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Over the past six to nine months, there's been an increase in the amount of vitriol coming from opponents of biotechnology. It seemed to increase dramatically last fall when the media publicized Prop 37 in California that sought to label foods that contain genetically modified ingredients.
The publicity seemed to bring the GMO debate to the national stage, and in subsequent months, other states gained media attention for developing their own GMO labeling bills.
Nothing earns more comments on Ag Professional's website than stories about biotechnology, but particularly stories that include mention of Monsanto. Anti-GM activists hate this company with a passion. They share stories they gather from around the internet from Occupy Monsanto and other green and anti-GMO websites to illustrate their views—most of them exaggerated or false.
Underlying their hate of Monsanto and biotechnology lies several guiding factors: fear, anger, distrust and superiority. By far, fear seems to be the guiding principle. Their fears include that big corporations and scientists with no moral or legal boundaries will create crops that kill humanity and/or enslave us to them. This argument seems illogical because many of the companies that have agricultural biotechnology research also research biotechnology for medicinal purposes. If these companies kill off the population, no one will buy their medicine, profits will decrease and the companies will go out of business. But the activists' convoluted argument is that these corporations are developing crops that will deliberately make people sick, who will then need the medicines these companies produce. But they can't make people too sick because they have to gain government approval with studies showing the crops don't make people sick.
Biotech crops have now been produced for more than 15 years without disruption to people's health. However, activists will argue that GMOs are causing every disease imaginable including obesity, Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, etc.
To provide some perspective, rates of all diseases have increased over the past 15 years, but so has the consumption of organic food. Activists equate coincidence with proof. Although organic consumption has increased tremendously over the past 15 years, no one seems to attribute all the diseases to organic food, but they correlate more GM consumption to disease.
Studies that have come out in the past year claiming to show proof of how GM foods can cause disease have been met in the broad scientific community as erroneous and slanted. Methods used in these studies to produce the results intended, as well as faulty deductions in the data, have been extensively criticized. Yet once an activist sees photos of rats with tumors or pigs with diseased stomachs, they are convinced. Have they read the study, questioned the methods used or who funded the research? Not likely.
Critical thinking and the ability to recognize pseudo-scientific studies appears to be lacking by activists. It's much easier to share websites that share sensational headlines and news showing the things we fear the most—grotesque abominations they say prove scientists are dabbling in research without a conscience and are slaves to profit-mongering corporations.
Most people don't look at the organic industry, which is now owned by many of these mega corporations, and truly understand the difference behind organic and biotech-produced food.
America's high schools have the lowest competencies in math and science in the industrialized world. Without this understanding, how can Americans truly understand what biotech scientists are doing? Somehow agriculture must find a way to show that biotechnology is not an enemy.


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INSPIRED by this year's Paralympic games, a Blackburn school has opened its doors to students with learning difficulties.
A sporting partnership between students at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and Longshaw Primary Special School in Blackburn has been formed as part of the school's Olympic legacy scheme.
Since the start of the new academic year, eight pupils and carers from the school have attended the West Park Road school for two hours every Thursday morning.
QEGS provides minibus transport to and from their school in Blackburn and pupils from the sixth form use the opportunity to bond, talk and get to know the children through adapted sports and sensory events.
Mark Butler, director of PE and games, said: "I am amazed and astonished by the impact this experience is having.
"Not only on the Longshaw pupils, whose enthusiasm and cheery smiles offer a permanent feel good factor, but in particular on our students.
"Carers have said the visit to QEGS is the highlight of the week for their children."

