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Sveum reviewing Cubs' Draft prospects
CINCINNATI -- The Cubs appear to be focusing on four players for the upcoming First-Year Player Draft, to be held June 6: pitchers Jonathan Gray of Oklahoma and Mark Appel of Stanford and third basemen Kris Bryant of San Diego and Colin Moran of North Carolina.
The Cubs have the second overall pick in the first round behind the Astros. Manager Dale Sveum has watched video of the top prospects.
"Now we're down to the core guys," Sveum said Sunday. "It's interesting to keep up with them and watch the video. There's new video that comes up sometimes. You don't get to see, like with Bryant, you don't get to see him taking ground balls, and the other day there was nice video of him taking ground balls and showing his arm angles."
Bryant has hit 30 home runs entering conference tournament play, and played for Team USA over the summer. A right-handed bat, he impressed Sveum as did Moran, a left-handed bat, considered a better pure hitter than Bryant.
"[Moran] is another polished-type hitter at that age already," Sveum said. "He has a Robin Ventura-type swing and presence at the plate. He has really good plate discipline and not really the power numbers that Bryant can put up. Bryant is a big 6-foot-5, some kind of leverage at the plate. Two different hitters, one's right, one's left. It's fun to watch them."
Sveum also has seen video of Gray and Appel.
"They're pretty special arms," Sveum said. "They're two different guys. Appel is so advanced as far as his secondary pitches, and Gray can just power you away with easy life on the fastball. It looks like it's showing 85 [mph] and it's 100.
"They're both pretty good," he said. "I don't know if one separates from the other one."
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Euro Retractable Screen Door:
Installation Instructions follow this link.
Fast, Easy Installation.
Fits In swing and Out swinging Doors.
Fits Most Sliding Patio Doors up to 48" Wide.
Available in Three Decorative Powder Coated Colors:
Almond, White and Bronze.
Available in Two Standard Heights:
84" and 96" (2.2 and 2.4 m).
This Euro Retractable Screen Door
utilizes unique design features and versatility to fit most applications. The
top and bottom rails, and the jamb and screen pocket are made from extruded
aluminum. The vinyl end caps and handle have a UV additive for long life. Each
door has easy-to-see-through charcoal fiberglass screen wire, and if ever
required, can be replaced with a special order screen cartridge. This door is
non-handed, so it's easily field reversible for left or right openings. It can
be mounted on the outside of the door for in swinging doors or inside of the
door for out swinging doors. A single chop saw cut sizes the door to the
The Euro Retractable Screen single
door design has a unique, comfortable and easy-to-use positive lift and latch
handle that keeps the door firmly closed even in windy areas. There's no need to
break a magnetic field to release the door, an important advantage, especially
for the elderly. Handle height location is easily changed with a screwdriver.
Color: White.
Maximum Door Height: 96 in (2.4 m).
Each kit comes complete with special clips for surface mounting the door to the
exterior jamb.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Corrosive Attitude From Apple Top Brass
Some companies just don't want to do "the call." They don't want to waste their time. They don't want to have to be constrained by those Wall Street nitwits who are trying to build models instead of sleek, elegant, loved machines. They don't want to have to defend themselves or their actions, or make cases for their products and their decisions about them in the face of the queries from lesser minds. They don't want to have to justify anything they have done beyond informing these overpaid jackals the obvious facts about their own supremacy.
They believe in the res ipsa loquitur form of Wall Street guidance, the Latin phrase that you learn the first week in law school: The thing speaks for itself....1243 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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Cosmic Girls Cheng Xiao and Bona Adorably Attempt To Speak English
Cosmic Girls Bona and Cheng Xiao are majorly adorable in general but when they speak English to each other the cuteness overload is heart melting.
While getting ready for a photoshoot Bona and Cheng Xiao decided to have some fun. In a self-cam Bona recorded their broken English conversation.
The two jokingly called each other B for Bona and C for Cheng Xiao. Though B came out like E on accident Cheng Xiao caught the slip-up and corrected it to B swiftly.


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The rumors of Rachel Zoe being pregnant are still alive, even though the stylist and her husband Rodger Berman have not confirmed the news.
"It's very hush-hush," a source tells US. "She's telling people she can't travel."
The magazine also reports that the 39-year-old was seen at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic event in L.A. on October 10 drinking water with lemon while Berman sipped champagne.
Brad Goreski, her former costar from The Rachel Zoe Project, has even spilled the beans without confirming the pregnancy.
"We're still close," he says. "I hope to be in the delivery room!"
The couple have been married for 12 years with Berman openly sharing his dreams of having a child with his wife.
"Rachel isn't getting any younger and I'm starting to feel like if we don't get on it, we'll miss the opportunity, which would be a complete shame as I know that Rachel would make an amazing mother," he wrote on his Bravo TV blog in August.


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Peter wrote:Start by assuming there is something wrong with your own understanding and proceed from there.
"I find the teachings on rebirth lead me away from the present moment. What am I doing wrong or understanding wrong?"
Wow, you can replace "rebirth" with nearly anything in my case and this applies to me! Thanks Peter, very helpful indeed!


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This Thursday, a nationwide celebration for Bangladesh takes on worldwide significance in the struggle to preserve native languages.
©2017 Asia Society | Privacy Statement | About AsiaSociety.org | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact
Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government. All views expressed in its publications and on its website are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.


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Supervalu Inc. plans to close 60 stores — many in southern California — because of a "sense of urgency" to reduce costs.
Chief executive officer Wayne Sales said in a news release the decision by the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based chain reflects the company's commitment to "improve shareholder value." Sales, who is also Supervalu's chairman of the board, has been at the helm since July when the company dismissed former CEO Craig Herkert.
The change at the top came with reports that first quarter profits for Supervalu's 2013 fiscal year fell 45%. The Wall Street Journal reported then that corporate leaders were considering selling all or part of the company.
Of the stores to be closed, 27 are Albertsons supermarkets, including 19 in Southern California and eight in the intermountain West region. Four Acme stores will be closed and 22 Save-A-Lot stores are scheduled to be shuttered.
One previously announced Jewel-Osco store closure is also included in the Sept. 5 news release. Eight more stores will be closed by the end of Supervalu's fiscal year in February 2013. The release did not include other details about those stores.
Mike Siemienas, Supervalu spokesman, said Sept. 6 the company currently has about 248 stores in Southern California and Nevada. The majority of the closures are planned before Dec. 1, the end of Supervalu's third quarter for FY2013.
Supervalu expects to generate $80 million to $90 million in cash during the next three years "from monetizing owned real estate, eliminating cash operating losses, and selling departmental assets," according to the release. Supervalu owns the real estate for about a third of the stores slated for closure.
The company has about 4,400 stores in the U.S. and about 130,000 employees, according to its website.


