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A school's own green team has been making sure it is eco-friendly in every way.
Its vigilance has meant St Margaret's Preparatory School, Calne, has had its Green Flag award renewed by Keep Britain Tidy.
St Margaret's Eco Committee has kept an eye on everything, from ensuring as much school waste as possible is recycled. During National Waste Week, children were rewarded with stickers if they ate everything on their plate at lunch.
Healthy snacks were introduced at break times to promote healthy living.
The Eco Club has also been improving the school's wildlife area to attract more birds, insects and animals and energy is being saved by every class appointing an eco monitor to make sure lights and electrical equipment are switched off.
Teacher Cathie Bell, a member of the Eco-Schools Committee, said: "Everyone continues to be incredibly committed to making our community as sustainable as possible."


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Usage Examples
From Geoqo
People using GeoQO and how they use it
- Yamar -- the truly insane example and now very out of date as the system is better than it was then.
- Frefel -- How to get PQ results to Palm Cachemate using Gnome-Pilot (in my case Ubuntu Linux):
Since GoeQO can convert the results of a Pocket Query to a Palm compatible format (.pdb) using its built-in CMConvert all one needs to do is move it into the PDA. Do this: !. system > preferences >gnome-pilot settings > conduits > file: enable. Close 2. drag the .pdb file into the gpilot sync icon on the desk bar and synchronize

subset: commoncrawl


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- HomeMain Page
- CoursesSpanish courses
- AccomodationsWhere to sleep
- LocationsSIX Spanish schools
- PricelistGeneral pricelist
- Our officesContact us
My name is Theresa Ott and Im the Director of Nicaragua Spanish Language Schools (NSLS). After moving here from The States several years ago, I started Nicaragua Spanish Language Schools in coordination with Viva Spanish School in Managua. The organization was a much smaller version of what is is now. After growing in Managua and Granada, we decided to branch out to other locations. With the help of Carlos, the Coordinator of the program and the local Coordinators Edgelina, David, Sandra, Mayela and Mariel. we have grown to have programs in five locations thoughout Nicaragua. All of our teachers are local Nicaraguans with a wealth of experience and education. We are very proud of our program and staff.
From my first visit here more than a decade ago, I fell in love with the Nicaraguan people and the culture here. The staff that work with us are incredible people that make you happy to be around them. Someone once said to me that ¨Nicaragua is a country of miracles¨ and I truly believe it. Since arriving here, I haven't looked back. I invite you to come down and see for yourself what a country of miracles Nicaragua really is.
Nicaragua Spanish Language Schools is committed to making the process of arranging, studying and learning to speak and understand the Spanish language an easy one. We are strongly committed to using the latest best practices with regard to language teaching. We are also committed to doing good work in Nicaragua and making a positive impact on the community as a whole. We currently employ or contribute to the employment of over 40 people between all of the school sites and we believe that we can do better. Lastly, we are committed to donating sufficient resources to help other organizations to make a positive impact in Nicaragua.
We want you to know that we are here and ready to help to make your studying experience the best that it can be!


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HOUSTON - A bus driver has lost his job after being accused of taking a young girl off her route and back to his home.
Last month, several Houston Independent School District bus drivers gathered in front of district headquarters to protest what they felt was unsafe behavior by students. Several bus drivers complained the district was not doing enough to punish students who engaged in unsafe behavior. HISD bus driver Charles Primes was among those protesting.
"Kids are jumping out of the bus, fighting," Primes told Local 2 during the April protest.
Less than a month after that protest, HISD officials said the mother of middle school girl filed a complaint against Primes.
The district's Jason Spencer said the girl's mother told HISD transportation officials that on May 3, her daughter was the only student left on the bus when Primes made a stop at his own home.
"(He) had asked her daughter if she had wanted to come inside the home while he changed clothes," Spencer said, recounting the mother's complaint.
Spencer said the girl declined and was left on the bus alone while Primes changed clothes.
"She was very concerned," Spencer said." Her daughter was distraught over what happened. She knew that that was not proper, so she was scared."
Spencer said after receiving the complaint, the district retrieved footage from security cameras on-board the bus driven by Primes. Spencer said the video confirmed the student's story.
Spencer said cameras on Prime's bus showed other incidents. Spencer said video from the bus driven by Primes also shows an incident on April 25 involving the same student, who again, was the last child on the bus. Spencer said that incident shows Primes stopping at a Jack in-the-Box.
"(He) handed the child some money and told her to go inside and get some food," said Spencer.
Spencer said video also shows a third incident of Primes talking on his cellphone while on a school bus.
"He was driving the bus at the time?" asked Local 2 investigator Robert Arnold.
"Bus was in motion," said Spencer.
"Were there children on board?" Arnold asked.
"Yes," Spencer said.
Spencer said unauthorized stops and the use of a cellphone were the reasons for Primes termination.
"Our bus drivers are entrusted with a very precious commodity, which is our children," said Spencer. "This is clearly a violation of that trust."
Local 2 tried to speak with the union representing Primes and other HISD bus drivers. Union officials declined to comment citing their own ongoing investigation into the matter.
Primes has 30 days to appeal his termination.
HISD officials said they will also be forwarding the findings of its internal investigation to the Harris County District Attorney's Office to consider whether any of these actions violated the law.
If you have a news tip or question for KPRC Local 2 Investigates, drop them an e-mail or call their tipline at (713) 223-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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- Grommets in all 4 corners
- Durable Polypropylene construction
- 100% weatherproof
- 28" x 42"
These polypropylene target faces are perfect for reviving an old target or for teaching a new archer proper shot placement at far less cost than a 3-d target. These targets feature grommets on all 4 corners for easy handling and attachment and are 100% weatherproof so you can leave them on the target all season long. Made from durable polypropylene, these targets will take thousands of shots before they need to be replaced.
Technical Information
Dimensions: 28" x 42"
Weight: N/A
Target Type: Paper Target Face
Broadhead/Field Point: Field Point
Material: Polypropylene


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Is there anything to Hewlett-Packard (HPQ)? Should we be in it because where there is smoke, there is fire?
First, let me say that I hate Hewlett-Packard. If I wanted to speculate on tech, I would rather own Dell (DELL) than Hewlett, knowing that we are on the eve of hearing Dell spell out what it might have in store for long-suffering shareholders at its big analyst meeting tomorrow. Why Dell over Hewlett? Because Dell has a fabulous balance sheet, and Hewlett-Packard does not.
Second, while I am sure there are some hidden assets and gems buried within Hewlett-Packard, I know that the company's balance sheet could use shoring up, and anything that brings out the value in the company without an outside investor committing capital I think falls flat.
In other words, you have to buy it and then sell it on the news of the activist's stake.
And that brings me to my real worry about Hewlett. If there is no activist, I don't know how you get out without a loss unless you bet it bounces back after the tax-loss selling that I am sure is pretty much endless until January.
There simply must be a thesis beyond, "There's someone who's going to come in and try to rattle things up."
I can't think of one. Can you?


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If there were an Olympic medal for retail (and why not, given the ever-burgeoning sponsorship opportunities?) Stella McCartney would win the first one by a mile.
While the rest of London is complaining about queues at the airport, queues for the tube, and queues for queues, the "Creative Director" of Team GB's kit is leveraging her moment in the athletic sun far beyond her competitors. Indeed, I'd venture to say a new record has been set that will be a benchmark for years to come. Read more


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Topic: Congratulations, Linda
Our Linda has received the RAN (Research Advocacy Network) Grant.
Initially we had hoped for Linda to join Percy, Barbara, Stella, Kim, and myself at ASCO 2013, she did however receive the grant from RAN. We will be in the same facility, but will have little chance to interact, as this program is quite intensive and time consuming.
Previous recipients of the grant are: Percy, Karen, and myself.
Be assured though, we will find a moment for the annual ASCO Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Advocate picture
Thank you, Linda. See you soon.