subset: commoncrawl


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Unless measure passes before November elections, Republican gains could mean an end to repeal possibilities for the time being
Lisa Keen | Keen News Service email@example.com
A Senate Democratic leadership aide said Monday, Sept. 13, that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would bring the defense spending bill with the "don't ask, don't tell" repeal measure to the floor next week.
Reid himself confirmed the decision in a post on Twitter, in response to a call by pop star Lady Gaga following MTV's Video Music Awards on Sunday night, Sept. 12.
Gaga attended the awards show with three LGBT former servicemembers who were discharged under DADT and a former West Point cadet who left the academy in protest over the policy.
The four were U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Hall, former U.S. Air Force Major Mike Almy, former U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Stacy Vasquez and former West Point cadet Katie Miller, all members of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
The pop star then spoke about the importance of repealing DADT during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres after the VMAs.
The following day, Gaga sent a Tweet to all her followers urging them to contact Reid and urge him to schedule a Senate vote on repeal. Reid responded with a Tweet saying the vote had been scheduled for this coming week.
The decision — if it sticks — is an important step forward for activists hoping to repeal the federal law that bans openly gay servicemembers from the military.
Many political observers are predicting that Republicans could take over the majority in the Senate and/or House at the mid-term elections. Such a development would almost certainly kill any chance of repeal for DADT during President Barack Obama's first term.
The DADT repeal language was attached to the annual bill that authorizes Department of Defense spending. The language calls for repeal of the military's ban on gay servicemembers to begin after the Secretary of Defense receives an "implementation report" he has asked for, due Dec. 1, and after the president, defense secretary and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff have signed a statement certifying that they have considered whatever recommendations are made in the report, prepared the necessary regulations to accompany repeal, and certified that repeal is "consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces."
Fiscal year 2011 begins Oct. 1. With the congressional clock ticking down the last days of fiscal year 2010, the pressure is on to finish off remaining budget bills authorizing spending and appropriating FY 2011 monies.
If Congress fails to settle its budget bills by the end of FY 2010, it has the option of passing "continuing resolutions" — bills that simply set the next year's fiscal budget at the same levels as the current year.
According to the New York Times, the Senate typically spends about two weeks on the defense spending bill. Last year's defense authorization bill was passed by the Senate in July, but it took lawmakers more than two months to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions.
So, there is no certainty that DADT will, in fact, come up during the first week or that it will even get a vote before FY 2010 runs out.
Meanwhile, when the defense authorization bill does come to the floor and the Senate begins debate on the language seeking to repeal DADT, the debate is expected to be vigorous, at least from opponents.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other Republicans have made clear they are steadfastly against repeal. The question is whether Democrats believe support for repeal could lose them votes during the mid-term elections, and potentially control of Congress.
© 2010 Keen News Service
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition September 17, 2010.


