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A few simple notes on performance.
With performance, I mean how well Arma runs on your computer. I do not mean your performance in shooting other people. The ARPS group does not care about scores (I do care about my own score, but that is because I am bloodthirsty, and an exception). This page is about making Arma run decently fast. You will be aiming for something 'round 20 fps, and things generally are playable. If you are struggling to reach playable framerates, here are a few notes:
Interface resolution should always match 3d resolution.
You will notice that ARMA has two settings for resolution: Interface resolution (the resolution of the menus) and the 3d resolution (the resolution of the actual gameplay). Although this sounds like a neat idea at first, to keep the interface resolution at your display's native (say, 1080p) and reduce 3d resolution (say, 720p), it does not work half as well as it should. In fact, it may actually reduce performance. Therefore, if you want to reduce 3d resolution, reduce interface resolution accordingly (so that 3d resolution is always 100%). I recommend that you only lower your resolution after setting all your other settings to "very low" or similar, and keep 3d resolution at your display's native.
Set "Video Memory" to default
Doing so allows Arma just to use everything at its disposal.
Disable Vsync
Just do it. Enjoy the greatly increased performance.
Check your "AToC" setting in Arma2oa.cfg in your My Documents/Arma 2 folder when using Anti-Aliasing
Arma was one of those games that did not have "Alpha to Coverage Blending" (neither does Crysis, by the way, so much for fancy graphics!). AToC enhances anti-aliasing for textures that use a lot of transparacy, such as tree leaves. The downside to this is that performance is reduced when using AToC, and since the patch that has introduced it, it has been enabled by default. The default setting is 7, which means all the foliage. You can set it to 0 which disables AtoC for an additional performance boost. Here's what each setting does:
0 - disabled
1 - AToC on grass
2 - AToC on new OA trees (takistan, zargabad, proving ground, shapur)
4 - AToC on old A2 trees (utes, chernarus)
3 - AToC on grass & OA trees
5 - AToC on A2 trees + grass
6 - AToC on A2 + OA trees
7 - AToC enabled on grass, A2 & OA trees (default)
Note that disabling anti aliasing will also disable AToC.
Check your FXAA setting while you are at it.
FXAA is "fast aproximate anti-aliasing", a post processing form of anti aliasing. This setting runs independenlty of the normal anti aliasing, so disabling anti aliasing will not affect this setting. Neither will AToC have anything to do with this, FXAA sia post processing filter. However, disabling post processing in the game does not affect FXAA. This is set to 'off', by default. This setting goes from 0 to 17, where 17 is the most power hungry mode available, and 0 is completely disabled. FXAA can be used along with 'normal' anti aliasing for an enhanced effect.
Each number corrosponds to a certain FXAA quality preset:
0 - Disables
1 to 6 - FXAA quality preset 10 to 15
7 to 16 - FXAA quality preset 20 to 29
17 - FXAA quality preset 39
This page by FXAA's creator explains a bit more what each quality preset means.
When setting post processing to "Low" or higher, remember to use Okt-NoBlur
This removes the annoying motion blur which only works well if you have very high FPS (so, never), and increases your performance.
Your performance will be significantly higher whilst playing online
Arma is probably an exception in this, but your performance will increase greatly due to the server doing all the neccesary CPU calculations for you. So even if you have FPS on the low side but have no interest in playing SP, all will be well.
Now, there are obviously some other settings in the Advanced Video Settings tab in the Arma 2 options screen. I have tested each value, and here are my reccomendations per value. I recommend that you set everything except video memory to very low or off at first, and then change accordingly to match your needs.
Resolution: I recommend setting both to your display's native resolution. I recommend that you keep it there, and only change it to lower if you absolutely need that performance.
View Distance: This is probably one of the major factors in Arma performance and playability. This factor can influence gameplay. I recommend putting this at 1600 at first, which is AFAIK the maximum range of the longest range sniper rifles in the game. Only lower this if you absolutely need the performance, but it is not as vital as resolution. (the original operation flashpoint had 900 as the default, which works too. If you really have to set it lower then this, you may need to seek elsewhere to fix your performance problems). Most missions set View Distance to a value specified by them, so don't worry about any PvP missions: They have fixed view distances which are the same for everyone.
Texture detail: Set this to match your video memory. I have not detected any performance loss or increase by changing this value, whilst there is an obvious difference in quality. Note that, if you set this higher then your video memory, your video memory will change along with it, but if you putit down again, your vid mem will stay the same.
Low = 256 mb
Medium = 512 mb
High = 768 mb
Very high = 1 gb
Video Memory: See above, - Set this to default. If you are having problems, you may want to change the hting according to your graphic's card onboard memory:
Low to high = Unknown.
Very high = 512mb
Note that these values are estimates, and that I do not know what happens if you put stuff too high.
Anistropic Filtering: A really nice algorithm which affects the sharpness in textures that are drawn further away from the player, and which the player is not looking directly at. Noticable on the ground. Very noticable on the roads.
Low - 2x anistropic filtering. Makes a small difference.
Medium - 4x anistropic filtering. Makes quite a bit of difference, although stuff that is quite far away still is a bit blurry, but not blurry enough to stand out.
High - 8x anistropic filtering. Nothing is blurry.
Very high - 16x anistropic filtering. No discernable difference between this and high.
Anti Aliasing: Increases resolution around edges so you get less jaggedness. Note the AToC notes above: If disabled, trees will not be affected (But AToC is enabled by default).
Low = 2x MSAA
Medium = 4x MSAA
High = 8x MSAA
Very High = 16x MSAA
Note that you can use FXAA as well with an ini setting. See above. FXAA can be used in conjuction with or without MSAA, as it is a postprocessing setting. FXAA can make AToC redundant as well.
Terrain Detail: Mainly influences the distance at which grass is drawn.
Very low - (Almost) no grass drawn, depending on location and map.
Low to very high - increased grass draw distance.
Terrain detail also affects terrain geometry (how many pixels a mountain uses), but I was not able to see any noticable differences. There might be significant effects when sniping from long distances, however. Men at very long distances seem to clip trough the ground somewhat, probably the effect of optimizations. Setting the setting to very high whilst sniping might resolve those visual glitches.
Object detail:
Object detail controls the amount of objects drawn in the Distance as well as LOD switching (LOD switching is switching a detailed model for a less detailed one when it is further away). It also controls how far away objects are drawn. Very low means very little grass and no objects in the distance, whilst medium means lots of grass and quite a few objects in the distance, and very high means same amount of grass as with medium along with every tree rock and such being drawn in the distance
Note that the drawing of grass is also a setting which can be specified per mission. So don't worry if you think that changing these settings gives you an unfair advantage: in PvP missions (and some performance hungry co ops), this setting is set in stone and the same for everyone.
Shadow Detail: This can be set entirely to your prefference.
Normal - Very basic shadows which are very sqaurical and blocky. IMO it does not look good. Think square shadows for round objects.
High - Good shadows. They appear to be a bit blocky when you look at them in detail, but you don't most of the time.
Very high - same as high, but now they never look blocky.
HDR Quality: You can't turn HDR off, and changing this setting does not appear to affect image quaility for me, but it does affect performance greatly. Keep it at Normal.
Postprocess effects:
Very low - "Noise", found using night vision goggles and the 80s filter used in some folk missions, as well as some other effects which are applied to the entire screen. This setting does not affect performance.
Low - Adds bloom and motion blur. You can disable motion blur using the okt_noblur mod (linked above). Motion blur affects performance quite a bit, but bloom not so much.
Medium - Adds Depth of Field (blurs objects at certain distances to simulate that the eye can not focus on everything) and SSAO (a form of self shadowing, which greatly enhances the look of several objects in the game, including the grass). There is no option for enabling them seperatly, and I do not know of any mods which mods them, so it is either both or none. SSAO greatly affects performance, but it looks great.
High and Very High - more performance hungry and better looking SSAO
Interface size: Does not affect performance. Change to suit your own tastes.
Aspect ratio: A no brainer.
Vsync: Always turn it off.
Audio Channels: A feature found under "sound", Audio Channels determines how many sounds can be played at once. OA set this to 32 by default, whilst Arma 2 sets this to 16 by default. However, this only impacts performance when you have an on-board soundcard (on board soundcards draw processing power from the CPU). If you happen to have a soundblaster or similar audio card, you can set this to 128, which can solve some sound glitches you might experience whilst rapidly firing hydra rockets and/or using JSRS. I highly recommend that you get a sound card, because now that I have one, I can not live without it :D.
Some Ini Tweaking:
Yes, you can tweak INI files. Noticably, when going to your "My Documents folder", try and find the .arma2profile and .arma2oaprofile files. You will see a lot of text. Now find these values and set them to this:
sceneComplexity=150000; ShadingQuality=0; MouseSmoothing=1;
Note that you have to change the settings both in *.arma2profile as well as *.arma2OA profile in order to see an effect, for some reason.
Some usefull links:
Some things concerning processors. The BIS thread on optimizing performance.
Custom Memory Allocators (added in the 1.6 patch). Try and see if it makes a difference for you. So far, I have gotten the best results with the "TCmalloc".
Last edited by Grizzly; 19-07-2012 at 11:15 AM.
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I assume I will be ok with a HD5870 and Phenom II 3.4GHz quad core? I don't expect perfection, but I'd like to see some detail.
03-01-2012, 02:21 PM #3Shadow Detail: This can be set entirely to your prefference. Note that Normal means very blocky shadows, whilst high menas shadows which actually appear to be based on the models casting them. Very high means really detailed shadows. Higher is more performance hungry. Personally, I switch between off and high depending on my mood, but keep away from normal because I think they are too ugly.
Terrain Detail: Mainly influences the distance at which grass is drawn. Higher values mean that grass is drawn at longer distances. This greatly affects performance. I have personally set this at very low, since grass is not that important for me.Play ArmA with us. (Competence not required.)
It's okay to not like things.
Cheers! This actually gave me a lot of FPS at very little actual cost to my experience in the game. Much appreciated.Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory since 1982.
First of all, I salute you for this post Grizzly. Here's a medal, but you need to return if after the photo op.
Keep in mind though that you will NEVER get framerates like you get in other games on good-looking settings. For whatever reason ARMA2 is the most power-hungry game ever and getting a steady FPS of 60 everything maxed on a good resolution is not going to happen.
Glorious thread, Grizzly!
Defines max memory allocation as limit. Not sure how this works after 1.60 with allocators, if at all effected/affected?
Reverts to use of older Direct 3D for Vista/Win7 systems. "... the most visible feature the Ex version offers is a lot faster alt-tabing".
That and more, with descriptions, at: http://community.bistudio.com/wiki/A...tup_Parameters
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Grizzly, you are a beautiful bear. I will read through this during the weekend and set up my copy properly.
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Thanks Grizzly for this, I applied some of the changes before last night's game. I think it run better, although now I notice the tearing with the Vsync off (I always thought I had it off but turns out not to be the case). Couldn't verify though as my Arma crashed when I use any application to measure FPS. In any case, it felt smoother!
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Well, the Op Arrowhead benchmark tells me I get an average of 58fps, which is enough, I think :D
Also, I keep updating the post, so keep checking for some hints. I may need to restructure it, but some others are probably better at ensuring that information is... well-presented.
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Ah yes...average FPS of 20. Plenty of explosions in that one.
Getting 20 FPS on the second one is extremely good, feel free to pat yourself on the back now.
Lowest of all settings, running in windowed mode 800 x 600:
first benchmark: 15 FPS.
second benchmark: 10 FPS.
I'll go cry in that corner now.
Processor: Intel Core i5 CPU M 450 @ 2.40 GHz
RAM: 4 GB, 3.79 GB avail.
NVIDIA GeForce 310 M
DirectX version: 11.0
DirectX support: 10.1
CUDA Cores: 16
Total available graphics memory: 2707 MB
Dedicated video memory: 1024 MB DDR3
System video memory: 0 MB
Shared system memory: 1683 MB
Every time I see this thread I think of the same topic often found in my spam email folder.
That's all, Carry on.All times I have enjoyed greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those that loved me, and alone.
Also, dailing down the view distance to 900 or even 500 may help, although 500 might give you some problems shooting men. You should try it out.
Also, you were using hte Arma 2 benchmarks... Chernarus is rather power hungry for some reason.
I made a few changes to the guide - Apperently, setting Video Memory to default is much better for performance then just setting it manually, as default sets it to how it should be: Arma uses every bit of your video card.
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A quick question about the okt_noblur. Ever since I've installed it I can't connect to any DayZ server because "@okt_noblur isn't signed by a key accepted on this server". Does it mean I did something wrong or should I just wait until they add this plugin to their whitelist?


