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The Feedback Machine
Within the next month my hope and prayer is to finish my new book, The Call to Wonder. When I have finished it will go through an editorial process such that six or more months later people will actually be able to buy the book. There may be at that time some reviews. I may receive some emails from readers. The whole process, from when work began on the book to getting a response will be more than a year.
Within the next week my hope and my prayer is to write my monthly column for Tabletalk magazine. It too will go through an editorial process, and this time, within a few months it will be in readers' hands. Then too I might receive some emails from readers. The whole process from when the work began to getting a response will be a few months.
Within the next hour my hope and my prayer is to write another Kingdom Note, to be sent out via the internet to supporters of Highlands Ministries and other interested parties. It will go through an editorial process, and within hours will be in readers' hands. Then I might receive some comments, and perhaps a few "likes." The whole process from when the work began to getting a response will be a few hours.
All of which ought to tell us something. I suspect there might be a sliding scale, an inverse ration between how quickly we get to press, how quickly we get response, and the amount of impact we have. Blogs or Facebook posts change our moments, while books can change our lives. I suspect magazine articles are somewhere in between.
This doesn't mean, of course, that all our energy ought to be devoted to writing, and reading books. It might mean, however, that our priorities are slightly askew. It might mean that the surreal world of the internet has at the same time distorted our vision and exaggerated its power. It may mean that our big reach means we are having small talk. I read recently (at blogger, author and pastor Tim Challie's widely read blog) that the typical post on the internet has a shelf life of 2.8 hours before it is likely to be drowned out by all the internet noise (that is, when everyone else's 2.8 hours begin). A monthly magazine, at least one with daily Bible studies, has a shelf life of roughly a month. A book has a shelf life measured in years.
All of us want to make a difference for the kingdom. And all of us, not just pastors of churches, are tempted to measure that difference by counting noses. The ease of such accounting is likewise in inverse proportion to its usefulness. We should not be counting noses, but courting hearts. We should be hoping and praying that God would use us to change fewer lives more, rather than more lives hardly at all. That, it seems to me, comes not with blogs, not even with books, but with shepherding the flock, whether in the church, or in the home.
The Kingdom Notes September 16, 2011
The Kingdom Notes September 20, 2011


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Zamora suffers collarbone injury
By BBC Sport
Updated Thursday, 7th January 2010
Views: 172
In-form Fulham striker Bobby Zamora looks set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated collarbone
In-form Fulham striker Bobby Zamora looks set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated collarbone in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Stoke.Zamora, 28, who has scored 11 goals this season, was hurt following a challenge by Stoke's Abdoulaye Faye.
The club are now awaiting the results of a scan to determine how long Zamora will be absent for.
"It's very disappointing because he has been playing very well," said Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
He added: "It is a very expensive day for us. We were forced to replace Brede Hangeland at half-time with a recurrence of his knee injury and we lost Zamora early in the second half. We have also lost the game.
How big a blow for Fulham is Zamora's injury?
"We've been unlucky. We lost John Pantsil to a cruciate knee ligament injury in the last league game. We're not being fortunate on the injury front this season."
Fulham have crucial games in the Premier League and Europe coming up, with Shakhtar Donetsk their opponents in the next round of the Europa League on 18 February.
"Andy Johnson dislocated his collarbone and he made a swift recovery and was back on the field in three weeks," stated Hodgson.
"Having said that, for the injury to heal fully it takes longer because as a forward you're always being buffeted around and you can't protect it as well as you would like.
"It's certainly not a short-term injury and I can only hope that the prognosis is not too bad."
Stoke suffered their own injury problems in a game played in heavy snow, with Tuncay hobbling off after 42 minutes with a hamstring injury.
The Turkish forward will undergo a scan on Wednesday to ascertain the severity of the problem.
Fulham were 3-0 down at half-time after goals by Tuncay, Faye and Mamady Sidibe.
But the Cottagers improved after the break, with Damien Duff's deflected effort and a stunning volley by Clint Dempsey making it a frantic finish at the Britannia Stadium.
Source: BBC Sport
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subset: commoncrawl


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Globalization has made international trade more essential than ever to the health of our economy. If your small business is interested in exporting or importing products or services, learn about the laws, agencies and trade organizations that can help lead to successful ventures in international commerce.
The Department of Commerce provides comprehensive information on licensing requirements for participating in international trade. They have an online application process, SNAP (Simplified Network Applications Process), which allows registered users to submit export and reexport license applications, and request commodity classifications, and agricultural license exception notices through a single and secure Web site.
Shipping Documents
Commercial Invoice
This document is required for exporting and includes all the terms of sale. The commercial invoice must conform exactly to letters of credit, including misspellings and foreign languages. Product descriptions, prices, weights and other information must follow requirements specified by the target country.
Bill of Lading
Shipping companies or freight forwarders usually provide a bill of lading.
Insurance Certificates
Exporters need these certificates if the terms of sale include cost, insurance and freight(CIF).
Certificates of Origin
These are official documents that many Arab and Latin American countries require. Consulates generally sell the forms, which are then filled out in the language stipulated. For an additional fee, the consul stamps them to make them legal documents.
Certificates of Origin
Although these usually appear on the invoice, many countries require a separate certificate of origin.
Certificates of inspection
These consist of either an affidavit or a certificate from an official government agency or independent inspection company.
Dock Receipts
These are necessary when the exporter is not directly responsible for transporting goods to a foreign destination or otherwise needs to prove that the goods have been delivered to a port for further disposition by the importer.
Shipper's Export Declaration (SED)
Exporters may be required to file a SED when taking commercial goods out of the United States.
Exporters are prohibited from doing business with customers who are located in an embargoed country, on the list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN), on the Table of Denial Orders (TDO), or are involved with the production of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. For current information, visit the International Trade Administration Web site.
Useful Resources
EU Business
Information about Europe and business opportunities there.
Export.gov is the portal to all export-related assistance and market information offered by the federal government. Whether you're looking for trade leads, free export counseling, or help with the export process, Export.gov is your first step in growing your international sales.
Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN)
ELAN is a program under which lawyers from the Federal Bar Association and other interested professional associations volunteer to provide initial legal consultations free of charge to companies making their first entry into the export market. Contact an SBA international trade officer or the ELAN coordinator for your region to arrange a meeting.
International Trade Administration (ITA)
The ITA site enables Web users to find trade partners, view trade statistics and access other information.
Created by the International Trade Center with the Universities of Montreal and Nancy, this database offers 30,000 pages of basic legal documents (treaties, model contracts and arbitration rules)related to international trade.
Trade and Investment
Global marketing research information from Industry Canada. Site may be viewed in English or French.
Here are a collection of links to local and regional government sites worldwide with useful information for businesses.
Country Specific:
United Kingdom


