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Two pieces of good news, if you will, on the bullying front today.
First, the Georgetown Independent School District has settled a lawsuit brought by the mother of now-16-year-old Ryan Mitchell, who has reportedly endured years of bullying based on his perceived sexual orientation.
Neither Texas nor the federal government explicitly prohibits anti-gay bullying in schools. But this lawsuit is part of a very positive trend in which the U.S. Department of Education under President Barack Obama is treating anti-gay bullying as a violation of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on gender in any education program that receives federal funding. Austin's KXAN.com reports:
"This is the first suit that the Texas Civil Rights Project has brought under title 9 alleging discrimination based on gender stereotyping and sexual orientation," said Todd Batson, with the Texas Civil Rights Project. "However, that's a developing area of the law."
"I was spit on. I was knocked unconscious. My books were thrown in the trash. My finger was broken, lots of stuff," said Ryan Mitchell, 16. "People called me gay, faggot on a daily basis."
Terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but they will include the district working with the Anti-Defamation League's anti-bullying program, No Place for Hate.
Meanwhile, a little closer to home, a lesbian couple has succeeded in convincing the Department of Education to investigate — under Title IX — longstanding complaints of bullying against the Birdville Independent School District.
The couple, Stacy Dorman and Debi Ellison, allege that their 12-year-old son, Caine Smith, has been the victim of sexual harassment, also prohibited by Title IX. We don't know all the details of the case, but we're guessing the bullying is at least partly related to the fact that Caine has two moms and long hair. CBS 11 has the story.
UPDATE: We should know better than to post something like this without calling Ken Upton at Lambda Legal. Upton sent over a lengthy e-mail clarifying — and correcting — my legal analysis. In a nutshell, Upton says public school students have long been protected against anti-gay bullying under the constitutional rights of equal protection and free speech. "I just wanted to be sure we point out that while this administration has demonstrated that it cares more about the health and well-being of students than some prior administrations, and the full weight of the Department of Education indeed does change the equation in our favor, these protections are not new. More parents and attorneys willing to represent students need to be aware of them." I've posted Upton's full analysis after the jump.


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Did you know?
It's taken nearly a decade to return Karkloof to its natural diversity and abundance
Karkloof Spa,Wellness & Wildlife Retreat prides itself on being arguably the largest and most exclusive destination spa in
It's certainly different from most other spas because it offers not only superb health and wellness treatments with world class Thai therapists, but also provides the opportunity to experience the African bush and its teeming wildlife at first hand.
From the moment you arrive at Karkloof Spa,Wellness & Wildlife Retreat you'll forget all about time, because 'timelessness' is its major theme.
Your private sanctuary is a luxurious villa with breathtaking views over the mountains and
You tailor your visit to suit your own individual preferences. Take food, for example. Perhaps you'll breakfast on your deck, lunch al fresco on the lodge's huge wooden verandah, dine in style in the gracious dining room or under the stars, picnic on a hillside, or eat healthy but scrumptious food in the spa's on-site bistro.
Would you like to cram in as many treatments as possible into your day, or just choose two or three between lounging by the spa's Roman baths, being gently massaged by falling rain in the Moroccan-styled Rassoul, soaking up the sun in the open-air jacuzzi or relaxing totally in the Kneipp Therapy pools, sauna or steam rooms? It's your choice.
Treatments and therapies are Thai-inspired, and use only the finest natural ingredients, from avocado oil and lemon grass, to green tea, honey, melon and grapefruit, all blended freshly for your personal therapy.
However, don't forget there's so much else to do. Hike up to the dramatic 100m
And enjoy spectacular game-viewing (including the endangered black and white rhinos) from your personal open game vehicle with your own dedicated game ranger.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Karkloof Spa,Wellness & Wildlife Retreat
Tel: +27 (0)33 569 1321
Email: email@example.com
How to get here
Located 24 km from Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Karkloof Spa,Wellness & Wildlife Retreat is easily accessible by air or road. Transfers can be arranged from Durban's King Shaka International Airport or Pietermaritzburg's Oribi Airport on request.
Best time to visit
KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a mild climate all year round and even the winters enjoy warm, sunny days.
Around the area
Visit the battlefields, take a trip along the Midlands Meander, enjoy hikes on the property and explore the numerous historical sites in and around Pietermaritzburg. Game viewing is an absolute must. There are lots of antelope, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino and wildebeest on the property as well as Samango monkeys, plus over 300 species of birds in the area.
Tours to do
If you can drag yourself away from Karkloof, a Battlefields Tour is interesting
Get around
On foot, mountain bike or by game vehicle
Length of stay
At least two nights, more if possible. An added bonus is that check-in is from 8am, whilst check-out is at 8pm on your day of departure – which means an extra full day to enjoy the property
What to pack
Swimsuit, informal clothing, walking shoes, sunhat, binoculars, camera
Where to stay
Your luxurious villa – one of only 16 – has absolutely everything you need from a well-stocked complimentary mini-bar, tea and coffee bar, to underfloor heating, wonderful views and perfect peace
What to eat
The food is superb. Try gazpacho or raw apple and celery soup, roast balsamic fig, crisp Parma ham and feta salad, or feast on roast impala or local lamb followed by lemon and almond syrup cake, vanilla bean ice cream or homemade sorbets. Enjoy more healthy but scrumpious food at the Greens & Teas Spa Bistro – which caters for all dietary needs.
What's happening
Around-the-clock spa treatments and delicious food. Great sightseeing opportunities in and around the area.

subset: commoncrawl


text: (Fastsigns CEO Catherine Monson is the fifth successful female executive to be profiled in our series highlighting women in business.) CARROLLTON, Texas ( TheStreet) -- Catherine Monson, CEO of Fastsigns International, is no stranger to hard work and long hours on the job. She started working in her family's pre-school business (at one time they had three) as a kid in California, at first helping her dad with janitorial duties, but gradually taking over office tasks as well. She was so involved in the business that as a high school student she ran the business for two weeks while her parents were in the hospital for different reasons. Monson, now 55, says the experience not only gave her a strong work ethic but a solid understanding from there. Her roots were formed. "I knew by high school that I wanted to lead a company," Monson writes in an email. "At the time, my goal was to be president of Exxon (now Exxon Mobil ( XOM)), only because it was one of the biggest companies I knew of." >>>BrightStar Care's Shelly Sun: From Frustrated Consumer to CEO >>>Janska's Erickson Breaks Mold for Older Entrepreneurs >>>How One Woman Broke Into the Auto Supply Industry >>>Style Me Pretty's Larson: Women Business Leaders Monson took over the chief executive position at Fastsigns in December 2008. At the time, she says, one of the biggest issues for the 25-year-old company was a lack of communication between corporate headquarters and franchisees. Franchisees were furious and felt they weren't receiving the support they needed, which led to a lack of company growth, she says. Same-store sales dropped and franchise locations were closing. Monson immediately created a sales-incentive program, instituted monthly company meetings for sales updates, program developments, company announcements and praise for departments on their projects and efforts; and monthly "Connect with Catherine" calls with the franchise system to provide updates and answer questions, among other things. Since implementing the programs, the franchisee satisfaction has improved and the company's growth has picked up, she notes. Monson is an avid equestrian and says she's willing to try anything once, including skydiving, for instance. Like her good friend BrightStar Care's Shelly Sun, Monson also serves on the board of the International Franchise Association, the franchise industry's main trade group. A conversation with Monson follows.


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One the recipes in Ribs! Ribs! Ribs! is Deviled Country Style Ribs and while I'd looked it over several times, this past Monday was the first time I'd given it a try. On first glance it seems a little complicated and labor-intensive, but if everything's organized and planned it's not that bad at all.
I started by salting the CSRs on Saturday. The recipe calls for brining but these ribs were so nicely marbled I figured they would stay plenty moist.
First the ribs go into the mustard-based paste and then they're rolled in bread crumbs. I used panko crumbs because I'd never used them before and they weren't as expensive as I thought they might be.
The ribs were grilled indirect until the internal temp reached 160 or so. I didn't use any smoke wood; otherwise, I think the crumb coating would've picked up a lot more color.
As I'd hoped, the ribs were nice and moist inside and the "devil paste" added some good flavor. It contains some pretty strong aromatic ingredients and when I was making it I wondered about how the finished product would taste, but it mellowed nicely during the grilling process. I was surprised at how pink the pork was but I suspect it was due partly to the salt.


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A WOMAN locked the doors of her Clitheroe shop after seeing her estranged husband in breach of a restraining order.
Blackburn magistrates heard Kevin Homes left but returned and tried the front and rear doors and started shouting out her name.
And the court was told Carol Holmes was deeply disappointed the restraining order imposed only eight days before the incident had failed to provide the protection she had hoped for.
Holmes, 53, of Cheltenham Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order.
He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Mrs Holmes was speaking to a customer when she saw her estranged husband stood inside the front door.
She added: "His behaviour left her worried the restraining order wasn't working. She is afraid to go home in case he turns up at her address."
Scott Parker, defending, said as a result of the incident Homes had spent the weekend in police cells.
He said Holmes was aware his son was due to travel to South America and Australia and had wanted to speak to him before he left.
He had gone to where he worked and when he wasn't there, had gone to see his ex-wife to see if she could help.


