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Ex-Marine Scams Unemployment System
A Rockaway ex-marine was arrested for fraudulently receiving more than $70,000 in unemployment benefits by using seven different names and social security numbers, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced this week.
Eduardo Ramirez, 22, of Beach 120 Street in Rockaway Park was discharged from the Marine Corps under less than honorable conditions on March 25, 2010, with a rank of private (pay grade E-1). He is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of second-degree grand larceny and 99 counts of firstdegree falsifying business records. If convicted, Ramirez faces up to fifteen years in prison.
"The defendant was deemed unfit for military service, and as such, was not entitled to receive unemployment benefits upon his discharge," Brown said. "It is alleged, however, that not only did he unlawfully receive thousands of dollars in compensation under his own name but six others as well. His alleged conduct does a grave disservice to the countless men and women who return home after risking their lives in defense of our country."
According to Brown, ex-service members are entitled to receive unemployment benefits under certain circumstances.
They must provide a copy of their certificate of release or discharge from active duty (DD Form 214), which includes the branch of military service, last duty assignment, date of separation from service and pay grade. However, if the ex-service member received a dishonorable, bad conduct or other than honorable discharge, he or she would not be entitled to unemployment benefits.
According to the criminal complaint, the state Department of Labor received two express mail envelopes on the same day with the same return address of 22- 10 Crescent Street, Astoria, Queens. Inside each envelope allegedly was a DD Form 214 filed under sequential social security numbers. It is further alleged that a review of Department of Labor records revealed five additional claims for unemployment benefits filed with sequential social security numbers and which were linked to the Crescent Street address and Ramirez's cellular telephone number, which he used to recertify each week under the seven different social security numbers in order to receive continued unemployment benefits.
In six of the cases, it is alleged that Ramirez, using the names Eddie Rodriguez, Eddie S. Riemers, Edwin Lacosta, Edward Sanders, Edward Ramos and Christopher Stratanger, noted that he was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal, which meant that he could receive the maximum unemployment rate allowed of $405 per week.
In the seventh case, he used his own name but stated that he had been honorably discharged with the rank of private, first class, which entitled him to unemployment benefits of $363 per week. As a result, Ramirez fraudulently received $73,044 between April 8, 2010, and August 21, 2011.


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Texwrap introduces new E-commerce Mailing System
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Texwrap partners with a nationwide network of highly-trained packaging distributors in order to better serve its customers. This partnership provides a support structure to insure the best machinery/application fit, a smooth startup, reliable local service, and long-term return on the machinery investment.
Our mission is to provide our customers with the latest technological advances while maintaining our commitment to a user-friendly machine that is efficient and easy to maintain. The quality construction, flexibility, easy changeover and low maintenance features of our systems give Texwrap machinery the lowest Total Cost of Ownership available in the market today. By working closely with our distributors and end users we have built a reputation based on responsiveness to customer needs.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 9Rewards Points: 10
HVAC Not Cooling for last week and a half
My A/C hasn't been running right for the last week and a half. Had a guy out and he hooked the blue manifold hose up and said it was low and slowly trickled 2 lbs of refrigerant in and I gave him $135 . Next day same issue still even though it never really "cooled" the house down that night but rather we opened the windows since it got cool enough that night. I didn't want to call the same guy back because when I did class 8 truck A/C we always hooked both hoses up and he didn't so that meant he's not the guy to be working on my system in the future. It was cool for a few days and we went camping for a few and then came home and presto hot house but we had turned the A/C off while gone to avoid a potential ruined compressor if it's not to late already and a possible fire.
Here's what I've did. Replaced the blower capacitor and had the electric shop bench the motor and it seems to be working properly. They were the one's who found the bad blowermotor capacitor.
Repaced the start/run capacitor last night. The run was at 5 microfarads and the start side was 27.4 . My capacitor I took off was rated at 30/5 370V . Replaced it with the same which tested out properly using a microfarad tester on Sperry DM-6450 tester.
I compressor sounds as if it's kicking in. Where the evaporator is in the duct work the sides get really cold, enough to make the metal duct work sweat. I did have a period last week where the cold line was sweating really bad and when I shut the A/C off I had water running down around the bottom of the HVAC system. I have blown the drain line backwards several times and when the evaporator starts defrosting as I'm guessing then I get water running down the tube. I'm guessing the evap is freezing up and the compressor is the culprit? The condenser is clean and has been washed from inside to outside a few times to be sure.
What's next and what do I ask and watch for when the guy comes today in a few hours? Its a R22 system that was installed in 2000. We bought the home in Feb 2001 New. It's a 2 ton system by Gibson which if I'm correct is Nordyne?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks to all.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 119Rewards Points: 77
Determine the type of metering device you have. If it's a fixed orifice, make sure they assess charge by superheat. If it's a TXV, make sure they assess charge by subcooling. Regardless of device, they should determine both superheat and subcooling, which means connecting both hoses. If your evaporator coil is freezing up, it may have a leak or be experiencing low air flow, possibly due to being very dirty. You could check the airflow by measuring external static pressure and coil drop and looking up a table published by the manufacturer that relates them to CFMs. However, if you normally get strong air flow from your ducts, and it feels about the same as it ever has at all of them, your air flow should be all right. It should be simple to unscrew the cover of the evaporator coil and look for dirt and later ice after it's been running a while and stopped cooling.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 275Rewards Points: 250
You have to find and fix the leak first before you do anything else. 2lb freon was gone in a few days, that is a major leak, should be easy to find.
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 9Rewards Points: 10
OK thanks for the help which has all been good responses. O hired a different company to come in today since the last guy only hooked the suction side up and put 2lbs in which has left me wondering if he actually took 2lbs.
Anyways on to better pastures . The guy arrived early with a new tech who happened to be at his first day on the job out of vo-tech school but he was definitely full of knowledge as I found out. I let them know the blower motor had been benched last thursday and was found to be good with a new capacitor installed and that I had replaced the start/ run dual capacitor on the condenser last night. They had me start the unit and they hooked the manifold gauges up and noticed my low and high pressure were low to the point the experienced tech said that he wonders if I have a leak. He checked the red wire going to the compressor and it was pulling 4 amps which he stated was low.
The techs grabbed their tools , leak detector tool and headed inside. They pulled the evaporator and said it surprisingly was the cleanest one they've seen for being 12yrs old. I told him every 3 months I religiously replace the filter with a good filter that you can't see through referring to the cheap ones people buy all the time because they're cheap and end up costing them in the end. The seasoned tech checked the whole condenser for a leak with his test tool and couldn't find one. He checked the cooper lines inside and out and found no leaks. He then checked the pressures and mentioned the compressor was running.
He shut the unit down again and pulled the fan off of the top and went over the entire condenser inside and out along with the compressor as well and couldn't find any leaks either. He started the unit again and checked the pressures and they were still low. He brought the freon and the scale out along with the scale, hooked up the refrigerant line to the tank, zeroed the scale, purged the air from the refrigerant line, zeroed the scale again and started sucking freon into the system. Right away he noticed the pressures were rising like they should and he stated the compressor was starting to sound like it should.
He shut the suction line on the manifold and let the system equalize and then added a little more. It came out to be 1lb and 6oz installed into the system. Im thinking the high side pressure was 250 or a little bit above and the low side was 75. This was the numbers on the outer part of the gauge. The reason he added refrigerant was that we couldn't find a leak and he wanted to make sure the compressor was or wasn't working properly and it was cheaper than replacing the compressor for 1k or installing a new 11 sear setup for $2300 installed with new lines, condenser and evaporator setup.
I believe the new unit might have been a Howard he said if that sounds correct? It's Amanas value line he said. After filling the freon he checked the temp at the fan which had came up and the return and outlet temps inside as well to make sure they were getting proper readings that way for the temp drop. He also at my request used a tool which has fan blades in it and checked my duct outlet pressures and said the averages were good so that relieved me as the motor rating was always a concern at 1/3 hp for a 1700 sq ft house. The motor turns at 1075 rpms per the tag on it. The tech says if it goes down again then he'd probably recommend the previously mentioned repairs which baffles me as him and his new guy out of hvac school were both stumped on where the freon was going.
I tend to wonder if the first guy who came a week and a half ago with a different company had actually sucked freon out of my system and made things worse. I did replace the capacitor last night (sun) as the microfarads were at 27.4/5 on a 30/5 dual run capacitor which had never been checked by the first guy. The techs today did say that the capacitor would've been replaced based on those numbers. ANYONE have any idea where my freon went? I'm thinking the guy left with it in his tank as the tech today did say he's seen the previous guy around and after further discussion stated later in the conversation that he's heard some horror stories from other people about that guy customers and techs alike..... I'm just thankful it's slowly getting cold in my house. Hope it runs another 11.5 years before I need service again......
