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January 19's Soup with the Supe event began with a song and dance performed by students from Whittier elementary school. The kids sang in Somali before a crowd of mostly Somali parents and community members, who were gathered to share a meal and participate in a question and answer session with Minneapolis Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson.
The event, held at Brian Coyle Community Center in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, was one of several steps Minneapolis Public Schools are taking towards a more productive relationship between the district and its approximately 2,000 Somali-speaking students and families.
The steps seem small compared to what Minneapolis and other district schools are up against. One in three Somali-speaking students in the metro area attends a charter school. It's a problem for a district like Minneapolis that's working to raise its enrollment numbers. And it's a problem for community members concerned that charters don't prepare students for college and the work world – an issue that's debated heatedly.
This is the second of three articles exploring Somali community members' experiences with the education system. Click the links for parts one and three.
But it also may be a sign that the districts are doing something wrong. The questions posed at the Soup event represent the range of concerns that lead some families to choose charter schools. One man asked why Minneapolis employs so few Somali bilingual staff. A couple parents said they're worried that kids are losing their Somali language. How are schools ensuring cultural sensitivity when labeling students as special ed? How will MPS make sure every student can read by third grade?
Community members interviewed for this article said parents don't feel welcome at district schools, charters help Somalis preserve their culture, Somali kids are not academically challenged at district schools, district schools are less safe and too big.
One thing is certain. Low-income, ELL and non-white students score lower than average on state tests, and they graduate at lesser rates. Test data broken down by ethnicity or language group is not available for Minnesota, but one can assume that Somali kids often fall into that gap.
"It doesn't matter the process, it's the outcome and the results. The district has to show that they can educate every child," said Minneapolis school board member Hussein Samatar. "If that happens, then I think a lot of children, a lot of parents will definitely come back in a big number to Minneapolis."
Following the Somali teachers
Ahmed Mussa goes to school at Roosevelt High, alongside many other Somali students. He's a senior, and he's already applied to a half dozen colleges, but since his parents don't know much about education in the United States, Mussa said he asks friends or talks to organizations like College Possible when he has questions about his future.
He's adjusted now, but he remembers when he started school in the United States in sixth grade, with little English, after living in Kenya and going to Islamic school much of his life. "It was hard seeing yourself in a classroom when you don't understand what's going on – just sitting and watching what the teacher was doing," he said. Now he speaks English and doesn't have many criticisms for Roosevelt. The one thing he thinks might help kids like him: more Somali teachers.
It's a sentiment echoed by many. Somali community members – including nonprofit leaders, educators and even board member Samatar – told a similar story to explain why so many families left the district. In the 1990s, when Somali students first arrived in Minneapolis schools, the district hired a number of Somali educators, including teachers and education assistants. Word spread that education was good in Minnesota, and according to some sources, that rumor drew more Somali people to the Twin Cities.
Then came education budget cuts and mass lay-offs starting in the early 2000s. Since Somali teachers and education assistants were the newest, they were among the first to go. Around the same time, charter schools began opening, and they absorbed some of the laid off teachers. Somali families followed.
A little more complicated than that
Officials from Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers said the story is more complicated than that. Some Somali teachers were indeed laid off as budgets shrank. Union president Lynn Nordgren said the union cannot take into account ethnic background when conducting lay-offs. It follows that if all Somali teachers started in the 90s, a number of them likely lacked the seniority to keep their jobs.
Officials said the timeline also matches up with new No Child Left Behind rules, requiring paraprofessionals, including bilingual support employees, to complete two years of post-secondary education.
Some teachers and staff may have been working via licensure waivers that expired. Teachers with waivers approved by the Minnesota Department of Education have three years to get a teaching license.
Not enough licenses
Whether or not Somali teachers were laid off in bulk, it remains true that district schools do not employ many Somali teachers. "The problem that we have with a lot of the Somali people is they have been in education for a long time, have a few credits but haven't really completed their license," said ELL program coordinator Muhidin Warfa.
It's also a problem for charter schools, including those with high Somali enrollment. Two of the three charters interviewed for this article, including Ubah Medical Academy and Cedar Riverside Community School, said that although much of their non-teaching staff is East African, they employ no Somali teachers.
According to Warfa, in some cases the cost of education is too high. Educators who are working or have families take a long time to get through the licensure process. English may not be their first language.
Warfa said MPS is working to recruit more bilingual staff. For example, MPS staff attend community events, fairs and conferences looking for individuals from under-represented communities who have teaching experience.
Supporting the language
At the same time, MPS officials say the need for bilingual staff isn't as great as it was 15 years ago. Today, schools are enrolling a new generation of Somali students. The kids who arrived with their parents in the 1990s have their own children. Some parents understand English.
Still, officials say bilingual support remains the principal way that Minneapolis district schools academically support Somali students. And they're pumping up that support.
In December, the multilingual department presented a new plan to the school board. Instead of pulling kids out of the classroom for ELL, an ESL teacher is more likely to go into a classroom and co-teach with the classroom teacher. Teachers are encouraged to promote a higher level of verbal interaction, where students regularly produce academic language. The district is in its second year of implementing co-teaching, and they've hired 50 new ESL teachers, some part-time.
The department is also developing stronger heritage language programs at Sullivan and Pillsbury elementary schools, to help students develop their Somali language.
A place for advocacy
Officials say some of the district's steps respond directly to concerns brought by Somali parents. Parent resource connection meetings will be held six times this year, usually at Brian Coyle, where Somali parents can learn more about Minneapolis schools and send community feedback back to the district. Starting with the Soup with the Supe event, Superintendent Johnson agreed to join those meetings at least once a year.
Parents can also learn about how to get involved through CPEO parent involvement classes, delivered in Somali.
Big steps, small steps
Minneapolis is huge. The district's plans will be interpreted by dozens of schools and hundreds of classrooms. And it's just one district. There are Somali students in St. Paul Public Schools, in Anoka-Hennepin, in Eden Prairie, in Willmar. Up against such mammoths, it's not hard to imagine why a parent would choose a school governed on site, where their voice is one of a hundred, rather than one of 30,000, and their language is understood.
MPS needs an attitude change, according to Samuel Yigzaw, principal at Higher Ground charter school. "It is a fundamental change that they have to make," Yiigzaw said. "It is there. It is really there – to downteach – to look at a student and see he is African [and think] he probably doesn't know."
"I think we are just beginning to understand what it takes," said Samatar, "I don't believe we are doing anything significant."
But significance is not always easy to see right away. That song and dance performed by the Whittier kids? It represented upwards of 40 hours of work shared by music teacher Kristin Bennett and Somali parent Fatuma Webi. Bennett taped Webi singing the song, they translated it together, then Webi volunteered in the classroom, teaching students how music and dance is used in Somali culture.
Webi initiated it all. In the past, Bennett said she and her colleagues were unsuccessful in convincing Somali community members to share their musical culture. She speculates that some community members might perceive U.S. music as centered on sex and alcohol. Now she sees things opening up. "What Fatuma did for me was amazing," Bennett said. "She learned while I learned."
Bennett said between her and Webi's work and a potluck fundraiser arranged by the school for the Somali famine, she notices more warmth between Somali families and school staff. She thinks an important connection was made.
At the Soup with the Supe event, Johnson read a message in Somali off a card. The Somali woman seated next to me laughed. "I don't know what she said!"
The Somali pronunciation was rough and some said the dough on the sambusas served that night was too thick with too many onions in the filling. But it was a step.


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Freedom New Mexico
Citing critical supplies for natural gas and power services caused by inclement weather, Gov. Susana Martinez has ordered non-critical state operations to close Friday to decrease the drain on energy supplies throughout New Mexico.
"Due to statewide natural gas shortages, I have ordered all government agencies that do not provide essential services to shut down and all non-essential employees to stay home tomorrow," Martinez said in a release Thursday night. "I have also encouraged all schools that have not already announced closures to strongly consider doing so."
Portales Schools were on a two-hour delay, but Superintendent Randy Fowler made the call late Thursday night to cancel Friday's classes.
Clovis High Athletic Director Brian Stacy, who was in contact with other Clovis Municipal School officials said Clovis Schools will stay open Friday. Schools were closed Thursday, and absences were excused Wednesday due to inclement weather.
The declaration has pushed back Clovis High and Portales High district basketball games scheduled for Friday. Portales was to play a doubleheader at Ruidoso. The Clovis boys were scheduled to visit Hobbs, while the Clovis girls were hosting the Eagles.
Hobbs canceled school Friday. New Mexico Activities Association rules ban practices or games on school days whenever classes are canceled.
All of those games are now Saturday, with Portales' doubleheader in the afternoon.
Stacy said a Clovis High swim meet scheduled for Friday will likely be pushed to Saturday.
Martinez recommended residents turn down their thermostats if possible and assist family, friends and neighbors.
Eastern New Mexico University had already canceled classes, but was keeping campus offices open. Wendel Sloan of the college's communications office said he hadn't heard the announcement from Martinez late Thursday.
Clovis Community College, which doesn't hold Friday classes, closed operations for Friday. Executive Vice President Becky Rowley said without classes, the college doesn't draw a lot of students on Fridays anyway, so the inconvenience would be minimal.
Clovis and Portales District Attorney Matt Chandler said late Thursday he had not heard about the governor's order and would try to get in touch with district court officials to see if they plan to close the courthouses.
City and county offices do not fall under the governor's order.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello! My soon to be 7 month old started solids a little after her 6 month birthday and has had rice cereal, peas (both from Earth's Best... and NOT her favorite), applesauce (EB), sweet potato (EB - & polished off 6.5 ounces in one sitting last night!), applesauce (EB), avacado, yellow squash, acorn squash (she LOVED it... and I have to admit, with my first time trying... quite tasty!). The latter foods being homemade.
She's started eyeing my buttered toast in the morning and I've given her a taste of the ends (without the butter). Just a little to gum on and not enough to swallow. Her bottom two teeth just came in last week...
What is the average age to start giving her some soft toast or bread (small sections of course) to gum on? I mean... when is it okay?