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SMWC recognizes outstanding staff
May 11th, 2012 |
Each year the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College community celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding staff members. These awards recognize staff excellence in student engagement, job skills, leadership and performance above and beyond daily responsibilities.
Carolyn J. Mock Staff Excellence Award
This award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates job knowledge and skills above and beyond normal responsibilities, provides excellent customer service, exhibits creativity and innovative thinking in meeting challenges, and displays respect and enthusiasm toward students and colleagues. Mock, an administrative assistant, served The Woods as a strong leader and as an advocate for staff development. The award is named in her honor.
Kim LaComba, director of the learning resource center, is this year's recipient. She continuously seeks new opportunities to better serve students. In less than three years at The Woods, she expanded services to include online tutoring for distance students, previously unavailable to them; and obtained grant funding to provide more resources to students and faculty for instruction.
La Comba serves on the Academic Support Team, Military Friendly Advisory Board and other committees and task forces. She is a guide and mentor for student workers, holding them to the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.
She exemplifies the spirit of The Woods by discovering innovative and creative ways of overcoming barriers and bringing success to the program. Described as helpful, professional, innovative, determined and focused by her peers, students simply said, "You rock!"
Outstanding Staff Award
The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes staff members for going above and beyond normal responsibilities, and for exhibiting significant dedication to their profession.
Kathi Kortz, assistant registrar for information systems, is the recipient of the Outstanding Staff Award. Her hard work and dedication make her an essential part of The Woods. She has served the College in multiple capacities, including committees such as the Staff Development and Staff Steering Committees. Often called upon to provide accurate information in a timely manner, Kortz is known for her outstanding customer service skills and willingness to assist all departments. She enhances the quality of work life in ways that make a substantial difference for her colleagues.
Comment on this article
This story has been moved to the archive and comments have now been disabled.


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For the first time in a decade, the Atlanta Falcons have an opportunity to relegate their longtime rivals in New Orleans to early-season irrelevance.
The Saints have enjoyed a decisive edge in this matchup since Sean Payton and Drew Brees joined New Orleans in 2006, particularly in the Superdome, where Brees has a 7-2 record against Atlanta.
Even in 2012, when the Saints were muddling through a non-playoff season overshadowed by the bounty scandal and Payton's related suspension, New Orleans managed to drop the Falcons, who had started 8-0, to their first loss that season.
On Thursday night, Atlanta invades the Superdome with an opportunity to improve to 6-0 under new coach Dan Quinn. If they do, they'll sink the Saints to 1-5, which would be New Orleans' worst start in the Payton-Brees era.
That doesn't sit well with the Saints' all-time passer, who has struggled to maintain his usual standards while confronted with several significant challenges: a bruised rotator cuff in his right (throwing shoulder), and decline in protection, receivers' inability to get open consistently, and an anemic running game.
Brees, who usually projects an air of optimism, said this week that he's "not really happy with the way things are going thus far." Yet he apparently couldn't help himself from adding he intends to make his discontent work in his favor.
"You could say I'm a little bit angry, disappointed, frustrated, chip on the shoulder," Brees said. "I am harnessing that into something positive."
Quinn won't underestimate Brees, or the Saints' offense, which despite its relative struggles ranks seventh in the NFL. But Quinn also has enjoyed success against Brees and Co., beating them twice in 2013 — once in the playoffs — when he was Seattle's defensive coordinator. Back then, the New Orleans offense featured star tight end Jimmy Graham, but Quinn said current Saints, namely running back C.J. Spiller and second-year receiver Brandin Cooks, present challenges as well.
"One of the hardest things about going against the offensive scheme they've had in place is that they have so many unique ways to attack," Quinn said. "It gets to: How do they use the guys to feature them best? That is one of the things that their staff does so well."


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Would you pay 200 dollars for a package of lightbulbs? Consumer Reports took a first look at the Hue LED lightbulb system from Philips, which in on sale now.
What's unique about the Hue? It lets you change the color of the bulb's light to any shade you want. That's right! And you can do it wirelessly with a free app for your phone, tablet, or via your computer. You can also set what time you want the Hue to go on and off.
So what do you get for 199 dollars? Three 50-watt equivalent LED lightbulbs plus a device you attach to your wireless router.
Consumer Reports tested the Hue for color temperature, brightness, and accuracy in this sphere. It evaluated the bulb at different light settings, including the default, around 27-hundred Kelvin —
the color of a typical incandescent bulb — and the "concentrate setting", which is a whiter, bluer light.
"We found that when the light was whiter, it was bright but the color wasn't very good. When the light was a warmer color and the accuracy was better, it wasn't quite as bright," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman with Consumer Reports.
Still Philips says the bulbs can provide 16-million different colors so you can customize the lighting in each room. Additional bulbs cost 59 dollars. The Hue's app lets you to control up to 50 bulbs — so you can light your entire home with these LED bulbs. That is, IF you can afford them.
Copyright 2012 by The News Service of Florida. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Trick-or-Treat Pizza Recipe
5 4 3
Don't let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois
Featured In: Spooky & Sweet Halloween Treats
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
- 1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- Assorted Halloween candies, unwrapped
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- Let dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press onto an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool on pan on a wire rack.
- Coarsely chop large candies; set aside. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Spread over crust; top with candies. Refrigerate, covered, until chocolate mixture is set. Cut into wedges. Yield: 16 slices.
Originally published as Trick-or-Treat Pizza in Taste of Home October/November 2012, p90
Reviews forTrick-or-Treat Pizza
My Review
Click stars to rate
Any changes to your rating or review will appear where you originally posted your review
Average Rating
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2013
"This is delicious! My teenagers had fun making this pizza with me. We put a little less candy on it than what's in the picture. You cut it into sliver slices and it's soooo good! Obviously not healthy but one of those recipes I make when having company during the fall season--easily feeds a crowd."
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2012
"This is definitely my kind of pizza -- so much fun for Halloween! What other holiday allows you to be creative when it comes to candy and fun! I will definitely be making this for my Halloween Party -- and I can almost guarantee it will be a favorite!"
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2012
"I wouldn't even attempt to make this. It just looks way to unhealthy."
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2012
"Sorry, I can't conceive of making this - just looking at it makes me go, "iiickkkkkk" !!!"


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Box Score (PDF)
PHILADELPHIA -Coming out of the preseason scrimmage season, the University of Pennsylvania men's lacrosse team had generated some buzz with their performances.
That buzz was turned up a bit on Friday night, as the Quakers opened their 2013 regular season with a 14-9 win over a Duke team that was ranked 14th in this week's USILA national coaches poll and playing its fifth game already this season.
This win was not a fluke. Penn outshot Duke 45-35, matched the Blue Devils on man-up situations (both teams going 3-of-5), and committed just 12 turnovers in its first game of the year.
Tim Schwalje led the way for Penn; the senior captain had three goals and dished off four assists, and he figured in three of the Quakers' five fourth-quarter goals that sealed this contest. Sophomore Isaac Bock announced himself to the college lacrosse world with four goals, while freshman Nick Doktor scored twice.
The only other time these teams met at Franklin Field was two years ago, when Penn stunned Duke with a 7-3 win. The pace was slightly faster on Friday night; in fact, the Quakers and Blue Devils scored more goals in the first quarter than were scored in that entire game two years ago.
Duke set the tone with Jordan Wolf's first of the night just 52 seconds in. Zack Losco matched that goal to get Penn on the board 2:35 into the game, and 24 seconds later Bock netted his first. Myles Jones scored for Duke to again tie the game, but Penn reeled off the next three goals as Doktor, Drew Belinsky and Schwalje all scored within a span of 1:36. Just six minutes into the game, the score was 5-2.
Duke stormed back with goals from Deemer Class and Josh Dionne 58 seconds apart, but Doktor scored his second of the period off a Ryan Parietti feed with 6:03 left in the quarter.
Things slowed down after that, with only Wolf scoring in the final minute of the quarter. Still, when the frenetic period was over the score was 6-5, Penn.
Duke scored the only goals of the second quarter, the first coming from Josh Offit and the second from Myles Jones. The Blue Devils led at the break, 7-6.
Offit got the scoring started in the third quarter, as well, finishing a Christian Walsh feed. However, less than a minute later freshman Mark Leonhard scored an unassisted goal and that seemed to steady the Quakers. Six minutes later, Schwalje finished a Bock feed to tie the game at 8-8, and a little less than three minutes later the duo reversed roles to give the Red and Blue a lead they would not relinquish.
Schwalje scored the first goal of the fourth quarter -- the fourth straight Penn goal -- before Duke ended a goalless streak of 15:50 when Walsh scored unassisted with 11:04 left in the contest.
The stage was set for a fantastic finish, but Penn had other ideas. Instead, another senior captain, Anthony Santomo, sent the Penn bench into bananas mode when he grabbed a loose ball in the defensive end, raced to the other end and finished the Quakers' first long-pole goal of the season with 8:46 left.
Two minutes later, Bock finished a Schwalje feed that made the score 12-9, and then three minutes after that Bock did it himself to make the margin four goals. Parietti closed out the scoring with 2:42 left, as Penn took advantage of a pressing Duke defense and Schwalje found his classmate wide open in front.
Both goalies had tough first quarter, but they settled down after that. Penn goalie Brian Feeney, in particular, was simply spectacular at times Friday night. After allowing five goals and making just three saves in the first quarter, he responded with 12 saves and only four goals the rest of the way. In the second quarter alone, he made six stops while giving up just two goals.
Penn returns to action Tuesday night, hosting local rival Saint Joseph's at Franklin Field at 7 p.m.
Download: Penn01 (Duke).pdf