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 122Rewards Points: 75
The other guy didn't remove freon from your system, he would have had to hook up the high side to do that. He just did not charge the system correctly. Did he put his tank on a scale or just said the amount he put in? If he did put two # and the other tech. put 1+#s in then you still have a leak or you had someone steal the freon from your system r22 is like gold anymore. Just a thought.
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One guess: something you think is numeric is really string. -describe- and if necessary -destring-. Nick email@example.com valerie flaherman > I am trying to do a poisson regression with an offset > for the log of > the population size. Stata will do the command without an > offset, but when > I put in the offset it gives me an error message saying "no > observations." > The same happenned when I tried to use exposure. My > colleagues and I are not > sure what to do next--does anyone have advice? Thanks so much. * * For searches and help try: * http://www.stata.com/support/faqs/res/findit.html * http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq * http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
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Sunday, March 4, 2001
Steamboat Springs The sun has made only infrequent appearances in February, but all of those clouds haven't produced much snow, and Steamboat will have to experience a very snowy March and April just to have an average winter snowfall.
Still, skiers were encountering pleasant conditions on the slopes at Steamboat this week.
"I skied Whiteout a lot of times and the bumps were soft," Tim Hoff said Thursday. "We had great early season snow, drought in the middle and now, it's been good again."
Hoff goes up on the mountain and both skis and snowboards. He may not have known it, but the bumps he was skiing on the black diamond trail Whiteout were shaped with almost exactly 100 inches of fewer snow than the mountain had received last year at this date.
Thus far Steamboat has received 204 inches of snow at mid-mountain November through February. Last year, Steamboat had received 302 inches by the end of February. The 10-year average for snowfall at Steamboat during the course of an entire winter is 332.18 inches and the 20-year average is 306.13 inches.
"The numbers say 'average,'" ski area spokesman Mike lane said Thursday. "But the skiing experience is definitely above average."
Lane said Steamboat counted 49 inches of snow at mid-mountain during February and 63 inches at the summit. The mid-mountain snow total was just two inches more than fell on Mount Werner in January, and that was perceived as a dry month.
Lane theorized that frequent small snowstorms helped keep the ski trails fresh throughout February.
"We had a lot of nickel and dime stuff here and there," Lane said. "That and cold temperatures at night have definitely helped us."
Steamboat's mid-mountain base of 60 inches on Thursday ranked it second in the state for major destination resorts behind Winter Park, where the base is 66 inches. Vail was reporting 46 inches at mid-mountain and Aspen 39 inches.
Steamboat received a six-inch snowfall of wet snow last week, and Lane said it was the right kind of snow at the right time.
"The groomers are able to work with the wet snow better," Lane said.
Steamboat skiers were spoiled by the back-to-back winters of 1995/96 and 1996/97, when the ski area counted 441.25 and 447.75 inches of snow, respectively. The latter was the highest total in 20 years.
Steamboat still needs to receive 100 inches of snow in the next six weeks to have a statistical average winter.
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The Chicago Bears last summer elected to let Rashied Davis, who played for the club from 2005-2010, leave in free agency. Davis was a core member of the club's special teams, yet the coaching staff chose to go with a bigger, faster player in Sam Hurd.
We all know how that worked out.
To replace Hurd this past offseason, the team signed Devin Thomas, another accomplished special teams player. When Thomas unexpectedly announced his retirement yesterday, the Bears were again left with a hole on the roster.
WR Rashied Davis
Jonathan Daniel/Getty
To fill that gap, they turned to a familiar face, signing Davis to a one-year deal worth a reported $825,000, the veteran minimum. His single-season high in catches is 35, and he's caught just 18 total passes the past three years combined, so don't expect him to be a weapon on offense. His value will come on special teams.
Davis' 65 special teams tackles over six seasons in Chicago rank fifth in Bears history. He was limited to 11 games with the Lions last season due to a stress fracture in his foot, from which he's fully recovered.
The return of Davis is not good news for Dane Sanzenbacher, who appeared to have the lead on Chicago's sixth receiver spot. That's assuming they keep six, which they did last season. Sanzenbacher doesn't have a lot of use on special teams – he's been returning punts with the backups so far in training camp – so he'll need to be phenomenal on offense to beat out Davis for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Davis will participate in his first practice tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Follow me on Twitter: @BearReport
Jeremy Stoltz is Publisher of BearReport.com and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. To read him every day, visit BearReport.com and become a Chicago Bears insider.


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Home →
A recent post by one of our favorite bloggers, Brooke Foster, the mom behind Mommy Moi.
City babies have it good, but do the mommies? Here's what I've learned about city babies and city mommies from living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
I pushed Harper in the CityMini one last time down to Riverside Park yesterday morning. It was a happy last day in the city--it was sunny and everyone was out with their strollers and dogs and rollerblades and bikes. For a second, I imagined what our lives would look like if we didn't move and chose to raise Harper in Manhattan--I fantasized about bike rides in Riverside Park, walking as a family to dinner, moving into a building with lots of kids where Harper could run door to door for playdates.
It defines your identity when you choose to raise a kid in the city, and it's a choice that I've always admired. To me, kids in the city are more cultured, they appreciate diversity, their playground is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
But I'm not so sure that raising kids in the city is as great for moms. Bringing up a baby in New York City is such a royal pain in the butt that I've given up on trying to make it work entirely. It's exhausting. I'm sure that I'm going to have tons to say about my adventures in the suburbs--and I'm sure I'll long for my city life--but until then here's what I learned about raising a kid in the city.
1. Schlepping with a baby or kid is no fun. In the suburbs, you can load the kids in the car and run your errands. In the city, you're walking everywhere, which is great, but then you're lugging groceries along with a diaper bag, your kid and anything else you've purchased up to your apartment. I shop at Whole Foods, so they deliver my groceries to my doorstep. But if I need anything in smaller batches, like diapers and wipes and then dog food, I'm making multiple trips to the store.
2. No one goes over to each other's houses. We've only been invited to another family's apartment once since Harper was born, and I've never invited anyone with a child to my apartment; it's because few people have enough space to entertain with kids running around. (Ok, the super rich do, but I'm not friends with anyone super rich.) Instead, I'm always meeting up with mommies and their babies in parks. This works out okay, but I love get togethers where babies get to share each other's toys and moms can relax together and sip lemonade.
3. Wear your city life like a badge of honor. Mothers who have chosen to raise their kids in the city will never complain about how challenging it can be to someone who lives outside in the city. Instead, city moms talk about the romantic parts of raising a child here--Long stroller walks through the West Village or the fact that their husbands get home from work after a 15 minute subway ride.
But among each other, city mommies will be more frank about how they're longing for a house--or they're tired of going to the Museum of Natural History. Sure, there's tons more to do in the city, but living anywhere too long gets boring, even Manhattan.
4. Taking a baby on the subway isn't fun. Ok, it's kind of fun. Harper loves waving to all of the people and when the train starts moving he'll often squeal. But I don't even like breathing the air in the subway, so why should Harper have to? Also, you have to learn where the elevators in the subway are--Finding them is hard enough, but then you get inside and there may be leftover puke from the night before. Subway elevators are pretty atrocious, so taking a stroller on the subway really, really sucks.
5. Smile knowingly if you see another mom with a baby, but don't talk. Before I had Harper, I imagined it would be so easy to make mommy friends in the city. But it's actually really, really hard. When I take Harper to the park, there are very few moms there--it's all nannies. When I do see other moms, they're often alone, pushing a stroller while texting or chatting on the phone. I often want to approach them and say: "Hey, you want to chat and walk around together?" It would make the same old walk more interesting. But I chicken out because I know that's considered weird, and the mom would probably look at me like I have seven heads.
6. Yes, you can take your baby to the Met, Moma or Guggenheim museums everyday, but you won't. The argument for raising kids in the city is simple: The parents are city people, and they want their kids to be city kids. And for many people this is a great setup. But what I've noticed is that my city life looks nothing like I imagined it would. I'm not sitting at an outdoor cafe with Harper having lunch or taking the subway down to Bleeker Street to window shop. I'm doing exactly what every mother in America with a 14-month-old is doing--preparing meals, grocery shopping, going to the park, putting Harper down for naps. Moms are moms.
Brooke Foster is a New York City Mom of one. She blogs at Mommy Moi.
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Wetherby-Pembridge on Manhattan's Upper East Side, has a mission to combine the best of British education with that of the United States'.
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Wonkette and her fans take time out of their busy schedule to ridicule Trig Palin again:
Little baby Trig must be so glad he wasn't aborted for this, his first Halloween, because his parents dressed him up like a political party symbol to be carried around at snarling political events. Aww. Isn't life just grand? [HuffPo]
The picture shows Bristol holding Trig, so one commenter writes:
Such a cute picture of the proud mom…sister…whatever.
Compassion, folks, it's all about compassions. They're just better people than we are and if Obama is elected its going to be like this 24/7.