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Visiting Artists Program presents Seminar with Matthew Monteith
Monteith uses photography to investigate the enclosures—both literal and figurative—in which we live, work and play. By closely looking at these spaces: museums, hospitals, classrooms, and even automobiles, Monteith reveals both the isolation and fantasy of their inhabitants. Matthew Monteith studied at the International Center of Photography before earning an MFA from the Yale School of Art in 2004. He was a Fulbright Scholar in the Czech Republic from 2001-2002 and the resulting work was published as Czech Eden by Aperture in 2007. He received the Abigail Cohen Rome Prize in Photography from the American Academy in Rome in 2008. Monteith's artwork has been exhibited in solo exhibitions in New York, San Francisco, Kyoto, Paris, Arles, and Cherbourg as well as in group exhibitions in Miami, Washington D.C., Prague, and Rome. He is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

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Application Deadline
Applications are on ad hoc basis, usually around end of year and summer.
About the Program
This is a one-year program in our Global Investment Research division where you will gain broad knowledge on economies and markets, obtain skills on data researching and critical analysis, as well as get hand-on experience in financial information technologies.
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A9 TV, 25 February 2012
(In response to a viewer who asks, "Can I perform my religious observances even though I sin?")
There is no problem with that. A man can drink [alcohol] and then come and pray. It does not prevent that observance. But if you cannot pray five times a day, if the supererogatory prayers are difficult for you, then perform the obligatory ones. Be especially scrupulous regarding the supererogatory morning prayers because they are close to compulsory. Apart from that, pray just once if it is too difficult for you. Perform the morning prayer when you get up in the morning. Do not be left without praying at all. And perform the Friday prayers if that is too difficult. And if that is too much, may Allah forbid, perform the festival prayers. But do not abandon prayer altogether. But one should pray at least once a day.
(On the subject of a debate which was held on the existence of Allah at Oxford University between Richard Dawkins and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, head of the Anglican Church. The archbishop struggled to answer Dawkins' questions. Dawkins also admitted he could not be certain whether a Creator existed or not, in other words, that he was an agnostic unsure as to the existence of Allah, rather than an atheist who rejects it entirely)
So he has doubts. Allah says, 'They vacillate between the two – not joining these or joining those.' Look, that is a feature of the test. He would have faith if he used his conscience.
As I have already said, Allah provides evidence that will make people doubt Him, and other evidence that will make them believe. That is the nature of the test. They concentrate on the evidence that will cause doubts. Believers, however, concentrate on the evidence for Allah's existence, and thus have faith. What is the criterion involved? Conscience.
If they would only bring Dawkins here… He never spoke like that before. He has begun improving. He recently said, "I do not want Darwinism to be applied." He agreed with what I said. He now says he is uncertain. He used to say he was sure that Allah does not exist. He had that written on the sides of busses and the like. But now he says he is uncertain. That is progress. He will soon come to believe. But we need to speak.
But this is the nature of the test. People ask why there is suffering. How could there be a test without it? Let them tell me that. What logic would there be? The angels are not tested. They know no pain. They only know the positive side. But Allah does not regard angels as enough. He regards human beings as important, since we can distinguish between good and evil. Allah has bestowed that attribute on us. Of course this is in their destiny, but it pleases Allah. That is why when a Muslim believes, he is far superior to an angel. Allah loves human beings. He says He breathed His own spirit into man.
(To an e-mail from a viewer saying, "Prove the Qur'an does not refer to the headscarf and I will give you 1 trillion TL.")
I have looked at the Qur'an and spoken to brothers who know Arabic. The word headscarf does not appear. "draw their coverings across their breasts," it says. I thought like you; they say that a woman has a covering on her head. What business did women have with headscarves in the time of ignorance? According to them, the verse says that each woman already has a covering on her head. These women – idolaters who had just become Muslims. They clearly cannot wear the headscarf, so it's the end of that. Second, "draw your already- on-your-head covering across your breasts" Their heads are covered but their chests are uncovered. There is a false logic going on here. Technically, a headscarf hanging down is not going to cover the chest. When it is folded to the side, the chest will be exposed again. It is not suitable for covering the chest. There are easy forms of clothing for covering a woman's chest. Why do you maintain there is such a complex system in the Qur'an? Because it does not suit you. There is the woman's cloak (jilbab), but some of our sisters dislike it. My apologies to those among them who are honest and well-intentioned. All right, it serves as a headscarf. But the covering in the Qur'an is a black covering. Wide and roomy, that covers the head but does not affect the lines of the body. A large covering. Why do you refuse to understand? You may say, "I find it too much, I cannot do it." You may say it is stifling or sends your blood pressure up and gives you palpitations, or that it is too hot. There is nothing I can say against that. But this is the truth. Why try and distort it?
(To a viewer who asks about videos of people being beheaded on Youtube. Are these people who die in the Sight of Allah martyrs whether they believe or not?)
Allah does everything in the best way. If He shows us something in our brains, then that is for the best. Allah creates our conscience, our compassion and sympathy. An infinitely long time ago, as you know. It is Allah Who plays that film for us, and Allah Who gives us feelings of compassion. It is Allah Who knows what the best form of everything is.
(In response to an e-mail from a viewer saying, "You say that people sometimes doubt the existence of Allah and that this is a part of the test. What is the distinguishing feature of a believer who has no doubt? What is the difference between them and those who have doubts?")
Allah says, Most of them do not believe in Allah without associating others with Him." in one verse. They are afflicted by doubts, He says. But a person can have faith when his conscience goes into action. One cannot have faith without a high level of conscience. One will always have doubts, or even deny His existence. Only people with a lofty and high-quality conscience can have faith in Allah. That is how He has created them. Allah can know Himself, but the servant cannot know Allah. People with elevated consciences have faith. That is the feature of faith. Doubt may come to many people from time to time. But the believer overcomes it with faith and reason. They are called believers since they are victorious in their struggle against doubt and satan. But the unbeliever fall into that state because they are defeated. Otherwise, the majority of people do not believe in Allah. It is always like that. That appears in a verse. Muhammet Raşit Erol says "99% of people, or even 999%, have no faith." This is a widespread truth, insha'Allah.
(In response to a viewer who says, "The way of the Mahdi is a sign that you cannot have a body without a head.")
This is very important. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) comes. He has the Torah. But they distort it. They distort it when the Prophet Moses (pbuh) is not there. They distort it even though the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) is there. Then the Prophet Moses (pbuh) comes and puts them right. That is the importance of the way of the Mahdi. Happiness spreads through him. Allah makes him His instrument. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) comes. But his followers have doubts. There is the Injil. Allah says, "When Jesus sensed unbelief on their part, he said, 'Who will be my helpers to Allah?' People are like that. Fifty-fifty. They lose their reason in a moment. The Mahdi is the person who will turn this 50 into 51. Or we might say 56. Because 55 is just the middle. Insha'Allah.
(In response to a viewer who says, "The Mahdi will not declare himself to be the Mahdi. If he does, I think he is a false Mahdi.")
Our Prophet (pbuh) has noted this subject in the time of the Mahdi. It is an important issue that has never applied before. People will insist on telling the Mahdi, "You are the Mahdi." In huge numbers. In response, he will say, "I am not the Mahdi." They will keep forcing him to deny he is the Mahdi. They will say he is, and he will insist that he is not. He says they will list all the portents, and say that he must be the Mahdi because of this and that sign. This means the Mahdi will be known by signs. We can see that from the hadiths. This and that sign, he says. He will insist that he is not the Mahdi, but they will eventually make him accept the role of leader and of imam, he says. But he will still deny he is the Mahdi.
2012-04-09 21:43:33


