text:
Making a big splashFebruary 25,2013
I start many of my columns expressing the sentiment that something seemed like a good idea at the time. Today, I will repeat this mantra. In a moment of questionable sanity I signed up to participate in the Tupper Lake Triathlon in New York state in June. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
A triathlon actually consists of four events: swimming, biking, running and dying. They are frequently done in this order. I feel confident that, if there are no time constraints, I will be able to finish the biking and running portions of this particular endeavor before the change of seasons. However, the swimming leg of the event definitely has me worried.
As a child I took swimming lessons when my family vacationed in Maine. I dont know if its due to global warming or a poor memory, but I recall that back in the early 1970s weather conditions on a June morning on a lake in Maine were similar to those on a January morning on Lake Champlain today.
Years of therapy helped me overcome the trauma inflicted by my swim teachers, two women in their 20s. These ladies, clearly looking to pick up some easy spending cash by passing themselves off as certified instructors, would tell the class what stroke they wanted us to use to navigate around a buoy in the distance. They would advise us to fight through the whitecaps and avoid the icebergs, and then retreat to a car in the parking lot to crank the heat and discuss the previous nights activities while we dealt with fatigue and hypothermia trying to follow their instructions.
Fueled by a desire to survive, I actually learned to swim under these circumstances. Unfortunately, I was so scarred by my experience at the hands of my instructors that I never did much swimming later in life. Sure, a short paddle out to a raft on a pond, or a couple of freestyle strokes across a parking lot during a Vermont spring, but nothing that would prepare me for the 1.2-mile portion required in the triathlon. To put a 1.2-mile swim in perspective, this would be like going to the beach in Portland, Maine, getting into the water, and swimming to England. At least it is going to seem that far to me.
With this fact in mind, I decided it might be good to get into the water once or twice before the event. On my first day of training I arrived at the local pool with a towel, swim trunks and the determination to prove to myself I could handle 1.2 miles. There was only one thing preventing me from cranking out the 90 laps required to complete this distance. That thing would be swimming.
Even before I realized the effort of swimming was going to be an issue, I discovered I had to get used to submerging my body in H2O. When you are a kid, splashing around in the water seems very natural. As a 53-year-old, it feels a bit less innate. When I first jumped into the pool, water started to invade every port of entry on my body. I began taking on water like the Titanic. To make matters worse, it felt like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were both sitting on my back, and I made a slow descent to the bottom of the pool.
I tried to think back to my swimming lesson days and remembered the most important thing I was supposed to do. All I could come up with was to get out of the water, get in the car and turn up the heat.
I flailed around and started to move forward, and my body returned to the surface. After a total of two laps I was convinced I was going to cough up a lung. It was a very humbling experience.
I have since returned to the pool. But I am much better prepared. First off, I wear neon orange earplugs and swim goggles that make me look like a fly. The only accessories missing that prevent me from being a total chick magnet are nose plugs and inflatable arm swimmies. And I havent ruled these out for future training sessions. I have also retained the services of a coach who is helping me with my stroke and conditioning.
With every workout I am adding to the distance I can swim without a major coronary incident. At my current pace, there is a good chance I will be able to swim 1.2 miles nonstop before my kids start collecting Social Security.
I am feeling so good about my progress that I am thinking about looking into swimming the English Channel next summer. It just seems like a good idea.
Mark S. Albury lives in Northfield Falls.MORE IN LettersA sixth-offense DUI gets plead down to a misdemeanor. A breathalyzer is refused. Full StoryBurr Morses recollection (Whats good for the goose, Nov. Full StoryMSNBC news analyst Rachel Maddows report on the election of Republican Rutherford B. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves ReviewBy Adam Sessler - Posted Sep 29, 2009
While an astonishing achievement in technology, storytelling and gameplay, what is the true triumph of Uncharted 2 is how the game exceeds the sum of these parts.
The Pros
- Single-player game has no equal.
- Multiplayer remarkably fun.
The Cons
- Single-player ending not up to the standard of the rest of the game.
- It has an ending.
I'm not 100% certain when it happened. I think it's when I had Nathan Drake atop a building in a war-torn Nepalese city, cornered and being fired upon by a helicopter, engaged in a fist fight with the screen slowly draining of color, snapping my enemy's neck and quickly rolling into cover to reload my grenade launcher only to turn and fire upon the chopper one last time as I watched it crash and explode. I think this is when I realized that Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was the best single-player game I have ever played.
So…you like it?
While an astonishing achievement in technology, storytelling and gameplay, what is the true triumph of Uncharted 2 is how the game exceeds the sum of these parts, creating a symphony of unadulterated joy as it hurdles you through an adventure that repeatedly brought back memories of seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time with my father: Sitting slack-jawed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, as the screen reflected all of my boyhood fantasies.
Outside of my own nostalgia, Uncharted 2 has deep roots in Indiana Jones, particularly in the story. This time around, Nathan Drake and his treasure hunter/thief buddies are hot on the trail of Marco Polo's lost fleet of ships that could direct them to a jewel of limitless value. Not unexpectedly, betrayal, a horrible villain and unimaginable power all find their way into the plot, although these familiar tropes are told in such a smart and mature manner that the sense of familiar quickly gives way to a unexpectedly compelling narrative.
This is due, in no small part, to the exceptional writing that carves out strong, distinct characters and provides them with dialogue that generates honest laughs and a proper motivational foundation for the gameplay. It's not just the writing; the voice-work and digital acting have no parallel. Almost all games have cut-scenes with characters acting as if they are all too aware that a camera is present and must deliver every expositional line with the appropriate bombast indicative of their archetype. In Uncharted 2 everything feels understated and, as a result, fresh. The non-interactive moments are personal and character-driven first, plot-determining second and, unlike many story-heavy titles, they never overstay their welcome as the player anxiously waits to get back into the action.
And then there was awesome….
A good thing too, because Uncharted 2 provides action by the (exploding) truckload, although what's most impressive is not the abundance but the elegantly designed and choreographed sequences that maintain the breathless, but not exhausting, pace of the game. Show-stopping moments involving train cars hanging off cliffs, car chases, shootouts on moving trains and collapsing buildings comprise some of the most memorable set pieces I've ever played. What makes them extraordinary is not so much the magnitude of the moment but how they fuse all the game's technical and creative accomplishments. Allowing characters to move on objects with proper physical properties causes real-time camera movements that heighten the tension, short mid-battle scripted moments play out seamlessly and with great drama, stunningly fluid and abundant character animations make fist fights and stealth kills invigorating and filled with action-hero charm. All this wrapped in eye-bleeding graphics and a musical score that gives a barrel-chested grandeur to the unfolding events. At its frequent best, Uncharted 2 transforms itself from an exceptional interactive experience into a delirious act of pop-art gestalt.
All this is founded on the perfectly tuned gameplay mechanics. The quirky aiming that plagued the original Uncharted is gone, replaced with spot-on controls that make head shots a true strategic possibility. Taking cover, still essential, feels more dynamic, with objects you can hide behind that don't always feel intended solely to absorb bullets. The most significant change to the gameplay is the ability to engage in combat while hanging from outcroppings on buildings or taking cover behind street signs. This, coupled with deeply visceral stealth kills, broadens the combat options and allows for level design that affords the player far more options than is initially apparent. The enemies as well, know to shoot out your cover and approach from behind, keeping Drake moving and picking up alternate weapons, giving even a traditional gun battle a fluid narrative. Death was sometimes a welcome occurrence as it gave me the opportunity to experiment, finding increasingly satisfying resolution to the circumstances at hand.
The adventure aspects of the game, in the form of precarious climbing puzzles and the more traditional Tomb Raider mystic temple sequences are organically integrated into the overall game and no longer stand out from the rest of the action. There's a wonderful sense of apprehension in these quieter moments, a sense everything will quickly turn on its head.
There is one aspect that does not hold up to the rest of Uncharted 2's single-player game, and that is the ending. The game's final sequence -- about the final 90 minutes -- doesn't provide gameplay that holds up to the awe-inspiring standards that precede it. To be fair, from a design standpoint, Naughty Dog was most likely in an untenable position. The narrative mandates the game goes where it does but the spectacle and denouement hinted at would require a stand-alone game in itself. Between denying the player resolution and risking experiential dissonance, the right decision was made. It's still very enjoyable but, in comparison, does fall victim to the game's overall accomplishments. Nonetheless, the story stays pitch-perfect until the fade to black.
Come on in, the water's fine
Of course the campaign is not all that Uncharted 2 has to offer. An abundance of competitive and cooperative content comes on the disc that utilizes the unique aspects of the game's single-player gameplay to serve up unique takes on familiar multiplayer styles, setting to rest the widespread perceptions of it being nothing more than a throw-away value-add.
Competitive multiplayer is a blast including Deathmatch, Elimination, King of the Hill and a territory mode called "Chain Reaction." What makes it work so well is that the level design encourages the climbing and stealth moves from the campaign. Hanging on a ledge shooting another player or, even better, waiting for an opponent to walk close enough to yank him off to his death, opens up play styles that, working in concert with the rock-solid controls, make the matches feel fresh and more lively than one would expect. Despite lacking vehicles, I was reminded of my initial sessions of Battlefield 1942 when all I thought was "Wait…I can do that?" Much of the credit goes to the map design that provides so many hidden goodies to experiment with that one could characterize Uncharted 2's multiplayer as the first competitive platformer/shooter.
Co-op is equally solid, with slight story missions and a Horde-style "Survival" mode for three players. The story missions have simple objectives such as rescuing hostages that slowly develop into larger and larger battle scenarios borrowed from the campaign. While nowhere close to the production values of the single-player campaign, all is made up for in the challenge which will require all three players to work in close contact with one another to survive (maybe finally we'll have a game to stimulate pervasive use of headsets on the PS3). What's particularly enjoyable in this mode is watching your friends engage in the heroic fist fight and gunplay antics from afar. One particularly enjoyable moment came as enemy bodies, hit by Mr. Sark with a sniper rifle, dropped from above all around me. Yes, it was raining men.
While the multiplayer components are outstanding, the real price of admission is the single-player campaign that should stand up over time as a seminal achievement on the level of Final Fantasy VII, GTA III or Half-Life. Uncharted 2 delivers on what so many other games just promise: Immersion. Lost not just in a world but in a collective fantasy of the impossible made viable. That 8-year-old me in the movie theater sat yearning for the adult world to be as filled with adventure, discovery and importance as what I saw on screen. Well-situated in my 30s, content with good health and a paycheck, I pine nostalgically for when life still held that pre-adolescent potential. For the hours I played Uncharted 2, those two selves were bridged in a wonderful equanimity, a digital compromise.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The girls loved the idea but I was surprised as we started working on them how interested my little boys became. They insisted on helping. At that moment, I will admit I wasn't super enthusiastic about doing it with them too – mainly because I figured they would need more supervision and it would take a lot longer. But they were awesome – maybe slightly more careful and excited about it than the girls even. It was so much fun. Good lesson for mom.
We used felted (washed and dried) wool-felt which is great to work with – very forgiving – and matching thread. The felt hides so many flaws. I need to do more stuff like this with both my girls AND my boys.
Scotty ornaments & sewing with kids
The girls loved the idea but I was surprised as we started working on them how interested my little boys became. They insisted on helping. At that moment, I will admit I wasn't super enthusiastic about doing it with them too – mainly because I figured they would need more supervision and it would take a lot longer. But they were awesome – maybe slightly more careful and excited about it than the girls even. It was so much fun. Good lesson for mom.
23 Comments
NedraDecember 28, 2011 at 4:56 pm
You've really got me hooked on Allsorts. I have a son named Scott who we called Scotty as he was growing up. I'm always on the hunt for Scotty dogs.
Miss Crayola CreepyDecember 28, 2011 at 4:58 pm
What a thoughtful gift!!! Not to mention super cute! 🙂
SheilaDecember 28, 2011 at 5:07 pm
What a wonderful idea , the scotties are just adorable and so glad your boys helped too !
FionaDecember 28, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Oh! Those sweet scottie ornaments and the story of your Grandfather and Rosie has given me a tear in my eye!
My oldest boy loves sewing with felt too 🙂
Jamie LeeDecember 28, 2011 at 5:51 pm
What a touching story…and glad your whole family could take part!
prsd4tim2December 28, 2011 at 6:34 pm
This was always my favorite week as a kid for all the reasons you mentioned, especially that the adults actually seemed to have time to sit down and do stuff with us kids. Enjoy it because while it seems that their childhood can be a trial, too soon they're grown and gone.

