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Get an overview of this hotelDC suburban all-suite hotel near National Institutes of Health
Collecting Nectar Points
Special Offer: Book by 2 August 2017 and collect double Nectar points!
Simply enter your Nectar card number when you check out. Your points will be credited 35 days after you return from your trip.
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Popular property highlights
Close to downtown
This 11-story DC suburban hotel is four miles from the National Institutes of Health and downtown Bethesda, and 10 miles from the National Zoo and Washington National Cathedral.
Indoor-outdoor pool
Guests at this Marriott Suites can use a fitness center and an indoor-outdoor splash pool with spa tub; the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within five miles upon request.
Signature bedding
The 272 guestrooms at this all-suite DC suburban Marriott Suites feature signature bedding with down comforters and 300-thread-count cotton linens, separate living areas, and high-speed Internet access.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Bethesda Marriott Suites
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Located in an office park four miles from downtown Bethesda, Bethesda Marriott Suites offers complimentary WiFi Internet access in the Greatroom and a 24-hour business center with printing, faxing, and copying facilities. Ten meeting rooms encompass 5,000 sq feet of space; audiovisual equipment, event catering, and wireless Internet access. This Washington DC suburban hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius upon request.
A two-story, glass-walled atrium houses a spa tub and an indoor splash pool connected to a seasonal outdoor splash pool. The hotel's upgraded fitness center has cardiovascular equipment, weight machines, and free weights. An on-site restaurant serves American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an adjacent lounge offers cocktails and Starbucks coffee.
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Conference space
- Express check-out
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM/banking
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Number of floors - 11
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Express check-in
- Free WiFi
- Laundry facilities
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Meeting rooms 10
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 272
- Porter/bellhop
- Restaurant
- Snack bar/deli
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Free area shuttle
- Smoke-free property
- Spa tub
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Indoor pool
- Separate living room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Area shuttle (complimentary)
- Snack bar/deli
- Laundry facilities
- Sofa bed
- Refrigerator
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms:
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Pay movies
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Air conditioning
- Free weekday newspaper
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Private bathroom
- Designer toiletries
- Shower/tub combination
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Daily housekeeping
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Desk
- Sofa bed
- Smart TV
- Netflix
- Digital TV service
- Flat-panel TV
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Separate living room
- Room service (24 hours)
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Where to Eat
Democracy Grille - This lobby restaurant serves traditional American fare in a contemporary setting with hardwood floors and sleek furnishings. Patio dining is available in warm weather. Open for buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch and dinner.
Lobby Bar - Adjacent to the restaurant, the lounge offers beer, wine, cocktails, Starbucks coffee, and lunch and dinner from the Democracy Grille menu.
Nearby Things to Do
Guests can swim in a seasonal outdoor pool connected to a year-round indoor pool housed in a glass-walled, two-story atrium. The fitness center has weight machines, treadmills, a stair machine, elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes, and free weights.
Seven miles from the hotel, Sligo Creek has a nine-hole public golf course, a driving range, and a putting green. The 18-hole course at Falls Road is 3.5 miles away.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Free rollaway/extra beds!
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: USD 18 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 12.95 per day (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 15 per day
Hotel Name
- Bethesda Marriott Suites
- Bethesda Marriott Suites Hotel
- Marriott Suites Bethesda
- Marriott Bethesda


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants
White gums
Is it normal for gums around stainless steel crowns to be white after healing?
It's not unusual for the gums to be white soon after a stainless steel crown has been seated. The color of the gums should return to normal after a few hours. It's also possible for some excess cement to be exposed along the gum line. Have your child examined by the dentist who placed the crown to be sure.
Dennis J McTigue, DDS
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University

subset: commoncrawl


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Safety & Security
As the Executive Director of Safety and Security, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Pace University and briefly describe how we work to provide a safe and secure campus environment.
Our first approach is through the employment of a professional in-house security staff with many years of law enforcement and private security experience.
The second approach is through the use of a top-notch uniform security guard company. Both are on hand 24 hours a day to provide professional support and security services. We have developed an electronic security system, which includes closed circuit television cameras, intrusion alarms, card access readers and an emergency communication system. We are continually improving these systems and studying new technologies being introduced in the security field.
In addition, we have developed a Security Awareness Program. Our staff addresses various groups and uses the Pace Intranet and school newspapers to send alerts, update information and furnish tips on safety and security.
Once again, welcome to Pace University. For more information about Pace Safety and Security, please take the time to read our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and Pace's Sexual Assault Resources. Remember that safety and security is everyone's business.
Vincent Beatty
Executive Director of Safety and Security
Phone: (914) 773-3700
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Behind the Scenes: Filming a Blog Cabin Episode
I had the privilege of being a fly on the wall during the filming of the "Kitchen Crashers" episode of Blog Cabin 2013 (May 4-5). This was my first opportunity to watch the filming of a DIY Network show. What a thrill!
The crew was an absolute delight. Producer Jay Baker greeted me as if I was one of the gang. His big Tennessee smile made me feel immediately at ease. And Chris Grundy and Alison Victoria? Top-notch talent, humble, gracious … and oh so funny. Chris proved a laugh a minute, while Alison, without missing a beat, whipped out the classic comebacks. On-screen chemistry in spades!
Cameras were catching every moment of the ad libs, few of which will hit the cutting room floor, I am sure. The crew muscled through a grey, cold rainy Saturday to capture scenes for a captivating how-to project. Chris and Alison first picked through the reclaimed wood pile and then headed to a makeshift construction area near the dock where they sliced down, then ripped beams for a very cool kitchen furnishing (Hint: It has legs. And don't be surprised if some matching coasters surface). Cabinet installation followed by a field trip were also on the day's filming to-do list.
Candid Snaps: Blog Cabin 2013 Location
I had the opportunity to chat with Jay in between takes. I was fascinated by his creative process and his approach to this year's episode. "My thought is to always to land at the place, take a look at the environment and figure out a way to involve as much of that environment into the show as possible," he said. "We are in a special place that people will travel extensively to get to. We all have. So let's show people why."
Small kitchen size is a challenge this year, but Jay plans some workarounds; directing such talented hosts definitely helps. "You get someone with Chris's energy level around someone with Alison's energy level: They just self motivate. They are great at that. You just try to repeat that over and over and over because that's why someone at home would want to watch this."
For Grundy, being the Blog Cabin 2013 master of ceremonies has been a blast from the get-go. Although this year's home is a tad smaller than the 2012 Maine home, the coastal location, beautiful water views and friendly locals make up for the building challenges. Mutual affection amongst crew members also makes for a stellar experience. "I love working with all the people that are here. I like having fun and all these people make me laugh," he says. "And Alison Victoria — from the moment she shows up in a boat, everything gets better."
Note: Although Cabin Cam comes down today, we have alot more to share, including a Q&A with our remodeling experts, an interview with the interior designer and content related to HGTVRemodels.com's Remodeling of Blog Cabin 2013 package. Stay tuned!