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AROUND 80 workers were evacuated this afternoon after lithium batteries overheated in a unit on the Ferndown Industrial Estate, triggering a major fire service response.
The ambulance service was also called to the scene at Cobham Road and one woman was taken to hospital to be checked over.
Nobody else was injured in the incident, which firefighters managed to isolate to one room.
In all, six fire appliances were sent to the scene.
Station manager Richard Coleman explained that having around 40 firefighters there was a precaution. Crews faced a tricky situation, as water cannot be used on the type of batteries involved.
Mr Coleman told the Daily Echo at the scene: "We've been helping with an incident that we were called to, which involved some overheating battery components.
"There was an acrid smell and popping noise coming out of the room.
"We have had crews with breathing apparatus ventilating the room and making the batteries safe.
"It doesn't happen very often, but from time to time there are problems with certain types of lithium batteries."


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Print this issue
MBA members are cordially invited to join us
for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to ring in the
Thursday, Dec. 16, 5-7
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Click here to R.S.V.P.
Join the MBA at our annual holiday reception as we honor former SJC Justice John M.
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The MBA is
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through Saturday, Dec. 18 at both the MBA Boston and Springfield
offices. The most needed items include canned tuna, peanut butter,
canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, granola bars, pasta and
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Fla. lawmakers seek to outlaw "bongs"
Published: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 8:45 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 3:23 p.m.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Call it the "Bong Ban."
A House panel now is scheduled to discuss a proposed law that prohibits the sale of glass and other pipes known to be used for marijuana smoking and best known as "bongs."
The Business and Professional Regulation subcommittee will discuss the bill (HB 49) on Wednesday.
State law now allows only certain retailers to sell the pipes if at least 75 percent of their sales comes from tobacco products or they have no more than 25 percent of "certain drug paraphernalia" sales.
The bill would eliminate that exception and make any sale a first-degree misdemeanor. Second and subsequent violations would jump to a third-degree felony.
The Senate version (SB 1140) exempts wooden pipes. The House bill does not.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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The boat that competed at the 2013 Solar Splash World Championship was orginally a Senior Project, whose members were, Manthan Kothari, Kyle Orr, Thomas Burns, Brian Graham, & Tyler Wardlow. The following TCNJ students, Brian Graham, Kyle Orr, Manthan Kothari, TJ Burns, and Michael Bauer, competed at this year's Solar Splash. Upon arriving at George Wyth State Park, the team proceeded to compete with a multitude of colleges over a period of five days in various events. This year's goal for the team was to improve the endurance of their Solar Electric Boat, which was successful. The team won two awards, which included the Outstanding Hull Design and Outstanding System Design awards.
This year's Solar Splash World Championship of Intercollegiate Solar/Electric boating, was held at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa. Its official name is "an international intercollegiate solar/electric boat regatta," and it takes place over five days. Technical inspections are done on the first day, and the remainder of the time is occupied by five on-the-water competitive events. Points are earned in 7 categories starting with technical reports that are submitted before teams arrive at the competition. On-site competitions include Visual Displays and Workmanship. On-the-water events begin with a Sprint and a Maneuverability qualifier. This is followed by an event called the Solar Slalom, which is a combination of speed and maneuverability. The final days are spent in the Sprint and Endurance events.
As Brian Graham stated, "I'm sure that many members of the public and even members of other teams who viewed this boat in the paddock area, or watched it perform on the water, did not realize that these five students completely designed and manufactured this entire boat in one year. Everything was designed and manufactured by these students 'in house,' a phenomenal feat. I'm looking forward to the chance to do it again for 2014."
Learn More


text: You are correct in your thinking that cracking wep is a thing more of the past. However the analogy that Rome was not built in a day,and also not destroyed overnight applies. There are still those who use wep. I see them all the time. However if you have cracked one or two wep keys it's more or less the same thing every time.


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Aoki's single walks off Royals past Tribe in 14
Duffy goes seven innings in no-decision; Holland has rare blown save
KANSAS CITY -- This game refuses to be scripted. A bizarre, run-scoring play in the eighth inning would have been a perfect ending for the Royals. They couldn't have written it better.
Or could they?
Nori Aoki's single to left field drove in Lorenzo Cain in the 14th inning to give the Royals a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians in a taut, 4-hour and 23-minute marathon on Thursday night at Kauffman Stadium.
"That was huge," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "We were really struggling at that point to make anything happen."
Facing left-hander Marc Rzepczynski, Cain opened the Royals' 14th with an infield single to shortstop. When right-handed Danny Valencia came out to pinch-hit for lefty Raul Ibanez, the Indians countered with right-hander John Axford.
And Cain took off for second base.
"We got nothing going on, you've got to take a shot," Yost said.
Cain executed the steal on catcher Yan Gomes' throw, although the safe call was unsuccessfully challenged by the Indians.
"It was closer than I thought when I looked at it, but I got the hand in there," Cain said.
Valencia struck out but Aoki, starting for the first time as the designated hitter, drove a soft liner into left field and Cain rushed home to end the game.
The Royals converged on Aoki in the infield as what remained of 22,120 fans stood and cheered the team's second walk-off victory this season.
"It's one of the best feelings. Hopefully we have more of those moments the rest of the season," Aoki said.
The victory put the Royals back in second place, a half-game ahead of the Indians in the American League Central.
For a while, it appeared that the Indians would be making the big news.
Corey Kluber had a brush with a perfect game and a shutout -- but lost out on both.
His perfecto lasted until there was one out in the seventh. His shutout disappeared with a bizarre play in the eighth, when Mike Moustakas was able to go around the bases as Indians left fielder Ryan Raburn missed a diving catch, then spiked his throw. It was a double, an error and the first run of the game.
A victory seemed just destined to be.
"Oh, absolutely. I felt like that," Yost said.
Royals closer Greg Holland, however, couldn't hold the 1-0 lead. He began the ninth by walking Carlos Santana, who was bunted to second and took third on the second out. On Holland's next pitch, Gomes drilled a single up the middle and the score was tied.
"It was one of those rare occasions when I didn't have a good feel of the strike zone," Holland said. "I threw 12 balls and nine strikes. You never want to walk the leadoff man in the ninth, either, that kind of puts you in a bad spot."
Kluber worked a perfect ninth against the Royals, then left the game. His log included two hits, one unearned run, no walks and 10 strikeouts.
"That was pretty special what he was doing. You can pick all the adjectives you want. He really pitched," said Indians manager Terry Francona.
This game took shape as a double perfect game, at least for the first four innings. It was 12 up, 12 down for both the Royals' Danny Duffy and Kluber.
"I actually thought we had a chance to finish this game before it got dark," Yost said. "Kluber was unbelievable, Danny was unbelievable. Quick innings. Both pitchers with a no-hitter into the fifth inning."
Duffy was the first to crack. Santana led off the fifth inning with a sizzling line drive to left field.
Kluber finally caved with one out in the seventh, when Omar Infante drilled a single right up the middle.
Not that the Royals took advantage. As Alex Gordon struck out, Infante was thrown out stealing by catcher Gomes and the inning was suddenly over.
Duffy also had a shutout going through seven innings and had given up just two hits, both singles by Santana, but he was pulled after 108 pitches. He struck out seven and walked two.
"It was one of the best starts I've had in recent memory, where I was locating so well with everything," Duffy said.
Wade Davis, imperturbable and virtually untouchable, took over for the eighth and lived up to his steely reputation by pitching out of a bases-loaded jam.
Then came the strangely scored run and the game was in the hands of Davis' fellow bullpen terror, Holland. But there would be no tidy ending, no scripted conclusion.
"Anything can happen in this game, it's a funny game," Duffy said.
Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Did you know?
Some of the houses in McGregor date back to the early 1800s.
The Temenos Retreat is named after an ancient Greek temple of healing, and the retreat lives up to its name in so many ways. The beautiful gardens are a major highlight of the property – the Zen garden is for quiet contemplation, there is a Garden of Remembrance, a garden dedicated to Mother Theresa and an extensive rose garden.
This McGregor retreat has a dedicated wellness programme. There are Wellness Weeks which include a range of alternative therapies, meditation sessions and walks in the gorgeous surroundings.
There are also daily treatments available at Temenos including Jin Shin Jyutsu (a therapy that works on energy lines in the body), Reiki, deep tissue Kathara massage (for the back, neck and shoulders), reflexology, aromatherapy, South African flower essence readings, and animal and bird card readings.
There are also yoga sessions for both residents and non-residents as well as Emotional Transformation therapies to help clients release pent up emotions. The Findhorn Foundation's Game of Transformation is also on offer for those who need to shift old patterns and beliefs.
If you're staying over at this retreat in McGregor you can choose to stay in either the Cape Garden cottages or the Library Suites.
All accommodation is self-catering (fresh local produce can be purchased in town) and there is a fireplace for those chilly evenings. Temenos also has it's own restaurant called Tebaldi's (even Zen masters need to eat) and breakfast, lunch and dinner are available.
Temenos has become a popular wedding venue and is also suitable for family occasions such as christenings, birthdays and anniversaries. This delightful retreat has a little bit of everything for the spirit-seeker who is not scared to live life to the full.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Temenos Retreat Centre
Tel: +27 (0)23 625 1871
How to get here
On the N1 north from Cape Town, heading towards Worcester. Follow the signs toward Robertson. Look out for the McGregor sign en route. Detailed directions and a map available on the Temenos Retreat Centre website
Around the area
Visit the McGregor Museum, go hiking at Krans Nature Reserve and taste wine at McGregor Winery.
What will it cost
There are various packages on offer; enquire at Temenos for the best possible deals.
Length of stay
Anything from a weekend to a week is best.
What to pack
Sunblock and a hat are musts.
Where to stay
Stay in the well-priced accommodation at the retreat.
What to eat
There are great restaurants in and around McGregor. There is also excellent fresh produce available if you decide to go the self-catering route.
Best buys
There are wonderful local wines to take back home.