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(A) All swimming sites shall meet all state and local guidelines for environmental health inspections and for private pools. Verification of these inspections shall be maintained in the home.
(1) Swimming activities shall not be permitted in lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks or other similar bodies of water, with the exception of school children who have the written permission from the parent or guardian.
(2) Activities in bodies of water two or more feet in depth shall be supervised by people who are currently certified as lifeguards or water safety instructors by the American red cross or an equivalent water safety program, as determined by the Ohio department of job and family services. The lifeguard may be a child care staff member when the swimming pool is onsite at the type A home.
(3) Child care staff members shall be actively supervising children and shall be able to clearly see all parts of the swimming area including the bottom of pools.
(B) Wading pools shall be filtered or emptied daily. Portable wading pools shall be sanitized daily, or more often if needed.
(C) Child care staff members shall review swimming and water safety rules with children each time they participate in water activities. Included in these rules shall be the description of a system for checking to ensure that each child is safe when in the water.
(1) The use of saunas, hot tubs and spas by children is prohibited, and these items shall be inaccessible to them.
(2) Swimming pools, wading pools and other swimming/wading sites shall be made inaccessible to the children when adult supervision is not available.
(D) The type A home administrator shall have written permission from the parent or guardian:
(1) Before the child swims in water two or more feet in depth.
(2) Before the child participates in activities near water two or more feet in depth.
(3) Before infants and toddlers use wading pools.
(4) Before school children participate in swimming activities in lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks or other similar bodies of water.
(E) The written permission shall be signed and dated by the parent or guardian, and be on file at the type A home. The permission shall include the following:
(1) The child's name and birth date.
(2) A statement indicating whether the child is a swimmer or a nonswimmer.
(3) Location of the swimming site.
(4) A statement that the parent or guardian grants permission for the child to participate.
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 08/28/2015 and 11/22/2020
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 5104.017
Rule Amplifies: 5104.017
Prior Effective Dates: 9/5/86, 7/1/03, 9/1/05


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Skip to comments.New 'Superbug' found in UK hospitals....
Posted on 08/10/2010 9:29:59 PM PDT by TaraP
click here to read article
"These people are presumably travelling back to their countries of origin for cosmetic surgery simply because it's cheaper to do so."
Sure, but it also says something about the cost/quality ratio in the UK if they are willing to go to pakistan.
The socialized part ensures that the private part is expensive and failing itself.
"the other guy didnt say that either."
Why did he mention it, if he didn't mean it? If he was just saying "God is good", fine, but it was certainly out of context in that case.
You are being disingenuous if you do not admit that there are crazies out there that think that prayer is literally all you need when you get sick - and that that is exactly why the previous poster mentioned it.
That advice is deadly.
"These people are presumably travelling back to their countries of origin for cosmetic surgery simply because it's cheaper to do so. "
By claiming it is cosmetic surgery, the NHS is putting itself in the most positive light. They can't possibly know the specific source. It could have been cosmetic surgery just as easily as it could have been a needed procedure that requires an interminable wait under the NHS.
He wrote: Dont place your faith in modern medicine. God is much more powerful.
There is more than one way to read this, depending on how you WANT to read it.
If you are believing the guy is one of those people who only believes that prayer is needed to heal people, then you will react the way you did.
If you believe the guy meant to convey the idea that people shouldn't just rely on medicine alone, because sometimes even the best medicine can't save people, or to illustrate that man's ability to cure things is finite, and not to put your entire faith in other men and drugs, that's another way to look at what he wrote.
One way to settle it, ask the guy directly.
I will say I personally believe he took the verse of Mark out of context.
"There is more than one way to read this, depending on how you WANT to read it."
There is only one way to read it if it is in the context of the thread.
I accept and appreciate your read... My brand of insanity downplays modern medicine. If its your time to go, they can't save you. If it's not, they can't kill you.
I would not begrudge my family members from seeking treatment. I pay for health insurance.
I myself have not seen a physician for many years. 10 years ago I had to see one because I had to have a chest xray because I had been exposed to TB at a prison years before.
I did participate in a health screening recently. My cholesterol and triglyceride readings were off the chart in positive directions.
My faith is in God. Place yours where you will. There is therefore now no condemnation of those in Christ Jesus. Maranatha!
No, Paul himself was afflicted (eyesight if I recall)- he also advised Timothy about his stomachs frequent infirmities.
Christians, regardless of faith, service or station are subject to have a thorn in their side. It serves to build compassion I believe for those who also suffer.
We should minister to those in need. Not rebuke them for lack of faith!
I don't reject science; "gnosis" in the Greek text. But, if you reject God's capacity to deliver and heal you miss a lot of opportunity.
I have faith in God. I believe He works for us through a number of different ways. Other people, herbs, medicines, prayer. If He didn't work through other people nobody would need to have a job, God would just do everything directly. But He doesn't. He expects man to do up to what man can do, and then God will do what only God can do. For us in more advanced societies, with modern medical treatment abilities, and knowledge of natural compounds that help the body, he expects us to use that knowledge and resources available to us, so He can work through those ways and heal through other people and medicines and other natural herbs and such. He also goes beyond medicine and saves people and doctors have no understanding in some cases why someone survives. Sometimes the doctors come to God after what they see a patient go through, and hear their testimony.
I'm right there with you.
My original statement was don't put all your faith in modern medicine.
Luke was a physician. But not a sorcerer.
Leaving (the one true)God out is where problems begin.
Prayer doesn't heal any malady in a particularly predictable fashion.
Prayer doesn't solve financial problems, or relationship problems or even spiritual problems in any statistically significant way.
Prayer doesn't make sense. It's foolishness.
1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Sometimes it is the only hope we have left.
"Sometimes it is the only hope we have left."
This is not such a case. This is a medical challenge. You've given up all other hope and default to prayer, and seem to advocate others do the same.
"Prayer doesnt make sense. Its foolishness."
In this case, I agree. It's foolishness to pray in lieu of taking proper medical precautions.
I don't think it would hurt to do both - but medicine has done a pretty good job of relieving much pain and suffering on balance.
I wasn't addressing the superbug(s) with the "no hope" remark. I happen to believe new antibiotics or other more sophisticated systems of treatment can and should be developed.
I'm not a research scientist, obviously. I am not advocating people reject medical science.
What I am advocating is that people not reject the power of God and the angels to protect us from all manner of things, far beyond pathogens ( or in the case of prions, non-living protein templates), relying strictly on the power and knowledge of man as the savior of humankind.
Yeah, I called my relatives who were nurses when my kids were sick.
Medicine is not a religion, however. It may save your mortal life, but it cannot save your soul.
"Medicine is not a religion, however. It may save your mortal life, but it cannot save your soul."
True enough. But the thread was about medicine.
You are right. Wrong of me to try to steer it away. Doomsday stuff triggers me to act that way.
Peace, FRiend.
"Doomsday stuff triggers me to act that way."
It's not doomsday. It's not a cakewalk, but it's not doomsday. Medicine isn't everything, but it's far from nothing.
Be well.
We, on the other hand, had invested over 8 months in the GAPS diet, which you can look up on the web, and we did not want to jeopardize the months of probiotic supplementation at the therapeutic level by taking an antibiotic. So we ramped up our vitamin C uptake, as well as keeping our probiotic intake at maximum levels. What we found was that the body threw off the disease by itself, despite the stress we were under during our move.
The lesson we learned was that having "normal" populations of good microbes in your system is the best way to keep opportunistic organisms in check, even really nasty ones. This is done by eating fermented foods, taking probiotic supplements of key organisms, and eating foods in their natural state (no processed foods).
This may be the answer to many prayers as the modern pharmaceutical paradigm starts running out of tricks.
I believe that verses 10-16 in Psalm 90 can be interpreted as the trillions of fungi and bacteria which inhabit and keep our bodies alive, and the knowledge of how to use them for our benefit.
< previous | Psalm 90 | next > Psalms (1-50) | Psalms (51-100) | Psalms (101-150)
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
Qui habitat. The just is secure under the protection of God.
[1] The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob. [2] He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. [3] For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. [4] He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. [5] His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
[6] Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil. [7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee. [8] But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked. [9] Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge. [10] There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
[11] For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways. [12] In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [13] Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. [14] Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name. [15] He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
[16] I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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RadioShack Posts Another Loss
RadioShack on Monday announced that it posted a loss of $53.1 million in the most recent quarter, more than doubling the loss of $21 million in the same period last year.
"While the second quarter presented a number of challenges, it is noteworthy that we generated comparable store sales growth for the first time since 2010, and increased sales for the sixth consecutive quarter in our high-margin signature platform of products," CEO Joseph Magnacca said as part of the announcement.
"At the same time, our profitability was not where we would have liked. Our strategy this quarter was designed to move through unproductive inventory and test a variety of promotional vehicles, which we knew would have an impact on gross margin rate, but would help us identify opportunities to better align our promotional marketing going forward."
The company also announced that chief financial officer Dorvin D. Lively has resigned, and will be replaced on an interim basis by Holly F. Etlin.