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USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, two of the longest-serving development agencies addressing population concerns, announced today new efforts to strengthen their collaboration to advance reproductive health, including voluntary family planning, worldwide.
United States Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, & Humanitarian Assistance Nancy Lindborg is traveling to Amman, Jordan August 18-21 for meetings and site visits focused on U.S. efforts to assist those affected by Syria's escalating humanitarian crisis.
On August 16, David McCloud was sworn in as Mission Director to South Sudan. Senior Development Advisor at the Foreign Service Institute Hilda Arellano administered the oath of office in the presence of family and colleagues. He will begin his post in Juba on September 3.
Sherry Carlin was sworn in today as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission director to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Eastern Congo Initiative released an online video series detailing a database of community-based organizations located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The database is a searchable online tool, first made available in 2012, that assists aid agencies and philanthropists in identifying and directly connecting with community-based organizations that provide vital resources to populations in Eastern Congo.
Cheryl Anderson was sworn in today as the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Mission Director for Southern Africa. In this capacity, she will oversee USAID's regional activities in the Southern Africa region, country-specific activities in South Africa, as well as activities in countries in the region where there is no USAID mission.
Today, USAID announces three new research grants awarded to the University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University and Texas Christian University to study human trafficking and produce evidence that could help USAID and other international development organizations combat human trafficking more effectively.
James Stein was sworn in today as the U.S. Agency for International Development's Mission Director for Macedonia. USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Paige Alexander administered the oath.
Today, Alex Deprez was sworn in as the U.S. Agency for International Development's Mission Director for West Africa. In this capacity he will oversee USAID's innovative regional activities to address trans-boundary issues, as well as activities in countries where there is no USAID mission. Since West African countries often face the same problems, regional activities are designed to complement and enhance country-specific programs in agriculture, governance, environment, health, and stability.
On August 6-8, 2013, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will host a Global Education Summit in Washington, D.C. This event will bring together more than 750 USAID education specialists and partners to focus on achievement of USAID's Education Strategy and Millennium Development Goal 2: Universal Primary Education. The Summit will review "state of the field" approaches and "state of the art" best practices in improving education in the developing world.
Michelle Godette was sworn in today as the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission Director to Guinea and Sierra Leone. The mission is based in Conakry, Guinea, but supports programs in both Guinea and Sierra Leone in agriculture, democracy and human rights, environment, gender equality, and global health.
Today, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah swore in John Groarke as Mission Director to Haiti. As Mission Director, Groarke will oversee USAID's programs in infrastructure and energy, food and economic security, health and other basic services, and rule of law and governance.
Today, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Dr. G. Wayne Clough signed a memorandum of understanding at the Smithsonian Institution, expanding cooperation between the two agencies in areas such as conservation research, wildlife monitoring, data sharing, cultural preservation, and educational programming.
The Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development today announced 22 Round 3 award nominees from a pool of 53 finalists – innovators who descended on Washington for three days to showcase bold, new ideas to save the lives of mothers and newborns in developing countries with aspirations of international funding to realize their vision.
As U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Islamabad today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released a report on development assistance to Pakistan. As part of USAID's commitment to transparency for its second largest country program, the report measures development milestones reached relative to aid dollars spent.
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has pledged an additional $5 million to transport urgent, life-saving assistance to communities displaced by recent violence in South Sudan's Jonglei State.
With its new update to the Foreign Assistance Dashboard (www.foreignassistance.gov), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is releasing financial data and information in more detail than ever before. For the first time, members of the public can download and search data showing which vendors received Agency funding and how much they spent in a given time period.
Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez will deliver opening remarks at a Doing Business in Africa (DBIA) forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on July 30. The forum will feature a pair of panel discussions highlighting the many business opportunities for U.S. companies interested in trade and investment in Africa. Sanchez's remarks will highlight current investment and operations in Africa, as well as the support available to U.S. companies interested in exporting to the continent.
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced today a new $4.3 million partnership with Arizona State University's (ASU) Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to share educational best practices with Indian teachers.
Today, at the U.S. launch of the Feed the Future 2013 Progress Report, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Rajiv Shah announced two new Feed the Future Innovation Labs to improve climate resilience in some of Africa's main cereal crops and increase private sector investment that can help smallholder farmers. The two new labs include the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sorghum & Millet and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy. These Innovation Labs draw on the expertise of top universities around the country and represent a new model of development, using science and technology to address our greatest challenges in agriculture and food security.
Last updated: September 21, 2017


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" Gray Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. "
This is a well sized live music bar in the centre of Newcastle that is typically very lively. As mentioned by another reviewer, though the entrance looks a bit shabby and not too hot, inside this place is great for part of a good night.
I say part of a good night, because you probably won't want to spend your whole night in here, but this isn't really any different to anywhere else in that respect and it provides a great place to go halfway through your night.
Once you get inside, you'll find reasonably priced drinks as they go and the atmosphere tends to be pretty decent on most nights of the week. With a youngish crowd and the sort of music you would associate with them, this place may not be for absolutely everyone, but I think most will really enjoy it.
They are not surrounded by other bars/clubs also which is great because it means when you come outside for whatever reason you can grab a few moments of peace.
From the outside Legends looks like your shoddy little club that you get in suburban towns. It has a pathetically small entrance, and looks from the outside that it must be really tiny. The club is in fact not huge, but certainly bigger than it looks. There are two main rooms, House and Trance, and R&B, plus some balconies and what-not. The layout isn't too practical, as the dancefloor just ends where it becomes a carpet basically, which doesn't enclose the dancers too well. The main dancefloor isn't too big, but is always packed with well up for it geordies. In my experience, geordies know how to party better than ANYONE. The DJ is at the edge of the house/dance floor, in front of a hallucingenic screen. R&B isn't really my thing, but this room is always packed to the brim and partying like mad on mondays, fridays, and weekends. Drink prices are reasonable should you go for the special offers. This club, like Foudation, is part of the "Club2k" card scheme, so you can get two for one drinks all night should you have a card. One thing which surprised me was the toilets. Seems to be space age toilets (in the mens I mean), which really look quite funny. You can also get chocolate etc here if you give the bloke a tip. They sell food here, which is quite nice, and the service is quite fast, for a club at least. There isn't too much seating, but who cares about that anyway. The few seats are accompanied by tables, and in between the two main dancefloors. Legends is on until 2am most nights, 2:30am on Fridays, and 4am on Saturdays. Entry is quite cheap, I can't remember exactly how much. The location is good, just round the coerner from the bigg market, so you can come here after Liquid, one of the best bars I've ever been to (I've reviewed it). All in all, this place has a good atmosphere, average prices, and good crowds. The major let down i
s the layout, which fails to contain the excellent crowd into an amazing atmosphere. If the crowd was contained more into one specific area, and the layout rearranged/renovated, this could be one of the best clubs around.
On my first trip see some friends at university in Newcastle i was told that we would probably being going to Legends, fair enough i thought, its a club, it sells booze and more importantly its better than sitting in a student union watching Liverpool fart about for 90 minutes. So off we trundled down the main street of Newcastle and then it dawned on my 'mate' that after 7 months of living in Newcaslte he didn't actually know how to get to Legends, claiming he only knew the way to Legends from the Quayside? whatever. So after wandering about for a while we finally made it to the club, first impression whilst we stood outside, getting ID's checked, was what the hell are we doing here, the front is no more than a wooden door with a reception booth just inside, but as it only cost us a pound to get we continued down the stairs. When you get to the bottom of the stairs theres a bar area and some seats and a small 'corridor' running along the bar and then further accrossthe club. We ventured depper down some more stairs into another bar area and small dancefloor, at this point i was wondering how they would fit more than about 50 people in the club because it was tiny. Then at about five to eleven there was a large gathering of people at a garage door, chanting fire wall? again slightly miffed i was told to wait and see, and sure enough at eleven o'clock some old style devil music came on and the garage door lifted and everyone piled through into a big dance floor area and another bar and food area, at last the club seemed half decent. A revelation came not long after this mesmorising and somewhat memorable event, the downstairs area of the club was the Hip Hop area, nice. So of i went to listen to some decent tunes and a class dj turns up the heat, bringing the night back to a respectable level. The tunes in both parts of the club were pumping but i've got to say that if youre into
hip hop music then Legends on a Thursday night is definately worth it. Fair enough the club might need a slight renovation and the 'firewall' repainted to look remotely like a wall and then it will be a world class club.
I am going to have to disagree with DJlcm about Legends in Newcastle, and say that it is one of THE best clubs Ive been to, and definately one of the best clubs in Newcastle. Legends has something for everyone, with the Mile High Club room playing all the latest House and Trance, and the R&B room playing all the best hiphop and R&B. It is quite a small club - but that makes it even better. In bigger clubs you only end up losing your mates and the sound gets lost. The R&B room is quite small, and has a low ceiling - and I do admit it can get very sweating in there after everyone's been doing their spot of 'bump and grinding'. The Mile High club room is much bigger and also has a nice sitting area upstairs (and the seats are nothing like bus seats - nice red leather seats actually!) There are 3 bars in Legends, so there's never a problem of queing to get a drink. And another point about the drinks - they dont cost a bomb! If you go in quite early (before 10pm) there is a happy hour, and after that the drinks are never that expansive. £2.60 for bottles and £2 for vodka and RedBull - which I thin is pretty good. The DJs are also of very high standard, with the likse of Dave Pearce and Sonique making regualr appearences. If I could recommend a night club to any visitor to the north east Legends would be right at the top of the list!!
Having moved to freezing Newcastle from the red hot clubbing city of Brimingham, my first clubbing experience there was diabolical!!!! The bouncers were arsey to say the least. This is not London you know!!! Once in the club, it felt more like being in a overdecorated bar. The setout was not structured properly. The only seats were seats you get on old buses. The music got my only vote as a wicked female DJ banged hard house out at the bewlidered pissed up geordies. Full of youngsters. Never going again on a Friday night!!!


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The GOP vote will be more of a straw poll because the results are non-binding.
Pawlenty said the idea of making the GOP presidential caucus more binding has come up before and never gained much traction.
"It would be good if it had some deeper level of commitment other than a non-binding straw ballot."Gov. Tim Pawlenty
But he said it's worth reviewing, especially because Republicans this year produced no immediate front-runner.
"It seems to me if you're going to invite everybody to come out and spend the evening in February to commit themselves to a caucus and to vote for a presidential candidate, it would be good if it had some deeper level of commitment other than a non-binding straw ballot," he said at an event Thursday morning.
Currently, delegates for the national convention aren't picked until the party's state convention in May, which Pawlenty said means nothing because the nominee is known by then.
The non-binding vote also has the effect of likely keeping John McCain from campaigning in Minnesota, despite Pawlenty's own endorsement of McCain at an early stage in the campaign.
Voting on the DFL side is binding.