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Network and System Management
Gold Award:
Net IQ AppManager Suite 6.0
Versatility and ease of use propelled NetIQ's AppManager Suite 6.0 to a Gold Award in the network and systems management category of TechTarget's Windows Products of the Year.
The upgrade boasts improved performance and scalability over its previous version -- managing twice the number of servers -- and it offers enhanced levels of security. It also has the ability to converge voice and data networks and applications with voice over IP management tools for Cisco Systems and Nortel Networks devices. The suite also contains event and job management applications and a program to monitor abnormal system conditions before they create problems.
All three judges agreed that the product's ability to support a wide variety of applications was a huge asset. It can be used to manage networks that contain Windows-, Linux- and Unix-based servers.
"I'm a really big believer in the NetIQ product," said one judge. "It's really intuitive --far and away the best." While another judge criticized the suite for not showing "huge improvement," he said it was already a "solid product." The third judge said that of all of the products in this challenging category, NetIQ's AppManager Suite 6.0 was the easiest to use.
Released in July 2004, AppManager Suite 6.0 is priced on a per-server basis and begins at $600.
Jennifer Lawinski, news writer


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Veteran Chorus members set the tone for excellence
By LARRY DEVINE
, News Editor
Carroll Community Chorus has 77 members including about a dozen who have been with the group for all or almost all its history. The Chorus will present its annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.
Daily Times Herald photos by Larry Devine
Carroll Community Chorus members rehearse for their Christmas concert, "The Shepherd's Carol," which will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.
Contributing their talent to Carroll Community Chorus, voices of experience pay off .
Carroll Community Chorus, which will present its annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Holy Spirit Church, traces its history to the nation's Bicentennial in 1976. And a dozen members of the 77-strong Chorus have been members all or nearly all those years.
For Chorus members, Christmas season arrives early. They begin weekly Tuesday night practices for the Christmas concert the third week of September.
And for veteran Chorus members such as Skip Raridon, the opportunity to sing in the Christmas concert as, well as the group's annual Easter cantata, strikes a joyous chord.
Community Chorus has presented a Christmas concert since 1990, since Dr. David Martin of Carroll revived the organization following a few years of hiatus.
Raridon, who's retired after a 38-year with the Postal Service in Carroll including a number of years as assistant postmaster, says, "It's been a great run. David is very committed to what he's doing. As he states each year, it's a labor of love, and I think it's that way for all of us."
The music combines with the camaraderie to make Community Chorus participation rewarding for Raridon and the other singers.
"The camaraderie is just amazing," says Raridon. "And everybody is there because they love music. I love the Christmas music because David picks good old standards, but we never sing them the same way. Consequently we find some very beautiful literature we get to work with, and it's quite refreshing."
Raridon continues, "It's one of the most enjoyable things I do. I look forward to it (Christmas concert) every year and the same with the Easter cantata. And we've had very good support from the community coming to our concerts. That makes it well worth the time."
Sue Feilmeier of Carroll graduated from nurse's training in 1965 and spent the next 40 years working in that field. But she's also found music good for the soul, and she's taught music in local Catholic schools 18 years. She currently teaches vocal music at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Denison.
She praises Community Chorus, "There are so many excellent musicians in the group. There are a lot of music majors. There are both vocal and instrumental music teachers. There are people who have great backgrounds in both music performance and instruction. And there are also people who say, 'I don't read music, but I just like to sing.' You put all those together, and the results are wonderful."
She, too, treasures the camaraderie among Chorus members.
"One of the most important factors in people coming back year after year is the camaraderie, the bonds, the friendships that are formed," she says. "It doesn't matter if you don't see these people for the other six or seven months of the year. Once you get back into the group it's just as if you've never been apart. So it's the camaraderie and the feeling of support and caring for each other. It's such a warm feeling."
Feilmeier says of the Christmas concert, "It's a part of my life. I value the things it does for me. It offers me the opportunity to express myself and bring joy and holiday feelings to others. It's just fun to do."
Feilmeier credits director Martin with having "the unique ability to encourage people and push us to do our very best, yet while you're doing that you don't realize how hard you're working because he makes it so enjoyable."
Indeed, Raridon says, "Over the years, the music has gotten a little bit harder to sing, but it has made better singers out of all of us. From maybe five years ago I'm a better singer today now than I was then. It's because we've had to work harder and develop more skills."
Feilmeier cites Martin's selection of familiar carols with distinctive, beautiful twists. She acknowledges with a laugh that Chorus members sometimes express anxiety over Martin's selection of some challenging pieces.
In fact, she says, they may ask, "Oh, are you sure about this one? Is this a keeper?"
"But," she adds, "he has that ability to say, 'In the end, if you work on it, it's going to be worthwhile.' And he's right about it. We're very fortunate to have him."
Sunday's concert is titled "The Shepherd's Carol" for one of the featured pieces and also will include: "Gloria," "Silent Night, Holy Night," "Every Valley," "Still, Still, Still," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Salvation Is Created," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Joy of Every Longing Heart," "Never Been a Night Like This!" "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Holy Night," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel," and "Have You Seen the Baby?"
The concert concludes with "Hallelujah Chorus," performed with accompaniment of an instrumental group from All Strings Attached Studio.
"They're so varied (from year to year)," Feilmeier says of the Christmas concerts. "He (Martin) puts familiar favorites in, ones you can't help humming when you walk out of the concert. And yet there are always the unique pieces that stick in your mind, that leave you thinking, 'Oh man, I wish I could hear that one again.
"It has such universal audience appeal. Although people enjoy hearing what they're accustomed to, all of a sudden hearing a new version can stimulate you and can transport you away from that seat listening. You close your eyes, and you're somewhere else."
Feilmeier has participated in music groups locally ever since returning to her hometown from college and joining an all women's group known as The Notables, organized by Esther (Chambers) Halverson. Esther then launched Community Chorus to perform for celebration of the nation's 200th birthday in 1976. Community Chorus later was directed by Carroll Community Schools music teacher John Erickson.
Feilmeier has seen Community Chorus membership slip to 20 or fewer and now rebound strongly.
Feilmeier says the local groups have "affected the community and people have enjoyed what we've done."
Vickie Grundmeier recalls visiting home and attending a performance of Chambers' Bicentennial group.
"I thought, 'Gee, that would be a fun group to be a part of if I ever come back,'" she relates. "A couple of years later I did move back, checked it out and got in with it."
Back in her hometown after teaching music at a Lutheran school in the central Missouri community of Stover for five years, she joined Community Chorus in 1978, with Erickson serving as director at that time.
"It was fun to get back to Carroll, meet some people and I like music," says Grundmeier, who's been a bookkeeper at Commercial Savings Bank more than 28 years. "So if was a good fit. I've had a lot of fun with it and have kept going with it ever since. I like the type of music and meeting the people. We enjoy getting together, singing together, singing for people."
Grundmeier says the Christmas concert gets the season off to a joyous start and she also likes the sacredness of the Easter cantata.
Grundmeier says she's seen Community Chorus membership grow, not only in membership but also in quality of performance.
"He (Martin) is amazed when we sometimes start a season, and he says, 'Woh, you guys are way ahead of where you were last year.'"
Ann Tigges had been a Community Chorus member since the time she graduated from Carroll High School in 1980, but she left the group in 1995 when she moved to Ames and was working toward a degree at Iowa State University.
Tigges, who now works in office accounting at Kmart and does deliveries for The Apothecary, rejoined the chorus after returning to Carroll in 2004.
"It had grown so much since I was gone," she says. "I'd come back and saw all those people in chorus, and it just sounded so cool. I love it."
Tigges has performed in both the Christmas concerts and Easter cantatas.
"Christmas is one of my favorite times of year for music," she says. "There are just so many things you can choose from. … (The Easter cantatas) give one more aspect and the opportunity to grow as singers."
For director Martin, the chorus' improvement over the years has been remarkable, and he says a big reason for that growth has been the presence of experienced singers.
Other longtime members of the chorus include Claudia Halbur, Kevin Patrick, Tom Loeck, Craig Rowles, Norbert Weitl, Dee Halbur, Shelley Hundling and Reen Rupiper.
"I've listened to some of our old concerts from about 10 years ago, and we're doing things musically that we weren't doing then," Martin says. "I think that's the longevity and more people understanding what I really want."
With many experienced chorus members, Martin says, "They grasp each year more quickly what you're trying to get them to do, and then the others follow their lead.
"I feel I do a little less teaching of the basics and I get to focus more on the finesse angles."
That finesse, he explains, includes "the louds and softs and making sure they finish off phrases.
"Sometimes you hear something musically, and it really strikes you. You're trying to figure out what caused that feeling. And it's because all the little things were done — little things that make the ultimate difference."
Raridon says Chorus members hope audiences share the joy they have in presenting the Christmas concerts.
"I know for me and a lot of other people it really kicks off the Christmas season," he says. "When we do the concert we're in the midst of the Christmas season, and from there it's just one joyous time of the year. It seems to grow every year for me.
"I'm sure people of the community enjoy the fine arts, and this is one of them that a lot of people can participate in, and a lot of people can take pleasure listening. I hope it goes on for many, many more years."
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POINCIANA, Fla. - Osceola County deputies arrested a 20-year-old man accused of entering a Poinciana's woman's house and forcing her to perform a sexual act.
Lyndon DeLeon Scott was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of armed sexual battery, armed burglary, false imprisonment, battery and depriving a victim of 911. He is being held on no bond at Osceola County jail.
According to deputies, Scott was brought in for questioning and initially cooperated with investigators. He told them he entered the home but did not admit to the sex attack.
The 19-year-old victim was able to positively identify Scott, who lives a few streets away from the woman's home.
The woman told deputies that Scott came to her door at 7 a.m. Monday and continuously rang the doorbell. The woman said she didn't answer the door but instead hid inside her house, deputies said.
"I saw him in the window. I didn't open the door for him," the victim told Local 6. "I told him, 'What are you doing ,sir?' He said, 'Shut your mouth. If you do not shut your mouth, I'm going to kill you.'"
The man got into the house through an unlocked back door, found the woman hiding in a closet and forced her to perform a sex act before he fled, according to deputies.
"I said 'No, I'm not going to do it,'" the victim said. "He said, 'If you do not, I'm going to kill you.'"
The woman told Local 6 she believes her prayers saved her.
Detectives handed out a composite sketch in the neighborhood and many people told Local 6 that they've seen the suspect before.
"Every morning, four in the morning, he's in this area," said Pierre Anathol. "Walking in this area."
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Rayovac IN2 – Contractor Industrial Flashlight – Reliable Power, Durable FlashlightWhen on the job, you need tools you can rely on. A contractor industrial flashlight should be no different. The Rayovac IN2 is the ideal contractor industrial flashlight. In fact, the Rayovac IN2 is the #1 selling flashlight in the industrial marketplace. The Rayovac IN2 withstands up to a 7 foot drop test and is chemical, oil, gas, water and corrosion resistant. Add a lifetime warranty and Medic Batteries low prices and you can't go wrong. Medic Batteries recommends the Rayovac IN2 for a contractor industrial flashlight you can depend on.
View More


