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Monthly Archives: July 2012
Cardinal George on "Chicago Values"
Francis Cardinal George of the Archdiocese of Chicago is alleged to have predicted that for upholding the teachings of Christ he will die in his bed, his successor will die in a prison cell, and his successor will be executed in a public square in Chicago. Therefore, I am unsurprised that he has written an open letter exploring the "Chicago Values" cited by Mayor Emanuel when he decided to attack the free speech rights of Chick-Fil-A:
Recent comments by those who administer our city seem to assume that the city government can decide for everyone what are the "values" that must be held by citizens of Chicago. I was born and raised here, and my understanding of being a Chicagoan never included submitting my value system to the government for approval. Must those whose personal values do not conform to those of the government of the day move from the city? Is the City Council going to set up a "Council Committee on Un-Chicagoan Activities" and call those of us who are suspect to appear before it? I would have argued a few days ago that I believe such a move is, if I can borrow a phrase, "un-Chicagoan."
The value in question is espousal of "gender-free marriage." Approval of state-sponsored homosexual unions has very quickly become a litmus test for bigotry; and espousing the understanding of marriage that has prevailed among all peoples throughout human history is now, supposedly, outside the American consensus. Are Americans so exceptional that we are free to define "marriage" (or other institutions we did not invent) at will? What are we re-defining?
It might be good to put aside any religious teaching and any state laws and start from scratch, from nature itself, when talking about marriage. Marriage existed before Christ called together his first disciples two thousand years ago and well before the United States of America was formed two hundred and thirty six years ago. Neither Church nor state invented marriage, and neither can change its nature.
Marriage exists because human nature comes in two complementary sexes: male and female. The sexual union of a man and woman is called the marital act because the two become physically one in a way that is impossible between two men or two women. Whatever a homosexual union might be or represent, it is not physically marital. Gender is inextricably bound up with physical sexual identity; and "gender-free marriage" is a contradiction in terms, like a square circle. Continue reading
Milton Friedman on the Loss of Freedom
His one hundredth birthday is a good time to view the above video by Milton Friedman on the loss of freedom. Dead since 2006, Friedman's words ring as true in 2012 as they did in 1980 when the video was taped, as to how our freedom is frittered away in ever greater reliance on an ever more powerful State.
Walesa Endorses Romney
Faithful readers of The American Catholic will recall the incident, recounted here, when President Obama chose to snub Lech Walesa, the near legendary former President of Poland, who, as the leader of Solidarity, along with Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan, sounded the death knell of European Communism, as being "too political". Yesterday Walesa got "too political" again:
Two months ago, President Obama's team refused to host former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Lech Walesa at the White House, claiming that he was too "political" to participate in the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony.
Today, Walesa — an anti-Communist freedom fighter — got political. "Gov. Romney, get your success, be successful!" Walesa said in Poland during a meeting with the former governor. "Poland and many other countries will certainly do their best for the United States to restore its leadership position. And after our conversation, I'm quite confident that you will be successful in doing that," The Washington Post quoted him as saying.
The endorsement comes two months after Obama refused to host Walesa at the White House. The Polish government had requested that Walesa receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom that was posthumously awarded to Jan Karski, who served in the Polish Underground during World War II. Continue reading
These Hands: Ohio
The Romney campaign is now releasing regional ads attacking President Obama's remarks regarding businesses. Obama gave Romney a huge gift by letting his mask drop briefly and revealing his true contempt for the private sector, and the Romney campaign is taking full advantage of it. The unguarded moments of a candidate, when he gives voice to his true feelings, can make or break him. I'd place these remarks of Obama in the break category.
Dear Pro-Choice NYer, You Got What You Asked For
Dear Pro-Choice NYer,
You wanted to do whatever you wanted to do with your body, and then claim you had a right to kill your own children when you conceived them because it was just so unfair for anyone to expect you to let a child ever use you against your will. You said you needed your choices, and you needed them without judgement or criticism. You tossed God's law aside and said that your rights come from man's law, and that worked for you as long as you thought you were getting your way. Motherhood be damned.
When the New York City abortion rate was reported (God only knows what it really is) to be 41%, meaning that nearly 2 in 5 pregnancies end in abortion, you didn't even wince. You were proud those women were exercising their so-called right to choose even when the city health officials made condescending excuses that the high rate was due to the "ignorance" and "ambivalence" of women who hadn't been indoctrinated in the methods of birth control, or who were too stupid and poor to chose stable relationships.
Even decades ago when your feminist and pro-choice philosophies collided over sex-selective abortion right in your own city, you quieted the voice in your head that was screaming, "No. STOP! You should not," because you feared that making moral judgments would take away the high and mighty right for you to profit from the ambivalent under the guise of caring about women. In a mind-seering display of mental gymnastics you sought to rephrase the question by separating the chooser from the choice, so that you could justify killing girls in the womb even as you condemned misogyny.
Let me tell you something: Truth does not condescend the human person, male or female of any age, nor does it contradict itself. That should have been warning enough, but you were too blinded by the tenets of the reproductive rights movement and the power you thought it gave you.
And now, the man you trusted to guard your pseudo-freedom in New York City has decided to dictate to new mothers how they will feed their own babies. Starting September 3, Mayor Bloomberg will enforce what is being called "the most restrictive pro-breast-milk program in the nation" which requires formula to be locked up and rationed out only if medical professionals can submit a medical reason for needing it. If the mother gets the formula from the state, she also gets a lecture. Why? It seems the people in power don't really think women can make good choices for themselves or their children, especially the women who give birth.
Sure some of you will support this anti-choice program and justify it based on some feigned concern for the health of newborn babies. Some of you will speak out against it because you see it for the over-imposition of government into private lives that it is. However, I predict that not a single one of you will see the monumental contradiction before you once again.
Like happy and willing slaves, you conceded all your rights to the decisions of the people in power, and now they are dictating that those in charge do what you've been fighting against your whole lives – force a woman to let her child use her body. You may justify it as some caring act on the part of the government, but that's nonsense. Governments don't care for people; people care for people, and you've been advocating for generations that the most extreme bond between the have's and the have not's – the bond between mothers and their children – is meaningless unless the individual mother chooses to care for the greedy little thing.
Some people are calling your Mayor Bloomberg a nanny for turning NYC into a nanny-state, but at least nannies care for individual children. I hate to break it to you, Pro-Choice NYer, but you aren't a child and Mayor Bloomberg and his officials don't care for you (or the children you decide are worthy of life) individually. This isn't about caring; it's about control. It's Marxism.
This is social materialism, utilitarian ideology about the worth of a human person in the big chemical equation of society. Feeding people taxes the system, just as pregnancy taxes a woman's body. If it were about caring for the babies, there wouldn't also exist a law that allowed late-term abortion past the point of viability. There wouldn't be a law allowing any unborn child to be killed. The same child the state says must be breastfed for it's health could have been killed the trimester, the month, the week, the day, and the minute before birth with impunity. Wake up! The same people are also busy telling you what you can and cannot eat or drink. They don't really think you can be trusted to chose wisely for yourself; they see you as objects to be managed.
As pro-life people have said for as long as they've needed to use that title, if you promote that one group of humans can treat another dependent group like individual blobs of mindless tissue, don't be surprised if the day comes when it's your turn to be grouped as such too. You got what you asked for. Welcome to the world of your choices.
If you want to fix it, start by reaffirming unconditional love between mother and child, and by defending the primary and natural rights of the family.
Catholic capitalists opposing Obamacare: A "leaven at work in the world"…
Thank goodness the federal government has made it possible for all of those capitalists entrepreneurs to succeed.
For example, consider William E. Newland who founded Hercules Industries (HI) in 1962 as a family owned and operated heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning business in Colorado.
Five decades later, William, Paul, and James Newland, along with their sister, Christine Ketterhagen, own HI which boasts 265 employees.
More important than all of that success—that's due, as President Obama reecently reminded the nation, to the federal government's largess—CNSNews.com reports that the Newlands are Roman Catholic. Better yet, HI offers its employees a self-insurance plan, providing generous healthcare coverage that's consistent with Church moral teaching. That is, the plan doesn't cover sterilizations, artificial contraceptives, or abortifacients.
And, because of that, HI now finds itself in the crosshairs of legal jeopardy…all due to the federal government.
HI must comply by August 1, 2012, with the mandate issued by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in February 2012 which requires businesses having more than 50 employees to provide health insurance to their employees—including free sterilizations, artificial contraceptives, and abortafacients—or pay a penalty.
With 265 employees, HI will have to pay the federal government $26.5k/day if HI doesn't comply with the Sebelius mandate and provided insurance to its employees anyway. The annual cost to HI will be ~$9.7M.
Much to their credit, the Newlands aren't taking this matter sitting down and have decided not to comply. Instead, they've filed a lawsuit, Newlands v. Sebelius et al., alleging that they can't comply with the mandate without violating their religious faith. The lawsuit states:
The Newlands sincerely believe that the Catholic faith does not allow them to violate Catholic religious and moral teachings in their decisions operating Hercules Industries.
The Newlands believe that according to the Catholic faith, their operation of Hercules Industries must be guided by ethical social principles and Catholic religious and moral teachings, that the adherence of their business practice according to such Catholic ethics and religious and moral teachings is a genuine calling from God, that their Catholic faith prohibits them to sever their religious beliefs from their daily business practice, and that their Catholic faith requires them to integrate the gifts of the spiritual life, the virtues, morals, and ethical social principles of Catholic teaching into their life and work.
The Catholic Church teaches that abortafacient drugs, contraception and sterilization are intrinsic evils. As a matter of religious faith the Newlands believe that those Catholic teachings are among the religious ethical teachings they must follow throughout their lives including in their business practice.