I love your little scotty dogs. They'll be so cute on your tree.
Katy CameronDecember 28, 2011 at 7:13 pm
Aww,what a sweet story, and love the wee dugs (as they're known over here ;o) )
...julia...December 28, 2011 at 7:14 pm
What a sweet way to remember your grandpa and dog. We lost our dog last year right before Halloween, he was old but so loved… In his memory we planted a tree in my parents yard. Each year at Christmas time we decorate it for him and take a picture with the other dogs sitting next to it. It has become a wonderful way to remember our Buddy!
lovecraftsDecember 28, 2011 at 9:02 pm
So cute toy for kids! i love it very much.
LittleLucyGooseyDecember 28, 2011 at 9:59 pm
I love that you ended up doing this project with your boys too!! I can't wait to teach both of my kiddos (I've got one of each) to sew (and cook too!). Who wouldn't fall in love with a person who can mend their own clothes and cook a three course meal? I couldn't resist it! Great job, mama!
KristieDecember 28, 2011 at 10:13 pm
These are a fantastic keepsake, for a dear memory.

I love this week, too. Things {finally} move a little slower….so nice.

Best in 2012 🙂
ShannonDecember 28, 2011 at 10:25 pm
What a sweet thing to do for your family – and a great thing to do with your kids! Your little scotty dogs turned out so cute!
ElizabethDecember 28, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Those are so very cute! I love that your boys wanted to help too! I may have to make some of those! Thanks for sharing a wonderful memory.

Eight years ago, at Christmas-time my grandpa (my dad's dad) passed away. Just a few days later my grandma (my mom's mom) passed away. It makes for bitter-sweet memories of those who have gone before us.

xo -E
Lucy @ Charm About YouDecember 29, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Such a sweet gift. My son loves to sew, he's three so we're taking it easy but he's fascinated!
MicheleDecember 29, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Great idea. And I'm glad the kiddos aren't sick any more. That has a bad way of spoiling time off from the normal hustle and bustle.
MeggieDecember 29, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Your Scottie Dogs have given me an idea for my Scottish Heritage page. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful projects.
Meggie
Melissa @ Happy QuiltingDecember 29, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Those are so adorable!!!
LeslieDecember 30, 2011 at 10:10 am
oh goodness i have been gone way too long and missed way too much. i love these little scotty dogs and all the wonderful christmas quilts and goodies you made before the holiday.
SherryDecember 30, 2011 at 8:46 pm
How sweet. Love your story. The Scotty ornaments are adorable! Wishing you & your family a Happy New Year!
Kirsten NDecember 31, 2011 at 5:34 pm
I made one of these a couple of years ago for my Grandmother who was very proud of her Scottish heritage – she has recently passed away at the age of 90 years and 10 months. I need to make some more Scotties to help us remember her this time next year.
Claire JainJanuary 1, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Awww, these are so sweet! I might have to craft one up for my sister. When she was 2, she walked over to our neighbor's house in only her underwear to play with their scotty dog. That's love.
BeckyJanuary 2, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I'm a little behind the times with my comment here, but wanted you to know that the Scotty dogs are absolutely adorable. What fun you must have had.
BloggymomJanuary 4, 2012 at 9:26 am
Super cute!!


text:
There are two propositions on the ballot to determine the method of reducing wealth authorized under the provisions of Chapter 41 of the Texas Education Code.
Voters will choose to vote for or against authorizing the board of trustees to purchase attendance credits from the state with local tax revenues.
Voters will choose to vote for or against authorizing the board of trustees to educate students of other school districts with local tax revenues.
Election Day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Falls City Holy Trinity Parish Diner located at 207 E. Meyer Street in Falls City.
Early voting takes place at the Falls City ISD administration office at 525 N. Nelson in Falls City Oct. 21 through Nov. 1, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on Oct. 25.
For more information, contact the Falls City ISD superintendent's office at 830-254-3551.


text:
Pasadena police veteran Lt. Phlunte Riddle announces her retirement
By André Coleman 11/01/2012
After 28 years, Pasadena police Lt. Phlunte Riddle will resign from the department effective Dec. 19.
"After long and heartfelt consideration and prayer, I am announcing my retirement. I have received some offers that I just cannot pass up," Riddle told the Weekly. "I love Pasadena and the Police Department and I plan to continue to be an active part of the community."
Riddle will be working as a part-time contractor with a state agency training police officers overseas.
Riddle broke gender and racial barriers in the department, becoming the first African-American female sergeant and the first female lieutenant in the motor pool. She was also the first female helicopter observer at major Rose Bowl events.
Under the direction of former Chief Bernard Melekian and Cmdr. Rick Law, Riddle started the city's police athletic league.
Her father-in-law, Ralph Riddle, became the first black police officer in Pasadena in 1946. He retired in 1974 also after 28 years with the force.
Earlier this year, Phlunte Riddle received several invitations to apply for police chief positions, including one from the city manager in Seal Beach. She was eliminated from contention for the position in the semifinal round when the city decided to look only at candidates with police chief experience.
Riddle became the department's public information officer in 2008, after Philip Sanchez became police chief, and introduced the new chief to the city's major stakeholders, including residents of Northwest Pasadena.
"I think that she has had an extraordinary career and has been the first to achieve many, many goals and receive many accolades for women in law enforcement," said Sanchez in an interview Monday. "When she started, it was a different environment and women had to endure hostility. She blazed a trail in many regards and ascended to the highest level of the organization.
"Her local accessibility is extraordinary," he continued. "She is contacted at all times of the day and night concerning issues in the community and directs those to the appropriate people in the organization."
Sanchez said he did not know who would replace Riddle.
Earlier this year, Riddle was named as a defendant in two separate lawsuits filed by the mother and father of 19-year-old Kendrec McDade, who on March 24 was shot and killed by two Pasadena police officers who believed the unarmed teen had a gun.
Riddle was later dropped from both lawsuits.
"I will miss the police family tremendously," Riddle said Monday. "They have been a major part of my life."
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT
Other Stories by André Coleman
Related Articles
The idea that Riddle would be considered to be a police chief for any agency or recruited by any city manager is absurd. The article listed ONE thing she did at the police department. . . . ONE thing in 28 years! Trailblazer? No. BTW, she did not start the athletic association.
posted by Paul G on 11/01/12 @ 01:46 p.m.


