bourgeau, bassist Kevin Kline and drummer Brandon Delis.
Blue Mountain Belle's set will begin about 8 p.m. There is no cover charge. For more information, visit the Grand River Marketplace Facebook page.


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Simon Proudlock wins Society award for his Solution Focused Therapy groupwork
A Berkshire psychologist has been named as the recipient of the British Psychological Society's Division of Counselling Psychology Practice Prize for his work relating to Solution Focused Therapy in a group situation.
Simon Proudlock, a Chartered Psychologist and Health & Care Professions Council Registered Counselling Psychologist, was announced as the winner at the Society's annual general meeting.
Mr Proudlock, Principal Psychologist in the Urgent Care team for Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, implemented a six-week solution focused group for clients in secondary care, with the results appearing in the Counselling Psychology Review.
This was followed by the publication of further work looking at relationships, anger, crisis management and alcohol abuse, which was reviewed in Therapy Today.
Mr Proudlock said he hopes winning the award will lead to a more overlooked therapy in Solution Focused Therapy coming to the fore, adding: "I feel honoured to have been awarded the Practice Prize and, if I'm honest, still a little shocked to have won."


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Project Y.E.S. visits Jackson Friendly Home
Friday, October 12, 2012 2:31 PM
Inappropriate photo? Alert us.
Judy Ray, a resident at Jackson Friendly Home, left, and Duane Cole, a student at Northwest Elementary finish making a sunflower out of coffee filters during a visit from Project Y.E.S. to the home, 435 W. North St., Friday morning. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
Related articles
- In the classroom: Socially impaired Northwest Elementary students learn the value of giving back October 22, 2012, 1:00 PM


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Hey folks. I've been on-off eating primal for almost 2 years now. My first attempt failed due to some intense fatigue with VLC. I slowly added carbs in, and finally gave up, going back to some of the worst eating I've ever done. During that process, I had several blood tests done and spoke with a sleep specialist. Nothing was ever considered abnormal, nutrient levels looked okay, etc. I tried supplementing with Potassium and Magnesium Malate, but saw no relief, and the MM gave me some terrible gas.
I started back in January of this year, gradually, eating a higher than normal level of starches and fruit. I've been gluten free with a couple of exceptions. I eat lots of eggs, meat, vegetables, some fruit and some starches for carbs. I felt great, and ran a half marathon in April. However, around June I decided to cut out some fruit and starches to trim a few more pounds. I again fell back into the fatigue, poor sleep, etc. I've upped the carbs again, but once again, I'm not getting any relief.
I'm eating enough, plenty of fat, lots of veggies. 70% of the meat I eat is from a side of beef and side of pork we buy locally. The rest is chicken and fish. I supplement with a multi vitamin, D3 and C. I currently take in somewhere around 75-100g of carbs per day, though that's higher than normal. Most of the carbs are from sweet and white potatoes, and white rice, and some from fruit. I exercise 3-4 times a week, more when time allows. Several visits, with several doctors showed thyroid function is normal (I do have Vitiligo, though), blood glucose management is stellar and typical nutrient profiles were in the normal ranges.
Fatigue throughout the day, with (sometimes intense) restlessness. I sometimes have a constant need to stretch, and my quads feel almost tingly they're so ready to go. The fatigue seems to wain towards the end of the day (5PM), then comes back around bedtime. I sleep restlessly, and recently have been getting woken up 1-2 hours before my alarm goes off by abrupt and intense stretching. If I'm being active (standing, walking, mowing, playing w/ kids, etc.), I notice the restlessness less. However, when exercising, everything feels more difficult. My quads in particular reach lactic threshold more easily, and my leg muscles feel like they "burn" with less than typical effort. The only other standout symptom besides the fatigue has been some intermittent loose stool and some terrible smelling gas. I've been experimenting with completely removing dairy as well as chiles, and seem to be having some luck.
I really, really don't want to go back to a SAD, but it's getting to the point where this fatigue is all consuming. I know going back to gluten will mean a return to reflux and asthma symptoms, but I'm starting to think it's worth it. I'm not at all opposed to seeking medical attention, but for what? That's led me nowhere so far.