Don't think for one moment that the Obama administration is going to have any of that!
The Justice Department responded by making a formal filing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The filing states:
Here, plaintiffs have not sufficiently alleged that the preventive services coverage regulations substantially burden their religious exercise. Hercules Industries, Inc., is not a religious employer; it is "an HVAC manufacturer."
The First Amendment Complaint does not allege that the company is affiliated with a formally religious entity such as a church. Nor does it allege that the company employs persons of a particular faith. In short, Hercules Industries is plainly a for-profit, secular employer.
By definition, a secular employer does not engage in any "exercise of religion."
Hercules Industries has "made no showing of a religious belief which requires that [it] engage in the [HVAC] business." Any burden is therefore caused by the company's choice to enter into a commercial activity.
Of course, skeptics and cynics will see in the Newlands' fidelity to Church teaching a bunch of greedy capitalists responding to a profit motive. The Newlands' simply want to keep their healthcare expenses down in order to increase HI's profit.
Others are defending the Newlands and HI on the grounds of freedom of religious expression and speech, arguing that the Obama administration is forcing the Newlands to chose between exercising freedom of religion and speech or shuttering HI.
For example, the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing the Newlands, responded to the Justice Department's brief:
[T]o the extent the government is arguing that its mandate does not really burden the Newlands because they are free to abandon their jobs, their livelihoods, and their property so that others can take over Hercules and comply, this expulsion from business would be an extreme form of government burden.
The Motley Monk wants to point instead to the Newlands' fidelity to Church teaching. These are the Catholics who take seriously the challenge that the Second Vatican Council issued to the laity. They are to be a "leaven at work in the world."
Today, the forces of this world—embodied in the Sebelieus mandate (the demonic irony being that Ms. Sebelius is Catholic)—are presenting the Newlands a "choice" that's actually "no choice" at all:
- They can shut down HI and add 265 new individuals to the unemployment lines.
- They can sell HI and let the buyers do what they want.
- They can stop providing health insurance through HI, but HI employees will only be able to purchase healthcare insurance that covers artificial contraception, sterilizations, and abortafacients. (The premiums then help pay for those "services" and HI would be required to pay a penalty to the government of ~$2k/year/employee that HI did not insure.)
- They can ignore the Sebelius mandate and continue to provide HI employees healthcare insurance that doesn't provide "free" coverage for artificial birth control, sterilizations, and abortafacients. (That's when the federal government will use those 50k new IRS agents to come in and require HI to pay those confiscatory penalties.)
"Witness"—being a leaven at work in the world or, in a previous era, "martyrdom"—never presents a good option.
In this era, it requires Catholics—following the lead of the Newlands as they operate HI—to stand up for the moral teachings of their faith. In this way, they demonstrate their love of God and neighbor as a leaven at work in the world.
To read the CNSNews story, click on the following link:
To read The Motley Monk's daily blog, click on the following link:
Religious Freedom and the Forces of Tolerance
I have long thought it axiomatic that in our contemporary society the most smugly intolerant individuals tend to be on the political left. Ross Douthat has apparently noticed that also, and in his most recent column lays out what that means for religious freedom:
To the extent that the H.H.S. mandate, the Cologne ruling and the Chick-fil-A controversy reflect a common logic rather than a shared confusion, then, it's a logic that regards Western monotheism's ideas about human sexuality — all that chastity, monogamy, male-female business — as similarly incompatible with basic modern freedoms.
Like a belief that the gods want human sacrifice, these ideas are permissible if held in private. But they cannot be exercised in ways that might deny, say, employer-provided sterilizations to people who really don't want kids. Nor can they be exercised to deny one's offspring the kind of sexual gratification that anti-circumcision advocates claim the procedure makes impossible. They certainly cannot be exercised in ways that might make anyone uncomfortable with his or her own sexual choices or identity.
It may seem strange that anyone could look around the pornography-saturated, fertility-challenged, family-breakdown-plagued West and see a society menaced by a repressive puritanism. But it's clear that this perspective is widely and sincerely held.
It would be refreshing, though, if it were expressed honestly, without the "of course we respect religious freedom" facade.
If you want to fine Catholic hospitals for following Catholic teaching, or prevent Jewish parents from circumcising their sons, or ban Chick-fil-A in Boston, then don't tell religious people that you respect our freedoms. Say what you really think: that the exercise of our religion threatens all that's good and decent, and that you're going to use the levers of power to bend us to your will.
There, didn't that feel better? Now we can get on with the fight. Continue reading
Father Wilson Miscamble: The Myth of the Supply Problem
Father Wilson Miscamble, not content to stir the pot by defending Truman in regard to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in the above video attacks the myth that there is a shortage of able Catholic scholars to fill academic positions at Notre Dame and other Catholic colleges and universities. This speech I assume was given as a response to this resolution of the Notre Dame faculty senate on April 9, 2012: The University should not compromise its academic aspirations in its efforts to maintain its Catholic identity.
The Sycamore Trust, a group seeking to preserve the Catholic identity of Notre Dame, and which sponsored the speech of Father Miscamble, has published this charming rant from an unnamed Notre Dame professor in response to criticisms that a Notre Dame department has listed pro-abort organizations as potential employers of Notre Dame interns: Continue reading
It Worked?
Absolutely devastating.
Can You Smell the Panic?
Well this is interesting. In the video above meet "Jenni" who is alarmed that Mitt Romney might take away her precious right to slay her offspring. This of course goes along with the War on Women meme pushed by Obama, and also the condescending view of women taken by Team Obama, portraying women as helpless waifs, think "Julia", unless Big Daddy Government takes them by the hand and leads them through life. Continue reading
Chariots of Fire
Something for the weekend. Chariots of Fire. I have never had much interest in sport, and I doubt if I will be watching much of the Olympics. However I did greatly enjoy the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which told the stories of two of the British runners in the 1924 Olympics, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. If the film had focused solely on their prowess as athletes, I doubt if I would have bothered watching it. Instead, the film is primarily about religion. Abrahams, a Jew, looks upon his running as part of his life long battle to show his fellow countrymen that he was just as British as they were. Liddell, the son of Scottish Evangelical missionaries in China, has spent most of his life in China. He is a pure Scot, but his religion, which is his core, sets him apart from his society, as this reading from Isaiah in the film, dramatically demonstrates:
Fast Friday
That's "fast" like "quick," not "fast" like, well, "fasting." I do go meatless, but that's entirely beside the point. The idea is things to make when the weak week is ending and I'm longing for a stiff drink ready for the weekend. Maybe I'll make a tradition of it, we'll see.
Expect it to be thrifty, too, because I'm cheap like that.
Safeway has some lovely "party sized" dinners that I got because… well, they were about 25% off, and I'm lazy sleep deprived, and I love both lasagnas (five cheese and meat, respectively) and orange chicken. Grabbed the cannelloni because it sounded like something to try.
Thus far:
$7 for five to ten servings. Usually ten bucks plus tax. Easily two evening's dinner for us with the toddlers, plus a generous packed lunch.
Cooking time is a bit on the low side—by which I mean you'll want to set it for the low timer, check it, and then let it go to the high suggested cooking time.
The cannelloni was… er… well, TrueBlue says it didn't taste right. It tasted like salsa made of green peppers mixed with basic pasta and a good white cheese sauce to me. Kept its form very well.
The cheese lasagna is WONDERFUL. How good is it? My husband willingly ate it when I wasn't cooking only non-carne meals. This is the guy that complains there's not enough meat in his steak and potatoes….
The meat lasagna is good; not great, but better than I could make, and probably less expensive. The meat seems to be rather spicy sausage, but not bad at all. (Note, this is not to be interpreted as "spicy" or "hot" by the measure of most folks; more along the lines of mild-to-medium salsa. Yes, I'm a wimp.)
Haven't tried the Orange Chicken yet, we'll see.
(update: fixed the name of the not-very-good baked dish; I blame that line from the Godfather movies)
July, Springfield and Lincoln
On Wednesday my family and I made our annual trip to Springfield to see the Lincoln sites and pray at Lincoln's tomb for the repose of the souls of Lincoln and his family. A few observations:
1. Heat: The phrase hotter than blazes is trite but it was very descriptive for the triple digit day. Walking outside was a trying experience with the heat and humidity. Illinois is usually green and lush this time of year, the towns and cities of Central Illinois being isolated islands in an endless green sea of corn and soybeans. Due to the drought, much of Illinois looks yellow and dead, with most crops under severe stress. Not good.
2. Time is a River: One of the reasons why I enjoy annual rituals like the drive to Springfield to see the Lincoln sites, is that they are a good way to mark the passage of time. My wife and I began our trips when we were mid-twenties newly weds. This year our sons will be 21 in September, and our son Donald will be starting his junior year at the University of Illinois. Our "baby-girl" will be a senior in high school this year, and we are in the midst of the college search with her. Fortunately, my bride and I are not getting any older, or such reflections might take a turn to the melancholic! 🙂
3. Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation: This year is the 150th year of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. As in past years what moved me most at the Lincoln Museum was an exhibit showing Lincoln standing at his desk staring at a draft of the Proclamation, as shadows behind him representing historical figures give him contradictory advice: predicting doom or salvation for the Union if the Emancipation Proclamation is issued. I have never seen anything which so neatly encapsulates the loneliness of someone making a huge decision for his nation.