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Derpy Fitness by My friends and I displaying our Derpy Fitness work out shirts! - over 2 years ago
"This was taken in our 2nd period Gym Class on Tuesday June 3rd, 2014. I edited this picture in Adobe Photoshop CS5 to simply display our work out group as fierce and determined. We will be uploadin..."View full details
Is this photo a winner?
We Love Nancy by Macdaddy2420 - about 5 years ago
"This is our Body Pump class at Bender's Gym and we so love our instrctor Nancy, that we created a shirt with some of her "favorite" sayings... Like, "if you aren't huffing and puffing, you aren't u..."View full details
Is this photo a winner?


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Integrated water resources management (IWRM) at the basin scale is founded on several steps: information availability and management, stakeholder involvement, the development of suitable hydrological simulation models and availability-demand models.
From a qualitative point of view, programmes of measures able to limit the impacts of both direct and indirect inputs on water bodies is a key issue in the perspective of EU-WFD implementation. The possible effects of climate changes on water scarcity and droughts enhancement should be taken into account and early warning indicators should be individuated; crisis management strategies as well as adapting capacities of the diverse users should be considered in water resources management.
Urban areas drainage design, which exerts its influence on both waste water treatment plant efficiency and surface and ground water quality, complete the integrated cycle of water management.
Water resources management at basin scale
Understanding hydrological processes at the slope scale (with particular reference to semiarid environments and intermittent river basins) is an essential step in order to tackle several issues, ranging from soil water availability to pollutant and sediment transport in the surface and sub-surface runoff, to the development of numerical models that simulate hydrological processes at the basin scale. Well placed in the international arena, IRSA contributes to the development and testing of the hydrological simulation model SWAT. Activities on land-use planning and on the management of water resources both in the Mediterranean area and in developing countries (Africa, India, South-East Asia) have been carried out. Currently research activities are in course with the following goals:
- assessment of the impacts on the hydrological processes and balance from erosion control practices in semi-desert areas (Maghreb);
- analysis of the flow trends of several rivers in the Mediterranean area (Europe and North Africa) and evaluation of possible human forcing;
- assessment of the impact of climate change on the water balance and on the sediments and nutrients mass balance;
- assessment of the environmental sustainability of biofuel crops.
Currently an experimental site within the Candelaro River Basin is being setup to study the runoff generation processes in semiarid areas and the consequent pollutant transport (nutrients and sediments) in order to design strategies and mitigation practices (Best management practices, BMP).
Integrated Water Resources Management: the use of knowledge-based and information-based models
The definition of a plan for the Integrated Water Resources Management requires to take decisions based on the available information. Nevertheless, this information is often insufficient, incomplete and uncertain with a negative impact on the effectiveness of decision-making process. The definition of the state of water resources and the assessment of the human activities' impacts requires, ON one hand, the development OF methodologies AND models TO support DATA AND information analysis (statistical analysis OF historical series OF DATA, spatialization OF information, uncertainty analysis). ON the other hand, the integration BETWEEN decision-making process AND information production AND management becomes crucial. Concerning the FIRST issue, IRSA developed methodologies FOR DATA analysis according TO the groundwater protection law (Dlgs. 30/2009). Concerning the effectiveness OF water management decision processes, IRSA developed models based ON knowledge structuring, able TO support stakeholders involvement, TO increase information accessibility, TO detect AND analyze conflicts IN water management AND TO support negotiation process AND policies implementation. The integrated information management AND the use OF shared AND easily accessible database (e.g. Web-GIS) play a fundamental role.
Climate changes impacts
Among the major concerns caused by climate change, the alteration OF the hydrological cycle AND the reduction OF freshwater resources (BOTH FROM surface water AND groundwater) ARE perhaps the most serious ones. Forecasting OF such impacts IS the result OF simplified descriptions OF dominant hydrological processes under the effect OF climate forcing scenarios (OUTPUT FROM GCMs/RCMs) HAVING inadequate SPACE-TIME resolution WITH regard TO the SCALE OF variability OF the processes themselves. Development OF LOCAL climate scenarios FROM GLOBAL AND regional simulation models IS a KEY issues FOR the probabilistic forecasting OF the impacts, needing suitable methodologies FOR the assessment OF the uncertainty. Researches carried out by IRSA include:
- implementation OF models suitably designed FOR the basin SCALE representation OF the interactions BETWEEN the dominant phenomena OF water AND energy balance;
- development OF specific methods FOR the downscaling OF atmospheric variables.
Drought AND water scarcity ARE strictly related TO climate change. Such phenomena strongly impact ON the final users. Activities OF IRSA include: vulnerability analysis OF the water systems; development OF early-warning indicators by means OF management models; the development OF drought integrated indices able TO merge physical quantities, representative OF the water availability, TO stakeholder perception issues. SOME OF these research activities ARE carried out FOR the Civil Protection Department, FOR which IRSA IS an official consultant.
Urban drainage management
Urban drainage management needs TO be considered IN the integrated water resources management TO guarantee a sustainable development, able TO cope the economic development WITH the protection OF the environment AND human health. It IS necessary TO plan an efficient AND up TO DATE integrated management OF the urban water services, which includes aqueducts, sewer systems, treatment plants, because such infrastructures AND their related maintenance AND management have a direct consequence ON water bodies. IRSA carried out experimental surveys IN an urban catchment (named "Mostacciano") IN Rome TO perform quali-quantitative aspects OF urban drainage. Monitoring techniques FOR the control OF infiltrations AND ex-filtrations IN urban sewers systems were also SET up through field experiments IN two urban catchments IN Rome (named "Infernetto" AND "Torraccia") IN the framework OF the European Project "APUSS" AND MORE recently applied AND validated IN the sewer system OF the urban area OF the town OF Capoterra IN Sardinia.
The present interest concerns the problems OF sediments IN urban drainage waters, AND require an effort FOR the quali-quantitative characterization AND the definition OF appropriate management rules.