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What's New in Innovation?
Just One Word—PlasticsA 'universal' plastic coating could lead to lower cost, more flexible electronic devices.
Using polymers to develop new low work function materials, EFRC researchers created the first completely plastic solar cell, where not just the cell itself but also its electrodes are made of plastic.
Science fiction writers give us a creative peek into thinking beyond the boundaries of our current ideas of technology. But as we all know, with the passage of time, some imagined science fiction possibilities also occasionally have a way of becoming realities.
One recent innovation to cross the border from science fiction to science fact is the idea of printed electronics that could result eventually in paper-thin computers, cell phones, and televisions. Similar in principle to the operation of a standard inkjet printer or the screen-printing of a t-shirt, the printed electronics process deposits functional electronic or optical inks on a surface in layers to produce an electronic device.
Just as the Gutenberg printing press flung open the door making books much more accessible, printed electronics may someday make a range of technologies, including large solar cells, affordable and widely available.
While products such as organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaics are being manufactured as printed electronics through this method, plenty of other possible uses are waiting in the wings, mainly because key technological hurdles remain unresolved. Work funded partly by the Center for Interface Science: Solar Electric Materials (CISSEM) is opening up significant new avenues for electronic printing and is addressing these roadblocks. CISSEM—one of 46 EFRCs established by the DOE Office of Science in 2009—is led by the University of Arizona with the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Princeton University, the University of Washington, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as partners.
A team of CISSEM senior researchers at Georgia Tech and Princeton led by Professor Bernard Kippelen focused on the major sticking point of optoelectronic devices (electronic devices that convert electricity to light or vice versa): the need for an electrode or conductor with both a low "work function" and good air stability. While developing new low work function materials, the researchers hit on a major "first": the creation of the world's first completely plastic solar cell.
Work function is defined as the minimal amount of energy needed for an electron to be extracted from a material. In a solar cell, photons of light striking the cell create electrons and positively charged "holes" that move inside the solar cell and are extracted by different electrodes to produce electricity. High work function electrodes are required to extract holes while low work function electrodes collect electrons. The lower the work function of the electron-collecting electrode, the higher the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell will be.
A number of low work function metals already exist, including calcium, magnesium, lithium, and cesium. The problem is that when exposed to moisture and oxygen, these chemically reactive metals quickly become oxidized and stop functioning. To use these metals in today's electronics, devices are built in laboratories where the environment is tightly controlled, reducing the chance for water and/or oxygen exposure. Then for long-term protection, the device is covered with a thick, rigid barrier such as glass. All these measures increase the cost, weight, and complexity of a device.
To get around the oxidation problem, researchers at Georgia Tech and Princeton tried a different approach. Some metals, such as aluminum and gold, are stable in oxygen and water but have a high work function. To lower the work function of these materials, the researchers applied a thin coating (approximately a few nanometer thick—10,000 times thinner than a human hair) of a polymer surface modifier.
Polymer surface modifiers do what their name implies—they alter the surface of whatever they cover, just as a Teflon coating makes frying pans non-stick. While the polymer coating approach has been used before, previous polymer surface modifiers were linked to the electrode surface through specific chemical interactions, making them feasible only for particular material combinations. With the current investigation, the researchers wanted something that would be applicable to a wide range of materials.
They settled on using an air-stable, water-based solution processed, commercially available polyethylenimine (PEI or PEIE) polymer, used for capturing carbon dioxide or used in biology for gene delivery. PEI "physisorbs," meaning it physically adsorbs, sticks to a wide range of different materials, including metals, graphene, and even other polymers. By applying this polymer surface modifier, the scientists changed the stable, yet high work function conductor into an efficient, low work function electrode.
"These polymers are inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and compatible with existent roll-to-roll mass production techniques," said Bernard Kippelen, CISSEM senior investigator and director of Georgia Tech's Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics. "Replacing the reactive metals with stable conductors, including conducting polymers, completely changes the requirements of how electronics are manufactured and protected. Their use could pave the way for lower cost and more flexible devices."
While this broadly applicable electronic printing technique represents an important advance and has the potential to lower considerably the financial and environmental costs of manufacturing low work function metal electrodes, there is still much work to be done. Preliminary tests looking at the long-term stability and device lifespan are promising. Future research will test the electrodes' capacity to last the lifetime of a commercial product in real-life conditions. Also to be examined is precisely how the technique might eventually be scaled up for mass production.
Story by Dawn Adin, of the DOE Office of Science, firstname.lastname@example.com. Reprinted with permission by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. To read the entire article, go to: http://science.energy.gov/discovery-and-innovation/stories/2012/127033/.
APS encourages the redistribution of the materials included in this newspaper provided that attribution to the source is noted and the materials are not truncated or changed.
APS Headquarters, College Park, MD
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What is an irregular period, when does this happen, how does it affect body, why does this happen, how to treat it? So Many questions and no one to answer them correctly. These questions are very common for women and they need clear and easily understandable answers and not only this, these questions/problems need effective ways to treat it also. We will explain all these in details and will let you know the best effective…Read More
what is irregular periods
8 Best Home Remedies for Irregular periods, Natural ways only
We have already discussed about the Issue of Irregular periods in another post. You can check that post if you want to know about the possible common reasons of irregular or missed periods. We have also explained what are irregular periods and why do they happen. You can also read about the various other methods of dealing with irregular periods. A prior knowledge of irregular periods is really important to implement the natural solutions in…Read More


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Did you know?
270 Huguenots arrived in the Cape courtesy of the Dutch East India Company between 1688 and 1720.
Although the Huguenots assimilated into the Dutch population soon after their arrival, it was not without leaving a strong French imprint. Common Afrikaans surnames like Du Toit and De Villiers are of French origin, and some of the best-known wine farms in the Western Cape carry French names.
A village that arose on two of these farms, La Cotte and Cabriere, marked the beginnings of a Western Cape tourist delight, Franschhoek which appropriately translates to 'French corner.'
At the Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek the story of the Huguenots is well documented. Here the Huguenot Memorial soars above perfectly manicured lawns and a calm pool of water. The religiously-inspired monument has three arches symbolising the Christian trinity, above which shines the sun. A female figure casts off the cloak of oppression and gazes into the future.
Among the things to see in the Franschhoek museum are antique items of furniture brought in on trading ships from the East and items related to Huguenot church congregations and farming methods. Developments in Huguenot architecture are traced from early wooden homes, to clay, stone and eventually Dutch-influenced structures with gables.
Material relating to the indigenous Khoisan population of the time, and the largely-endemic fynbos that grows so prolifically in the area, are also on display. There's a wildflower garden and a restaurant, and the location makes a great picnic spot too.
After touring the Huguenot museum in Franschhoek, take some time to walk the main street with its shops and restaurants. The town has a reputation for outstanding cuisine, so stop for a meal too. And bear in mind that your 'French' experience will only be complete with a stop or two at the local wine farms.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Huguenot Memorial Museum
Tel: +27 (0)21 8762532
Fax: +27 (0)21 8763649
Email: email@example.com
How to get here
Take the N1 from Cape Town, turning right onto the R303 to reach Franschhoek. It should take an hour or so.
Best time to visit
Spring and summer, but even in the wet winter Franschhoek's restaurants are worth the drive, and probably one of the most pleasant ways of whiling away a cold day.
Around the area
Hiking in the Mount Rochelle Nature Reserve, bike trails, golf, and of course the many wine routes around Franschhoek and beyond.
Tours to do
Try the Franschhoek Vineyard Hopper or the Chocolate, Cheese, Olive and Wine Tour offered by La Rochelle Tours.
Get around
Much of Franschhoek is walkable, but to get to the surrounding wine estates, you will need a car. Alternatively you can enlist the services of a local, specialist tour operator.
What will it cost
R10 for adults; R5 for Students; R2 for children
Length of stay
The museum and monument will take a few hours to wander through, but try and spend more time in the delightful Franschhoek Valley.
Where to stay
Small as it is, there are some 109 accommodation establishments in Franschhoek and its surrounding valley, and many of them are recipients of international awards. See www.franschhoek.org.za
What to eat
This being South Africa's corner of France, French cuisine is at its best in Franschhoek. Some dining hotspots are Reuben's Restaurant & Bar, The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais and the French Connection at Haute Cabriere.
What's happening
The Franschhoek Bastille Festival (11-12 July) is celebrated with reckless abandon. Franschhoek Uncorked, celebrating spring on October 10-11 is another thrash worth making. For an acess pass of R60, you can take a complimentary shuttle between the wine farms and participate in their free tastings.


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Colette Ceylon AKA Dress with 16 handmade buttonholes
Added Dec 27, 2012
by cathytxtwfr
Ouidah, Benin
Finally! The dress quickly came together, but I am using a straight stitch only machine, so my only option for buttonholes were to do them by hand. I did dread making them, but in reality they aren't too bad.
I also visited a sewing supply shop to have the fabric covered buttons made as I don't have a machine for that.
I love this dress, especially with contrast pieces for the yokes and sleeves.
I wrote more on my sewing blog: http://cathywu.com/journal/treadling/2012/12/27/colette-ceylon/
5 Comments Sign in to add a post
Dec 28, 2012, 04.49 PMby prettysewinggirl
I hope you will visit some other African regions too!!! – South Africa is beautiful and it satisfy many desires :) All the best with your contract! Ps – I've spent some time reading your blog(s) including the posts on your world travels – wow – so inspiring!!!! Made me think again about my dream to travel some world regions… well, all the best and happy sewing!
Dec 28, 2012, 08.57 AMby prettysewinggirl
Its beautiful – I absolutely love the material!!!!!!! you did a wonderful job =) ps- so nice to see fellow african continent sew enthusiasts :) I'm in South Africa!
1 Reply
Dec 28, 2012, 03.58 PMby cathytxtwfr
yeah! perhaps i'll visit at the end of my contract – i'm so curious to see what africa outside of west africa is like as i am sure it is completely different world.
Dec 28, 2012, 05.24 AMby sala22
I love the contrast shoulders!
1 Reply
they're my favorite part too, thank you
Dec 28, 2012, 05.13 AMby 2bfabulous
Very lovely dress.
1 Reply
thank you!
Dec 27, 2012, 03.07 PMby Mary Athey
Wnat a lovely dress. This is.fab on you.love tbe.contrast.in the.fabrics.x
1 Reply
contrast is just great for toning down busy patterns
Add to Favorites 3 people added it


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A big thanks to everyone who entered our Gluten Free Muesli photo contest on Instagram and Pinterest. We had a lot of fun seeing how you used our gluten free muesli and how you share it with those you love. Our winners were selected at random from all of those who entered and used the hashtag #gfmuesli. In no particular order, they are:
- Lily_Lufkin_24601
- JKlahn9289
- Wendylizo
- Kit M
- Becky A Johnson
- Élan Buendia
If you were a lucky winner, please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com to claim your sweet prize pack. For those of you who didn't win, we'll be having more fun contests in the future, so be sure to keep up to date with us. Cheers!