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Phyllis Newman was born on March 19, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. She is an actress, known for The Match Game (1962), One Life to Live (1968) and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962). She was previously married to Adolph Green. See full bio »
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Did emergency medical personnel in Hudsonville bow to pressure from a local television report when they called for help from Georgetown Township? And, in light of two recent Class I medical calls, is the Ottawa County dispatch procedure working?
Those questions were raised in comparing two recent dispatch calls involving medical emergencies in Hudsonville and how the Georgetown Township E-unit was dispatched.
Hudsonville Fire Department first-responders were dispatched on Feb. 7 by the Ottawa County 911 center to the Hudsonville home of Jerry Smith, 44. He had suffered a heart attack while clearing snow.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and began treatment in about three minutes, according to dispatch records. AMR ambulance was dispatched from Zeeland Community Hospital to provide the additional level of treatment provided by paramedics, and for transport. However, the ambulance was delayed by the condition of the roads and did not arrive for 16 minutes, according to Hudsonville City Manager Patrick Waterman.
An Ottawa County deputy on the scene at the Smith home asked Hudsonville Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve Essenburg if he would like to call the Georgetown Township E-unit, which at that time was about a mile away, en route to a motorist assistance call, according to Waterman. Essenburg declined since Smith was stable at that time, Waterman said, and AMR was about five minutes out. Smith did not survive.
"I think it is important to note that the patient died after AMR arrived and took control of the scene," Waterman said. "He did not die while Essenburg was caring for him."
On Feb. 27, a 911 call was made by Hudsonville Christian School custodian Jerry Schreur, saying that a teacher, Terry Steenstra, had collapsed after parent-teacher conferences. Essenburg and his crew arrived in about 3 minutes and began treatment, according to dispatch records. Essenburg learned from central dispatch that AMR's closest unit was at least 15 minutes away, due in part to snow and ice-covered roads, according to Waterman. Essenburg then called the Georgetown E-unit for assistance from paramedics. AMR arrived 18 minutes after the call. Steenstra is now recovering.
Reportedly based on a tip, WOOD TV-8 reporter Ken Kolker began investigating the procedures surrounding the response to Nicole Smith's 911 call for help for her husband. The broadcast aired on Feb. 27. He then produced a follow-up report that aired March 5 and included comparisons in the two cases.
"A source familiar with both cases said a Target 8 investigation that was under way into the death of Jerry Smith led to the change," Kolker reported in the follow-up. He did not provide any information about the sources of the tip or the comment on the change.
Waterman said firefighters who responded to both calls followed the same procedure, even though a different decision was made.
"Hudsonville has not changed our medical response procedures. We have utilized the services of the E-unit in the past, on a limited, case-by-case basis, and we will continue to do so at the discretion of the medical responders," Waterman said. "To say or report that the recent call to (Georgetown's) E-unit was a result of TV-8 running their story is completely misleading and totally false."
When contacted for comment, TV-8's Kolker defended the report. "While I don't believe it's an administrative change, it certainly was a change in practice," Kolker said. "We never said they changed policies ... though we did say what they did in that second incident was a change."
Kolker's Target 8 Investigation aired Feb. 27 and was headlined "A life not saved: E-units kept away," which Waterman also called "misleading." The report included an interview with Nicole Smith, widow of Jerry Smith.
She said learning that more help was available in the neighborhood made her angry, but Kolker did state "a different response would not have guaranteed her husband would have survived."
"The Ottawa County E-unit was just a mile away and wasn't called to help," Kolker said in his broadcast, "all because of jurisdictional lines."
Tim Smith, director of Ottawa County 911 Central Dispatch, said jurisdictional lines is only one factor that determines who will respond to an emergency. The computerized dispatch system "has been working pretty well for the past 20-plus years," he said, and noted the two calls referred to in the television report are among thousands of calls handled through the center each year. He said Georgetown's contract with the Sheriff's Department for two E-units staffed by paramedics is unusual. Only two other townships in the county contract with the Sheriff's Department to provide E-units.
Georgetown Township Manager Dan Carlton said two E-units provide advanced paramedic service for township residents. One operates 24 hours a day, and another is put into service during peak call hours. Georgetown contracts with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department for the E-units, so to expect Georgetown to regularly provide protection outside the township is unreasonable, except in unique situations, Carlton said. Carlton said it isn't about the money, but about coverage for Georgetown residents. If an E-unit is called away, Georgetown residents, who pay the bill for the patrols, could miss out on the help they need.
About 10 years ago, a mutual aid agreement was in place which allowed all surrounding municipalities to call Georgetown when an E-unit and paramedics were needed. Since then, Carlton said, firefighters have taken on more of the responsibilities for providing medical treatment and the agreements lapsed. (Fire departments maintain separate mutual aid agreements.) Any department may require firefighters to train as paramedics, or may use an ambulance service for advanced treatment as Hudsonville does.
"Georgetown's E-unit service is the exception in this area, not the norm," said Waterman. "It is not a service that exists to serve the surrounding communities. Dan Carlton stated as such in (Kolker's) report."
Carlton said there would be no question of sending a Georgetown E-unit to a disaster situation or unique medical need. "The question is deciding what is unique," he said. Carlton said there is no policy in place for the township to recover costs associated with such a call.
"Georgetown Township's manager had previously told me that Hudsonville had not called his E-unit for backup since Hudsonville and surrounding communities ended their E-unit mutual aid agreement," Kolker said. "He said the mutual aid agreement ended a number of years ago, though he didn't have an exact date. In fact, after the first case, he said, if Hudsonville were to ask for the E-unit's help in the future, Georgetown would have to work out a way to bill Hudsonville."
"No change in procedure has occurred," said Waterman. "Circumstances can vary drastically from case-to-case. Variables such as the current condition(s) of the patient, their medical history and symptoms, the environment, estimated time of arrival for the ambulance all come into play. To say or imply that one's man life could have been saved by calling in the E-unit is completely speculative."
Kolker said a similar investigation he produced about a year ago in Rockford was followed by changes in Kent County's dispatch system.


