text:
Kaiser Realty by
Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Vacation Rentals, Condo Rentals, Beach Homes & More
Since 1980, Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals has been offering guests the finest Gulf Coast vacation homes and beach condos along the sugar-white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
As part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, Wyndham Vacation Rentals provides access to more than 9,000 vacation rental accommodations in the U.S., including the highest quality beach resort properties and beach home rentals in Gulf
Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Ono Island, Alabama.
At Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, our philosophy is to deliver exceptional, professional service with integrity, enthusiasm and a genuine caring attitude as we help guests create their perfect vacation, retreat, corporate function or destination wedding on the beach.
The industry leader in vacation rentals and property management, Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals has built a solid foundation in both fields.
With over 30 years of experience on the Gulf Coast, Kaiser Realty is known for its friendly and thorough property management staff. Vacation rental owners feel comfortable knowing that everything from housekeeping to booking will be professionally handled.


text:
Friday, August 01, 2014
All That I Am
I'd been the GM of Renamed since... well, I'm not entirely sure. I bet someone could work it out exactly but I *believe* it was sometime in TBC. It's been at least eight years, possibly more. My tenure has covered TBC, and Wrath, Cataclysm and finally Pandaria, and I decided now was the right time to step down after a sequence of events that made me realise that the game itself as a part of my Guild not only had stopped being enjoyable for me, but that I've moved away from many of the people that were expecting me to encourage and support them as they entered Draenor. That timeline began with something I thought would bring the Guild closer together, but demonstrated to me that actually, my leadership skills were no longer capable of inspiring support.
When I made the decision after consultation with officers to change our name back in April, I wasn't prepared for the depth of anger that accompanied it from some quarters. I'll be honest and admit I still don't understand why the people who got upset did so quite so vehemently: it's just a name. What mattered more, at least to me, was the meaning that was attached to the people INSIDE the name. I thought there was a depth of understanding and connection that it appears, at least for some, simply no longer existed. There were a number of reactions that I will admit reduced me to tears: how could people be so passionate about the Guild's title but seem to have little or no interest in anything else that went on within it? Were they angry that I should have asked them first and not gone ahead with the process? Quite possibly, but the fact remains that for vast proportions of time those with an objection were not as involved as others, who both encouraged and welcomed the change and my efforts to push the Guild forward.
It was becoming clear that what people expected of me and what I was capable of offering were beginning to diverge, and that the change I'd suggested might not be the real cause of the problem.
The Guild has been lucky enough to pick up a number of new recruits via my activities here and on Twitter, and I am very grateful for those people who have arrived and have made a positive change to the environment. However, it was beginning to become clear that there were some recruits who wished to join us without necessarily signing up to the standards and aspirations that existed after nine years as a 'core group.' In fact, there were those who clearly want to be just a 'social' part of the setup and nothing else. Of course this is absolutely fine, but getting people to give back and improve on what already exists matters a great deal to me. I get very frustrated at those who simply sign up to 'hang out' when I'd hope everyone has arrived to become an active and contributory part of our Guild.
My problem currently is pretty simple: I'm finding it really hard to live up to the standards I set for everyone else. When you can't do that when in charge, it is probably time to give another person the chance to set new benchmarks. There is also an issue that has been bothering me, and I feel I need to make a point about this as a result.
I don't think people should be basing their choice for picking a new Guild on the fact I do a Podcast or write a Blog. A Good Guild (IMO) doesn't need people joining to cash in on celebrity, it requires raiders and casual members willing to positively contribute, making it a better place for EVERYBODY to 'live' and 'play' in. It ought to be about how people add to the 'community' by joining, not what they turn up to consume. This was bought home to me when I watched a conversation with another Guildie unfold on Twitter, a person then subsequently follow me, and our conversation then not opening with pleasantries but with a blunt request to join the Guild. I could have simply directed this person to our website and let them fill in an Application Form, but I stopped and found myself thinking this wasn't the way I thought things should be. I would want people to join our Guild because of everything it is about, and not simply because of the notoriety of Guildies.
If I didn't know it already, then the post I wrote on the 16th of this month pretty much bought it home to me that the game has simply stopped being as enjoyable as it once was. Writing about what makes something 'fun' in game has always been particularly difficult as I realise, over the years, many things ceased to be enjoyable, mostly because I was the one who had to sort out the crappy stuff when it stopped being just that. Flex has at least made the issue of numbers for content an academic one, but encouraging players to regularly attend or give 110% is not easy when you're doing neither yourself. For me, in that respect, Alpha came around just in the nick of time because without it I'd have found it impossible to keep myself engaged in current content. Anyone who looks at the Blog should see this, and when we made progress in Flex a few weeks back I knew that if I wanted to to keep taking part, it was simply as a raider and not even as an Officer.
I have to be honest: I'm tired and I need to find a way to get my groove back in normal content, in ANY content. I'm not stepping down because I just want to play Garrisons either: I know this is the right moment for someone else to wear the title. I have pretty much given everything I have.
It is also high time I stopped obsessing about game choices and started making my own personal ones as a priority, especially when it comes to writing. I want to try and publish my own fiction this year and with Warlords coming I don't want to get grief if I choose not to log because I decide to write instead. I need to become a REAL dirty casual and give the responsibility to someone else for a change. If I can raid I will, but I'd like the opportunity to pass if that's okay, and to not feel guilty at doing so. I'm happy to give help and advice, but in the end I am going to admit that I need some 'me' time, to be selfish away from Renamed, and work on what matters most.
I am also more than willing to accept if the new GM decides to change the name back.
I've paid for three months worth of Guild Website 'time', in the hope it will encourage the new GM and the rest of the Guild to re-engage with each other. I am aware of players doing progression in Guilds on other Servers and players who may well be remaining from a false sense of obligation. I think this would be a great time for everyone to take a step back and re-assess their priorities, and decide where their future lies, whether it be in game or not. What is most important, at least for me, is that people can no longer claim this is 'my' Guild and 'my' rules, even though it has never been that way from the word go. It made me sad that when the name change went through it was easier to use me as a scapegoat and decide it was my individual decision and my judgement that was at fault than looking at the bigger issues I was attempting to remedy.
However, what's done is done, and it is high time everyone moved on, including me.
I'd like to thank Magnus for taking over the position of GM: like the rest of the Officer team (which still includes my husband) the new GM is utterly amazing and I am very grateful for all his help and encouragement over the years. I hope that my honesty with my decisions doesn't cause any issues: I still want to be a part of Renamed because the people who make it up remain very much my friends, and I hope that will not change as a result of my decision. Most importantly of all, I just want to thank everyone who's been part of what I have done in game since I began this journey, and I will remember every single moment with a sense of wonder, that we could achieve all that we did together for as long as we have.
To everyone else, here starts another chapter in my love affair with Warcraft.
4 comments:
- Raymond Hafner II said...
A guild name quite often offers a sense of belonging to players, specially those who have been in a guild any length of time.
I totally understand why your guildies would be put off by a name change.
You stepped down as GM because it was time for you to do so. No GM should feel they have to be online every day or night. If being GM was impeding your fun, then it was the right decision for you and for your guildies as that lack of fun will creep into how you interact with them.
I've been a GM since classic for the same guild, so I fully understand the what and why's of running a guild and how it can affect the GM and officers.
- 10:20 am
It's the end of an era - like Fergie stepping down from United - and you will be a tough act to follow!
It takes a lot of hard work to keep a Guild running smoothly for so long - you deserve recognition for that and also have a well deserved rest coming to you!
See you in game :)
- 11:37 am
I can understand how a name change can bother people, although I also understand how you see the identity of your guild as comprising of the people rather than the name.
I'm slowly working towards stepping down as an officer myself, after being one since sometime in BC. I should have done it two years ago but between feeling like I had an obligation to remain an officer, pressure by the GM and a hope things would improve (it's my health that's the issue) I didn't take the step at the time. I hope things work out for you and your guild going forward.
- 3:23 pm
You have worked hard over the years Pher and I admire and am grateful for your efforts and the heart and time you have invested in to our guild. I wish you luck with your writing, I can tell you have been working increasingly more on it and refining your style. I am sad to see you step down as GM but happy that you have decided to stay in the Guild.
/Tamir -the gnome with a HAT.
- 10:47 am