text: Got_Rhythm 559 Report post Posted January 18, 2013 So I am trying to come up with an idea for healing a character outside of battle, in a JRPG I am designing, that doesn't involve spells or potions or sleeping at an inn or anything too convenient like that (because first-aid kits just laying around dungeons always bothered me a little). Also I don't want a money/currency system in my game. I don't want any items or weapons at all if possible (only abilities, and minions like Pokemon). My initial idea is to have a mini-game like Pairs, where the player is shown 10 pairs of images for a few seconds, then the pictures are covered up, and the player has to correctly remember the location of the pairs. for every second the player does this under 20 seconds, they are healed 10% of their maximum health points (so if the player completes the mini game in 17 seconds, they are healed 30% of their maximum health). If I settle on this, I can make it immersion enough to not distract from the game (like have the pictures on the pairs be runes, so representing the character attempting to cast a spell). Anyone can play this game, and attempt it multiple times to heal totally. There is also the possibility of making the mini-game harder later in the story, adding more images or decreasing the time limit. How do you guys feel about something like that? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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My name is Erin J Hundley Owner/Stylist of Red Door Beauty Studio LLC. I am well versed in all hair types as well as an American Board Certified Haircolorist. My journey seems to be on going, nonstop like any great journey should be!!! I am currently an AE with Matrix Loreal. Previously I worked on Nick Stensons Education team for JcPenney Salons. I've had the honor of working and being trained by some of our industries best!! Recently I got to work the Julianna Bass show for Fashion Week in NYC SS16. What an amazing experience that was!! I am currently enrolled in the Hair Mastered by Sam Mcknight Program which is really mind blowing!!! I am so excited to see what opportunities are in store.


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About ZENsation theme
ZENsation is a modern, elegant multipurpose theme.
Theme is SEO friendly and compatible with all popular browsers and systems.
Prestashop compatibility
Theme compatibility: Prestashop 184.108.40.206 to 126.96.36.199
There are no modifications in core files so you are able to upgrade your store in future.
Expected updates
I have a list of functionality which I will include to this theme in the nearest future.
Below you can find a few of them.
- BLOG module (already done in update 1.5)
- Google Rich Snippets (already done in update 1.2)
- Megamenu (already done in update 2.5)
- Full page width banner on the home page (already done in update 1.1)
- Social Addons for products (already done in update 1.7)
If you have any problems with theme installation or you just want to contact me please go to the FAQ (Support) tab at first.
Theme is delivered with documentation where you can find installation steps.
You can also follow this video tutorial, take a look how installation is easy:
Theme Installation Tuts (youtube)
Thanks so much!
UPDATES (detailed information in changelog.txt delivered with theme):
2.8 (23.05.2017)
- FIXED missing product second image on hoover on Prestashop above 1.6.1.x
- UPDATED Revolution Slider module to the latest version
2.7 (27.01.2015)
- FIXED missing state filed on registration form
- FIXED few small css issues (aligns, z-indexes, etc.)
- ADDED compatibility with Prestashop 188.8.131.52
- UPDATED Revolution Slider module to the latest version
2.6 (15.09.2014)
- FIXED image zoom for square images
- FIXED quick view issues
- HIDDEN add to cart button on product lists when product not available or has a combinations
- FIXED orders history on customer account
- ADDED forgotten styling for Bestsellers module
- ADDED page scroll for pagination on product lists
- FIXED catalog price rulse on product page
2.5 (03.09.2014)
- ADDED Mega Menu module
- ADDED Quick View button on product lists
- ADDED Reduced Price badge on product lists
- ADDED Old Price & Discount value on product lists
- UPDATED Blog module
- UPDATED Revolution Slider module
- UPDATED Cart mechanism
- FIXED small issues
- W3C optimization
2.4 (29.05.2014)
- FIXED wrong font on product lists
- FIXED related posts module on product pages
- FIXED inactive view button on product lists
2.3 (27.05.2014)
- Improved documentation
- FIXED images shape changing while pagination
- FIXED color attributes icons on product page
- FIXED small visual problems
- FIXED product comparision
- FIXED CMS links in footer
- FIXED wrong price in total on 5-step checkout
2.2 (12.05.2014)
- Many bug fixes for Prestashop 18.104.22.168 (refer to changelog.txt)
- Improved Theme Editor – over 650 google fonts to choose from
- Stopped support for Prestashop 1.5
2.1 (28.04.2014)
- FIXED zero price issue when product has attributes on Prestashop 220.127.116.11
2.0 (28.03.2014)
- ADDED new social icons in footer
- FIXED small bugs during installation on Prestashop 1.6
1.9 (19.03.2014)
- UPDATE for Blog
- UPDATE for Revolution Slider
- ADDED compatibility with latest Prestashop 220.127.116.11
1.8 (16.03.2014)
- NEW amazing module: Revolution Slider
1.7 (02.03.2014)
- BLOG updated – fixed few small issues + new feature: you can connect posts to products (related posts) and show it on product page
- NEW zoom module for product page: choose between 3 new zoom effects
- fixed product reference number on a product page
- NEW share module for product page
- NEW function for theme editor: now you can add sticky header menu to your page
1.6 (14.02.2014)
- CRITICAL BUG fixed: important only for users of ZENsation v1.5 (products disapear where filter is selected on products list)
- added new features for Theme Editor (possibility to choose beteen country flag or ISO code and between currency sign and ISO code)
1.5 (11.02.2014)
- added BLOG module
- added Theme Editor module
- possibility to turn ON / OFF responsiveness (+ 2 widths to choose for non-responsive version)
- possibility tu turn ON / OFF footer text ("ZENSATION – Fully responsive prestashop theme based on Twitter Bootstrap")
- possibility to turn ON / OFF shadow below images
- possibility to choose between rectangular / square images for whole store
- possibility to choose between wide / boxed home banner
- added POVERRIDE module (do not install if you already have a running ZENsation theme – only for new installations)
1.4 (20.01.2014)
- Fixed magnifying glass (top search) visibility on firefox and IE
- Removed hoover effect for view & add to cart buttons on mobiles (now buttons visible all the time)
- NEW icon on products now is a link to the product
1.3 (07.01.2014)
- Added manufacturer slider module on homepage
- Added multilingual banners module on the bottom of homepage
1.2 (06.01.2014)
- Added google rich snippets
- Added arrows (left/right) to home slider
- Added manufacturer name on product page
- Added missing image format in cart
- Fixed product carousels on ipad (vertical)
- Fixed product display on lists for products with one image
1.1 (28.12.2013)
- Improved translations for Italian, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Turkish.
- Modified homeslider module – full width sliders now available.
1.0 (27.12.2013)
- Theme released


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Man held on half million dollar bond in one of two Riley County sex crime cases
Man arrested in one of two child sex crime cases being investigated by RCPD.
Man arrested in one of two child sex crime cases being investigated by RCPD.
Dangerous intersection causes community to be concerned.
Two people were killed Saturday night after the car they were in rolled off the Sardou Bridge around 8:15 p.m.
Kansas lawmakers are back from a four day break, but would you be surprised to learn they're not getting right back down to the business of …
Where to find help when school program shut down for summer.
Has advanced a plan for balancing the state budget that increases the sales tax and reverses one of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's key econ…
Police say both victims were from Topeka
On Memorial Day we honor and remember those who have fallen fighting for our country.
The Kansas Attorney General's office wants you to be prepared in case your child goes missing.
A move that follows a deadly derailment earlier this month in which investigators are searching for clues to the train engineer's actions be…
Late Memorial Day two canoers on the Kansas River were rescued after they couldn't paddle against the swift current.
A bill Tuesday that would make Nebraska the first traditionally conservative state in more than four decades to abolish the death penalty.
A police officer in a suburb of Albuquerque was shot and killed during a traffic stop.
Five Kansas City Royals players are well on their way to being selected to the MLB All-Star Game.
The information included tax returns and other tax information on file with the IRS.
Courtesy: Kansas State Athletics MANHATTAN, Kan. – As construction continues on schedule for an early August completion of the Vanier Footba…
Following intense pressure from its consumers on social media, a major clothing provider has pulled down one of its shirt options.
Rare scientific mirage phenomenon occurs when perfect weather conditions align.
You watch as a car drives into water that looks shallow. Once in the water, the car is overcome by the power of the water.
Authorities say a car pulled from a northeast Kansas lake last week contained the body of a man missing since 1992.
"There were trees going everywhere, and the house caved, and just a lot of popping noises."
The Kansas Department of Revenue is planning to change the way it notifies residents that they need to renew their vehicle tags.
The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team is under investigation for alleged improper benefits to players.