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The Economy Dust Mite & Allergy Mattress Encasing King - 12" is the most economical mattress encasing on the market, and provides 100% complete protection against dust mites and their allergens. Using a unique combination of three bonded layers of engineered nonwoven fabric, this economy mattress cover is membrane-free and highly effective against dust mites, their residues, and dander. Lightweight and inexpensive, this encasing is ideal for box springs, college dorm rooms, travel, and anyone looking to combat dust mite allergens on a budget.
Features and Benefits:
Product Specifications:
Care Instructions:
Hand wash cold, air dry.


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CLEVELAND - A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official tells an Ohio fracking conference that a study of the threat to drinking water from the shale-drilling process won't be completed until 2016.
That's the word from Jeanne Briskin, coordinator of hydraulic fracturing research at the EPA's Office of Research and Development. She spoke Tuesday at a two-day conference on the subject in Cleveland.
The Akron Beacon Journal reports that Briskin said the EPA could release a preliminary report late next year. She described the work as "complex research."
Congress in 2010 directed the agency to investigate the threat to groundwater and air from the controversial hydraulic-fracturing process in Ohio and other states.
Critics say it is harmful to the environment.
The conference continues Wednesday.


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ORIGINALS and WEst COAST PREMIERES AT LOCAL THEATERS
The Pasadena Playhouse: "Aladdin and His Winter Wish," new musical featuring pop music, Dec. 11-29; "Above the Fold," a play based on the three Duke University lacrosse players who were accused of sexually assaulting a black coed, Jan. 23-Feb. 23.
Location: 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena
Information: 626-356-7529, www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
The MainStreet Theatre Company: "Aesop in Rancho Cucamonga," kids show by Chicano playwright Luis Alfaro, Oct. 26-Nov. 10; "Roald Dahl's The Magic Finger," the precurser to "Matilda," May 3-18.
Location: 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga
Information: 909-477-2775, www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Geffen Playhouse: "Rapture, Blister, Burn," the west coast premeire of Gina Gionfriddo's show, Aug. 13-Sept. 22; "Wait Until Dark," the world premiere adaptation of Frederick Knott's thriller, Oct. 8-Nov. 9; "Play Dead," by Teller of Penn & Teller, Nov. 5-Dec. 15; "The Country House," a play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Marguilies, June 10, 2014-July 20; "Slowgirl," west coast premiere March 4-April 13; "Death of the Author," world premiere May 20-June 29, 2014.
Location: 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles
Information: 310-208-5454, www.geffenplayhouse.com
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum: "Merlin: The Untold Adventures," the world premeiere of Ellen Geer's play, now through Sept. 29.
Location: 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga
Information: 310-455-2322, www.theatricum.com
SkyPilot Theatre Company: "The Island," a musical re-imagininig of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," now through Aug. 18; "Xmas 2," this play has not yet received a release date but is due sometime in November; "Fursona Non Grata," due sometime next year.
Location: 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood
Information: 818-600-1759, www.skypilottheatre.com
The Garage Theatre: "Ravens and Writing Desks," a movement-based piece, Aug. 2-Aug. 31.
Location: 251 E. 7th St., Long Beach
Information: www.thegaragetheatre.org
Live theater isn't just about recreating the classics, it's about creating new works.
In this seasonal glut of Shakespeare, Dickens and other standards of the stage, theatergoers can find several companies — big and small — offering up an assortment of world and West Coast premieres, from hot-button issues to all-out family entertainment, bone-chilling thrillers to biting satire, and historical epics to reimagined classics.
There's even a touch of the avant-garde.
"Obviously it's healthy for us, but it's also healthy for the theatergoer because they have the opportunity to discover something new and appealing that they might not have known they liked before," says Sheldon Epps, artistic director of The Pasadena Playhouse where New York Times journalist-turned-playwright Bernard Weinraub's "Above the Fold" opens this winter from Jan. 28 through Feb. 23.
"Above the Fold" had a staged reading in the Hothouse at The Playhouse series, where new plays and musicals are developed. But the coming season marks its formal presentation on the Mainstage.
The story centers on a black reporter from New York on assignment at a Southern university where three white frat boys have been accused of raping a black coed. Sound familiar?
Weinraub based the incident on the three Duke University lacrosse players that were eventually acquitted of sexually assaulting a black coed who moonlighted as a stripper. The play is about the way the incident was covered in the press.
"I think it's really a fascinating examination of the world of journalism and how stories in newspapers, in this case, can be tilted or twisted to put the spin on the story that the editor and/or the newspaper wants it to have, which may or may not relate to the facts," Epps says.
And how's this for a twist?
The Pasadena Playhouse's new season includes the new musical "Aladdin and His Winter Wish," which runs from Dec. 11 through Dec. 29, featuring pop music from One Direction to Sam Cooke. A Lythgoe Family Production, this spin on the children's fairytale is done in the style of Panto, a traditional British holiday musical comedy.
The MainStreet Theatre Company
Another destination for new, kid-friendly performing arts is The MainStreet Theatre Company at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga, which serves elementary and middle schools within a 40-mile radius, and their families, with weekday and weekend performances. The resident professional theater for young audiences' first-ever commissioned work, Chicano playwright Luis Alfaro's "Aesop in Rancho Cucamonga," opens Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 10, is geared for kids 6 and older.
"For years I've been doing wonderful plays based on children's literature, but I also was looking in the audience and seeing Latino kids and I really wanted to do a play that would speak to them," says Mireya "Murry" Hepner, MainStreet Theatre Company's producer. "So I had this idea of having Luis Alfaro do an adaptation of Aesop's Fables, which is a classic, but that he would do it in his amazing poetic, relevant, Chicano way. It's turning into something even bigger and more wonderful."
The play is a work-in-progress, but the idea is to set it in Rancho Cucamonga using any of the thousands of fables credited to Aesop who lived in ancient Greece. At the same time, the play will feature animal characters native to Southern California that reflect the animal characters in original, lesser-known morals.
"We're going to stay away from the stories everybody already knows," Hepner says, referring to such stories as "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Lion and the Mouse" and "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse."
The MainStreet Theatre Company also presents the west coast premiere of "Roald Dahl's The Magic Finger," a theatrical adaptation of Dahl's book by the same name — a precursor to "Matilda." Intended for audiences age 7 and older, the play that runs next spring from May 3 through 18 tells the story of a young girl with a magic finger she can't control.
Not only does she turn her teacher into a cat, she turns a family of duck hunters into birds while the ducks move into the house and contemplate shooting back.
"It's a beautiful story about anger and what that means, especially for kids who can't control it, and the consequences of that," Hepner says. "And also, it's Roald Dahl so it's a little bit dark."
Geffen Playhouse
Those in search of darker themes can take in the world premiere adaptation of Frederick Knott's thriller "Wait Until Dark," Oct. 8 through Nov. 9 in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, and the west coast premiere of "Play Dead" by Teller of Penn & Teller. The former blows the dust off of the original play, which was adapted into a 1967 film that starred Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman terrorized by thugs in search of heroine they believed was in her apartment.
Now it's back on stage with an update that has nothing to do with its plotline.
"Play Dead" stars co-writer Todd Robbins in a mix of horror, magic and telepathy in the more intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse from Nov. 5 through Dec. 15. It's not recommended for the faint of heart or those under 18.
"When we were working on 'The Exorcist' (last season) I asked John Pielmeier, our writer and adaptor of 'The Exorcist,' if he'd ever truly been frightened in the theater," says Randall Arney, the Geffen's artistic director. "He said without hesitation, 'Yes, I just saw Teller's show, 'Play Dead,' in New York City, and it truly is a frightening night of theater."
In fact, the Geffen Playhouse offers an impressive array of firsts beginning this summer with the west coast premiere of Gina Gionfriddo's "Rapture, Blister, Burn" in the Cates Theater, Aug. 13 through Sept. 22.
A comedy about feminism in the post-modern age, Amy Brenneman reconstitutes the role she originated in last year's New York debut as a rock-star academic who returns to her hometown to tend to her aging mother and finds her ex-boyfriend and best friend married with children.
The Cates' selections continue into the next calendar year with "The Country House," a play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Marguilies that takes its inspiration from Anton Chekov's "The Seagull." The play about a volatile family of actors gathered in their Berkshire home for the summer theater season was a recent Manhattan Theatre Club submission and by special arrangement will enjoy its world premiere at the Geffen next summer from June 10 through July 20,
The Skirball selections, meanwhile, include the west coast premiere of Greg Pierce's "Slowgirl," March 4 through April 13, Arney will be directing his old friend and fellow Steppenwolf ensemble member William Petersen in this two hander about a man who has dropped out of life after the breakup of his business and marriage, and taken up residence in the seclusion of the Costa Rican dry forest. When his 17-year-old niece shows up on his doorstep after a bullying incident back home, the two lost souls help save each other's lives.
Closing out the year is the world premiere of New York University professor and journalist Steven Drukman's provocative "Death of the Author" from May 20 through June 29.
The play centers on a young professor on the path to tenureship who suspects a student of plagiarism.
"The fact that you can Google anything and go directly to what you're looking for as opposed to back in the dark ages when I was in school, where you'd go to card files, often times the paper that you ended up writing wasn't the paper that you started out thinking you were going to write. So it's a wonderful topic and an incredibly provocative play," Arney says. "With a world of knowledge just a smartphone away, is there such a thing as an original idea anymore?"
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum
Well, Ellen Geer had one: "Merlin: The Untold Adventures."
"It came to me after reading the Arthurian myths," says Geer, artistic director of Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga where her epic show, complete with battle scenes, dance and an original electronic score by her nephews Marshall and Kellen McDaniel, is open now and continues through Sept. 29 as part of the summer repertory season.
"Merlin kept popping up as one of those magnificent people like a Martin Luther King who came at a time in life and helped get us closer to being better human beings, and that's what attracted me to him."
It's the Merlin rooted in Judeo-Christian references and historic battles that inspired Geer to reframe the wizard warrior in a context that merges fact, fiction and myth.
A compilation of many people's ideas, the play is set against a bloody backdrop of Roman invasions and the start of the Crusades as a young Merlin grapples with his identity.
SkyPilot Theatre Company
SkyPilot Theatre Company in North Hollywood produces only new plays written and developed by its resident playwrights.
"It's artistically satisfying to know that you're nurturing and developing the next great American playwrights," says Bob Rusch, artistic director and SkyPilot co-founder. "We have some very talented writers in our company."
Through Aug. 18, you can catch Jonathan Price's "The Island," a musical re-imagininig of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" with lyrics by Chana Wise. Come November, the company rolls out Jeff Goode's off-kilter "Xmas 2" about Jesus as the child prodigy who never came to fruition, in turn ruining the lives of everyone involved in his Nativity. The date has yet to be announced because the company is in the process of looking for a new space.
Also coming to the stage sometime next year is Goode's "Fursona Non Grata."
"It's about furries: people who live the furry lifestyle and like to dress up in animal a la Disney characters," Rusch says. "They had a big west coast furry convention last month in Irvine so we did a reading of it and it got a huge reaction. The furries in their full outfits gave it a standing ovation so we're excited about it."
Rusch said they're in the process of raising funds to put on the show.
"It's got a big budget because the outfits alone are expensive to make," he said.
Garage Theatre
The recently merged Garage Theatre in Collision with Alive Theatre in Long Beach has at least one new offering worth checking out: "Ravens and Writing Desks." The title is borrowed from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," in which the Hatter famously asks, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" and finds its performers going down a rabbit hole of sorts on a journey of self discovery.
A movement-based piece that runs Aug. 2 through 31, it comes from the creative duo Angela Lopez and Ryan McClary of the Alive Theatre-spinoff troupe Post Mortem Grotesque Burlesque.
"I'm going out on a limb and saying it's probably going to be one of our most innovative and successful shows of the year," says Danielle Dauphinee, spokeswoman for the merged non-profit companies many of whose founders and players are California State University, Long Beach theater department alumni. "With the success of Post Mortem throughout Los Angeles, I just feel like it's going to have a lot of momentum."