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
Your browser does not support iframes.
This column was supposed to be dedicated to talking about the county budget process, but with the weather we had in February causing additional road problems, I would like to dedicate this column and my next column to talking about roads.
There have been several letters to the editor about the increased potholes and road issues following the winter storms we have experienced.
April 11, 2014, was a very important day in the history of South Carolina. Few people noticed that anything much happened – but I would argue that this was the day we, as a state, did two very important things.
First, we recognized a hero. And second, we showed that there is a new South Carolina that is – and for some time has been– struggling to be born.
As a child, I always looked forward to the carefree joy of summertime. I remember the long days of playing outside at a nearby park until I needed to come home for lunch.
Unfortunately, many of our nation's children do not experience the simple joys of summer. In fact, far too many are left worrying where their next breakfast or lunch will come from when schools are dismissed for summer break.
The Bible records six trials of Jesus before his crucifixion. The first three were before Jewish religious authorities, and the last three were before Roman authorities.
After his betrayal, Jesus was led away to Annas, a former high priest. Annas questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching, and allowed a nearby temple officer to strike Jesus in the face.
I couldn't agree more with what Jane Tanner wrote in her April 2 guest column, "IL growth boom worrisome." I think we have a lot to be nervous about with all the new homes being built in town.
The total number of units Ms. Tanner listed in her column adds up to 2,428. If each of those homes brings two vehicles to the area, we're looking at almost 5,000 more cars on our already crowded roads in the next year or two.
It's often noted that today's young people don't have a strong sense of patriotism like their parents and grandparents did.
Young people still love America and understand the importance of serving a cause greater than themselves. But it's hard to ignore the fact that love of country and patriotic values aren't instilled in young people today the way they were years ago.
You may not know the name, but we in South Carolina need to listen to Larry Page. He is a very bright and very rich young man.
A few years ago, he and his college roommate, Sergey Brin, started a little company with a funny name that has done right well. It's called Google.
In a recent interview, Page was asked about what makes companies grow and thrive or shrink and die. His response was simple. "Do they miss the future or do they get it?" he asked.
President Barack Obama was celebrating the 7 million enrollees in Obamacare the other day with a speech in the Rose Garden. Here are a few excerpts from that speech that had me scratching my head.
"This law is doing what it's supposed to do! It's working, it's helping people coast to coast.
At this point, it's already clear that Obamacare is doing far more harm than good. We've all become familiar with the soaring premiums, lost coverage and dismal sign-up numbers.
Families and young people are routinely being priced out of the market, hourly workers are seeing their workweeks slashed and individuals are losing access to their doctors.
From May 2005 through Oct. 30, 2013, the S.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) raised the average electric bill for SCE&G residential customers 21 times.
From October 2005 through Jan. 1, the average bill for Duke Energy Carolinas residential customers using the same amount of electricity (1,000 kilowatt hours per month) was raised 14 times, The Nerve found in a review of rates published by the state Office of Regulatory Staff.
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:
Support for Families and Schools Affected by Katrina
Having "More Ownership" Memphis' Public School Choice Program Gives Parents Options for Selecting Their Children's Schools
Cautious Optimism for College Testing Results
Around the Country
Q & A/Glossary
News Show Focuses on Student Safety
Supplemental Educational Services Tool Kit
Support for Families and Schools Affected by Katrina
President Bush Proposes $2.6 Billion for Hurricane Relief
President Bush has proposed that up to $2.6 billion be provided in federal education funding to help families and school systems from the Gulf Coast region that have suffered through Hurricane Katrina as well as communities accepting displaced students. Devastation from the Aug. 29 storm, which displaced 372,000 school-age children in Louisiana and Mississippi at the start of the new school year, has taken a toll on the education systems in these states, with many area schools completely destroyed or inoperable, while others now serve as shelters.
"I know the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina will cause unexpected costs for families and school systems throughout the current school year," said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. "The president and I want to take that worry off their minds so that they can focus on the most important thingeducating these children."
Last month, the U.S. Department of Education launched the "Hurricane Help for Schools" Web page to provide a nationwide clearinghouse of resources for displaced students and the schools and districts serving them. The sitehurricanehelpforschools.govallows schools to post requests for the books, clothes and other supplies they need, and allows companies, organizations and individuals to list the products and services they wish to donate.
To help develop a funding plan that accurately addresses the needs of displaced students, Secretary Spellings visited the communities in the Gulf Coast region that were impacted by the hurricane or have opened their doors to young survivors.
As a result, the president's funding proposal includes up to $1.9 billion for school districts, including charter school districts, that enroll at least 10 displaced children. This relief would reimburse districts for the unexpected costs of educating the displaced children for the 2005-06 school yearexpenses that range from teacher salaries to special services for children with disabilities. For Louisiana and Mississippi, the funds would go to the states for distribution among districts enrolling displaced students and those in severely impacted areas that are working to safely reopen schools.
In addition, to meet the needs of all students, the president has proposed up to $488 million to compensate families whose children attend private schools. Communities in Louisiana significantly impacted by the hurricane had an average of 25 percent of their students enrolled in private schools, versus 11 percent nationwide.
At the higher education level, many universities and colleges throughout the nation have enrolled dislocated students from Gulf Coast-area colleges and have reduced tuition rates and fees for them for the fall semester. As further support, the president has proposed that up to $227 million be provided for student loan borrowers in the impacted areas to forgive six months of interest; for colleges and universities receiving displaced students to receive a $1,000 payment for each of these students; and for institutions in disaster areas that have temporarily closed in order to resume operations, as well as for students previously enrolled at these colleges and universities to relieve them of any obligation for repaying federal aid received for the current term.
Having "More Ownership"
Memphis' Public School Choice Program Gives Parents Options for Selecting Their Children's Schools
When Anthony Boyd and his wife were looking for a school for their first child, they chose Delano Optional School instead of their neighborhood schoolan alternative made possible through a public school choice program of Memphis City Schools.
"We want better for our children than what was offered to us," explains Boyd, whose third-grade son and first-grade daughter have attended Delano since they both were in kindergarten. "We want to pursue anything that would take our kids to the next level."
Memphis' Optional Schools Program allows families like the Boyds to decide which public school is best for their children. Parents are not bound to their assigned local schools; as an alternative, they can choose from 31 optional public schools serving every grade level throughout the school district. Some programs offer more challenging or additional courses of study than the traditional curriculum, such as college preparatory courses for international studies. Other programs use unique instructional methods such as exploratory learning. Still others focus on developing students' talents in a particular area, such as the performing arts.
"When you have a choice in selecting your children's school, you have a lot more ownership in it," said Linda Sklar, the program's director. "And I think that parents like having their children with other students whose parents have high expectations."
Sklar accepted leadership of the program soon after it gained momentum in the late 1970s as part of the district's desegregation plan. She said the school board at the time was looking for an initiative to retain families who were fleeing to the suburbs and private schools. Board members suggested a type of magnet program that would function as a school-within-a-school so it would not draw students away from their neighborhood schools. However, when enrollment at some schools continued to decline to as few as 100 students, the school board was forced to find another plan. That is when the district conceptualized schools such as Delanowhich was facing closure due to low enrollmentthat would become entirely optional, thereby eliminating attendance boundaries altogether.
"One of the main goals when this all began was to meet the needs of a diverse population with diverse abilities," added Sklar.
Most optional schools, which are tuition-free to city residents, exist as programs offered in addition to traditional classes. Applicants must meet admission requirements that vary by school, and, once accepted, students are responsible for providing their own transportation.
For Boydwhose children's school has scored high in the 90th percentile in both reading and math for the past three yearsthe optional program has meant a better education: "Higher learning, smaller classrooms and more attention to detail," he said.
Because of this achievement, last month Delano received the distinct honor of being named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. It is one of four Tennessee schools to be given this year's title.
At Delanoa majority black and less affluent school that has attracted students from at least 39 neighborhood schoolsthe focus is on technology. It is the only school among Memphis' 11 optional-only schools to be designated a "computer/technology" school. It is equipped with a brand new computer lab; a stock of digital cameras, scanners and camcorders; and its own video studio, called DTV (short for Delano Television).
"It's just a way of life around here," said Principal Patrice Shipp about the integration of technology throughout the curriculum.
Shipp and other staff members see many benefits in the multimedia-enriched instruction, which includes weekly classes that teach students how to use the computer as a research tool for completing class assignments. In addition, after-school opportunities include five computer clubs, a camera club and the school's newspaper staff. Explains Shipp, who is going into her fourth year as Delano's leader, children "are being exposed to technology at a younger age than they normally would be in school."
Delano's television station, for instance, provides a unique opportunity for elementary school students to produce a daily news broadcast. At 7:30 every morning, via closed-circuit TV in each classroom, students air a live, simulated newscast of local, world and weather reports. Fourth- through sixth-graders manage the entire operation, both in front of and behind the camera.
The broadcast, said technology teacher Christopher Glenn, "provides an authentic opportunity to extend their learning beyond classroom instruction."
Glenn, who is responsible for everything wire-related at Delano, including technical support for the teachers, is in the process of developing courseware to support science and social studies instruction along with assessment software that will allow children to interface with an animated character, which will give them feedback on their multiple-choice answers.
What laid the foundation for Delano's accomplishments in the technology field was the hard work of former principal David Moore, whom Sklar calls "a technology guru, way ahead of his time."
When Delano became an optional school in 1979, its emphasis was on the fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. Soon afterward, following a district position as director of computer education, Moore came on board as the principal. Immediately he began the school's transition into technology at a time when the country was just at the threshold of the Information Age. Moore and former teacher Terri Davis, whom he designated the school's "teacher technologist," began exploring the possibilities of integrating computers into the classroom. By the mid-1980s, the technological duo's efforts had positioned Delano as the first elementary school in the district to network computers.
Then a district grant that supported the purchase of video equipment helped to propel Delano into a full-fledged technology school. What began as a project to help students sharpen their presentation skills evolved into a daily news broadcast for which a storage room was transformed into a television studio. Teachers also used the equipment to produce short videos to illustrate various units of the curriculum being studied.
The optional schools program, says Moore, who left Delano in 1996, helped to hatch his hi-tech brainchild: "I think the entire setting was the incubator for our success." He points to the program's benefits: additional resources, such as an extra faculty position that allowed him to dedicate a teacher full-time to exploring computer applications; the freedom to be creative with the instructional program as long as it aligned with the district's standards; and, of course, highly motivated students and parents.
As long as Delano has been a school where parents elected to send their children, it has had active parents like Boyd, who last year, with PTA support, mobilized 25 men in the school community to form "Delano D.A.D.S." Every day, for one hour at the start and end of the school day, volunteers for Delano D.A.D.S.which stands for Dads Appreciate Dedicated Studentsdon their orange vests and caps to set up traffic patrol, helping children to get in and out of cars, and to assist with other security measures, such as making sure all exit doors to the school are locked. They also chaperone school activities and volunteer to read with students.
Boyd gives the reason for such high parent involvement: "It's knowing that you're doing something that will better your child's life."
By Nicole Ashby
Cautious Optimism for College Testing Results
The latest results from the nation's top two college entrance examinations underscore the need for high school reform, says Secretary Spellings.
Although scores for high school graduates on the ACT Assessment remained steady and those on the SAT showed some progress, Spellings says a closer examination of the 2005 data reveals continuing achievement gaps and less marked improvement compared to gains made at the lower grades.
"The lesson is that the No Child Left Behind Act is working in the earlier grades, where its impact is the greatest," she said. "High expectations plus high standards equals higher achievement. It's time to bring those principles to our nation's high schools."
The average national composite score on the ACT was virtually the same as in the previous year: 20.9 (on a 36-point scale). At the same time, the record number of test-takers included an increase in ethnic minorities, suggesting that more underrepresented students are considering college. Since 2001, the number of graduates taking the ACT has increased by 11 percent, with Hispanic students up 40 percent and black students up 23 percent.
"The ACT Assessment scores contain reasons for both optimism and action," said Spellings. "But a deeper look at the data suggests that too many students remain unprepared for college."
The ACT's outcomes showed:
- Only approximately half of the test-takers scored 21 or higher in reading, indicating a lack in some of the reading comprehension skills necessary for entry-level college courses.
- Just 41 percent of graduates scored 22 or higher in math, indicating a high probability of them earning a "C" grade or higher in college algebra, while only 26 percent scored 24 or higher in science, indicating probable success in college biology.
- A little more than half (56 percent) of test-takers reported taking the recommended core curriculum for college-bound students, which includes four years of English and three years each of math (algebra and higher), science and social studies.
On the SAT, which this year registered the highest math scores on record, the number of test-takers also rose to an all-time high of approximately 1.5 million. Thirty-eight percent were ethnic minorities, the largest percentage of any class of SAT test-takers to date.
"The Class of 2005, the largest and most diverse group of SAT test-takers in history, deserves credit for its gains," Spellings said. "Now we must ensure that a culture of accountability takes hold in all schools."
Highlights of the SAT results included:
- The average math score continued to increase from 518 (out of a possible 800) in 2004 to a record high of 520 this year, 14 points above a decade ago.
- The average verbal score, increasing only fractionally, remained at 508 from the previous year but has held steady for the past three years.
- More than one-third (36 percent) of test-takers are first-generation college students.
For more information on the 2005 ACT and SAT results, visit www.act.org and www.collegeboard.com.
Around the Country
Louisiana Many of the universities in the New Orleans area closed for the fall semester due to the devastation to their campuses and the surrounding community that was caused by Hurricane Katrina. A number of the institutions plan to reopen in January for the spring semester; in the meantime, Tulane has set up satellite campuses in nearby Mississippi. Many of New Orleans' students, along with those affected in other areas, have been accepted by colleges across the country. Some, including Harvard University in Massachusetts and Duke University in North Carolina, offered free classes while others lowered tuition considerably.
Texas The Lone Star State opened its school doors to thousands of children displaced by Hurricane Katrina. To help school districts manage the influx of studentsfor instance, the Houston school district absorbed more than 2,000 students during the week after the stormthe Texas Education Agency temporarily waived certain restrictions to accommodate the newcomers: The cap was lifted for the student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1; entitlements for the free and reduced-price lunch program was increased; and a 30-day provisional enrollment was issued to satisfy immunization requirements.
- October 20
- White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., the first of several regional conferences over the next year for grassroots leaders. Established in 2001, this federal initiative ensures faith-based and community organizations compete on an equal footing for federal dollars, receive private support and face fewer bureaucratic barriers. Registration deadline for the conference is Oct. 6. For details, visit www.fbci.gov or call (202) 456-6718.
- November 13-19
- American Education Week, a celebration sponsored by the National Education Association. This year's theme, "A Stronger America Starts with Great Public Schools," is the banner for the week's suggested themed days, including an "Invite Parents to School Day." For activity ideas and sample promotional materials, visit www.nea.org and click on "Special Events," or call (202) 833-4000.
- November 14-18
- International Education Week, a celebration jointly sponsored by the departments of Education and State. Founded in 2000, the week's observance provides an opportunity for foreign students living in the United States to share their cultures with American classmates. For event ideas and materials, as well as an online IQ quiz testing one's global knowledge, visit exchanges.state.gov.
Q & A/Glossary
Is my child eligible for supplemental educational services?
Children in schools receiving Title I funds that have not made adequate yearly progress for three years are entitled to supplemental educational services (SES)free tutoring and other extra academic help outside of the regular school day. The No Child Left Behind Act requires that school districts offer SES opportunities to students from low-income families who remain in Title I schools that have been identified as "in need of improvement."
Parents of eligible children should receive annual notices about the availability of services. School districts must provide a state-approved list of SES providers, which may include public and private schools as well as community and faith-based organizations, from which parents can make a selection. Once a decision has been made, parents meet with the provider and district staff to discuss specific goals for the child, set up a schedule for services, and decide how the child's progress will be measured. SES providers must give both the parents and the school information on the child's advancement.
For details about local SES opportunities, contact your local school district or state department of education. For information about federal guidelines, call the U.S. Department of Education toll-free at (800) USA-LEARN.
News Show Focuses on Student Safety
Keeping students safein and out of schoolwill be the focus of the October broadcast of Education News Parents Can Use, the Department's monthly television program. The discussion will explore how safe schools promote learning and achievement; what principals and teachers are doing to ensure student safety; and what communities and families can do to keep children safe in the after-school hours. Guests will include national child safety experts as well as local educators and parents.
Additionally, in the wake of the recent natural disaster that has displaced thousands of families along the Gulf Coast, the show will provide updates on what the education community is doing to aid in the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort.
Each month, Education News Parents Can Use showcases: schools and school districts from across the country; conversations with school officials, parents and education experts; and advice and free resources for parents and educators.
To learn about viewing options, including webcasts, visit www.ed.gov and click on "Parents," then "News Parents Can Use," or call toll-free (800) USA-LEARN.
Supplemental Educational Services Tool Kit
The Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Quality Center recently published a free tool kit for parents and community leaders to inform them of the opportunities for getting extra academic help for children.
Under No Child Left Behind, children from low-income families in Title I schools that have not made adequate yearly progress for three years may sign up for supplemental educational services. The SES in Action tool kit provides strategies, tips and tools for finding free tutoring services for eligible children. Items in the kit include:
- A chart outlining the roles of states, school districts and providers in the SES process;
- A worksheet illustrating the necessary steps to register a child for tutoring services;
- A "to-do list" for tracking details about local SES opportunities;
- A worksheet for choosing a quality SES provider, with suggested survey questions;
- A fact sheet that addresses such issues as transportation, the timeline of services, qualifications of providers, and services available to students with disabilities;
- Templates to use as promotional materials along with samples of public service announcements and press releases for informing families and community members about SES; and
- A full-color poster and brochure from the Education Department to distribute as outreach materials.
The SES in Action tool kit is available online at www.tutorsforkids.org or by calling toll-free (866) 544-8686, while supplies last.
The Supplemental Educational Services Quality Center was established through a grant to the American Institutes for Research from the U.S. Department of Education.
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
The Achiever is a monthly publication for parents and community leaders from the Office of Communications and Outreach, U.S. Department of Education (ED). Margaret Spellings, Secretary.
Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby, Editor, (202) 205-0676 (fax), or email@example.com.
Address changes and subscriptions? Contact (877) 4ED-PUBS, or email@example.com.
Information on ED programs, resources and events? Contact (800) USA-LEARN, or firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Achiever contains news and information about and from public and private organizations for the reader's information. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any products or services offered or views expressed.
Thank you for your interest in The Achiever, the U.S. Department of Education's monthly bulletin on No Child Left Behind, the historic, bipartisan education reform law signed by President Bush in January 2002. We are delighted to hear that the newsletter is providing you with the resources needed to help you in your efforts to improve education.
Because The Achiever is a publication of the Education Department and, therefore, in the public domain, you are free to reprint or photocopy the articles. We simply ask that you give full credit to the Department with the suggested citation:
Source: U.S. Department of Education, The Achiever, [Date of issue].Again, thank you for using our newsletter to communicate to a larger audience the information and resources that are available through No Child Left Behind.
To unsubscribe from The Achiever:
- Send email to email@example.com
- Write in the body of the message: unsub nochildleftbehind