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There wasn't a song, a genre, a composition that John Seppala couldn't play.
That was great -- unless he couldn't make a gig for whatever reason, which generated a lot of frantic calls.
"There's no one keyboard player who could replace John," said Leo Vigil, who led many bands for decades that included Seppala.
Vigil never expected to say the same about Seppala, the friend, who died March 14, almost two months after a double-stroke and heart attack felled the musician while driving home from a gig Jan. 15.
Seppala was 51.
"He really seemed happy" before his downfall, Vigil said. "He lost weight and his demeanor was wonderful. He was so gung-ho about this new year. It's a shame."
Though Seppala's name may not be known to the average music fan, there are few musicians in the Bay Area who didn't know of his keyboard
"He was a genius musically," Vigil said of the Walnut Creek resident. "He could play any song and play it the right way."
It's Seppala's friendship and impact on the music scene that spurred Vigil to organize a memorial concert at the Empress Theatre on April 7 for his long-time comrade. Proceeds go to help pay Seppala's medical and funeral expenses.
Roughly 50 musicians are already lined up, placed in various bands by Vigil. The 6 p.m. event includes vocalist and Ozcat radio station owner David Martin, guitarist Stef Burns, Benicia drummer Jeff Campitelli, and electric violinist Carlos Reyes.
Don Bassey, bass player and Empress general manager, also performs. It was Vigil's friendship with Bassey -- and previous performances at the Empress -- that secured the benefit at the downtown Vallejo venue.
"Though John never played the Empress, we talked about with one of my projects, 'The Rockin' Horns,' which John had just joined and was excited about," Vigil said.
Burns, who shuffles between Benicia and Italy, met Seppala in 1977 when the two attended Northgate High School in Walnut Creek.
"He was a few years younger than me and I was blown away by how great he was at 15," Burns said.
When Seppala returned from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, he joined the Stef Burns Group.
"He wrote amazing songs," Burns said. "I still play those songs in concert."
Seppala, continued Burns, wasn't just an intelligent
"The thing that impressed you was his big heart and sweet
kindness," Burns said. "Plus a huge joy to play music ... as much as possible."
"I think what made John a great person besides from being a genuinely nice human being, was his love for music of all types and his ability to play them well from funk to rock, jazz," Martin said. "You name it and he could play it."
Seppala's passing, said Martin, "has made me appreciate every day on Earth with my wife, my family and my friends. This man deserves a big musical send-off to a packed house. John dedicated his life to music and has played with some of the best in the Bay."
Though Peppino D'Agostino is back East on tour, the Benicia acoustic guitarist played numerous gigs with Seppala.
"After realizing what kind of genius he was, I decided to hire him to arrange one of my tunes for a large guitar ensemble in Germany," said D'Agostino. "All the European players loved John's arrangement and we performed that piece for a number of years in some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe."
Seppala played on every every one of D'Agostino's "Made in Italy" CD.
"He was one of the most talented and gifted musicians I ever met," D'Agostino said. "His determination to give his best musically all the time, his infectious passion for music, his deep knowledge of music and his lovely smile made him unique."
If you go
What: Memorial Benefit Concert for John Seppala
Who: About 50 musicians
When: Sunday, April 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Empress Theatre,
330 Virginia St., Vallejo
Tickets: $20 advance,
$25 door
Info: empresstheatre.org; (707) 552-2400


text:
Quick Links
New Hampshire Cobra Insurance Resource
COBRA Insurance in New Hampshire:
State Insurance Department Information:
New Hampshire insurance department documents and articles of interest:
Cobra Insurance in New Hampshire:
The Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows retiring employees, or those who lose coverage due to quitting a job or reduced work hours, to continue group coverage for a limited period of time. This also applies to their dependents who lose coverage because of divorce or legal separation; death of the covered employee; the covered employee qualifying for Medicare; or a loss of dependent status under the health plan's provisions. COBRA applies only to employers with 20 or more employees.
If you work for an employer that has over 20 full-time employees: Then federal COBRA law applies, go to COBRA summary
If you work for an employer that has under 20 full-time employees: New Hampshire has a state continuation program (similar to COBRA). Plans with 2-19 employees may be eligible for up to 18 months, dependents can qualify for 36 months.
Brochure explaining New Hampshire State Continuation
New Hampshire State Insurance Department Contact Information:
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 14, Concord NH 03301
Important Disclaimer: COBRA is a law (It is not an endorsed insurance plan or company). Answers and comments provided on Cobrahealthinsurance .com website are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, governmental, or other professional advice. Cobrahealthinsurance .com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service, health plan, or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in the website. Replies, comments, or information gathered on Cobrahealthinsurance .com website may not be accurate but are intended to be helpful. Health and life insurance company directory.
Copyright ©2006 SASid Inc. All rights reserved.


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Topic: Singapore scientists expose molecular secrets of bile duct cancers fro
Singapore scientists expose molecular secrets of bile duct cancers from different countries.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/ … 103013.php
cholangiocarcinoma.org :: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Discussion Board
a resource for patients, friends, caregivers and loved ones.
You are not logged in. Please login or register.
|La fundación de colangiocarcinoma (CCF) ahora ofrece servicios de traducción en Español.
Por favor publique sus preguntas en Español y un intérprete le va responder.
Join our new Mentoring Program
A new discussion board experience is coming this September!
After 10 years, we're upgrading our discussion board to a new modern system. The new forum will be easier to use, mobile-friendly and loaded with new features! We'll be taking all of the existing posts and users over to the new board, you won't have to do anything. If you have any questions, we've started a thread here to discuss.
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Discussion Board → New Developments → Singapore scientists expose molecular secrets of bile duct cancers fro
Singapore scientists expose molecular secrets of bile duct cancers from different countries.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/ … 103013.php
Very interesting and I assume a big move forward, as much as I can understand it! Also interesting is how they still mention liver flukes. I have pleaded with my Grandkids to stop the Sushi, being 1/2 Japanese of course they love it but I explained to them we don't always know where that fish is coming from. The only fish I will eat is caught here and I stick to Tuna, Salmon and Trout. Thanks Gavin.
That was a good one Gavin. One step closer to finding something....a cure, a test to diagnose early or even just a reason why people with no risk factors are getting this. And why in heaven's name it's getting more prevalent.
It's as I always say, the next GREAT breakthrough in healthcare is just around the corner.
And I have to say I am glad the only fish I like to eat is tuna from the can.
Gavin, very interesting article, thank you for your research.
Lainy, my kids love sushi and it makes me crazy!
Hey Kris, hate to burst your Tuna bubble but...since I got this UC Tuna has really upset me so I did some research and this is what I found (I would eat only Albacore)
We have a special concern about tuna, and that concern is unwanted mercury contamination. Because of its mercury content we think it may be best for people to limit their intake. This is especially important for children, women who are pregnant, or of childbearing age and those with weakened immune systems. In the spring of 2004, the FDA issued a recommendation that children and those with threatened immune systems limit their consumption of canned albacore tuna and tuna steaks to no more than 6 ounces per week and light tuna to no more than 12 ounces per week. (Light) tuna has been found to contain less mercury than albacore. Albacore is a much larger fish therefore containing much more mercury. Our recommendation is canned light versions, or if buying canned albacore, to purchase it from a reputable supplier who has had the mercury levels tested by an independent lab.
The mercury content of other types of fish will vary with the species. If you are looking for some other options that could replace your canned tuna, some varieties recommended by the Environmental Working Group and the U.S. Public Interest Group include wild Pacific salmon, flounder, haddock, shrimp, farm-raised trout and catfish; there was no mercury detected in these fish.
So I have given up tuna, although soon I won't have anything left to eat. I will start gnawing menus and say I have eaten more than a full meal!
Lainy - It wasn't a big bubble to burst though....I only eat it once in awhile since I am just not a fish person....seafood much more but still only in moderate amounts. The mercury is pretty scary. We used to go fishing in Eastern Oregon with my mom and step dad but it was catch and release only partially because we won't eat it but also the mercury levels in the reservoirs over there are off the charts because of the gold mining.
I know there are certain foods I stay away form because it bothers my IBS and since my gallbladder came out a few years ago anything greasy gives me grief.
It really reminds me a book I read in nursing school years ago and I can never keep a copy of it because I loan it out and never get it back. It's by a nurse and it's called "The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Other Medical Miracles" by Sally Tisdale. She worked a dialysis unit for years and went through dietary limitations that kidney failure patients go through and it gets to the point where they can eat or drink nothing....so the menus might be a good idea.
It's pretty exciting to me that CC is being given some serious attention now. This line of reasoning will surely open multiple avenues of research and discovery.
As per sushi, I think of it as Russian Roulette. There are so many possible parasites in even very fresh fish form "reputable sources" (who would never know if a fish is infected), that I can't believe anyone thought this would be a good idea. That said, I don't know if infection with parasites has increased in parallel to increased Western sushi consumption, but there are many that would express their ill effects much later, out of context from initial ingestion. I love it, but I try to get my family to steer clear.
The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.