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A DRUNK speeding car thief who mowed down a young footballer and smashed his leg in two places has been jailed for 36 weeks.
Lee Phillips, 23, had tricked a friend so he could take his keys and use his high-powered Volkswagen Golf GTi.
He then set off in the early hours, overtaking on the wrong side of the road in built-up areas, going 30mph over the speed limit, shooting through red traffic lights and then travelling at more than 50mph in the 20mph Colne town centre.
He smashed into a parked taxi and three police officers were so frightened for their safety as he continued to hurtle towards them, they had had to run away to avoid being struck.
Burnley Crown Court was told how Phillips, who was three times the legal limit, had then veered to the right and hit pedestrian Andrew Clark, throwing him into the air before he landed on the ground.
Mr Clark, who plays football for two teams, suffered a double break of his leg and also a head injury which led to amnesia.
The crash in the early hours of January 25 was caught on CCTV.
Phillips has 34 offences, including drink-related crimes, on his record and started breaking the law when he was 15.
He had admitted dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving with excess alcohol, no insurance and no licence.
The defendant, of Kenilworth Drive, Earby, who had been committed for sentence by magistrates, was banned for two years and must take an extended test.
Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said Mr Clark had been out in town having a few drinks.
"He recalled nothing from the point he decided to go to a pub and waking up on the ground with police and friends gathered around him.
"He remembered pain in his left leg.
"He had suffered breaks to his tibia and fibula, had metal fixings placed in his leg and had a long period of immobilisation.
In at statement, Mr Clark, who described himself as very sporty and said he was studying sport at college, had fallen behind with his course work and would not be able to play football for a long time.
Nick Dearing, for Phillips, said custody would do very little to rehabilitate and reform him.
Recorder Nigel Grundy told Phillips his driving had a 'catalogue of aggravating features'.


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A pedestrian in his 80s has died after being hit by a car in Dartford yesterday (July 1).
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a silver Volvo saloon in Park Road by the junction with Downs Avenue at around 8.10am.
The road was re-opened by police at 3.30pm.
An air ambulance landed in Hesketh Park but crews were unable to save the pensioner.
The driver of the car was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with injuries thought to be minor.
No arrests have been made.
Residents of Downs Avenue and Park Road have spoken of their disgust at the speed some drivers use on the road.
Robert Bridger of Downs Avenue said: "They go so fast down here, I see them going, 60, 70, 80 miles per hour.
"There have been three crashed on that junction from what I can remember.
"It's very sad."
Jan Shepherd, who lives in Park Road added: "The first we knew of it was when we realised how quiet the road was.
"We could hear them doing CPR - that really brought it home, it wasn't a nice thing to listen to.
"They fly down there far too fast. I've seen them go at 80 miles an hour.
"There have been a few accidents in the past. Something needs to be done."
Park Road was closed between Princes Road and East Hill and likely to remain shut until about 2.30pm while officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit carry out investigations.
Some drivers were stuck for half an hour just trying to get off the M25 this morning following the incident.
Detective Sergeant Scott Lynch of the SCIU said: "I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to an officer to get in touch as you might have information that could help with our investigation.
"I would also ask anyone who saw the car or the man, who was described as using a walking stick and wearing a flat cap, prior to the collision to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit."
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact DS Scott Lynch at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by calling 01622 798538.
Did you see what happened or were a witness? Call the newsroom on 01689 885 726 or email email@example.com
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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=1/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. Outnumbered, but not outgunned! Destroy the relentless waves of enemy MiG-15 jet aircraft, and be the Top Gun. Your weapon is the legendary North American F-86 Sabre jet. Play solo or with 1-4 player coop in this fast paced, Korean war era shooter. Mere survival is not enough - you'll need a severe case of "MiG Madness", and hunger for crazy Power-ups to truly be the best!
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Fort Campbell soldier from Barton, NY dies in Afghanistan
Sat, 29 Jun 2013 20:46:58 GMT —
A Fort Campbell soldier from New York has died in Afghanistan.
A statement from the Army on Saturday says 25-year-old Sgt. Justin Richard Rogers of Barton, N.Y., died Friday at Bagram Airfield in a non-combat related incident. The Army says it is investigating Rogers' death.
The statement says Rogers joined the Army in 2008. He was a horizontal construction engineer assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. The sprawling Army post is located on the Kentucky-Tennessee line.
The statement said Rogers is survived by his parents, Stan J. Vicki and Teresa A. Vicki, of Barton.