text:
October 13, 2000 (217) 782-4648 or (312) 814-3490
Chicago – Mayor Richard M. Daley, whose personal crusade to turn around Chicago's public schools has led to awe-inspiring, system-wide improvement, today was honored as the National Association of State Boards of Education's (NASBE) Policy Leader of the Year.
The award is given annually to a national or state-level policymaker or education leader who has shown creative, committed and enduring leadership toward improving public education. The award was given at NASBE's annual conference, held this year at the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis.
Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Ron Gidwitz nominated Daley for the award. "The vision he shared with the city has now become the city's vision as evidenced by increased parent volunteers, improved test scores and enhanced community activities to keep kids off the streets," Gidwitz said.
"Through his leadership, the citizens of Chicago are again proud of their city and their schools," he said.
In his nominating letter, Gidwitz recalled the "dark days" of Chicago education when, in the late 1980s people nationwide started to think of Chicago public schools as the worst in the nation.
Fed up with such criticism, Daley in 1995 invoked his personal and political clout to convince the Illinois General Assembly to pass a raft of new laws to give Daley complete authority over – and responsibility for – Chicago's public schools.
That move in itself – riskier than most people realize – would merit public commendation, Gidwitz said.
But then two things happened.
First, Chicago's school actually started showing real, meaningful improvement in almost every category – academics, enrollment, attendance and safety.
And secondly, people nationwide started to notice the improvement. Eventually, Chicago was seen as a model for innovative, tough and, most importantly, successful school reform.
Daley is "a person of vision and bold action," said NASBE Director of Government and Public Affairs, Dave Griffith. "He set clear objectives and goals, but what is more important, is that he achieved them.
"He has tackled tough issues in the Chicago public schools and has radically revamped what is happening in Chicago public education," Griffith said.
Honoring Daley is somewhat unusual, Griffith said, in that the award usually goes to a state-level policymaker. But, Chicago has such a significant impact on the rest of the state that Daley's work has had tremendous reach statewide, he said.
NASBE also released a study strongly condemning the concept of social promotion – that is, automatically passing a student to the next grade whether the student qualifies for promotion or not.
The report, "Failure is Not an Option: The Next Stage of Education Reform" was written by a NASBE study group chaired by Illinois State Board of Education Vice President Marilyn McConachie.
It calls upon state boards and other education leaders to allow local districts and schools increased flexibility to structure curriculum, instructional practices and classroom time so that all students can meet increased academic standards.
The report also strongly criticizes the persistent achievement gap between white and minority students. It found such factors as inadequate educational opportunities, the "tyranny of low expectations," poverty, lack of parental involvement and peer and cultural influences all must be confronted if education reform is to advance.