4. Assassination: Each year I spot something new at the museum. In the room which represents the laying in state of Lincoln's coffin, I spotted this inscription on the top of the ceiling of this room, a quotation from a Lincoln speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on February 22, 1861: But if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it. Continue reading
Negativity About Negativity
We're roughly 4,231 months into the 2012 presidential campaign, or so it seems. Even if you live in a very secure red or blue state (like me), you've probably already been subjected to an endless barrage of television ads if you live within about 300 miles of a swing state. And if you live in Richmond, the capital of the battleground state of Virginia, some 4,504 ads have already run (this one's not an exaggeration), and exactly zero of them have been positive. That's right, 4,504 out of the 4,504 ads run thus far in the market have been attack ads.
Such information usually inspires people to bellyache about negative campaigning. For instance, this past weekend I talked to my relatively apolitical brother, who said that a politician would instantly become a mass favorite by just being the first guy to run a positive campaign detailing what he was going to do, and forgoing the attacks on his opponent. I just smiled, nodded, and kept smoking the cigar he had generously given me.
I find the criticism of negative campaigning to be overwrought for three reasons. First of all, as Jim Geraghty mentions, they are simply more effective than positive ads. As he says, "if positive ads worked, campaigns would use them more frequently." People like to complain about them, but attack ads do have an impact. I don't know if we can accurately measure how persuasive they are, but campaigns would stop running them if they had any indication that they were ineffective.
Second, are "positive" ads any more bearable? No thirty second television spot is going to convey a tremendous amount of information. While we might roll our eyes as soon as the ominous music rolls while some low-voiced narrator explains why Mitt Romney likes to torture small animals and wants your grandmother to die in the street, the fluffy "Hi, I'm Joe McGenericcandidate, and I like puppies" ads are somehow even worse. Nine times out of ten, positive ads are nothing more than the candidate or his surrogates spouting generic nonsense that conveys almost no substantive information. Moreover, in a culture where people increasingly watch television shows through their DVRs specifically so that they can skip the commercials, we generally find all ads to be annoying. So who cares whether the tone of the political advertisement is positive or negative – they're all equally insufferable. At least the negative ads are more likely to be somewhat funny and entertaining.
Finally, any person who bases their vote even partly due to political advertising should be banned from the polling booth. The first thing that should happen when a registered voter appears at the judges table – after flashing photographic identification – is them being asked if they only decided their vote after watching a thirty second television advertisement. If they answer yes, or if they answer no but it's clear that they're lying – and we can get people there who can tell when people are lying to them – then they should be politely escorted out of the building. If after several decades of campaigning you still can't decide who to vote for, and you finally just wave your arms and say "I guess I'll vote for the guy who says the other guy wants to murder my children in their sleep," then you really should have no right to vote. I wouldn't feel much better about this voter if he instead said "I guess I'll vote for the guy who promises abortions for some and miniature American flags for everyone else." Political advertising is geared towards dumb people and the politically ignorant (not a mutually exclusive group, necessarily). I really don't care if the message being conveyed to them is negative or positive. The fact that any political advertising actually sways the electorate is depressing in its own right.
Let America Be America Again
Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck."
Robert Heinlein
Scott Brown is a largely pro-abort RINO, but he has come up with a campaign commercial in the above video which is devastating both to Obama and his opponent in the Massachusetts Senate race, Elizabeth "Fauxcahontas" Warren. Warren came up with the business bashing meme that Obama disastrously latched on to, and Brown is ramming it down their throats. By far the best campaign commercial I have seen this year.
Of Chicken Sandwiches, Free Speech and Cheap Politicians
The people who run the fast food chain Chick-fil-A are serious Christians. They close their 1,608 restaurants on Sundays even though they lose a huge amount of revenue doing so. The President of Chick-fil-A has spoken out against gay marriage. As a result Democrat politicians, who have as much understanding of freedom of speech as they do morality, have decided to punish a legal business.
First up was Thomas Menino, mayor of Boston, who sent an unintentionally hilarious letter to the president of the company. This Boston Herald editorial noted the humor:
But which part of the First Amendment does Menino not understand? A business owner's political or religious beliefs should not be a test for the worthiness of his or her application for a business license.
Chick-fil-A must follow all state and city laws. If the restaurant chain denied service to gay patrons or refused to hire gay employees, Menino's outrage would be fitting. And the company should be held to its statement that it strives to "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect — regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation, or gender." But beyond the fact that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, the religious beliefs of the company's top executive don't appear to control its operations.
The situation was different when Northeastern University blocked a proposed Chick-fil-A amid student protests. In that case, a private institution made its own decision not to bring the company in as a vendor. But using the power of government to freeze the company out of a city sends a disturbing message to all businesses. If the mayor of a conservative town tried to keep out gay-friendly Starbucks or Apple, it would be an outrage.
Ironically, Menino is citing the specific location along the Freedom Trail as a reason to block Chick-fil-A. A city in which business owners must pass a political litmus test is the antithesis of what the Freedom Trail represents. History will render judgment on the views of Chick-fil-A executives. City Hall doesn't have to.
Next up was Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Chief of Staff of President Obama. Ben Shapiro at Breitbart gives us the details: Continue reading
Military Chow
A truly hilarious video from 1943, Food For Fighters, detailing the dedication of the Army to quality rations for the troops. I imagine a room full of GI's watching this video and laughing their heads off. Virtually every veteran of World War II I have encountered has complained about the quality of the rations. My late father-in-law was a Navy cook during the War. He developed a life long detestation of mutton when he was forced to prepare it for six months aboard ship because it was the only meat they were supplied. He did his imaginative best, and he was a very good cook, but the sailors were ready to mutiny by the time the ship received a different type of meat.
Veterans of more recent conflicts have been slightly more complimentary as to the quality of military food, although I would note that when servicemen and women are given a choice they usually choose to not eat in mess halls, although the food is free for most enlisted personnel, and a common nickname for MREs, Meals Ready to Eat, is Meals Rejected by the Enemy. Never fear however, something new is on the horizon:
The Army has developed a sandwich that purportedly stays fresh for two years. Continue reading


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The Board of School Committee of the Manchester (NH) School District has voted to authorize the district's food services department to donate the boxes of commodity ground beef from the USDA sitting in its freezers since the spring, reports the New Hampshire Union-Leader. The product, consisting of lean-textured beef treated with ammonia-hydroxide, is estimated at nearly 14,000 pounds. It cost the district $800 to ship but was otherwise free.
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Minister 'heartbroken' over feuding Baptists
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A leader in Southern Baptist evangelism says he's "heartbroken" over feuding within the denomination over theology and worship styles and says it's distracting from the critical work of religious outreach.
Bill Curtis, chairman of trustees for the North American Mission Board, said the disagreements are intensifying as baptisms in Southern Baptist churches are at their lowest level in 12 years and 73 percent of member churches are either not growing or declining.
Slain Roman Catholic priest remembered
ANKARA, Turkey - The head of Italy's bishops expressed hope for dialogue and peace between faiths and for religious freedom at a memorial Mass for a Roman Catholic priest slain in Turkey a year ago.
The Rev. Andrea Santoro was shot dead Feb. 5, 2006, as he knelt in prayer in his church in the Black Sea port city of Trabzon.
The killing happened at a time of widespread anger in the Islamic world over the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.
A 16-year-old is serving an 18-year prison sentence for the murder that was believed to be linked to the outrage over publication of the caricatures in European newspapers.
UMC has first meeting in the Philippines
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The high court of the United Methodist Church is holding its first meeting outside the United States in acknowledgment of the denomination's worldwide growth.
The Judicial Council is set to meet April 25-28 in Manila, Philippines.
In 2000, an attorney from Cabanatuan City, Philippines, Rodolfo Beltran, was elected to the panel, the first person outside the United States to serve on the court.
BYU yanks professor's polygamy Web page
SALT LAKE CITY - Brigham Young University officials have yanked an assistant dean's addition to the official school Web site that sought to explain polygamy in the Mormon church.
Jim Engebretsen's Web page - polygamy.byu.edu - came down Monday shortly after it was posted when officials said it violated university policy.
Engebretsen did not have approval to post the "personal project" on the school site, said BYU spokeswoman Carrie Jenkins.
- The Associated Press
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Island Princess Cruise Review by khlancaster: Nice Cruise - A Few Notes
Overall Member Rating
Nice Cruise - A Few Notes
Destination: Panama Canal & Central America
Embarkation: Los Angeles
Good cruise, with the highlight being the Panama Canal. This cruise was full transit so we did not get off the ship in Panama and had quite a few days at sea. If you like to collect small souvenirs you will not get much time at the ports to do so. If you take the aerial tram in Costa Rica there is a shop there. In Aruba there is a place where you can purchase those at the terminal. The one near the ship in Nicaragua is pretty bad, try to go somewhere else and the one in Columbia is a pretty good walk back from the ship so I did not go.
I booked Princess shore excursions on everywhere except Aruba. They were mostly good but a lot depends on your guide. If you book the Jungle Cruises in Costa Rica please be aware that the seats are horrible. I am not sure if this is true for every boat but I was in severe pain the entire time (bad back). In Aruba, there was a woman with a mini-van inside the terminal area that offered us a tour for $25 each. There were 4 couples in the van and More it was wonderful! We went the same places as the larger buses and she was a great guide. I'm sure it was some official capacity because most of the taxis,etc. were outside the terminal. There is also a trolley or bus that is right outside the terminal. Friends took it and liked it. There is not that much to see and Aruba is relatively safe. In Cartegena, Columbia many people took a cab to the downtown historic district and I think that would be fine. I would not jump into a cab in Nicaragua and it was about an hour and a half drive to the sites so I recommend the shore excursions.