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University of Kentucky College of Design Assistant Professor Kyle Miller led an eight-week design program in Amsterdam for twelve undergraduate students. The students participated in two courses: a six-credit design studio and a three-credit seminar that comprised a series of intensive design workshops.
The primary objective of the design studio was to prototype design and program solutions for large, recently abandoned buildings in Amsterdam. — uky.edu
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Motivated by fast fashion, and seeking inspiration from the catwalk, Models Own creates trend-led cosmetics and nail polish collections. The vast colour palette comprises of a mix of vibrant, pigmented tones and classic, neutral hues, in a selection of finishes, from high-shine, gloss nail polishes to glitter-shot, shimmer eyeshadows.
All Orders are Free Delivery
All orders are dispatched within 24 hours! We dispatch our orders with Royal Mail, majority of orders are received within 3-5 days! If you need your order in a hurry choose our next day delivery service.
Please Note: Next Day delivery service does not include delivery on Saturday, Sunday Or Bank Holidays. Please select Saturday Delivery if required by the weekend.
For more information regarding UK delivery options click here
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Groene at the Legislature: Holding NRDs responsible
Groene, colleagues short-sighted on NRD funds
More opinion
NFU urges smooth, transparent transition to Fair Trade framework
New interim executive director named for state brand committee
More Ag News
Look close. Its there, below and beyond the confines and canvases of conventional art.
Graffiti occurs more often than one might think. It might reflect the boredom of teenagers, but it is rooted in deeper meanings.
The messages may be impossible for the general public to understand, but officials say graffiti marks gang territories, making threats, advertising for drugs and commemorating the dead.
Gang names such as crips and bloods can be found around North Platte, along with an occasional date and 4:20, a reference to marijuana.
There are also symbols for peace and for anarchy.
Whether intricate or crude, gaffiti has meaning.
According to the website gangsorus.com, graffiti is often the obvious indication of gangs, widespread drugs and routine violence.
And also, some people often make the marks just for play, attracted by the art and intrigue, so it looks like something sinister is happening.
Tracy Wofford, a Lincoln County Detention Officer, is a student of graffiti. As she looked around North Platte with the Bulletin, she expressed mild surprise by the number of marks, which are mostly found on the north side of town, in old business and industrial areas along 7th St.
Wofford also found a significant amount of graffiti-related art in alleys near downtown, both freehand and stenciled, which is not obviously gang related.
Graffiti is the exception rather than the rule in North Platte. It is commonly the work of fun seekers, not gangs. Sheriff Jerome Kramer said hes found no need to have a dedicated gang/graffiti deputy in the sheriff's office.
Worst cases
Technically, although not all graffiti is gang related, graffiti is like a newspaper or billboard for street gangs.
Graffiti by gangs is primarily functional, and is generally the most legible. It indicates the gangs power and status, it marks boundaries and serves as a warning to other gangs of the turf of a particular gang.
Not all young men who slouch around wearing baggy pants and looking surly are gang members. Not all graffiti is gang related, nor does it necessarily mean that your neighborhood is unsafe.
There are graffiti artists who view themselves as just that artists.
Even in LA.
They look at it as art, said Brandon Barron, an officer in the Los Angeles Police Departments Newton Division. He works on the divisions Gang Enforcement Detail. They look at it as art and they dont think theyre doing anything wrong. Theyre throwing it up there because they want people to see their artistic side.
Artistic graffiti tends to be more elaborate, less readable and more inspirational.
There are lots of examples on railcars in Bailey Yard, as well as an occasional wall of a North Platte back alley.
Another type of grafitti is tagging. Theres no rule or artistic flow to it, it is just a name. Usually what will happen is the tagger writes their crew, their gang, and then their name or street name, according to Officer Barron.
There are hundreds of examples of tags on any given day in Bailey Yard. Railcars have become rolling canvases for artists as well as taggers. Car numbers are linked to specific artists and posted on Internet sites for fans and other artists to see.
Gangs tend to write more plainly, marking territory with their gang name, or a symbol thereof, such as Crips or Bloods.
Another officer in the Newton, Calif. gang unit, Jonathan Rocha said, You can actually read the gang member stuff and thats what they want. Not necessarily their monikers or what they call themselves, but say for example the Loco Park gang theyll actually put an obvious L and P for Loco Park or actually write out Loco Park so people know its that gangs area.
Most guys do it just to let other people know that its our neighborhood, a south LA gang member said on the website, OnCentral.com.Graffiti is a visual notice of gang turf wars."
Graffiti is most provocative when individuals or gangs write over another gangs markings and tagging in another gangs territory is a sign of ultimate disrespect.
"Its like me going to your house and stepping all over your couch," a gang member said.
Danger sign
If left intact, graffiti leads to the degradation of a neighborhood and the devaluation of property, officials say. Studies have shown in many cases that if left unchecked and not removed, more and more graffiti will appear. It is costly to remove and some cities have developed grafitti removal programs, spending large sums of money.
Many cities or towns have seen the need to pass laws and penalties to deal directly with perpetrators. After all, it is vandalism and the ultimate goal is to stop it.
But in North Platte, young men who like the art say they don't see much gang activity.
I dont think gangs are active at all in town, said Adam MacDonald, 21, of North Platte. In bigger cities they mark territories, but not here. I think marks in North Platte are basically just people screwing around.
First published in the Dec. 12 print edition of the North Platte Bulletin.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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Technology is changing the landscape of the world—how we read books, spend time with friends and family, go to work, interact with other people—nearly everything in today's world. But how much can technology be affecting the beauty industry, which is innately physical, from product development to user application? The biggest impact is likely in beauty retailing.
Retail is really the space where technology is likely bringing the most change to beauty And several recent innovations—such as displays that analyze skin for a perfect foundation match, virtual makeovers, beauty channels on demand and even a beauty vending machine—are shining examples of how technology is bringing a new level of innovation and, yes, interaction to beauty retailing.
L'Oréal has been at the forefront of several recent innovations, including a Connected TV app partnership with Roku for content on beauty products and applications, and a beauty vending service called the L'Oréal Paris Intelligent Color Experience, which appeared in the Bryant Park station stop in the New York subway service during the 2013 holiday season. The Intelligent Color Experience was a machine that allowed users to be scanned for their clothing colors, skin tone, hair color and more and have the machine suggest products that would match their current look, which could be bought from the machine right there as well.
Lisa Capparelli, senior vice presdient of integrated marketing for L'Oéeal Paris, describes the development of the idea for the Intelligent Color Experience, saying, "The opportunity first came to us through our long-standing partner R/GA [a digital advertising agency]. They had been working with the [New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)] and Cisco on designing a digital retail experience for the MTA that would take advantage of the MTA footprint, speed of customers in that space and allow for a premium and quick purchase experience."
Capparelli continues, "At L'Oréal Paris, we are committed to combining the latest in technology with the highest in quality to provide women with personalized beauty recommendations and help them become their own beauty expert. As part of this, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage women with the brand and thought this was the perfect opportunity to test out a new, interactive and customized shopping experience."
The involvement in such efforts by L'Oréal shows not only the company's belief in digital technology, but also its commitment to using it as a marketing tool that moves the brand forward. "The L'Oréal Paris Intelligent Color Experience is the next evolution of this commitment and further cements our digital leadership within the industry," Capparelli says. "We are thrilled to be the first brand to bring women a highly customized and convenient way to experience the brand and shop beauty in a place she would least expect it—the New York City subway. Not only is the subway an unexpected venue for women to experience personalized beauty, but it also allows us to reach women where they already are."
The experience offered users a unique and memorable way to engage with the L'Oréal Paris brand and its products. "In an age when beauty is increasingly about individuality, L'Oréal Paris was excited to bring women a fully customized experience. We worked with R/GA to develop a first-of-its kind, pairing algorithm technology that analyzes the colors a person is wearing and recommends products based on those colors that either 'match' or 'clash' their outfit," explains Capparelli. "We believe the 'match' or 'clash' feature is an engaging and fun way to encourage women to experience with a variety of personalized looks. Women have the option of choosing product colors that complement their outfit or picking ones that give them a bold, new look."
And although the Intelligent Color Experience was only in the subway stop for a two-month pilot program, L'Oréal is encouraged by the endeavor. "While we of course had high hopes the project would succeed, we did not set exact benchmarks as it is a truly experiential project and the first-time a brand has embarked on this type of program with the MTA. That said, we have been overwhelmed by the response from consumers so far. We have seen a high level of engagement with the machine, with women truly loving the interactive and personalized shopping experience it provides," Capparelli shares.
She also notes the importance of this type of retail engagement and innovation moving forward. "The L'Oréal Paris Intelligent Color Experience was only stationed in the Bryant Park subway station as part of two-month pilot program with the MTA. While we do not have any confirmed plans to expand beyond that, we will continue to evaluate the best ways of engaging women with the brand and determine if expansion plans make sense."
Another way technology is being utilized in beauty is to use science to help consumers be happier with their purchasing decisions. Diagnostic equipment is more and more prevalent in the beauty aisles and at beauty counters, and it is helping to not only personalize product selections for customers, but also aid them in being happier with the results those products provide.
Mojdeh Amirvand, director of business development for the skin care line Ioma Paris, says of her company's work with diagnostic-enhanced skin care, "Ioma Paris founder Jean-Michel Karam, who has his PhD in microelectronics, envisioned a skin care line supported by science that could show and demonstrate the action of his products through advanced technology. The Ioma devices analyze the condition of a customer's skin, make product recommendations and keeps record of the skin's progress before and after treatment. As a result, the skin analysis allows the customers to make a better educated decision on their skin's needs and provide a tracking record proving the skin care product's effectiveness."
Amirvand describes the Ioma products thusly: "Ioma is a breakthrough in technology that analyzes the skin below the surface, allowing for a personalized skin care regimen for each individual. Therefore, we are able to advise a unique recommendation for your skin's needs in order to get optimum results. Ioma provides an unparalleled experience for each customer, including a personalized two-step process of Bespoke Youth Rituals, a day and night cream, which begins with an in-depth skin consultation at the Ioma counter and analysis performed by the patented devices. Best of all, we are able to measure and track the improvement of your skin throughout time and prove the effectiveness of its products on the skin every day."