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For more than 25 years, the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center has been a pioneer in the treatment and research of malignant mesothelioma -- a rare disease that affects approximately 3,000 Americans each year. Our multidisciplinary team of mesothelioma experts offers the full range of tailored treatment options, from surgery and chemotherapy, to radiation therapy and clinical trials of promising new treatments. Thanks to this focused expertise, our mesothelioma program is one of the largest in the United States and cares for patients from throughout the greater Midwest.
Our program is comprised of a dedicated team of medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, nurses, pathologists, imaging specialists, and scientists who understand the unique characteristics of this disease. We use a team approach with weekly mesothelioma program meetings. Our comprehensive and multidisciplinary focus is a direct reflection of our clinical interest in mesothelioma and our expertise in developing novel treatment protocols that extend lives.
The testing and use of promising new approaches for mesothelioma--such as chemotherapy, novel targeted agents, and surgery -- is one of our highest priorities. Many of our clinical trials are performed in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, drug manufacturers, and other institutions. The University of Chicago plays a key role in the conception and evaluation of these treatments, and is positioned to offer the most diverse treatment options to patients. We have many different options available, so we can tailor the right treatment for each patient.
Our primary goal at the University of Chicago Medicine is to identify and develop treatment regimens to improve the quality of our patients' lives and to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-threatening disease. The opportunities in our clinical research program to deliver focused, targeted therapies give us confidence that survival of mesothelioma patients will continue to improve as they have in the past.


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By Conrad Brunner (Pacers.com)
"There is no shortage of brilliant basketball minds within driving distance: Brad Stevens at Butler, Matt Painter at Purdue, Tom Crean at Indiana, Rick Pitino at Louisville, John Calipari at Kentucky. Vogel, Shaw, Boylen and Burke visited them all."
Read More: Vogel, staff learned from college road trip


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Social Media Marketing
Want more info?
The Degree
The social media world is a dynamic area of study as new programs, networks and applications are constantly being launched to enhance or replace existing media. Social media include networks like Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn; wikis like Wikipedia; multimedia sharing sites such as YouTube and Flickr; bookmarking sites; blogging and micro-blogging sites such as Twitter; and virtual worlds like Second Life. These social media tools allow people to interact with each other and share information about products and brands.
Commercial organizations, institutions and government entities are integrating social media into the marketing mix in order to shape market discussion, increase brand engagement, support other marketing activities and influence purchase behavior. Social media marketing is forecasted to grow at a 34% compounded annual growth rate, and will become a $3.1 billion industry by 2015 (Forrester Research, 2009). This level of spending makes social media the fastest growing of all sectors of marketing communications.
The Social Media Marketing concentration will prepare students to effectively integrate Social Media into the marketing strategies of the firms for which they work. Graduates who specialize in this area of marketing will be equipped to manage successful social media campaigns that strengthen the customer's sense of community and connection to the brand.
In addition to cutting edge information about a new area of marketing study, students in this concentration receive a marketing degree fully accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB accreditation of the Foster College of Business Administration assures that the school is committed to continued improvement and quality in all areas of business.
While at Bradley, Social Media Marketing students will have opportunities to 1) create an integrated marketing communications campaign with social media as a major element; 2) win the Project Springboard entrepreneurship competition with a business centered around social media marketing; 3) increase membership and connectedness among members of on-campus organizations; 4) obtain leadership positions in on-campus organizations by building support using social media; 5) help Bradley University and its various departments better integrate social media into their websites and online presence; 6) help Bradley University improve its fundraising efforts by using social media to help the university better communicate with alumni
Career opportunities for majors include: 1) Social Media Marketing Manager/Specialist; 2) Online Marketing Manager/Specialist; 3) Integrated Marketing Communications Manager/Specialist; 4) Competitive Intelligence Manager/Specialist; 5) Public Relations Manager/Specialist; 6) Lead Generation Manager/Specialist; 7) Social Media Moderator; 8) Social Media Coordinator
The concentration requires 12 hours of specific coursework within the elective hours of the Marketing major:
Consumer Behavior (MTG 350) gives students an understanding of how consumers make decisions and how marketers can influence those decisions through managing the marketing mix (products, prices, advertising & promotion, how customers can acquire the product).
Integrated Marketing Communication (MTG 381) provides both class and project experiences regarding how a firm can focus all of the elements of promotion (advertising, public relations, in-store promotions, and personal selling) on a single set of promotional objectives designed to influence consumers.
Social Media Marketing (MTG 381) uses insights from consumer decision-making and integrated marketing communication to illustrate how social media can be integrated into the overall marketing efforts of the firm.
A final class drawn from one of the domains in which social marketing is applied lets students prepare for using social media in professional sales, sports marketing, retailing, advertising, services, or business-to-business marketing.


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26640 Harding St.
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 581-0669
At Lighting Supply Company, commercial lighting is our specialty. Serving electrical contractors, property managers, and businesses since 1983, we offer a huge selection of replacement lighting products at competitive prices, all backed by unparalleled service. In fact, all our customer service representatives are LS-1 certified lighting experts. So whether you need answers on ballasts or LED bulbs, or you just want a hand placing your order by phone, we are here to help!


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Take a look at our Xtra section which brings you a wide range of feature articles every week.
This week's features include:
PARENTING: Record numbers of parents are being taken to court over their child's truancy, but Xtra asks teachers and parents whether prosecutions are the best way to deal with the problem.
BEAUTY: Give your hair an instant makeover. Xtra reveals the transforming powers of the fringe.
FASHION: If your bedroom is bursting with clothes you hardly ever wear, a wardrobe detox is probably well overdue - but don't just chuck away unwanted items. Xtra reveals how to de-clog and re-tog the clever way.