text: I say we should draft a CB(Ross/Revis) in the first and if Blalock falls into the second, maybe we can trade our first next year(it should be a late pick) and maybe a sixth for a high second this year. 1st Ross/Revis 2nd Blalock 2nd Alama-Francis DE 3rd M Thomas DT 4th Zak DeOssie ILB What a line! Adams(340)-Blalock(320)-Guorde(320)-Davis(360)-Colombo(320) Kosier can back up four positions I think we shouild sign Adams to a three year extention as he is still young enough and playing well enough. Draft a wr next year and a LT in the next. year Thoughts?


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In the hard copy of the Dallas Voice out today, I talked with Joey Green, who will appear at this weekend's Home & Garden Market Show. He's famous for giving new life and multiple uses to household products. Stuff like polishing silverware with toothpaste, teabagging your wooden floors, you know. I asked him about items that may be found in most closets of LGBT peeps. You know how creative we can be with Crisco, Saran Wrap and of course, condoms. No? Just me?
I got an e-mail late Thursday in which Green followed up with a couple more items that probably make our shopping lists at times. So just remember when you dole out the big bucks for quality lube, that you're also saving because it doubles in another way. His additional suggestions are after the jump.


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In bull markets you often see boutique developers gravitating towards luxury products.
There is a cachet attached to producing pricier citadels. In a similar fashion, wealthier individuals tend to collect ensembles of more expensive homes.
My question is whether this is a smart strategy.
We recently let go of a holiday house in Sydney's Palm Beach. During the eight-month sales process I was struck by how many bidders already owned two, three, or four multimillion-dollar properties in the immediate vicinity.
These were sophisticated folk who had built up considerable wealth during their careers. They had a rich universe of alternative investments available to them.
Yet there seemed to be a visceral attraction to the assumed safety of bricks and mortar.
As I've shown in previous columns, an individual dwelling cannot be described as a low-risk asset. Our quantitative research implies that a single home's annual return volatility is around 15 per cent – akin to equities – and that's before you start loading in leverage.
Of course, residential property doesn't just appeal to the wealthy. Australian families pour more than $60 billion each year into the acquisition of investment properties for rental purposes.
In a world where the average super fund has furnished a miserly 3.7 per cent annual return over the past seven years (less than bank deposits), and Australian shares remain 35 per cent below their 2007 peak, many savers are defaulting to simpler approaches they believe they can trust. Cash and property feature prominently.
I want to resolve two essential questions relevant to readers of this newspaper: first, how important is the luxury sector to Australia's overall housing market? And, perhaps more interestingly, how have luxury assets performed vis-à-vis the rest?
In July 2012 the median dwelling price across Australia was only $412,500. If we strip out regional markets and simply look at capital cities, the median price is $460,000. Even in Australia's most costly metropolis, Sydney, the median dwelling price is just $535,000.
The fact is that you get an exceedingly distorted picture of the wider housing market if you extrapolate out from Sydney's eastern and northern suburbs. Unfortunately, this "anchoring bias" contaminates the judgments of many commentators.
One way of evaluating the significance of the luxury sector is by examining the distribution of all home sales ranked by price.
I've done exactly this for the population of sales over the last year.
I found that 79 per cent of dwellings purchased in Australia were worth less than $600,000. And I can capture 90 per cent of all buyers if I include properties up to $800,000.
In contrast, homes worth more than $1 million account for only 5 per cent of buyers. Fewer than one in 100 buyers purchase properties priced more than $2 million.
The bottom line is that the $1 million-plus market is irrelevant to 95 per cent of Australian owners. If you want to successfully scale a real estate business, you should therefore concentrate on price points in or around $500,000.
My second question is how luxury homes rate as investments. This is not easy to address. You need access to years of individual purchase and sale records. You then have to match trades and precisely measure the returns realised by owners over time.
With the help of RP Data and Rismark, I've been able to do that.
We took 2.75 million transactions between 2000 and today, and sorted all purchases and sales of the same properties into four equally-sized portfolios ranked by price from low to high. The results are stunning.
The more expensive the property, the worse it performs. The cheapest 25 per cent of dwellings in the bottom portfolio generated by far the best returns, with a median compound annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent. This is two-thirds higher than the 5.9 per cent annual capital return yielded by the most expensive dwellings in the top portfolio.
The analysis highlights the clearly inverse relationship between a property's price and its future performance. As you scan across the chart from cheaper to more expensive homes, the returns experienced over the last decade decline.
The bad news for the affluent does not stop there. It would seem that luxury markets are also characterised by higher risk.
I divided RP Data-Rismark's Australian capital cities index into three subsidiary benchmarks covering cheap suburbs, the middle market, and the most expensive suburbs. Looking at rolling annual returns on a monthly basis since the end of 2005, I found that while the cheapest regions displayed the lowest return volatility, the most expensive markets were subject to demonstrably greater risk.
And this applies during both good and bad times. Properties located in luxury suburbs earned double-digit returns in 2007 and 2009. Yet they suffered the steepest losses in 2008 and 2011.
If you want to make money in property, focus on the mass market.
The Australian Financial Review