text:
Event Number
Event Date
Event Contact
Ms. Samantha J. Riemer at firstname.lastname@example.com or 703-247-9490
MODSIM World is a unique multi-disciplinary conference for the exchange of modeling and simulation knowledge, research and technology across industry, government and academia. Focus areas for MODSIM World 2014 will include Defense, Healthcare/Medicine, Engineering & Applied Science, Information Assurance & Cyberwarfare, Cross-Cutting Applications in M&S, Education/Workforce Development, Transportation, and Manufacturing.
MODSIM World 2014 will join theory and practice across government, industry, academia and research, providing for an open interchange of information, knowledge, and technology. The vast and varied world of modeling and simulation technology will be on full display at MODSIM World 2014, a multi-disciplinary event that is unique in its promise to reduce knowledge and practice barriers among all users of modeling and simulation.Sure to attract local, national and international attendance, MODSIM World will address the state of M&S in healthcare and medical education, manufacturing, defense, transportation, human behavior research, emergency response, disaster preparedness, cyber security, construction, energy generation and exploration, space exploration, and defense and security.
MODSIM World 2014 will feature a robust agenda of papers and panel discussions, as well as an exhibit area featuring a variety of companies and organizations showcasing new advances in Modeling & Simulation.
MODSIM World 2014 will take place in the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA.
To view more detailed interactive information about the program, please visit the following site: http://modsimworldconference.com/
Please click here to view a copy of the final event agenda.
To view more detailed interactive information about the program, please visit the following site: http://modsimworldconference.com/
Hampton Roads Convention Center1610 Coliseum DriveHampton, Virginia 23666Tel: (757) 315-1610
The Embassy Suites Hampton Roads (adjacent to the Hampton Roads Convention Center) will serve as the official hotel for MODSIM World 2014.
Embassy Suites1700 Coliseum DriveHampton, VA 23666757-827-8200
Hotel rooms can be booked directly online, www.embassysuiteshampton.com, when prompted to enter the group code, please use code MOD. Reservations can also be booked directly with the hotel by calling 757-827-8200.
The attendee room rate will be $83 per night, plus tax.
Government/Military Registration
Industry/Academia Registration
Registration Fees
Before 03/31/2014
After 03/31/2014
No Fee
Industry NDIA Member
The exhibit floor at MODSIM World 2014 is filling up quickly!
Please click here to view the current floor plan.
Make a big impact with your marketing dollars by exhibiting at MODSIM World 2014! The attendees you want to do business with are all in one place, under one roof - and focused on connecting with suppliers who can deliver training solutions. Throughout the year, NTSA conducts a strategic marketing campaign that delivers core professionals to your booth so you can:-- Generate sales leads-- Identify and meet new customers in diverse domains-- Boost awareness of your company brand among the people that count the most-- Introduce new technologies to the marketplaceCompanies interested in exhibiting and/or sponsoring may contact Debbie Langelier at firstname.lastname@example.com or 703-247-9480 for further information and rates.
2013 exhibitors included: AEgis Technologies, The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS), DI-Guy, Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Halldale Group, Kongsberg, Loyola Enterprises, ModSim Connected, MSVE, MYMIC, Newport News Shipbuilding, The Society for Modeling & Simulation International (SCS) and VMASC/Old Dominion University, as well as many others who have expressed an interest in returning to MODSIM 2014.
Please review the Exhibitor/Sponsorship Prospectus for more information.
NTSA has a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for MODSIM World 2014. For more details, please contact Debbie Dyson at firstname.lastname@example.com or 703-247-9480.
NDIA POC: Samantha J. Riemer at email@example.com or 703-247-9490.


text:
There's an Advil commercial with Jon Bon Jovi during which he refers to himself as "singer-songwriter, philanthropist, father."
I don't know anything about his charitable efforts, but I have no trouble imagining that they would be substantial, and that seems to be confirmed by this web site. Still, to me it sounds sort of pompous for anyone to refer to themselves as a "philanthropist." Even if it's accurate, it sounds like boasting.
Of course, I'm trying to think of an alternate word or phrase that would convey the same intent but without boasting. "Activist" sounds too political. "Donor" would be a literal match, but "donor and volunteer" might work better.


text:
view full screen
Blue Caged-Bead Drop Earring
Style: 570068636
Out of Stock
From a crystal pave fireball drops one cobalt bead held within a sculpted goldtone cage. Matches Blue Caged-Bead Short Necklace and the Blue Caged-Bead Stretch Bracelets.
- French wire. 1.5" drop.
- Faceted glass pave and cobalt bead. Goldtone nickel-free metal.
Read more… Read less…


text:
Pure Ignorance: Closed-mindedness of W.Va. liberals apparent
Liberal activists in West Virginia must be hoping no one will notice the distracting but unsupportable language they use in their attacks on an effort to begin the necessary shrinking of our gargantuan federal budget.
Fiscal conservatives in the House of Representatives have approved legislation that would shrink the food stamp program by $40 billion over the next 10 years. Liberals are falling all over themselves to speak out against the attempt.
Mind you, few have acknowledged the food stamp program was inflated by the 2009 Recovery Act, which is set to expire Nov. 1. For many in Washington, what was meant to be a temporary boost has already become the amount of money to which they believe those receiving federal funds are entitled.
Sean O'Leary, of the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy – an allegedly nonpartisan group – grandly misrepresented the effects of the federal food stamp program when he claimed 4 million people were "lifted out of poverty" by the program last year.
Of course, the truth is that those people, by and large, are still below the poverty line, but now also dependent on the federal government.
O'Leary (not the same O'Leary who is a columnist for The Journal) went on to claim that for every $1 spent on the food stamp program, communities see $1.70 in "increased economic activity." It would be interesting to see the fuzzy math that produced that figure.
No one wants to be the politician responsible for turning off the taps. But someone will have to do the difficult work before the federal government is crushed by the weight of its own budget.
It is true House conservatives are suggesting changes to the food stamp program that would make the money flow less freely. Such change is important for more than simply budgetary reasons.
As they normally do, liberals are demonstrating their ignorance of basic finance, their closed-mindedness when it comes to thinking about other ways to do better for those below the poverty line, and their utter lack of faith in the American people to function as anything but wards of the state.


text:
Share < br />this article:
Lady Gaga Bikinis in Puerto Rico
Gabrielle Chung
| November 5, 2012 - 2:11 pm
Share < br />this article:
View Full Size
Return to Story
Lady Gaga
Recommended for you
Lady Gaga Pens an Emotional Open Letter About Her Battle with PTSD
Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney Are Different Sort of Exes and More Celebrity News
WATCH: Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd Performing at the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Pop Stars and Flop Stars: The Weeknd's 'Starboy' Grandly Crashes to Earth, Plus a Look at 2017 Grammy Snubs
Lady Gaga, Gigi Hadid Go Glam at the 2016 Fashion Awards
Lady Gaga: 'I Suffer from PTSD'
Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Send Clear Message to Blac Chyna: You'll…
The Weeknd Opens Up About His 'Heavy' Drug Use
Here's a New Pic of Saint West as the Kardashian/Jenner Family Wish Him…
Coco Austin and Ice T Celebrate Their Daughter's First Birthday
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Are Not Divorcing, Says Insider
Sign Up For The Latest Celebuzz News
Thank you for signing up for our newsletter. You will receive a confirmation shortly.
Sign Up
Top Photos
All »
Mariah Carey and New Beau Bryan Tanaka Lead Today's Star Sightings
See Gigi Hadid's Spot-on Victoria's Secret Doll
Here's How Meghan Markle Subtly Declared Her Love for Prince Harry
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Were the Absolute Cutest at the 'La La Land' Premiere
Snooki's 'Creepy' Christmas Tradition Leads Today's Star Sightings
Gigi Hadid Sports Red, White and Blue in New York City
You'll Love
Kylie Jenner Is Selling Her House
Katy Perry Has Big Plans for the Holidays
Did Rihanna Just Throw Shade at Beyoncé?


text:
You are Here:
NRCS Employees
/ American Indian/Alaska Native Emphasis Program
Loading Tree...
AIAN Emphasis Program Manager: Abby Beltz, District Conservationist, Independence, 319-334-4105
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month originated in 1915 when the president of the Congress of American Indian Associations issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday in May of each year as American Indian Day. The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The 1964 Civil Rights Act does not apply to American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
The program seeks to:
In 1986, President Reagan designated November 23-30 as American Indian Week. Four years later, President Bush proclaimed the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Each year since, U.S. Presidents have proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month. NRCS celebrates American Indian Heritage Month in November. As part of this celebration, an American Indian Tribe artist is chosen each year to develop a poster. This year's poster entitled "A Native American Journey through Time: The Trust and the Stewardship" is designed by S. Denise Housley of the Georgia Tribe Eastern Cherokee.
NRCS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Civil Rights | FOIA | Plain Writing | Accessibility Statement
Privacy Policy| Non-Discrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov


text:
Welcome to the CRG Discussion Forum!Forum registration problems: Make sure you enter your email correctly and you check your spam box first. *Then* email KurtS2@gmail for help.
Thats ok gives you the winter to detail the car and appreciate the eye candy in your garage..
I gotcha, do you also put one of those (salt?)canisters inside the bag to trap the moisture? Sounds like your car is in good hands
It's a desiccant. Shouldn't use a car bag (or even a tarp) on an old car without it."Store not where moths or rust can destroy..."


text:
Our Office
Media Center
Criminal Justice
Social Justice
State Counsel
Economic Justice
Solicitor General
Regional Affairs
Charities Registry
Complaint Forms
Employment Opportunities
Find an Attorney
Help for Homeowners
Identity Theft
Lemon Law Protections
OAG Weekly Newsletter
Offering Plan Data Search
Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter Email
Service of Process
Tenant's Rights
Victims Rights
REFB Policy Memoranda
Zika Consumer Advisory
Mortgage Settlement
Conviction Review Bureau
Taxpayer Protection
Religious Rights
Immigration Services Fraud
Debt Settlement & Collection
Pennies for Charity
NY Open Government
Free Educational Programs
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
Animal Protection
Help For Homeowners
Human Trafficking
Secure Our Smartphone (S.O.S.)
Land Bank Community Revitalization
Volkswagen Emissions Investigation
Contact Us
A.G. Schneiderman Announces Prison Sentence In Half-Million Dollar Embezzlement Scheme From Bronx Charities
Fiscal Officer For Publicly Funded Nonprofits Admitted To 8 Year Embezzlement Scheme, Sentenced To Up To Six Years In Prison
Schneiderman: My Office Will Continue To Prosecute Those Who Abuse The Public Trust To The Fullest Extent Of The Law
NEW YORK - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the sentencing of Clement I. Gardner, 64, of the Bronx, on charges that he embezzled more than half a million dollars from two taxpayer-funded Bronx charities over an eight-year period. Gardner, who pleaded guilty to felony charges in February, was sentenced to two-to-six years in prison.
"The defendant used two publicly funded Bronx organizations like his personal piggy bank, diverting more than a half million dollars earmarked for services for needy New Yorkers in just over eight years," Attorney General Schneiderman said. "We will not tolerate those who abuse the public trust for personal gain, and will continue to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Today's sentence brings justice for Mr. Gardner's crimes."
Gardner pled guilty to the felony charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, under the second count of the indictment filed against him. The indictment alleges that Gardner stole approximately $560,000 in public and charitable assets while serving as fiscal officer for two related Bronx not-for-profit corporations, Christian Community Benevolent Association, Inc. (CCBA) and Christian Community in Action (CCIA). Between December 31, 2003 and February 12, 2012, Gardner wrote numerous checks to himself from CCBA and CCIA bank accounts and then falsified business records to conceal his crimes.
Justice Steven Barrett accepted Gardner's guilty plea in Bronx County Supreme Court on February 28, 2013. In addition to a sentence of two-to-six years in prison, Justice Barrett ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $560,000.
The prosecution proceeded following an investigation undertaken in cooperation with the New York City Department of Investigation.
The vast majority of CCIA's funding came from taxpayers. CCIA received tens of millions of dollars annually from Medicaid for providing home health services to needy Bronx residents. CCBA similarly relied on public grants, reaping roughly $495,000 in legislative member item grants in 2006 and 2007.
Until his March 13, 2012 arrest by the Office of the Attorney General, Gardner served as fiscal officer for both CCBA, which provides recreational and educational opportunities to Bronx children and seniors, and CCIA, which provided home health services to the disabled and elderly. Gardner managed the finances of both organizations, maintained their expense records, and administered their bank accounts.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Simon Brandler and Wanda Perez-Maldonado, under the supervision of Public Integrity Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz, Chief William E. Schaeffer and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.
The Attorney General recognizes the diligent work of the OAG staff with whose cooperation the case developed, particularly John Serrapica, OAG Supervising Investigator and Forensic Accountant, Investigator Gerard Matheson, Forensic Accountant Akeel Uddin, and former Analyst Benjamin Zaitchik. The prosecution proceeds from a referral from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Attorney General also recognizes the assistance of the New York City Department of Investigation, including key contributions by Special Investigator/Forensic Accountant Kerasha Campbell, Chief Forensic Auditor Ivette Morales and Inspector General Chanterelle Sung.
Anyone with additional information on this matter or any other public corruption is encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Office at (800) 996-4630.
Groups audience:


text:
|Thread Tools
Edguy -- New York, NY -- September 16th, 2007
Last night was my third time seeing Edguy, all 3 times have been at BB King's in New York City and have spanned over the course of 3 years and 2 days exactly.
My friend and I were so excited for this show. The anticipation was rediculous. Not only did we actually pay the extra money for the BB Kings VIP tickets, we got into the city just after noon and waited over 5 hours outside before doors. The payoff however was well worth it. Once in the city we met up with our friend Mike, and also some other people, including a very cool kid named Phillipe. The 4 of us spent a good deal of time talking, actually making the time pass pretty easily. Edguy's tour bus was parked right in front of the venue until about 2 hours before doors. Early in the day my friend and I ran into Dirk and Jens in McDonald's, but we didn't stay long, not wanting to disturb them. Later on, the band all came off their tour bus, and said they were going to take some pictures. (no doubt footage and pictures for next album or DVD). They returned as promised afterwards and signed all of our booklets and took pictures with us all. I think they felt obligated because the couple of us had been there so rediculously long. They're such cool guys, I believe it was Dirk who said to us: "This is what makes us want to keep coming here". So, later on more friends of ours arrived and doors opened fairly timely at 6:15.
The show itself started just about on time at about 7 PM, Echoes of Eternity being the first band. I'm not a big fan, but I didn't mind seeing them live for a second time, which may or may not be because their singer is rediculously hot. But that's neither here nor there. Not bad, not a fan.
Second band was Light this City. Oh dear. They may have now taken my coveted award for the worst signed band I've ever seen live. Words can't described how much I hated this band. After their first or second song, I let out an obnoxious "BOOO!" followed by some other derogatory comment I can't remember. Apparently their drummer was quite angry, even attempting to spit on me from behind his kit. Despite what he may think, spitting at me won't make them suck any less.
Third band was the now infamous Into Eternity. I've now seen them 4 times, and I don't even like them. They just have a habbit of opening for bands I like. I have to admit, despite not wanting to hear them, they really were not as bad as the previous times I had seen them. Some of the songs actually seemed to have redeemable qualities to them. However, I assumed they would be playing a 30 minute set as the other two openers, but their set was easily 45 minutes, much to my disliking.
Sorry to leave you hanging, but I've got to go for now, so I'll be back later in the day to finish this review and discuss Edguy's performance and set list.
Last edited by Maiden33; 09-17-2007 at 08:04 AM.
Yeah man the show was amazing,. did u catch a guitar pick. I got one of the last ones Jens threw.. what an amazing show.. are you going to sonata and firewind in 2 weeks?
Stand by for the second half of my review.
Yup, I went to school with the drummer from Light This City
Alright, so here's my review of the rest of the show, the important part.
I don't remember exactly when Edguy came on, but I want to say somewhere around quarter of 10. I could be wrong.
So, as soon as the "Welcome to the Freak Show" intro started, my friend and I both had the same thought: Bad idea. We knew what was coming next and we knew the anticipation of the intro was far too great for it. Despite my liking of the song, Catch of the Century is shit opener. There really wasnt any great Rocket Ride material to open with, but this was just silly. Then again, they are too.
My first thought once they got going was that the sound was terrible. I was appalled at first. It did improve a little bit but for a lot of the show the only thing you could hear well was the drums and Jens' guitar, which seemed to be experience technical difficulties the majority of the show, both from tech problems and user error. I have to admit I was a bit upset at how sloppy everyone seemed to be save for the rhythm section. Jens particularly let me down, fudging up most of his leads and solos, even playing some wrong chords. I was concerned at times.
Tobi was in full joking form as usual, cracking many hilarious jokes throughout the evening, primarilly busting on Felix. They're the only band that seriously make you laugh as well as kick ass. The joking almost made up for all the wrongs of the set.
I saw the roadie put the set out at the beginning of their set and I saw that the main body of it was being closed with Fallen Angels, so I was thrilled... but then the moment came, and Tobi starts an introduction for the next song and I knew immediately it wasn't it. Turned out it was Fucking with Fire, the lamest substitution they could've made. Sure it's fun, but I'll take balls-out power/speed metal over joke rock'n'metal.
Much to our liking, they did add an additional song to the encore, which is good cause the setlist otherwise was just too short. Unfortunately it was not one of my top picks for something that couldve been added. Regardless, any addition is a good addition.
My friend and I both got a pick from Jens, our friend got a set list, another friend got a drum stick, and another friend got thrown out for protecting his girlfriend from an obnoxious crowdsurfer, and his girlfriend wound up going backstage after the show. Good stuff.
Edguy set list:
1.Catch of the Century
4.Lavatory Love Machine
5.Tears of a Mandrake
6.Vain Glory Opera
7.Drum Solo
9.Save Me
10.Fucking With Fire
13.King of Fools
I was wearing an Iced Earth shirt... Are you into porcupine tree at all?
Jaco died for our sins so that modern bass players could be free to play more and be heard.
At least they put in Fucking With Fire. If they keep that and Mysteria, and put Fallen Angels back in somewhere that'd be tight.
|Thread Tools


text:
January 21, 2014 —
MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Legislature on January 21 unanimously approved a resolution to provide three school districts with armed school resource officers (SRO) through the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. The school districts will pick up 70% of the cost of salaries and benefits. The cost to the county in 2014 will be about $150,000.
The deal was made with the Livingston Manor Central School District, the Monticello Central School District and the Tri-Valley Central School District. There was a bit of urgency to the vote because the next possibility of getting new officers into the New York State Police Academy occurs in March; candidates must complete training at the academy before they can serve.
Dr. Deborah Fox, superintendent of the Livingston Manor schools, said her district previously had an SRO through the New York State Police, but that arrangement ended in 2010 because of budgetary considerations.
She said, "I see the roll of the SRO being fivefold: visibility—research shows just having the police car at the entrance of the school can deter criminal activity; prevention and education— we want to prevent problems and teach children how important law enforcement is in our community; communications—the SRO would be a bridge of communications between the school district and the law enforcement community; relationship building with students, staff, parents in the community; and lastly, and perhaps the most important when needed, is crises response."
Daniel A. Teplesky, superintendent of the Monticello Central School District, and Larry Thomas, superintendent of Sullivan County BOCES, were also at the meeting and gave similar details about the function of an SRO. BOCES already has an SRO.
Legislator Gene Benson asked why only three of the eight districts in the county had requested this arrangement. Legislator Kathy LaBuda said now that the legislature has approved the arrangement, the legislature will have to provide the same deal to other districts should they request it, and that would come with tough choices. Shesaid it's difficult, if not impossible, to stay within the Albany-mandated 2% property tax cap and still adequately provide for public safety.
Fox said other districts have other security arrangements. Liberty Central School District and Fallsburg Central School Districts have security arrangements with their local police departments, and Eldred Central School has a deal with a security company.
The other schools, Sullivan West Central School District and Roscoe School District, were not mentioned at the meeting, and the superintendents of those schools could not immediately be reached for comment.
As the meeting came to a close, LaBuda said, "While this may be a necessary evil, to me it's a sad day when you think that you have to put armed officers in our school districts. And I wonder where the future of our country is headed."


text:
Beauty With Heart: The Body Shop Cruelty Free Makeup Collection Review And Swatches (No Pink Cows Involved!)
"WOAH, PINK COW!" was what immediately came to mind when I first saw the Limited Edition, Lily Cole makeup collection from The Body Shop.
I'm not that kind of beauty blogger who dives into the sciences of products; I don't squint at ingredient lists, I don't dig up researches and lab tests done on ingredients and tell you how good or bad it is for your skin, I don't really bother what goes inside that bottle of goodness (or evil).
The kind of beauty blogger I am, is simply, the kind who tells you whether it works or doesn't, it looks pretty or pretty much sucks, it stays or vanishes before you even have had time to take your first toilet break of the day. That kind, I am.
I am also a superficial sucker for packaging (you are too, don't deny HAHAHA!), so when I saw the pink and black prints, and ribbons, and pink stuff and more pink stuff everywhere, my mood lifted!
Not that I was down, but pink is the symbol for universal love, beauty, kindness, compassion. Lovers of beauty favor pink. That's why Bun Bun Makeup Tips banner is pink. Lol. (I hope it still has some pink in it if you're reading this in year 2027.)
And that's why I smiled when I saw the new cruelty-free makeup range from The Body Shop!
And coz pink cows are cute.
Now that they have caught your and my attention, let's get down to beauty beyond box and stickers.
The Body Shop Puff On Radiance Highlighter
The first item that reached out and grabbed me by the neck and screamed 'You will love me! Look at how pink and fluffy and girly I am!' was the Puff On Radiance.