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DAYTON, OHIO – Sunday was a good day for the West Michigan Whitecaps.
While all three of their competitors for a potential playoff berth were losing, the Whitecaps pounded out 14 hits and cruised to a comfortable 7-2 win over the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Field.
West Michigan (32-30, 68-64) now sits just two games behind Fort Wayne and Lake County and two games ahead of South Bend with a pair of playoff spots up for grabs over the final eight games of the regular season.
Chad Wright led the Whitecaps' offense on Sunday, going 4-for-5 with four singles and two RBI. Eugenio Suarez, Lance Durham and Jason King also had two hits apiece while King and Gabriel Purroy added two-RBI games.
That was plenty of run support for Kyle Ryan (7-7), who fired off six scoreless innings before leaving with a comfortable 6-0 lead. The 20-year-old lefty allowed just three hits while fanning five and walking two for the victory.
For the second straight day, the 'Caps reached the scoreboard in the top of the first inning. With men at first and second and two outs, King clubbed a two-run triple to center field for a quick 2-0 edge.
Whitecaps 7, Dragons 2
Next game: West Michigan's Marcelo Carreno (7-8, 3.44) vs. Dayton's Robert Stephenson (2-2, 3.76) at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, OH
Radio: WBBL-FM (107.3) & WHTC-AM (1450)
The two-run margin remained until West Michigan blew the game open in the top of the sixth.
The rally started with a bit of help when an errant throw by third baseman Junior Arias allowed Jeff McVaney to reach second base with nobody out. He crossed the plate two batters later on a double to right-center by Jason Krizan. After a two-out walk to Brandon Loy, Purroy launched a two-run double off the top of the left field wall and Wright added a bloop-single to center to score Purroy. All four of the runs in the inning were unearned as the Whitecaps seized a 6-0 lead.
Wright added his fourth hit of the day in the eighth, singling home Loy to make it a 7-0 ballgame.
Reliever Nick Avila (2) took over for Ryan in the seventh and tossed the final three innings to earn a save. He nearly completed the shutout before Dayton reached the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Juan Silva and a solo homer from Sean Buckley.
Radhames Quezada (5-8) took the loss for the Dragons after allowing two runs on four hits over four innings.
The Whitecaps continue their final road trip of the year with the third game of a four-game series against the Dayton Dragons at 7:00 p.m. on Monday night. RHP Marcelo Carreno (7-8, 3.44) is scheduled to take the hill for West Michigan against RHP Robert Stephenson (2-2, 3.76) of Dayton.
Just three home games remain the regular season, with the 'Caps kicking off their season-ending three-game series at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, September 1, at 7:00 p.m. Fireworks will follow the ballgame. Group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
Click here to listen to Chad Wright's fourth hit of the game.
Click here to view the box score.