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Waste handling is not a glamorous issue. Getting rid of waste economically and in an environmentally sound way is a major challenge. Waste hauling charges in many large metropolitan areas are rising at a rate above that of food and labor. The increasing cost is due, in part, to increased governmental regulations on disposal of waste. Waste has become a political and community issue as well as a cost concern. Mishandled garbage can impact your guests' experience, especially when ...
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text: I am temporarily pumping exclusively. My son is 5 weeks old. He is taking 4oz about 8 times a day. I am only pumping about 6 times a day, but I get a minimum of 6oz, usually 7 or 8 oz. So I am actually getting more than he needs in a day. Is it okay that I am only pumping every 4-5 hours rather than every 2-3? Will this hurt my supply?


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All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill
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Still Same Ol' Negative Nicks and Debbie Downers
I quit visiting here because of all the negative posts and I'm not the only one. The dark, depressive mood carried here is a downer. I mean really, do you support your driver or not?
Here's an enjoy the race each week and let the chips fall where they may. Cheer for your driver whether he or she finishes first or last. It'll make the race experience much more pleasurable then you won't be in such misery about something you have no control over.


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"He grabbed my arm, threw it back at me, opened the door and jumped out," said Karisa Leong.
Her husband jumped to his death on the H-1 freeway less than a week ago.
Incarcerated for 10 years, she said he wasn't prepared for life outside of prison.
"It was constant rejection and lack of support," said Leong.
"It is really something that follows you for the rest of your life," said Kat Brady, who is an inmate advocate and worked with state agencies to make the Justice Reinvestment Initiative a reality.
But for the first time, the state's entire prison system is now being reworked.
"The correctional system needs to do more correcting," she said.
For one, the state is changing the way it assesses inmates.
The Hawaii Paroling Authority told KITV it used to be just a "yes or no" Q & A session.
It said it's now going be a more involved interview, so staff can get a better feel as to whether an inmate is ready to be back into society.
The latest this legislative session is a new bill to stop inmates from "maxing out" meaning completing their entire sentence in prison. But why?
"They are more likely to reoffend. They simply walk out the door cold, without any kind of support any kind of supervision," said Ted Sakai, who has been nominated to serve as the Department of Public Safety's Chair -- for a second time.
"That is frightening and that is something the community should be up in arms about," said Brady.
The state has also already brought back hundreds of Hawaii inmates housed in mainland prisons, and plans to bring back a lot more, with a cost-savings $30,000 each.
The goal is use those savings to fund sorely needed treatment programs for inmates paroled, instead of just let out, for their sake and for ours.
"Almost everybody is going to come out some day and they are going to be on the bus next to your daughter. How do you feel about that? I want somebody who wants to be a contributing member of society next to my loved one," said Brady.