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WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. - Inside the grotto behind St. Thomas Chaldean church in West Bloomfield, a family is given strength through prayer, during a time of overwhelming grief.
It's a candle light vigil is in honor of a man who was a husband, father of seven and friend to so many. A West Bloomfield man, Samir Hannawa, who just days ago was shot and killed in broad daylight.
"He was the most caring dad, the most loving dad, the most hard working person; I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I love him with all my heart," says Hannawa's daughter Valentena.
Hannawa worked in Detroit managing a retail store. On Wednesday he stopped at Great Lakes transmissions to check on a car he dropped off earlier. Investigators say as Hannawa knocked on the door, two men approached him, and one of them shot him in the chest. They didn't rob him of his money or jewelry, but robbed a family of a loved one.
"That's probably the hardest thing I'm going to miss, his smile and his laugh," said Athraa Hannawa, Hannawa's oldest child.
It's the memories and the prayers that keep them hopeful that those responsible for Hannawa's murder will be found.
Valentena told Local 4, "We've been suffering so much right now we just need some information, anything that will help lead to the killers, that would help so much.
Crime Stoppers has increased its reward for information leading to an arrest to $5,000. The Chaldean Community Foundation has established a scholarship fund for Hannawa's seven children.
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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MEDINA, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich used his annual State of the State speech Monday to pledge a new round of tax cuts, propose using casino money for a plan to boost ties between communities and schools and said state higher education funding will be tied to course completion and graduation.
Kasich also pushed the importance of vocational training as an alternative route for some students, proposed giving veterans free academic credits for training and experience they received in the military, and promised a new fight against smoking in the state.
In a dramatic moment, Kasich presented his annual courage awards to three women who survived a decade-long captivity in Cleveland after they were rescued in May when one of the women pushed her way through a door to freedom.
The governor also used the 64-minute speech to indirectly ask Ohio voters to support him over likely Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald in November.
Citing a spiritual mission to "bring about a healing" before he dies, he said being governor to all Ohioans is his life and mission. He likened his first term to a hike up a mountain.
"After you've struggled through the early obstacles you get out on more solid ground, and when you get out on that more solid ground you get the first glimpse of your goal -- the summit -- and you come together and it lifts your spirits, and you get that extra boost to keep going," he said.
Kasich's tax plan would push Ohio's inome-tax rate from 5.33 percent to below 5 percent for individuals and small businesses.
"When Ohioans have more money in their pockets, we're being true to the fundamental idea that made our nation great," he said to applause. "Government works for the people, not the other way around."
Education was a key theme of the address, which took place at the Performing Arts Center in Medina. This marks the third consecutive year Kasich has taken the speech outside the Statehouse in Columbus.
Kasich proposed directing $10 million in casino revenue to get communities more involved with schools and parents more involved in their children's education, and said he wants to make it easier for returning veterans to get civilian jobs.
"If you can drive a truck from Kabul to Kandahar in Afghanistan, don't you think you should be able to drive a truck from Columbus to Cleveland?" he said.
Kasich will introduce a midterm budget bill soon that could be the vehicle for the policy priorities of the fourth and final year of his term.
"Our great purpose will continue to be helping every Ohioan have a chance to find a job that lets them fulfill their purpose," he said.
House Education Chairman Gerald Stebelton said he liked the governor's education proposals but said they'll need careful review.
He said some proposals should be dealt with separately from a midterm budget bill. "If each idea has merit, it will stand on its own merit," he said.
Stebelton, a Lancaster Republican, said tying higher education funding to graduation rates also raises concerns.
"The devil is in the details because universities are not in total control of what happens to their students on the paths to graduation," he said.
He said family emergency, accidents and other events can take students out of the school cycle. "In concept, I like the idea," he said.
FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive, questioned Kasich's budget priorities. He said Kasich was "counting on Ohioans to forget that he balanced those budgets by shifting the financial burden to the middle class and already-suffering communities."
Minority Democrats said the governor's actions do not match his words. They said while Kasich claimed to not raise taxes, many Ohioans are feeling the bump in the state sales tax and the removal of the homestead exemption and property tax rollbacks.
Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni said Kasich's plan to cut the income tax rate wouldn't pad the wallets of many in the middle class.
"It's not going to change the way that they act," said Schiavoni, a Boardman Democrat. "It's not going to change the way that they spend. It's not going to change anything about the way that they conduct their life."
Republican legislative leaders pledged to review details of Kasich's plans. They couldn't say whether session schedules would need to be extended or changed.
"If you know anything about John Kasich, you know one thing: He's not willing to sit back and rest," Senate President Keith Faber said. He said the governor had given them plenty to work on through this year.
Several dozen protesters gathered outside before the speech to protest Kasich policies.
"Everything that he has done so far has been against the working class people of this state," said Jamie Fant, of Dayton, a retired corrections officer.


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Wow the family at Christmas lunch this year; here are some tips for making things extra tasty.
Spuds – Give them a shake in the pan after boiling and before roasting to make them fluffy on the inside
Turkey – Regular basting makes for a moister bird
Sprouts – Eat them outside
Cranberry sauce - Try adding orange zest and juice for a citrus twist. Pear and ginger works well too
Parsnips and carrots – Roast them in honey to keep them sweet. Add garlic and rosemary for flavour


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The Denver Broncos are already AFC West champions heading into Thursday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Included in their nine wins was a 37-6 thrashing of the rival Raiders in Week 4.
Although it might seem like they have nothing else left to prove in the AFC West, the Broncos want to keep building momentum over the regular season's final four weeks to surge into the playoffs. With their shot at a first-round bye alive and well, they want to be playing their best football before a critical road game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
— Broncos (9-3) at Raiders (3-9), 8:20 p.m. ET | Full NFL Week 14 schedule
For now, it's a moot point to talk about the exceptional play of Peyton Manning. There's no reason to think Manning, a leading NFL MVP candidate, will cool off in the Black Hole. The Raiders are No. 28 against the pass and have 14 sacks and eight interceptions. Manning will be kept clean to have his usual prolific and efficient performance.
What Oakland presents is a chance for Broncos to keep tuning up their running game without Willis McGahee, who blew out a knee in mid-November. Knowshon Moreno has gone from the doghouse to a featured role, given his experience over rookie Ronnie Hillman. The Raiders also are No. 28 in run defense, so the opportunity will be there for the Broncos' offensive line to wear them down and get Moreno going to support Manning.
Moreno had success with his 24 combined touches for 111 yards in his Nov. 25 start against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the same exact workload a week later against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' stouter run defense produced 83 yards.
Expect Moreno to be busy again, first to help set up play-action pass plays for Manning, and later to help grind down the clock with what figures to be a big lead.
While the Broncos pull away, they will also look to keep making defensive plays against Carson Palmer and a one-dimensional, pass-happy Raiders offense. The Raiders are No. 2 in the league with more than 42 pass attempts a game. The Broncos are No. 2 with 38 sacks produced, led by defensive player of the year candidate Von Miller.
With health questions in the Raiders' running game, Palmer will be asked to drop back often and take abuse from Miller and friends. That should lead to more costly turnovers and another Broncos laugher.
The Raiders have a lot of issues, and they will all come to forefront in prime time. Prediction: Broncos 42, Raiders 14.
Coming Thursday: Picks for the rest of Week 14's games, which resume Dec. 9.
Learn more
— Linemakers: How Vegas sees Broncos-Raiders | More must-see info on sports events


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ByMatthew Lynley
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Steve Jobs, Apple's visionary CEO that brought the iPod, iPhone, iPad and a bevy of other devices into the world.
Jobs and Apple essentially jump-started the smartphone revolution, which would lead to hundreds of millions of people opting to check sites like Facebook through their mobile devices instead of their normal computers.
Since Jobs' passing, Apple has launched a number of new products:
- Third-generation iPad, the tablet computer that has one of the sharpest displays in the industry.
- The iPhone 5, a major overhaul to the traditional iPhone design that makes the phone longer, thinner and lighter compared to the iPhone 4S.
- A new line of MacBook Pro laptops, which also feature a sharp "Retina" display — showing Apple is still committed to building computers in addition to tablets and phones.
- iOS 6, its newest iPhone operating system software, which includes a bevvy of new features like deeper integration with Facebook.
Under the guidance of Tim Cook, Apple has also had a few missteps:
- Apple's second quarter this year under the lead of Cook was a rare whiff. It was only the second time in 39 quarters the company reported results that missed analysts' profit and revenue expectations.
- Apple's new Maps app launch has basically been a debacle. Cook publicly apologized for the low quality of the app.
Taken as a whole, the transition seems to have been successful. Since Jobs' passing, Apple's shares have risen about 75%, from $378.25 on Oct. 5 last year to about $665 today. In the process, Apple has become the most valuable company in the world.
For a flashback of the headlines a year ago today, check out the Oct. 5 snapshot of Techmeme, a site that aggregates tech news headlines. You'll see comments from the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page on Steve Jobs' passing.
To mark the anniversary, Apple posted a video honoring Steve's accomplishments on Apple's website. Cook also wrote the following message:
A message from Tim Cook, Apple's CEO.
Steve's passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place.
One of the greatest gifts Steve gave to the world is Apple. No company has ever inspired such creativity or set such high standards for itself. Our values originated from Steve and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple. We share the great privilege and responsibility of carrying his legacy into the future.
I'm incredibly proud of the work we are doing, delivering products that our customers love and dreaming up new ones that will delight them down the road. It's a wonderful tribute to Steve's memory and everything he stood for.
Related: Wall Street Journal deputy managing editor Alan Murray and editors discuss Steve Jobs's legacy.
Steve Jobs was "one of the two or three leading historical figures of the tech revolution," says WSJ personal technology columnist Walt Mossberg.