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South East Asia is a region jam packed with the kind of destinations that travellers dream about during long cold winters. This is a region with its pre historic roots deep in the evolutionary development of Asian, Pacific and North American people and a contempory history that has been shaped by a series of bloody geopolitical and sectarian conflicts. These are the factors that stir the imaginations of travellers and provide South East Asia with its tremendous natural and human diversity.
South East Asia covers a region that stretches from 10 degrees south of the Equator to 30 degrees north. The region consists of eleven countries and is generally divided into "mainland" and "island" zones. The mainland states of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are part of the Asian continent. The Island or maritime part of the region includes Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and East Timor. The climate is driven by Monsoons, both summer and winter which dictate the pattern of agriculture and which influence the pace of life.
This vast region with its diverse geography and fascinating spead of people, their cultures, religions and lifestyles is a great draw card to travellers. To this mix add a dash of heat, as in hot weather, some hedonistic pursuits such as white sand beaches,warm blue seas, good food, shopping bargains to die for and night life to test your stamina and bank balance. Stir in some adventurous activities, wildlife watching, cultural eco experiences and a myriad opportunities to get away from the tourist trails. Then serve up a fine range of accommodation options, good amenities, easy access plus value for money and you have all the ingredients for a great holiday.


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Charles II, 1630 - 1685. King of Scots 1649 - 1685, King of England and Ireland, 1660 - 1685 About 1681
Not on display
- Scottish Art
Riley was "sworne Painter and Picture Drawer in Ordinary" to King Charles II in 1681, making several portraits of the monarch before his death. This work by Riley's studio is characteristic of his unidealistic and melancholic style. In reference to another portrait of him by Riley, Charles commented: "Is this like me? Then oddfish I'm an ugly fellow". His eyes are dark and deep with a glint that denotes a sense of sadness. His jowls sit heavily against the elaborate scarf which dissolves into the background, the light only picking up a glimpse of his armour. Painted the same year that King Charles dissolved the English parliament due to personal conflicts, resultantly ruling alone until his death, this portrait captures an unusually sombre and contemplative side to the 'Merry Monarch'.


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Adventure Hotel......................................................................................
616 Vernon Street
Nelson, BC
Ph: 250-352-7211
Ph: 888-722-2258 (Toll Free)
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: http://www.adventurehotel.ca/
Located in the heart of one of British Columbia's most spectacular and historic city settings, The Adventure Hotel is the perfect destination for pleasure, business, or both.
The hotel offers Euro-Style rooms, with 100% of a complete renovation completed, for every budget: $75- $109 - $139. Great dining, lively pub and grill, coffee shop with atrium, meeting rooms, conference facilities and ballroom - all nestled in Nelson's super-natural scenic surroundings.
Originally built in 1913, The Adventure Hotel has the charm and tradition of yesterday and meets the quality and convenience of today - in an unforgettable setting sure to bring you back tomorrow.
** Ski & Stay starting at $118 pp, based on double occupancy. Taxes not included.
Uptown Sportsbar
Lunch in the Uptown Sportsbar is a tasty, affordable alternative. Whether it's an afternoon beer and burger, or a neat nightcap, the Uptown Sportsbar serves up a classic bar and grill mix in a stylistic urban art deco decorum.
Louie's Steakhouse & Lounge
A distinctly metropolitan culinary experience, in historic Nelsons bustling downtown. Whether it's an intimate evening for two, or a casual gathering amongst friends, Louie's is sure to provide an experience you won't soon forget.
.........................................................................""Whitewater is amazing—that's the simple truth. It has all types of terrain and a recently added chair that opened up even more of the goods. Add a solid local crew that's not going to vibe you out and the light, fully interior powder and you've got a clear favourite in my opinion." " John Scarth, Photo Editor, Snowboard Canada, SBC Resort Guide


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William Cobbett: A Year's Residence in the United States of America.
Please log in to consult the article in its entirety. If you are not a subscriber, please click here to here read about membership. All our articles have been written recently by experts in their field, more than 95% of them university professors.