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Marin educators were cool to the National Rifle Association's proposal Friday to send armed guards into the nation's schools.
"I think that would be really over-reacting," Mill Valley schools Superintendent Paul Johnson said.
The nation's largest gun-rights lobby broke its weeklong silence on the shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School with a defiant presentation Friday in Washington, D.C.. Wayne LaPierre, the group's chief executive officer, said guns and police officers in all American schools are what's needed to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," taking a no-retreat stance in the face of growing calls for gun control after the shootings that claimed the lives of 26 children and school staff.
"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," LaPierre said.
Several Marin school officials objected to the idea that guns would improve school safety.
"A lot of good people have weapons but the violence continues, so to me that's counterintuitive, said Rick Van Adelsberg, principal of Lynwood Elementary in Novato.
Van Adelsberg said he lived in Lima, Peru from 1997 to 2001, at a time when public buildings everywhere were staffed with armed guards, including the school where he was principal. "I didn't feel any safer and I thought it was awkward for our kids," he said. "I don't think this is what our country is about."
Daniel Norbutas, principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Marin City and chief academic officer for the Sausalito Marin City School District, said his school is already safe because it is 100 yards from a police station.
"I am not an advocate of increasing the proliferation of firearms that are in society in general, so I wouldn't see that as a step in the right direction," he said of the NRA's proposal.
Norbutas said funds for guards could be better spent elsewhere.
"Our resources could be used far more effectively to improve our educational program than to have somebody sitting around with a gun all day for an even that in all likelihood is not going to happen," he said.
Valerie Pitts, superintendent of both the Sausalito Marin City and Larkspur-Corte Madera school districts, said armed guards could undermine efforts to teach nonviolent conflict resolution to children.
"I'm not sure that I'm in favor of armed guards in schools," she said. "In fact, I don' think that's the kind of tone we need to be setting."
The NRA's proposal came as some members of Congress who had long scoffed at gun-control proposals have begun to suggest some concessions could be made, and a call by President Barack Obama for "real action, right now."
The NRA's presentation Friday was billed as a news conference, but the group's leaders took no questions. Twice, they were interrupted by banner-waving protesters, who were removed by security.
Some had predicted that after the slaughter of a score of elementary school children by a man using a semi-automatic rifle, the group might soften its stance, at least slightly. Instead, LaPierre delivered a 25-minute tirade against the notion that another gun law would stop killings in a culture where children are exposed daily to violence in video games, movies and music videos. He argued that guns are the solution, not the problem.
"Before Congress reconvenes, before we engage in any lengthy debate over legislation, regulation or anything else; as soon as our kids return to school after the holiday break, we need to have every single school in America immediately deploy a protection program proven to work," LaPierre said. "And by that I mean armed security."
He said Congress should immediately appropriate funds to post an armed police officer in every school. Meanwhile, he said the NRA would develop a school emergency response program that would include volunteers from the group's 4.3 million members to help guard children.
His armed-officers idea was immediately lambasted by gun control advocates, and not even the NRA's pointman on the effort seemed willing to go so far. Former Republican Rep. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, whom LaPierre named national director of the program, said in an interview that decisions about armed guards in schools should be made by local districts.
"I think everyone recognizes that an armed presence in schools is sometimes appropriate," Hutchinson said. "That is one option. I would never want to have a mandatory requirement for every school district to have that."
He also noted that some states would have to change their laws to allow armed guards at schools.
Hutchinson said he'll offer a plan in January that will consider other measures such as biometric entry points, patrols and consideration of school layouts to protect security.
LaPierre argued that guards need to be in place quickly because "the next Adam Lanza," the suspected shooter in Newtown, Conn., is already planning an attack on another school.
"How many more copycats are waiting in the wings for their moment of fame from a national media machine that rewards them with wall-to-wall attention and a sense of identity that they crave, while provoking others to try to make their mark?" LaPierre asked. "A dozen more killers, a hundred more? How can we possibly even guess how many, given our nation's refusal to create an active national database of the mentally ill?"
While there is a federally maintained database of the mentally ill — people so declared by their states — a 1997 Supreme Court ruling that states can't be required to contribute information has left significant gaps. In any case, creation of a mandatory national database probably would have had little impact on the ability of suspected shooters in four mass shootings since 2011 to get and use powerful weapons. The other people accused either stole the weapons used in the attacks or had not been ruled by courts to be "mentally defective" before the shootings.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the NRA is blaming everyone but itself for a national gun crisis and is offering "a paranoid, dystopian vision of a more dangerous and violent America where everyone is armed and no place is safe."
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., called the NRA's response "both ludicrous and insulting" and pointed out that armed personnel at Columbine High School and Fort Hood could not stop mass shootings. The liberal group CREDO, which organized an anti-NRA protest on Capitol Hill, called LaPierre's speech "bizarre and quite frankly paranoid."
"This must be a wake-up call even to the NRA's own members that the NRA's Washington lobbyists need to stand down and let Congress pass sensible gun control laws now," CREDO political director Becky Bond said in a statement.
The NRA's proposal would be unworkable given the huge numbers of officers needed, said the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Craig Steckler.
He pointed to budget cuts and hiring freezes and noted that in his hometown of Fremont, Calif., it would take half the city's police force to post one officer at each of the city's 43 schools.
The Department of Education has counted 98,817 public schools in the United States and an additional 33,366 private schools.
Gun rights advocates on Capitol Hill had no immediate comment. They will have to walk a tough road between pressure from the powerful NRA, backed by an army of passionate supporters, and outrage over the Sandy Hook deaths that has already swayed some in Congress to adjust their public views.
A CNN/ORC poll taken this week found 52 percent of Americans favor major restrictions on guns or making all guns illegal. Forty-six percent of people questioned said government and society can take action to prevent future gun violence, up 13 percentage points from two years ago in the wake of the shooting in Tucson, Ariz., that killed six and wounded then Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Since the Connecticut slayings, President Obama has demanded action against U.S. gun violence and has called on the NRA to join the effort. Moving quickly after several congressional gun-rights supporters said they would consider new legislation to control firearms, the president said this week he wants proposals that he can take to Congress next month.
Obama has already asked Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 and to pass legislation that would stop people from purchasing firearms from private sellers without background checks. Obama also has indicated he wants Congress to pursue the possibility of limiting high-capacity firearms magazines.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein said former President Bill Clinton called her with an offer to help get an assault weapons ban reinstated. Clinton signed such a ban into law in 1994, but it expired after 10 years.
Feinstein said she's not opposed to having armed guards at schools, but she called the NRA proposal a distraction from what she said was the real problem — "easy access to these killing machines" that are far "more powerful and lethal" than the guns that were banned under the old law.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Will Jason via email at email@example.com or via Twitter at http://twitter.com/willjason


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Rapid T. Rabbit
Rapid Transit Rabbit (September 16, 1957[1] - August 1, 2017), most commonly known as Rapid T. Rabbit (real name Richard James Concepcion), was a fursuiter and puppeteer who lived in Flushing, Queens, New York, USA.[1]
Rapid was the leading character in the Rapid T. Rabbit and Friends cable television show.
Rapid was interviewed on The Daily Show in 1999. He was also interviewed for an article on mascots in SPY Magazine in 1990, on the Channel 4 UK program Americana in 1994 and the Canadian documentary film Behind The Mascot in 2003, as well as the 2009 short documentary A Tail of Identity. He also was seen at the White House Easter Egg Roll on NBC's The Today Show.
He was a guest of honor at Midwest FurFest 2000, and appeared at Anthrocon in Philadelphia and FurAffinity United in Newark NJ.
Rapid T. had a love of carousels, and in May, 2010, began writing Riding With The Rabbit, a monthly column in the Carousel News & Trader magazine.[2]
Richard passed away in his home on August 1, 2017.[citation needed]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rapid T. Rabbit's profile on LiveJournal. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
- ↑ "I now have my own monthly magazine column!" - posting by Rapid T. Rabbit, in the pawpet LiveJournal community. Dated May 15, 2010. Retrieved May 15, 2010
External links[edit]
|This person is a WikiFur user:
- Richard James Concepcion's biographical information and background
- Rapid T. Rabbit on Facebook
- Rapid T. Rabbit's Reader - Rapid T. Rabbit's LiveJournal community
- Rapid T Rabbit - a day in the life of Rapid T Rabbit, from the documentary "Behind the Mascot"
|This stub about a person could be expanded.