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Fairfax County Launches Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program
Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
May 29, 2008
Fairfax County Launches Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program
Fairfax County announces a funding opportunity for selected projects through the Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program. The program aims to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods by supporting projects and initiatives that assist in the ongoing effort to encourage increased resident participation in civic engagement and neighborhood beautification efforts.
The goals are to:
- Promote healthier, safer and cleaner neighborhoods.
- Enhance neighborhood appearance.
- Encourage or create a culture of engagement, including facilitating communication and connections in neighborhoods between individuals, youth and families.
- Build or nurture community leadership within a neighborhood.
A total of $100,000 is available in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. Awards up to $5,000 will be made on a one-time basis to selected projects. Eligible organizations may submit proposals for multiple projects.
Organizations eligible to receive the award include:
- Neighborhood or civic associations such as community service clubs or homeowners associations that formally serve a neighborhood or neighborhoods.
- Nonprofit or faith-based organizations that have an active partnership with a neighborhood/civic association.
- Organizations located within the unincorporated portions of Fairfax County. The incorporated towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton also are eligible.
A pre-application workshop will be held Tuesday, June 3, at 3 p.m. in Conference Room 232 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The application forms will be available at the workshop, at Board of Supervisors' district offices or online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/admin/cm/solicitations.htm. Applications must be submitted for the first half of FY 2009 no later than 2 p.m. on July 2, 2008, and Nov. 26, 2008, for the second half.
For questions and more information about the Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program, contact Sara Brinkmoeller at 703-324-5551, TTY 703-324-5628, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/admin/cm/solicitations.htm.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Channel 4 and the Law Firm of Farah and Farah teamed up to honor military heroes for the 4th of July and, with the help of our viewers, gave one deserving member of the military a trip for four to Disney World, including tickets to the park and a two-night hotel stay.
After taking nominations from the public, our viewers voted for the winner: SFC Jacob Canterbury.
Canterbury has served in the United States Army for the past 13 years and had seven tours of Afghanistan defending our country. He is currently stationed in Jacksonville as any Army recruiter.
Here's what his wife, Amber, wrote in nominating Canterbury:
"I'm nominating my husband, SFC Jacob Canterbury, as my hero. Though my husband works 15+ hours a day & most weekends, he still finds time to be the best husband and father to our two small children. Having a toddler with serious medical conditions has been a huge challenge for our family, with my husband's work schedule. However, he's a selfless man that never complains about how much he works and what his job description entails. Jacob has been our solid rock and support. There isn't one military person better than the other; I just feel that my husband deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated for all of his hard work and sacrifice that he has given to our country, fighting for our freedom. It would be such a blessing to our family if we received this trip; our children would have an unforgettable time, making memories with their father. Thank you and God bless."
4th OF JULY SALUTE: Viewers' pictures, stories of military heroes
Channel 4 is proud to award this trip to Disney World, for Canterbury, his wife, daughter and son to enjoy.
Thank you for all of your hard work, and thank you for serving in the military to keep America safe and free!! From Channel 4 and the Law Firm of Farah & Farah, we salute you and all of our great nominees this 4th of July!.
Copyright 2012 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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On April 14, Venezuelans will choose a president for the second time in less than a year. Hugo Chávez won October's election; following his death, it's expected that his chosen heir – former vice-president and acting President Nicolás Maduro – will be voted in. But even if Maduro wins comfortably, the presidency is a poisoned chalice. Here are six reasons why.
CHAVISMO When Chávez died, thousands of ordinary people flooded the streets to mourn. They spoke of him in familial terms – as a father, a protector, a benefactor. Their affection reflected the fact that Chávez's rule brought about material change in the lives of many, particularly the poorest – he cut poverty by half, and increased access to healthcare and education. But it's worth noting that other countries in the region made similar social progress without the divisions that Chavismo generated.
While there was growing opposition to Chávez – in October, his rival Henrique Capriles secured 44 per cent of the vote – his supporters loved him with a devotion that will be hard for any leader to replicate. That has repercussions for his political movement. "'Chavismo' would face a far more uncertain future without the charismatic former tank commander at its head; it was always a highly personalised political project," John Paul Rathbone noted in December.
The final dividend of Chávez's charisma will probably be the election of his chosen heir, as even voters uncertain about Maduro are swung by loyalty to the wishes of their former leader. In a video for the New York Times, Simon Romero asks an 80-year-old lady who she will vote for. "Well naturally, this last request of my president who pleaded from his heart that we vote for the one he chose, to vote for Maduro." Read more


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GALVESTON - Several people have been charged after fights broke out on Galveston Island during Mardi Gras Sunday morning, police said.
YouTube video showed the party goers getting out of control around 1 a.m. People refused to leave when Galveston police said they were trying to clear the streets.
"Our officers and commanders were actually able to assess the situation," said Galveston Police Chief, Henry Porretto. "Actually take action at the appropriate time and bring the situation to resolve."
Seven people were arrested, with six facing various misdemeanors, officials said. One person has been charged with assault on a peace officer.
Police said this is the type of thing they'll try to prevent in the future.
"We'll look at doing some specialized enforcement in certain areas which would increase our capacity and ability to deal with certain situations," said Porretto.
There were no serious injuries, and no businesses were damaged, police said.
Copyright 2013 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Skype updated for new iPad's Retina display, but it's not about the video
0. phoneArena posted on 26 Mar 2012, 09:27
The new iPad's 2048 by 1536-pixel Retina display is a big deal for some, not that much for others, but technologically it's a huge and important leap…
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. PAPINYC (banned) (Posts: 2315; Member since: 30 Jul 2011)
'The iPad still has a not-that-great front VGA camera and we could only wish it could push 1536p video.'
You really mean, "The iPad still has a not-that-great front 0.30 piXelAted VGA camera and, therefore, this Skype UI update is really not needed."
2. squallz506 (banned) (Posts: 1075; Member since: 19 Oct 2011)
VGA skyping must look tiny on the new ipad's screen. geez apple would it have been that difficult to squeeze a 1.3mp shooter in there?
6. rcrider4 (Posts: 118; Member since: 14 Nov 2011)
It's not tiny, it's full screen, but pixely
3. NOKIA.8800.ARTE (Posts: 100; Member since: 26 Mar 2012)
So its not, or is like the GALAXY S2!?
4. c.hack (Posts: 614; Member since: 09 Dec 2009)
Of course, the second Apple puts in a higher res front camera the apple haters will start complaining that its using too much bandwidth or that its warmer than the old camera.
5. NOKIA.8800.ARTE (Posts: 100; Member since: 26 Mar 2012)
I dont see the point off u posting¡ cause its all haters and fandroids in phonearena off apple¡
7. cttan456 (Posts: 62; Member since: 22 Mar 2012)
VGA video calls on a small 3.5inch phone screen is ok cos the pixelation is less notieceable but VGA on a tablet/ laptop/desktop screen will look horrendous.
There are Android phones that lets you do video calls in 720p.
8. flopjoke (Posts: 42; Member since: 05 Jan 2012)
Best HD video calls I've seen are on Galaxy S2. That device will live for a very long time.
iPad's front camera is "not-that-great"? It SUCKS. Be man enough to say it when you can say that about other manufacturer's irrelevant details.


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Celebrating the Playoffs: Cardboard Gods GiveawayOctober 17, 2011 • 25 Comments • category: Algonquin Books Blog, Excerpts, Promotions
Here at Algonquin, we like to celebrate the playoffs in true American style: by kicking up our feet, turning on the tube, and belting "My Country 'Tis of Thee" while eating bacon-wrapped hot dogs and petting a Bald Eagle. And who better to help us celebrate than baseball connoisseur Josh Wilker, author of Cardboard Gods? In his hilarious and heartbreaking memoir, Josh tells the story of his 1970's childhood through his beloved collection of of baseball cards. He begins each chapter with a full-color image of one of his cards–Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, Tom Seaver, Wade Boggs, and many lesser-known players—and uses it as a launching point to chronicle his unusual childhood in which only his collection of paper heroes could give him the unfailing faith that a winning season was just around the corner.
We have three of these puppies up for grabs. Want to win one? Just submit a comment here or on our Facebook page. May the biggest baseball fans win!
Praise for Cardboard Gods:
"Proust has his madeleine. Nick Hornby has his vinyl records. And when Josh Wilker wants to summon the past, he has the scent of bubblegum. . . . If Wilker had a baseball card, its back might read: Josh is one of 2010′s most promising literary players."—Sports Illustrated
"A baseball-loving loner deciphers his complicated childhood through his old box of trading cards. . . . Wilker's book is as nostalgically intoxicating as the gum that sweetened his card-collecting youth. Grade: A." —Entertainment Weekly
"Wilker connects baseball cards to more pop culture references than a season of Family Guy—everything from Louis L'Amour westerns to Jack Kerouac to Elvis Costello . . . You'll love this book." —Minneapolis Star Tribune
"I couldn't put it down . . . In much the same way Doris Kearns Goodwin's Wait Till Next Year is as much about growing up in the 1950s as her being a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Wilker, too, uses baseball as a backdrop in writing about the '70s." —The Boston Herald
[scribd id=56385054 key=key-vuxk5fs324yggg3wro9 mode=list]
25 Comments On This Post:
9:44 am
Chris Otto says...
This book has been on my "want to read" wish list for awhile!
9:44 am
Betty K Hamilton says...
The books sounds like a very fun read!! I would LOVE to win a copy!! (Who doesn't love baseball and a young boy's memories of it growing up). Good luck with it. I hope it seel 1 million copies!!
9:47 am
Laurie Blum says...
Big baseball season in Detroit, how fun to win this book 🙂
9:51 am
Reeca says...
Wow! Would love to read this! Gooooooooo Cardinals!
9:52 am
pamela strauss says...
I love Algonquin 's books !
If I won this I'd give it to my Sweety for his upcoming birthday.His mother threw out his collection of baseball cards years ago and it would be a cool gift.
9:54 am
Jeffrey Tretin says...
Looks great – would love to receive a copy. Thank you.
9:56 am
Julienne says...
We are baseball fans with my 15 year old playing Ball since he was 7 years old. Baseball tales are a great read in the house!
10:00 am
rhonda says...
heard so much about the book would love to read it.
10:02 am
Donna Sweet says...
Would love to win this so I could give it to my hubby whose mother threw away all his keepers! Can't understand why a mom would throw away her child's baseball card collection!Cards from the 50's on are all gone….so sad
10:09 am
JoAnn Murphy says...
We have huge baseball fans here. It would be great to win this book that we would all want to read.
10:30 am
Evan Pauley says...
My wife's sister told me about this. I am a die hard baseball fan and would love to read this book.
10:33 am
Vicki says...
Would love to win this book! Go, Rangers!!!
10:35 am
Margo Harris says...
This looks fabulous! Would love to get this for my dad (and then steal it from him). His baseball devotion spans from the Atlanta Braves to grandsons' Little League games (which he follows via email from three states away).
10:38 am
Linda McFarland says...
Love to win a copy of Cardboard Gods by Josh Wilker…….email@example.com
10:39 am
Linda McFarland says...
Love to win a copy of "Cardboard Gods" by Josh Wilker…sounds like a awesome book……………….email@example.com
10:44 am
Jennifer D. says...
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book.
11:08 am
Leslie says...
This looks like a great book. I can remember saving my pennies to buy baseball cards back in the 60s and 70s. Wish I still had those cards today!
11:47 am
Lila Tonche says...
My honey is a huge Bball fan. I would love to win this book!
12:12 pm
Grace says...
I would love to win this book!
12:42 pm
matkeltri says...
Looks like a great read!
12:43 pm
Joyce Combass says...
I too have been a baseball fan for as long as I can remember: Atlanta Braves, thanks to Ted Turner and TBS 🙂 but it was collecting baseball cards with my youngest daughter and the look on her face when Andruw Jones signed his card for her one day just before a game – in the Taco Bell across from the old stadium – that sticks with me the most. What a wonderful idea for a book!
5:45 pm
Linda Johnson says...
We (my five sisters and brothers) were given our uncle's baseball card collection. We, especially my next oldest sister and I, used to go through those cards incessantly, figuring out our fantasy ideal teams. My mother, who is not known for throwing anything out – especially if it might have value. Through those cards out – long before baseball cards became such a hot commodity. The cards were primarily from the 40s and 50s. There were some choice cards in the bunch.
8:46 pm
Barbara says...
Getting baseball cards autographed at Florida's Grapefruit League games used to be one of my favorite Spring pasttimes. I'd love a copy of this book to help bring back those memories!
9:45 pm
Roberta Murphy says...
It sounds like a swell book and I would love to read it. I love baseball and baseball cards.
1:00 pm
Mike Dickerman says...
Just finished the book last night and loved every page of it. For those who haven't read it yet, the book is about so much more than baseball cards; they're really the thread that holds the whole story together. Whether you are a former baseball card collector (I am) or not, you'll love this book.