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RICHMOND, Texas - Richmond Police said a 73-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint in her own home.
Carmen Torres pulled onto her street just as police descended on her 73-year-old neighbor's home.
"Right away I said, 'What's going on?" Torres said.
Police are not releasing the victim's name. According to detectives, the victim owns a Houston jewelry store with her husband, but sometimes sells to friends and family out of her home.
When two men and a woman knocked on the victim's door and said a friend sent them to look at jewelry, investigators said the victim took the suspects at their word.
Once she let the suspects inside her home, police said one man pulled a gun and demanded all of the victim's jewelry. Detectives said the victim took off the pieces she was wearing and handed them over to the suspects, but that wasn't enough. Authorities said the suspects locked the woman inside the closet and tore through the home looking for more jewelry, eventually leaving with thousands of dollars worth.
Pauline Salinas said the victim was running out of the house, crying to get help from another neighbor. Salinas said the victim has helped her repair jewelry before and she's thankful the victim was not hurt during the robbery.
"She could have been killed, but she was lucky," said Salinas.
However, Torres said it is still upsetting to know her 73-year-old neighbor was harmed merely for trying to make a living.
"She works as much as she can to help her husband and her family," said Torres.
According to police, the female suspect was described as approximately 35-years-old; five feet and three inches tall; heavy build; and with blonde hair in a pony-tail. She was wearing grey capri pants and carrying a brown alligator print purse.
The first male suspect was described as approximately 30-years-old; 170 to 185 pounds; five feet and six inches to five feet and seven inches tall; and with short black hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt.
The second male suspect was described as approximately 22-years-old; five feet and three inches tall; heavyset; and with short black hair. He was wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans.
Police said the first male suspect had a gun that could possibly be a black semi-automatic pistol.
Authorities said the suspects were driving an older model gray passenger car.
Authorities are asking anyone with any information to call the Richmond Police detectives at (281) 342-2849 or the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at (281) 342-TIPS (8477).
Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Biomedical engineer Kyle Quinn fends off a frenzied Internet mob after being wrongly identified as a Charlottesville protester.
Not Immune to Fat
November 1, 2015|
The effect of a high-fat diet on murine T cells
November 1, 2015|
The effect of a high-fat diet on murine T cells
March 2, 2013|
The method to the dengue virus's maddening infectiousness.
February 1, 2013|
Some of these insidious viruses expertly subvert the host immune system, allowing their unhindered proliferation.
December 12, 2012|
Fat cells behave differently in obese individuals, causing inflammation and insulin resitance.
December 6, 2012|
Adipose tissue plays an immune role in individuals of normal wieght.
July 1, 2012|
Present in every tissue of the body, ubiquitin appears to be involved in a dizzying array of functions, from cell cycle and division to organelle and ribosome biogenesis, as well as the response to viral infection. The protein plays at least two role
March 1, 2012|
A lot changes in a child's body over the course of development, and not all changes occur linearly: gene expression can fluctuate, and organs can perform different functions on the way to their final purpose in the body. Here are some of the key deve
January 1, 2012|
Not all inflammation leads to pain. Despite widespread infection followed by fever, colds rarely cause pain. But when some cytokines and certain immune cells are active near pain-sensing nerves, they trigger receptors that convey pain sensations to the brain.
September 1, 2011|
The initiating cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown. However, from our studies it's clear that many types of neuronal damage—from traumatic brain injury, to epilepsy, infection, or genetic predisposition—can activate brain immune cells—microglia and astrocytes-- promoting them to produce IL-1 and S100 inflammatory cytokines.
August 1, 2011|
While gut microbiota appear to have both positive and negative impacts on our health, in the guts of healthy, lean individuals, the good outweighs the bad.


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What We Know—and Don't Know—About Kratom
We're still learning about the effects of kratom on a person's brain and body. Read More »58 Comments
Your Really, Totally, Incredibly Awesome Brain
The human brain is the command center for your entire body. Read More »6 Comments
How Do the New FDA Rules Affect You?
E-cig Ingredients Will No Longer Be a Mystery Read More »8 Comments
Social Media: Nothing But the Truth?
If you want to be a savvy user of social media, it helps to remember that what you see online almost never shows the complete picture. Read More »10 Comments
Naloxone Saves Lives
If someone is overdosing, it's really important to get them help as soon as possible. It could save their life. Read More »2 Comments


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"A conscience," oil titan J.R. Ewing once said, "is like a boat or a car. If you feel you need one, rent it." In a life book-ended by power, privilege, entitlement and excess, those words boil J.R. Ewing down to his truest self: the walkin', talkin', Texan personification of the seven deadly sins.
What makes him all the more remarkable is that he is a work of fiction, created by writer and producer David Jacobs in the north American summer of 1977. Jacobs had originally conceived his TV series as a scenes-from-a-marriage-style drama about four neighbouring couples, but the network passed on that idea – although he would later resurrect the concept as another soap, the Dallas spin-off Knots Landing.
Plan B was simpler, baser and cast of pure soap, a dynastic tale of wealth, sex and intrigue, about the Ewings of Dallas, a family who reside on the sprawling Southfork ranch, birthright of the Ewing matriarch, the indomitable but gentle Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes).
The ranch may have been Miss Ellie's spiritual home, but the stage well and truly belonged to J.R., a disloyal but Ewing-proud son, a philandering husband to Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), a jealous brother to both Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Gary (Ted Shackleford), and a disapproving uncle to diminutive, buxom Lucy (Charlene Tilton).
But at heart, J.R. was deliciously evil, a quality enhanced by a crystallising performance from the actor Larry Hagman. In life, Hagman was about as far from J.R. Ewing as you could get, except perhaps that the two men shared an infamously wicked sense of humour.
"Who shot J.R.?" became a cultural meme when an unknown assailant sunk a series of bullets into his back, leaving the world wondering whether it was estranged wife Sue Ellen, long-time nemesis Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval) or brother Bobby who had pulled the trigger.
The cliffhanger reset modern soap opera, drawing it out of the shadows where it was quietly pitched to stay-at-home housewives, and turning it in to prime-time television cannon fodder. Dallas rocketed up the ratings ladder and became the most popular television show in the world.
The answer came in an episode which was, at the time, the highest-rated television episode in American television history. It commanded a 76 per cent share of American households and its total audience – a staggering 83 million people – exceeded the number of people who had voted in America's elections the same year.
You don't even need to have known Larry Hagman to know he'd have loved that. Every last bit. And the pay rise. And the slice of the revenue pie. If J.R. turned Dallas into a television hit, Dallas turned J.R. Ewing into the most hated man on TV, and Larry Hagman into a superstar.
And if you don't remember the answer, the shooter was Kristin, played by Mary Crosby, who was both Sue Ellen's sister and J.R.'s mistress.
Everything about Dallas, and Hagman with it, was larger than life.
Hagman's visit to Australia for the TV Week Logie Awards in 1984 is remembered now by television executives for its excesses, and Hagman's long itinerary, which included Papeete, Hong Kong and Macau. His co-star Linda Gray told me years ago it was like being a passenger in a tornado. And, like Hagman, she adored every second of it.
With a funeral to write and film, the stage is surely set for an even greater reunion.
When the new Dallas was developed by writer Cynthia Cidre, there was no question of Hagman's involvement, although his age and bouts of ill health had threatened to hamper that.
Dallas without J.R. Ewing would be like Christmas without Santa Claus. The mystique and power of the former is entirely defined by the personality and peerless charisma of the latter. And yet his affection for his two closest co-stars – "ex-wife" Linda Gray and "brother" Patrick Duffy – made the decision to step up to the new series one which was made by all three jointly.
Hagman was to have appeared in the second season of the reboot, which is currently in production. He had, in fact, filmed several episodes already.
Having danced with the notion of cameo appearances from original Dallas cast-members in the first season, including Cliff Barnes, half-brother Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly) and Lucy Ewing, the producers were planning to dial that up in the second season with an encore for black-sheep brother Gary (Ted Shackleford) and his wife Valene (Joan Van Ark), and Cliff's lover Afton Cooper (Audrey Landers).
With a funeral to write and film, the stage is surely set for an even greater reunion of J.R.'s allies, enemies and former lovers: second wife Cally Ewing (Cathy Podewell), illegitimate son James (Sasha Mitchell), family friend Jenna Wade (Priscilla Presley) and ex-mistress Mandy Winger (Deborah Shelton) are just the tip of the iceberg.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a sudden death in Dallas has found itself recorded for posterity on both sides of the camera. In 1981, when actor Jim Davis died suddenly, the death of his character, Ewing family patriarch Jock Ewing, rocked Dallas to its foundations.
The feuding Ewing brothers J.R. and Bobby battled for control of the company, and a portrait of Jock was placed in the Ewing living room, looking down on the action for the many, many more years that followed.
As a particularly touching epitaph, when production wrapped on the original Dallas in 1991, that painting was kept by Hagman, in loving memory of his on-screen father.
There is no doubt the death of J.R. Ewing – and the generational baton-change that will go with it for the framework of the show's fictional empire, the centrepiece of which is Ewing Oil - will make for delicious soap.
A battle for control of Ewing Oil after J.R. Ewing's death? And a painting of ol' J.R. to hang on the mantle at Southfork, beside his beloved daddy?
Hagman, with his wry sense of humour, would have settled for nothing less.