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Get an overview of this hotel3-star hotel with restaurant and indoor pool
Popular property highlights
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, and Penn State Ice Pavilion. Palmer Museum of Art and Centre County Historical Society are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Hotel Features
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, and a snack bar/deli are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 78 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Other amenities available to guests include free weekday newspapers, hair dryers, and phones.
Guest Highlights
- Comfortable rooms
- Good location
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
Courtyard by Marriott State College
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to an indoor pool, Courtyard by Marriott State College provides a spa tub and a fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, and a snack bar/deli. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.
Business-related amenities at this 3-star property consist of a 24-hour business center and a meeting room. Event facilities measure 625 square feet (58 square meters). This business-friendly hotel also offers barbecue grills, a picnic area, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Courtyard by Marriott State College is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar/lounge
- Barbecue grill(s)
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Laundry facilities
- One meeting room
- Number of floors - 3
- Total number of rooms - 78
- Picnic area
- Restaurant
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Conference space size (feet) - 625
- Conference space size (meters) - 58
- Snack bar/deli
- Smoke-free property
- Spa tub
- Indoor pool
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour business center
- Television in common areas
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Indoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Snack bar/deli
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Coffee/tea maker
- Air conditioning
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Free weekday newspaper
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Daily housekeeping
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Shower/tub combination
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Partially open bathroom
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Rollaway/extra beds (free)
- Cable TV service
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning.
The Bistro - Onsite bistro. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Nearby Things to Do
An indoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Free rollaway/extra beds!
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between USD $8 and USD $16 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- Courtyard Marriott State College
- Courtyard State College
- Marriott Courtyard State College
- Marriott State College
- State College Courtyard Marriott
- State College Marriott
- Courtyard By Marriott State College Hotel State College
- Courtyard Marriott State College Hotel
- State College Courtyard
We should mention
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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Current Highlights on Broadway
Find a show or venue
Order by phone
Your independent guide to the best shows in New York
302 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
Ended 29 Jun 2008 after 15 months
David Hyde Pierce, steps into full-fledged Broadway stardom with his performance
Ben Brantley, New York Times
|Avg. Customer Review (4.9 Stars):
|Number of Reviews: 20
Printer friendly format
Showing 1 to 5 of 20 reviews
|| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|60 of 120 people found the following review helpful:
Great performances, wonderful music; pure fun!,
|reviewer: GAIL from Metuchen, NJ
|If you are a musical comedy fan, treat yourself to a performance that is so much fun you'll be laughing and smiling for hours after the curtain falls. The performances are terrific and the energy of the cast is contagious. Four of us went and we all enjoyed it equally.Go and have a wonderful time!
|60 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
The Best Musical Comedy I Have Ever Seen!,
|reviewer: Carol from New Jersey
|This was the most clever, at times tender, hysterically funny musical comedy I have ever seen! The entire cast was extraordinarily talented from their comedic timing to their sensational voices and dance numbers! This was entertainment at its finest. Even the final curtain call was a masterpiece -- paying attention to clever nuances that continued to entertain. (I don't want to give anything away.) I smiled all the way home! I am not one for seeing a Broadway show twice, but I can't wait to see this one again!! David Hyde Pierce, I love you!
|61 of 123 people found the following review helpful:
Wildly entertaining!,
|reviewer: Valerie from Beachwood, NJ
|This show is a definite must see for musical comedy fans... David Hyde Pierce is amazing, as is Debra Monk. I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this show. The theatre is beautiful and the show within a show premise is so wonderfully entertaining. The sets are all stunning... I especially loved the "dream" scene with Nikki and her Detective - it reminded me so much of the old Ziegfield days. Everything about the show is total genius... even the conductor is terrific!!All I can say is... don't miss this show. It is sure to get a Tony award... no matter what, in my opinion it is a winner!!!
|65 of 123 people found the following review helpful:
Don't Miss This Show!,
|reviewer: Adria from Ocean, NJ USA
|What a delight to see a broadway show that makes you forget about the outside world for a while... The dancing was incredible, the costumes spectacular, the sets superb, the singing and orchestra fantastic!Just a wonderful wonderful musical that you shouldn't miss!
|60 of 116 people found the following review helpful:
Best show in town!,
|reviewer: Jennifer Fernandez from Norfolk, VA
|I left the theatre in sheer amazement. It has been awhile since I have seen a musical that embodied all the elements that make it a hit. Curtains has captured not only those elements, but the audience as well. From start to finsh, Curtains is a delight!
Showing 1 to 5 of 20 reviews
|| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Please note: The term Al Hirschfeld Theater as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other tradermarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Al Hirschfeld Theater and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Al Hirschfeld Theater and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelOceanfront family resort in North Miami Beach
Popular property highlights
On beach, near shops
This nautical-themed beachfront resort has direct beach access and is less than 4 miles from Bal Harbour Shops, 6 miles from Aventura Mall, the Art Deco District, and South Beach.
WaveRunners, Spa
Amenities at this family-friendly, smoke-free resort include an outdoor pool, spa tub, two game arcades, WaveRunner rentals, Seven Seas Spa, children's activities, shops, restaurants, and wireless Internet access.
Views, jetted tubs
The Newport Beachside's one- and two-bedroom villas have dining areas with wet bars, microwaves, and refrigerators, as well as pillowtop mattresses and marble bathrooms with jetted tubs.
Guest Highlights
- Good location
- Walkability
- Beach
- Pool
- Helpful staff
- Guestrooms were a little noisy
Newport Beachside Resort
Renovations & Closures
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The oceanfront Newport Beachside Resort has family-friendly amenities including a children's pool, a playground, two game rooms, an outdoor pool, activities desk, and a fitness center.
Other amenities include a concierge services, computer station, conference center, a promenade of shops, including a clothing store, a jewelry shop, a gift shop, and a fitness center; a coffee shop; and a lower-level beauty salon and spa. The resort also provides supervised childcare/activities (surcharge).
The resort's four restaurants include fine dining and a poolside bar. Covered cabanas and watercraft are available beachside (surcharges apply). Beach deck chairs are complimentary.
The Newport Beachside offers free wireless Internet access in the public spaces. Pets weighing up to 20 pounds are allowed, but other restrictions may apply.
- Outdoor pool
- Poolside bar
- Children's pool
- Spa tub
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Supervised childcare/activities (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Conference space
- Meeting rooms 4
- 24-hour front desk
- Porter/bellhop
- Total number of rooms - 339
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Hair salon
- ATM/banking
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Shopping on site
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Picnic area
- Television in common areas
- Arcade/game room
- Number of floors - 12
- Elevator/lift
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Number of bars/lounges - 2
- Wedding services
- Concierge services
- Full-service spa
- Computer station
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Beach cabanas (surcharge)
- Beach sun loungers
- RV, bus, truck parking (surcharge)
- Beach towels
- Conference space size (meters) - 1672
- Number of meeting rooms - 4
- Number of restaurants - 4
- Conference space size (feet) - 18000
- Conference center
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Free WiFi
- Spa services on site
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Children's pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Arcade/game room
- Playground on site
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge), RV, bus, truck parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Video-game console
- Pay movies
- Room service (limited hours)
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Free local calls
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Designer toiletries
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Jetted bathtub
- In-room massage available
- Shower/tub combination
- Television
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board
- Cable TV service
- Pillowtop mattress
- Free WiFi
- Daily housekeeping