text:
The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court issued the following news release on Friday:
WOODSTOCK – On February 1, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County will be hosting an open forum meeting to discuss the possibility of entering the Illinois Supreme Court "pilot project" which allows members of the media to bring cameras into the courtrooms. Joseph Tybor, Press Secretary for the Illinois Supreme Court and Tom Jakeway, Deputy Court Administrator for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Boone and Winnebago Counties, will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns about the project.
Members of the media, McHenry County State's Attorney's Office, McHenry County Public Defender's Office, McHenry County Sheriff's Office, McHenry County Clerk of the Court, McHenry County Bar Association, McHenry County Administration, Court Administration and judges of the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit are invited to attend this meeting. Interested members of the public are also invited to attend.
The meeting will take place in the McHenry County Jury Assembly area located on the third floor of the McHenry County Government Center located at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue in Woodstock.
On January 24, 2012, Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride issued order MR2634 authorizing extended media coverage in the circuit courts of Illinois on an experimental basis. Extended media coverage, under certain restrictions pursuant to the Policy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois, allows members of the media to bring both still and video cameras into the courtrooms to photograph or video record proceedings. For additional information about MR2634 and the policy concerning extended media coverage please go to [ http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2012/012412.pdf ]www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2012/012412.pdf
For questions or other information pertaining to the meeting on February 1st, please contact Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator at email@example.com or (815) 334-4351.


text:
Randolph Gale Roessler was driving north at approximately 2:26 p.m. when he veered off the road, struck a telephone pole, street sign and tree before the pickup came to a stop after crashing into a home.
Roessler was transported to DeTar Hospital Navarro in Victoria where he was later pronounced dead. No residents of the home were injured.
More on this story coming to mySouTex.com.


text:
Burn Notice: Season 3 DVD
Michael Westen is back in business and dressed to kill. But, in spite of his good intentions, Michael has a hard-nosed, sexy female cop on his case, leaving sidekick Sam and femme fatale Fiona to watch his back. With friends life these, Michael finds himself in hot water in this sweltering Season Three of Burn Notice.
Read MoreLess
More Details
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 4
- Run Time: 704 Minutes
- Region: 1
- Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- DVD Release Date: June 1, 2010
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
- Audio: ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
- Cast: Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell
- Genre: TV Series
- Color: Color
Smash, Crash, Boom: Inside The Burn Notice Stunt Unit
2009 San Diego Comic-Con International
- Release Date: 2009
Availability: Backordered
Email me when item is available
In stock items are ready to ship in 5-7 Business Days


text:
Dordt College News
Dordt College ties for highest enrollment in school's history
September 16, 2013
With a large freshman class, strong numbers of transfer students, and a growing international student body, Dordt College has tied its record for highest enrollment with 1,430 students, a record set in 1999.
This year Dordt College welcomes 380 freshman and 46 transfer students. The enrollment numbers do not include students enrolled in Dordt's Stepping Stones Preschool or high school students taking college classes.
"As I listen to the stories of our graduates, I'm not surprised that we continue to see record enrollments," said Dordt College President Erik Hoekstra. "The dynamic learning community here at Dordt College prepares students well for service in God's kingdom in the many diverse arenas where Christians are called to be salt and light."
A significant contributing factor is the number of international students on campus, which continues to grow and shape the campus year after year. Approximately 10 percent of the student body is made up of international students who represent more than 25 countries. The largest number come from our nearest neighbor, Canada.
Dean for Global Education Curtis Taylor attributes the enrollment to on-site recruiting, having quality programs in fields international students want to study, and having staff and resources dedicated to making sure international students succeed not just academically but also in their social and spiritual lives.
"International students and their parents appreciate the values that are naturally part of a town like Sioux Center. They also appreciate that Dordt provides opportunities for their student to engage with families, organizations, and churches in the community," said Taylor.
"We're happy to have reached a goal and tied our high mark for enrollment," says Hoekstra. "At the same time our work is not primarily about getting big numbers. Dordt College is a place where each student is known personally and is encouraged to discover and develop the gifts they've been given."
"Our graduates are servant leaders in their communities and industries, and they help do a good job of telling the story of Dordt College. It doesn't surprise me that more people are hearing about us, coming for a visit, and joining us to prepare for positions of leadership and service."
Media Access: Download Word Version | High Resolution Image: 1


text:
I have to say that lately all my spare time has been dedicated to the organization of the Web.NET Conference: I firmly believe that the future of web development will move away from the enterprise features and the needless over-engineering typical of the last decade. That's why I'm putting so much effort in this conference. And I'm super happy of how it's rolling out.
We opened registration the 18 of September, at midday, and by 2:30PM all the 120 places available have been given out: that means 120 seats in 2:30. The previous record for the other conference I organized was 120 seats in one day, and it was already a big accomplishment.
At the moment only the waitlist is open, and there are already 40 persons in it: from experience we usually recall 40 people from the waitlist (if people registered are nice and tell us if they planning on not coming anymore), so if you register quickly chances are you might take part in the conference anyway.
I want to thank all the people that voted during the month of August as they really helped shape the conference: we have received 45 proposals from 30 speakers all of which where super interesting, and would have been really difficult for us to choose the 20 sessions for the agenda. Here is the beautiful design of the agenda, designed by the guys of GreenBubble, an Italian web agency that jumped both feet together with us on this project (click on the image to read the agenda):
There will be a lot of international speakers and they'll talk about WebAPI, REST, OWIN, advanced JavaScript frameworks, and more: all topics strictly related to "simplicity" and lightweight approach in building web applications.
Now 3 more weeks and the conference will kickoff: it will be a busy period, but really looking forward to meeting in person everyone that made this possible: the speakers, the sponsors and the attendees.
This is the blog of Simone Chiaretta, an Italian .NET developer, architect, ex-Microsoft MVP, ASPInsider, Subtext core member, ASP.NET MVC lover with a passion for triathlon.
Want to know more? Keep reading...
I also wrote a few books about ASP.NET MVC.
Tag Cloud
Popular Posts
Post Categories
.NET Blogs
Subtext devs
Vista Gadgets
Recent Comments
Site Links


text:
A second phase of the campus beautification project is designed to improve the appearance of the well-traveled path known as the pedestrian spine—an interior walkway between Brainard and Loomis streets that extends from just north of Chicago Avenue to School Street. The walkway connects the south end of the campus with the north end for walkers and bicyclists.
Scheduled for 2012, the plan calls for making this feature of campus more inviting and attractive by burying overhead power lines, installing brick pavers the length of the walkway and across street intersections, and adding landscape plantings.


text:
Phone Number: (608) 361-3814
Items Needed:
six bottles of glue
six boxes of crayola makers (asorted colors), 2packages of multicolored contruction paper,2 packages of no.2 pencils, 2 packages of black ink pens. 6 pink erasers. 6 diffent colored highlighters(2 yellow, 2 pink, 2 blue)2 scientific calculators,6 rulers with inch and cm measurements, and 2 containers that can hold 81/2 x11 paper.


text:
A little overpouring here, a few free beers there, a few bottles dropped during the evening crush: All may seem innocuous, but these losses can add up to as much as 25 percent of your bottom line. Training and tighter controls can curtail this kind of waste, according to Dan Smith, c.e.o. of Bevintel. His company provides beverage inventory management services for restaurants and bars and lends consulting expertise to the Spike TV show Bar Rescue. Here are seven ways to avoid seeing your ...
Register to view this article
Why Register for FREE?
Registering for Premium Content on Restaurant Hospitality will give you INSTANT access to invaluable articles and media content that industry professionals rely on. You will have access to our special reports, feature articles, and industry analysis. It's FREE, easy and quick.


text:
Mizozo is a user generated content site which is in the process of a major shift in business. Originally a news site, Mizozo is now becoming the first truly transparent corporate entity. Not only will everything be laid out, but everyone will have a say in how things are run and get a cut of the revenue. Yes, Socialism.
2013 is going to be a year of massive change.
For more information, check out the blog.