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LONDON: The British Ministry of Defence has paid £14 million ($21.7 million) in compensation and costs to hundreds of Iraqis who complained that they were illegally detained and tortured by British forces during the five-year occupation of the south-east of the country.
Hundreds more claims are in the pipeline as Iraqis become aware they are able to bring proceedings against the British authorities in London courts.
The MoD said it was investigating every allegation of abuse that has been made.
Human rights groups and lawyers representing former prisoners said the abuse was systemic, with military interrogators and guards responsible for the mistreatment acting in accordance with both their training in Britain and orders issued in Iraq.
The campaigners are calling for a public inquiry into Britain's detention and interrogation practices following the 2003 invasion. An inquiry is a development the MoD would be eager to avoid.
Payments totalling £8.3 million have been made to 162 Iraqis this year. There were payments to 17 individuals last year and 26 in the three years before that.
The average payment to the 205 people who have made successful claims has been almost £70,000, including costs. The MoD said it was negotiating payments concerning a further 196 people.
Lawyers representing former prisoners of the British military say that more than 700 further individuals are likely to make claims next year. Most of those compensated were male civilians who said they had been beaten, deprived of sleep and threatened before being interrogated by British servicemen and women who had detained them on suspicion of involvement in the violent insurgency against the occupation. Others said they suffered sexual humiliation and were forced into stress positions for prolonged periods.
Questioned about the compensation payments, an MoD spokesman said: ''Over 120,000 British troops have served in Iraq, and the vast majority have conducted themselves with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. All allegations of abuse will always be investigated thoroughly. We will compensate victims of abuse where it is right to do so and seek to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.''
Next month the high court will hear a judicial review of the MoD's refusal to hold a public inquiry into the abuses.
Guardian News & Media


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Evil ThingRiddles are little poems or phrases that pose a question that needs answering. Riddles frequently rhyme, but this is not a requirement.
I live where darkness seals my fate
Coming up to the rigid gate
So I've been told
My soul is a big black hole
I'm constantly in war
With those above my domain
Those who meet me
Regret they ever did
AnswerThe Devil
What Next?
See another brain teaser just like this one...
Or, just get a random brain teaser
If you become a registered user you can vote on this riddle, keep track of
which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
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Remote Controlled Forklift
This little remote controlled forklift can get you through the day in the office with ease. Have a stack of files that need to be delivered to the boss? Load it up! I love how the product page features it carrying a can of Red Bull. Hopefully to its lazy owner. Imagine this thing on the dinner table! "Dad, can you pass the butter?" BEEP BEEP BEEP. Done.


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I am attempting to use preg_match to find and replace based on some parts that are found in the string, I am able to do this by sepparating the script into different patterns but I wonder if this can be done with ony one pattern.
For instance I strings like this
{container id=1 class=basic}{container class=advanced id=5}
and I should be translating that into

At the moment I am able to do them but they always have to respect the order of{container class=someclassname id=someid}
if by any chance the user enters{container id=someid class=someclassname}
Then the script does not work
I found that enclosing the pattern in parenthesis then I can do something like$replcement='

';
but if my pattern looks something like this({test) (id=\d*|class=\w*) (id=\d*|class=\w*)(})
How could I know if they first entered the id or the class name
Just to qualify, are those target strings actually part of longer strings?
$target = "Start of the string {container id=1 class=basic} and then there is this case{container class=advanced id=5} there may be other cases besides";
I would assume this is a method of templating, so would assume that the replace is to be done over a considerable block of string.
Me too, but I thought I would ask.
Yres they are definitely part of longer strings
Is ID always numeric and class always a string?
Will that always be the case, or may you in the future decide to permit another attribute?
Thinks: hang on, isn't id=5 illegal in terms of the dom? hmmmm... changed between html 4.01 and html 5 http://mathiasbynens.be/notes/html5-id-class , now I did not know that.
yes, yes it is invalid to have id=1 I just typed it like that to make things a little bit easier to understand but in fact I have something like this {container 1 basic} where the integer is always a 1-3 digit number and the other part is always a word with characters from a-z
OK, now I am confused, is the target {container 1 basic} or is it {container id=1 class=basic} ?
It is {container 1 basic}
I think one solution is to use a callback function to sort out which is an integer and which is a string.
// set up some test strings
$strings[] = "The string is {container 1 basic} but could also contain {container advanced 99} for example";
$strings[] = "This should fail {container 1111 basic}"; // > 999
$strings[] = "This should fail {11 basic}"; // no container word
$strings[] = "This should fail {container 11 basic "; // missing end bracket
$strings[] = "This should fail { container 11 basic} "; // space prior to first bracket
$strings[] = "This should fail container 11 basic}"; // missing first bracket
$strings[] = "Should THIS fail {container 11 22}, or what should it do then?"; // a quandry?
$strings[] = "Should THIS fail {container silly basic}"; // ditto
// create the callback function
function make_divs($matches)
if( (int)$matches[1] > 0 ){
$id = $matches[1];
$class = $matches[2];
$id = $matches[2];
$class = $matches[1];
return "

";
// loop through the test cases, view page source to see the results properly
foreach( $strings as $string){
echo preg_replace_callback(
"#{container (\\d{1,3}|[a-z]*) ([a-z]*|\\d{1,3})}#",
$string) , PHP_EOL;
At its simplest that should work, but you will notice that the LAST TWO example strings possibly should fail, but do not -- as things stand, in order to keep the solution simple to follow.
The more varied and real worldly your test strings are the more complex the solution will probably end up becoming.
I leave it there because it is now up to you to post the test cases showing where you expect to pass and where you expect to fail.
thank you for all your help, the setting will be controlled so there is only one person entering this strings and he seems to be doing it fine so far.
Also a slight note there; make sure your person doing the entering doesnt try to enter an ID of 0


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Fall Fest: Sweet Potatoes 5 Waysby Liz Gray in In Season, November 17, 2010
We're teaming up with other food and garden bloggers to host Fall Fest 2010, a season-long garden party. Each week we'll feature favorite garden-to-table recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty, whether you're harvesting your own goodies or buying them fresh from the market. To join in, check out awaytogarden.com.
Early this fall, I went on a tour of my CSA's farm. We walked past rows upon rows of waning okra, squash and tomatoes, then saw a glimpse of what was coming up next: the tiny greens sprouts that will become the spicy arugula I love so much, the beginnings of covet-worthy kale and the heart-shaped leaves of growing sweet potatoes, almost ready to be plucked from the ground.
Each week when I get my knobby, misshapen sweet potatoes, I think about the farm as I drizzle on oil to roast them. But this week's batch marked my last box of the season, so I'm breaking out of my roasting routine and going in a new direction. Here are the sweet potato recipes I'm trying this week.
Alton's Sweet (and Spicy) Potatoes
Alton gives this go-to Thanksgiving side dish Southwestern flair by mixing in a chipotle pepper with adobo sauce. Keep it to 1 pepper unless your family can take the heat — these smoked jalapenos pack a punch!
RECIPE: Alton's Chipotle-Smashed Sweet Potatoes (pictured)
Baked Sweet Potato and Celery Root Fries
Celery root is often under-appreciated because its knobby peel looks so daunting at the store. Once you peel back the rough exterior, this root vegetable is great raw or cooked. Its spicy flavor is a great match for sweet potatoes, and these fries are crispy, colorful and oh-so-satisfying.
RECIPE: Sweet Potato and Celery Root Fries
Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad is the perfect fall lunch, and a great way to use leftover roasted sweet potatoes. Mix quinoa, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn and bell pepper, then top with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lime and a handful of feta cheese.
RECIPE: Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Vegetarian African Peanut Stew
There's plenty of turkey talk this time of year, but if you plan on celebrating the holidays meat-free, here's a recipe for you. Flavor sweet potatoes with curry powder and ginger, then add heft to the soup with chickpeas and some crunchy peanut butter. Add cilantro and a bunch of greens just before serving.
RECIPE: Vegetarian African Peanut Stew
Sweet Potato Chips With Black Olive Tapanade
For an easy, elegant (and bonus, inexpensive) fall appetizer, top crisp baked sweet potato crisps with an olive-and-sun-dried tomato tapanade. The sweetness of the potato chip contrasts perfectly with the salty tapanade, and the color combo makes for a striking presentation.
RECIPE: Sweet Potato Chips With Black Olive Tapanade
More Favorite Sweet Potato Dishes With Friends and Family:
- Michelle at Cooking Channel: Sweet Potato Cupcakes With Marshmallow Topping
- Roberto at Food2: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Kirsten at Food Network: Sweet Potatoes Sides, Chef by Chef
- Todd and Diane, White On Rice Couple: Sweet Potato Molasses Cookies
- Nicole from Pinch My Salt: Cumin-Scented Sweet Potato Hash
- Caroline from The Wright Recipes: Sweet Potato Galette
- Paige at The Sister Project: Sweet Potatoes on the Savory Side
- Margaret at A Way to Garden: 9 Things I Learned From Sweet Potatoes


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Jonathan Blum
Jonathan Blum is an independent technology writer and analyst living in Westchester, N.Y. He has written for The Associated Press and Popular Science and appeared on Fox News and the WB. He has a BA from Columbia University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanblum Follow Jonathan on Facebook and on Google + https://www.facebook.com/skepticbook?ref=hl
Recent Articles By The Author
ReFactory Brings World-Class Electronics Manufacturing to Gowanus Brooklyn
Brooklyn-based circuit board maker ReFactory is making a smart bet by making circuit boards locally in New York.
#DigitalSkeptic: Media Stocks Are Nothing but Bad News
'New media' has fallen into the same slide toward oblivion begun by old information media companies.
#DigitalSkeptic: Forget Web Video, 'Dear Abby' Kills the New-Media Star
You can pay all you want for high-value online video production, but here's some advice from the professionals: Simple sells.
#DigitalSkeptic: Human DJs Find Their Place Deep in Age of iTunes
Even as iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and other music services rely on algorithms to serve up set lists, consumer spending says humans still have a role to play.
#DigitalSkeptic: Collapsing Global Sales Drive Digital Music Confusion
Investors are worried about the numbers at Pandora, but meanwhile the entire music industry is sliding off a cliff.