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So after a lot of reading and contemplating what has been said by the IWC I decided to go forward with a thought I had seen and then taken further.
One of the major problems at WWE currently is how the titles and roster are being used in relation to each other. With that in mind I present the pecking order. This pecking order will be used to show who should be fighting for what title and why
© 2011 eWrestlingNews, All Rights Reserved.


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We knew that, when late January rolled around, there would be a team in Oklahoma City perched around the top of the Western Conference standings. And most would have guessed that there would be a team in Los Angeles in a similar position. But—surprise, surprise—the elite team in L.A. has turned out to be the Clippers, and on Tuesday night on NBA TV, they will square off for Western supremacy against the Thunder at the Staples Center.
It is a meeting worthy of its hype, with (at least) four All-Stars on board, including point guards Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, plus OKC small forward Kevin Durant and Clippers power forward Blake Griffin. L.A. is at the halfway point on its schedule, and it is time to take this team serious when NBA Finals talk arises. The Clippers have great front-line talent, but they also have enviable depth that has allowed them to withstand the same sort of rash of injuries that hurt them last year.
"You have to think they're a legitimate contender, it's not too early to say that," NBA TV analyst Greg Anthony said Monday morning. "The next question is to figure out whether they can actually win. That's another thing in and of itself. The Clippers have handled themselves very well. They have dealt with as much injury as anyone in the league, and yet they still find themselves (tied for) the best record in the league. You have to accept that they are one of those teams—and you have to remember they had a pretty good year last year. They beat Memphis in a seventh game (in the first round of the playoffs) on the road. That it pretty impressive. They are going to have confidence, and now they are going to have experience. They are definitely a contender."
At the midway point, the Clippers ranked fourth in the league in offensive efficiency and third in the league in defensive efficiency. No team in the East ranks in the top 10 in both categories, and only two in the West can make that claim—the Thunder (first offensively, seventh defensively) and the Spurs (fifth offensively and fifth defensively). The Clippers have beaten San Antonio twice this season, with both games coming in November. The only game between the Clippers and Thunder, also in late November, was won in overtime by OKC, but coach Scott Brooks said after that game, "It was like a playoff game in November. Everybody laid it all on the line."
Now comes the rematch. This is probably a more important prove-it game for the Clippers, and it is one that would be especially handy to win. The Clippers play two of their next three games on the road, then go on a monster eight-game road trip that begins next week.
Still, it is entirely possible that we will see these two teams play again during the postseason in May, and the Thunder are well aware of that. On Tuesday night, matchups and weaknesses that could be important in the playoffs will show themselves.
"The marquee is obviously Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook and how they are able to play against each other," Anthony said. "But I am also looking at how the Clippers contend and deal with Durant. And I want to see how the benches perform, because those are important elements for both teams. I want to see, too, if you're going to see a little more of a playoff rotation in this game. And on the Clippers side, I want to see how many rim-runs they can get, how many alley-oops—can the Thunder take that away, can Blake Griffin be effective in that low block, things of that nature."
The Clippers are at the top of the standings. Now, against the defending West champs, they can prove they belong there.


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Heh. This might make a good name for cafe in some hip neighborhood somewhere. More interesting than Disk Usage Cafe at any rate.
ps. too much war here too. I wish we embed more journalists in the halls of congress to see what our congressmen and senators get up to.


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2014 Dallas Cowboys Draft – The Case For … Michael Sam
Sam was going to be drafted before he announced he was gay, and he'll still be drafted in May because he has talent that translates to the next level. That would make him the NFL's first openly gay player. Whether that bothers you or not doesn't matter nearly as much as whether it bothers Sam's future NFL teammates. So far, the reaction seems to be far more with Sam than against.


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first i want to say leigh brasington is fantastic, his web site is incredibly useful.
anyway, something on there is puzzling me:
from leighb.com, i tried to recreate the table, if it doesn't make sense to you then look at the :
Pañña (Wisdom or Insight) Practices
There are 2 types of Insight Practices: Meditations and Contemplations. Meditations do not involve "thinking"; Contemplations do involve non-distracted thinking. Both methods are mentioned in the Suttas (Discourses of the Buddha). The following tables give both types according to their sources:
Given in or derived from the Mahasatipatthana Sutta |
Meditations | Contemplations |
Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) | |
may be used for both Concentration & Insight | The Zipper |
i searched the web and can't find anything on it. in order in the satipatthana sutta though it could be referring to foulness of the body since you look at your body bit by bit like you unzipped it and are looking within?


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Is your kid a reluctant learner?
Find out how to get your kid excited about being back at school. more
Anytime a pregnant mother drinks, she can damage her growing baby. Heaving drinking in the first trimester is considered especially hazardous. Babies with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS ) generally have a low IQ, considerable health issues, noticeable physical characteristics, and an increased chance of infant mortality.
Foetal alcohol syndrome is the direct result of prenatal alcohol exposure. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol while pregnant, the alcohol enters her bloodstream where it can then reach the developing baby. The more a pregnant woman drinks, the greater the risk to the child.
Foetal alcohol syndrome is extremely serious and can cause mental retardation, heart defects, and even death in children born with the condition. The effects of FAS on the infant will last a lifetime.
The only way to prevent foetal alcohol syndrome is to abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Most children with FAS are diagnosed at birth. Symptoms include:
Treating FAS may involve a lifelong plan of academic intervention and psychological care. A child with foetal alcohol syndrome will likely experience the following problems as they grow:
Your doctor will likely be the first to diagnose FAS in your child. He can also help you develop a treatment plan to ensure that your child has the best possible outcome.
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.


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Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are an elegant choice and suitable for many special occasions, from proms, weddings, and formals to business and casual functions. With their creamy, lustrous texture and iridescence, cultured pearls shine in their own unique way. As the birthstone of June, cultured pearls make a fantastic June birthday gift. Available in many styles, cultured pearls range from nostalgic to modern. Cultured pearls are a beautiful choice for bridal gifts and whispering sweet nothings to the one you love.


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Jepsen nearing return to Angels' bullpen
KANSAS CITY -- Reliever Kevin Jepsen, recovering from a right shoulder strain, had another positive outing for Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday and could be on the verge of rejoining the Angels' bullpen.
"His velocity was good," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He threw his one inning and showed some good secondary pitches, too. He'll be evaluated [Saturday] and we'll see how he came out of it."
Jepsen has now had three rehab outings. He had two saves and 18 holds for the Angels last year.
Robert Falkoff is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Presents THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, Summer 2013
For its eighteenth season of Free Shakespeare on The Common, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will present The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by CSC Artistic Director Steven Maler.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona follows the journey of two friends who leave their hometown of Verona to find their happy fortunes in Milan. Instead, they find temptation, trickery and trouble as they vie for favor with the high-society Duke... and his debutante daughter. All are drawn into a web of disguise and secrecy where the last thing anyone wants is for the truth to surface. Inspired by Rat Pack era Vegas, this rollicking comedy promises to enthrall audiences young and old. What happens in Milan, stays in Milan!
CSC continues its Commonwealth Concert Series of free concerts prior to many performances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona and its Family Day, a day of programming for young audiences and their families.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, best known for its annual free performances on Boston Common, is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to bringing the works of William Shakespeare in vital and contemporary productions to the people of Boston and to educating Boston's youth not only about Shakespeare but about their own potential for creativity. In addition to the annual Boston Common productions, CSC presents a summer "Tour of the Parks" program that tours Shakespeare-inspired programming designed for families to Boston neighborhood parks. Throughout the year, CSC regularly performs as a part of First Night Boston and also presents a free series called American Voices featuring script-in- hand readings of classic American plays. CSC fulfills its educational mission through its Summer Academy with programs for both high school students and pre-professional actors and throughout the year by partnering with area high schools and Boys and Girls Clubs to provide in- and after-school theatre training to inner-city youth. Recent productions include Coriolanus, All's Well That Ends Well (2012 Elliot Norton Award-winner for Best Production, Large Theater), Othello and The Comedy of Errors. For more information, visit www.commshakes.org.


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And, of course, the fine print:
Get free shipping on your next order when you spend over $100. The discount will be automatically applied to your purchase; no promo code required. The subtotal of your purchase must be $100.01 or greater after any promotional discounts have been applied. Additional fees such as tax or shipping and handling do not apply toward your minimum subtotal requirement of $100.01. Offer applies to standard shipping only. Certain items that require additional shipping and handling are excluded from this promotion and do not apply towards your $100.01 subtotal minimum. Offer subject to change.
This two-color print tells a pretty simple story: So there I was "f a l l i n g" in love with you. This sweet print is individually numbered and printed with oil-based ink on 10" x 16" Stonehenge archival paper.
This product ships from the maker within 5 days, via USPS
If you're not happy with this item for any reason, you may return it for a full refund within 14 days.