On another note, I purchased a soda card as I am a bit addicted to Diet Coke. I have done this on other ships. On Celebrity, every time I showed my card it seemed like an imposition to the bartender or waiter. This was not the case on Princess. Show your card and you get service with a smile, not tip required. In the dining room and buffet, no problem.
When purchasing Internet minutes, I suggest you purchase twice as many as you think you are going to need because the connection is very slow.
I also had some concern about the Island Princess as I heard it was going in for an upgrade at the end of this season. I thought it was just fine the way it was. Less
Published 04/10/14
Read more Island Princess cruise reviews >>
Read Cruise Critic's Island Princess Review >>
Cabin review:
Regarding the ship, I did not do my homework and did not realize that it is a very long ship (built for the Panama Canal). I booked towards the back for stability and found it was a very long walk to practically everything we wanted to do. Ideally, book in the 400's or 500's.
OK Cruise
Celebrity Infinity – The Goo...
Great service, tired ship
Enjoyable cruise but Panama ex...
Panama Canal on the Island Pri...
Our Panama Canal Cruise
Good ship spoiled
Return to the Island Princess
One great Thanksgiving vacatio...
Typical Crown Princess Oct 201...
Nov. 16-26, 2016
A perfect honeymoon cruise
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This blog gives a brief of eBay Store Component in OFBiz/Opentaps, talks of how to set-up an eBay Store and also briefs the ways to create promotional sales, set-up free shipping, listing product variants and the corresponding limitations.
I. eBay Store
eBay Stores help sellers maximize their business on eBay and the Internet. With an eBay Store, you can display all your listings—regardless of format—in one convenient location. You can create and personalize your own eBay Store with a unique web address. Your monthly fee gives you access to eBay Stores tools that you can use to build, manage, promote, and track your business.It helps you showcase all of your merchandise in one
location, an eBay Store creates a central shopping destination where buyers can learn more
about you, your products, and your policies.
a) Setting up a Sandbox eBay Store
i. Set Up PayPal Sandbox Account
Register at PayPal developers Site, Once you are registered and logged-in, You
should see :
Use "Create a preconfigured Account" to create two test Accounts , a Business test account to represent yourself as the seller and a Personal test account to represent buyer. Seller's account needs to be a premier or business account to accept payments.
ii. Link your PayPal Sandbox account to your eBay Sandbox account.For this you
shall go to Account > PayPal Account and click on "Link My PayPal Account" ,
System navigate you to a PayPal login page where you shall login with the seller
test account as created in in the previous step,System navigates you back to eBay.
iii. Click the Open an eBay Store link in the upper right-hand corner of the stores page, click on "Open a Store". There are three levels of Subscription,The details and the fee for the same could be found out here.
b) eBay Store Component in OFBiz/Opentaps
Helps you keep sync with your online eBay Store. You can list products from your
OFBiz/Opentaps Store over your eBay store in different ways. You can create a Sale
under which you offer discount in terms of amount or percentage of the total amount or
you can mark it to be shipped for free through a shipping service of your choice.
You can list products as Auction Style listings or Fixed Price. An Auction Style Listing
can be listed for a duration of your choice, whereas for a Fixed Price Listing, a
Listing Duration Type Code is defined. A test (sandbox) store created by us could be observed in the snap as under :
II. Product Variants
eBay also supports variations in products but only on Fixed Price Listings. With
an AddFixedPriceItem call, you can list variants. At this time you can create listings with
variations in:
• Baby
• Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
• Crafts
• Health & Beauty
• Home & Garden (most sub-categories)
• Jewelry & Watches
• Pet Supplies
• Sporting Goods
eBay supports up to 5 variation details with up to 30 values for each.
Example: If you're selling shoes, you can have up to 5 different variation details—for instance, Color, Size, Width, Material, and Style. For each variation detail, you can have up
to 30 different values. In this example, you could offer up to 30 different colors, 30 sizes, 30 widths, 30 types of material, and 30 styles.
So basically you could list upto 150 variants of a virtual.
With Item Specifics , you can specify the characteristics that apply to all the items in your
listing.Furthere details on posting variants on eBay could be found here. A sample Variant
created by us on our test eBay Store could be observed as under :
III. Free Shipping
There are two ways to ship items for free, by creating a Promotional Sale or using the
setting Free Shipping to true in Shipping Service Options while making an AddItem (for auction style listings) or an AddFixedPriceItem call.
IV. Promotional Sales
You can create sales that are seasonal, for specific holidays, for specific categories, or just to clear out inventory. Fixed price listings can be discounted by a percentage amount or
discounted by a specific monetary amount.Price sales can't be applied to auction
style listings. However, you can select a free shipping discount for any listing, including fixed price and auction-style listings.Auction and auction/BIN format listings can include only free shipping as a promotional discount.There are three types of promotional sales:
• Price discount only
• Free shipping only
• Price discount and free shipping
If you select a free shipping discount, it applies to the first U.S. shipping service you selected when you listed your item. The free shipping discount doesn't apply to any additional services that you selected.
All items with price sales can be discounted by 5% to 75%. The sale price of your item appears as a Buy It Now price anywhere on the site your listings typically appear.
To create a sale from your application, you need to make a SetPromotionalSale request, it takes between 1-6 hours for the sale to be approved, please make sure that the PromotionalSaleID is stored as it will be needed for further execution. To mark items(products) available on your eBay store, you need to make a SetPromotionalSaleLisitng request. You can see the status of sales using
Markdown Manager in your eBay store managment console or you can make a GetPromotionalSaleDetails request, If you do not specify a PromotionalSaleID value in the request, GetPromotionalSaleDetails returns all promotional sales for the authenticated user.
Revising the item price, shipping cost, or both for an item removes the item from a sale.
Sales can be scheduled for a later date or rescheduled once they're over.
Sales can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance and eBay keeps sale information for up to 15 months after the end date.
If a listing is already on sale, you won't be able to add a new sale.
For example, if your listing is on a price sale, you won't be able to add a free shipping sale to that listing.
If you have listings in multiple currencies and choose to discount by an amount (not a percentage), that discount is in the currency of the listings and won't be converted. For example, a discount entered as "5″ will be CN$5 for Canadian listings and US$5 in the United States.
If you have bids on an auction-style listing, you can't add or remove a free shipping sale.
You can't add a free shipping sale if your listing includes one or more of the following:
• Handling cost
• Shipping surcharge (for UPS domestic services)
• Freight shipping
• Local pickup only
Limits to sales in Markdown Manager
Sales in Markdown Manager are limited in these ways:
• The number of listings allowed to be changed in one day is 250 for Basic Stores, 2,500 for Premium Stores, and 5,000 for Anchor Stores. Changes include scheduling, editing, or adding listings to a sale.
• A price or free shipping sale on a fixed price listing can be 1 to 45 days.
• Free shipping sales on auction-style listings are valid until the listing ends.
• A listing can be in only one active sale at a time, but a listing can exist in multiple scheduled and inactive sales. There must be at least 1 day between sales for a particular listing.


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Economics Departments, Institutes and Research Centers in the World
School of Management
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyLocation: Newark, New Jersey (United States)
Homepage: http://management.njit.edu/
Phone: (973) 596-3000
Postal: University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102-9895
Handle: RePEc:edi:smnjius
Additional details:
People who have registered with RePEc and have claimed to be affiliated with this institution:Find all publications of all authors listed below conveniently compiled on IDEAS. Authors with publications are listed below with . We have lost contact with authors marked with ?, and they do not count towards the ranking of this institution.
This listing is provided to you by EDIRC at the Economic Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Please send additions and corrections to Christian Zimmermann.


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Yu, Cheng PhD; Luxton, Gary PhD; Apuzzo, Michael L.J. MD; MacPherson, Dana M. RN; Petrovich, Zbigniew MD
OBJECTIVE: To determine extracranial doses in patients undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery and identify component sources of the extracranial doses using phantom measurements.
METHODS: The lateral canthi, thyroid, sternum, and midpelvis region were monitored in 104 unselected patients during their gamma knife treatments using thermoluminescent dosimetry. Measured doses were normalized to integral dose, equivalent time (which is defined in relation to the activity of the cobalt-60 sources), and collimator size to correlate radiation doses with these parameters. A phantom was constructed from a polystyrene sphere as a model of the head adjacent to thoracic and pelvic body sections from a commercial humanoid phantom.
RESULTS: On average, 18 minutes of equivalent time and five isocenters were required to achieve the prescribed dose coverage. The median prescribed dose was 18 Gy. For the lateral canthi, thyroid, sternum, and pelvis, the median doses were 24, 20, 21, and 4 cGy, respectively. Normalization to equivalent time and collimator size was superior to other techniques. Phantom measurements supported the results from patient measurements and further refined estimates of component doses to extracranial sites.
CONCLUSION: Doses to extracranial sites ranged from 1.5% of the prescribed dose for the lateral canthi to 0.2% for the pelvis. Doses to the sternum and pelvis were proportional to the duration of irradiation. Scatter radiation contributed more than 50% of the dose to the canthi and thyroid. Leakage radiation typically contributed 80 to 90% of the dose to the sternum and pelvis. Radiation during patient couch transit contributed little to the doses at the measured extracranial sites.
Copyright © by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons
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State holds annual moose hunting permit lotteryAugust 01,2013The Associated Pres
MONTPELIER — Gov. Peter Shumlin and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department are making 405 hunters happy as they conduct the state's annual lottery drawing for moose hunting permits.
The drawing happens Thursday at the Statehouse. Officials will pick 355 people to win regular season permits and 50 permits for archery season. Participants paid $10 or $25 for a chance to win, depending on residency, and winners must purchase permits for either $100 or $350.