text:
The Associated Press
A company that wants to connect the nation's three massive power grids at a facility in Clovis has applied for regulatory approvals needed to move forward with the project.
Tres Amigas LLC's attorney Dave Raskin of Steptoe & Johnson said Wednesday the company has submitted two filings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The company is asking to sell transmission rights through the eastern New Mexico facility based on market rates.
Raskin says Tres Amigas also is asking that Texas' jurisdiction over the Texas power grid after it's connected to the facility remains.
The proposed facility would route energy from isolated wind and solar installations to urban centers.
Raskin says the commission could issue a decision in early February.


text:
Refsum Disease
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Refsum Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
- Disorder of Cornification 11 (Phytanic Acid Type)
- DOC 11 (Phytanic Acid Type)
- Heredopathia Atactica Polyneuritiformis
- Hypertrophic Neuropathy of Refsum
- Phytanic Acid Storage Disease
- Refsum Disease
General Discussion
Refsum disease is one of a family of genetic disorders known as the leukodystrophies in which, as a consequence of the disruption of lipid metabolism, the myelin sheath that insulates and protects the nerves of the brain fails to grow. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It is characterized by progressive loss of vision (retinitis pigmentosa); degenerative nerve disease (peripheral neuropathy); failure of muscle coordination (ataxia); and dry, rough, scaly skin (ichthyosis).
The disorder is caused by the accumulation of a particular fatty acid (phytanic acid) in blood plasma and tissues. This occurs because of a malfunction of the gene that makes the enzyme that breaks down (metabolizes) this acid. The essential enzyme is absent.
Treatment with a diet low in foods that contain phytanic acid can be beneficial. Our bodies cannot make phytanic acid. Instead, it is introduced to the body in certain foods, including dairy products, beef, lamb and some seafood.
Supporting Organizations
CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
- Climb Building
- 176 Nantwich Road
- Crewe, CW2 6BG
- United Kingdom
- Tel: 4408452412173
- Fax: 4408452412174
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk
ELA - European Association Against Leukodystrophies
- 2, rue Mi-les-Vignes
- 54521
- Laxou Cedex, 61024
- France
- Tel: 33383309334
- Fax: 33383300068
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.ela-asso.com
Foundation Fighting Blindness
- 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100
- Columbia, MD 21046
- Tel: (410)423-0600
- Fax: (410)872-0574
- Tel: (800)683-5555
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.blindness.org/
Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types
- 2616 N Broad Street
- Colmar, PA 18915
- Tel: (215)997-9400
- Fax: (215)997-9403
- Tel: (800)545-3286
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.firstskinfoundation.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Hunter's Hope Foundation, Inc.
- PO Box 643
- 6368 West Quaker Street
- Orchard Park, NY 14127
- Tel: (716)667-1200
- Fax: (716)667-1212
- Tel: (877)984-4673
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.huntershope.org
Let Them Hear Foundation
- 1900 University Avenue, Suite 101
- East Palo Alto, CA 94303
- Tel: (650)462-3174
- Fax: (650)462-3144
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.letthemhear.org
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- P.O. Box 5801
- Bethesda, MD 20824
- Tel: (301)496-5751
- Fax: (301)402-2186
- Tel: (800)352-9424
- Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness
- The Teaching Research Institute
- 345 N. Monmouth Avenue
- Monmouth, OR 97361
- Tel: (800)438-9376
- Fax: (503)838-8150
- Tel: (800)438-9376
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.nationaldb.org
National Registry for Ichthyosis and Related Disorders
- University of Washington
- Dermatology Dept. Box 356524
- Seattle, WA 98195-6524
- Tel: (800)595-1265
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.skinregistry.org/
Perkins School for the Blind
- 175 North Beacon Street
- Watertown, MA 2472
- Tel: (617)924-3434
- Fax: (617)926-2027
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.Perkins.org
Retina International
- Ausstellungsstrasse 36
- Z rich,
- Switzerland
- Tel: 410444441077
- Fax: 410444441070
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.retina-international.org
Retinitis Pigmentosa International
- P.O. Box 900
- Woodland Hills, CA 91365
- Tel: (818)992-0500
- Fax: (818)992-3265
- Tel: (800)344-4877
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.rpinternational.org
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
- 224 N. 2nd St.
- Suite 2
- DeKalb, IL 60115
- Tel: (815)748-3211
- Tel: (800)728-5483
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.ulf.org/
Zellweger Baby Support Network
- 9310 Groundhog Drive
- Richmond, VA 23235
- Tel: (919)741-9778
- Fax: (605)642-7525
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.zbsn.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email email@example.com
Last Updated: 1/19/1970
Copyright 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text:
What's going on, Albuquerque?
Views: 124
Welcome toDuke City Fix
Sign Upor Sign In
Started by Phil_0. Last reply by AM Jun 27, 2014.
Started by Alan Packman May 14, 2014.
Started by Jade Rivera Jan 1, 2014.
Started by JMG. Last reply by Jen Nov 20, 2013.
Started by Bistronomy B2B Nov 19, 2013.
Anyone can blog on the Duke City Fix, but here are the folks who blog most often:
© 2016 Created by Duke City Fix.
Powered by
Badges |
Report an Issue |
Terms of Service
Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator.


text:
Kids Tell President What To Say In SOTU
The pundits may be getting the attention of what President Obama ought to talk about Tuesday night as he delivers his annual State of the Union address, the nation's children also are weighing in. The children's advocacy group the Children's Leadership Council (CLC) has put together an online video ("Hear Our Voice") that features the unscripted voices of youth, aged 5 to 25, telling the president what needs to be fixed now. "The 'State of the Union' for America's Children/Youth is discouraging," says Alan Houseman , chairman of the CLC, which calls itself the nation's largest coalition of child and youth organizations, based in Washington. "The 'State of America's Future' is tied to the well-being of our children both now … Continue reading