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|Malthir Al Dagon
|Ricter Vorsk
Ricter's hand hovers over the handle of his flail, but he does not draw it. After the akward meeting with Calanwen he is aiming to be less hostile towards those the Baron may wish to negotiate with.
He also takes two steps back from Kip.
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
Checking Hargulka's notes, it seems he wasn't aware of any Fey presence here.
Kip gingerly opens the note, which reads-
Greetings to you, halfling! It seems your merry little band has found itself in the realm of Gwengwyvar, our Blodeuwedd Queen. This wonderful haven is hidden from the eyes of mortals for their safety and ours and we respectfully and humbly ask that you limit yourselves to the edges of our domain to complete your map.
|Malthir Al Dagon
What does every creature south of SwordHaven feel that own part of this land? he says with a little frustration in this voice.
If you wish us to reconize your claim on this land then I expect that party to deal with us directly!
Malthir says loudly and towards the hut...
|Kip Bendybrook
Kip does his best not to smile as he comments upon Malthir's obvious frustration. Perhaps Baron, the freedom loving Fey of these parts have taken notice of your proclivity to negotiate and your binding word. Your lawful nature, and that of our new allies the Hell Knights, may have given the Fey creatures a new tactic in resisting Kardas' expansion. They are using your own character against you. They ask for civility and peaceful interaction and then hope that you uphold your word and respect their claims of independence. Two such requests in nearly as many days. I doubt it is coincidence. If this continues, there will be no place left to claim for Kardas...
Kip looks directly at Ricter as he adds, Just because they dislike rules and order doesn't mean they can't use it against us. Smart if you think about it. They turn your own beliefs against you...
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
The huts some distance away, several hundred feet. Is that where you're headed? I should clarify by the way, that not all Fey are chaotic; but to be fair, many of them are and a Lawful Fey is very rare.
A Blodeuwedd is a Fey creature; a shapely maiden with skin of velvety moss and living grass for hair.
The mysterious Blodeuwedds stand apart from dryads, their tree-bound sisters of the forest, instead watching over the open plains and prairies. They frequently guard the approaches to primeval, fey enclaves as well as various gateways and entry points into the First World—a task they take very seriously.
Blodeuwedds hide such regions behind veils of illusion and trickery, quietly observing anyone passing through their lands, and occasionally sending mysterious messages to warn them away or to summon allies that can drive them out. Even when not standing sentinel over a point of otherworldly importance, Blodeuwedds find spots of particular natural beauty, transforming such fields—usually only a few acres in size—into sites of unearthly lushness and natural wonder. A typical blodeuwedd stands a little over 5 feet tall, weighs 120 pounds, and may live up to 800 years.
The mention of a Blodeuwedd Queen gives you pause; such a foe could individually be even more powerful than Hargulka or Nagrundi. One Blodeuwedd is already a powerful force that few can overcome, but a Queen among them is usually several hundred years old, with even more abilities and magic than usual. Queens develop an even greater affinity for the lands they rule and attract even more followers. Even the youngest Blodeuwedd Queen can usually boast at least ten Blodeuwedd under her rule and many other Fey often choose to live in their domains, knowing the potent illusions, magic and might they can bring to bear is usually more than sufficient to keep an area safe for hundreds of years.
Like most Fey, Blodeuwedd are only particularly vulnerable to Cold Iron. In addition to their feminine appearance, Blodeuwedd are much like Boabhan Sith in another regard; they have few weaknesses in either body or mind. They can use Wild Empathy and have many magical abilities that assist them in obscuring, nurturing and defending their realm; many of which involve plant life, such as the ability to commune with plants at will, the entangle spell and plant growth. As you have discovered, Hallucinatory Terrain is another spell they can innately cast; although judging by the sheer size of this clearing this is the work of several Blodeuwedd's rather than one.
Instead of developing a lifelong bond with trees, blodeuwedds hold an affinity for open grasslands, moors, and plains. They survive off the land, taking nourishment from all that nature provides, while also looking after prairie animals in times of drought or lean winters. Unlike dryads, blodeuwedds have no dependency on the plants around them; they can willingly leave their chosen moor to visit their fey kin, scout their domain in owl form, or even mingle with frontier communities, changing shape to appear elven or human.
Blodeuwedd Queens possess all the abilities of their lesser sisters, but also possess additional spell-like abilities, including the ability to place a lesser geas upon those who particularly trouble them and summon nature's aid much like a Druid. In addition, their elusive nature manifests as a permanent nondetection spell.
Every 15 or so years, blodeuwedds may reproduce through a natural ritual of fertility known as the Blooming, a process by which they commune with the adopted plants of their surrounding field. At the height of the spring season, they then exchange pollen with every flower within 300 yards, a complicated and sensuous act that eventually allows a blodeuwedd to conceive. It takes 6 months to carry a new blodeuwedd to term, and they frequently come together to act as midwives during this time to ensure successful deliveries for one another. Some tales tell of blodeuwedds displaced from their homes or in captivity capable of performing the Blooming by drawing off the lifeforce of amorous men, ending in the withering death of the would-be father. Such legends give blodeuwedds a reputation for being dangerous seductresses in some regions. Blodeuwedds typically establish their own prairie holdings within 7 miles of each other for mutual support and ease of communication, but are known to live closer together clustered around a powerful Ley line or entrance to the First World.
Blodeuwedds make their homes out of sod, carving them from the landscape and then encouraging prairie grass to grow over the exterior to hide them. These elaborate structures resemble small rises and hillocks that overlook ley lines and fairy paths between sites of great power and importance to the fey, which the blodeuwedds jealously guard from nonfey creatures. Most fey recognize such service by referring to blodeuwedds with honorific titles meant to curry their favor. As a result, many blodeuwedds set themselves up as queens or wardens to receive tribute from favored kin who pass through their realms.
When forced to fight, Blodeuwedd rely on their magic as well as powerful claws and simple slings. At will, they can exude an aura of pollen and other irritating allergens that can render those that dare to face them sickened. In addition, they can infuse themselves with nature's power, drawing temporary nourishment from their lands in a manner with similar effect to a false life spell.
Every stride taken by a Blodeuwedd causes small plants, grasses, and wildflowers to sprout from the ground, though she can suppress this effect if she desires. While within a plain of tall grass, brush, or similar undergrowth, a blodeuwedd may also step through such plant-life and emerge at any other point within the same field (potentially miles away). This ability functions similar to transport via plants, but a blodeuwedd can only transport herself and does not require a plant equal to her size.
You are an expert on Blodeuwedd, having researched them extensively, had first contact with them or perhaps both. You may freely view the typical Blodeuwedd statblock.
You are an expert on Blodeuwedd and their Queens, having researched them extensively, had first contact with them or perhaps both. You may freely view the typical Blodeuwedd Queen statblock.
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
|Ricter Vorsk
"Kip speaks wisely, Baron. Your domain will be a shadow of what it could be if you grant vast swathes of land to every creature that asks for it."
Ricter gestures to the lush fields stretching almost to the horizon
"These medows could feed hundreds of settlers - or starving refugees, which we know could well be coming - if your subjects farmed them. This Gwengwyvar wants to horde it all for what? A hidden garden! I call that brazen greed"
He looks to the hut
"We have seen first hand how lethal the forests in this part of the Stolen Lands can be. Think how many men would have to die to clear this much land for agriculture. It could all be avoided if we oust this so-called queen. We could even be kind and let her keep her cottage and a small plot of land."
|Kalev Lehola
How would you be different from marauders and riff-raff, if you took this land in the name of Kardas, Ricter? What claim do you, or any of us, have to it, that is stronger than those who already live here? Kalev asks, looking at Ricter with an appraising gaze.
|Ricter Vorsk
"The perfect world is one united beneath a single, universal law. Larger empires and stronger governments mean greater prosperity and security for all. The inhabitant of this region does not know it yet, but her life will be richer and easier under the rule of Swordhaven. It is our duty to bring as many creatures of this land as possible under the control of one central government - and in the process, bring them together into one united community."
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
|Kalev Lehola
Sounds little different from the protection rackets of the big cities in Brevoy, but I'm no expert on politics or civics... Kalev says, with just a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Know: Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
|Malthir Al Dagon
We are not conquerer's putting anyone down who doesn't agree with our ways...but some of the Fey do seem to oppose us on a larger than local level, those Fey are our enemies.
We should determine if this is one of those cases. We can discuss this more once we find out what this illusion and land is all about...
Assuming Kalev shares the info gathered from hin awseome knowledge roll.
Casimir listens intently as Kalev tells the Guardians what he knows of Blodeuwedd.
"If this information is accurate, and we are indeed on the edge of a Blodeuwedd Queen's domain, we should thread with caution. We would find ourselves in over our heads, I fear. For the time being, it is probably best to comply with the request, and seek to learn more of these Blodeuwedd and their Queen. "
He glances about, mindful of their previous encounters with invisible or hidden fey creatures.
"Also...when dealing with fey in the wilds, I find it best to assume that we are under observation at all times - so we might want to save any detailed discussion of our plans for another time." he says pointedly.
|Kip Bendybrook
Kip listens as Kalev recounts what he knows of Blodeuwedd's. Fascinating! I do hope we can meet some of them one day. And I must say Kalev, you sure know a lot about the Fey! I mean I have Fey blood in my veins and my own knowledge pales in comparison. Perhaps it is time I learned more...
As Casimir speaks, Kip nods in agreement. I find it is best to assume that as well... be careful what you say everyone. I have no desire to upset some of my cousins! Kip offers with a wink as his gaze once again returns to Ricter.
That said, I agree with the Baron in that we are going to need more information to proceed. At the very least, we require additional information regarding the boundaries of the Blodeuwedd's realm, that we might avoid it in our further explorations.
Kip looks down at the fox and smiles. I bet you can tell us what we need to know, can't you!
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
|Kip Bendybrook
Kip continues to look at the fox for a moment, as if expecting more. No? Ok. With that he reaches into his pack and pulls out a small piece of dried jerky and tosses it to the animal. You have performed admirably, so here is a treat for you!
He then looks around, speaking to the thin air, Can anyone help us then? ...Anyone?
|Ricter Vorsk
Likewise assuming Kalev shares the results of his knowledge roll
"It sounds like even the least of these creatures calls itself a queen. We may not be that far outclassed, Casimir. That said, we don't know that for sure"
Upon hearing about the prefered homes of the Blodeuwedd, Ricter clenches his fist an begins to detect chaos on the nearest hillock.
"And you're right, we should wait until we are far away from here before we talk further. There is, after all, much to discuss"
The Hellknight's hand grips the hilt of the mace, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. He stands as if he's in the lair of a monster, not a sunlit field. Once his detection is complete he looks back at Kip and sees him completely at ease.
"You think we are safe, Magister? There is a dangerous outsider guarding this region and it could be anywhere. We have no way of knowing how it will react to our presence! None!"
"Do you really think your blood will win you it's favour!? Devils make no special allowances for the sorcerers they spawn, what makes you think Fey are any different?"
|Fenna Thistleswade
"While I agree that it would be better for all if everyone in these lands were united under the banner of Kardas," Fenna says to Ricter, "most people, particularly the freedom loving fey, are far more likely to accept rule based on respect and mutual gain than rule at the point of a sword. If we attempt to subjugate the inhabitants of the Narlmarches by force, I have no doubt that our enemies' numbers would swell far beyond the troll horde we just faced."
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
The whole clearing is very big Ricter, at least several hundred feet in diameter. You detect no chaos in your immediate vicinity though the nearest hillock is some distance away.
As you debate your next course of action, the very land itself seems to rise up around you. Grass, creepers and hedges swell to masses far beyond their normal growth in but a moment as vines and thistles grow instantly from the plants, surrounding you with a thick, dense thicket of vegetation that blocks your vision of the clearing in mere seconds. The clearly magically grown vegetation extends to a height of about twelve feet.
Its hard to tell how far the plant growth extends, but it encircles you. You all note that a small ten feet radius in which you comfortably stand talking has been excluded from the effect, as well as a narrow path through the vegetation leading back to the forest edge. The hint is obvious.
Proceeding through the vegetation is likely to be exceptionally hard going. You imagine you will essentially have to hack or force your way through.
We're talking a speed of 5 foot through this terrain, so not just difficult terrain.
|Malthir Al Dagon
Malthir examines the vegetation to see if it is indeed real due to the other illusions they have faced. Feel free to roll for me...
Malthir looks in the direction of the hut and says loudly...
We are asking for a parley, nothing else.
If you forcibly remove us from "your lands" then we will interpret this as a hostile action towards us and consider you such going forward.
We would not forcibly remove you from our lands if you were doing no harm and just traveling through.
Malthir looks to the others and waits for a few minutes for a response. If none is forthcoming then he leads them out through the path presented to them until they are out of this section of land.
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
Anyone in or at the hut is extremely unlikely to hear shouting at this distance.
The vegetation feels real to the touch- and in response to Malthir's shout a gust of wind blows into your small radius of respite; and the wind carries a message with it, the winds carrying it in a haunting, soft feminine voice. As soon as the message is finished, the wind immediately dies away, no longer sustained.
We are not your enemies, yet you are not welcome in this sacred place. Such a gross misinterpretation of our caution endears you little, mortal.
The magically inclined within the group have little doubt that this is a whispering wind spell at work.
|Kip Bendybrook
I would prefer to keep my blood out of any confrontation actually Ricter... Kip replies with his usual mischievous grin. We do know how they reacted to our presence, they sent us this polite note, Kip waves the piece of parchment, asking us to afford them some measure of respect. That leads me to believe I am safe enough for the moment, although repeated slander and thinly veiled threats made against the inhabitants does make me feel less so with each comment made.
Kip shakes his head as he adds, And such nonsense comparing Devils to Fey... really...
As the vegetation encapsulates the Guardians Kip takes hold of his reigns and prepares to ride through the gap. He cringes as Malthir mentions "hostile action". So much for thinly veiled... and that confirms we are being watched. Now now, let us not be hasty and say things we may later regret...
As the wind blows, delivering its message, Kip again shakes his head. Right. I think we have officially overstayed our welcome. Off we go then.
|Malthir Al Dagon
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
Its just part of it. A hex is over a hundred square miles, this is not nearly so large. But the clearing, as Ricter pointed out, is incredibly lush and fertile land, very likely treated regularly with plant growth spells but somehow enhanced even beyond that. It would produce as much as one of your normal farm hexes if worked.
You leave unmolested and skirt around the now revealed magical clearing, mapping the rest of the hex throughout the day and noting its location for possible future reference; in particular as its likely you may once again fall prey to its glamer in future.
1d100 ⇒ 62
25XP for exploration and you may want to remember to add the clearing to your map. Malthir can I get an updated map from you before we proceed, cross-referencing the map on the group site with mine is giving me a headache trying to place hexes without seeing them.
|Malthir Al Dagon
We should head North and explore around the south side of the lake and continue our exploration of this southern area after that.
Go into A66 then back SE zigzagging the southern reaches then head north to close out the exploration of that area.
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
The mood of your band is generally rather sour after the events of the past few days. Malthir in particular seems troubled by the implications of Fey involvement in the attempts to destabilise the fledgeling Barony of Kardas.
Ricter finds himself wondering about his father's soul- the month of Pharast always brings back memories of his Pharasmite father.
Kip and Kalev though, seem to sleep extremely peacefully. Casimir has few complaints but Fenna... Fenna has a strange dream that disturbs her rest. A changeling boy, his heritage not what it seems, grows quickly into a troubled young man before her minds eye- only to transform suddenly into a young red dragon, a dragon with confusion and fear in its eyes, a wyrmling that consumes itself in flames high in the sky; and simultaneously the banners of Kardas and Brevoy can be seen on the opposite sides of a field of battle far below on the ground. As the two armies meet in bloody battle and decimate one another, the fire and smoke above the battlefield clears and the frightened Wyrmling has been replaced by an Ancient Wyrm- a harbinger of destruction with the fires of tyranny in its eyes that descends on both weakened armies...
5th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 96
1d100 ⇒ 11. 1d100 ⇒ 12
The group's spirits rise a little as it becomes clear that your close to emerging out of the Narlmarches. You head north-east into the area east of the dragon's territory and begin to map it out. The day's exploration of even more dense forest is relatively uneventful- Kalev encounters several boars while hunting for food and you eat extremely well in the evening, his hunting prowess so proficient that they never truly stood a chance against him. Perhaps its the fine boar you feast on or just the knowledge that the damned forest will no longer obscure the stars tomorrow night, but you sleep well.
1d100 ⇒ 23
25XP for exploration
6th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 90
The dense forests give way almost immediately to the hills of the Kamelands as you begin to zigzag your way across the southern section of the Greenbelt, heading south-east out of the forest. This particular area of the hills seems almost devoid of life; you spy some birds and the occasional predator but it seems even the animals don't care to frequent this area.
1d100 ⇒ 33
1d100 ⇒ 60
25XP for exploration
7th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 96
You head north-east and continue to explore the hills of the Kamelands. This area links up with the Shrike River, which you are able to cross at the mouth of Candlemere Lake and then double back on yourselves to continue exploring. You have no significant encounters and get to have quite a relaxing day riding in a rare day of magnificent sunshine.
Malthir receives a serious message from Vaysh that evening rather than her usual soft greetings and well wishes.
My Baron. The Hellknights have begun to appear in Swordhaven. They have been respectful, polite to a fault. Their Signifer claims they were teleported here.
I'll assume you include a response in your next post and i'll retcon a reply if necessary etc.
1d100 ⇒ 18
1d100 ⇒ 39
25XP for exploration
8th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 44
You head south-east and continue to explore the hills of the Kamelands. This area interlinks with the Shrike River that continues to head south, perhaps eventually going as far as Mivon. You cross it at a ford and you realise your getting fairly close to where you fought the Owlbear with Maegar Varn. A heavy downpour of rain makes coming back across the ford problematic but with perseverance and stubbornness, you make it back across.
1d100 ⇒ 90
1d100 ⇒ 62
25XP for exploration
9th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 96
You head north-east and continue to explore the hills of the Kamelands. This area interlinks at a T junction of rivers- where the Shrike River meets the east-flowing Little Sellen river. At the point where the three waterways meet, you come across an abandoned ferry station. Although its seen better days with its half-collapsed, rotting wooden buildings, the boats are in decent condition and although there are signs that bandits once frequented this place, it seems Kardas' fearsome reputation has scattered them before you even arrived.
Were you to establish a permanent settlement here, you would be able to convert the ferry station into a pier with minimal hassle.
1d100 ⇒ 49
1d100 ⇒ 54
25XP for exploration
Pausing to allow for discussion, RP, messages to Vaysh, and another map update from Malthir. Next update will continue with the events of the 10th of Pharast.
|Fenna Thistleswade
Waking from her troubled sleep, Fenna looks silently upwards to the moonlight filtering through the gently rustling leaves, and her thoughts are once again drawn to the letter received from her old friend. The troll invasion, and the subsequent efforts to restore Swordhaven to some semblance of order, had provided the gnome prophetess a compelling excuse to avoid the issue. But even once the beginnings of normality had settled, she had been reluctant to give her thoughts of Galen much heed; some part of her insisting that she was reading too much into the coincidence, and instead of reading the letter when she had found it amongst the papers on her desk, she had simply told herself that more pressing issues had to be considered first, and placed it in her pack.
Now though, it seemed that her suppressed concerns would no longer allow themselves to be ignored. Nonetheless, it was perhaps another half hour before she let out a quiet breath and propped herself up to retrieve the letter and piece of prophecy that troubled her.
Laying both documents on the ground, she intently reads them over several times, until eventually she simply stares at the papers mutely.
Knowledge(history) 1d20 + 6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 10 = 19. Probably not as appropriate as Knowledge(nobility) for this, but what sort of relationship did House Medvyed have with House Rogarvia? Is Fenna aware of any public marriages between the two?
|Malthir Al Dagon
To Vaysh
Please show them all courtesies and house them in the castle for the moment, let them know it is temporary. We return within the week.
@ Ricter and group...
So some of your fellow knights have made it to SwordHaven. They have exceeded my expectations...this pleases me. We will return as soon as we can, but for now we should finish what we set out to do.
We will know these lands finally and build a kingdom worthy of the people who have placed their trust in us!
The next day to Vaysh,
Ask them to start right away patrolling the streets. We expect them to help where they can until the Guardians return to SwordHaven. Love always.
To the other Guardians, Malthir seems to be mulling over the maps that the Trolls had...
I am sorry if I seemed to react ill to the Fey Queens treatment of us. To be honest I trust the Fey no longer. All of you remember the Nixie whom we fought that led the forest against us...
What I did not tell you was a warning she gave me before I struck her down. She talked about a time to come when the Fey had plans for our lands...for Kardas and that our people would die.
And now a hand guiding the trolls, helping them. At first I thought it might be another country, but after all of the Fey markings to avoid their territory...I assume they must be aligning against us, using our enemies to weaken us.
He looks at each one of the Guardians, a somber look on his face.
We must consider most of them a threat. There is a larger force at work here...maybe something trying to align them against us. I don't trust this Fey Queen. She may not have done anything to Kardas that we know of...yet, but should we sit idly by and wait for them to strike next?
We will not attack innocent creatures, but neither should we sit idly by and wait for them to attack us!
Speak your mind Statkari, I would hear your wisdom!!!
|Kalev Lehola
Malthir, I count your judgment wise, in the past as well as this, yet I hope it isn't true, though I have myself thought some of the same thoughts as you now speak openly. Yet, I know that if we start a war, strike first against the First, we will certainly face an enemy...and one that I fear will do more damage than the trolls and anything else we have faced. Therefore, I counsel that we do not seek out enemies where none yet appear. Let us be on guard, but not aggressive towards anyone who hasn't been hostile towards us.
"So the Fey have plans for Kardas. It is good to hear that my bretheran have already arrived. You should remember, baron, that you are not without allies. You need not fear the creatures of the stolen lands. On the other hand, even I can see it would be foolish to indiscriminantly attack beings this powerful. We need to complete the mapping of this area - drive further south until civilization begins to set in again. Then will we be able properly assess what we are up against. We must make absolutely sure Kardas doesn't not exist only at the whim of the Fey. This may mean strengthening ourselves or weakening them"
|Kip Bendybrook
Kip looks to the Baron as he speaks. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the Nixie's dying words. Why are we just learning of this now? Why would you withhold such information from us? I did not agree with her summary execution but have held my tongue on the matter until now.
Kip is troubled by the revelation, and by his own admission. He scrunches up his face before asking, What exactly did she say? I find it extremely disturbing, and to be honest, entirely implausible that all of the Fey are involved in such a campaign. Many of them are good creatures! What of our fey allies? Do you distrust them as well?
Forgive me for saying so, but I think you presume too much based upon too little. While I admit some occurrences lately might lead one to believe such a thing is possible... I would prefer actual evidence before we do something we regret.
Kip nods in agreement with Kalev's comments, and somewhat surprisingly, with Ricter 's as well.
I think further investigation is warranted at any rate... regarding both the dragon's, and the Queen's, "requests". Perhaps I could attempt to make contact with the Blodeuwedds again... alone or with Fenna possibly? Offer an exchange of information. Negotiate a pact of some sort...
And Fenna, do you think that you could commune with the night sky and divine us some guidance in these matters?
|Malthir Al Dagon
I thought they were idle threats until now. These things.. looks down at the maps, ...have convinced me otherwise. I am not saying that all Fey are against us Kip, but even the good ones may sit by and watch while some try to destroy us.
As you have said, we must be vigilant and see what happens next.
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
To VayshPlease show them all courtesies and house them in the castle for the moment, let them know it is temporary. We return within the week.
The next day to Vaysh,
Ask them to start right away patrolling the streets. We expect them to help where they can until the Guardians return to SwordHaven. Love always.
Vaysh's reply the next day-
I have done as you asked. There are protests in the streets about the presence of Hellknights in Kardas. They are a minor concern however.
Vaysh's message on the 9th.
We have assuaged the people's concerns somewhat. With the many threats we have recently faced, most people have accepted our new alliance.
Knowledge(history) 1d20+6+10. Probably not as appropriate as Knowledge(nobility) for this, but what sort of relationship did House Medvyed have with House Rogarvia? Is Fenna aware of any public marriages between the two?
Fenna's not aware of any public marriages between Rogarvia and Medvyed before House Rogarvia's disappearence in the Vanishing fourteen years ago. Fenna knows that Medyved followed suit fairly swiftly after Surtova surrended to Choral the Conqueror's original army in 4499. Relations between Medvyed and Rogarvia were always reasonably friendly but not nearly as close as the ties by marriage the Surtovans had or the staunch loyalty the Orlovsky's had to Rogarvia.
You would be able to roll again with research in the library and with a +2 bonus.
10th of Pharast, 4713
1d100 ⇒ 35
You continue exploring, travelling towards the very south-east of the Greenbelt. Scattered amongst the many hills in this area, you spot numerous small and discrete burial mounds. You have the impression that a great battle must have once taken place here.
1d100 ⇒ 33
1d100 ⇒ 7, 1d100 ⇒ 93
25XP for exploration
Casimir- 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Malthir- 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Fenna- 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 (GM reminder- + 19 at night)
Ricter- 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Kalev- 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 (GM reminder- terrain bond)
Kip- 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 4) = 12
Fenna and Kalev wake up rather suddenly in the middle of the night to the sound of what sounds like wolf howls. The loud and distinct noises are not particularly close, but certainly within a few miles.
Its very difficult to tell a Wolf's howl apart from that of a Worg, but noting the slight auditory difference you determine the sounds are coming from the latter- several of them at least.
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In response to Vaysh's replies regarding the Hellknights, if Malthir relays them:
"Do not be alarmed by the protests, Baron. That will be the complaints of lawbreakers and oppertunists who hoped Kardas would be soft. I have seen it in the past. Most of your subjects will be quietly relieved that emotionless armoured figures stand between them and the horrors of the forest rather than their own sons and husbands."
|Fenna Thistleswade
"As Malthir suggested, I will attempt to gain some insight into these matters upon our return to Swordhaven," Fenna replies to Kip, before listening thoughtfully to the Baron's comments. "It is quite likely that many fey who wish us no harm would stand by and do nothing should other turn against us, but is that something you would hold against them? If Surtova were to press matters against us regarding tribute, would you judge Lord Varn harshly if he chose not to intervene?"
Waking to the nearby howls, Fenna takes a moment to attune herself to the sound, letting the connection to the First World which flows through her veins find the meaning within the animal's voices.
Speak with animals
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
I didn't realize it was almost a week since my last post. Sorry about that.
In response to the talk of hostile fey and Malthir's mention of the nixie's final words.
"It would seem that like the Taldane settlers before us, we are learning that this land is not easily settled, and that not all of the original inhabitants look favorably on new neighbors. I can't help but wonder if the fey were involved in the failure of previous attempts to settle these lands. We would do well to research this matter further once we return to Swordhaven.
On thing is for certain. We should be very careful about who we trust. And we might have to make peace with the fact that if we want to keep expanding, we will have to build our new cities and farms on ground soaked by the blood of the creatures who were here first."
Regarding the Hellknights
"I suppose it was to be expected that more than a few people would get excited by the sight of Hellknights marching through the streets of Swordhaven. The sooner we find our new friends a place of their own outside the city limits, the better for everyone, I think."
Regarding the howls
|Malthir Al Dagon
|Kip Bendybrook
We aren't going to have another incident involving Ricter running around in his unmentionables again are we? ;)
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
|Kalev Lehola
Knowledge: Nature 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Kalev is instantly wide awake and on his feet. Seeing that Fenna is also awake, he says, You heard that too? It sounds far off, but I can't determine if there are one or many, or if they are hostile. Should we wake the others?
|Fenna Thistleswade
|Kalev Lehola
|Malthir Al Dagon
|DM Alexander Kilcoyne
Casimir moves to assist Malthir and Ricter with the armor, while listening intently to the howls.
Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
"They sound like regular wolves to me - something appears to have them riled up. I think it was a wise precaution to wake us."
|Kip Bendybrook
Kip pops up immediately upon being roused, slinging his trusty pack and grabbing up his walking stick as he stands, while murmuring his agreement with Casimir's sentiment.
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Hearing the apparent change in their demeanor, Kip offers, They don't appear to be moving closer to us. Perhaps the focus of their attention is someone, or something, else nearby. Should we investigate?
Kip eyes the sky trying to determine how well he could see if he were to take to flight.