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This is the April 4, 2013 news archive. View today's DC Sports rumors and news.
DC Sports
DC Sports News and Rumors
No shutout, but Nats finish sweep of Marlins
The Marlins were finally able to score a run against the Nationals, but it wasn't enough as Washington won, 6-1, on Thursday afternoon at Nationals Park.Share Tweet
Wall Leads Wizards' Resurgencenytimes.com Apr 4, 2013They are unlikely to make the playoffs this season, but John Wall has transformed the Wizards.Share Tweet
MNF Matchup Headlines Preseason SlateRedskins Nation get pumped because the 2013 season is inching ever-so quickly to kicking off and to appease your football appetite the Redskins preseason schedule has been released. While each game will be important to the Redskins as players will be jo…Share Tweet
Young rejoins Nats on minor league dealRight-hander Chris Young has agreed to a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, giving the team some added depth in case they need an extra starting pitcher during the season.Share Tweet
Kiper's Mock Draft 4.0: Eagles take a QB?Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft is out, and it goes two rounds deep, which means we can talk Redskins too. Which is nice. Here's the rundown of Mel's picks for the NFC East, along with my analysis. (Not his. You have to pay to read his.) Philadelphia …Share Tweet
Davey Johnson and Mark Lerner on Davey Johnson's retirementHere are two people talking about Davey Johnson's final year with the Nationals. They're talking about the same thing, and using the same communication methods - mouths and words and all — but golly, the implications seem somewhat different. HereâShare Tweet
All Things Redskins With CSN's El-BashirRedskins TV's Alex Corddry caught up with CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir on the latest Redskins News. Topics of discussion consisted of: Redskin signings, depth at QB, the NFL Draft, and the offseason conditioning program starts April 15th. RememberShare Tweet
Is Grossman The Best 3rd-Stringer In NFL?On Thursday, the Washington Redskins brought back a another familiar face-10-year veteran gunslinger Rex Grossman. 2013 will be Grossman's fourth year in the DMV. From 2010-2012, the University of Florida product appeared in 17 contests and threw forShare Tweet
Redskins finalize CB Hall's return for 2013The Washington Redskins on Thursday finalized a one-year contract with cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who had been cut for salary cap reasons three weeks ago.Share Tweet
Bryan Harper's mustache is magnificent"As 22-year-old Bryan [Harper] carves his own path through the Washington Nationals organization as a pitcher on its short-season Class A affiliate, his identity as Bryce Harper's brother persists," James Wagner wrote last summer. "I've grown toShare Tweet
The Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers are ending 2012-13 on a snippy noteyahoo.com Apr 4, 2013Kyrie Irving, for a few quick minutes on Wednesday night, was thought to have just about had it with Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott. Following Cleveland's 113-95 thumping at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, Elyria Chronicle-Telegram Cavs scribe RiShare Tweet
Kirk Cousins: Signing Pat White a "no-brainer"profootballtalk.com redskins.com Apr 4, 2013Don't count Kirk Cousins among those surprised that the Redskins added Pat White to their quarterback depth chart. During an interview with ESPN 980 on Wednesday, Cousins explained why White's arrival to a depth chart that also includes Rex Grossman aShare Tweet
John Wall does a fashion spread for Modern LuxuryJohn Wall is gracing the cover of D.C. Modern Luxury's latest issue. The Wizards guard took time to pose for a fashion shoot for the publication's "Men of Style" feature, and the write up accompanying his photo is all … Continue reading →Share Tweet
Hall, Tapp To Reunite In WashingtonWith official word that the Washington Redskins have resigned cornerback DeAngelo Hall, his teammates were excited to have him back to help defend the 2012 NFC East title. Hall has been with the Burgundy and Gold since 2008 when the team signed him to a…Share Tweet
Gio Gonzalez: 'I felt like I was making love to my hand'yahoo.com Apr 4, 2013Are you not entertained by left-hander Gio Gonzalez of the Washington Nationals? If it's not because of his pitching, it's his personality that makes Gonzalez one of the must-watch, must-listen-to guys in Major League Baseball. The Stew featured Gonzale…Share Tweet
Breakfast links: Redskins add depth at QBGood Thursday morning to you all. Here are some links. Washington Redskins The Redskins signed two quarterbacks Wednesday -- former West Virginia read-option quarterback Pat White, who's been out of football and suing the NFL for the past couple of year…Share Tweet
Carmelo Anthony Has 90 Points In His Last 2 Games; The Best High School Players Show Outdimemag.com Apr 4, 2013After Carmelo Anthony hung 50 points on the Miami Heat, we asked whether he was filming his own "Better Basketball: How To Score From Deep" DVD. And again, last night, we don't think Spike Lee was putting together any "Carmelo Doin' Work" videShare Tweet
Nationals Sweep MarlinsApr 4Jayson Werth hit a three-run home run to lead the Nationals past the Marlins 6-1.
Why Pat White dropped lawsuit against NFLApr 4Jeff Darlington has the latest details on Redskins QB Pat White dropping his concussion lawsuit against the NFL shortly after signing with Washington.


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Controversy in a West Virginia case against duPont, by way of Legal NewsLine: plaintiffs denied at trial that they were after any special rewards not offered to class members in general, then later put in for $50,000 incentive payments. And are incentive payments for plaintiffs a good idea in the first place?
Incentive payments for named plaintiffs
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|Isaac Gorodetski
Project Manager,
Center for Legal Policy at the
Manhattan Institute
|Katherine Lazarski
Press Officer,
Manhattan Institute


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Just because something is natural and plant-based doesn't mean it's necessarily safe. Those who are pregnant, have gallstones, or are susceptible to kidney stones may want to moderate their turmeric consumption.
Prostate Cancer & Organic Milk vs. Almond Milk
Does the hormonal stimulation of human prostate cancer cells by cow milk in a petri dish translate out clinically in studies of human populations?