Those who don't win Thursday have another chance to snag a permit. The state also will auction off five additional permits by Aug. 21. The minimum bid is $1,500, and winners usually pay at least $4,000.MORE IN This Just InMONTPELIER — FairPoint Communications is being purchased by Illinois-based... Full Story
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At Red Roof Inn you'll find consistent high quality, cleanliness, friendly service and great features such as free local calls, Business king, cable television with HBO, in-room movies and games, easy access to great shopping and other attractions.
Since 1989, Redbird Arena has served as the home of Illinois State University basketball and volleyball and, as its championship banners and retired jerseys overhead suggest, the epicenter of Illinois State's status as "The Home of Champions."
Relics Modern Gifts and Vintage Fun
Modern gifts and uncommon goods... Peoria's best kept secret. Bohemian antiques, modern jewelry, not your usual shopping experience! Vintage finds and unique items abound.
The Residence Inn by Marriott, Bloomington is the newest and brightest extended stay hotel to the Bloomington-Normal market. Located off Veterans Parkway, minutes from State Farm Insurance Headquarters and Central Illinois Regional Airport. Our residential-style hotel offers boutique inspired elegance in the heart of Bloomington-Normal. The spacious suites feature separate sleeping and living areas, a fully-equipped kitchen with refrigerator, and 39-inch HD flat panel televisions with in-room DVR players. Our luxury bedding includes crisp linens, comfy mattresses, custom comforters, and fluffy pillows, guaranteeing a blissful nights rest. Upon waking, join us for a complimentary, full-American breakfast buffet offering hot and cold favorites. Check-out our outdoor patio, fire up the BBQ grill to cook your favorite meal or unwind and socialize around the fire pit. Pack your bathing suit and dive in our saltwater indoor swimming pool and spa, it's a refreshing experience.
Residence Inn by Marriott - Peoria
The Residence Inn by Marriott, Peoria's luxury extended stay hotel, is tucked away in a quiet, secure area, just steps from the Northwood's Mall and I-74. Located close to the excitement of downtown Peoria, where you can enjoy the Riverfront Festival Park, Par-A-Dice Casino, Peoria Civic Center and a game at O'Brien Field, featuring the Peoria Chiefs. We are in close proximity to Caterpillar, Inc., KPMG, Accenture, Aldi Headquarters, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and IBM. Education is at the forefront of our city with Bradley University, the University of Illinois, Robert Morris College and St Francis Medical Center College. Whether you are visiting for business, relocation, extended stay or leisure, our stylish all-suite hotel makes every visit a memorable experience. Our amenities include wireless throughout, a full kitchen and a spacious living room for relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy a full home touch breakfast buffet, indoor pool and workout room.
Rhodell Brewery is a small microbrewery located in Central Illinois. We opened in 1998 with three beers on tap and have expanded to 13 beers along with one traditional English hand pump. We are known for producing a wide variety of quality hand crafted beers whether it be British, American, or Belgian Style beers, ales, lagers.
Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe opened in February of 1999 to join the revitalization of Peoria's Riverfront. They provide a relaxed atmosphere with eclectic decor, a curved bar, an open kitchen, casual lounge area and music. Every Friday and Saturday night, the Cafe features live jazz and blues performances! They prepare all their food fresh at order, and it makes all the difference! They also serve beer, wine, and champagne.
Established in 2001, Richard's on Main is a locally owned restaurant and pub serving great food and beverages until 4am nightly. They offer a wide variety of options to satisfy any craving you might have, at any hour. When you're done eating, you can grab a beer or mixed drink and head downstairs for a game of pool or darts! Richard's also hosts private parties or funtions for almost any sized event.
This 10-foot wide asphalt trail winds 4.8 miles along the former Illinois Terminal Railroad Co. path. Build in 1991, the River Trail provides a safe scenic route for outdoor recreation year round, winter weather permitting. The trail affords patrons the opportunity to experience the natural preservation of wildflowers, grasses, trees and wildlife. With direct access at the Park Administration Center, Bunnell field, and Taylor Street ball diamonds, and in close proximity to Veterans Park, Central Jr. High, West Park, and local restaurants, the River Trail offers something for everyone!
CITY:East Peoria
Riverplex Recreation and Wellness Center
State-of-the-art fitness center, indoor family aquatic center, pro shop, smoothie bar, classrooms, gymnasium, multipurpose recreation area with sports, classes, programs and other activities. Daily user fees or memberships available. Don't forget to also check out our indoor two-story water-slide, lazy river, zero depth pool and splash equipment!
Fine dining featuring traditional Northern and Southern Italian cuisine cooked to order. Extensive wine list and full bar. Plenty of parking. No delivery service. Take-out available.
Fine dining featuring traditional Northern and Southern Italian cuisine cooked to order. Extensive wine list and full bar. Private party room available. Patio dining.
Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden
Housed in the Donald B. Cerf Center at Eureka College, the museum collection numbers over 10,000 items from President Reagan's Eureka College student days, his movie and TV career, his governorship of California and two terms as president of the United States. The Reagan Peace Garden located on the historic campus includes a bust of the 40th president and a section of the Berlin Wall.
A self-guided driving tour that celebrates the hometown values and heritage of our 40th President.
The Ropp Jersey Cheese processing facility in north Normal is owned and operated by a family of 6th generation McLean County dairy farmers. The facility produces cheese curds as well as artisan cheddars, colbys and other cheeses. The Ropp family opened this facility to help promote agriculture as a vital industry to American life. For tour information, please call or visit the website.
American taphouse serving flatbreads, burgers & pasta. Located in Downtown Bloomington in Abraham Lincoln's former law office.
The Rt. 66 Arcade Museum is chock full of vintage pinball and video games from the 1930s-1970s - most of which can be played. It's the perfect place to misspend your youth all over again, one quarter at a time!
Stop by this eclectic museum to explore the history of Route 66, car culture and local history. There is even a Rolls-Royce on display! The collection was brought together by a local historian with great stories to share. Located just a few doors from the Palm's Grill this museum is a must see.
Route 66 Park & Tourism Center
This small park is right on Route 66, and it's a great place to check out the town of Atlanta. It is a great park, including flat area to run and playground for the kids to climb and run on, you and your family are sure to enjoy.
The focus of Salt is to broaden our guests' palates and bring a modern, city feel to Peoria with extraordinary entrees and superior service. Our wine list features over 40 handpicked wines and Artisan beers from around the world! We are bringing back class with hand crafted cocktails containing fresh squeezed juice and homemade mixers. We use our own grown herbs, freshly flown in seafood, bake our bread, and even serve dishes on real blocks of Himalayan Salt. Needless to say, we are willing to go the extra mile in order to guarantee our guests a satisfying unique dining experience!
CITY:Peoria Heights
Get ready for a Santa invasion at the second annual Santa Cause 5K! This is a family friendly event for all ages; a great activity for the whole family to participate in during the holiday season. Take part in the 5K and enjoy festivities after. All participants will receive a five piece Santa suit (you will have to wear the suit, or you aren't really Santa and don't get to race). This year, proceeds will benefit Dream Center Peoria. Join the cause and embrace your inner Santa.
We are a newly opened restaurant located in downtown Morton with delicious classic American meals and a fine deli selections. They strive to serve the freshest, made from scratch meals around! Their soups are made every day! Wraps, homemade hummus, burgers, and fresh cut fries from Savory House are out of this world. Banquet rooms available for parties from 15 to 100, beer and wine available.
Savvi Formalwear rents and sells men's formal wear, bridal gowns, attendants dresses, flower girl dresses, mother of the bride & special occasion dresses, wedding invitations and gifts. Needing groomsmen suits, or a prom dress? Savvi Formalwear provides a variety of options in all colors and designs.
Home of Gebby's beerbatter chicken, the king tenderloin & the best buffalo wings In town! Schooners has been locally owned and operated since 1983. With live entertainment in the beer garden and weekly specials, check out Schooner's website for menu and entertainment offerings.
When looking for the perfect personal gift, adding to someone's collection or decorating your home. Sentimental Journey should be the place to shop. They carry a large selection of Vera Bradley, Isabel Bloom, Crabtree & Evelyn, Jewery, New Baby, Inspirtational and Specialty Occasion gifts, along with Wee Forest Folk, Dept 56 and Byers' Choice Carolers. Sentimental Journey also offers a large selection of pictures, decorating and home accessories to help you make your house a home!
Seven on Prospect is a locally-owned and operated restaurant that provides fine dining, wine and spirits to the Peoria community. Top quality meat and seafood are used in the rack of lamb, steak trio and seared tuna entrees. The full service bar features specialty martinis such as The Highlander and Granny Smith Appletinis. Seven on Prospect offers free wi-fi, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. When you want an upscale dining experience that features great food, great wine and a great scene visit Seven on Prospect.
CITY:Peoria Heights
Shockwaves Skateboards started in 1992 as Bloomington-Normal's only skateboard shop. From inception, the goal has always been to provide the finest pro-quality equipment and service. They also stock skateboard clothing, shoes, and other related merchandise. In addition, they only offer the best shoes from companies such as es, DC shoes, and Emerica.
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie ~ a vibrant, open-air lifestyle center in Peoria ~ is the premier dining and shopping destination for the region. The Shoppes features an exciting blend of retailers and restaurants, along with our anchor stores: Bergner's, DSW, Jillian's and Dick's Sporting Goods. The center is highlighted by an inviting, lushly landscaped outdoor environment that features animal sculptures throughout the center, the nationally acclaimed Holocaust Memorial Button exhibit filled with 11 million buttons, the Caterpillar children's play area, and weekend entertainment.