text:
If you've ever eaten watercress in Hawaii, there's a good chance it came from Sumida Farm in Aiea. You may have noticed the farm if you've ever driven past the Pearlridge Shopping Center. Some people say the best-tasting watercress in the world is grown there, perhaps because of its most unusual location.
Click here to watch Brenton Awa's report.
"We're harvesting in this area, we just harvested this one," explains David Sumida during a walk through of the farm.
David and his sister Barbara are the third generation of Sumidas to manage this land. Their grandparents took over the 10 acres back in 1928 when much of it was used to grow taro.
"The farm is 85-years-old now," said David.
The farm took root under their father, who planted only watercress. It was a decision that's made this farm flourish today, but the payoff didn't come without a price. As time passed, in came development, and being pushed out was what the Sumidas were up against.
"The developer wanted to take away the lease for this plot here to develop, it was going to become the phase three of the Pearlridge center," said David. "My dad was fighting for this farm because it was his farm, it was the family farm, they wanted to keep it."
All of the water used on the land is natural, coming from springs.
"The water has lots of mana; when I realized that, everything came together," said David.
David says it takes 22 years for the water to flow from the mountains to the farm. After being filtered in the Koolau mountains, what some call the source of life bubbles its way back to the surface, where it's met with unblocked sunlight. The two combined make this land the perfect location to grow. But another threat to the farm came in 1982, almost crippling the field.
"My dad was tired and the diamondback moth was winning the battle, and he just wanted to give up, quit, and give back the lease to Bishop Estate and quit," said David.
That's when David and Barbara took over and, with the help of science, may have saved the entire industry. Sprinklers were installed to help wash moth eggs off the leaves and break the insect's life cycle.
"Once the other watercress farmers saw our success with the sprinklers, they installed them for their farms," said David.
Since then, production has been steady. Like any farm, keeping up with supply can be difficult and the future here is still uncertain, but right now...
"Right now, yeah we can," said David.
Sumida Farm's lease with Kamehameha Schools has been extended until 2032. David hopes to keep it running through then.