text:
FICO® Big Data Analyzer
Despite the need to harness the power of Big Data, enterprise data platforms, like Hadoop, do not include BI or analytics software that makes data readily accessible for business users. FICO® Big Data Analyzer is a purpose-built analytics environment for business users, analysts and data scientists to gain valuable insights from the exploration and analysis of any type and size of data on Hadoop. It makes Big Data accessible by masking Hadoop complexity, allowing all users to drive more business value from any data.
Core Benefits
Accelerates adoption of Big Data use
Maximizes analytic assets and reduces Hadoop costs
Drives business decisions and optimizes applications
Accelerates adoption of Big Data use
FICO Big Data Analyzer improves productivity and time to insights. By making Big Data accessible to business analysts and data scientists, it enables them to solve pressing business problems quickly and collaboratively.
Maximizes analytic assets and reduces Hadoop costs
FICO Big Data Analyzer's Analytics Hub allows users to securely store, search, re-use and manage analytics assets created anywhere in the organization. This eliminates the need for data replication, lowering the total cost of Hadoop ownership.
Drives business decisions and optimizes applications
Combined with FICO® Analytic Modeler and other components of the FICO® Decision Management Suite, FICO Big Data Analyzer is the industry's only Big Data application designed for the entire Big Data Analytics lifecycle, spanning data exploration, model building and operational decision implementation.
Solution Architecture
FICO® Big Data Analyzer
FICO® Big Data Analyzer is a component of the FICO® Decision Management Suite, a cost-effective and easy way for customers to evaluate, customize, deploy and scale state-of-the-art analytics and decision management solutions.
Key Features
- Intuitive user experience that supports queries for data analysts and provides a graphical interface for business analysts.
- Allows companies to ingest Big Data while preserving data integrity.
- Analytics Hub allows users to find, manage and re-use analytic assets.
- Explore, query and visualize Big Data.
- Support for all major Hadoop distributions and versions including out-of-the-box support for Cloudera and Hortonworks.
- Ready access to sophisticated queries, including more than 250 pre-packaged analytics.
- Existing models built in virtually any tool can be imported for collaborative use on Big Data in Hadoop.
- Native, open and standards-based solution that integrates directly with Hadoop.
- Support for the complete Big Data analytic lifecycle when combined with the FICO® Decision Management Suite.
Want to take your business to new heights?
Request more information. Enter your information and we will respond directly to you.


text:
dotloop is a company on the cutting edge of technology development which takes forward thinking to the extreme. In just a short time, we have completely streamlined the buying and selling process for real estate in a way that works so well, it's driving a movement tagged by the press as "Revolutionomics."
Our nature drives our product – connecting people and documents in real time, simplifying their lives, and delivering life changing value.
After studying Real Estate Development at the University of Cincinnati and Corporate Law at The University of Cincinnati College of Law, Austin co-founded dotloop in 2009. He describes what he does as "surrounding the company with great people and keeping us aligned around our vision and goals."
What little free time Austin has is spent with his wife Angela and their Yorkshire terrier Paris. He is an avid endurance sport fanatic, which includes: marathons, triathlons, and wakeboarding.
Austin was named to the 2012 Forbes 30 Under 30 class, Inman News Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders, and was 1 of 10 CEOs featured as "Ohio's Most Talented Entrepreneurs" by CEO Magazine. Most recently, Austin made the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine and was named Inman News' 2012 Innovator of the Year.
Daivak leads the Engineering for dotloop, driving the mission to help people and businesses work better together through peoplework. Before joining dotloop, Daivak worked at Yahoo! as the Sr. Engineering Manager, where he managed the end to end life cycle of products for tablets and mobile devices right from their conception phase.
Marnie is executive director of national accounts at dotloop, helping the company serve and build on its growing customer base of more than 3500 brokerages.
Before joining dotloop, she spent 10 years at RE/MAX, managing the franchise's broker- and agent-facing technology initiatives.
Dustin leads the direction of the customer support department and ensures amazing client experiences, resulting in raving fans. He loves the amazing team he works with, the fun culture, daily challenges, and sense of accomplishment knowing we are helping shape an industry and change the lives of real estate agents.
Dustin fills his free time with wakeboarding/boating, skiing, outdoor activities, exercising, and volunteering for the local community.
Dustin achieved a B.S. in Business Finance from Miami University, Oxford.
Being one of the first employees in the company, Alex watched the company grow from a 2-man shop and a dream to a technology pioneer and world changing company. Alex was a college athlete at Northern Kentucky University where he studied Entrepreneurship and helped lead the team to number 1 national ranking four consecutive years. He has played an integral role to much of the company's growth, partnerships, strategic direction and branding. In his time away from the business, Alex enjoys boating, traveling and taking it easy with his dogs. As Director of Marketing at dotloop, Alex helps drive strategic marketing direction and communicate what dotloop is all about.
Alex loves that dotloop has the ability to deliver value to consumers and help to drive change.
Think you have what it takes to become a Looper? Check out dotloop.com/careers for current openings.


text:
Dear members,
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
Originally Posted by LssJBroly
Awesome chapter
I cannot wait for next weeks :D
It was actually a decent length and fulfilling :D
Obito with Long hair is not my fav imo though
Omg I want to see this fight :D
We know Rin will die, but I want to see how and why Kakashi couldn't save her O.o
Also I think we will see Obito activate his MS as he witnesses losing someone close to him
Also, I have new respect for Zetsu
He is not as bad as a character as I though , he is funny and sort of nice
we have same thoughts again :D
Originally Posted by wondersland
20 bucks says that Rin dies on that battlefield and then Obito turns all emo and decides that Madara is right. It will be that event that'll change Obito's mind. I'm calling it here and now.
yup this is what exactly going to happen, but how?
I expect something tragic, next chapter is gonna be awesome!!!
Originally Posted by labiancareality
yeah i think thats lazy on kishis part, senju cells are the answer for everything , i guess tsunade can fight madara if thats the case, also to have obito be the only character of the series grow his hair mmm i dont know about that
well i think its about right, If uchiha have the eyes, senju have the body,
now it makes sense that why uchiha rivaled senju clan, senju = uchiha .!
wow kishi your finally putting things together its about time!!!!! this chapter was alright... i just wish kishi hurries up... with the story but i do understand why he is doing it so slow until next week people oh yeah by the way zetsu is funny poo lol
This chapter confused me so much... Is zetsu part of tobi. idk can obito regenerate when he loses the arm. im so confused. someone help...
All in all amazing chapter cant wait till next weeks
Damn you kishi, who knew u could write a good manga... this chapter easily filled most the potholes...
Kishi, if you are reading this, well done
Originally Posted by Enderman
This chapter confused me so much... Is zetsu part of tobi. idk can obito regenerate when he loses the arm. im so confused. someone help...
All in all amazing chapter cant wait till next weeks
Yes Madara puts Zetsu "substance" in Tobi's body so he can regenerate just like Zetsu. But because his other half body is not made of Zetsu, he cannot move through the ground.
Originally Posted by Shinobi Jones
I bet madara had something to do with rin's death...seems way too convenient. Can't wait to see
i agree with you 100%
I absolutely loved this chapter. it shows that he grew his hair so it had to be him against Minato. His mask was inspired by the 'spiral' Zetsu, maybe they become good friends for him helping him (question now what happened to him?). having a few laughs on a dark time with white Zetsu talking bout poo, i personally think he is a little jealous lol. Excited for the next manga now we get to see how Rin died why Obito couldn't save Rin aswell as Kakashi. Maybe the appearance of Black zetsu. Can't wait.!
Also you can see from a mile away Kishi story plot now, Kishi is going have Madara play Tobi Obito, because it's set up for Tobi Obito wanting to change the world for the good and bring Rin back(which make no sense Tobi Obito is the dark from what he said to Konan, but he want to have a happy world and he also want to love a girl, who wasn't his girl forever). A villian can think what he is doing, even killing is for the greater good(like Itachi & Nagato), But true evil do it for power, money and in manga's immortality, which is the real reason why the real Madara is doing all this.
I really don't like where this is going (allthough we all know that Rin is dead)
Obito may get controlled/forced into watching Rin die and Kakashi "letting" it happen or even worse forced to kill Rin himself. That's where his hate for Kakashi may come from wherein Kakashi didn't stop him from killing Rin.
Either way this is baaaaaaaaaaaad. That's all I'm thinking the second that Zetsu surrounds him :/
Madara would not leave things to chance he is going to kill two birds with one stone to actavate his mangekyo sharingan and to bring him to his side. Also is Madara sleeping or is he controling a Zetsu remotely and with the fight against Minato at the end of the his left arm was melting away Obito still has his left arm maybe the Tobi suit is a way for Madara to copy Obitos ms Zetsu has that power i think the real Madara was behind nine tails attack and Obito didn't know about it he told sasuke that he had nothing to do with it maybe thats why Kishi hasn't had anyone confront Obito like Naruto for example. so in the end Obito will turn on Madara or will be killed bye him once he learns the truth he is Madaras pawn this is his plan thats my theory
Zetsu have the power to copy chakra, not technique, cause if he did there would be no need for Edo and with the shark guy, Zetsu replace him after Bee escape the water tech.
NICE Chapter!! :D
even though it was all flashback it was good.
i had a feeling that zetsu had a part in this whole f**** up situation. now im certain of it!! im sure we will get more plot twists involving zetsu.
and did anyone notice..who is the spiral zetsu? the other one was white zetsu but the other was black zetsu???
and wat i really wanna know is that if , the spiral zetsu is still on obito or not...could be controlling him??
BUT HONESTLY!! madara clearly planned all of this!! his soo similar to orochimaru!!!, with his cunningness n manipulation techniques.
Cant Wait till next chapter!! :D
Overall i rate it a 4/5 .
If Obito is going to save Rin and Kakashi why wouldn't Kakashi detect his chakra.
Originally Posted by gstk1991
Now it's starting to kinda make sense.. Obito sees rin die, gets pissed, goes to madara and agrees to cooperate with that genjutsu plan
A nice summary of the general ways things have been going.
It's a known pattern that everytime a character's background is shown he is about to die... dun dun dun dun.
i also found that when the 'spiral' zetsu was talking, i found myself talking like the 'goofy' tobi lol
Originally Posted by Rasha29
Zetsu have the power to copy chakra, not technique, cause if he did there would be no need for Edo and with the shark guy, Zetsu replace him after Bee escape the water tech.
yes i agree with that but that tobi suit could have been maid for that reason i still stand bye my theory but i guess we will find out next week i don't mind being wrong
Enjoyed readin this chapter, it had some comedy like the tobi suit flipping the middle finger
Obito playing with mokuton looked cool
Really liked the long hair
I give it a 4/5
Last edited by Wakusei rasengan; 09-26-2012 at 10:48 AM.
Reason: i forgot some stuff
finally we get to see the real tobi and not obito as tobi
spiral zetsu = tobi lolol
Last edited by ChiefHermit; 09-26-2012 at 10:46 AM.
Originally Posted by Grasiano
If Obito is going to save Rin and Kakashi why wouldn't Kakashi detect his chakra.
A nice summary of the general ways things have been going.
Is Kakashi a sensor type ninja?
Anyway great chapter, I give it 4/5.
Many things start to be explained.I hope that strating today there are no more "2 Tobi theory" or "long hair toby theory" threads. As you can see even in manga people's hair grow.
Originally Posted by Grasiano
If Obito is going to save Rin and Kakashi why wouldn't Kakashi detect his chakra.
probably because obito is inside zetsu.
Last edited by allpinq; 09-26-2012 at 10:57 AM.
Forum Rules