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This deal has ended.
Through this weekend, 6pm takes 30-80% off all Steve Madden shoes, bags and eyewear, beating last month's sale with new price lows. The Miami Pumps (pictured), originally $89.95, now $29.95. Shipping is $6.95 or free with $100 and there's no sales tax (except KY, NV, NY). Some sizes and quantities are limited, so act fast!No longer available


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MADISON, Alabama -- The Madison City School Board will meet in a work session Thursday at 5 p.m. at Columbia Elementary School to discuss zone lines and grade configurations for the new James Clemens High School being built on County Line Road.
School Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler will be presenting several options concerning zone lines and grade configurations at the work session based on information he has received from the "Transition Committee" made up of teachers, administrators, parents and members of the community.
Columbia Elementary is at 667 Balch Road.
For more information, visit http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/ or call 256-464-8370.


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Sunday Regular Season Finale
Sunday, September 24, 2006, 9:53 am
Today's Lineup
Ozuna, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Dye, RF; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Crede, 3B; AJ, C; Uribe, SS; BA, CF. Garcia pitching.
Let's hope Freddy stays on his roll today. As bleak as things have looked at times over the past 10 days, had we won Thursday and Friday (given Twins losses), think how tight things would be now. Let's win today, hope Baltimore defeats Minnesota, and see what the final week brings. It's a longshot, but to quote Joaquin Andujar (I think), in baseball "Youneverknow."
Good to see Dye in today's lineup.
With an attendance total of 2,919,896 entering today's game, the White Sox should (weather permitting the game is played) set a franchise record for single-season attendance today. The current mark is 2,934,154, set in 1991 when the new ballpark opened. UPDATED 12:02 pm 9/26: Here is the press release on the record.
Thanks to each and every one of our fans who helped make this year so special at the turnstile. Your support and enthusiasm for this team is appreciated and never taken for granted. It is something we need to earn each and every day.
Let's hope for some dramatics this week and a very interesting and important series next weekend in Minneapolis.
Go Sox …
23 Comments
Can anyone use my 4 tickets to today's game?
Yes, public relations directors "must" be positive, just as the ladies walking around the cell must smile at their customers.
But the issue–which, given your penchant for uttering truisms and trumpeting your "legendary" status, is something foreign to you–is INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY. And some of Scott's statements–e.g.that Soxfest was designed so that ALL fans could attend–are INSULTING to anyone with a mind Only corporate lackeys (and, I suppose, those who wish favors like free media guides) would find them acceptable.
Put in other words: the ladies may have to smile, but no respectable ***** would try to persuade you that you're getting a "great deal." THEY KNOW that their CUSTOMERS KNOW better!
A few points:
Nice to see them win the final home game, it's a small consolation but it does leave the fans with a 'positive' feeling.
Neal Cotts is bad folks. I mean really, REALLY bad! I'm talking Boone Logan bad!!!
And for those who 'expect' Scott to come on a White Sox web site and blast the people who are paying him, which goes to feeding his family….well you're not very bright are you!
As I stated once before we are all GUESTS of Scott and the White Sox. He can revoke that invitation any time he and the organization chooses. That's something to keep in mind.
I don't 'expect' complete honesty on a public web site. If you do, again that's crazy. All I'll say is that what I'm told at times privately is more candid which is as it should be by some of the folks that I've had the pleasure of speaking with.
I can tell you; ALL of the folks in the front office share the hurt, the frustration, the disappointment. Losing *****, especially with this much talent on the roster and no one is happy about it.
I spoke with a front office person last night who called me on an unrelated matter and I was told that Kenny is "extremely upset" with what has happened the past few weeks.
Give the man a little time….he'll bust a gut trying to solve the issues.
Mark Liptak
todays tribune suggests the sox might be a player in trying to aquire ichiro this offseason. that would be a STRONG move. do it. and for god sakes if it comes down to parting with mccarthy, DO IT!!!!
Today, as the game concluded- the White Sox played a tribute to the Sox. And then all of the players and Ozzie tipped their caps to us- their fans. I had tears in my eyes. Sure, this season isn't ending how we liked it- but I don't care. They are still, and always be, my team. I was overcome by the moment, it was something really special. It was hard to leave the field. Thank you White Sox for everything this season. I look forward to a strong ending of the season, and surely bigger and better things for our guys next year.
Thanks for the nice post, sooxpride. It made me sad that this was the last home game. I always go thru withdrawal when the baseball season is over. When you watch these guys every day for months, you miss them when they are gone. At least I do. Win of lose, I love the Sox!