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Separate bedroom
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
- In-room safe
Where to Eat
Kitchen 305 - Eclectic American fare. Dinner only.
Ocean Reef Café - Indoor and outdoor (covered) dining overlooking pool. Sandwiches, salads, soups, chicken, and seafood. Breakfast and lunch daily.
Coconut's Bar & Grill - Poolside bar serves hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and cocktails. Open late morning until early evening daily.
Cappuccino's Coffee & Treats - Open daily, early morning until late evening, the coffee shop serves snacks, pastries, chips, gourmet coffee, treats, and soft drinks.
Pelican's on the Pier - Located directly over the ocean, Pelican's on the Pier serves seafood, a raw oyster bar, hamburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and soups. Lunch and dinner daily.
Nearby Things to Do
The beach and outdoor activities are the focal point at this Miami Beach seaside resort. Guests can relax under giant palms on a private, shaded stretch of beach that includes a children's playground and a basketball court. Covered cabanas, tiki huts, and water-sports equipment including WaveRunners are available (surcharges apply). A huge sundeck includes an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a children's pool, ample sun loungers and towels, and a poolside bar.
Newport Beachside activities include sand castle-building contests, diving for coins in the pool, and poolside bingo. The resort has two game rooms and a fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Basketball on site
- Playground on site
- Rowing or canoeing on site
- Snorkeling on site
- Surfing/boogie boarding on site
- Volleyball on site
Spa Services
- Hot stone massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Swedish massage
- Prenatal massage
- Thai massage
- Reflexology
- Sports massage
- Detoxification wrap
- Couples treatment rooms
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Facial treatments
- Body treatments
- Number of treatment rooms 4
- Massages
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 ends at 2 AM
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 150 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
- Dogs only
- Up to 20 lb
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Self parking fee: USD 20 per day
- Valet parking fee: USD 25 per day (in/out privileges)
- Pet fee: USD 150 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 40.0 per night
Hotel Name
- Newport Beachside
- Newport Beachside Condo Sunny Isles Beach
- Newport Beachside Sunny Isles Beach
- Newport Beachside Hotel And Resort Florida/Sunny Isles Beach
- Newport Beachside Hotel Resort
- Newport Beachside Hotel Sunny Isles Beach
- Newport Beachside Resort
- Newport Hotel Miami Beach
- Newport Miami Beach
- Newport Resort
We should mention
Up to 2 children 12 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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Describing Jesus and his disciples as they go up to Jerusalem, Mark the Evangelist writes: "Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid" (10:32). That coupling of amazement and fear, according to Rudolf Otto in his classic The Idea of the Holy (1919), is the essence of human experience of the divine or numinous. When God appears to human beings, it is, in Otto's memorable phrase, as mysterium tremendum et fascinans, a holy mystery that awakens both fear and fascination. There are, of course, a variety of ways the experience can be expressed—as humbling and exalting, as awe and embrace, as deepened desire yet remorseful recoil. The experience can lead to tears of consolation or the desert of immense distance, both beyond words.
Such an experience of mingled awe and enchantment arises as one enters "The Sacred Made Real," an exhibition of 17th-century Spanish painting and sculpture currently at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Somewhat abbreviated from an earlier installation in London's National Gallery, the show offers stellar examples of two types of art, one two-dimensional, the other three-dimensional, which are generally shown separately but here enter into revealing conversation.
During the Catholic Reformation, the artists of Spain's Golden Age developed an intense realism to stir and even shock viewers with stark, emotional and often anguished presentations of Christ, the Virgin and the saints. Several of the era's greatest painters are represented in the current exhibition, including Francisco de Zurbarán and Diego Velázquez. They are matched by less well-known sculptors like Juan Martínez Montañés and Pedro de Mena.
No pairing of works more vividly represents the interaction of painterly and sculptural interests than two versions of the Immaculate Conception (see pg. 17), one a sculpture attributed to Montañés (c. 1620), the other an early painting by Velázquez (1618-19). Both depict the Virgin slightly larger than life-size, according to the Book of Revelation's description of "a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars" (12:1-2). Together they exemplify a typology developed by Baroque artists in 17th-century Seville: a naturalistic young girl takes all her dignity from her clothing and surroundings.
Velázquez places his Mary, with her broad face and full cheeks, against an inky night sky, whose billowing white clouds give cosmic dimension to her swirling blue mantle. (She may have been modeled on Juana Pacheco, the daughter of Velázquez's master, Francisco Pacheco, whom the painter married.) At her feet are symbols suggesting her purity—a temple, a fountain, a palm tree. The sculptural effect is striking, and Velázquez may well have studied an earlier Immaculate Conception by Montañés.
The Montañés Virgin evokes a similar serenity. But additional majesty at-taches to the figure through the tunic decorated with pale flowers under a black cloak enriched with effulgent golden arabesques. Delightfully, the angels at her feet and on the pedestal seem neither awestruck nor prayerful but simply happy to be there.
You can stand before these two wondrous works, beguiled by the lovely faces, imagining the inner grace of each figure, drawn into the mystery of innocence enduring all experience, transported to another time and still sensing a deeper root in your own.
Art that enthralls begets other art that enthralls, and nearby are three interpretations of St. Francis of Assisi that could define the word. Zurbarán's mid-career masterpiece, "Saint Francis Standing in Ecstasy" (c. 1640), from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, shows the saint anachronistically in the habit of the reformed branch of his order, the Capuchins, his hands folded in sleeves and his face looking heavenward, the whole figure lit by a suggestion of candlelight. (Legend has it that when his tomb was opened before Pope Nicholas V in 1449, the saint's body was found in exactly this position, miraculously preserved.) Next to the larger-than-life-size painting is the half-life-size, polychromed statue of "Saint Francis Standing in Ecstasy" (1663) by Mena, which may have been inspired by the Zurbarán. A celebrated object of veneration by pilgrims, the piece has never before left the Cathedral of Toledo.
Next to it is one of the greatest of all representations of prayer: Zurbarán's "Saint Francis Kneeling in Meditation" (1635-39), from London's National Gallery. You can enter the darkness with Francis as he kneels silent and enraptured, a skull cradled in his exquisitely painted hands. Light falls over your left shoulder onto his right shoulder. Looking up toward his face, you realize that you do not see his eyes, deep in the shadow of his cowl, but only his handsome nose and parted lips. No words come, to him or you, no motion, no desire to be anywhere but here. The presence of God suffuses this image of the poorest and perhaps most beloved of all the followers of Christ.
Your eye moves across the canvas, from the strong hands with the slight indication of the stigmata on his right hand, to the tattered robe, down the plumb-line of the cord falling from his waist, over to the folds that cover his feet and knees, up again to the holy face. The figure is almost entirely on the right side of the painting, yet it balances because the coarse white of the habit at Francis's right arm pulls the figure to the left and gives it a pulsing stasis, an insistent silent presence. You wish the gallery were empty so that you could kneel.
The face of Francis is holy, not sacred. An unfortunate perpetuation of the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane continues to be used in art criticism (and many other places as well) when dealing with Christianity. It was, for example, the cause of considerable conceptual confusion at a major exhibition on religion in art two years ago at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, "Les traces du sacré." But what "sacred" means, in contrast to "profane" (that which lies outside the temple and is purely of this world), is "something set apart" in relation to the divine. It is separate, by some form of consecration, for religious usage.
But for a faith that confesses God's living among us and enduring for us death itself in Christ, our human world is no longer a realm apart but, rather, radically God's own. Its story and ours have come to be because the holy mystery of God graciously chooses to create a story that will be God's own, the story of God's holiness enfleshed in human holiness and suffering for it. Of all the words that might speak less deficiently of the God beyond all language, it is "holiness" that best accompanies "love." And so the representations of Christ and Mary and the saints that are magnificently brought together at the National Gallery might be said to be sacred, as art or music or dance in a church might be said to be. But the human beings represented by the art are holy, because the God of holiness has dwelt in them through God's own Spirit—and always will.
Fr. Donovan, would you please write more articles for America, also expand the scope of your essays here (although your essays on art are fine enough)?
I liked this section on Spanish art. I just took a Spanish history class (in spanish ironically enough) and a lot of the history is just brought to life through the remarkable works of art throughout the ages by some of these artists mentioned above. I'd love to see more!