text:
great Aussie fighter, actually to be honest all our good boxers arent even born here lol.
Welcome to the official boxing thread; I'm Jose; I live boxing and grew up with the sport around all my life...boxing is back; so we'll have a lot to chat about. We can also discuss training tips for basic boxing training if you guys are interested.
Nuzhnenko targets Cotto!
"After winning the WBA interim welterweight title on Saturday night in Cannes, France, unbeaten Yuriy Nuzhnenko (27-0, 13 K0s) has a new mission. "Now my goal is to get rid of the prefix 'interim.' Mr. Miguel Cotto, you're invited!" Nuzhnenko won the belt via unanimous decision (116-113, 116-112, 116-113) over Frederic Klose (41-6, 8 KOs). "It was a big challenge for me but not the hardest bout," commented Nuzhnenko. "I realized my plan for the fight and got my result. I promised to give an unpleasant surprise for the French fans and I made it come true. I respect Klose, he showed the character of the warrior but my skills and power brought me the victory."
Yuriy Nuzhnenko (27-0, 13 K0s)
He's knocked out 13 cab drivers. Like 7 of them were 0-0-0. He needs to sit his ass down and stfu.
That is all...
During one of their segments of ,"1st and 10". Skip Bayless, Dana Jacobsen and others were discussing if Mayweather was overrated. These two black guys, their last names are Stew. Were praising Mayweather and saying how he should be compared to the greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, etc, etc.......I was looking at them like WTF are you talking about. Here we go again with the supposed experts that don't know s hit about boxing. Anyway Skip Bayless (who is a regular on the show) and Dana Jacobsen (the co-host) countered them and told them THE TRUTH. That Mayweather hasn't fought anyone that they would consider RISK fights to be called a great fighter. Skip Bayless was telling them, "Give me a break, Ricky Hatton. The guy is not a welterweight. Who has Mayweather fought, Carlos Baldomir, Arturo Gatti. You think Arturo Gatti was a good fighter."
The Stew brothers said, "Yeah, he was a good fighter." Skip was like, "Oh Come On, the guy is picking and choosing fights that he knows he can win. You know who I want to see him fight, I want to see him fight Miguel Cotto. Because he is a tough guy. If he beats Miguel Cotto, then I will consider him a great fighter."
The Stew brothers looked like they were at a loss for words when Skip brought Cotto's name up. It was mad funny. Then the Stew brothers said, "Yeah, well we would like to see that fight. We hope it happens."
Then Dana Jacobsen said,"I'm with Skip, I don't think Mayweather has fought anyone to consider him great yet."
Guys, this is good news if they are posting articles in newspapers and also putting this subject on shows like ,"First Take" and having debates over this. This is a show that talks about the NFL, NBA and all the major sports. So for them to talk about it and place it on one of their segments is great news guys. We need more of this, then this will force the issue and maybe make Mayweather take the Cotto fight. All you hear about in newspapers, sports TV shows and boxing websites is that Mayweather needs to fight Cotto. This is really good, I hope it forces Mayweather to fight Cotto.
George Foreman Badly Disses Floyd Mayweather Jr
By Johnny Benz (Dec 10, 2007) Doghouse Boxing
In a recent interview conducted by Andrew Haigh and published this past weekend by thesun.co.uk, Heavyweight Living legend, George Foreman dissed Floyd Mayweather Jr., branding Mayweather a 'nobody' and a 'chicken'.
According to the report by the The Sun, Foreman hates Mayweather's king of bling image. Foreman also insists that Mayweather is too scared to slug it out in big fights.
Although Mayweather defeated Hatton with a tenth round KO this past Saturday. Foreman was backing Ricky Hatton to defeat Mayweather, saying: "I love Hatton and I hope he really beats up Mayweather."
Foreman added: "But who is Mayweather? He's a nobody."
"When he was young he was a loveable little fella but something went wrong and changed inside him. Now he is always cursing and bad-mouthing other fighters. The guy deserves an Oscar for some of the stuff he says."
Foreman isn't even impressed with the title of Pound-for-pound best for Mayweather, stating:"There is no way I would consider him to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
"He is good but he made a fool of himself against Oscar De La Hoya. He was in the greatest fight of his career and he just ran and ran like a chicken.
"De La Hoya brought that fight to him all night but I didn't like his style and the way he approached the fight.I thought he was very lucky to win it on points."
lol, Elboweather.
Hatton and Cotto have 2 similiarities, they are both natural pressure fighters, and they both often win fights by breaking their opponent down with a volume of punches, especially to the body.
That's where the comparison stops.
Cotto has something that Hatton doesn't...
What is it?
It's the ability to deliver intelligent pressure.
Why wasn't Hatton doing this? Well for one, Floyd's six inch reach advantage and Hatton's lack of explosiveness might have had something to do with this, but this is only a portion of the problem.
Hatton was coming in without throwing the jab, and he was going straight in, almost squared up.
The most important thing you can do against a good boxer, such as Floyd is to come in at an angle while throwing a jab.
If you go straight in, Floyd will t-off on your face with a straight right hand. Hatton was doing this all night.
Do you think the outcome would be any different if than what happened with Floyd if Hatton faced Mosley or even Judah, (substituting a straight left)?
Why do you think it is that Hatton has been avoiding boxers in his division?
At the same time, Cotto has been actively pursuing them. He's fought Malinaggi, (when he doesn't brawl, possibly the closest thing to Floyd above 140), Judah, (arguably one of the most dangerous fighters there is for the first 6 rounds), and Mosley, (a very dangerous, well rounded, boxer with the ability to slug).
That's probably the best possible lineup that you could encouter in preperation for Floyd.
In the meantime, since Kosta, Hatton has been fighting mostly swarmers and sluggers, but no one really threatened to outbox him.
Cotto has the experience of what to do against slick boxers.
Haven't you noticed the improvement in his jab? How often was Cotto getting tagged with FLUSH straight right hands against Mosley, and straight lefts against Judah?
He wasn't, and why? Because he coming in at angles and using the jab/double jab to keep his opponent on the defensive and off balance.
This is by far the most important aspect of how to approach fighting a skilled boxer, especially one like Floyd. You can't expect to come straight in or he's going to knock your head off and look spectacular in the process.
BUT, since we're on it, Cotto has more than just that.
Cotto doesn't rely on smothering his opponent and throwing a punch and clinching/wrestling like Hatton does, but Cotto gets his distance and throws some fluid combinations.
How many combinations did you see Hatton throw against Floyd? Exactly.
Hatton failed to get the distance that was necessary to deliver these combinations. It's really not his style anyway, as his is punch, grab, keep the distance close.
While Cotto will want to stay on the inside, (and he'll do much better than Hatton because of the above mentioned reasons), he'll do MUCH MUCH better on the outside due to his approach which was adapted from his experience with top boxers.
So who will win this fight?
Floyd is a great boxer, but he wants to retire from the game, not get retired.
And even if he beats Cotto, he WILL take a beating.
Cotto ain't Hatton and Floyd knows it.
Last edited by metrocard; Dec 11, 2007 at 21:32.
great Aussie fighter, actually to be honest all our good boxers arent even born here lol.
Only damage Judah did to Cotto was a headbutt.
Cotto's KO vs Judah > Mayweather's decision vs Judah(Judah out boxed him for 1st 4-5 rds.)
The key to beating Floyd is power. Thats why he stays away from the heavy hitters. Floyd could not take Cotto's power punching. He isnt made out steel like Mosely.
Floyd will run from Cotto's power all day and when Cotto gets him on the ropes like DeLaHoya and Hatton did, its his power that will even things out. Cotto is also fast and many people oversee that. He has a better jab then Mayweather because Cotto is a natural lefty. Cotto can also mix up his gameplan as he showed against Mosely and many other boxers. he wouldnt come like Hatton, open to 5 hits just to land a soft 1.
I think 1 or 2 more Cotto fights... some rest for floyd and there will be a mega fight betwen these two in the winter of 08 or early 09.
Cotto has all the tools to beat PBF and nobody else has those tools in 147. Mayweather wants no part of fight with an actual risk. He will hide from Cotto for acouple years till the money starts calling again. but if he waits too long then cats will say that Cotto won because of the long layoff of Mayweather was past his prime. People have always doubted Cotto and everyone who has been in this forum for years knows that.
I know that and although I think Floyd Mayweather is a great fighter hes still overrated. Him and Cotto would be a real good fight, I honestly think that Mayweather might be the most skilled but he hasnt proven to me that hes the best. I dont know if theres anyone tougher then Cotto. That Nuzhnenko looks like a loser in that pic so he must be real tough then too if he won a fight lookin like that. But I think Mayweather vs Cotto would be a great fight but Floyds gonna do all his stalling techniques to try to make sure the fight doesnt happen. It would without a doubt be a high risk fight for him, he never fought anyone as tough as Cotto. Zabs my favorite welterweight, I think hes always had the skill to be better then he is but his training isnt tough enough. I like his pops but I think hes part of the problem too. I dont think any of these guys are as tough as Cotto, theres maybe one fighter in the welterweight division who is and Im talkin about Antonio Margarito but he doesnt seem to be the most skilled fighter although I think he can possibly beat Judah and give Mayweather a tough time.
Whos gonna win the Kelly Pavlik vs Jermaine Taylor rematch comin up? I think that has fight of the year potential written on it.
I like Zab and Paulie alot, I thought Zab showed alot of courage and could of had the Cotto fight if he was more aggressive and used his counters more because he has all the talent in the world, I thought he also had a chance against Mayweather, I'll post a video later, but you could look for it on youtube.
Jones and Trinidad is gonna be a great fight, Im not sure how it makes sense to have this fight now but it could go either way. Im not sure how good of a punch either of them can take at this point, I know Roy cant take a good punch. He doesnt have nearly the speed and reflexes that he had but hes still faster then alot of boxers. I was slightly leanin towards Jones early on but now Im nuetral, I cant make up my mind.
Hopkins vs Calzage? Hopkins is one of my favorite fighters and its hard for me to evaluate his last fight against Winky Wright. Stylistically many would say it was a boring fight but I thought it was funny how dirty Hopkins fought, he kept comin in with his head and he busted Winky open with a head butt. The commentators kept ****tin on them callin them old and slow but its tough to tell with those 2. Ive only seen one Calzage fight but he looks tough. Im gonna stay nuetral on this fight.
I have Taylor winning the rematch. Taylor lost his work ethic and he wasn't listening to Stew...one of the greatest trainers of all-time. He deserved to get KO'ed. Now he's back on humbled ground and even without Stew I still have Taylor winning this fight. Taylor has skill and heart...Pav has power and heart but no skill. Take Pav to the later rounds and let's see what he's made of. If the fights not a brawl Pav isn't winning it.
B-Hop is a beast...I have him beating Cal but it could go either way. Cal's slaps aren't going to hurt b-hop but they are good enough to score points. B-Hop is a technical counter puncher and he molds into his opponents weaknesses so well that its hard for his opponents to look "pretty" in the ring. B-Hop wins by MD. RJ then B-Hop next to Evander Holyfield are the best fighters of our generation...
Stay Tuned.....
You got Roy ahead of Hopkins? I think got Hopkins ahead too but you said Roys your favorite. Who do you think would win a fight now? I think Hopkins would at this point. I hate to admit it but I think Roy wouldve won when they were in there primes. His reflexes and speed were incredible. But who knows, you cant dobut Hopkins.
Its hard to tell if Hopkins has even slowed down yet. He F*cked up Tarver and still looked at his best. I cant make an opinion off the Winky Wright fight because of the styles of both fighters. He looked a little bit slower but its probably from gainin weight. I know one thing, Hopkins aint gettin knocked out. I dont think he can be knocked out.
Holyfield is one of my top 10 favorite fighters but I like watching him lose too. He can take alot of punishment, the first Riddick Bowe fight is one of my top 3 favorite heavyweight fights of all time. Hes gotta retire now his heads gonna get messed up.
Yea B-Hop probably would win from what I've seen from Roy this late in his career but we'll see how he does against tito. Yea no one touches RJ in his prime but B-Hop would definitely give RJ problems. Did anyone see the weigh in? RJ is cut like crazy and Tito looks like a big blob...Tito might get murdered tommorrow...if Merk is right and RJ does fight like he did in Jones-Griffin II then this will be a terrible fight to watch for Tito fans...
I agree no one knocks out B-Hop...I think he's going to dump on Calzaghe.
All the Bowe-Holyfield fights were crazy...he's underrated and always will be.
Stay Tuned.....
I AM HYPED!!!!!!!!! about the fight tonight!!
Andrew Golota vs. Mike Mollo
GOLOTA You gotta do it for all them Polish people out there!
Roy Jones Jr. vs. Felix Trinidad
Jones with the W in round 7.
I got the fight on Pay Per View!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by nyKnicks126; Jan 20, 2008 at 00:13.
Thank you Andrew Golota good W.
LETS Go Tito good fight after round one.
I want Tito to win but Jones probably will get the W.
Might I be the first person to say that Tito got his behind handed to him...RJ thoroughly embarrassed that kid. I like tito though...he seems like a genuine, nice person...but that stuff doesn't matter in the ring. RJ is 75% back...i feel sorry for the super middleweight division....Cal is the next man to go down...that's IF he makes it past B-Hop. Again....RJ>Tito....next....
Stay Tuned.....
Roy Jones didn't impress anyone today. He's been active while Trinidad hasn't in two years and went up two weight classes than regular. Most Roysexuals thought Roy would win by TKO, they lost and were proven wrong.
Tito did everything he could do, no one expected him to win, but he fought hard and smart, and you have to respect that, especially a legend like Tito. Tito suprised everyone by taking the first 3 rounds.
Tito can't utilize his strengths at 170...his range is 150-160. But if anyone is back, its Tito, he still has the skill and if he gets in better condition I want to see him take on De La Hoya and settle that once and for all.
Anyways we have some big fights coming up...Taylor vs Pavlik II, Haye vs Maccarinelli, among others....but who does everyone have on Taylor vs. Pavlik II? I have taylor by UD...if he uses his jab and skill over Pavlik who is a one dimensional brawler then it'll be a blow out but if Taylor chooses to brawl again...it might be another mistake and victory for Pavlik could happen...
Stay Tuned.....