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How to Look Fabulous in Photos: Pro Tips from Alain Martinez, Brad Johns + More!
Thanks to these pro tips from photographer Alain Martinez, makeup artist Carmindy, stylist and blogger Felix Mercado, and hairstylist Brad Johns, you'll never take a bad photo again!
-Courtney Cachet
Have you ever noticed that we take a lot of photos of ourselves? I mean a LOT. Photos of us are everywhere—and they live forever. Unless you're Kate Upton, this can be a scary thing. But it doesn't have to be! After many years in TV, I know a few people, so I hit up the pros on the best advice to get you looking fabulous in all your photographs. I may not be a model, but through the course of my career (and a lot of bad shots) I've learned how to take a pretty good photograph. Mostly, I've learned there are four equally key components needed to taking the perfect shot: Hair, makeup, clothing and the all-important photographer. As such, I gathered an A-List team of pros and asked them for their top tips when it comes to looking your best in photos. Because forever is a long time—and now you can't rip them up when you don't like them!
The Hairdresser AKA Hair God: Brad Johns
Voted the Best Colorist in New York by Allure Magazine, it's safe to say that Brad Johns knows a thing or two about your tresses looking fabulous. "Your hair is your most important accessory," he says. "Before you put a stitch of makeup on or one piece of clothing, it's just you, your naked body and your hair. It had better look good." Johns, who is famous for the buttery blonde look, goes on to say that a few highlights and a great blowout make everyone look gorgeous without looking too "done up." Bottom line: when in doubt, err on the side of a more natural look—even if you have to color a little to get there. And don't be cheap with your hair. Ever.
The Makeup Artist/Magician: Carmindy
Carmindy is well known as the makeup queen of TLC's What Not To Wear. She works with real faces all day long, so I was eager to call on her for some tips. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she had some great advice that we can all follow: "When prepping your face for photos, just like the camera, focus in on your best feature," she says. "This year is all about metallic eye shadows, so let your eyes be the star of your very own beauty show. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect photo ready look!"
If you're not feeling your absolute prettiest, Carmindy says it's no big deal. "To "wake up your face," mix a little liquid shimmer into a few drops of foundation for a fresh, wide-awake glow. For another instant wake-up call, use a thin concealer brush and sweep on a little under-eye concealer from the outside of your lower lash line up to the end of your brow and blend. The concealer will highlight this area and visually "lift" the eye." And it's cheaper than Botox!
Up next: Tips from stylist/blogger extraordinaire Felix Mercado and fabulous celeb photographer Alain Martinez!


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The society grants this honor to a current APS member in recognition of distinguished contributions to plant pathology or to The American Phytopathological Society. Anyone who has been a member of the society for at least three years immediately before nomination, except for retired persons who were members for the last three years before retirement, is eligible.
Fellow recognition is based on significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: original research, teaching, administration, professional and public service, and/or extension and outreach. It is important to clearly indicate in the nomination statement which of these major categories serve(s) as the basis for the nomination. Recipients of this honor receive a plaque and recognition granted to only a few society members.
NOTE: Fellows are eligible to be nominated for awards only in an area of accomplishment different from that on which the fellow nomination was based, provided that the new accomplishment has occurred after recognition as a fellow. A period of 5 years should elapse between recognition as a fellow and nomination for an award. The nominator of a fellow for an award should specify how the contributions in the current nomination differ from those on which the original fellow nomination was based.
Get ALL the Latest Updates for ICPP2018: PLANT HEALTH IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY. Follow APS!


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One quick, polite request.
Please, when you register or go back to modify your personal info either list your location, (it doesn't have to be specific) or at least the general part of the country where you live.
BBQ has many regional and philosophical variations and I for one find it interesting to know
where you are coming from (literally)
Nobody spams you based on region or any other info provided.
It just makes it a little more interesting.


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TOCKENHAM rider Jessica Mendoza ensured British success on day one of the London Global Champions Tour event at Horse Guards Parade today.
The 18-year-old took the opening five-star class - a two-phase competition - with Ramiro de Belle Vue.
Mendoza is rated among British showjumping's brightest prospects, and she produced a sparkling performance to dominate a 63-strong field.
Mendoza's time of 27.74 seconds delivered a comfortable victory over her closest challenger - reigning European individual champion Roger-Yves Bost, riding Colombo van der Blauwaert - while Britain's Robert Whitaker took third spot on USA Today.
Whitaker, a member of Britain's Nations Cup team at Hickstead earlier this month, also featured prominently in Thursday's feature class, the Maybourne Cup.
The Yorkshireman again finished third, this time aboard Catwalk IV, just in front of Michael Whitaker and Elie van de Kolmen.
More than 20 combinations made the jump-off, which was partially fought out in torrential rain, and first-to-go Beat Mandl set a pace that no other combination could threaten.
The Swiss rider guided Antares F home in a time of 31.67 seconds to take the £16,000 winner's pure, with another Swiss combination - Jane Richard-Phillips and Quister de Guldenbloom - finishing as runner-up.
The action continues on Friday, building towards Saturday's Longines London GCT Grand Prix, which carries a six-figure top prize.
London is the 11th of this season's 14-event GCT series, which ends in Doha in November. British star and current world number one Scott Brash won the overall GCT crown last year.


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New Report reveals enormous economic burden of marriage discrimination
Postedon Nov 06, 2014 at 10:00 am
Today, Freedom to Marry and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates released a report revealing that the remaining patchwork of marriage laws for same-sex couples across the United States is costing businesses in the private sector $1.3 billion every year.
Expedia supports the freedom to marry in Washington
Postedon Sep 04, 2012 at 02:00 pm
Today, travel company Expedia announced their support for Washington's Referendum 74, the ballot measure to uphold the freedom to marry throughout the state. They're now the latest of dozens of businesses to speak out in support of the state's marriage law.
Unions and labor activists support the freedom to marry in Washington state
Postedon Aug 30, 2012 at 04:45 pm
This week, Washington United for Marriage, the coalition working to uphold the freedom to marry at the ballot in Washington state, celebrated Unions Week by heralding the essential support that Referendum 74 has received from unions and labor organizations.
Labor groups file amicus brief opposing Defense of Marriage Act
Postedon Jul 12, 2012 at 10:15 am
Yesterday, three union organizations filed an amicus brief in 'Golinski v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management,' one of the key cases related to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. The brief attacks the constitutionality of DOMA.
Weddings for gay and lesbian couples bring millions of dollars to New York's economy
Postedon Oct 25, 2011 at 10:15 am
A recent article in Business Week discusses the concrete economic benefits that have resulted for businesses and companies in New York State ever since the freedom to marry was extended to gay and lesbian couples in June.
More union opposition to Minnesota's anti-marriage amendment
Postedon Aug 23, 2011 at 09:20 am
The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) is the latest labor organization in the state to speak out against the anti-marriage amendment that will appear on the November 2012 ballot.
Minnesota AFL-CIO votes to oppose anti-gay constitutional amendment
Postedon Aug 09, 2011 at 09:53 am
The Minnesota AFL-CIO, which represents over 300,000 workers statewide, voted unanimously to oppose the proposed anti-gay constitutional amendment that will appear on the ballot in November 2012
City of Cambridge Pays Stipends to Married Same-sex Spouses to Offset Unfair Tax
Postedon Jul 11, 2011 at 10:20 am
The city of Cambridge has decided to pay a stipend to public employees with same-sex spouse to cover the additional tax such employees are saddled with if they cover their spouse under their employer-provided health insurance. Cambridge is the first municipality in the country to attempt to offset this additional, unjust tax placed on same-sex couples because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.
Married Gay Troops won't be recognized after DADT Repeal
Postedon Jan 31, 2011 at 06:00 pm
A gay service member marrying will no longer be grounds for discharge after "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is repealed, but federal law will keep the military from recognizing the marriage, officials said on Friday.
Suits on Marriage Equality may force Administration to take a Stand
Postedon Jan 31, 2011 at 09:30 am
President Obama has balanced on a political tightrope for two years over the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the contentious 1996 law barring federal recognition of marriages of same-sex couples.
Now, two new federal lawsuits threaten to snap that rope out from under him.