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Get an overview of this hotelLuxury resort with full-service spa and free valet parking
Popular property highlights
Situated in Santa Fe, this luxury resort is within 9 mi (15 km) of Santa Fe Opera, Palace of the Governors, and San Miguel Mission. New Mexico State Capitol and The Harrell House of Natural Oddities and Bug Museum are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Resort Features
This smoke-free resort features a full-service spa, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi in public areas is provided, as well as free valet parking, a free area shuttle, and a free shopping center shuttle. Additionally, a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a spa tub are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 65 rooms boast fireplaces and deep soaking tubs, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs with satellite channels. Other amenities available to guests include balconies or patios, iPod docks, and 24-hour room service.
Guest Highlights
- Good, quiet location
- Onsite bar and room service
- Helpful staff
- Overall room comfort
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to a full-service spa, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe features an outdoor pool and a spa tub. The resort offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.
Business amenities at this 5-star property consist of a business center, limo/town car service, and meeting rooms. Event facilities measuring 10000 square feet (929 square meters) include conference space. This luxury resort also offers a fitness center, a steam room, and spa services. For a surcharge, a roundtrip airport shuttle during limited hours is offered to guests. Complimentary self parking and valet parking are available on site.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Number of floors - 2
- Bar/lounge
- Business center
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Concierge services
- Express check-in
- Conference space
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free shopping center shuttle
- Express check-out
- Fireplace in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms 3
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 65
- Free valet parking
- Terrace
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Restaurant
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Conference space size (meters) - 929
- Year Built 2008
- Free area shuttle
- Conference space size (feet) - 10000
- Smoke-free property
- Spa services on site
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Outdoor pool
- Wedding services
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, Free valet parking
Room Amenities
- Access via exterior corridors
- Balcony or patio
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Bathrobes
- Refrigerator
- Free toiletries
- Deep soaking bathtub
- DVD player
- Free bottled water
- Ceiling fan
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free newspaper
- Desk
- Fireplace
- Free local calls
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- iPod docking station
- Minibar
- Premium bedding
- Private bathroom
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Slippers
- Turndown service
- Room service (24 hours)
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Rollaway/extra beds (free)
- Free cribs/infant beds
Where to Eat
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge.
Terra - Overlooking the garden, this fine-dining restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Terra Bar - Overlooking the garden, this bar serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.
Nearby Things to Do
An outdoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Snowboarding nearby
- Snowshoeing nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Ecotours nearby
- Ski lessons available nearby
- Ski equipment rental shops nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
- Hiking/biking trails on site
- Pilates classes on site
- Yoga classes/instruction on site
- Snow tubing nearby
- Rock climbing nearby
Spa Services
The onsite spa has massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including Ayurvedic and reflexology.
- Hot stone massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Prenatal massage
- Reflexology
- Couples treatment rooms
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
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
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Free rollaway/extra beds!
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 100 per accommodation, per stay
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- Resort fee
- Pool access
- Spa access
- Spa tub access
- Health club access
- Fitness center access
- Shuttle service
- Business center/computer access
- Internet access
- Newspaper
- In-room safe
- In-room coffee
- In-room bottled water
- Concierge/valet service
- Self parking
- Valet parking
- Parking
- Housekeeping
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between USD 12 and USD 40 per person (approximately)
- Airport shuttle fee: USD 258 per vehicle (one way)
- Pet fee: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay
Hotel Name
- Four Seasons Rancho Encantado
- Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
- Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado
- Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
- Encantado Resort Santa Fe
- Encantado, An Auberge Hotel Santa Fe
- Encantado Hotel Santa Fe
We should mention
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. A resort fee is included in the total price displayed. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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The Eco-Action Team (EA Team) is the driving force behind the Eco-Schools process. Establishing an EA team is the first step to take towards becoming an Eco-School.
Ideally, your EA Team should represent the whole school community - including people beyond your school walls. Keep in mind that students should play a leading role on the team and represent the views of the entire student body.
Eco-Schools Tip: It can be difficult to involve and inform the whole school, particularly at the high school level. You will need to consider how to create a team that will work best for your situation. For instance, you might utilize an existing student council or after-school club. No matter how you structure it, it is essential that this group finds ways to keep the rest of the school informed and engaged.
The size of your team and how often it meets will be determined by your school's needs and what award level you are aiming for. Some schools have found that they need to meet more frequently in the beginning and can then scale back meetings once their program has become established. It is important for the EA Team to take minutes during each meeting and record any decisions made by the team, as well as to communicate with the greater school community. Students should play a strong role in all functions of the EA Team. Lastly, you should have a plan to ensure that your Eco-Schools work will continue if and when key members of the EA Team leave.
Once you have established your Eco-Action Team, you should move on to Step 2 - Performing an Environmental Audit.
Silver Award
Green Flag Award
Sources: Eco-Schools Programme Ireland, Eco-Schools Programme Scotland, Eco-Schools International.