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YEAR IN REVIEW: A look back at 2013 in local news
Belding's historic buildings and clock tower come down
The Belding Bros. clock tower was a structure that stood for more than 100 years, erected in 1903.
It was an iconic figure that served as not only an operational clock for the majority of its life, but as an emblem of the small town and its historic past when Belding was known as "silk city," operating as a pioneer and world leader in the development of the elastic fiber.
But this year, the tower met its controversial end as demolition crews steadily disassembled the structure while the surrounding building were demolished in the late spring.
The decision to destroy the tower and surrounding buildings was made last year after a two-year legal battle between the city and Electrolux Inc.
Belding City Council members reached an agreement with Electrolux that would see the buildings and tower come down, while saving key components such as the clock facings, roof shingles and engravings that were part of the original tower.
For several weeks beginning in April, residents of Belding and commuters of Bridge and Main streets watched, some out of curiosity, others in disbelief, as bulldozers, excavators and a crane fitted with a wrecking ball knocked down wall after wall of the various buildings, saving the clock tower fas the final piece of the crumbling puzzle.
In May, the tower came down, leaving only rubble and dust in its place.
Today, the 4-acre lot sits empty and seeded with new blades of grass hidden beneath a blanket of snow. The site is expected to be used as a city park, with $125,000 to be given to the city to create the park.
However, results of any findings of contaminants and their severity have yet to be released by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and several council members remain skeptical that the site is currently suitable for a public park.
"There was no cleanup done over there at all," said Councilman Mike Scheid during a December council meeting. "They tore down the buildings, covered it up — they are trying to run away."
One of the final steps in the process was completed in December, when council members voted to remove the site from the city's historic district, a requirement stated in the consent judgment agreement between the city and Electrolux.
The city's historic district was established in 2011, which at the time was viewed by Electrolux as a last-minute attempt by the city to prevent the company from destroying the buildings.
But in the end, the agreement was reached, the site was removed from the district, and its fate will be determined come March when the year-long period allowed for demolition officially comes to an end.
Mayor Ron Gunderson was the lone member of the council in 2012 who voted against the consent judgment agreement between the city and Electrolux, and remains unconvinced that the site will be ready in March as is stated in the agreement.
"It's been a frustrating 2 1/2 years," Gunderson said. "We get some communication with the (MDEQ), but we pretty much fall off of the radar. I'm not saying that we wont ever end up with that property over there, but right now it's up to the (MDEQ). If communication breaks down, we don't have the funds to go after Electrolux. We need to hold the (MDEQ) responsible for their end of it."
For now, the site will remain fenced in, but an end result of it becoming a public park very much resides with the contamination results that have yet to be released to the public by the MDEQ.
Alleged bank robber kills self after crime spree
A seemingly random series of bank robberies in Michigan led to a man's self-inflicted death in the deep south last spring.
No one will ever know what was going through the mind of Jack Kaiser, 53, a Las Vegas native, as he allegedly walked into four different banks, implying he had a gun and asking for money.
The odd series of events began the morning of March 30 when Kaiser entered a Chemical Bank in Edmore and allegedly robbed the facility.
Less than two weeks later, he allegedly robbed the PNC Bank in Galesburg, about 100 miles south of Edmore, on April 12.
Less than one week later, he allegedly robbed the Tri-County Bank in Brown City, about 170 miles northeast of Galesburg, on April 18.
Just over one week later, he allegedly robbed the CSB (Capac State Bank) in Yale, about 15 miles southeast of Brown City, April 27.
All four robberies were successful as Kaiser left each scene with undisclosed amounts of money. All four robberies were brazen as well. Kaiser didn't feel the need to wear a disguise, instead sporting all-American apparel, such as a T-shirt emblazoned with the American flag and the words "USA" or a T-shirt sporting the Mustang car logo.
It all came to a sudden end amid a traffic jam on a southern day late in April.
The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety was contacted by law enforcement officials in St. Claire near Detroit who believed Kaiser was traveling through Georgia toward Alpharetta.
A police lieutenant spotted Kaiser's vehicle and requested back-up units. Kaiser refused to stop and a slow speed chase ensued. Kaiser pulled into a strip mall parking lot and attempted to lose police, but his vehicle was blocked by a congested traffic flow as he tried to exit the parking lot.
Again, no one will ever know what was going through Kaiser's mind as armed police officers surrounded his vehicle. The Las Vegas man simply pulled out a handgun and shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving more questions than answers.
Belding police shootout ends with Sidney man dead
The early, quiet hours of Saturday, Jan. 4, were interrupted by the sound of gunfire at the Belding Police Department, with the end result being that of a fatal shootout between officers and a lone gunman.
At 5:12 a.m., shots were fired outside of the department, located at 120 S. Pleasant St.
At the sound of gunfire, Officer Jason Cooper stepped outside to investigate and found that damage had been done to one of the patrol cars.
Cooper began his pursuit of the suspect, later identified as Bernard Rowley, 55, of Sidney, who was driving a white van.
Cooper pursued Rowley on a low-speed chase throughout downtown Belding and was eventually joined in the chase by Michigan State Police Trooper Roger Hunt. The chase ended on the corner of Belding Road and Hawley Highway, about 1.4 miles away from the police station.
According to the investigation performed by the Michigan State Police, Rowley was ordered out of the van by officers and did exit the van. He stood with his hands in the air, a shotgun held in one of his hands.
Hunt ordered Rowley to stop and drop the weapon and put his arms in the air. Rowley ignored the instructions and continued walking. He then stopped and fired one shot at Hunt's patrol car.
"The suspect then fired a number of rounds at the officers," said MSP Lt. Commander Kevin Sweeney. "Shots were fired, I can't confirm how many, but a round hit the cruiser."
Return fire was given by Cooper, in which Rowley suffered fatal wounds.
Rowley was pronounced dead at 5:37 a.m. No police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
Cooper was placed on paid leave from the department after the shooting, but was cleared to return to the department in February after going through a counseling program provided by the department.
Ionia County Prosecutor Ronald Schafer ruled that Cooper's actions were justified to protect Hunt, as well as Cooper.
"Officer Cooper's actions in the shooting were justified. He acted in response to an honest and reasonable belief that deadly force was required to prevent death or great bodily harm; he acted in self-defense, as well as acting in the defense of another, specifically Trooper Hunt," Schafer wrote in his conclusion of the case.
Edmore business becomes talk of the town
A well-known Edmore business partnership has only made three payments since 2006 on a $220,000 loan from the Edmore Economic Loan Fund Development program.
However, the issue didn't make headlines until members of the Edmore Village Council decided to openly discuss the issue at their May 10 meeting, sparing not a cringeworthy detail about they felt about Tony Maxfield and his family members.
The council conversation was made very public after someone in the audience quietly recorded the discussion so others could hear exactly how village officials felt.
Village President Chet Guild initiated the discussion at that meeting, saying one option was to sue Tony Maxfield and his sister, Shari, both of whom signed a personal note of guarantee for the loan. The Maxfield siblings own Averyville Acres, which owns Maxfield's Restaurant in Blanchard, Maxfield's Inn in Edmore and The Depot in Edmore.
Personal opinions really began to let loose in the meeting when Guild and council members and audience members discussed at length and with apparent disdain about how they believe Maxfield spends his money. Allegations were voiced about Maxfield hiding his money, Maxfield and his wife going on an "expensive vacation that nobody else can afford," Maxfield's father going to Florida for the winter and driving a "nice Escalade" and Maxfield's brother-in-law riding new "Harleys."
"I know people in Edmore are tired of being spit on, for lack of a better word," Guild summarized.
Tony Maxfield didn't take the personal accusations quietly. He let village officials know exactly how he felt at a Sept. 26 Edmore Economic Loan Fund Development Committee meeting — the audio of which also was recorded.
"There's 45 minutes of the council basically being slanderous against the family," Maxfield told village officials referring to the May 10 meeting. "I feel it was inappropriate. You opened yourself up a big can of worms, basically.
"(The entire situation is) very biased," Maxfield added. "It's pretty obvious that this is a personal agenda by him (Guild), not a business decision by the council and what's best for the community."
Ever since the public discussions made multiple headlines, village officials and the Maxfields have been more quietly working toward an agreement to resolve the overdue loan.
Eureka Township plays host to multiple controversies
When the Greek scientist Archimedes realized he had discovered a method for determining the purity of gold, he famously shouted "Eureka!," a term commonly associated with the triumph of discovery.
Considering the Eureka Township Board's topsy-turvy year, the similarities probably end there.
It was less than an inspiring year for the township, which saw its supervisor take a leave of absence shortly after re-election (later to step down completely), a Freedom Of Information Act lawsuit with the city of Greenville, a business annexation battle (again, with the city of Greenville) and an improperly held closed session during a public meeting.
The November 2012 election was a close one, one that required a recount, but Supervisor Laura Shears earned her second term as township supervisor. Less than a week after the recount, Shears took a leave of absence, citing a medical issue and a doctor's recommendation. Longtime trustee Rodney Roy was appointed interim supervisor.