Great sendoff for the home season, and great sendoff for the road trip.
Laugh at me, make fun of me, but *my* team is not mathematically out of it, so I will keep on hoping. Hey, being a White Sox fan has always been a "faith-based initiative," and for me, it still is🙂
Go Sox!!
Ozzie also had some very complimentary things to say about the fans in his post game comments to reporters. Basically he said he and the entire organization appreciate the fans support because all this (baseball) is about the fans. He said he hopes those fans will be back next season and that asking the players to wait a minute by the dugout and tip their caps, was his (Ozzie's)way of telling them they should appreciate what the fans have done.
Mark Liptak
Nice to get a win today to end the home schedule. Very good gesture by Ozzie with the cap tipping deal after the game. I am giving Ozzie some points back for a nice move like that.
Statistically this thing is not over, and I am praying for a miracle, but not expecting anything.
Sure not making the playoffs and having a chance to defend would be extremely dissappointing. If we don't let's focus on 2007. Things could have been worse. We could have come out and had a sub .500 record and looked like a fluke last year. We weren't a fluke, and as long as Kenny makes a few good moves this off-season we will be a force to be reckoned with again.
For those who have gotten on Scott about the positive outlook posts you are clueless as to what he does and deals with. If you think he does not sit there and watch with the same pain and disgust as the rest of us you are crazy. If you listen to any interview from a player, coach, GM or media relations employee you will very very raerly hear negative comments. Everytime a reporter asks a tough question it never gets answered with a staright answer, and always has a positive spin on it.
My guess is that Scott likes his job, and would like to keep it. (Scott – if you don't email me so I can apply HA HA) Why would he do anything, but be positive towards the organization that feeds his family. Would you trash your company in a forum that your bosses are sure to see. That is career suicide.
With Soxfest, it has become so popular that it is a no-win situation. The overcrowding was horrible last year, and a lot of people left upset. It's simple economics, to decrease the demand you have to increase the price. It could be worse. At least the Sox don't scalp their own tickets like the ******** to the north of us do. I bet their winter fest packages are more expensive than ours as well.
Fox showed a graphic the other day that made me feel a little less upset if we dont make the playoffs this year.
Going back to 2000 the team that won the World Series and what they did the following year.
2000 – Yankess
2001 Finish: Lost in the World Series
2001 – Arizona Diamondbacks
2002 Finish: Lost in the Divisional Series
2002 – Anaheim Angels
2003 Finish: 3rd place in division, did not make the playoffs
2003 – Florida Marlins
2004 Finish: 3rd place in the division, did not make the playoffs
2004 – Boston Red Sox
2005 Finish: Lost in Divisional Series
2005 – Chicago White Sox
2006 Finish: ?
And in 2002, 2003, and 2004 it was the wild card team that won the World Series, and in 2000 the wild card team made the World Series and lost.
So out of the past 5 years only one team made it to the world series, and 2 other teams have lost in the first round. The other teams finished in third, so it is not that uncommon for a team to not make the playoffs after winning the world series. I thought it was just some interesting info.
jimd…..yeh,I know….Sparty let the best part of the game Sat nite roll down their collective pants leg…..I think you get my drift…..
Memo to brother davis in W Lafayette….DON'T LET YOUR GUYS BE NEXT!!!!!
kolsens….my "legendary" status has been applied upon me by OTHER members of this community….NOT myself….as well,if I not request any media guides this year,I would STILL have the same respect for the job that Scott does and has done over the last 16 seasons….I take it,sir,unlike Mr Liptak and others,including myself,that you have had absolutely no contact with a sports publicist on a regular basis,except for this forum…..Well sir,let me tell you this….his intellectual integrity is open to anyone with an OPEN mind…..which,on some subjects,does NOT refer to you….for instance,the "ladies walking around the cell who must smile at their customers"….If that is what I think you're referring to,you have opened up a big can of whoopa** with a lot of people….such as the people(Bethany Conrad as case in point)who sold the raffle tickets all season long….THEIR customers DO know what they're in for…..and they do it gladly…..My horoscope for sunday said that I have fiarly strong opinions…Airing them in their entirety means I have done a solid job of oofending everyone I know…..I only hope that I have offended one person….with a closed mind on some topics…..
i think who he is refering to are those scantily clad women who run around and throw tshirts into the crowd….its a nice touch might i add….
I guess it's how you choose to look at the 'facts.'
Consider this one. Since MLB went to the three division / wild card format starting in 1994, only three previous times has the World Series champion failed to even make the playoffs the following season.
The Marlins did it twice (97/98 and 02/03) and the Angels did it once. (03/04)
The Sox are about to become only the 4th member of that exclusive club.
My goals for the team weren't to get back to the World Series, let alone win it. But I thought it was very reasonable to assume they could at least have a chance to defend their title on the field.