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by John Brooks
Director of Media Relations and News
The Fulbright Student Program is the flagship international educational exchange program of the U.S. Government. Most of the North Parkers were recipients of English Teaching Assistantships, and one earned a Study/Research Grant, serving in places such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, and Romania. Two are now serving: Karen Kelly is in Andorra and Michelle Wells is in Colombia.
Looking back, the students reflected on how their unique international experiences affected their lives and professional careers, some in unexpected ways. They shared their American experiences with students and colleagues, and learned from new friends about their lives. The experiences tested the North Parkers, helping each learn to stretch their limits. They learned about their likes and dislikes. Some found new paths.
"They called us ambassadors, and I felt like that's what I was," said Laura Johnson, a biology and Spanish major who worked at a Mexican university in Cuernavaca, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, from 2010 to 2011. She taught English to students, and practiced her own Spanish. She met everyday people, learned about Latino culture, and shared her U.S. experiences with them.
Ordinary meetings sometimes produced extraordinary results. For example, Johnson sought treatment for an eye problem from an optometrist in Mexico. After the appointment the doctor said he wanted to practice his English skills. Johnson volunteered to meet with him once a week at a restaurant for coffee. "We spent half the time having conversation in English, and half in Spanish," she said of those meetings. Both learned new vocabulary in each language, and they became friends.
"That's what the Fulbright is all about. It's not about 'isolating' the experience in the university. It's about extending something about you to everyone with whom you come in contact, and looking for opportunities for cross-cultural exchange," Johnson said.
Aaron Nilson was always interested in international subjects, such as world history and languages. Like many of his Fulbright colleagues, he developed a curiosity about people living in other cultures while he was at North Park. He focused on a degree in Spanish and global studies, particularly the politics of Latin America. His Fulbright award landed him at the Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) in São Paulo State, Brazil, where he taught English.
Nilson found at least one creative way to share the American experience with his Brazilian students. He established an American television sitcom group, and showed DVDs of popular series. "The group would watch, and we talked about the different topics each episode explored. The students really liked it," he said. Programs such as the Office and the Simpsons were among the students' favorites, Nilson said.
Rebecca Miller chose Indonesia for the international experience. Her older sister had worked there, but Miller had not been there herself, nor did she have experience living in a majority-Muslim country. From 2008 to 2009, she lived and worked in West Papua, Indonesia. At the YPJ National School in Kuala Kencana, Miller taught English in a secondary school. She also learned that she could reach students effectively through songs and games. The school had an "awesome" extracurricular music program in place, she said, one in which it was commonplace for students to come and play various instruments after school.
The band director and Miller eventually started a pop band of their own. Miller, who earned a music degree from North Park, sang and played electric guitar, and the band performed in town. "We were total rockers," Miller explained. "We wrote songs in English and Indonesian. Singing and songwriting really worked for my students, and it worked for me. I learned songs in Indonesian, and I learned to speak the language."
The Fulbright Program is named for U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, who introduced the legislation that established the program in 1946. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people throughout the world. Some 310,000 participants have been granted opportunities to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and learn. Fulbright students are working in more than 155 countries worldwide. Currently, the Fulbright student program awards about 1,700 grants to U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, or help teach English overseas.
Similarly, the distinctive learning community of North Park prepares students for lives of significance through its Christian, urban, and multicultural mission. Many students study abroad during their undergraduate years, taking the University's mission with them and sharing it. The Fulbright grantees carried a multitude of life experiences with them into new places, where each found unusual opportunities to learn and grow.
North Park's Fulbright student award winners were mentored by Dr. Linda Parkyn, professor of Spanish, and a Fulbright Scholar who taught in Mexico. She is also a recipient of three Fulbright Specialists Program awards to teach abroad.
Karen Kelly earned a bachelor's degree from the University in global studies and French. Her parents are Evangelical Covenant Church missionaries in Mexico City, where she has lived most of her life. Growing up in Mexico, combined with her knowledge of French and Spanish, and the mix of cultures, were motivating factors for Kelly's application to teach English in Andorra, a tiny European country nestled between France and Spain. Residents there speak French, Spanish, and Catalán.
Kelly attended a grade school with representatives of 52 countries. "I've always been around people from all over the world. I was always interested in other cultures and languages, and I had studied abroad and traveled throughout Europe. It is how I continue to learn, and I'm always open to adventures and experiences abroad," she said. When she was a North Park student, Kelly studied abroad in France, was active in the Middle Eastern Student Association, and worked with a refugee family from Somalia through a refugee connection program for students. She also volunteered with Casa Central, a Chicago agency that provides a host of human services primarily to the Hispanic population.
Ruth Blidar earned a degree in history and secondary education from the University. She was born in the United States to Romanian parents, both of whom emigrated to the United States in the 1980s when the country was under communist control. As Blidar learned the Romanian language while growing up, she wanted to teach English as a second language in her parents' home country. Blidar was assigned to teach in the American Studies program at Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania, and in the spring semester, taught at West University of Timisoara, Timis, Romania.
"I thought it would be interesting to spend time overseas after college," Blidar said. Plus, she would be able to use her teaching knowledge in a classroom. She became a student herself, learning what it was like to teach college students. "We worked under professors, and we were given a lot of freedom at the college level. You recognize the responsibility you have. It was pretty stressful, but the experience was also rewarding," Blidar said.
Blidar and others taught courses in human rights in the United States, American studies and civilization, pop culture, and U.S. politics and religion. In fact, the North Park Fulbright grantees said that in the countries where they served, they were often asked about the same subjects.
Riley Clark's experience was different from most. With his University degree in business and Spanish, Clark went to work for a nongovernmental organization that funds strategic activities and innovative projects aimed at conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. After his Fulbright year with the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature in Mexico City, Clark stayed another 18 months to work with the Mesoamerican (MAR) Leadership Program, an environmental fellowship program that boosts conservation capacity in the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion, and focuses attention on coral reef conservation projects. The region includes the western Caribbean Sea bordered by Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
While feeling "unprepared" for his Fulbright experience, Clark made the most of what he had learned at the University. "I was happy to walk into my grant year as an open-minded individual whose passions and interest in Mexican culture had been sparked and guided by professors and experiences at North Park," he said.
After two-and-a-half years in Mexico, Clark returned to the United States. "I learned that Mexico is not the United States," he commented. "In both countries, there's no substitute for hard work and ingenuity. However, business in Mexico centers on relationships. You don't get anything accomplished if you don't connect on a personal level with your peers. This could lead to three-hour business lunches, which some might see as 'unproductive.' Regardless, the message really stuck: relationships motor success—something I've found to be true across borders."
Michael Nelson knew that a Fulbright grant might help him in his career one day. His path to Poland began through an interest in the Polish culture and language he developed through an internship at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago. He had done research on the development of Polish national identity of Poles in the United States. Nelson earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University, and his Fulbright award gave him the opportunity to work in Poland teaching English writing and speaking, and social history, from September 2011 to July 2012.
"Polish history was something new, and something I hadn't studied much. What attracted me was the history as much as contemporary Polish culture," Nelson said. Among his internship projects at the museum was cataloging a 25-foot high stained glass window from the 1939 World's Fair in New York. "The impetus for me to actually apply for a grant and go to Poland came from working in the Polish museum, and a desire to do the kind of work that comes with a Fulbright," he added. Nelson taught students English at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
Several North Park Fulbright grantees felt a continuing connection to the University and Chicago as they lived out their Fulbright years. To these graduates, the Fulbright experience seemed like an extension or continuation of their education at the University. Their unique experiences in international settings continued what they started in Chicago—at the University and in the community—forming a progression of links to the past, present, and future. The sum of these experiences were life-changing, and steered some in directions they couldn't have imagined.
"I got a foundation in international studies at North Park, and the Fulbright has grown my interests," said Michelle Wells, who is teaching English at Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia in Tunja. It was natural for Wells to want to teach somewhere in South America. When she was a North Park student, Wells lived and studied in Argentina and Ecuador. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University in global studies, with concentrations in Latin-American and Africana studies. Her minor was Spanish, and she earned a certificate in nonprofit leadership and management.
Living in and attending college in Chicago's diverse Albany Park neighborhood was influential in Wells's decision to seek assignment in Colombia. "That was four years of my life, and I decided I wanted to continue that abroad," Wells said. "North Park taught me to value people, and to value cultures. Everyday." Early in her tenure in Colombia as an English teacher, Wells had to brush up on some things about her own native language. "For example, when Spanish speakers ask me, 'Is it who or whom?,' I have to think about that. I'm teaching English, and I have to know about my own language and culture!" she said.
Johnson's interest in global affairs began as she grew up in Litchfield, Ill. Her father is a physician who went to medical school in Chicago, and has spent his career in Litchfield. Her interest in medical school, the Spanish language and South America began at age 15 when Johnson saw the movie the Motorcycle Diaries, the story of Che Guevara's 1952 motorcycle expedition across South America.
"I grew up in a tiny town, and I wanted access to the rest of the world," she said. "That movie was the reason I wanted to study Spanish." She also learned that by speaking Spanish, she could gain more access to the neighborhood around North Park. Johnson found a niche at the Albany Park Community Center, where she tutored Spanish-speaking adults studying to prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. "I really fell in love with that, and it became my extracurricular focus in my later years at North Park. It was also a way for me to practice Spanish. They gave much to me in return. That enhanced my desire to apply for the Fulbright award. I wanted to get to know the Mexicans even more. To me, it was always Mexico."
Johnson's neighborhood experience, her formal biology education at North Park, and her Fulbright experience all contributed to her ongoing education. When she returned to the United States in 2011, Johnson said she was more confident in speaking Spanish, confident about cross-cultural communication, and confident as a teacher. She has learned in medical school that it's clearly an advantage for a physician to be able speak to Spanish when talking with many patients, she said.
Blidar saw her Fulbright experience as a practicum phase of her North Park education. For example, in her classes in Romania, she was able to discuss what she learned about the U.S. civil rights movement. "I was trained as a teacher to know how to create lesson plans. It was a way to culminate everything I learned in both my history and education classes, and apply it in a different atmosphere than I would have in the United States," she said.
Nilson believes the experience he had living in another country was a factor that led to his current position with Catholic Charities, where he works with people from all over the world, most of whom speak Spanish. His experience in Brazil was not always easy. Most Brazilians speak Portuguese, and while Nilson's knowledge of Spanish was helpful, it wasn't the same. That made his early months there difficult. "I certainly can empathize and sympathize with the people I work with here in the United States because of that," he said.
Medical school was not originally part of Miller's plan for her life, but her Fulbright experience was influential in directing her vocational path. She worked in Bangalore, India, after she was in Indonesia, and taught at a music school. She also volunteered at a hospital, where she became interested in enrolling in medical school. "I got to work as a teacher, support myself, and do volunteer work at a hospital. That confirmed that I definitely wanted to pursue medicine," she said.
Miller also recalled how she volunteered as an English teacher and tutored people from southeast Asia living in Chicago while she was a North Park student. At Chicago's South-East Asia Center, she learned that people were not shy about learning English through song. She learned even more about their lives when she was a Fulbright teacher in Indonesia. "I had the experience of being 'the other' speaking a language that was not mine. That sensitized me to the experience of 'others' in the United States. It changed the way I see things," Miller said.
Johnson is an enthusiastic supporter of the Fulbright program, emphasizing her appreciation for U.S. taxpayers who supported her and others who had similar opportunities. She learned much from the people whom she calls our "Latino neighbors," who taught her and shared their culture with her. "It was the most formative, enriching experience I've ever had," observed Johnson. "Living abroad is a completely difference experience from being a visitor."
To Clark, living in a foreign country made him realize the richness of the unknown. "Being an outsider can be maddening at times because you can't teach understanding. It comes to you on its own terms. Experiencing the world as I knew it through Mexico's lens, on Mexico's time, taught me to never be satisfied with what I consider to be my horizon," he said.
Others point out the personal lessons of the Fulbright experience. Blidar said her most significant lessons were those she learned about herself, and from the people she met and worked with. Hearing their stories affected her and made her more of a global citizen. "That is what the Fulbright program wants: (for you to be) changed by the culture and the people you visit, and (for you to) share your own culture," she said.
Kelly is learning what it is like to live in Andorra, and do tasks, such as opening a bank account and finding the local post office. "You learn a lot about yourself. In most of the experiences I've had abroad, what I've learned is to just go with the flow and not worry. Just try to do things just as the people here do it," Kelly said.
Along with opportunities for intellectual, professional, and artistic growth, the Fulbright Program creates opportunities to meet and work with people of the host country, sharing daily life as well as professional and creative insights, according to program. "The best way to appreciate others' viewpoints, their beliefs, the way they think and the way they do things, is to interact with them directly on an individual basis—work with them, live with them, teach with them, learn with them and learn from them," read the Fulbright materials. As the North Parkers look back on their Fulbright experiences, they recall special moments that remain with them, the result of living among new friends and colleagues.
Nelson remembers the traditional Polish Christmas he spent with two different groups of friends. For Nilson, it was hosting students from Ohio State University who were visiting Brazil, an empowering moment, he said, as he showed them his Brazilian hometown. Blidar remembers the American-style Thanksgiving potluck she and her students shared in Romania, and the local church where she was an English translator. Miller played rock music in Indonesia and found her life's calling in India. Johnson deepened her relationship with the Latino community, and wants to continue by working with them in medicine in Chicago. Clark has become a passionate advocate for waste reduction, especially plastic waste that deeply affects pristine coral reefs, and he dearly misses his friends and work in Mexico.
Many still keep in touch with the friends and colleagues they met in the places they lived and worked. Some have entertained their international friends when they have visited the United States. All are grateful for the welcome extended to them by their hosts.
Two North Park Fulbright grantees are still acquiring their memories. The Andorrans tell Kelly that they wonder why she chose to live and work in such a small country, then are impressed that she did. Wells spends part of her Saturdays in Tunja working with a nonprofit foundation in lower-income neighborhoods, a community project that all Fulbrighters are expected to do as part of their service. "We teach English to children four to nine years old. It's a nice break from teaching university students," she said.
Kelly and Wells will complete their service in 2013. Kelly sees this year as a chance to learn about being a teacher, and may get a teaching certificate when she returns to the United States. "It's exciting. The long wait and the different things I had to do to prepare for this make it more worthwhile. It seems like I've been in a dream," she said.
Wells is still discerning what the future holds for her. Maybe it's graduate school in international studies. Or teaching English as a second language. Or living abroad.
"This year is about realizing what I can do, and realizing what I want to do," Wells said. She is eager to see what the experience will bring, and what comes next.
"I take my responsibility as the Fulbright Program faculty associate at North Park seriously because of how much I've gained from my own Fulbright experiences."
Dr. Linda Parkyn brings the experience of being a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist to North Park's academic community, and is committed to encouraging students to seek out opportunities offered by the program. Read more about her own experience and commitment to her students.
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Different topics, similar issue
(Published October. 5 2006, 12:22p.m.)
A Millard man built a memorial to Adolf Hitler earlier this year and planned an open house.
That didn't sit well with the Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department-not because of the memorial's subject but because the man invited the masses to a residence not zoned for such an event.
A few weeks ago, the Lake Geneva Chapter of the Lyric Opera of Chicago sent out a news release saying it was planning an event on a private Geneva Lake estate.
The county department took issue with that, too, saying the group also had invited the masses to a residence not zoned for such an event.
The county told Ted Junker, creator of the Hitler memorial, that he couldn't have the public at his house without rezoning or a conditional-use permit. Junker agreed and signed a restraining order deeming the property closed until such permits were in place.
However, he can still entertain invited guests.
The potential for a large number of people on private property-people not personally invited by the owner-can create hazards, said Michael Cotter, county zoning director.
For instance, Junker's property is set behind a cornfield in a wooded area and is accessible only by a single-lane gravel driveway. It does not have adequate parking or sanitary facilities for an open house, and emergency access might be limited, Cotter said.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago wants to hold an event on the large estate of Chicago millionaire Richard H. Driehaus on Saturday. After learning of the event, Cotter met with Driehaus' attorneys to discuss the plans.
"I think (the county) is taking this very seriously. That's why we assembled here," attorney John Clair said Tuesday after a meeting with Cotter.
Attorney Ed Thompson said the Lyric Opera is a nonprofit organization, and the "Songs at Sunset" planned at the Driehaus estate should be allowed because it is a cultural event.
Cotter, who said the event could go on because Driehaus is working with the county toward a resolution, believes proper zoning should be in place before any similar future events.
The opera event and the Hitler memorial open house had subtle differences, Cotter said.
"It's like comparing a red apple to a green apple," he said.
Both had the same flavor in that there were zoning issues, but the opera event did not present the same concerns with parking, sanitation and access for emergency vehicles.
"We will let (the opera event) go on, and they are working with us," Cotter said. "There is no threat to public health, the safety and welfare of the neighborhood and emergency access to the event."
|© 2006 The Week Extra. All rights reserved.