Shears never return to the board, submitting her resignation in April. Township officials said Shears had moved out of the township and could no longer serve as supervisor. Roy was officially appointed supervisor until the next general election in November 2014.
Throughout 2013, Eureka Township and Greenville and their attorneys went to battle over a lawsuit stemming from a FOIA request made by Greenville City Manager George Bosanic for documents from the township.
In his request, filed in September 2012, Bosanic asked for public records of an agreement between the city and the township relating to grinder pumps and a forced sewer main constructed near Baldwin Lake, which is partially in the city and partially in the township.
The township responded by giving Bosanic a $400 bill and even trying to charge him for viewing township documents in person. The lengthy lawsuit battle frequently made headlines as city and township officials often referred to the matter during public meetings.
The two municipalities agreed to an out-of-court settlement in September. The settlement required the township to waive the $400 fee and contribute $2,500 to the Greenville Department of Public Safety for new accessories or equipment.
City officials, in a decision that outraged township officials, transferred the $2,500 "donation" from the public safety fund to the general fund to pay for attorney fees related to the lawsuit.
The settlement also required the township to "review with its legal counsel the township's current FOIA policies and procedures to ensure future compliance with the FOIA. The township boar it adopted a new FOIA policy in November.
Another two months of heated discussions took place between Eureka Township and Greenville regarding a request from Mersen USA to annex its property, which was previously split between the two municipalities, entirely into the city. According to Mersen, the reason for the request was so future expansions would go more smoothly as grant funding was more readily available and easier to obtain if the property was included in a single municipality. But township officials didn't want the annexation to happen.
The Michigan State Boundary Commission ended the dispute in June, ruling that the move into the city would be beneficial to all parties involved.
Eureka Township drew headlines and criticism again after the board inappropriately entered into a closed session on June 10 after Trustee Jeremy Austin made the request for "personal scenario situation." According to state law, this is not an acceptable reason for going into closed session.
The minutes of the 14-minute-long "closed session" was made public after a request from The Daily News. The discussion involved Austin's concern about whether a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) anti-discrimination resolution would violate state law.
Earlier at the June 10 meeting, residents Justin Barr and Christian Sowers had presented a LGBT anti-discrimination draft ordinance to the township board for their consideration.
Barr, a Greenville High School student, asked the township board for an apology at July's meeting. Austin apologized for his ignorance of closed session procedures.
Greenville child abuse story captures community's attention
The story of how a Greenville girl suffered abuse made headlines from March through September … but the effects of that abuse will surely last much longer.
When news broke about 2-year-old Brooklyn Weimer being abused on March 24, Greenville and surrounding communities immediately rallied around the little girl, who was clinging to life after suffering severe abdominal and brain injuries.
A candlelight vigil brought a somber and tearful crowd to Veterans Park in Greenville, where they prayed for the toddler who lay in a coma at a Grand Rapids Hospital.
In April, Brooklyn's mother, Samantha Slater, and Slater's boyfriend, Benjamin Wilkins were arrested and charged with first- and second-degree child abuse.
In May, after an emotional series of court hearings (a key witness suffered a seizure and passed out, striking her head on the witness stand at one hearing), Judge Donald Hemingsen dismissed all criminal charges against Slater, citing a lack of evidence. The mother dissolved into tears of relief while clutching her attorney's hand.
Wilkins waived his preliminary examination in May, but then he and his attorney parted ways, citing a broken working relationship. In the meantime, Wilkins pleaded no contest to a related civil charge of abuse/neglect in probate court.
In May, Slater and her ex-husband Brent Slater signed a stipulation to amend their previous judgment of divorce to say that Brent Slater is no longer Brooklyn's legal father. The toddler's legal father was now her biological father, Clayton Weimer.
Odds are Clayton Weimer will not be seeing his daughter anytime soon. He was convicted on a cannabis charge in 2010 and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in Illinois. His earliest projected parole date is March 2018.
In July, Wilkins took advantage of a plea deal offer from the Montcalm County Prosecutor's Office. He pleaded no contest to second-degree child abuse and being a habitual offender second offense.
Brooklyn finally began to show signs of improvement and was allowed to be taken off life support. She continued to recover in the hospital.
In August, the Department of Human Services withdrew its motion for Slater's parental rights trial, meaning civil charges were effectively dismissed against her. The court will continue to have jurisdiction over Brooklyn while DHS gives Slater a case service plan and monitors her parenting over the next year.
At his sentencing in September, Wilkins confessed to making some bad judgment calls while babysitting his girlfriend's daughter, but he came short of admitting that it was he who harmed the toddler.
He had been facing a maximum sentence of life in prison, but after taking the plea deal he was sentenced to from 10 to 15 years in prison.
Heavy rain brings high waters in April
More than one local resident probably considered starting work on an ark last April.
With flood water at a high not seen since 1986, many roads were closed in Ionia and Montcalm counties and road commission crews were working through the night to open them again.
According to Road Commission for Montcalm County Managing Director Mark Christensen, many roads were closed due to culvert failures and heavy rains, with Carson City being the most heavily hit municipality in the area. Overall, the east side of the county was more adversely impacted by the heavy downpour.
Crews spent a considerable amount of time simply moving signs and road closure markers from place to place as the rains moved and conditions changed.
Health department officials warned of possible health threats from sewage runoff and overflow from lakes, rivers and streams. Residents were cautioned to boil water suspected of containing contaminants to remove bacteria such as E. coli and cholera, and protozoa such as giardia, along with viruses like hepatitis. Residents whose homes were serviced by wells rather than city water were particularly susceptible.
Owners of wells that had been flooded were encouraged to disinfect and then sample their water for bacteriological contaminants prior to use.
It took about a week for the area to recover from the flooding and for all roads that had been closed to be reopened. Christensen called dealing with the fallout from the flood "challenging."
At its peak, the flood was responsible for closing 16 roads in Montcalm County. Sections of many gravel roads washed out entirely and had to be built back up prior to resumption of traffic. Near the end of the month, portions of three roads — Lake Montcalm, Fitzner and Peck — still remained closed. However, Christensen reported that things were "getting better" with the cessation of the rain and a week of dryer weather.
The Montcalm County Drain Commission also put in plenty of overtime during the flooding, though for the most part the drainage system was able to handle the overflow. Some areas, though, were "bank to bank," according to Drain Commissioner Sandra Raines.
County officials spent hours monitoring high lake levels in the area, but other than some overflow near the banks, most areas remained within safe limits and were starting to recede by the end of the month.
Mysterious arson of historic Whites Covered Bridge
If there was one crime which galvanized the community this past year, it was the destruction of the historic Whites Covered Bridge in the early morning hours of July 8. By the time firefighting crews arrived at the bridge's 4 Mile and Richmond roads location in Keene Township, the rustic wooden structure had already fallen into the river as a result of the fire.
Investigators quickly ruled the fire an arson. The question on everyone's minds was, who would do such a thing? The bridge, which had been in use since 1867 was the state's oldest covered bridge still in use.
Over the decades, countless prom, wedding and family photographs had featured the scenic bridge as a backdrop. Couples and children by the thousands had picnicked nearby. The bridge was by every definition a landmark, a beloved part of the community and one that should have endured for years to come.
It's senseless destruction brought comments of pain and outrage from community members.
The day after the bridge's destruction, many local residents visited the scene to see the damage for themselves.
Wendy Agostini of Lowell was among those. As a child, Agostini's father would bring her to the bridge and regale her with tales of its long and storied history. The father and daughter would walk across the bridge looking at the carvings in the wood, some dating back to 1892.
"We were so proud of it," Agostini said. "(The community) loved this bridge and now it's gone. I hurts my heart. This hurts so bad. Why would someone want to hurt the community like this."
Another Lowell resident, Melissa Vandersloot, described the arson as "devastating," noting how important it had been to the community.
Yet another Lowell resident, Jerry Batchelor, said the bridge's beauty was like a trip back in time.
A few weeks later, current Alma resident and Belding native Paul Phenix, along with several other volunteers, launched a campaign to rebuild the bridge. The campaign quickly gained a large and enthusiastic following, though the project was beset with substantial hurdles, including the approximately $850,000 price tag and the likelihood that plans for a new, one-lane covered bridge might not be approved.
Ionia County Road Commission Director Dorothy Pohl said she was personally behind Phenix's efforts, but that the commission had no extra funds available, since it was still dealing with fallout from flooding that took place in April.
Phenix and his group decided to file as a 501 C-3 nonprofit and try to raise funding for a new bridge, though he admitted the effort would likely be a long one, fraught with numerous hurdles and beuqacratic red tape.
The arson of the bridge remains unsolved.
Missing Belding boy found drowned
One of the most tragic stories this year was the disappearance and death of 10-year-old Devon Morrison of Belding.