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Immerse yourself in the incredible world of the humpback whale and be inspired by uniqueness of Fraser Island at the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere in Hervey Bay. Fascinating interpretive panels and interactive displays also explore the outstanding beauty and diversity of the Great Sandy Biosphere.
Woven throughout are the dreamtime legends of the Butchulla People as well as artwork celebrating and explaining the stories and traditions handed down through thousands of years.
Highlights of the centre include an immersive "underwater encounter" with humpback whales and a full sized reproduction of a whale skeleton. A theatre experience allows visitors to imagine a world beyond the stunning, extraordinary imagery of Fraser Island and Great Sandy Strait. Children can get hands-on with natural discovery in a dedicated children's section with storytelling and interactive challenges.
An information kiosk and gift store provides visitors will information, trails and brochures to continue their Fraser Coast experience and the chance to purchase unique locally made keepsakes and regional produce.
Next to the Discovery Sphere, soak up culture and engage with the visual arts, at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.
Gold coin donation
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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Farmington Hills, MI (October 23, 2006)--- Are you expecting a baby or have small children at home? Are you ready for your child's well visit? Many parents are nervous and curious about what immunizations to expect at their child's well visit.
Immunizations are given to children and adults to prevent the most dangerous infectious diseases. Pediatricians at Botsford General Hospital want parents to know what new immunizations the Centers of Diseases and Control (CDC) recommend. The CDC recommendations can be found at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/acip-list.htm. New recommendations in 2006 include the following vaccines:
Rotavirus vaccine (RV)
Rotavirus can cause severe dehydrating diarrhea with vomiting and fever in infants and young children. The vaccine, a three dose series, is recommended for routine oral administration for all infants. The usual dose schedule is 2, 4, and 6 months. The first dose should be given between ages 6 to 12 weeks, and a minimum interval of four weeks should be observed between doses. The third dose must be given before 32 weeks of age. Side effects may include mild diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Influenza vaccine
Young children are among the most severely affected by influenza. They also spread influenza easily by sharing their respiratory secretions with their family members and friends. Influenza can cause a variety of conditions in children including bronchial infections, croup, ear infections, seizures as well as the usual runny nose, fever and cough. There are two types of flu vaccine available, injectable and intranasal.
The injectable influenza vaccine is routinely recommended in children 6 months through 59 months. Kids older than five who have a medical problem such as asthma, diabetes, seizures or heart disease should also routinely receive the injectable influenza vaccine. People who live with or care for infants and children with increased risk for influenza should also get the flu vaccine. Children younger than nine years of age, who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time, should receive two doses of the vaccine. Injectable vaccine doses should be separated by at least four weeks.
The intranasal vaccine is available for healthy kids older than age 5 who do not have medical problems described above. Children age 5 to 9 receiving this vaccine for the first time should be given two doses at least six weeks apart.
Other new CDC recommendations include, the new Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) for adolescent girls, a second dose of varicella vaccine and a broadened recommendation for Hepatitis A vaccine (hep A) in kids.
Your pediatrician will help you decide which immunizations your child needs. Many of these will be given during your child's well visit. If for some reason these cannot be completed at one visit, be sure to schedule your next appointment to complete your child's immunizations.
If you would like further information or you are looking for a pediatrician, please contact Botsford's Health Match at (877) 442-7900.
Botsford General Hospital, an independent, acute care, 330-bed community hospital in Farmington Hills, Mich., was founded in 1965. Nationally recognized for quality, safety and medical education programs, Botsford has received the 2005 Solucient 100 Top Hospitals: Performance Improvement Leaders award and the 2005 Governor's Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital and Emergency Department Settings. Botsford's Web address is www.botsford.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nancy Dumas, Beth Montalvo or Stacy Brand


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Thornton Young Booth Obit
- Thornton Young Booth Obit
Stanford Alumni Magazine May/June 2003:Thornton Young Booth, PhD '51 (English), of Logan, Utah, July 2, at 84. He earned his bachelor'sdegree from Brigham Young U. in 1941. During World War II and the Korean War, he served in the Army, rising to the rank of captain.He became an assistant professor at Utah State U. in 1953 and, after serving as head of the English department and dean of the College of Humanities and Arts, he retired in 1988 as professor emeritus.Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Nan; two sons, James and Geoffrey; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters.Article 1 of 1Thornton Young BoothDate: July 6, 2002Thornton Young Booth, (TY) age 84, died July 02, 2002, in Logan, Utah, of natural causes. He was son, brother, husband, father, master teacher, scholar, author, soldier, and above all else, friend to all he knew and touched. He will be missed.Born March 14, 1918, in Provo, Utah, to Judge Alfred Lewis and Edith Young Booth, third of six children and only son. He married Nan Chipman, Dec. 26, 1945. Educated in the Provo schools; graduated 1935; LDS Mission (England) 1937-39 where he was the...Author: The Salt Lake TribunePage: B7Word Count: 483Publication: Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT)Article ID: 100E449F9D5F0378
Utah, Military Records, 1861-1970about Thornton Young Booth
Name: Thornton Young Booth Birth Date: 14 Mar 1918 Birth Place: Provo, Utah Father: Alfred Lewis Booth Age: 23 Military Service Year: 1941
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946about Thornton Y Booth Name: Thornton Y Booth Birth Year: 1918 Race: White, citizen (White) Nativity State or Country: Utah State of Residence: Utah County or City: Utah Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1941 Enlistment State: Utah Enlistment City: Salt Lake City Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source: Civil Life Education: 4 years of college Civil Occupation: Unskilled occupations in manufacture of automobiles, n.e.c. Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 73 Weight: 150


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Christmas has arrived early for China and Malaysia. On Friday, Canadian regulators approved the proposed $18bn acquisition of Toronto-listed Nexen, a global oil and gas company, by China's Cnooc, a state-owned oil group.
Concurrently, the government also reversed an earlier plan to block the $5.2bn bid for Progress Energy Resources, another Calgary-based oil and gas company, by Petronas of Malaysia.
Read the full story on ft.com Read more


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AFI Fest
What: The American Film Institute's annual celebration of international cinema from modern masters and emerging filmmakers.
When: Nov. 7-14.
Where: TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd.; Chinese 6 Theatres, 6801 Hollywood Blvd.; Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Information: www.afifest.afi.com
Today's a great day for classic masterpieces at the AFI Fest. I would not discourage anybody from catching John Cassavetes' "A Woman Under the Influence," Jacques Demy's "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" or Bernardo Bertolucci's new 3-D edition of "The Last Emperor."
If you only pick one, though, it simply has to be "The Marriage of Maria Braun." Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 1979 take on West Germany's postwar economic miracle is a scathing indictment of ruthless capitalism — and, what makes it great, just as unforgiving a portrait of conjugal devotion. Fassbinder bundles irony and humanism tighter than a fascist axe, and Hanna Schygulla is both luminous and horrifying as the unswervingly pragmatic title bride.
Check back for updates from AFI Fest and more reviews by Los Angeles News Group reporter Bob Strauss.


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Following a session discussing the teaching of creationism in schools, the Council of Europe, headquartered in the French city of Strasbourg, went on to hold a press conference on 4 October, 2007. The main subject of the conference was Atlas of Creation, which lay on the table throughout.
At the press conference Anne Brasseur, a politician from Luxembourg who recently submitted a report to the Council, picked the Atlas up to show it to the assembled journalists and went on to say:
"Harun Yahya is a Muslim, Turkish creationist. This is the first volume. There are two more. It has been sent out to Europe. In two languages, English and French. It says that the theory of evolution is a lie, that Darwinism is the root cause of terror, and that it is responsible for the dictators of the 20th century and the like."
Asked by a journalist about the messages that had been received in response to the report, the parliamentarians answered:
"Generally speaking we received negative e-mails. Very few letters supported the report. The letters were all opposed to the report. The commission and I were generally described as people with no respect for freedom of expression and freedom of religion…"
In response to a question from a journalist from the Turkish daily Milliyet beginning "You have referred to Harun Yahya and Atlas of Creation many times…" the French politician Jacques Legendre stated:
"I also received a copy. It has been sent to high schools, colleges and libraries where I live, up in the north. There was a note saying it can be placed in libraries for students to examine. It is a very expensive book. The quality of the printing is obvious…"
The journalists backed the parliamentarians, who portrayed Atlas of Creation as a danger and sought to prevent the teaching of creationism in schools, into a corner with their questions. They asked critical questions stating that banning books was literally censorship, violating freedom of expression and ignored the principle of equality of education. They even enquired whether the parliamentarians were considering collecting the copies of Atlas of Creation and burning them.


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Gov. Jerry Brown is offering condolences to the family of a Riverside police officer who was one of three people believed to be killed by a former Los Angeles police officer during a shooting spree across Southern California.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the Democratic governor said he was "shocked and saddened" when he learned about the attack that took place early that morning.
The name of the officer is not being released while the suspect, Christopher Dorner, remains at large. Dorner is the subject of a widespread manhunt that focused on the mountain community of Big Bear late Thursday.
Brown's office said the 34-year-old field training officer who was shot as he and a trainee were stopped for a traffic light in Riverside. The trainee was critically injured.