text:
A mistrial was declared Monday afternoon in the murder trial of federal agent Christopher Deedy.
The jury reconvened in Circuit Court Judge Karen Ahn's courtroom just before 3:30 p.m. Monday and unanimously declared that they could not reach a verdict.
At the end of the declaration, Judge Ahn and the prosecution began discussing future dates during which they may pursue a second case against Deedy.
A status conference is scheduled to be held Friday afternoon to possibly determine the date for a possible retrial. Dates in summer of 2014 were discussed as possibilities.
Deedy was on trial for 2nd degree murder for shooting 22-year-old Kollin Elderts to death.
Following the declaration of a mistrial the family of Kollin Elderts declined to comment about the trial.
Deedy and his family left the building through a secure corridor while none of the 12 jurors agreed to speak to the media.
The jury announcement comes on the sixth day of deliberation after 20 days of testimony which closely examined the events of Nov. 5, 2011.
In the early morning hours of that day, the lively buzz at a Waikiki McDonald's erupted into a deadly rumble as federal agent Christopher Deedy and friends, Kollin Elderts and Shane Medeiros, crossed paths and then clashed.
Since day one of special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial, prosecutors have focused heavily on how much he had to drink, whether he was in any position to be carrying a gun, and why he didn't choose to simply back away.
Defense attorneys have argued the decorated agent was doing his job - to serve and protect - and was forced to take deadly action.
"The defendant was fueled by alcohol, primed by warnings given to him about the hostile locals, and ignited by the power of his Glock," began deputy prosecutor Janice Futa during opening statements in early July.
Deedy was on assignment in Honolulu as a federal agent for security detail during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, in late 2011.
The 29-year-old resident of Arlington, VA claimed self-defense caused him to shoot and kill 23-year-old Elderts of Kailua.
"This case, ladies and gentlemen, is about self defense and the defense of others," began defense attorney Brook Hart.
Throughout the trial, what Deedy and Elderts consumed was in constant question.
""When (Deedy) spoke I could smell (alcohol) on his breath," testified Honolulu Police Department evidence specialist Toy Stech.
So all three substances were present simultaneously," defense attorney Karl Blanke asked medical examiner Kanthi De Alwis. "Yes," said De Alwis.
Alcohol was considered a possible player in the McDonald's confrontation that soon followed:
"So it went from joking, to bothering, to annoying, and then bullying. Is that what you saw?" defense attorney Brook Hart asked McDonald's security guard Rosalinda Soriano.
"Correct sir," said Soriano, remembering what appeared to be harassment of customer Michel Perrine.
"I noticed this guy (Perrine) still staring, so I said 'Do you have an F-ing problem? We told you we were just joking around with you, why still staring?'" said Elderts' friend Shane Medeiros.
Deedy testified he noticed the moment Elderts and Medeiros walked in, stepping in; when he said they kept harassing Perrine.
"It's your testimony that not at any point that night did you see Deedy show his badge?" Blanke asked Medeiros. "Never," Medeiros said.
"I told him I'm a cop and he's going to get arrested. As I said that, I reached back, opened (my wallet) up and displayed (my law enforcement ID) to him," said Deedy.
"I heard (Deedy) say, 'Acting like this will get you shot. You don't feel like getting shot do you?'" Medeiros testified.
"At this point, I just felt like I couldn't say anything else. They were arguing and I figured if they're going to fight they're going to fight," said Alexander Byrd, a customer at McDonald's the morning of the fight.
And fight they did. But who threw the first blow, who started what, has been hotly debated.
"I don't remember much of anything except getting hit in the head pretty hard," said Deedy's friend Adam Gutowski, who testified that Elderts and Medeiros both rushed him first.
"Both Kollin and Shane are beating him, he's getting beaten, kicked on the ground," said Gutowski's girlfriend Jessica West, who was with Gutowski and Deedy all night.
First, Gutowski appeared to be in the fray, then Deedy. That exchange with Elderts ended in shots fired.
"(Elderts) was delivering the blows. He would come back and down back and down," testified Deedy, making a punching gesture.
"When you pulled the trigger you intended to kill Mr. Elderts, correct?" asked Futa.
"I intended to stop the threat," answered Deedy.
"After those shots were fired what did Elderts do?" Hart asked Deedy.
"Stop. Instead of delivering the (next) punch he just came down on top me," said Deedy.
Then there were those vivid moments in the aftermath: Deedy aiding a dying Elderts, covered in blood at the emergency room, and realizing the weight of what happened that night.
"I'd just fought for my life, and I believe I'd just killed a man, and I'd just been put under arrest for murder," he recalled.
In closing arguments in special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial, both sides zeroed in on the spark that ignited the fight and how it escalated into tragedy.
"Add to that, alcohol and inexperience in the mix and it's why the defendant is here, driven by sense of hubris, nothing more than a bully with a badge," said Futa.
"There is no doubt that agent Deedy shot and killed Kollin Elderts. That's a fact and nobody disputes it. But it does not mean special agent Deedy murdered Kollin Elderts. Special agent Deedy's intent was not to kill Kollin Elderts. His intent was to protect life. His intent was to stop the threat," said Blanke.
Elderts family has retained an attorney to possibly file a civil suit against Deedy.


text:
On January 21st, 2013, we will celebrate the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Tickets to the Inauguration have been fulfilled. Those who have already made requests will be receiving notification soon as to the status of their request. Consequently, any new ticket requests will be given a "stand-by" status.
If you are interested in being placed on the "stand-by" list for the inauguration of President Barack Obama for his second term, please use the "Contact Sam" link and provide the following information: Name, Address, Phone, Email Address and Number of Tickets Requested.
If you do not have a ticket, you have options!
- Walk to the National Mall to view the proceedings from there. No tickets are required and the Mall will be lined with JumboTron TV screens so you can watch the proceedings. Though you will be more distant from the platform than those with tickets, you will still be part of the action – part of history! The vibe on the Mall will be positively electric so consider this a reasonable alternative for non-ticket participation.
- View the swearing-in from Rep. Sam Farr's hospitality suite. This will be a room near the Capitol that will have a big screen TV, snacks and drinks and be warm and close to restrooms!
Hospitality Suite
Monday, January 21, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Room 122
Cannon House Office Building
(corner of 1st & C Streets, SE)
- Tickets not otherwise claimed will be disbursed at 8:30 a.m. on Inauguration Day. You are welcome to drop by Rep. Farr's office at 8:30 to see if there are any tickets available. Or, call 202-225-2861 to check. The Farr office is located at 1126 Longworth House Office Building, corner of New Jersey & C Streets, SE.
- Joint Congressional Committee On Inaugural Ceremonies
- Presidential Inaugural Committee
- Presidential Inaugural Committee Facebook Page
Thank you!


text:
10 worst Halloween candies for kids
Published On: Oct 29 2012 12:24:32 PM CDT Updated On: May 01 2014 03:48:04 PM CDT
Consider plucking these unhealthy treats out of your child's plastic pumpkin.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