On Sept. 14, it was reported by Devon's parents to the Belding Police Department that the boy had been missing since he had ventured from home to go fishing along the Flat River earlier that Saturday morning.
Devon's disappearance quickly spawned a city-wide search, in which thousands of members of the Belding community and surrounding area combed the city and river beginning in the early hours of Saturday evening.
Both that night and into the next day, residents searched non-stop in effort to find Devon. By Monday, the search included authorities from the Michigan State Police, who searched via helicopter, as well as additional firefighters and police officers who searched on foot and by boat.
"Number one, we want to find Devon," said Belding Police Chief Dale Nelson on Sunday, Sept. 15. "If he's out there I know he's going to make the right choice and come back and let us know where he is at."
The search for Devon was suspended Sunday evening, but resumed at daylight Monday morning, and the effort to find him only intensified.
At 12:53 p.m. that day, Devon's body was found in the Flat River near the Ashfield Street bridge, just a few feet away from one of his favorite fishing spots.
"It's an unfortunate end to what has been a three-day affair for everyone," said Nelson during a press conference following the discovery. "I can only say, on behalf of the family, that they very much deeply appreciate everything that everyone has done."
Devon's death was eventually ruled an accidental drowning, and the support for Devon and his family was immediately felt with several candlelight vigils held throughout the community.
Nelson ended his conference with a fitting quote to remember Devon by.
"We need to remember Devon, for Devon," he said. "Whatever joy he brought to whomever he contacted was just a wonderful thing. I feel honored to be able to have spent some time with him and interact with him because he was a great kid, just a great kid … It will be difficult without Devon, but we will move on."
Veterans Park becomes reality in Belding
Last year, Belding welcomed the addition of the new World War II memorial known as the "Freedom Wall." This year, the community watched as the site evolved and become the city's official Veterans Park.
After the Freedom Wall was officially dedicated on Nov. 11, 2012, plans were put into action to construct additional monuments on the new site located just west of the historic Pere Marquette Depot on Depot Street.
In the months following the wall's dedication, Vietnam War veteran Denny Craycraft, who was instrumental in the development of the Freedom Wall, began collecting donations and creating plans for another memorial that would honor veterans from every brand of the United States military.
By Memorial Day of this year, Craycraft's vision had become a reality as a monument featuring the insignias of all five branches of the military, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and also the Merchant Marines, was dedicated.
"I'm proud," Craycraft said during the dedication. "The Freedom Wall is for WWII, but I also want everyone to know that this is going to be a park for all veterans. This is your place. Every branch, every era of war."
On that day, the site known as the Freedom Wall officially became the Belding Veterans Park.
But Craycraft and his committee didn't stop there.
Their plans call for future monuments that will represent every foreign war fought by members of the military, and on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the city celebrated the addition of yet another monument.
The Korean War monument was placed on sight and unveiled by several area Korean War veterans in yet another emotional ceremony.
The monument now marks the third of its kind at the park, which will only continue to grow as long as the community continues to contribute funds.
"We're walking into another chapter of history in this town, in this community," Craycraft said. "A simple year ago a dream came true with the World War II monument. We got that accomplished. The big word is 'we.' It would not have happened without this community."
Efforts will now move forward toward a monument honoring veterans of World War I.
Expectations are that by Veterans Day of 2014, there will once again be another ceremony to dedicate yet another monument at the new and expanding veterans park.


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The miracle of church in Pecs
Trip Start Apr 22, 2009
50Trip End Jun 17, 2009
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Where I stayed
Camping Familia
What a morning! I woke up at 4:15 and although we completely dismissed any chance of making it to church about half way through yesterday, that was the first thought on my mind as I awoke. I looked at the map, knowing we had a long way to go, I told Chrissy that we maybe could make it. It was grueling but we biked 45 miles on little sleep and much up hill before 9:30 AM and made it to church in the beautiful town of Pecs. We consider it a miracle and it was surely the spirit that woke us at 4:15. Church was neat in the small branch (70 active). We arrived a few minutes late, so for sacrament we did not get translation, but for the two classes there were kind missionaries to whisper in our ears. After church we met the Koczka family. He is the branch president. When they heard about our trek they immediately invited us for dinner (with the missionaries as well for translation.) "Dinner" ended up including laundry and help finding a campsite as well as an invite for lunch the next day when we picked up our drying laundry. So nice! Pecs has definately been the highlight of our Hungary stint.
Pecs is where my family lived for a semester when I was 9 years old (this is Chrissy writing now if you couldnt tell.) Most of my memories consisted of eating icecream cones and walking around a city wall. Well, the ice cream was as good as ever (bigger scoops here than anywhere) and the city is beautiful.It was a 2 day holiday which made all the stores closed (another reason the Koczkas were such a blessing for us,) but that also meant cool craft fair and low traffic on the road. Definately glad to be here.


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The High Court yesterday allowed conditional import of toxic ships and their dismantling on the grounds that the importers and breakers must ensure public and workers' safety and environmental protection.
Though import of toxic scrap ships is allowed, the breakers would not be able to dismantle those until rules are framed in the light of six existing laws for protecting health, life and environment.
The court said no ships can be scrapped without cleaning toxic gas, adding, the importers would be able to import toxic ships but asbestos and toxic materials must be removed by experts before scraping.
The court further ordered to dump asbestos and other toxic materials in a certain disposal site where the danger warning "Do not enter. Toxic materials might cause cancer" in Bangla must be visible.
The HC allowed the import of ships and their scrapping until the government frames the rules to ban import of any hazardous ships. It also directed the government to frame the rules within next three months.
The HC bench of Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain passed the order after disposing of a petition filed by Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association (BSBA) seeking permission to import ships for scrapping.
The same bench on January 19 issued a suo moto rule directing the government to stop all kinds of ship-breaking and prohibited import of ships until further order. The order came against the backdrop of an explosion inside a ship in Sitakunda that killed four workers on January 18.
Another HC bench headed by Justice M Imman Ali, now a judge of the Appellate Division, on December 15 last year directed the government to frame rules within next three months to ban import of any hazardous ships and restricted import of ships till framing of the rules.
According to the HC directive, the rules must be framed in the light of six existing laws -- the Basel Convention Act, 1989; Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1995; Bangladesh Marine and Fisheries Ordinance, 1989; Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006; Bangladesh Territorial Water and Maritime Zone Act, 1974; and Environment Protection Rules, 1997.
The HC bench headed by Justice AHM Shamsuddin yesterday said the conditions will be applicable until framing of rules in the light of the six existing laws.
Untrained labourers and workers under 18 cannot be engaged in breaking ships, the court said.
The workers will be trained in an institute, which will be set up by the owners of the ship-breaking yards under the supervision of Bangladesh Marine Academy, it added.
The court also directed the Marine Academy to prepare a manual within 15 days for setting up the institute where the workers will receive training for two months including a 15-day academic training.
A marine engineer will be present during scrapping, the HC said, adding, the ship-breakers will ensure the presence of the marine engineer.
The entire ship-breaking work will be monitored by a special team, the court mentioned.
The special team will include a physician, a naval architect of the Marine Academy nominated by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), a chemical engineer also nominated by Buet, a representative from the Department of Environment (DoE) and a representative of Waste Concerned, an environmental organisation pioneer in waste management in the country.
The specialised team will submit reports on the records of the workers to the Directorate of Labour on a regular basis.
The court said a separate place away from the scrapping spots will have to be fixed for the workers to take food and rest.
No ship-breaking work will be allowed after dusk, it said, adding, smoking and lighting cookers will be prohibited in the ships.
The waste of the ships excluding asbestos must be cleaned before entering the territory of Bangladesh.
Asbestos has to be cleaned in the country by the expert workers under the supervision of a marine engineer, and modern equipment has to be purchased from abroad to clean asbestos.
If anyone violates the conditions, they will be punished on charge of committing contempt of court.
The court said the ship-breaking workers must be provided with aprons, helmets, gloves and other necessary safety gears.
It also ordered the government to set up a separate specialised hospital for the workers funded by the owners of the ship-breaking yards.
Modern technology must be used during breaking ships, Justice Manik said.
Waste of the ships has to be dumped into a specific place so that environment and water are not polluted, the court observed.
Earlier, the HC ordered the government in 2009 and again in last December that no scrap ship will enter the country without pre-cleaning and environmental certificate. However, the decision of importing toxic ships remains pending with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
The ruling came following a petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (Bela). The organisation filed the petition as supplementary to the original writ upon which the HC on March 17, 2009 directed the government to frame specific rules considering the relevant laws to prevent import of toxic ships.
Now the court moved from its earlier position considering the financial potentials of the ship-breaking industry.
Bela's lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan told The Daily Star they have no objection if the waste of ships is cleaned using modern equipment and technology.
If asbestos cement of the ships is cleaned in Bangladesh like other developed countries, that job will be much expensive, she said.