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelReno resort with 2 Tuscan-style pools, 10 restaurants
Popular property highlights
Shopping, dining
Conveniently located in Reno's bustling shopping-and-dining district, this destination resort is just 1 mile from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and 2 miles from downtown and Reno-Tahoe Airport.
Casino, 3-story spa
Highlights include a 24-hour casino, the high-energy EDGE nightclub, a 3-story luxury spa, 10 restaurants, and 2 Tuscan-inspired outdoor pools with a waterfall, spa tubs, and poolside refreshments.
In-room Keurig coffee makers
1,621 guestrooms and suites at this Reno resort feature 42-inch LCD high-definition TVs with pay movies, refrigerators, brand new custom pillowtop mattresses with premium linens, and WiFi access included in the resort fee.
Guest Highlights
- Proximity to shopping
- Pool
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
- Overall room comfort
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Open around the clock, the casino includes more than 700 video poker and multi-game slots, 48 gaming tables, a poker room, and keno. The race-and-sports book features 2 10-foot-wide high-definition theater screens, 61 big-screen high-definition TVs, and 71 "box seat" carrels with individual LCD monitors and Internet access.
An expansive, Tuscan-inspired pool area includes 2 outdoor pools, a waterfall, spa tubs, and poolside dining. Cabanas (surcharge) are available seasonally. The 3-story Spa Toscana features 24 treatment rooms, and an indoor soaking pool.
The EDGE nightclub is a Reno hotspot with DJ entertainment, themed events, and parties. Dining highlights include the Bimini Steakhouse; the Island Buffet; Romanza, for Italian cuisine; and Chi, serving Asian fare. The resort also offers a wide array of casual and snack options, as well as 24-hour room service.
Business clients can take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour business center and 106,000 square feet of conference space. The resort is also just 1 mile from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
A scheduled airport shuttle is available for guests' convenience. Pets are not allowed at the hotel.
Guests should note that North & West Wing rooms are separate from the main resort, across the skywalk on the third floor of the Peppermill Tower or adjacent to the Tuscany Tower via an outdoor walkway.
- 24-hour front desk
- Free airport transportation
- Arcade/game room
- ATM/banking
- Total number of rooms - 1623
- Number of bars/lounges - 14
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Casino
- Concierge services
- Coffee shop or café
- Conference space
- Fitness facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Full-service spa
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Hair salon
- Number of outdoor pools - 2
- Computer station
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms 35
- Multilingual staff
- Nightclub
- Number of floors - 19
- Free valet parking
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Conference space size (meters) - 9848
- Number of restaurants - 10
- 24-hour business center
- Conference space size (feet) - 106000
- Free self parking
- Sauna
- Shopping on site
- Spa services on site
- Television in common areas
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pools
- Free Wi-Fi
- Arcade/game room
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Free self parking, Free valet parking
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Free bottled water
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Pillowtop mattress
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Free toiletries
- Desk
- Free local calls
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Iron/ironing board
- Coffee/tea maker
- iPod docking station
- Digital TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Pay movies
- Premium bedding
- Room service (24 hours)
- Rollaway/extra beds (free)
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- In-room climate control (heating)
Where to Eat
Dining highlights include:
Bimini Steakhouse - This gourmet steakhouse in a virtual-aquarium setting features pool and garden views, USDA-Certified Angus Beef (wet-aged 28 days or more), and a wine cellar with more than 1,000 wines. It serves dinner nightly.
Chi - This dinner restaurant serves traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine. Menu highlights include Peking duck, fresh seafood, noodle dishes, pork, chicken, Maine lobster, and custom cocktails.
Romanza Ristorante - Award-winning Italian cuisine is prepared in an exhibition kitchen. The restaurant has a romantic setting with a sky dome, Corinthian columns, classical sculptures, and classical Italian music. It serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Island Buffet - Lavish buffets in tropical setting cna be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Specials include a Friday Seafood Extravaganza, Saturday Night Steak & Crab, and Sunday Champagne Brunch.
Biscotti's - With breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Biscotti's menu presents both innovative dishes and new interpretations of classic comfort foods. Wood-fired pizza, pasta, Asian selections, sandwiches, salads, and rotisserie are featured on the menu.
Oceano - Set in a dramatic undersea environment, Oceano's menu changes daily and features the freshest seafood available. Lobster, sushi, pan roasts, chowders, fish, oyster shooters, pasta, and steak are served for lunch and dinner.
Café Milano - Serving coffee, classic American cuisine, BBQ, and traditional menu specialties, this spot is great for the whole family. It is open 24 hours a day.
Café Espresso - This café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the resort include an outdoor pool, a health club, and a sauna.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Snowboarding nearby
- Snowmobiling nearby
- Snowshoeing nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
Spa Services
The Mediterranean-inspired Spa Toscana has a sauna and a spa tub as well as couples' treatment rooms. The spa offers a wide range of massages, body treatments, body scrubs, body wraps, facials and aromatherapy treatments. Decor at this 3-story retreat includes mosaic floors and soothing water features. Women's and men's relaxation areas feature hot and cold plunge pools, cascading deluge showers, eucalyptus steam rooms, and cedar saunas. A beauty salon providing manicures, pedicures and other services is also on site.
- Couples treatment rooms
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Sauna in spa
- Spa tub in spa
- 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
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time ends at 10 PM
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Free rollaway/extra beds!
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- Deposit: USD 50.00 per day
- Tourism fee: USD 2.00 per accommodation, per night
- Resort fee: USD 28.25 per accommodation, per night
- Pool access
- Fitness center access
- Airport shuttle
- Business center/computer access
- Internet access
- Phone calls
- Faxes
- In-room safe
- In-room coffee
- In-room bottled water
- Concierge/valet service
- Self parking
- Valet parking
- Parking
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between USD 7 and USD 16 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- Peppermill Casino
- Peppermill Casino Resort
- Peppermill Resort
- Peppermill Resort Casino
- Peppermill Resort Spa
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Reno
- Peppermill Spa
- Peppermill Spa Casino
- Peppermill Spa Casino Reno
- Peppermill Hotel Reno
We should mention
Accommodations are situated at multiple addresses. Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Up to 3 children 17 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.
Awards & Affiliations
- This property is affiliated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) guests.
- The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.


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Burton Gabi Viteri Jackson Hole Wall Mural
No longer available
- Overview
Stay energized and inspired when you're off the mountain with our powder-packed Burton Wall Murals. Flying high over the treetops, Burton snowboarder Gabi Viteri shows the Jackson Hole backcountry who's boss. Known for style, shredding flair and some serious baking talent, the Colorado native survived a string of injuries to put down a standout part in Peepshow's 2011 release,Winter Wars. Last season she continued to charge with an aggressive street style rarely seen in the female ranks.
- 4' x 4'
- Printed with water-based ink on a durable nonadhesive panel.
- Matte finish eliminates glare on the surface.
- Top and bottom rails ensure a smooth and easy hang.
- 4' x 4'
- Dimensions + Care
- Art canvas is nonwoven 66% polypropylene, 25% polyester, 9% viscose.
- Aluminum tube and hanger.
- Water-based ink.
- Includes metal hanger and end caps for mounting.
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Avoid the use of any adhesive-backed products (tape, stickers, etc.) on the mural's surface.
- Shipping Info
This item will arrive in 3-5 business days. Please proceed to the Payment & Review page of Checkout for a precise delivery estimate.