text: Chief of Police Scott Kinne said, "This operation was very successful and was designed to send a clear message. If you are a sex offender and you choose to reside in the Village of Liberty your compliance with all laws will be closely monitored by my department and we will maintain a zero tolerance policy for all violations of the Sex Offender Registration Act. My officers will continue to be proactive in the enforcement of these laws and if you are a sex offender and you fail to uphold your obligations you will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted."


text:
"I've been listening to the Catholic Answers Live podcast for about a year now. Today I heard Patrick Coffin say you were reaching all nations, and I felt I had to confirm it! I love your show and I learn every day. Thank you very much!"
"If I have written anything erroneous, I submit all to the judgment and correction of the Holy Roman Church, in whose obedience I now pass from this life."


text:
G'Day!Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 by Alexander
Hey there,
I'm Alex, I'm currently studying abroad at the University of Melbourne. I'm in my second week of classes for the semester, and I just got this set up, so I'll update past events first over the next couple of days, and then move on to what I'm doing right now.
I'm looking forward to letting everyone know what I've been up to and what I plan on doing for the next four months.


text:
Dozens of pomeranians, one languishing in horrid conditions, are now getting pampered, primped, and primed for new homes.
No email address was supplied by
To complete your registration on this site, please supply an address.
Please confirm or modify the email address to which you will have subscription offers sent.
For a more personalized experience, please supply the following optional information.


text:
We Really Stink
2 Comments
I am becoming increasingly convinced that Charlie Brown can sum up any feelings I have about this baseball season far better than I can.
I'm almost convinced that things actually can't get worse (although, you know what happens when you assume), so maybe there isn't anywhere to go but up.
It would be nice, however, if things got better before our win percentage didn't equal our team's current collective batting average.
Watching the Dandelions Grow


text:
HONOLULU, Hawaii - Hawaii senators are moving forward with a bill to direct the governor to purchase land owned by Turtle Bay Hotel and Resort on the North Shore.
Lawmakers say that Hawaii governors have sought to acquire the land for years, but something needs to be done to speed up the process.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor and the Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill Wednesday that would direct the governor to continue negotiations for the property. The committees removed a highly criticized provision that would have allowed the state to use eminent domain.
The bill's supporters include hundreds of individuals and grass-roots organizations who say that government action is necessary to protect Oahu's North Shore from turning into another Waikiki.
Many are worried about how the hotel's planned expansion could affect the rural area and want to "keep the country country."
But opposition to the proposal from union members and the Turtle Bay company has been loud.
Maria Falevai, a housekeeper at Turtle Bay, was one of dozens of hotel employees and others who flocked to the Hawaii state capitol on Wednesday to protest the bill.
Falevai said she's worried about what the bill could mean for the availability of jobs on the North Shore. She said before starting at Turtle Bay four years ago, she used to have to travel for hours by bus to get to Kalihi for work.
"I had to leave at 4 a.m. and take two buses," Falevai told The Associated Press. "Sometimes I wouldn't get home until 9 p.m. and my kids wouldn't even see me."
Danna Holck, general manager of the hotel, said the company provides important jobs and housing for North Shore residents.
The company provided transportation to bring employees and other community members to the Capitol to make their voices heard, she said.
But the company's strong presence became a sore point during the Wednesday hearing on the bill.
Senate judiciary committee Chairman Clayton Hee told hearing attendees that he had been surprised and put off by how opponents acted when the bill was considered Friday. Opponents, wearing matching T-shirts, had stood up in unison to face lawmakers when the bill's title was announced.
"Let me be clear: this isn't Aloha Stadium," Hee said. "This isn't a neighbourhood board meeting. This is the Senate."
Holck said the opponents had simply been showing solidarity against the bill. Sen. Sam Slom agreed.
"Certainly decorum is important, but democracy is also important," said Slom, who voted against the measure.
Several other senators also opposed the bill or voted with reservations. Both Hee and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman David Ige voted in favour of the bill.
The bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.


text:
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
Your browser does not support iframes.
Dr. Lee Thomas' guest column, "Medical care in America has reached crossroads," in the July 11 edition of The Lancaster News was excellent and confirms another article I read regarding Massachusetts. It states that 98 percent of Massachusetts' residents now do have health-care coverage. However, one in seven cannot find a doctor.
This letter is to the people who constantly run the stop sign on West Doc Garris Road at the railroad tracks. I have good and bad news for you. The highway patrol said that they can't do anything about it because there are only two patrolmen in the county, The bad news is that I am tired of almost being hit by you when I try to turn left.
If you don't have time to stop, try leaving home two minutes earlier.
Paul Williams
This is in response to Indian Land resident Beverly Lynch's guest column, "Are any public servants willing to help public?" in the June 15 edition of The Lancaster News.
Lynch mentioned that Moni Basu has become her friend. Basu is the CNN reporter who cast Lancaster as a downtrodden, backward and desolate town in her January article, "In hard-hit S.C. town, faith and finances fuel political decisions."
I now feel sorry for Ms. Basu. With friends like Ms. Lynch, who needs...
Kim Snipes
Heath Springs
Editor's note: Jaylen Jackson, 3, was killed when she got caught in the crossfire of a gunfight in May 2010.
I want to address Sonny Plyler's letter, "Justice system allows criminals free rein" about the justuce system in the July 1 edition of The Lancaster News. I totally agree. We need to replace judges and solicitors.
I sat through the trial of the two men who were involved in my 3-year-old grandbaby's death.
The judge and the solicitor were pathetic. The outcome of the trial was sickening.
I was delighted that Karen White, the ministries director of community and spiritual development for Inspiration Ministries, learned of the desperate need facing HOPE in Lancaster and decided to do something about it.
The response was great from the employees and the Cerullos, who also contributed a generous gift.
I too have supported HOPE. I think Elaine Adkins and her staff have done a remarkable job for Lancaster.
I wish that White would have ventured about 3 miles south of Inspiration Ministries and found the Belair United Methodist Church food bank.
The land between the Indian Land firehouse on Six Mile Creek and Edwards Road was deforested by the contractor who built the new firehouse, in conjunction with a Lancaster County contractor.
I have contacted the federal government, the county government and U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney's office about this.
A total of $1.7 million [from a FEMA grant] was spent on this project and the land was left in disrepair.
We, the citizens, helped pay for that project and we expect the land to be restored to the way it was before.
I would like to express my gratitude to Larry Honeycutt and Lancaster County Council for stepping up to support the 4-H Club of Lancaster County. Lancaster County has participated in the 4-H Club for many many years and this organization has been extremely benefical for our youth and community.
There should be a law on the books that no vehicle should be allowed on the road that does not have a spare tire. While this sounds like left field reasoning there is no chance that such a law would ever pass the Legislature because the automobile industry would have it killed it in its tracks. A requirement to provide a spare tire would eat away at the industries profit picture.
We, the employees of Belk, would like to thank The Lancaster News for promoting our Cupcakes for the Cure event on Saturday, June 9. We also would like to thank the community for coming in and supporting our event with their donations for this worthwhile cause. Since it was such a big success, we hope to do it again in the near future.
Thanks again for your support.
Employees of Belk
My earliest memory of the Lancaster Motor Speedway was going with my father in his El Camino to the pit to watch the races.
I can sit with him now, and he laughs at the many stories he remembers working as a pit crew member for his friends Don and Tommy Crump. Let's just say they were beginners. It's a timeless memory I share with my father, and now, many years later, I have begun to create the same lasting memories with my son.
Copyright © 2016
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


text:
Hillary Rosen
Observations: The QandO Podcast for 15 Apr 12
This week, Michael, and Dale talk about the Trayvon Martin case, Hillary Rosen, and the economy.
The direct link to the podcast can be found here.
As a reminder, if you are an iTunes user, don't forget to subscribe to the QandO podcast, Observations, through iTunes. For those of you who don't have iTunes, you can subscribe at Podcast Alley. And, of course, for you newsreader subscriber types, our podcast RSS Feed is here. For podcasts from 2005 to 2010, they can be accessed through the RSS Archive Feed.