She added the HC allowed import of oil tankers, which are more dangerous than other toxic ships, as the oil tankers contain cancerous elements.
Rizwana said they have yet to decide to move an appeal with the Appellate Division against some of the HC directives.
Fida M Kamal, Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Iqbal Kabir Lytton appeared for Bela, while Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud and Anisul Huq argued for the ship-breakers.
The High Court yesterday allowed conditional import of toxic ships and their dismantling on the grounds that the importers and breakers must ensure public and workers' safety and environmental protection.


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Is there anywhere we can get the skate order for the gala? I don't think it's usually commonly listed but I was still wondering.
Is there anywhere we can get the skate order for the gala? I don't think it's usually commonly listed but I was still wondering.
Adam Rippon for World Champion! Lol I just love his Rachmaninov Piano Concerto 2 program, beautiful and even better than this year's. He just skated an abridged version for the Gala.
Adam is so much more confident now. That really helps him skate better. But my god, sooooo slooooowwwwwwwww
With all the volatility in pairs with partner switches, I Just Haven't Met You Yet is an oddly appropriate choice for an exhibition number, I guess.
I've Met You, but You Skate with That Guy might be even more appropriate.
Daisuke was stunning as always. And he puts in the 3axel he almost always does in gala numbers, just to remind people that the pop in the FS was a fluke.
Just joining now...I am guessing that the Shibs won't skate because Alex is sick? Or will he soldier through anyway. Does anyone know?
That lift from E/L was stunningly timed to the music and gorgeously acted.
OMG... Caroline Zhang is using the Defying Gravity track from Glee.
Yeah, not a particular fan of this version of the song, lol. But man, I just love Caroline. She gives me goosebumps!
Unlike Mervin, Narumi severely lacks the groove it takes to skate to a song like this.


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Book Details
- Author: John Shore
- Publisher: Seabury Books (2005)
- Category: Christian Living
Discerning Reader Editorial Review
Reviewed 01/22/2008 by Mark Tubbs.
Not Recommended. A witty and unpredictable book for unbelievers. Christian readers beware (see below).
Like the interminable pharmaceutical ads monopolized by the drone of the announcer regaling his television audience with all potential side effects, this book ought to come with such an advisory. This book is not for the faint of heart, the curmudgeonly, the holier-than-thou, the traditionalist, the weaker brother, etc. Then again, maybe these types should read this book and come face to face with a God who sounds suspiciously like a standup comic: "Thank you, thank you very much. I'll be here throughout eternity." It might do them good. Shore's writing does of course require the willing suspension of belief. Provided you are willing, and can stomach a book rife with anthropopathism, reading it will be an unpredictable and thought-provoking ride.
The curtain rises on a heavenly laboratory of sorts, circa Creation. Our first taste of God (as told to John Shore) reminded me of Christopher Lloyd's professor character in Back to the Future. God is putting the finishing touches on the first human prototype and is explaining to the archangel Michael ("Mickey") the ins and outs of what will soon be human existence. In the course of this interchange, Shore shows himself to be a wordsmith of range possessing a knack for rendering the actually impossible literarily plausible.
Following the human creation vignette is a series of entries written from God's perspective (as told to John Shore) to atheists and agnostics and anyone else who has a hard time believing in Him. In these, Shore retains the flavor of his humor but sensitively modifies his tone and delivery when necessary. Although he often skirts the edges of propriety in treating delicate issues, he never falls over the edge into bad taste – unless you are one of the faint of heart, the curmudgeonly, the holier-than-thou, the traditionalist, the weaker brother, etc.
I came across a few theological sticking points, which I mention here to note for the record, but refuse to dwell on them for 'purpose' and 'audience' reasons that will become clear later in this review. Firstly, God's chief end (as told by John Shore) seems to be human freewill fueled by blind and self-effacing love, when Scripture indicates a more transcendent reason for creating humanity. Secondly, Shore's God seems to be open to theistic evolution. Thirdly, Shore's explanation of the Trinity comes close to the 'three-gods-in one' error. Fourthly, Shore's God contends that He lives in every human being. And finally, Shore's God experiences "mortal agony" by rolling on the floor in pain whenever a human being experiences a tragedy…even a sliver. If so, God must have worn out the heavenly carpet many times over.
Those issues aside, Shore does not sugarcoat human sin, and shows a profound understand of the doctrine of the atonement. The book ends with another vignette; that of John Shore's actual, true-to-life conversion experience. Shore narrates his own life experience with as much verve and panache as the fictional portions, and again presents the gospel reality of the chasm that exists between a holy God and sinful man apart from God's gracious intervention in our lives. My favorite bits of the book were the two episodes when 'God' allowed John the divine stenographer (Shore, not son of Zebedee) to insert his two cents. What emerged was nonsense, and had me laughing like I used to laugh at John Arbuckle's antics in Garfield comics.
A final word about audience and purpose: this book has a specific raison d'être. It is designed to present unbelievers with the existence of God in a way that differs from virtually every other traditional approach. Instead of lambasting this book for its irreverence (it rides the fence between PG-13 and R), I believe we ought to say with the apostle Paul that we are happy for the good news of God to go out into the world, in whatever form.


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Frequently Asked Questions
In this space I report the most frequently asked questions that I and other colleagues in psychology receive. Q is for Question and A stands for Answer. For example:
Q: Come on, you're a psychologist? That's cool! Can you psychoanalyze me?
A: No. Psychology is not a game but a human science that can not be practiced seriously if treated as bar talk.
Q: Cool, you're a psychologist! But then have I to be careful to what I say and do?
A: No more than usual: I do not have super powers that lead me to know life, death and miracles of you watching you for a few minutes.
Q: What exactly the psychologist does and why a person may hire him? Is it about treating crazy people?
A: Not at all. Although psychology can also be applied in the clinical setting, it is the science that studies human mind and behavior in various fields and its members promote individual and social well-being. You may hire a psychologist for various reasons including treating of mental illness, the pursuit of well-being, change management, self-realization and support for the malaise and discomfort. Some are listed in the section dedicated to services forpeople.
Link for deepening (in Italian): the "Psycho" professions and the myth about NLP
Q: Are you a psychotherapist?
A: No, I do not practice psychotherapy and am not licensed for it.
Q: A psychologist can operate without specialization in psychotherapy? It is a necessary specialization?
A: Psychotherapy is a specialization and the psychotherapist profession is cumulative with the psychologist (or psychiatrist) one. The psychologist has its operational tools and activities that he can run, and are are dictated by many international laws as the Italian art. 1 of Law 56/89 of establishment of the psychological profession: "The profession of psychologist includes the use of cognitive tools and intervention for the prevention, diagnosis, habilitation-rehabilitation activities and support in the psychological profession aimed at individuals, groups, social organizations and communities. It also includes the activities of experimentation, research and teaching in this area". The specialization in psychotherapy is only one of many that a psychologist may undertake and, taken individually, is no guarantee of greater professional skills for a psychologist: it depends on the task.
External link for deepening (Italian): What a non-psychotherapist psychologist can do? by HumanTrainer.it
Video "Psychologist treats mind disorders without psychotherapy" (though not me directly). Subtitles in English may be available.
Q: When the psychologist performs professional abuse? It is true that there is a limit of 5 seats/sessions?
A: The psychologist who is not a psychotherapist can work with a person who has any type of pathology but must remain in his field. So, the important thing are the objectives that we propose with the user. Abuse happens if such objectives are psychotherapeutic and the psychologist has no such specialization, otherwise (eg. personal growth, empowerment, counseling, etc.) the psycholoigst is doing his professional job. It's just the nature of the task which determines the mode of operating and there is no mandatory limit to sessions, as confirmed by the Order of Psychologists of Sardinia Region, Italy.
Q: Does a psychologist needs habilitation courses to make the counselor or the coach?
A: No. The license to practice as a psychologist is much more than enough. Depth courses are available for those who feel having to do them. In addition, there are other courses that "enable" non-psychologists to this activity, however, they are raising many concerns. According to the judgment of the Court of Milan, Italy (see download below), "the teaching of the use of the tools to strangers is equivalent in every way to facilitate the unlawful practice of the profession."
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Q: Do you practice NLP? Would you recommend it?
A: No and No. The so called Neuro Linguistic Programming is a pseudo-science that has never passed the test of empirical verification or, when it works (often with manipulative intents), it is a theft from psychology and away to practice as a psychologist without a regular license.
Q: What are the tax benefits? (note: this question is related to Italian laws and may find no equivalent in UK laws)
A: The so called "service performances" (eg. The assessment of job-related stress; recruitment etc.) can be deducted from the total income of the user, and then amortized with a benefit equal to the maximum rate that reaches as taxpayer. If you are a company or a freelancer with VAT, essentially you are paying less in taxes and you recover a significant portion of the spent amount.