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HOUSTON - One in eight American couples struggles with fertility.
Now, proposed federal legislation would provide a tax credit to those who choose in vitro fertilization as a way to build a family.
After trying several fertility procedures covered by her insurance, former school teacher Leigh Cook decided to try in vitro fertilization (IVF), which was more expensive.
Cook said, "Within just months, I was able to have a family. So now I have 4-1/2-year-old twins because of the right treatment."
Cook said she would've chosen in vitro right away, had it not been for the high cost -- about $12,000 each treatment.
Dr. Jason Griffith with Houston Fertility Institute has joined other reproductive specialists on Capitol Hill supporting the Family Act tax credit for those who choose IVF.
Griffith told Local 2, "Now one of the things we face is patients will frequently choose a less successful, riskier therapy, in terms of multiples, just based on cost. Once we remove the cost barrier and remove it as a prime driver for treatment decisions, I think we'll be able to get patients pregnant faster and safer."
Modeled after the tax credit for adoption, the Family Act provides up to $13,360 in tax credits. Those eligible must make less than $222,000 a year. It also covers future infertility procedures that might be necessary after chemotherapy.
Griffith explained, "Now we can freeze eggs for fertility preservation for young woman or a couple that faces a cancer diagnosis and potential treatment that could rob her of her fertility. This tax credit also applies to that therapy."
Griffith will be one of the featured speakers at the "A Family of My Own" Fertility and Adoption Conference in Houston on Saturday.
A record number of people have registered for the free seminar.
Event Information
A Family of My Own - Fertility & Adoption Conference
Date: Saturday, November 3rd
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Houston Greenway Plaza Hotel, 6 Greenway Plaza East, Houston, TX 77046
Cost: FREE, pre-register at www.AFamilyofMyOwn.com or call (407) 694-3674.
Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Tag: Nancy Kress
2010 Locus Awards Finalists
The top five finalists in each category of the 2010 Locus Awards have been announced. Winners will be announced during the Science Fiction Awards Weekend in Seattle WA, June 25-27, 2010. Tickets are still available. Science Fiction Novel The Empress of Mars, Kage Baker (Subterranean; Tor) Steal Across the Sky, Nancy Kress (Tor) Boneshaker, Cherie […]
Posted: April 19th, 2010 under Awards.
Tags: Cherie Priest, Kage Baker, Kim Stanley Robinson, Locus Awards, Nancy Kress, Robert Charles Wilson
Comments: none


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321stBG,448thBS, Lt Martin Biener, B-25 Combat Pilot/MTO
1943-44 — Italy
Martin -Barbi, I am in Florida for the next 2 week will send you pictures and more information. Can't believe I am 91 and still going. I enlisted in 1942 and took a college written test in order to get into the Army Air Corps. Made it and entered the class of 42A. From Columbia SC I flew to Belem in Brazil . While waiting for the weather to clear before leaving for Acension Island in the middle of the South Atlantic and then to Gold Coast of Africa My plane was attacked by rats who got in thru the wheel wells to get candy and food that my crew had aboard . We sat with our 5 pistol out ready to shoot them if the got too close. When we landed the B25 had to be scrapped as the wires and hoses had been destroyed. My crew and I waited until a ferry crew brought a new ship over. Then To Casablanca and a couple of weeks of low element skip bombing of German Shipping. After the 50th mission I was flying Wing man to Col. Jimmy Bates when his ship was shot down and his crew bailed out. My bombardier took over and went for the target a rail head (very heavy flack) and the squadron stayed together and I headed back to our base a Foggia. General Knapp was our Wing Commander and he asked my to fly with him to Egypt to bring back turkeys for Thanksgiving. The next day was #51. Very heavy flack and my side gunner as killed. I was sent to Rest Camp on the Isle of Capri and then on a ship back to New York. Rest Camp in Atlantic City. Got Married to old girl friend and was assigned to Macdill Field in Tampa Fla as commander of the hurricane squadron of 4 B25's. General Smith , 3rd Air Force liked to fly the B25 to Cuba so I was invited to go with him as his co-pilot every weekend. There was an opening for a base commander at Alachua Air Base in Gainesville FL. As the Field was to be closed he sent me there was the Base Commander. I was still a First Lieutenant. One week later Col. Flip Cochran. and his air commando group landed in Gainsville on their way over Hump to India and the Pacific. He came into my office and suggested that I just stay in my office and stay away from his men. After all a Col. out ranks a 1st. lieutenant. I was promoted to Captain and sent to Cross City Air base in Florida and was there for 2 months and ordered to decommission the base and was discharged That is my story. I continued flying as a private pilot a couple of years later and then commercial pilot of my company Navajo. Had to quit on my 80th year as I had open heart surgery and could not get my license back. Thanks for doing such a good job. Hope to meet you someday. Martin Biener 11 June, 2013


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A BANNED driver has been arrested after he failed to stop on the M5, crashing into other cars.
Officers tried to stop the Peugeot 206 at junction 4 of the M5 just before 6pm yesterday.
It made off and crashed into two cars. The driver ran off towards Wildmore Lane.
All three vehicles were badly damaged but no-one was injured.
A 30-year-old man from Newport, Gwent, was located nearby and a quantity of cash and what are believed to be Class A drugs recovered.
He was arrested on suspicion of disqualified driving and dangerous driving and is in custody at Kidderminster Police Station, assisting with inquiries.


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Guest Post by Anne Chertoff
It's always fun to discover new products and companies. This year's Stationery Show featured the launch of a few new wedding invitation lines and products that you're going to want at your wedding. Here's a quick recap of what's new for 2012 and 2013 weddings:
Figs and Ginger debuted at last year's show with a small collection of wooden bunting for cakes. This year they cake topper collection grew to include multiple tiers of bunting and banners with wedding sayings.
Photo courtesy of Figs and Ginger
Whisker Graphics has everything a couple needs to package their wedding favors. The company's Bitty Bags are made from kraft paper so they're safe for edible favors and come in colorful polka dot and chevron stripe patterns. Need something bright and cheery to tie-up a favor box or attach a personalized tag? Order Divine Twine Bakers Twine, Whisker Graphics' eco-friendly and strong bakers twine available in 12 colors.
Photos courtesy of Whisker Graphics
Another way to package wedding favors is to order pillow-shaped boxes from Branch + Cotton. This new design firm has a collection of themed boxes that can be used at parties — for favors — or can be shipped through the mail as creative gift wrap. The Striped Candy pattern shown here is a fun addition to a wedding dessert buffet, but you can also customize a gift box, and the size, so the favor box coordinates with your wedding's theme and palette.
Photo courtesy of Branch + Cotton
Forget the traditional guestbook and order a guest sign-in board from Farewell Paperie. The company designs two Guestbook Posters — Wedding Bracket (shown below, left) and Wedding Banner. Each one is 16" x 20" and the design is letterpressed onto kraft paper and priced at $39 each. The company's other must-have wedding detail is Individual Letter Bunting (shown right), which allows couples to customize their wedding signage. Priced at $3 per letter, ribbon sold separately.
Photos courtesy of Farewell Paperie
BT Elements, known for their wedding favor packaging and invitation suites, has two new items specifically created for the dessert portion of your wedding. Couples planning on designing a sweets table will want to order Candy Cups — available in a number of patterns and customizable with your names, wedding date, monogram or a sweet saying. Our other favorite find at their booth are their Cupcake Carriers, each one is big enough to carry one cupcake for guests to take home as a wedding favor.
Photos courtesy of BT Elements
Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger
Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry.


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Mid-Day Web Brief
Catch up on the latest news over lunch . . .
Joe: Part of the decline in prosperity has to do with stupid money decisions made by people. Seriously, do you really need that $35k car? Or, that $800 phone? Or those $100 jeans? Or those $1500 rims on your POS car (lol)? Then, there's the people who haven't figured out birth control and end up pregnant for , when they barely make it on McDonald's wages with the kids they already have. Some of the situations people are in when it comes to a lack of money are based on personal decisions.


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Dash Designs DashTex Custom Dashboard Cover Part #2471-0XOK Customer Reviews
65 Customer Reviews
Love it!
Custom dash tex
Reviewed by Pete S (Lakewood, CO) Reviewed for a 2006 Dodge Ram — Mar 16, 2017 7:19 PM
Ordered this for wife's 2014 grand Cherokee it's black she complained about the heat now with the new dash Tex she said its not so hot in her jeep like before loves it color tan very satisfied now I'm going order one for my ram thx's again happy in Colorado.
dash mat
2011 Hyundai Sonata DashTex
Reviewed by Stan P (Orlando, FL) Reviewed for a 2011 Hyundai Sonata — Jan 03, 2017 4:06 PM
Great fit and quality! Color matches nicely. Texture is good unlike the carpet types. Just wish they would add more velco strips for the install. Have had DashTex in other vehicles and very satisfied, and excellent product and value,
fits perfectly
Reviewed by Lloyd J F (NORTH PALM BEACH, FL) Reviewed for a 2004 Lincoln Town Car — Dec 03, 2016 5:38 PM
The dash cover was easy to install and the fit was exact to the car's design. To keep it from slipping the velcro tapes helped keep it down and snug.
light weight
Fits properly and looks nice
Reviewed by Robert F (POWAY, CA) Reviewed for a 2016 Ford Econoline — May 02, 2016 5:24 PM
We bought this fir our Econoline 450 based RV. I fits the contours of the dash and the openings for the vents are in the correct location. The material is premium grade and the fit and finish are excellent.
Just right
she like it
What was old is new!
Reviewed by Patricia P (Savannah, GA) Reviewed for a 2008 Lexus RX 330 — Oct 30, 2015 3:53 AM
This dash cover is tasteful, well made and enhances the interior of our Lexus. We had several scratches on the dash and this cover does the job and then some. We highly recommend this cover.
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selected: gold, black & red
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Small Oval Labels ship within 1-2 business days. $2.99 flat rate shipping within the U.S. See delivery times and options.
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A sophisticated yet fun and interesting style that also works perfectly for your food and craft creations. Bold color blocks and rules dominate this design, with an old fashioned and quite different letter style that is a mixture of upper and lower case letters. A small and bold circle allows room for you to place one or two letters in a prominent place on the label. Your words are sure to stand out on your product with this design. Customize 23rd Avenue labels today!
Note: Waterproof labels are not guaranteed to withstand a trip through the dishwasher because some dishwasher detergents are caustic and may cause the inks to dissolve.