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Is it just my imagination, or are athletes getting more attention for what they're doing off the field than how they perform during games? During the past week, I've heard more about A-Rod, Kobe and George Steinbrenner than I've heard about the three remaining teams in the MLB playoffs or the start of the NBA preseason.
Everyone knows that Alex Rodriguez has been meeting with his agent to decide whether he wants to opt out of his contract, that the Yankees management has yet to decide on Joe Torre's fate and that Kobe might have played his last game for the Lakers.
But how many people outside of Colorado know anything about the Rockies? We know that they've won 20 of their last 21 games and are in the World Series, but that's about it. Who are these players, and how were they able to pull off this amazing postseason run? Perhaps I'm the only one, but I'd much rather know the answers to those questions than where Kobe will be playing six weeks from now.
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Last Posted
Wedding funny reception games: Bride & Groom's kissing game!
Making the bride and groom kiss is one of the greatest loved traditions during the reception. Here we have listed some fantastic and unique ways of making this happen and having a lot of fun!
1. Classic Bells
Small bells can be purchased in bulk or larger bells can be used. Traditionally, these are placed on the tables and through the reception the guests ring the bells. To spice it up, the more bells that ring at the same time the bigger the kiss is. If someone can get everyone to ring all the bells at once watch out! You may want to make up little instruction cards that say, "Ring the bell for a kiss."
2. Truth or Kiss
Divide the guests into groups and have one of the bridal party instruct them to ask the bride and groom a question. The bride and groom can choose to answer or they can kiss.
*** Q and A ***
Make up questions about the bride and groom, some easy some hard, and place them into a box or basket. Also, give each table a bell or noisemaker. Have someone from the wedding party pull out a random question and the first table to ring in has to answer it correctly in order to get the bride and groom to kiss.
3. Basket Kiss
As the guests arrive, they enter their names into a container. As the reception progresses, a name is called out every 5 to 10 min. The guest comes forward and tries to toss an object into a basket, hoop, or other container placed on the floor. You can also have the bride and groom hold the container and try to avoid or catch the object being tossed. If you don't know what to have the guests toss into the basket, ask them to use change from their purse!
4. Copy Kiss
This is a simple idea that can get pretty interesting. The person or couple that wants to make the bride and groom kiss has to kiss someone first! Then the bride and groom have to try to copy their kiss.
5. Sing for a Kiss
Tables have to come up with a song that includes a specific word. These words can be placed on the table. You can use words like: love, wedding, vows or you can use words that describe the bride and groom. The guests at that table have to stand up and sing the song to get the bride and groom to kiss.
Source: helium.com