In that regard this season has been a disappointment.
Mark Liptak
It's also the first time since 1991–and obviously the first time in the wild-card era, where there have been double the chances to make the postseason–that both World Series teams failed to make the playoffs the next year.
im glad this white sox debacle is coming to an end. BEARSSSSS!!!
"REQUIEM for a CHAMPION"
now that this season is officially over, well we are trailing 10-1 in the sixth, here are a few of my observations:
we came out of the gate with an awsome attack, that made all of us think we were going to make it back to the playoffs/series. Thome was on fire, among others, and we could do no wrong. we won 17 games in april and we were rolling! may brought more of the same high powered attack. we slipped to 16 wins, but even with Brian struggling big time, and Pods clearly not the same player of a year ago, it didn't seem to matter. June came and we win 19 games. we were really cooking! our pitching was just starting to come around, with the early season troubles of Garland smoothing out, Contreras setting records and Mark still pitching well. Freddie was, Freddie and our newest addition, Javy was showing a trend of giving up runs after the 5th or 6th innings. about the only thing going "wrong" was that we were in second place in the central. but with the second or third best record in baseball, there wasn't anything to worry about. then came july and our woes, not yet appearant to anyone at the time started to manifest themselves.
especially after the all-star game, we had trouble (in no particular order), scoring runs, pitching effectively, holding a lead, situational hitting, and etc. it seemed that whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. it's as if all our Good Luck from '05 was replaced by bad luck in '06.
because of our great start early in the season, we still had a chance as late as the middle of august. after winning 16 games in that month, we essentially gave up. we read about this, but didn't want to believe it. the truth was evident on the field though. last year we KNEW we were going to score when we had the bases loaded and no outs or just one out, this year we just as assuredly KNOW we will NOT score.
my rambling is about done. only thing left is to pull this all together: we STILL have the talent in the office to get us the best team on the field in '07. only time will tell what that may be. i still think we are the TEAM of the early 21st century, but to have that bragging right, we will have to add some pieces to the puzzle, and then consistantly allow those pieces to play to their potential.
last year i said i'd be at spring training '06 with my World Series Championship gear on. next year i will still be there, a year wiser, but still as determined to create a dynasty. we all learned by this year,( winning isn't guaranteed), no matter the team you have on paper. i still believe in OUR future… even rome wasn't built in a single year….
good luck to ALL my Sox Brothers and Sisters, stay healthy, have some fun along the line and it will be march '07 in no time, and we can resume our bickering at times witty comment… j.k. sad in tucson about what might have been, but NOT bowed…….later all…….
14 runs….
3 errors…
Still another loss to a garbage team with a losing record…
48 runs allowed in the past five games…
16th time this season, staff allowed 10 or more runs in a game…
and Boone Logan…..I don't know if I should laugh or cry about him.
They don't go out with a bang, but more like a whimper.
Mark Liptak
Ok gang, I'm ready to pronounce the season dead. It has been a long, slow, painful death, but alas it is officially dead. It has been a painful second half–especially when I hear the Sox and Cubs have identical records since the all-star break….is this true??? Call me a pollyanna, but despite not going to the playoffs–which I know is the measure of success–there are alot of teams who were out of this long ago and who won't win 90 or close to 90 games. Do we have work to do? Absolutely! I have no doubt Kenny is doing the autopsy as we speak and figuring out how to keep from "repeating" the mistakes of this season. We had some good times this year. The party is over though and it's time to look in the mirror and make some tough decisions. I'll still be here next year hoping for a better outcome!
Tonights performance was our 2006 White Sox in a nutshell. Everything that could go wrong did. I guess if you are going to get yourself eliminated you might as well go out with a bang.
Mark Liptak –
I didnt say i was happy about what has happened, I just found it kind of strange. This year mainly the second half was horrible. And I really hope that something gets done about it. I just hope if something comes around for McCarthy, Kenny will take it. I know he has already been announced as a starter for next year which scares me. I guess time will tell. I just wish that it was already the world series so this season could be done and over with. And I truly believe that teams step it up when they play defending world champs. If we win every other year that would be alright by me =)..
Thanks to the White Sox for making a hard decision easy. I have tickets for this weekend series in Minnesota and I was debating whether or not to drive all that way. However, the Sox finihsed like dogs and proved to me that they do not have any grinders. I'll stay home and watch college football and the Bears.
Thanks for nothing Sox. 2006 is a complete disappointment. See you next spring.