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Includes Portal Replica, Limited Comic-Con DVD + 6 Other Exclusives...
If you want NECA's San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives but can't get to the show, then this Mega-Bundle is the answer. The bad news is that NECA's 2012 SDCC Exclusives Mega-Bundle is LIMITED TO 250 PIECES, so if you want one, you're going to have to act pretty quick to get it.
The Mega-Bundle includes $335 worth of exclusives, value priced at $300. In each bundle you get:
- 1 SDCC Exclusive Portal "Cave Johnson" ASHPD replica (with a Cave Johnson portrait signed by Valve's own Bill Fletcher)
- 1 Limited Edition Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope DVD with figures of Stan Lee and Harry Knowles
- 1 Convention Exclusive Giant-Man/Antman HeroClix
- 1 SDCC Exclusive Cloaked City Hunter Predator action figure
- 1 SDCC Exclusive Hero From the Sky Ash action figure
- 1 SDCC Exclusive B&W Comic Book Freddy Krueger action figure
- 1 SDCC Exclusive Gears of War 3 Elite Theron action figure
- 1 SDCC Exclusive Eagle Vision Ezio Auditore action figure
Other than the Comic-Con Episode IV DVD, which goes on sale July 10, and the HeroClix Giant Man, which will be available at a few other Cons, these are all totally exclusive to the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con (no Amazon or NECA Club this year).
NECA will be selling the Mega-Bundle in bunches of 25 through NECACLUB.com at random points throughout the day. Announcements will be posted to their Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Purchases will be limited to 1 per customer/household. Shipping charges not included in the price. Bundles will begin shipping around July 11th.
Of course, if you do get to SDCC, NECA will be at booth #3145 all week. Follow the link below for a look at all NECA's SDCC exclusives and stay tuned for even MORE photos as we bring you an exclusive advanced review of most of them!
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, RedfordFilms.com, Toynk.com, PastGenerationToys.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.


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Make $250,000 a Year? Your 'Middle Class' According to Romney, Obama
BOSTON (AP) – Mitt Romney is promising to reduce taxes on middle-income Americans. But how does he define "middle-income"? The Republican presidential nominee defined it as income of $200,000 to $250,000 a year.
Romney commented during an interview broadcast Friday on ABC's "Good Morning America."
The Census Bureau reported this week that the median household income – the midpoint for the nation – is just over $50,000.
The definition of "middle income" or the "middle class" is politically charged. Both presidential candidates are fighting to win over working-class voters.
President Barack Obama has defined "middle class" as income up to $250,000 a year.
Obama wants to extend Bush-era tax cuts for those making less than $250,000. Romney wants to extend the tax cuts for everyone.


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i wish we did but, we do not look like a number one.
hollowell- i can't say anything positive about him tonight. he has been a drag.
sheehey has not added much either.
vic has played well- so there is that. zeller- eh, not terrible but not a player of the year good.


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Jason Aldean Has No Beef With Zac Brown, But Doesn't Agree With What He Did
Jason Aldean was quick to come to buddy Luke Bryan's defense when Zac Brown memorably bashed his new single 'That's My Kind of Night.' Aldean's words were so pointed that some may have wondered if he already held a grudge against the 'Chicken Fried' singer. However, Aldean says he has no beef with Brown -- but does have a problem with his actions.


text: JMHO, but I think Peck is spot-on with the Plan B deal. I don't think there is any chance we move DG this season unless it's a EJ type demands to come home! If I was in the FO, I'd be looking at the off-season and DWest's contract first. If we can't afford to keep West, Danny would be my backup plan. If we resign David, then you decide whether you want to make the best deal possible for Dannky. My worst fear is PG leaving for the Lakers in 2 years. If Kobe leaves, we are going to be in a bind.


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Should users log in to my website using...
1.) Email2.) Username3.) Either
The way I have things currently, a user logs in using Email/Password, but once they are logged in, they are identified by Username. That way, other users would never know your email.
This seems okay to me, but when I think about it, it seems like most websites I visit use Username/Password to log in?! :-/
P.S. To be honest security is more of a driver to me than "usability"...
Assuming that you're not using an SSL certificate, for security, I'd say use the username. Either way, without an SSL cert you are effectively broadcasting the username/email/password in the clear, which can potentially be intercepted.
Also, keep in mind that folks might want to change their email address at some point.
Wrong assumption. (Why would anyone do a log in script without using HTTPS?!)
I have a unique index on "email" - and another one on "username" - but I still allow people to change their e-mail address.
What I was expecting someone to say is, "It is too much of a hassle to have to type in an entire e-mail address to log in. Using a Username is typically shorter, and thus perceived as easier."
For now Email/Password - via HTTPS - is how you log in. I just figured I'd ask, because maybe in v3.0 it would be better to use Username/Password, or offer both ways as valid authentication methods?
Many sites don't use SSL certs, especially forums and website commenting systems. For example, sitepoint doesn't have SSL enabled on the forums.
Typically, any sites handling email, personal information, or financial information have SSL certs installed.
A valid reason. Plus, longer usernames means there's a greater potential for typos, which might lead to lock-outs and password resets.
Using both means there are two potential avenues for attack.
Is there any compelling reason to switch from Email to Username for authentication?
I would argue Email is easier because everyone knows their Email Address - unless you have numerous ones.
Because the Internet has become so E-mail centric in so many ways, Email just seems like a good unique identifier, plus an easier way for people to log in. (I think maybe 10-15 years ago, using a Username may have been more compelling...)
At any rate, unless someone can give me a solid reason to NOT use Email, then I think my authentication system is okay as-is.
Emails are becoming more and more common as identifications for logging in. A lot of sites give people the choice to use one or the other. Twitter allows you to choose both, Amazon and Facebook make you use email address, SP uses username (though that's because it's a vB format). So it just becomes a matter of preference.
I just would argue to ensure that you allow them to create a username, and that is the identifiable point for your site - otherwise you'll have made your site a prime email harvesting point, which will make it very difficult to get users.
Do you agree with ForceFlow that allowing people to log in using either an Email or Username is a security weakness?
(I think the more choices and flexibility you offer the better - to a point.)
As mentioned above, people register and log in with an Email/Password, but when they are logged in, they are identified purely by Username. (So unless my database get's hacked, there is no way to ever know other user's Emails.)
Yes, but his point is if you use email, it should be under https, not straight http. The examples I pointed to all fall under those guidelines.
Otherwise, someone could put a simple packet sniffer and catch unencrypted email addresses.
So if you want them to enter email address, you should use https (SSL). If you don't want to use ssl, then use a username login system.
I read what he said a different way. I thought he was saying that if I used Email for the log in and didn't use Username once they are logged in, then hackers could easily gather people's Emails by searching the site.
I will always use HTTPS/SSL for anything dealing with a User's Acount (e.g. Log-In, Profile, Private Messaging, Preferences, etc.)
But back to the security issue, come to think of it, if you used Username and you identified people by Username - as SP does - then to hack into someone's account, all you need to do is guess the password?! (By using Email to log in, you'd have to already know or correctly guess both a valid Email and the corresponding Password, so that makes using Email safer since it is not public knowledge like Username would be...)
I believe that ForceFlow is quite correct, logically at the very least, that more options for identifiers will increase the probability of one of those valid data being known by people who should not know it.
My perspective of log-in systems is cautious; perhaps extremely so, but with some justification. I do not like to see any system that accepts a publicly viewable user name (yes, Sitepoint, this includes you) and I am not much more keen on an e-mail address. I use an otherwise undisclosed e-mail address for all sign-up systems, but most people do not.
Look at the BBC for a slightly better than average example. People can comment below some content, so their user name is visible; but this public nickname can be different from the private ID that one uses to sign in. Unfortunately, it partly undoes this good (for careless users anyway) by also accepting an e-mail address. As I mentioned, most people are not as careful as me, so you can bet that passwords are reused to some extent and e-mail addresses are bandied about freely.
The best option that you can offer is a private sign-in ID; the next best is an e-mail address, which at least has a chance to be private if people so wish.
But I feel I am offering the same approach as the BBC...
You sign up with your Email/Password which are never disclosed. (And I agree with your "Do not use your main e-mail for such trivia.)
Then you can choose a Username - which really is the same as the BBC's "Nickname". On my site, this, of course doesn't have to be identifiable back to the user, just unique in the system.
If I ever did allow people to log in via Email or Username, then I would logically have to add a "Nickname" as well, so that - in theory - the Email and Username remain private, or at least in the context of the website.
For now, I think just sticking to Email/Password is the most practical approach.
Good comments!! :tup:


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Is This the Best Mug Shot Ever?
Cabrone Deron Brewer had a few too many drinks this past weekend, so when cops pulled him over for suspicion of DUI, he knew he was busted. After doing a field sobriety test, Brewer was arrested and taken to jail. That's where things go really interesting, resulting in possibly the best mug shot ever.
While there are plenty of mug shots of people crying or angry, Brewer took a different approach. He first asked the deputy who was booking him, "This is going to end up in that mugshot paper, isn't it?" That's when he decided to go all out and "have a little fun with it."
As you can see, the result is a cheesy grin for the camera that's gone viral. While some people would cringe at the idea of the whole world knowing they were arrested, Brewer has taken his arrest to a whole new level. If you're in trouble anyway, I guess you might as well put your best face forward.