text:
What is in this article?:
- Strong demand should help support cotton prices
- Supply questions
- With the outlook for significantly less cotton acreage in the U.S. this year, production and consumption numbers are continually changing. The same conditions that took the cotton market to its highs in late January remain in place.
More About:
The same conditions that took the cotton market to its highs in late January remain in place, says O. A. Cleveland, Jr., Mississippi State University Extension economics professor emeritus.
"The situation is exactly the same," and should provide support for prices in the 80 cent range, he said at the annual commodity conference of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.
And while he says he'd "love to see" the 95 cents that some international analysts are forecasting for the December contract, "I personally have difficulty going above the 86 cent level.
"There is some very strong resistance at 86-87 cents. For the 2013 crop, 86 cents is a place where my price analysis starts to fail — I can't see it going beyond that. I'd love to see 95 cents, but that's too big a bite for me to take right now."
With the outlook for significantly less cotton acreage in the U.S. this year, and particularly in Mississippi, Cleveland says production and consumption numbers are continually changing.
"I'm hearing 300,000 acres of cotton in Mississippi, and some are saying it could go as low as 275,000, even 200,000. We'll certainly reduce acres in the Mid-South.
"The Southeast will decline by 30 percent to 35 percent. California may actually move up a bit, because Pima prices are higher due to huge purchases by China.
"Texas is always a huge wild card. In many cases, they don't have another alternative. They've planted a lot of dryland wheat this year, and a lot of grain sorghum along the Coastal Bend. Nonetheless, they'll have a huge cotton acreage and will use the insurance program.
"They won't have the 8 million acres they've had in the past — perhaps only 6 million or less. But they'll still have 55 percent to 60 percent of the acreage that will be planted in the U.S. this year, unless the drought there continues.
"Long range weather forecasters are saying Texas and the Southwest are looking at a long range drought. Folks I talk to out there say it's still very dry — some say there's not an ounce of water at 10-foot depth. A farmer I know who's 70 years old says he hasn't seen it this dry in his lifetime. We've got to assume the long range weather folks are correct and that the drought will continue out there."
Most predictions are for 10.2-10.3 million acres in the U.S., Cleveland says, "but I'm a bit lower than that. I think Georgia will be very strong with their acreage this year, which will keep it a bit above 10 million acres. We could have a crop that ranges from as low as 12 million bales up to 14 million, depending on harvested acreage and yield."


text:
Coming up in the next {{countdown}} {{countdownlbl}}
Coming up next:
Skip to this video now
Now Playing:
Play Video
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
George Zimmerman Trial: Judge Prohibits Prosecution Experts
Judge Debra Nelson makes pivotal ruling on audio from a 911 call where someone is crying for help.
George Zimmerman Ruling Denies Audio Experts Testimony
Experts who claimed they heard Trayvon Martin screaming for help in 911 audio are excluded.
Now Playing: George Zimmerman Trial: Judge Prohibits Prosecution Experts
Now Playing: George Zimmerman Ruling Denies Audio Experts Testimony
Now Playing: All-Female Jury Chosen for George Zimmerman Trial
Now Playing: Frigid Temperatures Set in for Millions Around the US
Now Playing: US Sending 200 Additional Troops to Syria
Now Playing: Cardell Hayes Takes the Stand in New Orleans in His Trial for the Murder of Former NFL Star Will Smith
Now Playing: Supporters Come Out for Pizza Place Targeted After 'Fake News'
Now Playing: Oar Falls Off Motorhome and Crashes Through Driver's Windshield, Narrowly Missing Her
Now Playing: Man Auditions Local Community Members to Perform at his Ugly Sweater Shop
Now Playing: Alleged Charleston Church Shooter's Confession Shown in Court
Now Playing: Prosecutor Requests Controversial DNA Test in Investigation of Jogger's Murder
Now Playing: Corrections Officer's Boyfriend Proposes After Being 'Arrested'
Now Playing: Murdered Student's Family Remains Convinced of Mark Carver's Guilt: Part 6
Now Playing: Alternate Theories to Who May Have Killed Ira Yarmolenko: Part 5
Now Playing: DNA Linking Man to Crime Scene May Have Been Transferred: Part 4
Now Playing: Attorney Tries to Prove Convicted Murderer's Innocence
Now Playing: 'Touch DNA' Links Men to Car of Murdered College Student
Now Playing: Convicted Murderer Denies Killing UNC Charlotte Student
Now Playing: Video Released in Police-Involved Shooting That Left Driver Paralyzed
Now Playing: Jurors See Video of Moment Dylann Roof's Victims Arrived at Bible Study
Now Playing: {{itm.title}}


text:
Izaya await kiristuga sensei underneath a nearby tree
So, eh, why do you want to learn Lightning? >.<
And can you type proper English?
I wish to learn lightning because it has always been my favorite element it is fast and deadly. I am also tired of not being able to do anything whilst my village is being destroyed.
Hm, okay, let's go into that a bit more.
You are correct about it being fast and deadly, haha, it is indeed a very wild, wild element. It's power and speed is enormous and amazing when used properly.
Now, two things.
One, how do you think Raiton chakra would flow?
Secondly, what might be the weaknesses and strengths of Raiton?
I think lightning chakra flows straight in a sharp line. And as for its strengths and weaknesses when teamed with water releases. It is becomes far more powerful. However when pit up against wind releases it falls short of exspectations.
Oh yeah lightning is also powerful against earth.
What is it weak to?
And decent response to how you think it might flow, however, try a bit harder. How do you think it might feel?
Lightning is weak to wind. It makes me feel powerful and invincable. However at the same time it makes me feel like I could lose control of its amazing power and deadly force just fire lightning has a will of its own it destroys and its wild. It also makes me feel percisice and knowing that I must destroy my target before he destroys me.
Okay, excellent.
So...*makes a few handseals and it starts raining*
Gather up some of that water in your hands.
* puts out my hands and the water begins to gather in them* OK sensei what next?
*I place my hand in the same pool of water you have collected within your hands and then follow up to release a small bolt of electricity*
No doubt you have recoiled from it, but I wish for you to recount your experience and how you think the nature of lightning might flow.
Yes sensei. Well I could feel the lightning running through my chalra network and every bone and muscle. In my body. It flowed in every direction it was scary yet energizing I felt amazing.
Ah, hmmm...good start. ^_^ Perfect description.
Alright. To begin with, we'll start the more defensive and offensive aspects of Raiton Jutsu. Now that you have learned the basics of Raiton chakra, put your hand into the water and focus your chakra into your hand to send small statics of electricity throughout the water. Remember the experience I dealt you before.
Yes sensei. * focuses my chakra into the pools of water in my hand and feels the electricity flowin through my chairs network redirecting it I produce small amounts of static electricity. Appear in my hands.*
Wonderful. Now let's focus on the more defensive aspect of this jutsu.
As I send my Wind Chakra throughout the puddle, I would like you to try and defend yourself against it (as it would be naturally be more powerful than your own chakra) with your lightning chakra. Create just enough static to defend yourself.
*pushing fourth my own lightning nature chakra I feel it flowing through my body and using the water as a conducter my lightning emits static evening out our power blocking your wind chakra using the water to boost the strenght of my lightning.
Perfect. So those are the basics of basics.
Now, instead of the water boosting your power, try using your body only.
Strive to control it and let the Lightning dance across the palms of your hand.
Yes sensei * holding my dry palms out in front of me I close my eyes and push my lightning chakra. Through my chakra network and towards my palms. I strain every muscle in my body and awhile passes with nothing happening. Right when it seems all hope is lost I push harder untia in my arms are protruding right under my skin. Then it happens little visiable shocks of static electricity. Appear dancing in my hands. After about twoo minutes I fall to my knees panting from exhaustion.
Excellent! So after a good rest, try again and aim these bolts at my clone.
* Holding out my palms I focus. all my chakra towards my palms. and in one hard push lightning begins dancing around my palms I then push a little harder and lightning shoots out towards your clone.
Forum Rules


text:
Tread Lightly!'s Tips for Responsible Recreation
is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs. Get simple tips here on how to minimize your impact.
|Last updated: 03-09-2015
|USA.GOV | No Fear Act | DOI | Disclaimer | About BLM | Notices | Social Media Policy
|Privacy Policy | FOIA | Kids Policy | Contact Us | Accessibility | Site Map | Home


text:
Education and Travel Programs
Through Middlebury's Lifelong Learning Programs, you can explore new subjects or revisit favorite topics in the company of alumni and special friends. You will learn from Middlebury's respected faculty. Spanning the disciplines, our educational offerings are truly special. Whether home or abroad--make us your destination for lifelong learning.
Middlebury Faculty on the Road
Middlebury faculty are often on the road and may be in a city near you. Also, many of our lectures, readings, and talks are open to the public. Check out the Middlebury Events Calendar for faculty lectures or other lifelong learning opportunities at Middlebury or in your area.
Alumni Travel Program
When you think of vacation travel, think of Middlebury. Middlebury provides opportunities for alumni, parents, and other friends of the College to travel the world, experiencing different cultures, appreciating different world views and savoring the beauty and history of our world. The trips are most often led by Middlebury faculty members who speak the language and are experts in the destination's geography, history and culture.
Featured Trips
Flavors of Provence
A 9-Day Infusion of Wine, Cuisine & Culture
June 7- 15, 2014
The Rhine by River Ship
Featuring Michael Geisler, Vice President for the Middlebury College Language Schools, Schools Abroad, and Graduate Programs
September 6- 14, 2014
Past Trips
Ancient Greece and Turkey
Featuring Ari Fleischer '82, Former White House Press Secretary
October 11 - 19, 2012
Please note: The brochure that was mailed contains an incorrect fax number. The fax number for Gohagan is 312.609.1141 and is reflected in this brochure.
Alaska's Inside Passage by Small Ship
August 17 - 24, 2012
This trip is full. Contact Orbridge at 866.639.0079 to be placed on the waiting list.
China, "Great Civilizations Along the Silk Road"
September 14 - 29, 2011