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"I've always been satisfied with any product I've purchased from here. So many nice styles to choose from and just a variety of options overall. No complaints here and I'll definitely recommend to others as well!"
"I was able to customize this label with a true navy background and a red heart to match some invitations we designed ourselves. I wanted to splurge a little on something and these address labels were worth it. They look great on the envelope and arrived quickly. The designer I worked with was very helpful and got back to me right away."
"We live on capitol hill and these were too cute. We requested some tweaks to the color scheme and the changes were incorporated quickly and perfectly."
"As always, a great product from WPD and arrived a week earlier than estimated. These were perfect for our thank you notes for our wedding gifts. However, I agree with other reviewers that they are definitely dark purple, not blue, so just be aware!"
"Just received these labels and they are perfect! The process was really easy, I didn't make any changes to the layout, just updated with our information. They look great and arrived really quickly. I can't wait to mail out our thank you cards with these labels."


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City leaders have long touted a continuing increase in ridership throughout the Knoxville Area Transit system, particularly along the free downtown and university area routes navigated by the trolleys, the red and bronze-trimmed buses decked out to resemble vintage trams.
But, the numbers officials use are more than likely not accurate and not as high as reported, according to a WBIR 10News investigation. And, because of a federal grant formula in which more riders means more money, the bad information could impact how much federal money the city continues to receive for transit
KAT, formed in 1995 out of the K-Trans organization, operates the public bus system for Knoxville. It's comprised of more than 20 routes that charge fares and another three trolley routes that are free. It also offers shuttle services. Ridership on the fare routes, which increased by 20 percent from 2011 to 2013, is easily traced through ticket sales.
But, the trolley drivers are responsible for tracking ridership along their routes. Each time a passenger boards, the driver punches a button that chimes a bell and logs the count into the system. About a year ago, a reporter first noticed several drivers incorrectly tallying the passengers by clicking the button more than once per passenger.
In recent months, two WBIR reporters spent hours on the trolleys, monitoring the operators. The two reporters witnessed hundreds of inaccuracies by a number of drivers during the trips.
WBIR showed some of the video it recorded to KAT officials.
"It is continually stressed throughout the training to accurately record the passengers," said KAT Director of Marketing and Development Belinda Brill, calling the training "pretty extensive."
She added that drivers sometimes use different methods to record passengers "and we may be seeing some of that or we may be seeing a driver who's not properly recording passengers."
Still, Brill said officials "look for intense accuracy" and that "we will definitely do some refresher training."
She also conceded that accurate ridership numbers are crucial to securing federal funding. For example, the system this fiscal year received a $5.3 million in monies allocated based on a formula that includes factors like population, density, operating miles, and passenger miles.
If the numbers are wrong, then the system could lose at least some of those dollars. Just how much, however, isn't known at this point, but she said officials would start digging into the matter.
The trolley system uses 18 drivers and typically operates two buses per route, which run five to six days a week, depending on the schedule.
The routes are:
- Gay Street, which travels the downtown's main north-south thoroughfare and part of Hill Avenue to the Marriott.
- The Downtown Loop, which connects the Knoxville Civic Coliseum to the Church Avenue Knoxville Station while traveling along Gay Street, Summit Hill Drive, Locust Street and Main Street.
- The Vol. Line, which links the University of Tennessee via Cumberland Avenue to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum garage and Knoxville Station.
Trolley highlights include the historic Bijou Theater, the Blount Mansion, James White's Fort, the Tennessee Theatre and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
Trolley Maps: A look at the trolley routes and schedules
Trolley ridership: The number of passengers KAT officials say use the free trolleys
Fare ridership: The number of passengers who pay to use the bus system
Budget: A look at some of KAT's revenues
KAT implemented the three current trolley routes in August 2011, the second month of fiscal year 2012, after holding a series of public meetings to determine how best to accommodate as many riders as possible.
That fiscal year, operators recorded a combined 450,647 passengers for the three routes.
The following fiscal year, ridership jumped to 677,905 passengers, according to KAT. Through the first five months of the current fiscal year, ridership stood at more than 331,300.
The biggest jumps between the first two years occurred along the Gay Street line, which saw an almost 86 percent increase in ridership from 116,319 passengers to 216,080. WBIR reporters documented more cases of inaccurate counting on that route than the other two.
On one mid-January ride along Gay Street, for example, the chiming ring of the bell continued to echo long after the passengers who boarded the bus had sat down. The driver hit the bell almost 30 times – when only seven riders had boarded.
A short time later, two passengers were counted as 10.
The Vol. Line increased by 32.5 percent from FY 12 to FY 13, and the Downtown Loop jumped 48.5 percent.
Reporters noted during a trip along the Vol. Line one driver rarely counted passengers.
KAT currently operates on an almost $20 million budget with just over half coming from the city, according to finance records that document the system's revenues. It also receives $2 million in state grants and another $4.7 million in federal grants. Ticket fares cover another $2.4 million.more
Knoxville is one of four city-run transportation services in the state where some federal dollars rely on the number of passengers who use the services.
The city receives money from "Section 5307" funding, also known as the Urbanized Area Formula Transit Grant Program. The grant reimburses Knoxville for fleet and facility costs, for the cost of providing the LIFT service, and for complying with federal requirements.
One percent of the funding also must be used for "transit enhancement activities," like historic preservation, landscaping, public art, pedestrian or bicycle access and enhanced access for persons with disabilities, according to federal guidelines.
Knoxville's allocation from the Section 5307 grants has increased each of the past three fiscal years, jumping from $4.5 million in FY 2011 to its current $5.3 million.
But, officials acknowledged that if KAT doesn't accurately report the number of passengers, then the city may receive more money than it should.
Brill, though, downplayed the impact, saying it could be a "slight" difference" but not a "significant" one.
"I think it would take an enormous amount of operators not recording passengers or not recording passengers correctly to statistically affect that amount," she said. "Again, it's not something that's ideal. If we've got one or two drivers out there who may not be as accurate as we'd like them to be, that's definitely something we'd look into. But I think one or two drivers that may not be as accurate as we'd like them to be, I don't think would be significant enough to affect those numbers."
She added that despite the poor tallying, trolley ridership has increased.
In the meantime, Cliff Reynolds, director of risk management for KAT, said the drivers will take a refresher course.
"(We'll want) to do a focus training that we emphasize all the retraining . . . or driving habits, things of that nature," he said.


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By Mike Sansbury
of The Grove Bookshop
AS A student in the French city of Grenoble in the mid 1980s, I visited the musee de la resistance, a well-meaning but deeply confusing collection of photographs, documents and relics which convinced me that something momentous had happened in the area during the war but which failed to put across exactly what had taken place. I have Paddy Ashdown to thank for giving a clear, gripping account of the activities of the maquis as they strove to outwit the occupying German army. It is a complex tale of courage, fear and betrayal, and Ashdown tells it well.
Grenoble, in south-eastern France, sits in a kind of basin, surrounded by three great Alpine ranges, the Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors massifs. It was to the third of these that Resistance fighters retired to create as much diversion as possible in the period around D-Day, and their efforts were initially supported from London with ammunition drops and visits from top S.O.E. operatives. Ashdown highlights the contrast between the meetings of two sets of commanders; Churchill and de Gaulle clearly struggle to get on, fighting to suppress personal animosity and frustration while attempting to save the world from a distance, whereas in Grenoble the two sector commanders, Francois Huet and the splendidly named Roland Costa de Beauregard (men from very different backgrounds) meet in the mountains to plan their campaign to save the very ground beneath their feet. Here, too, differences must be set aside.
As a military man, Paddy Ashdown is excellent at describing army movements and tactics, but he also manages to put across the complex emotions of men who are trying to rid their homes of tyrannical occupation in the full knowledge that any action will inevitably be met with brutal reprisals. The Vercors region was beyond the zone occupied by the Nazis, but this just made things more difficult in a way; order was kept by the Vichy-led malice, Frenchmen guarding Frenchmen, which made score-settling and grudge-bearing much easier. Betraying one countryman to another must have seemed a far less heinous crime than delivering them into the hands of a foreign occupier.
In the aftermath of D-Day, Allied resources were diverted to Northern France, which meant that the men of the Vercors suddenly found their support ebbing away. Axis exasperation with the Vichy regime also meant that German and Italian troops now poured into the region from all directions, so that the four thousand or so local volunteers hiding in the mountains were suddenly faced with a huge army. The result was inevitable, but out of initial defeat came a regrouping, a strengthening of resolve, and eventual triumph.
The maquis of the Vercors were not an army; they were 4,500 individuals, each with a stake in defending their home, and Paddy Ashdown tells many individuals' tales. His research is detailed and his enthusiasm undimmed by the obstacles faced in digging up the stories of the men involved. Several myths are debunked and the aftermath of the war is examined carefully, but the author is all too aware that, once the all too real dust had settled, life would never be the same for the combatants on this battlefield. Describing the return to Grenoble of maquisards who had spent months away training, he suggests that, seeing the unchanging pattern of traffic, the familiar smells, sights and sounds of city life, "it was as if they had suddenly re-entered the twentieth century from some more primitive age." How much stranger life must have seemed once hostilities had ceased.