text:
Convicted killer asks for one acquittal
RUTLAND Lawyers representing convicted killer Frank Caraballo argued Wednesday that contradictory verdicts handed down by a jury in October should lead a federal judge to acquit him on one of the convictions.
Caraballo, 31, was convicted at the end of October of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, use of a firearm while drug trafficking, and causing the death by murder through the use of a firearm of Melissa Barratt. The body of Barratt, 30, of Brattleboro, was found July 29, 2011, in the woods of Dummerston.
He faces a potential life sentence on each of those charges.
But while jurors found Caraballo guilty of causing Barratts death, they found him not guilty of pulling the trigger on the gun that killed her.
During arguments in U.S. District Court in Rutland this week, Caraballos defense team argued that the conviction for causing Barratts death should be overturned because the governments case rested on the principle that Caraballo was the shooter.
Its a core piece of the governments case, defense attorney Natasha Sen said Wednesday. There are insufficient facts to support causation.
Only one witness, Joshua Makhanda-Lopez, who was Caraballos partner in distributing drugs in southern Vermont, testified that he saw Caraballo execute Barratt by standing behind her and shooting her once in the back of the head.
Judge Christina Reiss said it was possible that jurors didnt know if Caraballo pulled the trigger himself but believed that he caused her death by instructing someone else to do the killing.
But Sen said if that was what jurors believed, then they reached a verdict that was supported by no evidence or testimony in the trial.
Theres no evidence he caused anyone to do anything, she said.
The blame throughout the trial was placed squarely on Mr. Caraballo. Theres no evidence at all that he ever directed anyone else to harm Ms. Barratt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf argued it was futile to guess at the reasons why jurors reached their decision. What mattered, he said, was whether the evidence in the case was sufficient for a jury to find Caraballo guilty of causing Barratts death.
There are all kinds of reasons why jurors reach their decisions, and the high court has said its not the courts job to interpret their decisions, Van de Graaf said. I think theres more than sufficient evidence that he did pull the trigger and the evidence is powerful in this case that these two men went into the woods with Ms. Barratt.
During Caraballos trial, his defense team argued that Makhanda-Lopez killed Barratt. During arguments in court last week, Sen said the jurys verdict gave credence to the theory that Makhanda-Lopez acted on his own.
But the judge said that scenario seemed unlikely since Caraballo was the one in charge.
It seems that Mr. Lopez made very few decisions on his own, and it was not his drugs that were stolen, Reiss said, referring to the motive that prosecutors say Caraballo had for killing Barratt.
The judge didnt make a decision on the acquittal Wednesday, instead taking the matter under advisement.
@Tagline:brent.curtis @rutlandherald.comMORE IN Vermont NewsMONTPELIER Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryVermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell plans to join the U.S. Full StoryAs Rutland prepares to welcome Syrian refugees to its community, some are continuing to voice... Full Story
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text:
High court backs EPA
One of the foundations of U.S. law, not to mention prosperity, is, in effect, that a deal's a deal. In other words, when two parties agree to a contract, it is a binding arrangement. One person cannot back out merely because he has changed his mind.
It is not the same in many other countries. Those who study economies note that the sanctity of contracts is important to a nation's prosperity. Who wants to invest money in a place where contracts can be broken at will?
Increasingly, however, the U.S. government is adopting a "do as we say, not as we do" philosophy. The government, it seems, is free to rescind regulatory approvals – in effect, contracts between Washington and private companies – whenever it chooses.
Now, the Supreme Court says there is no problem with that.
In 2007, a coal company received a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for work at a surface mine in Logan County, W.Va. Then President Barack Obama came into office and, two years after one agency of government approved the permit, another rescinded it.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials, having enlisted for Obama's war on coal, rescinded the permit. That prompted the coal company to go to court.
It seemed to have a solid position. Again, how is an individual or company supposed to function when plans are made and money is spent based on a government ruling that may be changed months or years in the future, based solely on a bureaucrat's whims?
But last week, the Supreme Court refused to review the case. In effect, it backed the EPA.
As West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey pointed out, the high court's ruling "is about much more than coal. It's about private and public entities being able to have faith that when they make investments and get the necessary permits for those investments, those permits won't be yanked back years later." Morrisey's office joined officials in 26 other states in urging the Supreme Court to reverse lower court support of the EPA.
Thoughtful members of Congress, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, understand the high court's support of the EPA sets a dangerous precedent. In both chambers, bills have been introduced to prevent the EPA from rescinding permits granted by other agencies.
Congress should approve those bills – but be prepared to override a veto by Obama.