text:
In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, people are constantly on the go and absorbed in their own to-do lists. Too often it seems people are too busy to mind their manners.
It's time to slow down and start taking notice of the world around us, and that starts with bringing some basic etiquette back to our interactions.
Modern life may have increased the number of people we have contact with on a daily basis, but there's something to be said for the quality of relationships over quantity. Respect shown through polite habits helps build that quality and, fortunately for our busy schedules, there are plenty of polite habits you can adopt that won't cut into your busy schedule.
We'll all benefit from a more conscientious, cheerful mindset if enough people make an effort to incorporate some old-fashioned etiquette into modern life. And that's quite a pleasant thought.
Up first, it all starts with a couple magic words ...
No. 5: The power of please
They were called the magic words in childhood: please, thank you, you're welcome. Many a toddler has made a demand only to encounter a parent asking for these magic words. Use the right one and that youngster promptly got his wish. Magic, indeed.
Unfortunately, that magic has worn off for far too many people as they've grown older. "Please" has been replaced by demands and expectations, "thank you" with a grunt or a nod. (And forget about "you're welcome." If anyone does bother to say "thank you," the typical response is, "sure," "no problem," or, "No, no, thank you.")
To start bringing back the politeness, try this little experiment the next time you make a request: add a "please," and follow it up with a "thank you." Watch for a look of surprise on the face of the waiter refilling your water glass or the co-worker who's been answering to others' demands all day, then pay attention to your subsequent interactions with that person. You just may find those words still hold magic, after all.
With that out of the way, let's talk invitations ...
No. 4: Respond, if you please
Yes, the literal translation of R.S.V.P. is a request: please reply. That doesn't mean you should blow it off.
Inboxes can get inundated with e-vites and Facebook event requests. It's easy to add a few more people to your party when you just click a button to send another invitation.
But even though the ease of the invite can lead to electronic inboxes virtually overflowing, it's still common courtesy to let someone know whether you plan to grace them with your presence.
Guesstimating how many will actually come can lead to an ill-prepared and stressed out party planner.
An accurate head count, on the other hand, can help make a happy host and a more pleasant evening all around. And it only takes a second to click that button that says whether or not you're coming.
Next up, ever wonder why they say the pen is mightier than the sword?
No. 3: Power of the pen
Email may be the standard letter form these days, but there's still nothing quite as personal as a handwritten note.
Many kids were required to write thank you notes by hand after every birthday with the threat they may not get presents again next year if they don't properly express gratitude
But that threat seems to have faded away; in today's adult world, a thank you note is more often a standard e-card if it comes at all.
The next time you have someone to thank, try sitting down and writing it out on your own. You'll force yourself to reflect, and you'll create a tangible memento your friend can treasure.
And as an added bonus, you'll add a little spice to the mail carrier's routine when they get to deliver something other than a bill, magazine or piece of junk mail.
Our next selection shows that manners and texting don't always mix ...
No. 2: Ignore the phone, not your friend
The image of two people walking side by side engrossed in their own text messages is sad. When it's one person yakking on the phone while a friend is sits across the table picking at her salad, it's just rude.
Cell phones have become a necessity we let run our lives. We've been trained to respond to every little beep or vibration, whether important or trivial, no matter what.
If the phone interrupts something you're doing, that's one thing. But when you spend time with someone and decide to take a phone call, you let that other person know they're not as important as whoever is calling.
Sure, there are certain emergencies when you need to stay glued to your phone, but how many messages and calls can wait until later? We survived without being constantly online before the advent of the cell phone. You can wait half an hour to check the direct message you just got through Twitter.
Last up, if you can't say anything nice...
No. 1: Online doesn't mean 'free-for-all'
The anonymity of the Internet makes it easier for people to say what's on their mind without fear of retribution. That can be a good thing in certain situations, but this cloak of the online world is too often used as a cover for spewing bile that most people would never let slip in face-to-face conversations.
You don't need to look much further than most local news sites or blogs to see tirades based on race, politics or assumptions.
After all, it's easy to just type out what's on your mind a push the post button when you don't have to worry about an immediate, in-person confrontation.
That anger-inducing comment may appear only in cyberspace, but at the other end of a computer, it's making someone mad in real life.
Instead of adding to that anger, just remember what your mom told you before making your next online comment: If you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.


text:
Kip Hughes is one BRAVE man ....
Kip Hughes, a 27-year-old race car driver, didn't have to stop racing on Saturday night to pull a rival driver out of a burning car at the Stock Car Nationals in Ada, Okla.
But he couldn't help himself. He'd resolved never to stand by -- or drive by -- if he witnessed such a wreck.
This was the fourth time he'd witnessed a fire like that at a race, one of which left his father badly burned in 1991, he said in an interview with CNN.
"I don't want that to ever happen again for anybody," Hughes told the Ada News. "Whether I'm battling it out with them on the race track and we're exchanging (gestures) or whatever else, it's a horrible deal for a family to go through."
According to KFOR-TV, driver Terry Muskratt became trapped in his burning car after being involved in a multiple-car crash. When Hughes saw the flames, he stopped racing to help get Muskratt to safety, tearing away the protective window net and pulling Muskratt from the car.
"The adrenaline's going and I'm just thinking, 'I gotta get this guy out before something bad happens,"' he told CNN.
Hughes was the event's defending champion, having won the race in 2010, Yahoo! Sports reports.
According to KFOR-TV, Hughes' father had his lips and nose burned off in the fire in 1991. "I always said if something like that happens I'm not going to be the guy hanging back because I was seven in the stands with my mother watching this stuff unfold with my dad," Hughes told the TV station. So I always just kind of told myself if something like that happens again, I don't think. I just go and do whatever I can."
The Ada News reports that Muskratt's hand was burned and he said his lower back hurt after the crash. Hughes was not injured.
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!
Sh*t happens... but don't worry, it usually happens to me.
Sh*t happens... but don't worry, it usually happens to me.


text:
Hope this is in the right section, and sorry in advance for the ramblings but currently at home on my own and dont have any one to talk too
In a nutshell, my boy was born at 30 weeks and spent 7 weeks in SCBU. He's always been slow to put on weight but he has been consistent with his gain and has put on over 5lb since birth (he's now 17weeks old) He has always been a brilliant feeder and is exclusively BF now, and our HV is more than happy with his progress (as am I)
Last week I had him weighed on monday (he'd put on a whole 1lb in 3 weeks) and then had a routine appointment with the paediatric team on Friday. Saw a doctor who was not very supportive over me BF , and made a few comments over his "poor" weight gain but was ok with me continuing - but we would need watching by the GP. Left the appointment in tears but relieved that we had finally been discharged from the medical bods. It wasn't until we got home my husband realised the doctor had used the weight from monday to plot on the chart again - so his line now showed 5 days of 'static growth' and was nearly edging into the next centile space. I cried my tears and got over how angry I felt only to recieve another flipping appointment today with the same team to observe his weight
I'm disappointed with the lack of support from the medical side. All the doctor seemed concerned about was the (incorrectly plotted) dot on the chart and gave a strong impression that BF was not ideal to put on weight. I'm also struggling with these attitudes as I work as a midwife and have the utmost faith in the human baby to get what they need and for women to feed them! I am seriously enjoying the experience of feeding my boy but am now stressing about defending myself and my baby against the docs - I spent 9 weeks expressing my milk in SCBU and for the first 10 days when he came home as I was threatened with admission to a childrens ward if his weight gain was not adequate, and that is not something I want to return to nor do I think he needs.
My professional head knows my baby is healthy, BF beautifully and developing well. He had a rough start so I expect him to be a little slower at getting heavier, and to be fair neither me nor his dad are big, and he spends every waking moment testing his legs so he will never be a fat baby. Our HV is very supportive and has similar philosophies to me, and has only ever expressed encouragement at his development. My mummy head is now completely worried that he's not feeding correctly/should be feeding more often/is never going to get bigger etc etc etc and I just feel like all my confidence has been deflated . I'm seriously considering not having him weighed again as it stirs up so much fear again (we were in SCBU for ages due to his weight, they required him to put on 22g/day and he'd put on a consistent 20g/day!)
I'm in need of a good kick up the bum really, feel better for getting off my chest. Anyone got any words of encouragement or similar stories?
Cookies for all who've read this, and sorry for the moan x


text:
1 of 1 photos
Picture of recalled cast iron casserole
Martha Stewart Collection™ Enamel Cast Iron Casseroles
The enamel coating on the cast iron casseroles can crack or break during use. This can cause the enamel to crack and fly off as a projectile, posing a risk of laceration or burn hazard to the user or bystanders.
For additional information, contact Macy's toll-free at (888) 257-5949 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET or visit the Macy's website at www.macys.com
About 960,000
The recall involves Martha Stewart Collection™ Enamel Cast Iron Casseroles in 7 quart, 5.5 quart and 2.75 quart sizes, with exterior enamel finishes in red, cobalt blue, sand, green, blue, white, mustard, brown and teal, with cream colored interior finishes. The casseroles are embossed with Martha Stewart Collection™ on the bottom and lid handle.
Macy's has received two reports of the enamel cracking and flying off of the casseroles during use. No injuries have been reported.
Consumers should immediately stop using the casseroles and return them to any Macy's store for a full refund.
Macy's stores and AAFES, MCX and NEX locations nationwide, and on macys.com between June 2007 and June 2011 for between about $25 and $170.
Macy's Merchandising Group, New York, N.Y
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of
thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the
nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or
mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household
chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at
301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing
to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.
Times: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800
View CPSC contacts for specific areas of expertise
We are still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product.
Report a Product on SaferProducts.gov
The link you selected is for a destination outside of the Federal Government. CPSC does not control this external site or its privacy policy and cannot attest to the accuracy of the information it contains. You may wish to review the privacy policy of the external site as its information collection practices may differ from ours. Linking to this external site does not constitute an endorsement of the site or the information it contains by CPSC or any of its employees.
Click Ok if you wish to continue to the website; otherwise, click Cancel to return to our site.


text:
"The work of priestly formation these days must involve a strong catechetical component since so many of our people have been deficiently formed. The resources you provide are allowing the Church to do a better job in preparing Catholics to know and defend their faith more effectively."
"If I have written anything erroneous, I submit all to the judgment and correction of the Holy Roman Church, in whose obedience I now pass from this life."