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Jeremy Pargo goes inside the 76ers' Kwame Brown for a shot in the second quarter Wednesday in Cleveland. Pargo scored 28 points and the Cavs won 92-83 to end a six-game losing streak. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
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Whittam, Williams End Middlebury's Season
from press release
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The Men's Lacrosse Team (10-6, 6-4) defeated Middlebury College (8-8, 6-4) 13-9 in today's first round of the NESCAC Tournament. Dan Whittam contributed with 13 saves, while Jack Lauroesch had three goals and two assists. Though the Panthers' season has come to a close, the Ephs are gaining momentum that will help them excel in next weekend's semi-final round.
The two teams had squared off only three days earlier, in Wednesday's contest at Middlebury. It was the last regularly scheduled contest before postseason play was to begin, and it had a crucial role in ranking the NESCAC squads.
Williams clinched Wednesday's win on the road with a score of 9-7, though on paper the teams were closely matched. Today, the stakes were raised. Williams had the home field advantage, and Middlebury arrived hungry for revenge.
Williams made a statement immediately, winning the initial face off and gaining offensive control. After only 1:05 of play, Steven Kiesel netted that critical first goal. Jack Lauroesch followed up a few minutes later, and with 12:10 remaining in the quarter, the Ephs had a 2-0 lead.
Panther Tim Giarrusso scored an unassisted goal moments later, following a ground ball pickup in the midfield. This would be the team's only point for the remainder of the first half.
The goal disrupted the Ephs' momentum. They received a penalty moments later, and struggled to regain possession. Middlebury would fire off several shots, only to miss the cage or get deflected by Whittam.
Williams called a timeout with 10:05 remaining, hoping to regroup. After a few more minutes of play, Jack Lauroesch found the back of the net once more. The 3-1 lead startled the opposing Panthers, who collected back-to-back penalties for rough play before the quarter wrapped.
Williams was on a roll in the second quarter, tallying two goals in the first five minutes. The Ephs' defense was extremely solid, slowing the Panthers' momentum with a number of forced turnovers. They also executed many successful clears, creating opportunities for their teammates on attack.
The Ephs took several shots before a pair of first-years tallied the next point. Thomas Fowler assisted Michael Fahey with only 19 seconds remaining. At the half, Williams had a comfortable 6-1 lead.
With a team as strong as Middlebury, Williams knew that letting their guard down would be a mistake. So when the Panthers scored two early goals in the third quarter, they stepped up their game, and tallied two more of their own, including Lauroesch's second of the day.
Though they won the next face off, Williams lost possession again, and Middlebury assumed offensive control for a number of minutes. A series of unsuccessful offensive plays eventually yielded another goal for the Panthers' Tim Giarrusso.
Prolific scorer Tanner MacIvor collected a teammate's rebound to net the final goal of the third quarter. It was 9-4 with 4:06 remaining.
Dan Whittam was tested for the final minutes leading up to the fourth quarter, but made a number of important saves.
The fourth quarter was a battle, with each team constantly trading goals. Middlebury made it clear that they were not giving in. They outscored the Ephs 5 to 4 in that quarter, but it was not enough to come back.
Jon Broome scored Middlebury's fifth goal less than 30 seconds into the quarter, taking advantage of a man-up situation.
Almost immediately, Eph Joe Kinney found the back of the net. Minutes later, Conor Roddy followed Kinney's lead.
The rest of the fourth quarter was just as active offensively, with each team fighting to score. Both Gaudio and Whittam saw a lot of action in the final minutes, and both keepers stepped up nicely.
Middlebury went on a three-goal run, including a second for Broome and a third for Giarusso. With the score at 12-9, the Ephs knew that they needed to hang on to their lead. Each side got increasingly physical as tension heightened.
Williams called a time out with 10 seconds remaining in the game, though their fate was clear. Michael Fahey snuck in a thirteenth goal two seconds before time expired. After a long, fierce battle, the Ephs were victorious.
"The offense really stepped up today, and the defense followed," Coach McCormack explained. "Even when Middlebury started to make a comeback, we hung in there. I'm proud of the way we played."
Despite leading for the entire game, the Ephs tallied fewer ground balls and won fewer face offs than their opponents. They outshot the Panthers 44 to 40, and had 6 less turnovers. Whittam made a significant difference with 13 saves to Gaudio's 8. As with most NESCAC contests, today's was extremely competitive.
The Ephs, ranked #4, are looking forward to playing #1 Tufts next weekend. They upset the Jumbos earlier this season.
"The guys are looking forward to being a part of championship weekend, and spending at least another week together," Coach McCormack commented.
Williams will spend this week preparing for their game against Tufts this Saturday, May 3.
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Undergraduate Magazine: Exploring the Watery Depths
Spurred on by a Discovery Channel special, Eugene Randle came to UA to pursue a second career in archaeology – and a lifelong passion for the mysteries of human history that life beyond the water's edge.
By Adam Buettner
Fall 2013
In a way, Blackbeard can take credit for Eugene Randle's current state of affairs.
An anthropology major and McNair Scholar, Randle, 47, recently completed his senior research project, "Sunken Treasure in the Deep South," in which he studied many of the sophisticated instruments used in marine archaeology excavations.
Randle focused his study on using those instruments on tornado wreckage in Alabama's Black Warrior River. The instruments studied were the same as those used by the archaeologists who excavated Blackbeard's ship off the coast of North Carolina. The connection? It was this particular pirate ship excavation that inspired Randle to enroll at The University of Alabama and mold his lifelong fascinations with archaeology and the ocean into a career.
"I really wasn't even aware there was such a field until a few years ago," Randle said. "It's more of an evolving passion."
Born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Randle had ample time and resources to pursue his aquatic obsessions. One of the more influential catalysts was his father, who captained a sea-going dredge charged with cleaning the harbors throughout the tropical archipelago.
"You never knew what would turn up in that sand – fossilized shark teeth, interesting shells, artifacts from the shipping in the area, pieces of brightly colored coral, anything that could be found on the bottom of the ocean would be pumped into the barge if you just watched long enough," he said.
He also was fascinated by the boats in the harbors of his youth, from dinghies to freighters.
"Water, boats and fishing have always been my passion," he said. "I've had a boat ever since I was big enough to drag one up onto the bank and a fishing rod ever since I was strong enough to hold one."
This childhood curiosity would also inspire Randle's archaeological pursuits. He owns a large collection of artifacts he unearthed while working in the construction industry for 20 years.
"I first became interested in archaeology when I was 7," he said. "I found a projectile point – a pointed stone tool – on the bank of the Coosa River while fishing with my grandfather. I've been keenly interested in antiquities and archaeology ever since."
His passion for underwater archaeology rekindled after he watched a Discovery Channel special in which archaeologists explored Blackbeard's sunken ship.
"I was with a friend, and I asked him, 'How do you get that job?'" he recalls. "To which he replied, 'I don't know – figure it out.'"
Randle became immersed in childhood memories and archaeological fantasies. The Discovery Channel special invaded his every thought. Incessant though they were, the incursions were a welcomed nuisance. So Randle decided to act on the blatant nautical calling. Exploring his options, he applied for and received a research- oriented McNair scholarship and enrolled at UA in 2009 to pursue a degree in anthropology with a focus in archaeology.
In 2011, Randle received the opportunity to create his own version of the Blackbeard excavation. Overseeing his research project was Dr. Cameron Lacquement, UA instructor of anthropology.
"Randle's study is groundbreaking in the sense that not many other archaeologists have examined such a recent underwater site affected by a severe weather event," Lacquement said. "The site is essentially a blueprint for how marine-based material culture sinks during a tornado. Such information could be useful in creating new methods for preventing boats, docks and other marina debris from sinking during high-wind storms."
Following graduation, Randle said he would like to earn a master's degree in geology, which would complement his archaeology interests, and then, perhaps, a doctorate in archaeology. But, his passion remains in the mysteries of human history that lie beneath the sea.
"I always tell people I'm going to find Atlantis someday," Randle said.