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Jan. 12 is new deadline for Minneapolis, Ramsey County
By T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter
Thursday, Jan. 5, Gov. Mark Dayton sent letters to Ramsey County and city of Minneapolis officials urging them to submit their Vikings' stadium proposals no later 5 p.m. next Thursday, Jan. 12.
Dayton is hoping lawmakers will speedily address the Vikings' stadium issue next legislative session.
The time line cited in the letter was crafted by Dayton and Vikings' stadium bill authors Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, and Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead.
"I couldn't tell you which (stadium) site I prefer," Dayton said at a Capitol press conference. He's still looking for more facts, he said.
The governor expects the stadium proposals to include funding details relating to the Vikings. Dayton said he intended to speak with Vikings' owner Zygi Wilf within the next couple of days and urge Wilf to be as forthcoming with team financial details as possible.
A take-it-or-leave it attitude is the wrong attitude to have towards the Vikings in regard to a stadium site, Dayton explained. "The Vikings are not the enemy here," he said.
He spoke of a collaborative process, expressing hope the team and the Metropolitan Sports Facility Commission will solve a dispute over the team's Metrodome lease. Vikings' officials heralded the Vikings/Chicago Bears' game on New Years Day as the last game played under their Metrodome lease.
The Vikings lost to the Bears.
They lost their last game at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington in 1981 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dayton has proposed deadlines in the past for stadium proposals, but these and a proposed pre-Thanksgiving stadium special session have come and gone.
"I can't make them follow a timetable," Dayton said of lawmakers. Probably there are some lawmakers who prefer seeing the whole stadium issue left for after the election next fall, Dayton suggested.
The Vikings' stadium issue has been simmering at the State Capitol for more than a decade. There are many highlights and twists.
In 1998 when the National Football League approved the sale of Vikings for $206 million to businessman Red McCombs, the new owner spoke of the need for a new stadium, according to the legislative reference library.
MSFC released a Metrodome renovation plan the following year — it was rejected by the Vikings. At the time McCombs said it was unlikely the team could stay in Minnesota without a new stadium.
Former Gov. Jesse Ventura and lawmakers created a tripartisan task force on stadium issues that in part examined the Vikings' stadium issue.
Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty created a stadium screening committee — people brought models of new stadiums to hearings at the Capitol.
The NFL approved the sale of the Vikings for $600 million to a group of investors headed by brothers, Zygi and Mark Wilf in 2005. An effort to build a Vikings' stadium in Anoka County fizzled not long after.
In July 2008, the sports commission proposed to reuse parts of the Metrodome to build an $853 million retractable roof stadium in Minneapolis.
In 2009 the Vikings, in an effort to earn the team more money, were allowed to sell the field and gate naming rights at the Metrodome.
In December of 2010, the roof of the Metrodome collapsed — the video of snow pouring onto the field from the torn roof becomes iconic.
On Dec. 20, the Vikings played at University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium.
They were beaten by the Chicago Bears.
In February of 2011, the Vikings, according to the library, sent a letter to the Ramsey County Board expressing interest in examining a possible stadium site at Arden Hills.
Other Matters
Turning to other matters, Dayton said that he would propose a $775 million bonding bill for next session.
By law, administrations must propose bonding bills no later than Jan. 17, he said.
Dayton intends to deliver his State of the State Address on Feb. 15.
Asked about 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's recent withdrawal from the Republican presidential race, Dayton, though saying he disagreed with the congresswoman on issues, honored her efforts.
"Our democracy depends on people who are willing to run for office," he said.
He has to respect the congresswoman's willingness to step forward, Dayton said.


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MAJOR works starting this week to improve one of Blackburn's most complex road systems will be well worth any disruption, borough transport boss Maureen Bateson has promised.
The Rovers supporter and ward councillor pledged that problems the year-long £4 million, seven phase remodelling of the Ewood Gyratory System cause motorists, residents and fans going to Ewood Park would be kept to a minimum.
The first stage, knocking down the former Albion Mill, is under way and the site compound is in place.
Work will soon start on a new link road over the demolition site with a new roundabout at the Livesey Branch toad/Aqueduct Road junction to take traffic from the A666 Bolton Road.
Rovers matchday parking will be maintained throughout the 12 months to the North-West of and behind the Albion Works, and on an extended Aqueduct Road car park with the current middle barrier removed.
Blackburn Rovers St Bartholomew's car park will be extended and resurfaced.
Future phases of the scheme, part of the £40 million Pennine Reach project to cut bus journey times between Hyndburn, Blackburn and Darwen, will bring:
- A new access to the nearby travellers' site
- Enhanced traffic signals to provide bus priority at the Bolton Road / Aqueduct Street junction
- Improvements to cycling facilities through junctions
- High quality bus shelters and bus stops on Bolton Road
- New traffic signals at Catterall Street's junction with Livesey Branch Road and Albion Street n Landscaping and the replanting of trees and shrubs on Aqueduct Road.
The new system will make Bolton Road for buses only but the link road is designed to speed motorists journeys as well as cut public transport journey times.
Coun Bateson said: "There will be disruption but we will keep it to a minimum for residents, motorists and football fans.
"I firmly believe the final result will be well worth it."
Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "It's a difficult road system in need of improvement."


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USC set the standard for nursing education in South Carolina with the state's first accredited baccalaureate, graduate, Ph.D. and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs.
More than 9,500 nurses have graduated from the College of Nursing since it became the state's first nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing program in 1957. Our graduates, now located across the globe, have helped improve the accessibility and quality of health care throughout South Carolina, the US, and around the world.
We provide undergraduate and graduate nursing programs of excellence to shape the future of nursing's workforce. Our undergraduate program produces the largest number of BSN graduates in the state, have excellent NCLEX pass rates, and high employability. Our masters and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are offered online to allow additional flexibility for the working nurse. Both of these programs utilize our state-of-the-art simulation lab to enhance learning experiences, promote patient safety, and facilitate student competencies in the clinical arena. We are reaching out globally, and initiated our first nursing study abroad program in 2014, and facilitate exchange opportunities for students and groups from various countries. With support from alumni, donors, and sponsors we provided approximately $500,000 in scholarships/fellowships for students in the 2013-2014 year.
We have a thriving research agenda with three focal areas: vulnerable populations, cancer survivorship, and health systems. Our two research centers—Cancer Survivorship Center and Healthcare Process and Redesign Center—are generating new discoveries to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Our PhD in nursing science program offers full and partial fellowships to qualified students who have career goals as nurse scientists.
The college's nurse practitioner faculty operate a clinic (Children and Family Healthcare Center) to bring quality health care to low-income neighborhoods in Columbia and to provide a real-world practice setting for our students. This clinic provides care to 7000 patients annually, including primary care, chronic disease management, women's health, pediatric, and psychiatric services. These experienced faculty lead our master's and doctorate nurse practitioner programs, which is now ranked #1 in the country by the US News & World Report.
The College of Nursing is enhanced by our partners, including the College of Nursing Partnership Board, regional hospital and healthcare systems, our 5 USC Health Sciences Colleges (Public Health, Social Work, Pharmacy, College of Medicine-USC, College of Medicine – Greenville), other campus colleges (i.e., Engineering, Business, Arts & Sciences), alumni, and friends. We invite you to come and visit us to experience the great momentum at the University of South Carolina, and especially at the College of Nursing.
USC set the standard for nursing education in South Carolina with the state's first accredited baccalaureate, graduate, Ph.D. and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs.
You've come to an exceptional place! Our College of Nursing, the flagship university for the state of South Carolina, has the largest student body in the state, is nationally recognized, and is getting even better.
Integrate education, research, and service to develop competent and caring nurse leaders who will shape health and health care delivery with new knowledge, evidence-based practice, partnerships, and policy to facilitate optimal health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Want to see what the USC College of Nursing is up to? Like us on Facebook and follow our Youtube channel to stay connected


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HUNDREDS of youngsters in Burnley will learn more about local rivers as a 'stretch' is brought into their classrooms.
Supporters of Burnley Urban River Enhancement Scheme (URES) have been carrying out a series of engineering projects to clean and recondition the Calder, Brun and Don in the borough.
And now the Ribble Rivers Trust is launching 'Trout in the Classroom, an initiative to give them an insight into nearby waterways. Pupils at Stoneyholme CP, St Peter's CE, St Joseph's Park Hill, Springfield CP, Ightenhill and Holy Trinity CE have taken delivery of tanks designed to mirror conditions in rivers.
Brown trout eggs are being placed in the tanks and children will monitor them, and feed the young, as they hatch.
Professional artists will join lessons to help pupils complete artwork, poetry and fashion stories based around the great outdoors.
Then after three months, when the fry are large enough, trust officers will join teachers and students as they are released into the nearest appropriate stream or river. Trust officials hope it will encourage young people to become 'guardians' of their local rivers.
Neil Ashworth, the scheme's education officer, said: "Local people are essential to the success of the URES and we are working to encourage and equip our communities with the skills, experience and confidence to take ownership and pride in our rivers.
"Children are future guardians of the rivers and it is vital to the success of the scheme that they become involved."
Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, which has backed URES, added: "The scheme is fantastic news for Burnley and will have transformational effects for local people and the surrounding environment.
"Ribble Rivers Trust will uncover the historic river and reinstate it at the heart of the town but also empower local communities to explore, enjoy and help conserve this important part of their heritage."


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In October, we asked you for your words of wisdom for a brand-new design engineer and boy, did you guys have advice in spades. The responses we received were so good in fact, we've decided to open up our December Roundtable to our faithful readers in hopes that you can offer more words of wisdom. Check out the the most recent November Roundtable, here.
Typically, the Roundtable is an editorial section consisting of short commentary by five or six experts in a particular vertical market.
As you may know, November is a double-issue month, so we're throwing out two different questions.
What we're looking for is a short (anything from two sentences to 250 words) blurb answering the Roundtable question to be considered for publication online and in our print issues.
For the December 15 issue, we're looking back on 2012 and what developments in the past year mean for 2013.
Question: What trends and technologies have impacted the industry in 2012 and what does that mean for 2013?
Due: November 15, 2012
We're looking for about 200 words on whatever trend or technology you're an expert in, and how that will impact the market over the next year.
So, if you have some killer advice or industry insight (or any questions) you'd like to pass on send me an email at email@example.com.