text:
The 2013 draft saw a record for the first guard taken—Jonathan Cooper to the Arizona Cardinals at pick No. 7. That was followed by Chance Warmack (No. 10 to Tennessee), Kyle Long (No. 20 to Chicago) and Travis Frederick (No. 31 to Dallas). That was quite a year for interior offensive linemen—but don't expect a repeat in 2014.
While the guard class is good, it's not great. The goal of the NFL Draft 100 is to identify the best players based purely on film study and analysis.
The B/R NFL Draft 100 metric is based on scouting each player and grading the key criteria for each position. The criteria are weighted according to importance on a 100-point scale. Unlike our NFL 1000 series, this project factors in upside for each player, as the NFL draft is as much about upside as it is about production.
Interior linemen are judged on run blocking (40 points), pass blocking (40 points), upside (20) and all of the technique, athletic ability and football intelligence needed to play the position.
In the case of ties, the ranking is based on which player I prefer personally.
Subjective? Yes. But ties are no fun.
I scouted each player with these key criteria in mind. The following scouting reports and grades are the work of months of film study and in-person evaluation.


text:
"Thank you for the work that you do. This March will mark my third year back in the Catholic Church. By God's grace, he brought me back using Catholic Answers Live and EWTN. I will be forever grateful."
~ JoAnn
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"Into your hands, Lord."
~ Thomas of Villanova, university professor, philanthropist; known as the "Father of the Poor"; his dying words.


text:
Marijuana question argued from opposite sides
CASTLETON Robert Stutman and Steven Hager have been debating the legalization of marijuana for more than a decade. One of the few things they agree on: Those arrested for marijuana use should not be incarcerated.
Stutman, a former Drug Enforcement Administration agent, and Hager, a former editor of High Times, went head to head Thursday night in Marijuana Debate: Heads vs. Feds in front of hundreds of Castleton State College students.
Hager argued for recreational marijuana usage. He said medical marijuana helps with the symptoms of many diseases, including glaucoma and epilepsy. Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government, meaning it has no medicinal value.
Thats the equivalent of standing in a hurricane and having the government tell us the wind aint blowin, he said.
The rise of prescription drug use sends the message that its OK to get high, as long as you take the right medicine, Hager said.
He also discussed the economic impact of hemp, which is used in more than 20,000 products, and how the purchase of illegal marijuana contributes to corruption in society.
The last reason, one he said many dont understand, is a personal one: Marijuana is part of his culture.
Stutmans culture is different, though; it involves murders and meetings with late Mafia boss John Gotti.
The pair have traveled through different walks of life, but agree on one thing.
The stupidest government policy is putting people in prison for the use of a drug, Stutman said.
In his argument Hager, too, also discussed the impact that incarceration has on individuals.
Its taking someone who could have been a productive member of society and turned them into a vicious animal, he said.
While Hager said growing marijuana for medical use helps in the long run, Stutman said the lack of regulation would be detrimental.
Of the 4,000 medicines, name one youre allowed to grow? he asked.
While hemp and medical marijuana are good ideas, Stutman said, those arent the major reasons the public supports legalization.
Most Americans do not give a damn about hemp, he said. Most Americans do not give a damn about medical marijuana. Most individuals who want marijuana legal want it legal because its their intoxicant of choice.
Stutman also pointed to the dangers of driving under the influence and the fact that marijuana may be natural, but that it doesnt mean its good.
Both men agreed on the dangers and health risks associated with smoking, whatever is in the cigarette.
I tell my kids, Please dont smoke anything. Vaporize it, drink it in tea or eat it in brownies, said Hager as the students clapped and whistled.
The debate ended with Hager making Stutman an offer to go to the Cannabis Cup, an annual marijuana festival he founded in Amsterdam.
Stutman, who said he has never used marijuana, declined the offer.MORE IN Vermont NewsMONTPELIER Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryVermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell plans to join the U.S. Full StoryAs Rutland prepares to welcome Syrian refugees to its community, some are continuing to voice... Full Story
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Just an ordinary photographer who loved to get travelled all around the world and making beautifull photographs.
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The product description on this page is more than a year old and may or may not still be available as described here. Interested FM readers should contact the product manufacturer directly or contact local foodservice distributors to check on its regional availability. Sweet Street Desserts introduces the Cinnamon Scone, a buttery cream scone with flaky, delicate layers and pockets of sweet cinnamon, sprinkled with coarse cinnamon sugar. Simply thaw them for two to three hours at room ...
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Did Zeke replace 6.9 Zach with 6.2 Jones?
Isiah is a genius.
Curry enters, our defense completely breaks down.
Isiah's answer to our soft defense and lack of ball movement on offense:
Zach Randolph
Result:Magic are almost up by 20.
Christ, why the hell is Rose is even on the floor? He doesn't rebound, defense, or contribute on offense. He's a 6"5 PF with no hoops or a quick leap off the floor...he doesn't bring any energy to team. I really hate watching him, I wish people got over his days in San Antonio. Dude has the be the worst Knick player I ever seen since Zach Marbury.
Did Zeke replace 6.9 Zach with 6.2 Jones?
Zeke is a BUMM Head Coach! we all have to admit it.
He need to FIRE himself as the Head Coach,
and hand the coaching job to Herb Williams or Mark Aquire.
110-96 Knicks LOSSSSS
even if Isiah goes we need 2 make some cahnges...need new faces man i can tell these players aint taking this franchise NOWHERE!
Turkolu seems to have really good games against the Knicks... All the the time.
I still say Zeke can draft his butt off, but he absolutely sucks at everything else.
When is he getting fired?
Isiah needs to be fired no question. But no matter what players you put in there they aren't gonna get it done. As far as I'm concerned this team has quit on him and you gotta put some 50% of ther blame on the players. Whether its the lack of effort on some nights, or the bonehead decisions that they make on the court.. Isiah the coach is not completely to blame. Its not his fault that Q can't hit a shot, Jamal is skittish, Curry and Randolph are out of shape and Jared Jeffries punked out after coming to NY. However Isiah the GM needs to stop raping this team.
Bottomline if you fire Isiah you'll be solving half the problem. This team needs a GM that will make a decision on waht direction this team should head in and move forward by bringing in the proper pieces. These players are completely mismatched. This team can play two ways, both ineffectively. Certain players would thrive in an uptempo pace while others simply aren't athlteic or quick enough and are better suited for half court.
Randolph/ Rose
The reason why the Knicks got ahead early was better ball movement and scoring in transition off of turnovers. Guys like Lee and Robinson played well cuz they got the ball up in a hurry. Contrast that with Z-bo and Curry who do not run the floor well. Not to mention they do not compliment each other well.
man, we played good for 36 minutes and just went flat, man i defend Q alot but im getting tired of em, he needs to attack the basket, his shot just left, i wanna see nate and jamal play more together


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Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake is golden brown and springs back. Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on a baking rack. Frost when cakes are completely cooled.
Mandarin Orange Cake
1 - package yellow, butter or french vanilla cake mix
1/2 - cup vegetable or canola oil
3 - eggs
1 - 15 oz can mandarin oranges, un drained and separated
1 - 8 oz can crushed pineapple, un drained
1- 3.4 oz box vanilla or french vanilla instant pudding mix
1 - 13 oz cool whip, thawed whipped topping
Add the cake mix, oil, eggs and mandarin oranges with liquid to a large mixing bowl. Remove 6-8 orange segments and set aside for garnish.
Using a electric mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment blend together the cake ingredients. Pour batter into two greased and floured round cake pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden brown and the cake springs back. Remove from oven and let cool in pans 10 minutes.
Remove from pans and cool completely on a baking rack. Frost when cakes are completely cooled.
Prepare the frosting by adding the dry pudding mix and un drained pineapple together in a large bowl and mix with a spoon.
Fold in cool whip until well blended. Frost both layers and sides of cake. Garnish with remaining mandarin orange segments. Keep refrigerated before serving.