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"This recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It's easy, light and one that your guests or family members will be talking about for months," Chef Lee said.
Serves 4
Large bunch fresh green asparagus spears, about 1 1/2lb, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 sea bass fillets, about 8oz each (Seafood Department)
HEB Basting Oil (Cooking Connection)
Basil, Olive, and Walnut Sauce (recipe will follow)
4 basil leaves
1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges
Basil, Olive, and Walnut Sauce
1/2 cup shelled walnuts, lightly toasted
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped and squeezed dry
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (Grana Padana) (HEB Deli Department or Cheese Shop)
6 anchovy fillets, rinsed, dried, and chopped
1 1/2 tablespoon capers, squeezed dry
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Pre-heat the oven to 450.
Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge the asparagus into a bowl of ice water to chill and stop further cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Place the olive oil in a large saute pan and heat until sizzling. Turn the heat down to medium, add the sea bass fillet, skin side down, and cook for about 2 minutes. Flip the sea bass over and transfer to shallow baking dish. Cook in the hot oven for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. While the fish is cooking, heat the asparagus spears in a saute pan for 5-6 minutes, or until tender, turning occasionally. Toss the cooked asparagus in the HEB Basting Oil, then set aside and keep warm.
Divide the warm asparagus spears between 4 serving plates, all the tips pointing in the same direction. Place a cooked sea bass fillet on each asparagus serving, then top with about a tablespoon of the basil, olive, and walnut sauce. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately.
Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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The Australian government says asylum seeker processing on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island will start within weeks, as another 33 would-be refugees arrived at Nauru's offshore processing centre.
The group of 18 Sri Lankans, 14 Afghans and one Iranian arrived on a chartered aircraft from Christmas Island on Friday morning.
This brings the number of asylum seekers currently on the island to 181, after three people opted to return home in September.
The government in August committed to offshore processing of asylum seekers who arrive in Australian waters by boat on Nauru and Manus Island.
The coalition joined Labor in the Senate in September to pass the legislative instrument allowing Nauru to be used for offshore processing.
A similar legislative instrument is expected to be introduced into parliament in the coming weeks, which would allow Manus Island to be reopened.
Meanwhile, a war of words has erupted between Immigration Minister Chris Bowen's office and his opposition counterpart Scott Morrison about claims the minister rejected Mr Morrison's request to facilitate a visit to Nauru and Manus Island.
Mr Morrison claims shadow ministry entitlements do not provide for such overseas trips and that he'd be happy to use the regular charter services already being paid for by the minister's department to visit the two sites.
"The refusal to facilitate a visit seems very petty," Mr Morrison said in a statement.
He said Mr Bowen should reconsider given the coalition provided the support in parliament to re-establish offshore processing and given the government will need support again in relation to Manus Island.
A spokesperson for Mr Bowen denied the minister was blocking Mr Morrison's request.
"The minister is happy to ask his department and overseas posts to facilitate access for Mr Morrison to the processing centres, just as we have facilitated every requested visit to an onshore processing centre by him in the past," the spokesperson said.
"The government will not, however, make specific financial provision to fund such a visit."
Mr Bowen met with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on Friday to discuss progress on reopening the Manus Island processing centre, which is on a naval base on the small pacific island.
"We've worked very closely together on ensuring the facility is ready soon, and I very much welcome your agreement and announcement that we can begin making the first transfers in the coming weeks," Mr Bowen said at a joint press conference in Port Moresby on Friday.
"We have a process to go through in Australia, a parliamentary process, which we will pursue and make those transfers in the coming weeks."
In other news, Christmas Island's retiring administrator Brian Lacy warned on Friday that more riots could break out in the immigration detention centre if overcrowding again becomes a problem.
In March 2011 the detention centre went into lockdown after 200 people threw rocks and burned tents to the ground.
Mr Lacy said the riots arose out of overcrowding after an influx of asylum seekers at the time.
He cautioned the same thing could happen again.
"In recent times a growing number of asylum seekers are coming to Christmas Island," he told ABC radio.
"Even though they are transporting some of them to Nauru, there is, as I say, still the potential for that number to exceed the number they can actually hold without causing any problem there."


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Happy Birthday!
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.
Thanks for your vote of confidence in my reviews. I try to be accurate regardless of whether I like something or not--and I try to be amusing. There a lots of great writers on this website, aren't there? I'm an English teacher with a journalism degree, so I have lots of training.
Happy Birthday to you! Looking forward to the next year's reviews!! And many happy returns of the day!!
Oh, how I LOVED your review of L'Heure Bleue--just lovely!
Hi! I just read your review of Chanel No. 5 and it's just great. Really well done, and makes me want to go ahead and give my sample another go. Also makes me want to delete the 'old lady' reference to my reviews!! Unfortunately, can't edit reviews just yet.....
I just loved your review of L'Heure Bleue. I am enjoying my edp bottle. I may never purchase the $305 bottle of parfum from Neiman Marcus, but oh, this one is a beauty.
I probably should, although I think I did have the EDP. What bothered me is that when I bought the bottle, it smelled sweeter and less peppery. After two years, the same bottle smelled more peppery. I don't know if it was my nose changing or the perfume!
Basenotes is an online guide to perfume and fragrance, featuring news, a database of fragrances, perfume glossary, fragrance forums, user reviews and more.


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Reclaiming "Cunt" Part 2: Words for a movement
In reflecting on the power and process of reclaiming words in an oppressive system, it only seems fitting to spend some time talking about movement-specific words and the choice to use them or avoid them. There are two important words I'd like to consider today: victim and survivor.*
For as long as I have been involved with anti-violence work, I have heard about the lack of consensus on using the term "victim" or the term "survivor." Many advocates I know prefer "survivor" because it speaks to the resiliency and strength needed to carry on after such a traumatic experience. At the same time, I've learned that many movement foremothers embrace the term "victim" because they can remember a time when they had to advocate, HARD, for sexual victimization to be recognized with the criminal legal system.
The position that most resonates with me involves scrapping both terms in favor of person first language (originating in activism by people with disabilities). An amazing mentor from my college activism days explained that she needed to use person first language. It was the only way to acknowledge that people are at different places and spaces in their journeys, and should have the autonomy to identify who and what they are for themselves. She made a special emphasis on using person first language to describe a person who commits sexual violence as well. If you were going to believe that people should not be defined by the violence they experience, you also had to believe that people can't be defined by the violence they commit.
What terms do you use? How do you keep your practice person-centered through your word choice? Great questions for a growing, learning, and changing movement!
*Please note: I acknowledge that victim and survivor are not the only terms. "Thriver" is another important, (re)claimed iteration and descriptor. I am sure that there are many, many more!