Sky Harbor Steakhouse is a comfortable, casual steakhouse with award-winning ribs, steaks and seafood. The menu features succulent, savory Midwestern beef, served sizzling on the table. Fresh pond-rasied catfish, award-winning ribs and that special touch on cocktails, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts ensure a memorable dining experience. Our bartenders take pride in crafting Classic Cocktails including specialty Martinis, Manhattans, Old Fashions, hand-made Grasshoppers and Golden Cadillacs. There is a nice wine list and "the Margaritas can't be beat." This is an established family-run business in a convenient central location, albeit somewhat off the beaten path. It is well known to locals and savvy travelers. Your visit to Peoria is not complete without a stop at one of our Great Independent Midwestern Steak Houses.
CITY:West Peoria
A 72-room facility conveniently located in the heart of Peoria. Shopping and numerous restaurants within walking distance. Featuring fully equipped business center, indoor swimming pool, on-site fitness center and deluxe continental breakfast.
Sleep Inn & Suites - Washington
This newly constructed property offers guests a home away from home, which includes Choice Hotels' 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Program. With amenities such as a deluxe hot continental breakfast, free wireless high speed internet, indoor pool and spa, fitness center, guest convenience store and direct access to Washington's recreation trail with bikes provided, guests will get more for their money.
This newly constructed property offers guests a home away from home which includes Choice Hotels' 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Program. With amenities such as a deluxe hot continental breakfast, free wireless high speed internet, indoor pool and spa, fitness center, guest convenience store, complimentary passes to the Washington Community Center, and direct access to Washington's recreation trail with bikes provided, guests will get more for their money.
This colorful watertower is found in the small town of Atlanta, IL
Welcome to Solid Gold Jewelers. Their goal is to offer friendly and professional advice about the choice, purchase, and maintenance of your jewelry items.
Take a sightseeing or theme cruise on the Spirit of Peoria, an old-fashioned replica of a 19th-century riverboat that docks at the Peoria RiverFront. Join a one- to five-day overnight excursion to Starved Rock State Park or the St. Louis riverfront and be entertained by live ragtime piano and banjo music, as well as a storyteller sharing river lore, while the Spirit of Peoria paddles along the Illinois River. Stay the night at Starved Rock Lodge and see a show by a Mark Twain interpreter who brings the iconic author to life.
Spirits of Bloomington Historic Ghost Tours
The Spirits of Bloomington Historic Ghost Tours feature guides dressed as President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln who reveal fascinating tales, myths and paranormal accounts of McLean County.
The wettest and wildest family water park in Central Illinois. Play in Splashtower Island or ride the lazy river. There's even a splash and play area for the young ones in your family. www.fondulacpark.com
CITY:East Peoria
Central Illinois' premier family water park is located at the Eastside Centre Sports Complex. Play in Splash Tower Island, ride the lazy river, or spend time in the splash and play area designed for little ones.
CITY:East Peoria
Sprague's Super Service in Normal
A Tudor revival building constructed in 1931 by William Sprague to house a service station, restaurant and garage, it is the largest of three remaining two-story fuel station buildings on US 66, originally housing a café and service station on the main floor plus two second-floor apartments for the owner and the station attendant.
Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Contains a large bluff overlooking a long, narrow lake. Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting opportunities provide a vast recreational experience. Concession and boat rentals are also available.
This new all suite hotel by Marriott is perfect for vacation or business travel. Every suite includes a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Indoor pool and fitness center.
Starplex Cinemas/Normal Stadium 14
Starplex Cinemas combines the enjoyment of movies with expanded concessions stands and its Star Cafes.
State Farm is Bloomington-Normal's largest employer and the nation's largest insurance company. Tours are offered at the Corporate Building on State Farm Plaza and the historic Fire Building.
Stave Wine Bar & Market offers patrons a truly unique wine experience, right in the heart of Uptown Normal. With a 'curated' approach to a global by the glass and bottle list, Stave Wine Bar features 12-15 small production wines by the glass on a list that changes monthly. Rounding out that list is another 60-80 wines available by the bottle, for enjoyment at the wine bar or to take home. Owner/Wine Buyer Greg Rose has been in the wine industry for over 12 years and strives to offer interesting, sometime rarely found varietals with the goal of giving wine drinkers an opportunity to experience lesser known wines from around the world. Craft beers are available on tap and in bottle as well. Stave Wine Bar also serves a fine selection of Charcuterie (smoked and cured meats) and international cheeses to accompany and enhance your wine experience. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, Stave Wine Bar is the place to experience the wines of the world. Stave Wine Bar & Market- simply a better glass of wine!
Staybridge Suites By Holiday Inn
Peoria's newest all-suite property, featuring expanded work areas, full kitchens, complimentary hi-speed internet, business services, local calls, laundry and deluxe continental breakfast.
A Peoria City Beautiful Award winner, Sterling Plaza is conveniently located just South of I-74 at the Sterling Avenue interchange. Sterling Plaza shoppers will find a complete selection of retail and professional venues, including pizza and lounge, fitness, beauty salons, leather crafts and uniforms. Ample free parking and ease of egress. Hotels at Westlake close by.
Stevenson Graves/Evergreen Cemetery
The Stevenson family brought honor to McLean County for three generations. Buried at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery are Adlai I, Vice President to Grover Cleveland, and Adlai II, Governor of Illinois, Ambassador to the United Nations and twice Democratic candidate for the United States Presidency. Also buried here are Adlai's wife, Letitia Green Stevenson, and many other important figures from Bloomington- Normal history. A discovery walk takes place here annually to celebrate the lives of these historical figures.
This Northwoods-themed lodge features a total of 165 rooms, including 13 theme suites, 17 fireplaces, and 4 Premiere suites. The extensive meeting facilities accommodate events for up to 350. The lodge also includes an enclosed "Wilderness Park" with an indoor/outdoor swim through pool, whirlpool, sauna, game room and two outdoor patio areas. The Cottages at Stoney Creek Inn, a 12 room extended stay property, including 2 Premiere suites. Each room features full kitchen, deck, high speed internet access, desk and laundry access. All guests at Stoney have access to our exercise room, in-room movies, evening Health Bar and hot breakfast served daily. Located on the marina, 3/4 miles from the Casino.
CITY:East Peoria
Sudden Impact has been a locally owned and operated paintball field since 1992. The motto since day one has been "Safety First". The 100 acres has 3 wooded fields, and 3 concept fields - hyperball, airball, and a 2010 Race 2 style field is a perfect place for any one to try paintballing!
Sugar Grove Nature Center is located in beautiful, historic Funks Grove among over 1,000 acres of forest and prairie. Funks Grove is the largest remaining intact prairie grove in the state of Illinois and is a designated National Natural Landmark. Visitors will enjoy interpretive exhibits, live animals and a wildlife viewing room as well as access to 5 miles of hiking trails. The Imagination Grove Nature Play Area welcomes children to explore, tromp in the creek, climb a tree, ride a zip line and more. A picnic shelter, astronomy observatory, blacksmith forge, corn crib prairie lookout, variety of gardens and many other features help to make Sugar Grove Nature Center a beautiful and unique place. Visit the website to learn more about special events and programs.
Located in the heart of Peoria'a Warehouse District, this quick-casual dining experience is unique and wonderful. Fired by locally-sourced hardwood, the menu features gourmet pizzas, sandwiches and a variety of other delectable dishes as well as tasty treats.
Suite Fire Bar + Grille is an upscale casual restaurant located inside the Holiday Inn & Suites. Our delicious menu features seasonal options from our award winning chef. The modern design features a large full bar, comfortable seating, multiple flat screen TV's, cozy social areas and a large outdoor patio with firepits. Stop in soon for signature drinks, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.
Sunset Hills Golf Course is a locally owned course located in the center of the Sunset Hills neighborhood in Pekin, Illinois. Open to the public, this course offers many reasonable membership options, including varying discounts. This fantastic Pekin golf facility features a driving range to warm up with, and an experience rich with rolling hills and challenging flats.
The Super 8 in Bloomington is located just off Veterans Parkway in the center of restaurants, malls and dozens of retail locations all within walking distance. The hotel offers free high speed wireless internet, business center, complimentary SuperStart breakfast, complimentary weekday newspaper and guest laundry facilities. The rooms feature 25 inch televisions with 76 cable channels including HBO, AM/FM alarm clock radios and hair dryers. Many rooms also have micro-fridges.
The McLean Super 8 is conveniently located just off I-55, 15 miles south of Bloomington-Normal. The hotel provides free high speed wireless internet, complimentary Super Start breakfast, guest laundry facilities, and a heated indoor pool. The rooms feature micro-fridges, 27 inch TVs, hair dryers and AM/FM alarm clock radios. Try one of our Jacuzzi Suites for a relaxing evening away from home.
The Super 8 in Normal is conveniently located just off I-55. The hotel offers a complimentary SuperStart breakfast, cable TV with HBO and free high speed internet.
In the heart of downton East Peoria.
CITY:East Peoria
Stay in the center of all the activity at this SUPER motel.
Pride of Super 8 Award. Complimentary USA TODAY. Copy and fax machine. Free local calls. HBO and SVI movies. Continental breakfast 6 a.m.-10 a.m.
Synergy Flight Center offers a number of recreational activities for visitors. They offer introductory flights, flight lessons and a flight simulator that visitors can rent by the hour.
With dishes paying homage to our Midwestern roots and served with warmth by our service team, each dining experience will make guests feel as if they are at "Table 19." Chef Matthew Lanetta's passion for featuring farm fresh items from our community is evident in all of our selections. Just as Table 19 is a new twist on the past, Chef Lanetta's menu makes classics new again with fresh perspective and integration of modern techniques.