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Mount Vernon District Hosts 21st Annual Town Meeting
Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
Jan. 30, 2008
Mount Vernon District Hosts 21st Annual Town Meeting
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland will host the 21st annual Mount Vernon Town Meeting on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mount Vernon High School's Little Theatre, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria.
"Directed primarily to residents of the Mount Vernon District, the meeting is open to all residents of the county," said Hyland. "I want to provide a local forum to hear the significant issues involving Mount Vernon as well as countywide affairs while creating the opportunity for residents to meet their elected representatives and express their views and concerns."
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly will make remarks on the county's priorities for 2008. Panelists scheduled for the town meeting include County Executive Anthony H. Griffin; Fort Belvoir Base Commander Col. Brian Lauritzen; School Board Chairman Daniel Storck; Deputy Fire Chief David McKernan; James Patteson, director of Land Development Services, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services; and Captain Michael Kline, Mount Vernon Police station commander. The presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
As part of the town meeting, Hyland will guide a "virtual bus tour" of the Mount Vernon District.
Starting at 7:45 a.m., displays and exhibits will be available in the cafeteria along with beverages, doughnuts and breakfast pastries before the presentations, which begin at 9:30 a.m. Fairfax County agencies will provide information and answer questions, including representatives from the Office of Public Affairs, Department of Family Services, Fairfax County Park Authority, Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Animal Services Division, Department of Tax Administration, and Stormwater Management Division. Also exhibiting in the cafeteria will be Fort Belvoir, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Inova Health Services among others.
Residents can bring their rechargeable batteries for cell phones and PDAs for recycling, as well as old cell phones and eyeglasses for donation.
For more information, call the Mount Vernon District Office at 703-780-7518, TTY 711.
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request this information in an alternate format, call the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.


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Four-star running back Tre Mason took an official visit to Auburn over the weekend. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder from Park Vista High in Lake Worth, Fla. has four official visits left to take, and plans to take them.
But Mason doesn't expect the rest to compare to the one to Auburn.
"(The Auburn visit) is probably going to be one of the greatest trips I'm going to be able to take," said Mason, ranked the No. 14 running back in the country. "I really like the people. Everybody is so nice. When they talk about family, they actually are a big family there.
"Auburn has great traditions, especially Toomer's Corner. That was one of the greatest things, one of the most exciting things I got to experience."
Mason got to experience the toilet papering of the trees at Auburn's Toomer's Corner following the Tigers' 49-31 win over Georgia. Before making his way to downtown Auburn, he watched as Tiger quarterback Cameron Newton and running back Michael Dyer rolled up nearly 400 yards of total offense against the Bulldogs.
"The game was played with so much emotion," said Mason. "Cam brings so much emotion to the team. He can literally take over a game by himself."
Mason was hosted on his visit by running back Eric Smith. He also hung out with Dyer, who broke Bo Jackson's freshman rushing record at Auburn, and Onterio McCalebb, who scored three touchdowns in the game against UGA.
"I hung out with all of the running backs," said Mason. "It was all of us together. I also got to see Cam in the locker room and talk to him a little bit. He's just a great person.
"I'm proud for (Dyer breaking Jackson's record). We recently made a great relationship so I want to be able to see him again, spend some more time with him."
Mason said he plans to.
"I'm looking forward to going back and visiting again," he said. "I definitely want to go back on an unofficial visit. I had such a great time and made such great relationships with some of the people there.
"I had a good conversation with Coach (Gene) Chizik. He is a great guy. (Running backs) Coach (Curtis) Luper is great. Everything is great."
Including the depth chart.
"It's a great opportunity," said Mason. "It will be Dyer, Onterio and if I commit, it would be me. They are looking to sign two (running backs) this year.
"They run the ball a lot and I love to have the ball in my hands. I wouldn't have a problem playing in their offense. I wouldn't have a problem committing to the Auburn Tigers."
Mason said him committing to Auburn is a real possibility, especially after the weekend.
"All of my questions have been answered like how many running backs are going to be there, how the players are treated, what their schedule is like, everything has been answered in the one visit," he said. "I'm really happy with the visit.
"Right now, I'd say the Auburn Tigers are leading. Everything about them, the coaching staff, everything. I really like it at Auburn."
Mason said he plans to announce his decision following his fifth and final official visit. He has two others currently scheduled: West Virginia Dec. 3-5 and Ole Miss the following weekend.
He's also considering visits to Penn State and Texas A&M.


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FCRHA Named "Moving to Work" Agency
Dec. 19, 2012
News Highlights
Prestigious Designation Will Provide Low-Income Residents with New Opportunities
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) has been named a "Moving to Work" (MTW) agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a prestigious title awarded to only 34 housing authorities in the country. MTW gives housing authorities the flexibility to create programs that work best for their residents, allowing them to design and test innovative, locally-designed strategies to improve cost-effectiveness and help families achieve self-sufficiency.
HUD Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent, in announcing that the FCRHA had been selected for the elite MTW designation, noted that "[MTW] will support the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority in its efforts to implement a plan that will set low-income families on a path to independence."
"Being named a Moving to Work Agency will only strengthen the already successful housing programs we are able to offer here in Fairfax County," says Elisabeth Lardner, Chairman of the FCRHA. "The changes the MTW program allows us to make will help us be of better service to our residents, ultimately moving each of them closer to self-sufficiency and a permanent place to call home. I am very excited about the opportunities that await us."
The FCRHA's MTW plan is a critical component of its Total Housing Reinvention for Individual Success, Vital Services and Economic Empowerment (THRIVE) initiative. Paula Sampson, Director of Fairfax County's Department of Housing and Community Development, says "THRIVE is all about linking residents to services and programs offered by other county agencies and our non-profit partners, with the goal of helping them become more self-sufficient." These programs are designed to help residents better manage their money; train for a new job; pursue college or other training; become a better parent; learn English; improve their health; and perhaps even purchase a home.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins, Chair of the Board of Supervisors Housing Committee, stated that "MTW will mean a very real transformation of how affordable housing is delivered in Fairfax County, and will allow the FCRHA to fully realize its vision for THRIVE." MTW will bring about several key changes including:
- Creating a housing continuum that seamlessly joins together the county's housing programs – including Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers - and establishes goals to help residents move toward self-sufficiency;
- Expanding its already strong community partnerships with nonprofit organizations to provide self-sufficiency services ranging from "ready-to-rent" training, to job readiness, through homebuyer education and beyond;
- Reducing the burden both on staff and residents related to such things as re-certifications and inspections, which will allow staff to focus more on people – not paperwork. This new focus will allow county case workers to link residents to the services – such as job training and education – that they need to become and remain self-sufficient.
The FCRHA will implement the programmatic and organization changes associated with the MTW designation over the course of what is anticipated to be a years-long transformation of the way housing assistance is delivered in Fairfax County.


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Did You Know?
Ring-Tails spend more time on the ground than any other Lemur.
It's hard to believe that our tiger triplets are almost 10 months old! Jan and I love having them here in the Feline/Primate house. They have really been a blast to watch grow and help through all the changes they have experienced. They now weigh above 70 lbs, so are about one quarter of what they will be full grown. They have learned how to move around the building like our adult cats and they LOVE going outside. They have had fun playing in the pool these hot days we have had.
They have been developing their personalities, too. Ameliya is the most relaxed and generally friendly, Kira is very energetic, and Savelii is the most reserved but takes charge. If there is something Savelii wants, she gets it! They still are very close to each other and sleep together in a tiger huddle. None of them like to be kept alone for long. Sometimes their dad, Sivaki, will be across the way from them in the exhibits and they chuff at each other.
We have to separate them to feed so everybody gets the proper amount of food. Tigers don't share their food very well, even with their siblings, so it keeps them from arguing about it. We have begun their behavior training program. We use positive reinforcement to work on getting them to allow us to do things like trim their nails and give them vaccinations. I have the privilege of being Ameliya's trainer. Keepers Jake, Amy and Annie also work with them training their first foundation behaviors. We want to get them off to a good start. If they are not on exhibit in the afternoon, we are probably training.
By the end of the day, after they've played outside, eaten their dinner, hung out with the keepers and had a good training session, they are pretty tired. When the keepers are ready to leave at 4:30, the cubs are usually snoozing inside their exhibit charging up for the next day!
From a few weeks to 10 months - that's quite a difference!