Health benefits instead (eg. Personal counseling or group) are usually not subjected to VAT and may be deducted up to 19% from taxes paid by the user (in practice, with a recovery of almost two meetings out of 10). These benefits are provided by the Italian tax system and may vary accordingly.
Q: I am a worker, how can I deduct or detract the cost of benefits from taxes?
A: You should contact your accountant and ask for specific information.
Q: How do I know who is a good psychologist and who does not?
A: It is a question that goes beyond the psychological profession and that concerns all those professionals to which people seldon ask for service, not every day. If a baker makes a bad bread, it takes little time to understand that we do not like it and that we prefer the bread made by other bakers. When this process concenrs an intellectual specialist, it is more difficult because we are not always able to make comparisons among different products and services. In my opinion, you can have good clues from the first meeting with the professional, considering the transparency shown to build the relationship with the customer, the work that the professional proposes to schedule in favor of the user without generating dependency, the humility of knowing self-limiting (rather than accepting assignments for which it is authorized by law but incompetent in reality) and fairness, through the issuance of tax invoices and payment of taxes.
Q: Where is your nickname Orion from? Why its use is so common?
A: It is simply a kind of trademark that I use since my adolescence and has remained so over the years. It comes from my curiosity for space and constellations (astronomy, not astrology!) and for teenage passion for rock music: the nickname derives from the Metallica's song "Orion" (which I particularly liked the intro that, in my opinion, really makes the idea of outer space) but has nothing to do with the greek myth of Orion.


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The Ultimate Beginner Series has helped thousands of aspiring musicians their first steps towards experiencing the fun of playing music. Now you can experience both volume 1 and volume 2 together for the first time on DVD! This disc is perfect for beginning students, students who are changing to another instrument, or as a refresher for players returning to the instrument after many years.
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Behind Google's Glowing EarningsRobert D. Hof
Even as the economy skids, Google (GOOG) keeps on rolling—just a little more slowly than it used to. Bucking the stalling economy and worsening outlook for online advertising, the search advertising titan on Jan. 22 reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results. The numbers suggest Google will keep grabbing more of the online ad market from traditional media and from struggling online rivals such as Yahoo! (YHOO) and Microsoft (MSFT).
Shares of Google, which fell 56% last year, slipped almost 3% in extended trading after an initial 4% gain. Enthusiasm for the company's fourth-quarter results was muted by questions about whether Google can keep posting solid gains as advertisers rein in spending. Investors also appeared to balk at an employee stock option exchange that will cost Google $460 million. Before the closing bell, the stock had climbed 1% to 306.50.
Google, which gets paid each time someone clicks on text ads placed on search results pages, had earnings of $5.10 a share, excluding some one-time expenses and stock option costs. That was up from $4.92 a year earlier. Net income, however, fell 68% to $382 million, thanks mainly to those charges, which include $1.1 billion in noncash charges to reflect the declining value of Google's stakes in Time Warner's (TWX) AOL unit and the wireless service provider Clearwire (CLWR).
Good Numbers in Bad Times
Sales rose 18%, to $5.7 billion, a considerable slowing of growth from previous quarters but still seen as positive in the current economy. "It was a very good quarter at a time when [Wall] Street was starting to penalize the company for the economy," says Sandeep Aggarwal, an analyst with financial-services firm Collins Stewart. After subtracting commissions paid to partners for sending traffic to Google, sales rose 21%, to $4.22 billion, about $100 million more than analysts expected.
Coming in a quarter when the economy's troubles deepened considerably, the results encouraged analysts who had been lowering their expectations about Google's performance. "The performance was really very impressive," says Jeffrey Lindsay, an analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein. "If they could do this well [during a tough quarter], this is pretty much how they'll perform through 2009."
Google's results indicate that search advertising, while not immune to the economy, continues to look more attractive to marketers than other kinds of ads.
Researcher eMarketer estimates spending on search advertising will rise 15%, to $12.3 billion, this year, while spending on display ads will rise 7%, to $4.9 billion—though many analysts think display won't even do that well. Search ads generally catch people when they're close to a purchase, and their clicks and purchases can be measured more precisely than with other kinds of ads. "Paid search is every bit as robust as people theorized it might be," Lindsay says. "It's the platform advertisers will hang on to [till] the bitter end."
Analysts said they were pleasantly surprised by Google's results because the company's own moves recently had indicated it was feeling some pain from the economy. It has cut more than a half-dozen projects in recent weeks—most recently its Print Ads program. Google has also laid off 100 recruiters as it has radically curtailed hiring, and it may eliminate some engineers as part of announced office closings.
But Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt told analysts during a conference call that Google was simply making prudent cost cuts in a tough economy. "We have the formula down now," he said. For instance, Google cut its capital spending by 46% from a year ago and 19% from the third quarter, to $368 million.
Google's Shrinking Workforce
The bigger cost controls came in human capital. Google increased its workforce by only 99 people, to 20,222, during the quarter, down from an increase of 519 in the third quarter and many more in previous quarters. It also cut several thousand contractors and temporary workers, and Chief Financial Officer Patrick Pichette implied that if things get worse, more staff cuts could ensue.
At the same time, Google took steps to retain employees, some 85% of whom have at least some stock options priced less than the shares' current level. Google said it would offer those employees the right to trade in their options for ones with a lower exercise price. This would give them a better chance to profit from a rise in Google's shares and make it less likely they would bolt for newer companies such as Facebook. Under the deal, which will result in $460 million in expenses, employees will have to wait 12 months longer than their original vesting dates to exercise them.
The bottom line is that Google is faring better than many of its peers. "They're not being outperformed by anyone," says John Aiken, head of equity research for Majestic Research. Indeed, earlier in the day, Microsoft warned that profit and revenue likely would drop in the next two quarters and said it will lay off 5,000 people over the next 18 months because of slumping demand in its software business. Microsoft also said it lost $1.6 billion last year alone on its online business. Yahoo, which reports fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 27, recently replaced CEO Jerry Yang and is faced with an even steeper hit on its mainstay online display ads, on which marketers have cut back in favor of more measurable search ads.
The big question now, as the economy continues to decline, is what's next. On that, Google executives didn't provide specifics but implied that things could get even tougher early this year than they were in the fourth quarter. "We don't know how long this period will last," Schmidt said. "We're certainly prepared to get through this, no problem."
Search Ad Spending: More Declines Ahead
Yet it's clear that search advertising isn't immune from the deep recession. Efficient Frontier, which helps marketers run large search ad campaigns, said spending on search ads by its mostly large corporate customers fell 8% in the fourth quarter, the first drop on record. Smaller search spenders, however, cut their outlays by 23%. What's more, says Efficient Frontier CEO James Beriker, "the number of conversions [clicks that ultimately resulted in a sale] really dropped."
That's why some analysts expect search spending to decline even more in the first half of this year. Despite an expected uptick later in the year, it's possible search advertising could be flat this year, says Craig MacDonald, vice-president for marketing and product management at search marketing firm Covario. "The fourth quarter was pretty strong, but every single customer said that's not going to happen again in the first quarter," he says.
All that means Google still could get bitten by the troubled economy in the coming year. "People really didn't think Google was cyclical, and it is," says Aiken. "There are far fewer people buying digital cameras and the like—that's what it comes down to." If the economy worsens, even mighty Google could get whacked.


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April 3, 2012
Steamboat Velo Cycling Team member Corey Piscopo, middle in black, rides Saturday in the Men's Pro 1-2 category during the Louisville Criterium. Piscopo and a group of riders began a busy season Saturday.
Stories this photo appears in:
Steamboat Velo opens cycling season
Six Steamboat Velo Cycling Team members opened the racing season Saturday at the Louisville Criterium, with Amy Charity leading the way.
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Item: LE213
Dietary supplement for detoxification
Helps nuture the body's own natural detoxification and elimination process
Vegetarian capsules
200 mg 60 Veg Caps
Serving Size 1 Vegetarian Capsule
|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Calcium(from Calcium D-Glucarate)
|24 mg
|Calcium D-Glucarate
|200 mg
**Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: rice flour, vegetable cellulose (capsule), ascorbyl palmitate.
Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.
DIRECTIONS: Take one (1) capsule daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.
.10 lbs
Dietary supplement for detoxification
Helps nuture the body's own natural detoxification and elimination process
Vegetarian capsules
Naturally occurring D-glucarate is found in grapefruit, apples, oranges, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Life Extension's Calcium D-glucarate dietary supplement supports the body's cleansing system — a detoxification mechanism called glucuronidation. The human body uses glucuronidation to make a large variety of substances more water-soluble, and, in this way, allow for their subsequent elimination from the body.
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200 mg 60 Veg Caps


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Page Chronica™ is not your average side-scrolling action-platformer. It is an action-oriented word-puzzle game that combines elements of action-platformers with the forming of words. Capture letters and form words of various lengths and complexity in order to give Topez the power to unleash a variety of Spells and Attacks. The stronger the words formed, the more powerful Topez will be.