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DIY Rainbow Igloo With Old Milk Cartons(Thanks Twisted Sifter)
those milk cartons people because this is one Do-It-Yourself project that is sure to be the talk of your neighbourhood. You will need a ton of cartons( a few hundred to be exact) so you may want to get all your friends and family members to save theirs as well.
While browsing the net tonight I came across a cool site titled "Twisted Sifter". I just had to share this project with our readers.
Wash empty milk cartons, fill with water and food colouring of your choice. The finished product will be brick like, clear coloured blocks. Mix water and snow to make a sticky substance and join the bricks together. Start and the bottom and make a line in the shape of a circle. Keep adding layers on top of eachother until you see an Igloo form.
[button color="red" size="small" link="http://twistedsifter.com/2013/01/how-to-make-rainbow-coloured-igloo-using-milk-cartons/" target="blank" ]See Project Here[/button]


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Keep it together with this seriously cool necklace! It has a gold chain with separate loop pendants that interlock for a knot effect. We love it because it gives a modern vibe to your look without being too over the top! Adjustable clasp closure.
California Residents: Proposition 65
If you're not utterly obsessed with your recent purchase, it's now so easy to send it back! All US returns can be completed online using our fast, hassle-free system. Check out the links below for more details.
Opened makeup, earrings, ear cuffs and panties cannot be returned.


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GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A number of candidates will likely apply to fill the seat of Grand Rapids school board member Senita Lenear, who resigned Monday.
In 2007, the district received 16 applications when former school board member Jim Rinck resigned.
Lenear, who is running for a position on the Grand Rapids City Commission, said her resignation is effective June 30. Her term expires on Dec. 31, 2014. According to board policy, the vacancy should be filled within 30 days of the resignation date.
Related: Senita Lenear describes why she's stepping down from GRPS school board
The appointed person will have to be elected to the position by voters in November 2014 to continue to serve. Board members Tony Baker, Wendy Falb, Jon O'Connor, and Maureen Slade will also be up for reelection.
In November 2007, Lenear was appointed to fill Rinck's vacant position. She was among five finalists for the job. However, she didn't get elected to the seat that spring, but was victorious in 2009.
The nine-member board hasn't had an opportunity to establish the criteria that will be used in making the appointment for Lenear's position. The full board, or a committee appointed by the board, would review and screen applications to determine finalists for the appointment.
The interviews or screenings of finalists would be conducted in a public session, unless the candidate requests confidentiality, as provided in state law, according to board policy.
The board is now made up of five men and four women, three black members, including Lenear and six white members. The board has not had a Hispanic member since Luis Pena, who was defeated in 2008.
GRPS has approximately 17,000 students, predominately minority. The most recent data has the racial breakdown at 36 percent black, 33 percent Hispanic, 22 percent white and 10 percent of mixed race.
Monica Scott is the Grand Rapids K-12 education writer. Email her at firstname.lastname@example.com and follow her on Twitter @GRPScotty.