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Timberwolves Use Amnesty Clause on Darko
The Timberwolves have waived center Darko Milicic using the NBA Amnesty Clause. Milicic underachieved during his time with the Timberwolves and averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds a game in 2011-2012. His $7 Million salary figure does not count against the Wolves salary with this new clause. Milicic now goes through the waiver process where he could be claimed by any team.


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Even with recent precipitation here and there throughout the midsection of the country, drought conditions persist through several states, which could heighten prospects for wind erosion once springtime winds kick in.
"There are several things farmers can do to mitigate damage from wind erosion and it's best to do them before the wind really starts blowing," said Kansas State University assistant professor DeAnn Presley. "Often, wind erosion will start in a small area of a field where soil texture, aggregation, or vegetation conditions are more vulnerable to wind than other parts of the field."
The vulnerable areas, or "hot spots" are the areas that need control first, said Presley, who is a soil management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.
She, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture soil scientist, John Tatarko, authored a publication "Principles of Wind Erosion and its Control," available through K-State Research and Extension offices or online at www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore. Search for MF2860.
Emergency tillage is tillage performed on an actively blowing field to provide a rough, ridged, cloddy surface. The idea, Presley said, is to reduce wind velocity and trap windblown soil particles.
"Emergency tillage is only a temporary measure, however," she added. "First, because clods can disintegrate rapidly under saltating conditions and second, because a change in wind direction can mean soil loss from untilled strips."
Saltating is sort of a chain reaction, where under the influence of wind, small particles bounce or hop along the soil surface, she said. As they bounce, they strike other particles, causing them to move. The higher the particles jump, the more energy they derive from the wind. Because of this wind-derived energy, the impact of saltating particles initiates movement of other grains and smaller dust particles that can be suspended in the air and carried long distances.
An implement used for emergency wind erosion control should gently lift the soil, creating as many large stable clods as possible. Implements such as listers and chisels do a good job of roughening the soil surface and creating clods. Each has its own benefits, depending on soil type.
Adding crop residue to the surface reduces wind velocity and traps moving soil particles, Presley said. Almost any kind of residue, including straw, hay or corn stalks can be used. Approximately 2,000 to 4,000 pounds of residue per acre is required, however, to control erosion in areas that already have begun to erode.
Normally the residue must be anchored in place with a stubble puncher or disk, although long-stemmed residues such as corn stalks might not require anchoring.
Livestock manure also can reduce wind erosion, she said, particularly in growing wheat, fallow fields and row crops. Typically, six to eight tons of manure per acre controls wind erosion on vulnerable spots, but care should be taken when storing and apply manure, so as not to contaminate water sources.
Irrigation to control erosion is generally impractical and wastes water because the surface tends to dry rapidly under high wind conditions. However, if a high-value cash crop is at stake, irrigation might be a practical solution if enough water can be applied to keep the surface sufficiently moist.
Temporary, artificial wind barriers, such as board or snow fences or hay bales can be used if the eroding area is relatively small, such as stock watering areas or knolls. Protection can be expected for a downwind distance approximately 10 to 15 times the height of the barrier.
Soil stabilizers are soil additives or spray-on adhesives, which bind soil particles together, Presley said. They are generally expensive, temporary and used only for high-value cash crops such as vegetables. While there are a number of materials available, they are not compatible with all soils and often made ineffective by rainfall, cultivation, or abrasion from untreated areas.
In addition to the wind erosion publication, information is available at www.weru.ksu.edu/ and from three videos at: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=255. The videos were produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Engineering and Wind Erosion Research Unit and USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service in conjunction with the Educational Communications Center at Kansas State University.


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The British arrived and were quickly repelled during the Woodland Chamber of Commerce Installation and Member Recognition Dinner at which Kevin Cowan took over as 2014 president.
Cowan - has been involved with the chamber for 20 years - was a last-minute selection to the presidency after president-elect Angela Fairchilds accepted a position outside the area.
The installation had been constructed around Fairchilds' English roots, with the event labeled "The British Invasion." Fairchilds, who served as chancellor of Woodland Community College, accepted a post at another college near Yosemite.
Chamber directors, however, were unwilling to change theme and it was left to Josh Hilliard to inaugurate the installation - an inauguration that was quickly put down by a wig-wearing Al Aldrete, who ran into the Elks Lodge dining area shouting "The British are coming, the British are coming."
Wearing old, black judge's robe in addition to his white wig, Aldrete quickly took down the Union Jack and replaced it with the Stars and Stripes, allowing the Friday night gathering to begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Over the years, the chamber has developed a tradition of keeping the ceremonies short because the event's dinner features freshly caught crab. So, the awards and swearing in ceremonies were kept under an hour.
But that didn't mean the participants and attendees couldn't have some fun.
Standing next to a cardboard cutout of comedian Mike Myers as the character Austin Powers, Hilliard was honored by former Member of the Year Don Sharp as the 2013 Member of the Year, an honor he accepted with only a trace of mock humility and grace.
Honored as well was Pam Duey of Woodland Veterinary Hospital, who received the "2014 Salute to Business & Education Award." While longtime member, and retired educator, Wayne Ginsburg was honored as the 2013 Ambassador of the Year, noting his pleasure that education and business have a "great connection" in the community.
Scott Johnston of the accounting firm of Landucci, Bick, Matter, Johnston & Martin LLP, meanwhile, accepted the award as the 2013 Business of the Year.
The firm, founded in 1962, has had chamber members for 51 years, with Glenn Lucas Jr., Roger Landucci, and Scott Johnston (presently the Managing Partner) all serving as chamber board members; and eventually serving as Chamber presidents - Lucas in 1970, Landucci in 1982, and Johnston in 1993.
But it was left to Cowan, a financial planner, to bring the chamber together.
Kevin Vazari, the 2013 president, said that he "got to know Kevin" in his capacity of president of Woodland Memorial Hospital because "he would show up frequently in our emergency room. So, I learned that he does like motorcycle racing (which means) he's a high energy, high rev kind of a guy."
For his part, Cowan said he was happy to be undertaking the challenge and was committed to carrying out Fairchilds' theme for the year which is "The Woodland Chamber - Supporting Involvement & Investment in the Community."
He started as an Ambassador in 2003 and was active with the group until 2011 to focus more on his family. He returned to the chamber in 2013 and had a suspicion that he would be tabbed for the post when people started "looking at me kinda funny."
Installed as chamber officers for the coming year were First Vice President Al Aldrete, Second Vice President Phil Hogan, Treasurer Natasha Kohn, and Corporate Secretary Kristy Wright.
Installed as board members were Maggie Guzman, Martie Dote, Matt Ginsburg, Bradley Gollober, Kelly Hutchison, Debbie Kennedy, Joe Knieriem, Bethany Malcolm, Pete Rominger, Don Sharp, Mark Ullrich and Vicki Watson.
Receiving anniversary awards were: 50 years-Valley Vista Eye Care; 40 years-Legislative Intent; 25 years-Carbahal & Company; 20 years-Windmill Feed; 15 years-Devin Design, Davis Enterprise, AA Window & Door; and 10 years-MaryAnn Ryan.
Follow Jim Smith at twitter.com/newsie2001


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Hi all,
I've been struggling a lot with having a short temper and getting angry over what I consider to be justifiable circumstances.
A neighbour over the street has frequently been up until 4 A.M playing music, but mostly just talking loudly, shouting and 'wooing' with the windows open.
They are maybe 20 meters away. All other neighbours around them keep their windows closed, even in the summer, which is incredibly annoying because I like to keep my window open year-round, especially in summer.
I've gone over before at around 1 A.M and asked them to at least keep the windows closed, which they did that night, but now it's an issue again.
I contacted the council and they sent me a log to keep track of it over 2 weeks to then submit back to them so they can see if it's enough to justify escalation and notifying the people in question. Well, the log arrived just as winter hit and their windows weren't open, so basically nothing happened.
Now it's getting quite mild again, the windows are open again, so I think I'll re-open the case and request another form.
It just annoys me when it happens. It's so incredibly rude and disrespectful that it's obvious to me that they are perfectly aware of how disruptive they're being, they just seemingly don't care.
It keeps me angry for hours and stresses me.
So basically I'm trying to find ways of calming myself down.
I've tried meditation before but never seemed to 'do it' properly because my mind often wondered. I've tried this both when I'm stressed as well as when I'm fine.
Any suggestions?