The Tearoom At The Depot offers a unique dining experience for all in a historic train depot. Our specials change with the seasons, and our building is a National Historic Site. Garden Gate Floral is a part of the Depot, which affords a variety of shopping pleasure. We're open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, and are also available for private lunch or dinner parties.
Authentic Thai cuisine is offered at this restaurant with vegetarian options & beer. This small location with big flavors is sure to make your dining experience memorable!
That 50's Diner & Just Too Cute Gift Shop
That 50's Diner & Just Too Cute Gift Shop is for those who don't want an ordinary dining experience. It is a diner right out of the old black and white movies, except with a little more sass. They're known in Peoria for their extensive menu and their perfectly timed sarcasm. That 50's Diner & Just Too Cute Gift Shop is located in the Metro Centre shopping plaza, across from Hallmark. It is always a fun time at The 50's Diner, and after your meal you can head right into their Just Too Cute Gift Shop which overflows with an abundance of 50's themed memorabilia. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will leave with a satisfied stomach and a sensation you've just been transported back in time. '50s atmosphere diner serving burgers and blue-plate specials. Retail gift shop too.
Come and enjoy Black Rabbit's relaxing lounge environment with fantastic food, beer, wine, and liquor selections! There is live music featured almost every night, along with some of the best service in town. The Black Rabbit quenches your thirst with 12 craft or import beers on tap and a seasonally inspired wine list. Free happy hour appetizers weekdays from 4pm - 8pm. Open from 4pm - 1am Mon.-Fri. and 5pm - 1am on Sat.
The Bricks Craft and Gift Shop
The Bricks Craft and Gift Shop offers affordable handcrafted gifts for all tastes presented in an 11 room historical house. Country, cottage, salt box, garden, andbBoutique home decor-- and your favorites like jewelry, furniture, quilts, candles, coffee, and cards. Est. 1997
The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill
The Bullpen Sports Bar is located in Landmark Recreation Center, with darts, pool, Golden Tee Live, Big Buck Hunter, bags, shuffleboard, and more! We also have three gigantic projection HD quality screens and 17 fifty-inch plasmas.
Immediately upon entering the main performing area, visitors are reminded of the days when no expense was spared in building a theater. Rich in architectural details such as gilded columns, ornate friezes and art deco-inspired chandeliers, the Castle is the perfect link between Bloomington's past, present and future. The Castle features local and national emerging and established touring artists in a variety of music types, including Rock, Alternative Rock , Americana, Alternative Country, Blues, Jazz and Contemporary Alternative. Additionally, the space may provide corporate events and weekend children's musical performances during the day, with the balance of the calendar available to rent for private parties, shows, recitals and other events.
The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center
Recreational options are plentiful at the Chateau Hotel & Conference Center. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna or whirlpool, workout in the exercise room, jog on the twelve mile Constitution Trail that connects to the property, or visit the nearby Shoppes at College Hills outdoor mall. The property offers complimentary wireless high speed internet access, 7am-10pm complimentary transportation service, 24-hour airport shuttles, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, electronic keyless entry door locks, banquet and conference facilities for up to 500 people and free parking.
The Chocolatier is a local candy shop offering a wide range of products they create in store and a variety of your favorite bulk candies.
Multipurpose health, racquet & fitness facility featuring 12 indoor and 8 outdoor tennis courts, indoor & outdoor pools, yoga, pilates, spinning, body pump, basketball, volleyball, cardiovascular & weight equipment, and youth fitness center are all available. IHRSA passport members welcome!
Located just off the campus of Illinois State, The Coffee House is your traditional Mom and Pop establishment, with not so traditional origins offering a unique menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Breakfast is served all day long, with daily lunch and dinner specials on hand. Coffee is available in bulk, by the pound or half pound. There are always fresh-baked pastries, whole-grain breads, cookies, and cakes on hand as well.
Return to Rt. 66, circa 1947, when you overnight at The Colaw Rooming House. Where you'll experience travel on the Mother Road before Interstates and motel chains were the norm. Located just 2 blocks from Rt. 66 in quaint Atlanta, Illinois, The Colaw Rooming House offers three bedrooms, two full baths, a charming living room with fireplace, dinning room, curved front porch, and delightful yellow and red 1940's kitchen. To further enhance your step back in time, your stay includes a complimentary breakfast at The Palms Grill Cafe-Atlanta's fully restored, circa 1935 small town diner. For more information please visit our website www.thecolawhouse.com
The state-of-the-art Corn Crib Stadium is home to the Normal CornBelters and Heartland Community College athletic teams. The Corn Crib seats roughly 7,000 patrons for CornBelters games, and many more for concerts and special events.
Newly remodeled restaurant. Big servings, good service, and a special knack for cooking delicious meals.
The Creek on State is a fine dining restaurant that sought to bring a bit of "Classy Chicago" to Peoria. Stepping inside the restaurant, city influence is undoubtedly reflected in The Creek's smooth ambiance. From the clean, whitewashed brick walls to the dazzling blue sconces that adorn them, the dining room boldly exudes contemporary class. The food meets the expectations one might obtain by looks alone. Everything you can order is made from scratch, by the acclaimed head chef. As the weather warms up and The Creek reopens its patio for the summer, expect this corner gem to continue to gain momentum.
The Den at Fox Creek is 18 holes, 6,926 yards and a par 72. The course offers cart rental, a driving range and has a pro shop with club rental. This Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course features bentgrass tees, greens and fairways that complement the wild prairie grasses which group in the rough. This picturesque Scottish Links Style golf course features 131 strategically placed sand traps and water hazards on 9 of the 18 holes. The Den at Fox Creek has become the host golf course for the Illinois High School Association's Class AA Boys State Championships. Mr. Palmer himself shot 74 during his Grand Opening Round.
Conveniently located across from Bradley University, The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill is always hopping. They are a casual, sports themed bar serving upscale burgers and wraps. They have a delicious option for everyone whether you're looking for a salad, taco, wrap, burger or pizza! Relax and enjoy a beer while rooting for your favorite team! The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill has a back room for private parties. It's great for birthdays, reunions, company Christmas parties, and fantasy football drafts. The back room is also equipped with a stage perfect for hosting your favorite local bands. Visit their Facebook page for upcoming events. ? A casual gathering place with great food and spirits in a sports-themed atmosphere. Conveniently located across from Bradley University in Campustown.
Opened in 1976, The Fish House has been serving the greater Peoria area the freshest in seafood for over 37 years. The Fish House specializes in fresh seafood dishes from around the globe with an eclectic mix of steak, chicken, and pasta dishes to satisfy all appetites. Our extensive menu is printed daily to match the perfect preparations to the seafood arriving daily. Our professional staff places special emphasis on each and every guests' experience for all occasions – from birthdays, anniversaries, wedding rehearsals, to corporate events. Reservations are taken for parties of 5 and larger, Call-ahead seating is utilized for parties of 4 and smaller.
If you are looking for a unique shopping experience stop at The Framer's Gallery and see all the great one-of-kind gifts from over 20 local artists including jewelry, pottery, wood carving, photography and various mediums of art work. The gallery also offers experienced custom framing at competitive prices. This is always a fun place to be. Come and enjoy the day on Washington Square.
The Garlic Press strives to provide their customers with the most unique and distinctive products of the highest quality. As the store has grown, so has the variety of products they offer. From the finest imported food products to hand-made clothing, they've created a one-of-a-kind store. The Garlic Press Market Café offers a unique and distinctive menu, which features seasonal, locally grown and organic ingredients.
Whether you are looking for unique furnishings and accents for your home or treasured gifts for those you love, The Hyacinth has what you are looking for. Give your home a fresh new look with a seasonal floral, an antique clock or a lovely Isabel Bloom sculpture. Browse our Casafina dishes for a beautiful table. Fragrance your home with Swan Creek Candles or Hillhouse Naturals. Make cleaning a pleasure with Caldrea Home Care Products.
The mission of J Draper Glass is to offer a complete understanding of hot glass as a studio movement in America by engaging the community through hands on opportunities, classes, tours, team building workshops and open houses to encourage an exploration of this medium. Through these efforts, JDraper Glass will cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of hand blown glass.
The Links at Ireland Grove is 9 holes, 1,590 yards and a par 30. The course offers cart rental and a driving range. In addition to the nine-hole course, The Links at Ireland Grove offers a range with weather protected hitting bays, over an acre of target greens, several bunkers, two fairways, nearly two acres of natural grass hitting area and rental clubs.
The Locker Room Sports Bar & Grill
Grab a great American brew today! The Locker Room Sports Bar is a locally-owned and family friendly sports bar in Downtown Peoria, IL. Featuring a Unique menu with one-of-a-kind "create your own salads and sandwiches." Also offering appetizers, pizzas, and specialty Items. The Locker Room has a full line up of great events and feautured games, including a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights!
The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. The Palm's Grill Café has been baking pies and feeding hungry travelers and residents for decades. Their pies are so delicious they've even won a few state pie competitions. Saddle up to the counter or take a seat at a table; either way, the pie and coffee with the community atmosphere is enough to make any first-timer feel like a regular. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon's Statue, another one of Route 66's famous Muffler Man Statues.
The PIT & Frankie's Fun Center
The PIT & Frankie's Fun Center offers a great place where a family, tween or teens can hang out with pizza, hand-dipped ice cream, and snacks. You can also shoot pool or play arcade games.