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I've been checking all the cams I know along the whole east coast and have seen this at almost every single one: nj underground.jpgAt Manasquan, there are bombs that just hit the bar and go below sea level and explode like this one:mutant barrel.jpg Its crazy. http://www.surfchex.com/manasquan-web-cam.php Just wait til the cam switches to theinlet and the jetty and you'll see what I'm talking about. No they're not the same pics.
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Lutz's first HR backs terrific Arroyo in sweep
Prospect knocks three-run shot as righty throws 6 2/3 scoreless frames
CINCINNATI -- Mother's Day is recognized in Germany, too, so Reds rookie outfielder Donald Lutz made sure to call his mother, Marlen, at home about an hour before Sunday's game vs. the Brewers.
"It was pretty funny when I called her [to say] Happy Mother's Day," Lutz said. "She said, 'What's wrong with your voice?' Because I've seen sick. She said, 'Make sure you take your vitamins.'"
Lutz, the first German-developed player to reach the Majors, had more than enough strength to help power the Reds to a 5-1 win over the Brewers for a three-game series sweep. In the bottom of the second inning against Wily Peralta, Lutz hit his first Major League home run.
"That was a big home run by big Lutz," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "His first home run, so we were just afraid to slap hands with him, because he's got some heavy hands."
To begin the bottom of the second inning, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce hit back-to-back singles. With one out, the left-handed Lutz pulled a 0-1 Peralta fastball up and in and sent it quickly to right field.
Auf Wiedersehen, baseball.
Lutz's drive hit the foul pole, giving the Reds a 3-0 lead.
"That's the pitch we wanted," Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado said. "We talked about that in the meeting, and then tried to throw a perfect pitch, and he got a good swing on it. It's weird. Especially to keep it fair -- that's a good piece of hitting right there. The funny part was, as soon as he hit it, I thought it would be foul. But it didn't go. That's the game, right there."
Called up from Double-A Pensacola on April 29 when Chris Heisey went on the disabled list, Lutz is hitting .316 in nine games. Until the homer, all of his hits were singles. A big 6-foot-3, 251-pound 24-year-old, he wasn't stressing over not hitting one out -- even if he might be on borrowed big league time, as Heisey is close to returning from a strained hamstring.
"Obviously, it's a big one and helped us win the game and stuff," said Lutz, who played hockey as a teenager before being turned on to baseball by his brother Sascha. "It wasn't like 'OK, I have to hit one now. I told everybody whenever it happens, it happens.' I already had more singles here than I had in the Minors the whole six weeks."
After the ball hit the pole and bounced back on the field, a fan picked it up from the dirt near the wall. The Reds were able to work out an exchange with the fan to get Lutz the ball as a keepsake. Eventually, Lutz will give the ball to his mom, who watched the game from Germany, according to her son.
For Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, the homer helped him gain command of the game on a day when he wasn't feeling his best.
"You don't want to keep zeros on the board early in the game," Arroyo said. "We popped three [runs] up there, and it makes the offense feel good and it doesn't feel like a one-day thing after putting up 13 yesterday. I think it helped us a lot."
Poor Brewers defense gave Cincinnati another run in the third inning. Joey Votto was on first base with a one-out single when Phillips bounced back to the mound. Given an easy shot at an inning-ending double play, Peralta made an error throwing to second base that left everybody safe. Next was Bruce, who grounded a potential double-play ball to second base. Shortstop Jean Segura's throw to first zipped into the camera well behind first base, letting Votto score.
Arroyo had no such issues as he and the Reds kept Milwaukee in check much of the day. A one-out walk to Segura in the first was erased when catcher Ryan Hanigan threw him out trying to steal for the third out. Arroyo gave up Yuniesky Betancourt's leadoff double in the second inning and retired the side in order with two called strikeouts.
In the fourth inning, Segura hit a leadoff double and Betancourt lofted a soft one-out single before Arroyo escaped by getting Maldonado to ground to shortstop for the inning-ending double play.
Arroyo pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings overall and allowed five hits with one walk and five strikeouts to snap a personal three-start losing streak. It also snapped a nine-game streak without a quality start for the Reds rotation.
"I was laboring every inning," said Arroyo, who threw only 87 pitches. "It probably didn't look like that. After the sixth, I told them those 65 pitches felt like 90 and to just be aware of that to have somebody ready to go. I knew I was getting away with some pitches I normally wouldn't, and that game could get out of hand quicker than you thought."
In the seventh inning against Brewers reliever Mike Fiers, pinch-hitter Xavier Paul sent a 2-0 pitch to right field for a home run. It was the fourth homer as a pinch-hitter in Paul's career.
In the eighth inning, a beach ball found its way onto the warning track in left field, and Lutz called for a timeout. He twice tried to whack the ball back into the seats before it floated back onto the field.
Finally, Lutz just gave up and handed the beach ball to a bat boy.
"I should have just stomped on it and put it in my pocket," Lutz said with a smile.
Fortunately for the Reds, Lutz hits baseballs better than he disposes of beach balls.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Spanish banks could be €50bn short of new capital requirements, says Moody's, revising its previous estimate of €17bn based on old requirements. This is roughly 5 per cent of Spanish GDP and considerably higher than the Spanish government's estimate of €20bn.
Overall savings banks' exposure to the real estate sector is €217bn, by Bank of Spain data. Of that, €100bn, or nearly half, is considered "problematic". €28bn are under surveillance and considered risky; a further €28bn are more than 90 days past due; and €44bn are foreclosed. Problematic indeed. The most troubling sentence from the Moody's report is that just 40 per cent of the €217bn loan exposure is collateralised by finished, completed housing:


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After today's action, even the bulls are growing a weary of this lopsided market. It has been slowly inching up since the big gap to start the new year, and the pace of the advance gained momentum today. The persistence of the buyers is impressive.
We simply have not looked back since the big move on the fiscal-cliff deal. There have been very minor pullbacks, but the upside move has been slow enough to prevent the market from being dramatically overbought. It is still in good shape technically, although the bears are complaining loud and long about complacency. I heard quite a few traders express disappointment today with the action on their screens. They felt they weren't keeping up with the indices and weren't happy with the action in individual holdings. Whatever drove the indices today wasn't in the portfolios of the traders I talked with.
Sometimes I'm a bit repetitive about sticking with the price action until there is an actual shift. I do that, in part, because I have to remind myself how often this market has produced V-shape moves that kill the folks trying too hard to call tops. It is hard to resist the temptation to look for a sudden reverse and have to make a conscious effort not to.
There are a few things about the action to worry about if you are so inclined, but the way to deal with that is to cut the individual stocks that aren't acting right. The broader market still has not committed any major sins.
Intel (INTC) earnings came out a few minutes before the bell. The stock spiked up a little at first but is now falling on tepid guidance. INTC has often been an important bellwether, so we'll have to watch it carefully tomorrow.
Have a good evening. I'll see you tomorrow.


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THIS was the scene outside the car park of Bridgwater's Angel Place Shopping Centre this afternoon (March 3).
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene following a two-vehicle accident at around 2.30pm.
A police spokesman said: "The accident happened on Mount Street. Police, ambulance and fire services were called and the road was closed.
"One person was trapped in one of the cars. A woman was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital but was not thought to have serious injuries.
"Mount Street was opened again at about 3.30pm."


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New York City Retail sales are expected to rise at the slowest pace in six years as shoppers worry about a slumping housing market and slower job growth, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The retail trade group released its 2008 economic outlook at its annual conference in New York City on Monday.
Total retail sales are slated to grow 3.5%, falling below last year's estimated 4.0% pace and marking the weakest growth since 2002, when retail sales climbed 3.0%, the NRF said. The retail sales figure excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants. The final 2007 figure won't be known until Tuesday when the Commerce Department is slated to report December's total retail sales figures.
"The consumer is full of anxiety," said Rosalind Wells, chief economist at NRF, noting a number of financial pressures that are weighing on shoppers, from higher gas costs to tightening credit. "Retailers will once again be forced to market to more practical consumers, many of whom will be looking to trade down. Even areas of past high growth like luxury goods and online shopping will feel the pressure. In 2008, the challenges will be formidable for everyone."
Wells expects sluggish sales in the first half of the year to eventually give way to strong sales in the third and fourth quarter, as she believes that a move by the Federal Reserve to further cut interest rates will help revive the economy.