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HOUSTON - The Voice
Well we have finally reached the last of the pre-recorded episodes, the last of the battle rounds, the last of that ridiculous bedazzled Frisbee hat that sits atop Xtina's head. I found this week's episode to be full of disappointments. Disappointing performances from the contestants, disappointing decisions from the coaches, disappointing pre-battle intros from Carson Daly… well those are always awkward, I suppose. It almost seemed like they had used up all the good battles in the beginning and had only the dregs left over for this final episode, which arguably should have been the most epic of all.
But before things get ugly, let's discuss what an adorable little raisin of emotion Cee-Lo Green was this week! Watching those plump, little tears streak down that plump, little face as he said, "You know, I'm a sensitive person, I'm an artist, man" almost gave me a cavity it was so freakin' sweet. As the six-year-old for whom I nanny would say, that was ~ToTeZ aDoRbZ~!
As for the music, I'ma go ahead and side with Xtina when I say that the majority of these performances were lackluster. Nicolle Galyon and Mathai sang… they sang… I can't even remember what song due to the utter and complete forgettableness of that performance. Jordan Rager, another rando from the blind auditions, and Naia Kete were also super lame, but this time we got some painful pitch problems thrown in! Even though Naia won, she knew she tanked. And then there was the weirdness that was Moses Stone, the only "emcee" on The Voice, and The Line, a country duo, singing "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, a rock song. XTINA. WHAT. That bizarre, sparkly Frisbee hat must be cutting off circulation to homegirl's brain, because that was the strangest, least-sensible, most unforgivable pairing of the season, nay, series. It made zero sense and hurt my brain. And then on top of that, she picks Moses Stone as the winner simply to prove her point about the importance of versatility? Really? Yes, adaptability is important, but so is having a good singing voice in a SINGING COMPETITION. For crying out loud...
The battle between James "Bahhhston Boy from the Baaahdy Shaaahp" Massone and Wade actually felt like a battle as the two sang absolutely independently, or rather, in spite of, each other, utterly refusing to work together in any kind of harmonic way. The battle was off and pitchy from top to bottom and that "riff-off" at the end was just plain dissonant. But I agreed with Cee-Lo's choice on this one and think that James is not only talented but super endearing which will serve him well in the live shows.
And this is the end of the line in terms of the coaches' good judgment.
I thought Adam's reasoning for picking Karla Davis over Orlando Napier was inherently flawed—isn't this a competition to find the most unique, most exciting voice? And isn't part of that having an interesting, specific style upon which to capitalize? And isn't that the very reason Adam sent Orlando home, for having "too specific" a sound?! No sense. None.
But the real atrocity of the night was Cee-Lo's choice in the Tony Vincent vs. Justin Hopkins battle. From the very first moment this pairing was announced, I knew it would be a good one so long as the song didn't lend itself more toward one than the other. But Cee-Lo's choice of "Faithfully" by Journey was just the right amount of theatrical-belt for Tony and gritty rock for Justin. And the fact that they both have families was the extra touch, wasn't it? But Justin… not only does he smile when he sings, he radiates warmth and passion and sincerity and makes your heart tingle. I bet he would put on an unbelievable live show in any size venue and make it feel intimate. Tony is a classically trained Broadway performer. He's kind of like… a theater tool. One of those undeniably talented dudes who knows it and just wants to "practice his art" and wears eyeliner so his piercing gaze is all the more intense. They were both great in this performance, don't get me wrong, but I think Justin is the overall better performer because he's more relatable, more likeable— and just so gosh darn REAL. Maybe it was Xtina's monologue about what The Voice is really about, or maybe it was all that emotion Cee-Lo expended earlier on that clouded his judgment. In the end, he chose Tony, and my soul cried out, "NoooOoooOoooOoooOoooo! JuuUuuuUuuuUuustiiiIiiiiIiiiiIiiin!" Sigh.
Overall, this wasn't the greatest episode. But I am looking forward to the live shows, where the artists can really let loose and show everyone what they got! Here are my favorites from each team:
Team Adam: Tony Lucca, Pip and Mathai. All very different performers but all with a certain amount of star power. Tony is soulful and musical and raw. Pip is super versatile and hip. Mathai is cool and interesting. Depending on how creative they get with song choice, all three have serious potential.
Team Blake: Charlotte Sometimes… and maybe Erin Willett. Blake has a pretty weak team, overall. I'd be surprised to see any of them do all that well in the live shows.
Team Cee-Lo: Jamar Rogers, James Massone and (sigh) Tony Vincent. I know I just gave Cee-Lo hell for picking Tony, but I can't deny the dude's insanely talented. James Massone is adorable and has that super sweet voice, but I could see Jamar Rogers winning it all. He's just… everything.
Team Xtina: Lindsey Pavao, Chris Mann and Jesse Campbell. Lindsey Pavao could make some cool choices a la Dia Frampton from last season. I just think Chris Mann's a boss. And I could see it coming down to Jesse Campbell and Jamar Rogers in the end. I think these two are just bananasoutcontrolinsanelyamazing.
Welp, that's it for the battles! See you next week for the live shows!
So first, some news: Smash has officially been renewed for a second season! HUZZAH! I shan't go without my beautiful belting Broadway bit… beauties! But f'realzies, I'm glad NBC is investing in this show and continuing to support it! Hooray for NBC! Hooray for sequins! HOORAY FOR ALL!
But now to the nitty gritty.
So I thought this week's installment of Smash was going to be inten—THAT FIGHT BETWEEN DEREK AND TOM WAS SO INTENSE! Talk about upping the ante. I sat there, mouth agape, throughout that entire scene and then I went back and re-watched it to make sure I didn't miss a single vicious, spit-filled, in-your-face, theater-smack-down moment. I was hoping we would get a glimpse into the history of Derek and Tom, and this was exactly what I needed in exactly two minutes and 36 seconds. Eleven years ago, Derek and Tom worked on a production together that apparently hadn't done so well. While we don't really know whose version of the truth to believe, I'll go ahead and ALWAYS side with Tom. It appears Derek went around systematically trying to dismember Tom's career, questioning his talent and mental stability and talking trash to any and every producer in sight, while the critics (or rather, one critic in particular) lauded Derek for being a directorial genius. Derek denies, and I usually don't care 'cuz he's pretty. But THEN Derek goes and starts running his mouth about how gay men "own the New York theater scene" but still "prance around, whining about what victims [they] are." This was such an interesting moment. You have Derek, who works in the theatre in New York City with who knows how many countless numbers of gay men, and then seemingly attacks one of those very gay men for, well, being gay. I think the psychology of a straight man in that environment is fascinating, especially since I spent four years observing it with some of my straight male friends in the performing arts at Northwestern. At times defensive, at times aloof, at times combative, straight men and gay men in the theater have a psychological relationship worthy of an entire field of study it's so complex. But then a ray of light appears as Tom informs Derek that the critic that praised him was also sleeping with Derek's father. Aha. Derek's father is gay. Might explain some of that latent homophobia. I still found the entire exchange utterly intriguing from start to finish.
Well when I was done hyperventilating from the sheer emotional expenditure of that scene, I remembered there was still half an episode left and refocused.
This epic battle between Derek and Tom was preceded by the musical number "Touch Me," Derek's attempt at a new approach to Marilyn that might help the musical get off the ground after the demoralizing failure of the workshop. For the first half of the episode, we see Karen sneaking around, working with Derek and Ryan Tedder from the band One Republic on what appears to be a musical number from PORN. We have Karen Cartwright. In a white bed sheet. Writhing on a bed. From like six different angles. Uncomfortable? Oh yes. Super weird? Most certainly. Did I feel blinding anger and rage at whoever wrote this song for sticking Katherine McPhee way down in the vocal gutter and digitizing her voice to the brink of near unrecognizability? YES. YES I DID. Not to mention all the choreography was too obvious and Karen couldn't pull it off and just NO. Luckily, my sentiment was echoed by Tom, Julia, Eileen's awesomely saint-like daughter Katie (played by Meryl Streep's daughter?! WHAT A BLESSED CHILD.) and then finally Eileen herself. So while everyone admits Marilyn the Musical needs some work, apparently we aren't going to move in the direction of overt pornography. Duly noted.
And then we had the heart-wrenching moment when Tom tells Ivy they're hiring a real "star" to play Marilyn and she has to return to the chorus. My heart lit'rally bled for that girl. And Tom was just superb as he held her and quietly sobbed to himself. Alas. The brutality of show biz.
Next week it looks like the shizznit continues to hit the fizzan as Julia's affair with Michael Swift comes to light and Ivy has a meltdown and eats it on the Big Broad Way. I CANNOT WAIT. Can you?
Thanks for reading, and as always, thanks for watching KPRC Local 2!
Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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A Hotel near Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. South
Concord, NC 28027
Are you a First Time Fan at Charlotte Motor Speedway? If so, here are some tips to make your first experience at the track the very best it can be:
Arrive early - With acres of interactive displays, souvenirs, music and games outside the speedway, there's plenty to do before you ever step through the gates.
Check directions and maps - The speedway is accessible by several major highways. Directions on our website will guide you no matter where you're coming from. Online maps also show you the most convenient parking areas to your seating section. Check the online visitor's guide before leaving home.
Get closer to the action - Rent a scanner at the speedway and listen to your favorite driver and crew chief throughout the race or call the ticket office about pit pass or driver intro pass upgrades. There's no closer way to get to the drivers and crews before the race!
Don't be shy, let us help - Check our website for the most up-to-date information and schedules, call our friendly customer service agents at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) with any question, including referrals for lodging or email us your questions email@example.com. On race day, ask any speedway employee for help or call our fan assistance line at (704) 454-4718.


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Home > International Shipping > International Package Shipping
NEX Package shipping to Colombia service is feasible for document, samples or personal effects weighs less than 150 lbs (70 kg). NEX provides two types of package shipping services to Colombia, Priority Express and Economy Express.
Express Shipping rates to Colombia
Economy Shipping rates to Colombia


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Breville Die-Cast Toasters
I love the great lines of this toaster and its user friendly, high tech features...such as : browning dial, electronic timer, a "lift and look" feature allows you to raise the toast slightly to adjust the browing mid-cycle (some people have a great deal of time on their hands), extra wide slots, nine settings include one sided bagel toasting , defrost, reheat and cancel!!! Maybe this machine could go out and get a job too! looks good, works well!
This sleek rice cooker from Cuisinart has a 4-cup capacity and can be used to steam meats and veggies. It has contemporary appeal with its brushed stainless steel finish.Tags: home, food, kitchen, appliances, diet, rice, stainless steel, chrome, AsianAdded 9 Years Ago from Sears


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Flames NewsFlames Home > Women's Tennis Home > News
Lady Flames Fall to Winthrop in Big South Semifinals
Liberty's bid to reach the Big South Women's Tennis Championship title match fell short on Friday, as the No. 4 seed Lady Flames fell to No. 1 seed Winthrop, 4-0, at the Winthrop Memorial Tennis Courts. Liberty concludes the season with an 11-11 overall record in its first year under the direction of head coach Jeff Maren. The Eagles improve to 17-9 and advance to tomorrow's title match against the winner of No. 2 seed Charleston Southern and No. 3 seed Campbell, which will be played later today.
Yasmine Alkema and Andressa Garcia of Winthrop won the first doubles match of the afternoon, defeating the Lady Flames' tandem of Rebekah Jenkins and Nicola Wellman, 8-0, in the No. 1 spot. In the No. 3 position, Caitlin Cridland and Tijana Uzelac knocked off Liberty's Cameron Richard and Valerie Thong, 8-5, to claim the doubles point for the Eagles.
The No. 2 doubles match between Jessie Boda and Brittany Yang of Liberty and Winthrop's Alice Garcia and Giovanna Portiolli was ruled unfinished with the Eagles' duo leading 6-5.
Winthrop completed the sweep after registering wins in the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 6 positions. Alkema downed Richard, 6-1, 6-0, in the No. 1 match, before Jenkins fell to Andressa Garcia, 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2. The clinching point came from Uzelac in the No. 6 spot. The Eagles' freshman ousted the Lady Flames' Annisha Domenech, 6-1, 6-2.
With the contest already decided, the remaining singles matches were ruled unfinished. In the No. 3 position, Alice Garcia led Wellman, 6-2, 1-1, while Portiolli was on top of Thong, 6-1, 4-0 at No. 4. The No. 5 match between Cridland and Yang was going the way of the Eagles, 6-2, 1-0, before the contest was called.
Winthrop 4, Liberty 0
1. Alkema/Andressa Garcia (WU) def. Jenkins/Wellman (LU), 8-0
2. Alice Garcia/Portiolli (WU) vs. Boda/Yang (LU), 6-5 DNF
3. Cridland/Uzelac (WU) def. Richard/Thong (LU), 8-5
1. Alkema (WU) def. Richard (LU), 6-1, 6-0
2. Andressa Garcia (WU) def. Jenkins (LU), 6-1, 6-1
3. Alice Garcia (WU) vs. Wellman (LU), 6-2, 1-1 DNF
4. Portiolli (WU) vs. Thong (LU), 6-1, 4-0 DNF
5. Cridland (WU) vs. Yang (LU), 6-2, 1-0 DNF
6. Uzelac (WU) def. Domenech (LU), 6-1, 6-2


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The Coachella Music and Arts Festival, which started in 1999, is known for it's beautiful location, endless amounts of smiling faces and positive energy, and an unending supply of some of the world's best music.
Each year, festival goers (many, who after attending the festival for their first time, vow to return to the festival every year for the rest of their life) travel from all across the world to see music ranging from long-time musicians like the Chemical Brothers or Paul McCartney of The Beatles, to many unknown bands just getting started.
This year's larger acts included Kings of Leon, the Chemical Brothers, Arcade Fire and Kanye West — all of which were supported by 150 other bands that played over three days.
Some would even argue that the best part about Coachella is the mass amount of new and innovative music that it brings to the public's attention. However, there are always plenty of big-name acts that draw thousands of people to the three-day festival.
Last year, attendance reached 105,000 people, with only 75,000 three-day passes sold. This year, with an increase of security to decrease gate crashers, attendance was kept under 90,000.
With some initial criticism about the line up when it was released a couple months before the festival, some wondered if Coachella 2011 could measure up to the rest. But as the weekend proceeded through three days of amazing music, it became very clear that this Coachella easily measured up (and in some ways surpassed) its previous years. Attendees left the grounds excitedly talking about their favorite acts of the night/weekend — many already making plans to come next year.
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