text:
Berlin arson suspect not in court
BARRE An arrest warrant has been issued for a Northfield man who failed to show up for his arraignment on a felony arson charge.
Kemp C. Stickney, 25, is facing one count of first-degree arson in Washington County criminal court. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
According to the police affidavit, emergency crews responded to a structure fire Aug. 12 on West Hill Road in Berlin. Police say an explosion had been reported before they arrived and they found a two-story shed with flames inside.
Police say the shed, which was around 100 feet from a residence, was destroyed by the fire.
Police say Joan Batchelder, who owns the nearby residence and is Stickneys mother, told them her son was missing, along with a white Subaru. Police then issued a be on the lookout alert for both Stickney and the vehicle to check on his well-being.
Batchelder told police her son has extreme schizophrenia, as well as other mental disorders, and was heavily medicated. She was afraid her son had started the fire, since he was at her home before the fire started and she saw a red flicker outside that turned out to be the shed fire.
As police left to look for Stickney, a white Subaru moved toward them at high speed, they say. The vehicle came to a quick stop and Stickney got out asking if his mother was all right, according to the affidavit. Stickney told police he left to go to a friends house and didnt see anything suspicious when he left.
Stickney was taken to his mother, who asked him if he had started the fire. Police say he admitted starting the blaze. According to the affidavit, he told his mother, in the presence of police, that voices told him to grab a gas can, spill the gas on the shed and set it on fire.
Police say the shed was estimated to be worth at least $80,000.
Stickney was taken to Central Vermont Medical Center for a psychiatric exam, and police say he voluntarily checked himself into the psychiatric ward.MORE IN This Just InMONTPELIER A new report from a commission that studied the cost, availability and quality of... Full StoryVermont fish hatchery changes focus, looks inland
BETHEL, Vt. Full StoryHONOLULU (AP) A group of Hawaii musicians and a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant provided... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
In the last article, we were introduced to the names and the locations of the files that contain information logged by
ipfw. We left off at
/var/log/security which is the file I'd like to concentrate on in today's article as it wraps up this series on
ipfw nicely.
We had to learn a fair bit about IP packets and some of the more common TCP/IP applications in order to correctly set up the
ipfw firewall. Now as we read through the security log, we'll get to see first-hand what sort of packets do try to make their way into your FreeBSD computer.
When I first set up a firewall on a system, I like to keep an eye on the security log for the first week or so to see the amount and type of traffic which is being logged. As the superuser, I'll open up a terminal other than the console, and run the following command:
tail -f /var/log/security
This allows me to watch the log as it grows as any changes to the log will also be sent to this terminal.
As a demonstration of how to decipher what is being logged, let's take a tour of my most recent security log. You'll note that my security log has been "sanitized" as my IP address has been replaced by
x.x.x.x. There are several ways to replace text on your FreeBSD system, but my favorite is to use the following Perl one-liner:
perl -pe 's/my_IP_address/x.x.x.x/g' /var/log/security > ~genisis/clean
I had to run this command as the superuser due to the permissions on the
/var/log/security file. The syntax of this one-liner is fairly simple. The
perl -e syntax tells Perl to run this line directly from the command prompt instead of looking for a Perl script to read. Don't forget to include the
p in your
-pe, or else Perl won't print its output. The
's tells Perl to look for the regular expression (regex) found between the first two slashes and replace it with the string of characters enclosed between the last two slashes. If you decide to use this command, replace
/my_IP_address/ with your real IP address. The
g' tells Perl to replace every occurrence of
/my_IP_address/, not just the first occurrence. Finally, I told Perl to run this operation on the file
/var/log/security and to send the results to a file named
clean which was to be created in the home directory of the user "genisis".
As a reminder, the only rules I'm logging in my firewall are attempted TCP connections to my FreeBSD system (rule 00301) and any other packets that were denied because I didn't explicitly allow them (rule 00700):
ipfw show
<snip to just show logged rules>
00301 52 2727 deny log logamount 10 tcp from any to any in established
00700 213 14082 deny log logamount 10 ip from any to any
One of the first things I noticed when I started to read my firewall logs was that I was logging entries from the same host to port 119 (the news port) on a regular basis:
Jun 5 12:17:21 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 700 Deny TCP 188.8.131.52:58668 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 8 14:04:28 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 22.214.171.124:50849 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 9 07:21:19 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 18.104.22.168:37248 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 17 13:22:50 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 184.108.40.206:49221 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 18 04:42:59 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 184.108.40.206:39324 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 20 13:25:56 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 18.104.22.168:57611 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
Jun 21 02:33:09 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 188.8.131.52:53902 x.x.x.x:119 in via ed1
To find out who this mysterious host is, I'll use the
-x option to the
dig utility to perform a reverse DNS lookup:
dig -x 184.108.40.206
When I run this command, I'll receive about a page's worth of output; I'll find the portion that is useful for determining who this host is in the answer section:
18.104.22.168.in-addr.arpa. 59m38s IN PTR authorized-scan1.security.home.net.
The host name in the answer section reminds me that my ISP routinely runs scans to see if any of its clients are running unauthorized news servers.
With that mystery solved, let's see if any other interesting ports are appearing in my log. I occasionally notice connection attempts to port 113 (the
auth or
identd port). Here is an example:
Jun 5 13:32:23 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 301 Deny TCP 220.127.116.11:47892 x.x.x.x:113 in via ed1
Jun 5 13:32:23 hostname last message repeated 3 times
And here is the result of the reverse lookup on this host:
dig -x 126.96.36.199
22.214.171.124.in-addr.arpa. 23h58m26s IN PTR atlas.ctsolutions.com.
The name
ctsolutions.com rang a bell, and when I checked my mail reader's outbox, I saw that I had sent an email to that company about a minute before these entries appeared in my security log. It is common practice for some mail servers to do an
identd lookup whenever you send them an email message. It is also common practice to make a special rule in your ruleset to respond with a TCP packet that has its reset flag set. This speeds up communications with the mail server as it doesn't have to wait for the
identd request to timeout before it processes your email message.
Because the mail server is initiating the request, I'll have to ensure this new rule is numbered before my keep-state rules. I'll show the first bit of my ruleset so you can see the syntax of this new rule and where it was placed:
more /etc/ipfw.rules
#speed up email
add 00150 reset log tcp from any to any 113
#from man 8 ipfw: allow only connections I've created
add 00300 check-state
add 00301 deny log tcp from any to any in established
add 00302 allow tcp from any to any out setup keep-state
I decided to log this new rule to see if it made any difference in my security log; the next time I sent an email to this mail server, the following entries were logged:
Jun 8 13:29:57 hostname /kernel: ipfw: 150 Reset TCP 220.127.116.11:37824 x.x.x.x:113 in via ed1
Jun 8 13:30:04 hostname last message repeated 4 times
Mail servers aren't the only types of servers that may do an
identd lookup; FTP servers, POP3 servers and IRC servers may also try to send packets to port 113.
Also in FreeBSD Basics:
Unfortunately, not all packets sent to your computer are as benign as the examples I gave for ports 119 and 113. If someone was looking for a machine to compromise, they could in theory try to get in on any open port. Fortunately, they usually tend to use common exploits on a few "notorious" trojan ports. There will be times when you are reading your firewall log that you'll be glad you that you took the time necessary to create and maintain your firewall.
There are numerous resources on the Internet to find out which ports are used by which exploits. One of the best places to start is with Robert Graham's "What am I seeing? FAQ":
If you come across a port you haven't seen before, there is a comprehensive port search utility here.
If you'd like to see a list of common trojans sorted by different categories, try this page.
The above resources will help to satisfy your curiosity concerning the entries that appear in your firewall log, but the question still remains: What, if anything, can I do about these entries? You can send a polite email with a copy of the firewall entries to either the host's service provider or to the administrator of the network where the host resides. To find out who to send the email to, do a:
dig -x IP_address_of_sender
to get the host name of the machine that sent the undesirable packets. You can then try a
whois query on the last portion (or TLD) of the host name to see who registered that TLD (top-level domain). For example, I received a lot of netbus (a common trojan) entries from a host whose name ended with "home.com". When I ran the
whois utility, I received the following response:
whois home.com
Whois Server Version 1.3
Domain names in the .com, .net, and .org domains can now be registered with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net for detailed information.
To single out one record, look it up with "xxx", where xxx is one of the of the records displayed above. If the records are the same, look them up with
=xxx to receive a full display for each record.
>>> Last update of whois database: Thu, 28 Jun 2001 02:04:50 EDT <<<
The registry database contains only .com, .net, .org, .edu, domains and registrars.
Because there were two registrants that had "home.com" as part of their name, I re-ran the inquiry like so:
whois =home.com
<snip output>
Home Network (HOME-DOM)
425 Broadway St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Domain Name: HOME.COM
Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
DNS Administration (DA24627-OR) firstname.lastname@example.com
@Home Network
425 Broadway St
Redwood City , CA 94063
Fax- 650-556-6666
Because this is a service provider, I'm not surprised that the email address of the administrative contact is "email@example.com". If this had been a small company who had not set up an "abuse" email account, I could instead send an email to the person listed in the "Administrative Contact, Technical Contact" section.
You'll note from the original
whois query that there are several competing registrars. If you don't receive any results from your
whois query, the host probably lives in a different portion of the globe and its TLD may be registered in a different database. The
whois utility on your FreeBSD system has several switches to allow you to query the various
whois databases. The following useful switches are taken from
man whois:
WHOIS(1) FreeBSD General Commands Manual WHOIS(1)
Whois looks up records in the databases maintained by
several Network Information Centers (NICs).
The options are as follows:
-p Use the Asia/Pacific Network Information Center
(APNIC) database. It contains network numbers used
in East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the
Pacific islands.
-r Use the R'eseaux IP Europ'eens (RIPE) database. It
contains network numbers and domain contact
information for Europe.
A common complaint from those who take the time to send polite email is that they never receive acknowledgement that their email was even received or that any satisfactory action against the offending host took place. As a result, many administrators now upload their firewall logs to a centralized database. There are several interesting initiatives available; even if you don't want to participate, you can still view the accumulated statistics to see which ports are being probed and by whom.
One initiative is at www.mynetwatchman.com. Its script allows you to upload your
ipfw logs and I will be demonstrating its usage in a future article.
Another is at aris.securityfocus.com. They accept
snort logs and I'll cover this initiative in more depth later on this year when I demonstrate creating an intrusion detection system with
snort. Securityfocus also has several valuable mailing lists. My favorite is the "incidents" mailing list. You can read the archives or sign up for any of their mailing lists at www.securityfocus.com.
Yet another initiative is at Incidents.org, which is headed up by the SANS Institute. If you are interested in security issues, it sends out a weekly newsletter via email. To subscribe, email firstname.lastname@example.com with the subject line: Subscribe Newsbites
The links mentioned in today's article should get you started on understanding the entries in your firewall log. In next week's article, I'd like to take a break from firewalls and do my semi-annual tour through the ports collection.
Dru Lavigne is a network and systems administrator, IT instructor, author and international speaker. She has over a decade of experience administering and teaching Netware, Microsoft, Cisco, Checkpoint, SCO, Solaris, Linux, and BSD systems. A prolific author, she pens the popular FreeBSD Basics column for O'Reilly and is author of BSD Hacks and The Best of FreeBSD Basics.
Read more FreeBSD Basics columns.
Return to the BSD DevCenter.
Copyright © 2009 O'Reilly Media, Inc.