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You won't be able to dismiss this by usual means (escape or click button), but you can close it programatically based on user choices or actions.
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Updated at 2:26 p.m. ET
With the collapse of talks between the White House and House Republicans, all eyes are now on the Senate to broker a deal that reopens the government and lifts the debt ceiling before the government reaches the end of its borrowing authority - and potentially defaults on the nation's debt - on Thursday.
The Senate convened for a rare weekend session on Sunday, 13 days into the government shutdown and only one day after two separate plans to resolve the standoff ran aground in the upper chamber. One, a proposal offered by Democrats that would raise the debt ceiling through 2014 without any legislative add-ons, was blocked by a unified caucus of 45 Senate Republicans.
The other was a plan spearheaded by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in consultation with moderate Democrats, that would have raised the debt ceiling through January and reopened the government for six months in exchange for a two-year delay of the tax on medical devices levied by Obamacare. That plan was brushed aside by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who said it conceded too much in pursuit a short-term solution.
The burden of finding a workable deal has now fallen squarely on the shoulders of Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who met on Saturday morning for talks that Reid characterized as preliminary but encouraging.
For the most part, senators of both parties on Sunday voiced a measured sense of optimism that Congress would be able to steer its way out of the mess before the debt ceiling is breached, but the parameters of any potential deal remain very much uncertain.
- Republicans, Obama again at impasse over government shutdown: Now what?
- Sen. Schumer optimistic that Senate negotiators can end the government shutdown
Republicans expressed frustration that Collins' proposal had been shelved by Democratic leadership, accusing the Democrats of recklessly pressing their advantage as the deadline approaches.
"I did think we had a framework for a plan," said Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., on "Face the Nation." "We had six Democrats, six Republicans. Something that would get the government open, address the debt ceiling also. Some things we could agree around Obamacare. ... We were close and then the Senate Democratic leadership, and I believe the White House, pulled back."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said on "Face the Nation" that Democrats had been emboldened by poll numbers showing the GOP bearing the brunt of blame for the crisis, and had therefore decided to stiffen their negotiating posture at the last minute.
"I'm disappointed that twice they were close to a deal and the Democrats moved the goalpost in light of the polling data," he said.
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said that while Republicans entered the shutdown debate with unreasonable demands to scuttle key portions of Obamacare, it is now Democrats who are guilty of bargaining too aggressively.
"Republicans started off in a place that was an overreach, to defund a law that was central to the president's agenda was not achievable," he said on "Fox News Sunday." "Now Democrats are I think getting too cute. They now are overreaching."
In a statement released Sunday, McConnell called on Democratic leaders to reconsider their opposition to Collins' proposal. "There is a bipartisan plan in place that has the support of Democrat and Republican Senators. It would reopen the government, prevent a default, provide the opportunity for additional budget negotiations around Washington's long-term debt, and maintain the commitment that Congress made to reduce Washington spending," he said. "It's time for Democrat leaders to take 'yes' for an answer."
Still, some lawmakers expressed hope that the framework of a deal constructed by Collins could be resuscitated and reworked to eventually reach a solution.
"I think the plan and work that we're doing is positive," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., with whom Collins was consulting on her plan, on CNN. "I think what Sen. Reid meant is that he wasn't going to accept every little detail of it. But I think he knows that there are some positive things in that plan that are very good. For instance, we are talking about opening the government again and doing it in a smart timeframe."
Collins herself said on CNN that lawmakers continued to express interest in exploring her offer, even after Reid had sidelined it, signaling that it might yet provide the basis for a deal.
"Just last night, I had two more Democrats and a Republican contact me to offer suggestions and say they wanted to be part of my group," she said. "I do believe we're going to see a resolution this week."
While Reid and McConnell have offered scant details about the scope of their negotiations, there is some speculation that, in addition to raising the debt ceiling and reopening the government, a final deal could include an agreement to reexamine the spending cuts enacted under sequestration.
"Look, neither Democrats nor Republicans like the sequester," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. on "Face the Nation." "The dispute has been how to undo sequester. Republicans want to do it with entitlement cuts. In other words, take entitlement cuts and then put that money into undoing at least part of sequester. Democrats want to do it with a mix of mandatory cuts, some entitlements and revenues. And so how do you overcome that dilemma? We're not going to overcome it in the next day or two. But if we were to open up the government for a period of time that concluded before the sequester took place, which is Jan. 15, we could have a whole bunch of discussions."
"I am more optimistic than most we could come to an agreement," he added. "That was one place where the House Republicans and the president were not at total loggerheads."
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., warned on CNN, however, that it would be a mistake for Democrats to undermine the deficit reduction accomplished by sequestration.
"I think the one thing I cannot accept, and the one thing that I think is really not even a compromise at all, is the Democrats want to exceed the sequester caps, these things that we put into law to restrain spending already," he said. "I can't imagine you're going to get Senate Republicans to vote for something that exceeds the sequester caps. I think it's a huge mistake for the country. The number one problem we face is our debt. We have to do something about our debt."
On the Senate floor Sunday, Reid disavowed any talk of exceeding the spending limits imposed by sequestration. "Any talk of breaking the caps is not coming" from Democratic leaders, he said
While the locus of the action is now in the Senate, any eventual deal must also be approved by the House before it goes to President Obama's desk. Some expressed concern on Sunday about whether the House would be able to muster the support to pass whatever the Senate eventually sends across the capitol.
"I'm worried about a deal coming out of the Senate, that a majority of Republicans can't vote for in the House, that really does compromise [House] Speaker [John] Boehner's leadership," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on ABC's "This Week." "And after all this mess is over, do we really want to compromise John Boehner as leader of the House? I don't think so."