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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/155131
- Title
- The haunting affect of place in the discourse of the virtual
- Author(s)
- Wilken, Rowan
- Abstract
- This paper is concerned with tracing how the notion of place circulates and is understood in literature from the 1980s and 1990s on computer-mediated information and communications technologies (or the discourse of the virtual). It provides a brief account of at least two ways that the notion of place circulates in the discourse of the virtual. The first is that these technologies enable 'new' spaces that are claimed to be separate from conventional spaces and places. The second, contradictorily, is that the metaphor of place is crucial as a setting for online social interaction. The paper also explores how we might understand the 'place' of place in the discourse of the virtual. It does this by drawing parallels from Jacques Derrida's critique of spatial metaphor in the text of philosophy with the use of place-based metaphors in the discourse of the virtual. This examination reveals that the reduction of place to metaphor in writing on virtual technologies belies the persistent and subtle force that is exerted by metaphor in general. Furthermore, the prevalence of place-based metaphors in the discourse of the virtual points to the ongoing importance of place as a wider concept. In particular, the notion of place is in fact fundamental to how virtual technologies are framed and understood. The paper concludes by sketching some of the possibilities and potential implications that emerge from this argument.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Source
- Ethics, Place and Environment, Vol. 10, no. 1 (Mar 2007), pp. 49-63
- Publication year
- 2007
- FOR Code(s)
- 0406 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience; 1601 Anthropology; 2201 Applied Ethics
- Keyword(s)
- Information and communications technologies; Place; Technology; Virtual
- Publisher
- Routledge
- 2155-0085
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2007 Taylor & Francis.
- Peer reviewed


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My husband has Multiple Sclerosis and is getting worst. We moved back to New York because his father was dying. We left most of our things in Nevada and were caught in a legal battle over a proper will. We had to move and this futon was all we could afford and now it is bent in the center and is very bad for my husbands health as he wears a back brace and needs strong support under him. We live on disability and buying a new sofa is very hard for us. Peace Be With You all.
By: midnitepope2Subscribe Channel: Home & Garden
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says ... on Friday, Oct 16 at 1:48 PM
My sister has MS. This ugly couch is the winner!!30682753
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says ... on Friday, Oct 16 at 10:10 AM
Let this one win!30669893
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2014 ILLiad Conference
2014 ILLiad Conference registration is now open!
This event has passed.
Pre-conference is Tuesday, March 18; full conference is Wednesday and Thursday, March 19 and 20. Space is limited for this popular event, so register early to avoid being closed out
Start Date
19 March 2014
End Date
20 March 2014
Virginia Beach, Virginia


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Greetings from sunny New York—home to the 62nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). I arrived last Sunday, September 23rd in advance of the Monday kickoff. It's been an interesting four days in the city, to say the least. So many sites. So many sounds. So many security checkpoints to get in innocent New Yorkers' way (most have been amenable to the delays; others just roll their eyes and stomp their feet in disgust at "this stupid UNGA thing."). It's a nonstop spectacle of foreign dignitaries—all with their respective agendas, entourages, and motorcades to clog an already busy Manhattan.
So, here I am in the city that never sleeps – wait, isn't that Las Vegas? Here I am in the city that never stops negotiating. From Wall Street to the General Assembly, there's always a deal waiting to be struck. This is the time of year when the world's governmental bodies come to the Big Apple, the United Nations Headquarters specifically, to talk about global issues like environmental concerns, international sanctions, poverty and war. Not only are they here to talk, they're also here to be seen. I've never witnessed so many impeccably dressed people in one place. The Europeans walk through the lobby of our home for the week, the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, in their grays and blacks. The Americans in their shiny lapel pins, power suits, and blackberries. The Africans in their colorful garbs and stylish headdresses. The Middle Easterners in their traditional dress.
It's the time for flowery speech making at podiums and hand shaking in front of cameras. Even the most unliked and least admired receive their five minutes of fame during UNGA. The particularly unpopular Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addressed the Assembly amid a fair share of empty seats on Tuesday. Just a day earlier, he gave a speech to a skeptical crowd of Columbia University students, where he was characterized by the university's president as having "all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator."
I was surprised by the frankness with which Columbia University president Lee Bollinger spoke, but was pleased all the same by his unfiltered words. The institution leader's introductory remarks reinforced the existence of freedom of speech that we as Americans have enjoyed since the creation of this nation. If I could send Mr. Ahmadinejad a welcome message, it would go something like this: 'Sure, you can have your time at the podium because that's how we do things in the U.S. I don't have to like what you say, because that's what the American way of agreeing to disagree is all about. But just so you know, while you're out pushing your agenda, there's going to be a fair share of people just beyond the walls of the United Nations Headquarters, Columbia University's lecture hall where you'll be speaking, and on the streets of New York with a few thoughts of their own. Just thought you might want to know that people have voices here, aren't afraid to use them, and refuse to go unheard. Welcome to America.'
In fairness to both sides of the debate, there were a handful of protestors outside the UN Headquarters who were proponents of Mr. Ahmadinejad's policies. Again, you've got to love this country for the fact that all sides are able to freely voice their opinions to anyone and everyone that will listen.
I heard both sides. Here's to agreeing to disagree…
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Masharika: We Americans have a long standing tradition; When a fool wishes to hang himself with his own words, we'll gladly give him the rope.
Now you see why we are Host Country to the UN....(chuckle).
Freedom of speech does have its moments, eh?
Roy in Oregon writes:
I, quite frankly, was appalled by the rude and unwelcoming introduction of the Iranian President by Columbia University president Lee Bollinger. His diatribe may have prevented dialogue.
To what obscure rule of inhospitality does Mr. Bollinger subscribe?
Lika in New York writes:
You can follow up on my diplomatic mission; at http://likadiplomat2007.spaces.live.com
Stuck as a "double trouble always broadcast live on Government Communication Lines - Live and in all disruptions" I have one of the finest of them all as one of my viewers. This is not a joke, i handle the state affairs, one of the toughest you will ever meet!
Read my post on President Ahmadinejad, and the entire UN Press meeting, than the big mess meeting, with all manner the correctness of the UN Press Conferance.
May one reach him at the Iranian Palace, may another reach the President at the White House, may the othet call in the FBI at the NY Field Office; the problem here is "there is no problem with the Iranian Nuclear Power Plant."
I rather be at the general audience as i chosen to be on the Spaces Live (MSN), i have listeners, readers per day.
It is considered government communication lines disruptions live - on a Global Scale! Hey Mr. President can ya hear me!! That is all i have to say!!


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Your Questions Answered-The Answers
Remember a few blog entries ago when I said that I wanted your questions for a new blog series that I wanted to do on Mondays? Well, this week I chose the question submitted by Delia. Her question was, "What's their favorite thing to do on an off day?" So I spent the past few days asking MLB players that very question. Here's what the players, that responded, had to say:
JOSE MOLINA–Toronto Blue Jays
"Rest and spend time with family."
GEOFF BLUM–Arizona Diamondbacks
"Golf or beach."
VANCE WORLEY–Philadelphia Phillies
"Chill and let my body relax. Call friends and family back home."
DAVID PRICE–Tampa Bay Rays
"Sit on the couch playin' FIFA with astro."
DANIEL HUDSON–Arizona Diamondbacks
DAVID AARDSMA–Seattle Mariners
"Right now it's hang by the pool."
CRAIG BRESLOW–Oakland Athletics
"On off days I catch up on work for my charity, the Strike3Foundation, sleep, iChat with family/friends, and relax."
JOSH LUEKE–Seattle Mariners
"Hang out and sleep."
DENARD SPAN–Minnesota Twins
"On the field I like to play baseball. LOL. And off the field I like to relax [and] go to the mall. LOL"
RYAN ROBERTS–Arizona Diamondbacks
"It's always different. At home I like to go to the pool with my daughter and hangout with the family cuz I don't see them."
ZACH BRITTON–Baltimore Orioles
"I like to hang out and maybe watch a movie."
JEREMY GUTHRIE–Baltimore Orioles
"Depends where I am. But I love to explore a city on a bike more than anyone I know. Truly blessed to travel as much as we do."
R.A. DICKEY–New York Mets
"Be with my family."
DAVID HUFF–Cleveland Indians
"Catch up on my movies."
BUD NORRIS–Houston Astros
"Relax with family and friends, golf, or sleep. LOL"
SAM LECURE–Cincinnati Reds
"Just kinda depends on where I'm at. Sometimes, nothing. We don't get too many so I try to make sure not to screw it up."
ANTHONY BASS–San Diego Padres
"Besides sleep, Call of Duty Black Ops for PS3."
LATROY HAWKINS–Milwaukee Brewers
"Go home to see the family."
JAKE ARRIETA–Baltimore Orioles
"Late breakfast, nap, bike ride."
RICH THOMPSON–Los Angeles Angels
"Spend it with my family."
SHAWN KELLEY–Seattle Mariners
"Family time."
BRENT LILLIBRIDGE–Chicago White Sox
"Watch a movie and BBQ."
MATT MALONEY–Cincinnati Reds
"Spend time with my wife and dogs."
CESAR RAMOS–Tampa Bay Rays
"People watch at Starbucks."
BRAD PENNY–Detroit Tigers
DEXTER FOWLER–Colorado Rockies
"Sleep as long as I want."
DAVID HERNANDEZ–Arizona Diamondbacks
"Play Playstation and spend time with my family."
ZACH DUKE–Arizona Diamondbacks
"Depends on the weather."
PAUL MAHOLM–Pittsburgh Pirates
"Play golf with lil guy and wife riding along."
JASON GRILLI–Pittsburgh Pirates
"Just spend time with my family. Doesn't matter what we do. QT is just good enough for me."
YONDER ALONSO–Cincinnati Reds
"Movies and sleep."
GIO GONZALEZ–Oakland Athletics
"I like to visit amusement parks when I have time."
Now that you see that I can in fact get MLB players to answer your question, I hope more people submit one for next Monday's entry.
Leave a comment below with your question that you want to have answered by MLB players. After a few days I'll select one of them to use for next time…..
12 Comments
Wow you got a lot of answers. Nice to see the players be so responsive to a fans quest for Q & A. Great work Matt.
Impressive! I didn't even know half of those people had twitters!
What do you like to put in your sandwiches?
ask the MLB players: who's the toughest pitcher to hit, AL and NL?
Awesome to see that you got so many replies!
What NFL team(s) do you root for?
lance berkman hit a single that scores 2 runs, but on contact of the ball, it bounces outside the first base line, then bounce over first, it's ruled fair, is it fair? i think everone just missed it or am i wrong?? it weas bottom of 4 ws 2011 game 1