1-2 players
HDTV screen resolution: 720p
Purchase or use of this item is subject to the PlayStation®Network Terms of Service and User Agreement and this item's use restrictions. This item has been sublicensed to you by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Copyright © 2012 Red Hare Studios. All Rights reserved. "Page Chronica" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.


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Help! Can I take my rotary cutter in my carry-on on the plane? I mailed it to myself when I came to my vacation home, and it took forever (even by priority mail). I really want to just bring it with me when I come home today!
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Help! Can I take my rotary cutter in my carry-on on the plane? I mailed it to myself when I came to my vacation home, and it took forever (even by priority mail). I really want to just bring it with me when I come home today!
Put it in checked baggage, not carry on.
take the blade out.
My mind did a loopity-loop.... well they can fly across the room when I just cut my strip wrong again.... sorry
But I would agree.... check it! not carry on.
When I was doing cross stitch I bought a special pair of toddler scissors for cutting thread.... they never made it onto the plane!! My daughter gave me a "necklace" that has a nitch in it that cuts thread. No good for you. But, why on earth would you want a rotary cutter on a plane for, anyway? Oh, if you don't plan to check in luggage! Oh yeah, I do that too.
Definitely NOT. If you want to keep it, pack it in a checked bag - otherwise consider it a donation to TSA. Speaking of which ... TSA might not know what it is and the mere fact that it is in your posession might be an invitation to a more thorough search ... if you get my drift.
Why not leave that one there and get one that stays home? Use a 50% off coupon.
I just flew Air West and to check any luggage, you had to pay $25 for the first piece. Maybe that's why she wanted to know if she could carry it on. Can't even check in luggage for free anymore with them. Might be cheaper to buy a small cutter at your destination if you have to pay to store your luggage.
You could take the cutter only, without the blade. This would be helpful if there is a place near where you are going that you can buy new blades. Or you could mail a package of blades to where you are going.
Though the image of the cutter actually flying across a room is all to realistic.
I also thought at first that the cutter went flying! I have had things feel like they jump right out of my hand as if they were alive and escaping!
Take the blade out and dispose of properly. Buy a new blade when you get to where you are going.
Is this yours only vacation home or do you share it with others as in family/friends or a timeshare? If its yours only, just leave a small quilting/sewing case there. Maybe even a spare machine - pick one up off of Craig's list even.


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Article Preview
SHOTS ARE FIRED IN REFUSE STRIKE; FILTH LITTERS CITY; Shotgun Blasts Shatter 2 Panes at Home of Foreman Who Continues to Work MAYOR TOURS STREETS Mounting Garbage Is 'Very Serious,' Lindsay Says -Pact Talks Due Today Garbage Piles Up in Streets as Strike Grows 'Very Serious'
By EMANUEL PERLMUTTER ();
February 05, 1968,
, Section , Page 1, Column , words
The windows of a nonstriking sanitation foreman's home were shattered by shotgun pellets yesterday on the third day of the city garbage workers' strike.
February 05, 1968
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Reviews of Soccer Tots & Lil Sluggers
Locations across Broward County FL,
phone: view phone954-680-6861
website: www.lilsluggersbroward.com
What better way to prepare your kids for sports than SoccerTots and Lil Sluggers? Sure to put smiles on their faces while building their athletic ability. >>
No review comment found for this item!


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|Core Material:
|Foam, Bio Core 3
|Rocker Type:
|3 Stage
|Center Fin:
|Side Fins:
|4 Molded
|Flex Core:
|Rail Ready base:
|Closure Type:
|Speed Lace
|Mounting System:
|6 in
|Tool-Less Mounting:
|Multi Size Fit
|Manufacturer Warranty:
|1 Year
You will be catching glances everywhere you ride with the Byerly Conspiracy Wakeboard and Shift CT Boots! This setup from the Byerly company gives ultimate performance in a highly durable, ultra strong package that everyone is sure to love. The Conspiracy board features an ultra light biolite 3 core that can withstand a beating, and a unique glass rope sidewall that smoothly cuts into the water. Also included on this high end board is a blended 3-stage rocker that provides consistent pop, and molded in ABS fins for straighter tracking. With the added Shift CT Boots this setup will have you ripping it up like you are king of the wake!
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Article Preview
CHILEANS ARRIVE FOR HORSE SHOW; Three Army Officers Here to Compete in Washington, at Garden and in Canada MOUNTS COMING LATER Will Be in Custody of Fourth Rider--Yanez, Leader of Group, Popular Here
Three officers of the Chilean Army team, which will compete in the jumping competitions of the National Horse Show to be held at Madison Square garden, beginning Nov. .5, arrived yesterday on the Grace liner Santa Maria.
September 06, 1938
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Jessica Schmitt
Lendrum, Godbe, Lim, Basaraba Lead Pac-12 Academic Team Selections
Lendrum finishes career as a three-time first team pick; Godbe nabs his second first team honor.
Anderson (1650y Free), Ishimatsu (Platform) Win Titles To Close NCAAs
Trojans finish seventh overall; Kropp, Stewart, Tosky all swim in 'A' final on last day.
Tosky, Stewart, Kropp, Ishimatsu Earn Finals Berths On Last Day Of NCAAs
Carlson, Gardell to swim in 'B' finals, as will 400y free relay.
Carlson, Gardell Lead Troy On Night Two Of NCAAs
Carlson takes second in 100y breast, Gardell fourth in 400y IM; 200y medley and 800y free relays each sixth.
Carlson, Gardell, 200 Free Relay Earn NCAA Final Spots
Troy's relay breaks school record, claims top seed in final.
THIS SEASON: Jessica Schmitt, a 2013 senior who was an All-American as a freshman and an NCAA individual point scorer as a sophomore and a junior, is primed for a big final season as she aims for her first NCAA final. She is among USC's top returners in the 200y breast and is also strong in the 200y and 400y IM and the 100y breast.
2012: Schmitt, as a 2012 junior, scored for the second year in a row at the 2012 NCAA Championships, claiming 13th in the 200y breast (2:09.49). She was also 21st in the 400y IM (4:11.78) and 18th in the 200y IM (1:57.87), barely missing the `B' final in the latter event ...At the 2012 Pac-12s, Schmitt was a two-time finalist for the third year in row. She finished a career-best third in the 200y breast (2:10.57) in her second consecutive final in the event. She also made her second trip to the 100y breast final, finishing seventh (1:01.52) and was 10th in the 400y IM (4:11.67) ... Schmitt competed in four events at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, highlighted by a 32nd in the 200m breast. She also raced in the 200m and 400m IM and the 100m breast ... At the 2012 U.S. Winter Nationals, Schmitt finished third in the 200y breast (2:09.78), fourth in the 200y IM (1:56.49) and 400y IM (4:09.50) and 10th in the 100y breast (1:00.72) ... She earned 2012 Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention honors.
2011: Schmitt, as a 2011 sophomore, scored for the first time at the NCAA Championships with a 12th in the 200y breast. She was also 19th in the 400y IM (4:10.86, PR) and 23rd in the 200y IM (1:59.10) ... At the 2011 Pac-10 Championships, she was a two-time finalist, finishing sixth in the 200y breast (2:11.11) and seventh in the 400y IM (4:11.08). She was also 13th in the 200y IM (2:00.10) ... In USC's win over UCLA, she clocked Troy's top time in the 200y breast on the year, an NCAA `A' 2:09.11. Her 1:01.03 in the 100y breast, also against UCLA, was second best ... She earned 2011 Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention honors.
2010: Schmitt earned All-American honors as a 2010 freshman by helping USC to sixth place in the 400y medley relay (breaststroke leg) at the NCAA Championships. She was also 23rd in the 200y breast (2:12.48) and 37th in the 400y IM (4:16.03) ... At the 2010 Pac-10 Championships, Schmitt was a two-time finalist, taking seventh in the 400y IM (4:14.52) and eighth in the 100y breast (1:02.15) on the same day. She was also 11th in the 200y breast (2:13.95).
HIGH SCHOOL: Schmitt, who graduated from Torrey Pines in San Diego, Calif., competed at the 2009 U.S. World Championship Trials, where she reached the `B' final of the 200m breast, finishing second in 2:30.04. She reached the `C' final in the 200m and 400m IM and also raced in the 100m breast and the 200m fly ... At the 2009 CIF-SD Division I Championships, Schmitt, a four-year prep All-American, posted wins in the 200y IM and 100y breaststroke ... She was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials semifinalist in the 200m breast and also swam the 100m breast ... She also competed at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials as a 13-year old ... Was a member of the 2006 National Junior Team and competed at the 2007 Japan Grand Prix.
CLUB/COACH: North Coast Aquatics/Jeff Pease.
PERSONAL: Schmitt was born on Feb. 6, 1991 ... She is majoring in international relations (global business).