Nestled in the heart of Restaurant Row on Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, the Publik House was established in 2010. The classic, casual room has an old-world feel that is rich, comfortable and as satisfying as a room temperature Harp in a London pub. It is a locally owned English style, American pub pouring pints Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 4:00 pm, serving English pub fare and American classics beginning at 5:00 pm.
CITY:Peoria Heights
The Shoppes at College Hills is an open-air lifestyle center anchored by Von Maur, Gordman's, Hobby Lobby and Target. The exciting blend of retailers and restaurants includes more than 25 specialty stores like Coldwater Creek, Chico's, J. Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, Jos. A. Bank, Flat Top Grill, Coldstone Creamery and much more. The inviting landscaped outdoor environment creates a shopping experience second to none. Our state of the art water feature adds to the ambiance of the center. Other amenities include street lighting, seating areas, children's play area and outdoor dining.
thirty-thirty Coffee Co. is an independent, locally-owned coffee shop in Peoria, Illinois. We are singularly focused on providing perfectly roasted and brewed coffee with the absolute best customer service. Every member of our team, from our owners and to our employees, share a common coffee philosophy. We are passionately devoted to coffee education and excellence.
Times Past Inn is family owned since June 1983. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On nice weather days the patio is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and unwind, or stop in the bar to watch sports on the big screen.
Tobin's Pizza located on Historic Route 66, is a Mom & Pop favorite. The Pizzas are made one at a time, no fillers, always fresh, never pre-cooked or frozen! Where quality counts, Tobin's has over 50 years of experience in providing restaurant services which created an awareness of customer expectations - Tobin's Pizza means quality! If your not in the mood for pizza they offer fried chicken, spaghetti, and more!
A contemporary hand blown glass art studio. Original works of art created by Hiram Toraason. The studio provides a number of glass making opportunities, for the beginner to the advanced. Customize your experience! Formal classes to team building workshops are available. The gallery offers a variety glass from functional to the one of a kind creations. Ready to get hands-on with glass blowing yourself? Call for an appointment and let Torasson Glass help you create the perfect glass creation for you!
Located off I-74 just 5 minutes from Peoria the Travelodge features a continental breakfast, free local phone calls, guest laundry. Economy priced with clean rooms and a friendly staff.


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Ten First Date Fears
6) Is that a major wardrobe malfunction or a fashion statement?
I once went out on a first date with a man who showed up with his shirt on inside-out. No big. Kinda cute, actually. Except his shirt was inside-out on our second date, too. After this occurred a third time, I finally asked him (completely sincerely) whether this was a fashion statement (after all, I kid you not, he did work in fashion). "Oh!" He exclaimed. "You're right. It is inside-out!" Yes. Men have had major wardrobe malfunctions on first (and second and third) dates with me, and it is just about the most distracting thing on this planet.
I've spent many an evening wondering how you've managed to go all day with that tag stuck on your pants, your buttons not aligned, and mismatched socks. Unless your date is a super-bitch, a little wardrobe malfunction is not going to make or break you. It might even be endearing in a Nutty Professor kind of way. That being said, I would not recommend skipping the fly check before you go out.
7) Is he for real?
More important than what you say is the meta-data I'm filtering while we're out. For example, do your stories feel like they're way too practiced, i.e. like they've been told too many times to too many women? Are you disclosing too much too soon? Are you excited about me? Are you a good listener? I'm looking for signs that the person you are projecting is The Real You. Don't insult my intelligence. If you're giving me the song-and-dance, I'm going to totally be on to you.
8) Should we do the check dance now?
Do you have any idea how much thought and deliberation I've put into my half of the check dance? When I was younger, I always insisted on splitting the bill 50/50. I was told enough times that this practice of mine is emasculating, and I switched to sitting there coyly while the man reached for his wallet. But some dates clearly took this as a sign of snooty entitlement.
Thus, the check dance. I hate the check dance. The whole show is really for your benefit. What can you do about it? Easy. On your way back from the head, settle the check discretely. Then, when I suggest that we get the bill, you can just say, all suave-like, "It's already taken care of." Wow. That is so hot.
9) So, is this date over?
Okay, so sometimes I get really, really horny. I admit, sometimes I even want to take you home on the first date, but I'm really embarrassed to ask. I'd feel so much better if you made it sound like it was all your idea. I know, pretty silly of me, right? I have to admit, the same part of me that will never disclose how many men I've really slept with also doesn't want to be the one asking you upstairs. Do us both a favor and give me an opening I can work with.
10) Does he really want to see me again?
At the end of a date, I want to be clued in. Is this goodbye or see you later? If you don't think we're a good fit, you don't have to be rude about it, but don't go making promises to call me, either. I really hate it when a guy gives me all the signals that he's interested, only to never be heard from again.
On the other hand, if you're really excited about me, just tell me. No matter what your guy friends tell you, acting all nonchalant at the end of a date is not going to help you. What's the worst that could happen? She could say flat-out that she's not that into you. Better that than risking getting your signals crossed because you played it so cool that you came of icy.
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Apple in Trademark Battle Over iPad in China
The Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People's Court in southern China has denied Apple's attempt to protect the name "iPad" by throwing out its lawsuit against Proview Technology based in Shenzhen.
In trying to protect the name "iPad" in China, Apple filed the lawsuit against the tech company alleging trademark infringement. Proview contends, however, that it registered "iPad" for use in several countries, including China, back in 2000.
At the heart of the dispute is Apple's purchase of the "iPad" "global trademark" from IP Applications, a UK company, in 2010; IP Applications had purchased the trademark from Proview Electronics, a Taiwanese subsidiary, in 2009.
The court found that Apple's trademark rights were purchased only through Proview's subsidiary in Taiwan, and that the Shenzhen-based company was not a party to the agreement; therefore, the court ruled, the contract to transfer trademark rights of "iPad" to Apple was not binding on Proview's Shenzhen company.
Apple can appeal this decision, but if it cannot secure its right to use "iPad" in China, the company just may have to begin selling its tablet under a different name — or make an offer that Proview can't refuse. Proview just might be willing to make a deal considering it currently has debt of about 400 million yuan ($63 million). Moreover, Reuters notes that Caixin Online reported early this year that the tech company was suing Apple for 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) on a trademark infringement claim, and PCWorld reports this case is "set to go to trial."
China is a critical market for Apple; ZDNet Asia cites "[o]ther predictions [that] noted that China would become Apple's largest market by 2014."
Apple has not commented further but did confirm the lawsuit.
What do you think Apple should do? With the size of the iPad market in China, can Apple afford to take a chance on a different name for its iconic tablet? Will one of the most powerful companies in the world let itself be pushed around by the largest country in the world? What will happen when the unstoppable force of Apple meets the unmovable object of China?
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Sentic API
Sentic API provides the semantics and sentics associated with 50,000 commonsense concepts.
API methods include http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/CONCEPT_NAME for getting all the available information associated with a specific concept and more fine-grained methods for getting semantics, sentics, and polarity, respectively:
• http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/CONCEPT_NAME/semantics
• http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/CONCEPT_NAME/sentics
• http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/CONCEPT_NAME/polarity
The full set of conceptual features associated with the concept of celebrate special occasion, for example, can be retrieved with the command http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/celebrate_special_occasion
In case only the semantics associated with celebrate special occasion are needed, e.g., for gisting or auto-categorization tasks, these can be obtained through http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/celebrate_special_occasion/semantics
Similarly, the sentics associated with the concept celebrate special occasion, useful for tasks such as affective HCI or theory of mind, can be retrieved with the command http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/celebrate_special_occasion/sentics. For interpreting sentics in a categorical sense, please refer to the Hourglass model. As for the concept celebrate special occasion, for example, the resulting sentic levels correspond to the mood-tags joy and anticipation
Finally, the polarity associated with celebrate special occasion, which can be exploited for more standard sentiment analysis tasks, can be obtained through http://sentic.net/api/en/concept/celebrate_special_occasion/polarity
Please acknowledge the authors by citing SenticNet 4 in any research work or presentation containing results obtained in whole or in part through the use of the API (also accesible online through a Python package).


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November 2, 2012 – November 4, 2012
- Location Washington, D.C.
- Price Tickets go on sale October 1, and will be sold exclusively through filmfestdc.org.
The Arabian Sights Film Festival presents the newest and most innovative films out of today's vibrant Arab world. Now in its 17th year, Arabian Sights will feature films from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. Enjoy post-screening discussions by visiting directors, as well as other special festival events. For updates on films and guests, to view trailers, and to purchase tickets, please visit filmfestdc.org.
1600 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C., US
Telephone: +1 202 857 7700
Lat/Lon: 38.905653999999998, -77.036534000000003
Come explore a thousand years of advances in science and technology from Muslim civilization, which have had a huge but hidden impact on the modern world.
Enjoy an evening of Rumi's poetry, read by Fatemeh Keshavarz and accompanied by music performed by Hossein Omoumi, Jessika Kenny, Amir Koushkani and Hamin Honari.
Now in its 17th year, the Arabian Sights Film Festival presents the newest and most innovative films out of today's vibrant Arab world.
Event Sponsors
Presenting National Sponsor
Supported By
Community Partner
Community Partner
Hire a National Geographic speaker for your event.Meet Our Speakers
Book a distinctive setting for your event.Learn About Our Venue
Bring an exhibition to your institution.View Available Exhibitions
Touring floor maps bring memorable education to students.See Our Maps


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Bethel Church, Welch, homecomingcomment (0)
July 19, 2012
Bethel Church, Welch, will celebrate homecoming July 29, 10:30 a.m. Dale Wood, director of missions for East Liberty Association, will speak. James Brown will lead music. Lunch will follow. The church also will hold revival July 30–Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Jimmy Brown is pastor.