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text: LA Opera On Air Begins July 7 on WFMT Posted on July 03, 2012 by: Shannita Williams 6 Comments: LA Opera is collaborating with Classical KUSC to produce the sixth consecutive season of LA Opera on Air, a weekly broadcast series of performances recorded live at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Hosted by Duff Murphy, the series will feature all six operas from LA Opera's 2011/12 season. The series will syndicated throughout the United States and internationally on the WFMT Radio Network. Broadcast dates and times on the WFMT Radio Network vary in differing media markets; please visit WFMT for more information. Broadcast ScheduleEugene OneginWFMT: Saturday, July 7, 12pm CDTYoung and impassioned, Tatiana (soprano Oksana Dyka) hastily writes a love letter to the brooding aristocrat Onegin (baritone Dalibor Jenis). She unwittingly sets off an unstoppable series of events, leaving Onegin forever regretting the love he so casually spurned. Così fan tutteWFMT: Saturday, July 14, 12pm CDTWolfgang Amadeus Mozart's delightfully comic battle of the sexes comes to life with ravishingly beautiful music and sparkling wit. The cast includes soprano Aleksandra Kurzak and bass-baritone Ildebrando D'Arcangelo. Roméo et JulietteWFMT: Saturday, July 21, 12pm CDTSoprano Nino Machaidze and tenor Vittorio Grigolo star as the world's most famous lovers. Simon BoccanegraWFMT: Saturday, July 28, 12pm CDTPlácido Domingo sings the title role of Giuseppe Verdi's Simon Boccanegra, a grand-scale study of power and treachery that finds an emotional center in the tender bond between father and daughter. Albert HerringWFMT: Saturday, August 4, 12pm CDTBenjamin Britten's comedy takes place in the English countryside, where meek mama's boy Albert (tenor Alek Shrader) reluctantly becomes his village's first May King when no maidens of sufficient virtue can be found. Soprano Christine Brewer stars as the formidable Lady Billows. La BohèmeWFMT: Saturday, August 11, 12pm CDTIn this rebroadcast, a poet discovers true romance with a lovely, fragile seamstress among the evocative rooftops, cafés and garrets of Paris. Soprano Ailyn Pérez and tenor Stephen Costello, fast-rising young singers who are married in real life, star as Mimi and Rodolfo. LA Opera on Air is made possible by generous grants from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, spearheaded by the efforts of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.


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Yesterday, I hit a NC blueline for the first time in months. Maybe it was just "my day" or maybe taking some time off has improved my fishing skills. Today, I caught the most fish I have ever caught in a single day. It was awesome and I even had a slam complete within 30 minutes.
I fished a dry/dropper all day, I'd estimate 75% were caught on the dry. I did not take many pics and I actually caught 2 really nice brooks that escaped the camera. The coolest thing I saw today was a hawk swoop down to the stream with a rabbit in it's talons and it dropped the bunny in the stream. Too bad I did not have a camera in hand to get a pic of that.
Here's a few pics...
This hole gave up 12 brooks in about 10 minutes.
Taking a break has never been good for my hook-set so I don't think that could have been it. I think it comes down to some days are really awesome when multiple conditions line up. I love it when there are a bunch trying to fight for your fly:smile: Although I don't think I have caught 12 from the same pool before, you must have been doing something right:biggrin:
Maybe the lucky feathers?
Great report and thanks for posting:smile:
Great report and pics. I think getting a slam is a pretty cool deal. It seems like when you get to waters that have all three all are not biting. Its either all rainbows,browns or brook. Seems they never come on the same day. I once caught all three and a smallmouth inside the Smokys. Something I'll never forget. Thanks for sharing.
The weird thing about the slam was catching a brown at 4000+ feet. I fish that stream a lot and have never, ever caught a brown further up than at least a mile downstream from where I was at. After I got him, I kept hoping for a tiger. :biggrin:
I still think taking a break did help me. I know my casting was better than ever. Maybe I had just gotten burned out.
Oh well, none the less, I had a freakin' blast yesterday.
Haha, the lucky feathers were from the poor bird that my cat enjoyed for a snack last week between hearty meals of Friskies and Kit n Kaboodle....I thought they might come to good use. :smile:
The pool that yielded 12....I caught 7 and then ha to stop and put on a new fly and took a smoke break. I guess after resting the pool for a few minutes 5 more decided to come out. I have never caught that many before out of the same pool, though.
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"Catholic Answers Live is one of my favorite programs--you make my drive home enlightening and entertaining."
~ Denise, Flower Mound, TX
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"Without Thy presence, nought, O Lord, is sweet,
No pleasure to our lips can aught supply.
Whether 'tis wine we drink or food we eat,
Till Grace divine and Faith shall sanctify."
~ Prudentius, a 5th century Christian poet, from his Ante cibum, describing the Christian practice of "saying grace" before meals.


text:
I don't normally watch RaceHub, but knew Tony would be on today and made it a point to watch. I thought the interviews were really good. And I don't think Tony could have said "package" more than he did. I about fell out of my chair laughing.
Just because I'm a family raising, meal cooking homemaking wonder, doesn't mean I'm a desperate housewife.


text:
Battlestar Wiki:Links that lead nowhere
From Battlestar Wiki, the free, open content Battlestar Galactica encyclopedia and episode guide
(Redirected from Leland Adama (alternate))
The reason for this is to clean up the Special:Wantedpages, thus making our lives easier behind the scenes.
So, what links lead here?
There are too many to bother wasting our time listing. So here's a list of pages that link here.


text:
Orvis, Burr and Burton send supplies to Sandy victimsThe Associated Press | November 13,2012MANCHESTER - A drive to collect needed items for Hurricane Sandy victims organized by the Orvis Company and Burr and Burton Academy, which ran from Thursday through Sunday, filled five tractor trailers as well as parts of a bus sponsored by the Rotary Club and a panel truck.
Three of the trucks went to Sea Bright, N.J., one went to New York City and one is scheduled to go to Brooklyn.
More than 200 Burr and Burton students and 100 Orvis employees packed 2,360 boxes of clothes, blankets, food, personal care items, cleaning supplies and tools for the storm-ravaged communities of New York and New Jersey, according to a press release from Orvis.
Orvis Senior Manager Don Benasich said the entire community went above and beyond for the effort.
"There were so many people and businesses that stepped up to help. … Last year, after Irene, other communities helped Vermont.
This year we get to help folks in New York and New Jersey. It's just the right thing to do," he said.
Bill Muench and Jim Raposa of Burr and Burton's film department said a group of their students have already begun work on a documentary. Muench and Raposa will bring the students to New Jersey to meet with Sea Bright Councilman Reed Murphy and tour the disaster area with members of the National Guard.
The documentary will be screened locally when it's finished.MORE IN This Just InMONTPELIER A new report from a commission that studied the cost, availability and quality of... Full StoryVermont fish hatchery changes focus, looks inland
BETHEL, Vt. Full StoryHONOLULU (AP) A group of Hawaii musicians and a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant provided... Full Story
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Attend Anywhere has been facilitating and managing the exchange of health services via video conference in Australia since 2001. Successful telehealth is a management, facilitation and integration challenge. System wide telehealth also requires an open peer to peer management and facilitation framework. The Attend Anywhere web based management platform lets people locate services and each other and provides all the business integration, scheduling and management required.
Once doctors and patients have scheduled an appointment, they can join an HD video conferencing call from their laptops or computers, from anywhere, via Vidyo.
Many people who are still unfamiliar with Telemedicine are curious to know what it concretely consists of. To help getting a better idea of how video conferencing can be used in healthcare, here is an example of Vidyo and how the Attend Anywhere management platform can be used for chronic disease management.
In 2011 telehealth is set to become a mainstream part of the Australian landscape as changes to government legislation and funding arrangements converge with systemic and business drivers, technology advances and social change. Recently, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited Monash University's Alfred Hospital Campus in Melbourne to view real life applications of the technology to support access to clinical services via VidyoConferencing.
The Prime Minister previously announced that from July 2011 a government funding program of $402.2 million over four years will provide:
– Medicare rebates for online consultations across a range of specialties
– Financial incentives for specialists, GPs and other health professionals to participate in delivering online services
– Expansion of the GP after hours helpline and include the capacity for the helpline to provide online triage and basic medical advice via videoconferencing
– Training and supervision for health professionals using online technologies
Healthcare is about human communication and telehealth heralds a radically evolved health system where traditional face to face services are delivered in the same way, but without travel. The key is making the option of telehealth easy and sustainable for providers of healthcare services. This means integrating the capability within everyday workflows and dealing with a range of facilitating considerations. With the management and integration support offered by Attend Anywhere coupled with natural, HD quality video conferencing provided by Vidyo, telemedicine empowers healthcare professionals and their patients, lowering costs, cutting down on travel, and making personal health support and care affordable and universally available to an ever growing number of people from all over Australia.
Related Links:
– Boston Globe article: "Partners stroke care going mobile"
– Our blog post: "Massachusetts General Hospital Chooses Vidyo's Technology for Telestroke Program"


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While the program teaches the skills necessary to excel in the game of volleyball, the focus remains on participation, cooperation, sportsmanship, responsibility and, of course, fun!
Strength, endurance and improved coordination result from the weekly activities of the program. Furthermore, a season of league games is sure to provide plenty of exciting volleyball action.
Skills are taught using technically correct methods for peak performance and safety.
The USYVL is a family-oriented program where parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends are strongly encouraged to become involved. Parents and other volunteers assist with coaching, registration, check-in and equipment set-up.
Why should you join? Click here for answers to frequently asked questions!