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Melancholia (House Mix)
Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Sep 19, 2010 | 7:51 PM EDT
- File Info
- Song
- 4 min 20 sec
- Score
- 4.45 / 5.00
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Licensing Terms
You may not use this work for commercial purposes without making specific arrangements with the artist.
- Score:
- Rated 4.45 / 5 stars
- Plays & Downloads:
- 8,433 Plays | 1,048 Downloads
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- Genres:
- Electronic - House
- None
Author Comments
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Smooth and Silky
The transition between the drum line and into the tones is very nice, In and out. just like your in a rave! Hit it and Quit it!
Haha, would have also taken mellow yellow.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
I like it!
Very soothing to the ears
I'm not a huge house fan but this is great!
Yes, neophytes :)
Rated 5 / 5 stars
very nice man
what did you use to make the synths?
Haha, thanks. It's sylenth all the way.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Damn dude...
This song has an awesome beat. It's so smooth and mellow. Definetly downloaded.
And now this song has an awesome review haha.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Thanks for sending this to me. I checked it out a while back, but couldn't get away from it (its so addictive), so I had to review. Really loved that violin. It fit in perfectly.
Thanks. Glad you liked it. Hope to hear from you soon.


text:
Happy Holiday
Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Aug 8, 2012 | 11:28 AM EDT
- File Info
- Song
- 3 min 7 sec
- Score
- 3.96 / 5.00
Related Content
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Licensing Terms
You may not use this work for commercial purposes without making specific arrangements with the artist.
- Score:
- Rated 3.96 / 5 stars
- Plays & Downloads:
- 1,895 Plays | 146 Downloads
- Share Links:
- Genres:
- Electronic - Techno
- None
Author Comments
Rated 5 / 5 stars
really nice bro :) Instantly makes me wanna smile :D
Please check out my sounds too :)
thanks man and i will surtainly do :D
Rated 5 / 5 stars
makes you smile instantly :D
the effect at teh start is nicely done.
your melody all in all is really happy/upbeat.
and i love the bass sound you used.
That's why it's called Happy Holiday. But i'm glad u love it :D
Rated 5 / 5 stars
best music on newgrounds
wow really tanks :D
Rated 5 / 5 stars
great music
Rated 4.5 / 5 stars
Song has a really nice rhythm to it that seems to make one feel happy. I can see where the tune would be rather fitting to play around the holidays possibly at a party. That or it could fit in a level of a game where the protagonist has to be bothered to look at several bizarre creatures and save the holidays from something.
The main synth sounds rather on the high end of notes for a cheerier feel. I imagine it could be gloomier sounding if the notes were set to sound much deeper. The quirky buzz like sound I hear phasing in and out in the background sounds pretty good for the song.
The bass sounds like it goes up a couple of notes and then goes back to the first note, repeats a couple of times and keeps going up. I can see how it would help give an uplifting feel to the song. The rhythm of the drums also sounds good.
Overall, great work.


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Mark of the Ninja [REVIEW]: A 2D Stealth Game That's Fair… And Quite Good
I don't tend to play a lot of stealth games. In real life, I'm a pretty impatient person, and in video games, I'm even worse. And when I do play stealth games, I tend to play them in ways they aren't designed—Sam Fisher was pretty mad at me for how many people I was killing out in the open in Splinter Cell: Conviction.
Mark of the Ninja is a different stealth game, however. For starters, it's in 2D, which means you play by going left or right or up and down across one plane of view. While at first it sounds like this wouldn't even work, not only does it, but for the first time ever, I feel like I played a stealth game that was fair.
I never felt the AI was cheating. I could see the sound my feet made when I ran because circles engulfed my character—if one of those circles reached a guard, they could hear me. I would know whether or not they saw me, if the triangle emulating from their eyes was in view of me. I could even tell if dogs smelled me if the circles coming from around their body ever encompassed me.
Mark of the Ninja is a stealth game that is not only fair, but almost seems designed for terrible stealth players such as myself.
Because for a ninja… in close combat, you kind of suck. Then again, most of the time, you're going up against pretty heavy weaponry.
The plot of the game is revenge. (Of course.) And then, kind of revenge again. I won't spoil the ending, but the vast majority of the game has you seeking revenge on bad guys who attacked you. The overall look of the game remains the same, even as the settings change. The animated cut scenes kind of look like animation from Who Framed Roger Rabbit—if there was more blood. A lot more blood.
Make no mistake: while you can play the entire game without killing anyone, if you don't do that, there's a lot of blood and violence. The close-up kills when you perform assassinations are smooth, fluid and always varied. Just make sure you hide the body afterwards. (Unless you need to drag it to turn off a laser.)
The developers of Mark of Ninja, Klei Entertainment, do a fantastic job of teaching the player the various tools and weapons at your disposal throughout the game. But eventually, they let go and let you approach each waypoint/mission objective (with a very helpful map you can always access) the way you want to. The guards change, the booby-traps become harder to fool and you'll even lose your weapon at one point—but it's ok, they've been teaching you the whole game how to play the way you want to.
You can even eventually add new power-ups and tactics. I tended to go for the ones that increased my health and ability to run more quietly, as well as kill from behind objects, but that represented barely a quarter of all those available. (If you want them all, you'll need to play New Game Plus.)
By the end of the game however, I was climbing, running or teleporting because the bad guys became that difficult. But again—I'm pretty impatient of a player.
The storyline resolves itself quite nicely and the game, at about four or five hours, never felt too long or too short. It felt about right. Even though there was a "choice" in the finale, it unfortunately had no other ramifications other than what I'll have to assume was a slightly different cut scene.
That anomaly aside, this easily is my favorite XBLA game of the summer—well, now technically the fall. An engaging storyline, near pitch perfect gameplay mechanics and plenty of choices in how you make the approach, make Mark of the Ninja a must download… even for those impatient, non-stealth fans like me.
It's only fair you give this game a shot.
You can learn more about Mark of the Ninja at http://biy.ly/xboxninja and purchase it for your XBOX for 1200 Microsoft Points.
* Full disclosure: A free copy of the game was provided for download to the reviewer by Klei Entertainment. *