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Related stories: Future is uncertain for foreclosure idea | The basics | The pros and cons | What would stop it? | Meet some of the key players
A San Francisco investment firm is poised to take on Wall Street and the mortgage industry with an unprecedented proposal to have local government use eminent domain to acquire underwater mortgages.
Mortgage Resolution Partners has pitched the idea to municipalities across the U.S. hardest hit by the subprime mortgage crisis, including Sacramento, Berkeley, Las Vegas and Chicago.
But San Bernardino County is the first to have taken actual steps to consider the unique proposal, and all eyes appear to be on the county to see what action it will take.
"I think they're kind of waiting to see what happens here," said Inland Empire economist John Husing, who believes the idea presents the first clear path in developing a strategy that could ultimately solve the subprime mortgage crisis. "Whether it's Mortgage Resolution Partners or some other strategy, the fact is, if you can't figure out a way to bring down what people owe (on their mortgages), then we're stuck in this recession for multiple years."
Eminent domain is typically used by government as a tool to acquire private property, at fair market value and via court order, for redevelopment or infrastructure projects. But Mortgage Resolution Partners' proposal, if implemented, could establish new case law as to how the process is used.
San Bernardino County is among the country's most severely affected areas in terms of foreclosures. Out of 317,000 mortgages in the county, about 150,000 of them are underwater.
Success or failure in solving the problem via eminent domain or some other means may influence how other communities attempt to solve their own problems.
But it's Inland Empire officials who find themselves in the role of deciding whether to press forward with an untested solution to a problem that has eluded a political resolution for about half of a decade.
But questions abound, and those questions are generating political heat, from Wall Street to Main Street, from Congress to Sacramento and from The Wall Street Journal to the Huffington Post. Is the proposal legal? Will it stimulate or depress economies? Is it even necessary, given some tentative signs the housing market may finally be on the upswing after five years of weakness?
Taking communities back
Mortgage Resolution Partners Chairman Steven Gluckstern isn't derailed by the questions.
For him, the plan is about erasing debt and giving households breathing room to stay in their homes, make more purchases, and thus propping up the overall economy.
And it hits the heart of Wall Street, which created the housing bust in the first place, he said.
Here's the way it works:
Local governments would identify which loans are most likely to default or which have defaulted, and then "seize" them using eminent domain.
They would identify them from a pool of debt held by "private label" mortgage-backed securities - sliced and diced pieces of loans held in trust that are bundled and sold in bulk to private investors across the globe.
Mortgage Resolution Partners would use its investors' dollars to pay off the holder of the mortgage at a fair market rate.
The county, once securing the loan notes, would modify the loans to current market value, which would lower monthly mortgage payments and allow homeowners to build equity.
The loans would then be sold to hedge and pension funds or other investors, with the proceeds being used to pay off the outside investors who funded the eminent domain process. Mortgage Resolution Partners would take a flat fee of $4,500 for each loan seized.
Homeowners would have no say about whether their loans would be purchased, and there is no way for them to opt out of the program. They can decline, however, to refinance.
In the end, it would all come at little to no cost to taxpayers, according to the firm.
Originally, the plan would have helped only a small fraction of homeowners who had been current on their mortgage payments for at least 12 months.
But this month the firm expanded its idea to include homeowners who have defaulted or who are delinquent on their loan payments.
That, according to the firm, would expand the pool of homeowners who could be helped from about 5,000 to 15,000, and up to 42,000 families countywide - if other local cities were to join a joint-powers agency set up to explore the proposal.
At the moment, the agency includes the cities of Ontario and Fontana, and the county.
So the homeowners helped would potentially be in those cities, and unincorporated San Bernardino County.
For Gluckstern and his firm of venture capitalists it's about local control.
"The future of America, in my opinion, stems on our ability to fix problems locally, not nationally," Gluckstern said.
Political heat
That, however, is only one side of the story.
U.S. Rep. John Campbell, R-Irvine, on Thursday introduced federal legislation aimed at blocking local governments across the nation from using eminent domain to seize underwater mortgages.
The Defending American Taxpayers from Abusive Government Takings Act, or H.R. 6397, would prohibit the nation's top four mortgage lenders - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs - from purchasing or guaranteeing loans in counties or cities that use eminent domain to seize underwater mortgages.
"Those four entities make or guarantee 97 percent of all home loans in the U.S. today," Campbell said Friday. "If any city or county does this, no one in that city or county would be able to get a loan in the future. It would eliminate the ability for most people to get loans."
Campbell joins Wall Street and the mortgage industry in opposing the idea.
They've called it unconstitutional and a transfer of wealth from one private group of investors to another.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and 25 other trade organizations have warned the county that it could become mired in legal action with holders of mortgage loans should it go forward with the program.
They say lenders would be less likely to extend credit to potential homebuyers where eminent domain is used to seize mortgages, and would seek significant risk premiums to compensate for the risk of loan seizures.
Bottom line: it would beef up the cost of a mortgage, among other negative effects, they say.
"The use of eminent domain confronts lenders and investors with an unquantifiable new risk, which will reduce the amount of credit available to potential homeowners and causing irreparable damage to the recovering national housing market," said Randy Snook, SIFMA's executive vice president, in a news release. "These negative outcomes will vastly outweigh any small benefits that jurisdictions might hope to achieve using these proposals."
Bankers aren't the only ones concerned about the plan's effect on the housing market. So is the federal government.
The plan has the attention of a federal regulator. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the conservator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, outlined the agency's concerns in an August announcement in the Federal Register.
"FHFA has determined that action may be necessary on its part to avoid a risk to safe-and-sound operations at its regulated entities and to avoid taxpayer expense," the agency announced on Aug. 8.
Campbell seemed to echo that point Thursday.
Though private-label mortgage-backed securities do not conform to the criteria set by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, the federal lenders still own a stake in them. Their investment portfolios would sustain losses of up to 30 percent should the seizing of mortgages via eminent domain become widespread, Campbell said.
Retirement savings plans including 401(k)s and IRAs would also take a heavy hit, as a large of number of private-label mortgage-backed securities are tied up in those funds, Campbell said.
Additionally, such programs present significant risks of corruption, as local governments could appraise properties targeted for loan seizure as low as possible in order to increase their potential profit, Campbell said.
Claremont Graduate University professor Jay Prag, who leads the school's Executive Management Program, agreed that introducing eminent domain into mortgage markets could suppress lending and local growth.
"No private lender will willingly make a mortgage loan in a city, where the city shows a willingness to change the rules," he said. "It won't be zero, but you won't see a rapid growth in property values again."
SIFMA has warned that if any government agency's actually initiate eminent domain proceedings to force the sale of a mortgage note, they will exclude loans from being traded on what is called a "TBA" market - which is like a futures market for mortgage-backed securities.
Why should anyone care?
California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom maintained that move may be an illegal attempt to block credit from an area where local governments engage in policies Wall Street does not agree with.
Newsom made that case this past week in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. He asked the Justice Department to investigate SIFMA and anyone else who may be engaging in anti-competitive practices to block the eminent domain proposal.
A Justice Department spokeswoman said the department has received Newsom's letter and will take any action it deems appropriate.
Mortgage Resolution Partners has recommended that the FHFA cooperate with state and local governments considering the proposal. Any retaliation against such governments would essentially create the conditions for denying someone a loan just because of an area they live in, the firm said.
But if this use of eminent domain works the way it's envisioned by its backers, it would increase the value of loans held in securities, said Graham Williams, chief executive officer for Mortgage Resolution Partners.
Impeding such actions would be contrary to the FHFA's mandate, he added.
The firm also assured that when determining the fair market value of underwater loans during the eminent domain process, governments would use the same methodologies used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the same kind of loans.
John Vlahoplus, chief strategy officer at Mortgage Resolution Partners, called the "misplaced fears" that governments will pay less than fair value for loans "nonsense," being that the eminent domain process ensures fair market value be paid.
"The jury sets the price based on appraisals, and the cities pay fair values for the loans," Vlahoplus said. "They are just trying anything they can to stop this from occurring because they know they are going to lose when they get to court. All they can do is threaten and intimidate."
Accurate valuations
Figuring out the correct price for a loan could nonetheless be a difficult task, said Gideon Kanner, a professor emeritus at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said.
Mortgage Resolution Partners and any governmental allies who agree to their plan would be essentially cherry-picking mortgage notes, which would change the overall value of the security, Kanner said.
That could entitle investors to additional payments, because taking one mortgage out of a pool of them would diminish the overall value of what's left of the security.
He compared the process to a grocery shopper reaching inside a pyramid of canned goods that have been placed on display to buy an item from the middle of the pile, instead of one at the top.
"They will have to reach inside the pyramid and grab the can. I'm not sure they can do it without damaging the pyramid," said.
Legal question
Getting that far into the process, however, assumes the courts would uphold this use of eminent domain to acquire mortgage securities.
Kanner predicted the courts would probably allow eminent domain proceedings to take place, given wide expansions of the power beyond its traditional application of buying real estate for public works projects.
"Can these things be taken? The answer is probably yes. I say `probably' because it's never been done before and you can never tell. Judges can be unpredictable," he said.
There are other complications, Kanner said. A 2007 law that spared homeowners who received mortgage debt relief from having to pay taxes on that relief as if it were income expires at the end of this year.
If Congress does not extend the law, any homeowners who get a break from the kind of plan Mortgage Resolution Partners is presenting may have to pay taxes on debt forgiveness.
"Uncle Sam is a greedy bastard, and he never sleeps," Kanner said.
Reach Joe via email, call him at 909-386-3874, or find him on Twitter @SBCountyNow.
Reach Andrew via email, call him at 909-483-8550, or find him on Twitter @InlandBizz.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 3/5/2011 (2303 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
NDP candidate Rebecca Blaikie lost by 117 votes last night in a squeaker in Winnipeg North, thanks to Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux's strength in Tyndall Park and some advance votes that bumped him over the top.
The Freep's Melissa Martin tweeted last night that Blaikie was pumped about the NDP's remarkable gains federally, despite her loss. She was equally cheerful this morning, but coy about what she might do next.
For now, she said she'd go back to her job co-managing the Community Education Resource Association on Selkirk Avenue.
I asked whether there might be a role for her in Opposition Leader Jack Layton's office. He'll certainly be hiring. Blaikie said she hadn't thought about it yet but was keeping her options open.
She did speak highly of the new NDP caucus which, despite jokes about new MPs who went to Vegas instead of campaigning, is replete with some quality people (including Freep business columnist Marty Cash's rock star brother — www.cashfortoronto.ca/), who is as dapper and slouchy as Marty.)
Keep in mind Blaikie laid the groundwork for the NDP's remarkable gains in Quebec. When no one else wanted the job, she ran the party's Quebec wing and helped orchestrate MP Thomas Mulcair's toehold in the Outremont riding.
"We had nothing, and someone had to build the from-scratch part and I was nuts enough to try," she said.
That grassroots work paid dividends last night in the form of 58 seats. If Blaikie had stayed in Montreal, she might be an MP now.
One thing she all but ruled out was a run provincially. The number of core-area ridings without NDP nominees is dwindling anyway, but Blaikie said it's not her intention to run for the provincial NDP.


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This Forum has been archivedVisit the new Forums
|Forums: Index → Narutopedia Discussion → Chakra levels?
I've been trying to find information on average chakra levels for different classes of shinobi as well as the tailed beasts. My main question is, in pure chakra level, not fighting skill, where would a jounin or kage level shinobi match up against the one tail? I ask because we know that the ten tails was pretty much just shy of an infinite amount of chakra, right? Therefore when split, 2/9ths of that chakra is in each tail of the 9 tailed beasts (ie. one tail has 2/9ths, two tails has 4/9ths, etc.). So, just on a pure chakra level, where would 2/9ths of the Juubi's chakra match up with shinobi levels?--—This unsigned comment was made by 184.108.40.206 (talk • contribs) .
We have nothing to truly compare the chakra levels of shinobi and Tailed Beasts, all we have to compare is the databook numbers but that is between shinobi(Stamina). Anyone trying to say anything beyond that is speculating. Same goes for how much the 10 tails chakra was split up between beasts seeing as for what is shown it wasn't distributed evenly.Umishiru (talk) 23:54, August 13, 2011 (UTC)
Your rank doesn't depict your chakra levels or vice versa, nothing does actually it's a personal thing well except in some cases like I think for instance people with kekkei genkai tend to have greater chakra reserves to support said abilities (but i'm not sure of that so take it with a grain of salt). Also if jōnin and kage level people had chakra on the same level as the one-Tail, then there'd be no need for the beasts would there? There are simply some people with massive chakra reserves like Naruto and A and those without them. Otherwise from that there's no standard attached to it.--Cerez365™ 00:00, August 14, 2011 (UTC)
Sorry for the post ^^^^ of asdf. Any way there is really no chart or a graph that compare the chakara levels of a talied beast and humans. The first tailed beast probably have enormous supply of chakara compare to humans, where as the nine-tails have hundreds of times larger than humans, and shikaku have several. And probably in manga when it is stated a certain person have the chakara level of a tailed beast, it probably means the amount of chakara the person posses is similar to that of the first-tailed. —This unsigned comment was made by 18.104.22.168 (talk • contribs) .
There is currently no graph or system to measure their levels against tailed beasts.Umishiru (talk) 22:48, September 9, 2011 (UTC)