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COLUMBUS -- State lawmakers were divided Wednesday over whether a bill switching schools to an A through F performance ranking system was the best thing for students, educators and families.
A bill requiring the switch cleared the state Senate on a 27-6 vote, with House approval of changes expected before the session's expected end this week.
The legislation calls for developing a letter grade scale for school districts.
The system also would apply to school buildings, community schools, STEM schools and college preparatory boarding schools based on more than a dozen performance measures. Those include elementary-grade literacy, student academic performance, graduation rates, college readiness and a host of other criteria.
Letter grades would be phased in to replace the current five tiers: academic emergency, academic watch, continuous improvement, effective and excellent.
Senate Education Chair Peggy Lehner, a Kettering Republican, said the bill's completion during the lame duck session doesn't mean it was rushed.
"I want to assure the public as well as this body that the language before you today is not the result of a flurry of last-minute legislative activity but rather the result of six months of discussion, consultation, drafting and re-drafting," she told senators during floor debate.
Lehner said the bill is designed to help schools prepare for the transition to tougher national Common Core standards in English and math.
The Senate changed the bill to set up a safe harbor designed to prevent schools from experiencing sudden drops in rankings as the state moves to a more rigorous evaluation system. No overall grades for districts would be given this coming year as the transition takes place.
State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Youngstown Democrat, said the Ohio is moving too quickly, saddling districts and teachers with a mountain of new requirements.
"After speaking to teachers, principals and superintendents I hear things like, 'This is too much too fast,' 'This changes the rules in the middle of the game' and 'You're creating constant moving targets,'" Schiavoni said. "Not only is this frustrating for administrators and schools but it's demoralizing for teachers."
He said Ohio residents who have gone to school to learn how to teach children are being "nitpicked" by overzealous lawmakers.


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Since everyone seems to be doing a Top 10 of 2010 post, I thought I better join in! My little ol' blog didn't really get up and running until September so most of my top viewed posts are Christmas items. I am pretty sure most of you are done with Christmas by this point! So…I thought I would post a few of my favorite projects instead.
I actually ended up using this even more than I thought I would. It is hung right by my computer and I make a list each week of what I need hope to get done. {there are always at least a few items that get carried over to the next week!}
I must admit, planning our weekly menu is one of my weak points. I definitely notice that we eat much healthier though if I do this!
My monthly magnetic calendars.
These have been really fun to do and are a really great way to use up all of those left over scrapbooking materials. That reminds me…I better get working on my January one! {You can always click on calendars under my labels to see the other months}
I LOVE how this turned out but it is definitely one of my more time consuming projects! My one piece of advice is to not put the cupcake liners too close together – you can always add more later!
The mail organizer. {This was actually one of my first projects posted}
Since i am not a sewer {one day I will learn!}, it is rare that I get to do projects with fabric. I had a great time browsing the local quilt shop for some fabulous material. I like the way it turned out and it is so functional!
My plan is to make a new mini-album each month {and switch out the ribbon!}
Okay, this is technically a Christmas project, but this would be so easy to re-create with different colours for different seasons.
It's always fun to compare what your kids looked like when they were the same age. {Mine don't look a whole lot alike!}
And last but not least, these canvas projects.
I hope you all have enjoyed my little recap. Hopefully, you have found something that you've missed! Thank-you to all of my fabulous followers and to those that take the time to leave comments. I really do enjoy reading them and look forward to getting to know you better in the new year!
I have linked up with Passionately Artistic, Tip Junkie, Skip To My Lou, Embellishing Life, Polly Want a Crafter, Me Making Do, Craft-o-Maniac, Support Blog for Moms of Boys, I Heart Naptime, Funky Junk, A Little Lovely, Be Different Act Normal, Fun to Craft, Chic On A Shoestring, A Crafty Soiree, Somewhat Simple, House of Hepworths, CRAFT, Paisley Passions and Craftaholics Anonymous.


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Hi, first post here. I'm a beginner at disc golf. I had gotten into it a couple years ago with friends but stopped but started back up recently and enjoy it even more. My girlfriend also just played her first game, and she really enjoys everything about it, but I want to find a good disc for her to play with so she can enjoy playing the game.
I have two discs right now that I got a couple years back. A Firebird and a Classic Roc, both the lowest price models. I didn't know until recently that Firebirds are bad for beginners, I just had bought it because it looked cool. I'm looking for a driver that is beginner friendly and will stay straight. Its not too important for it to be max distance. I can drive well on occasion and my most recent game I actually had some pretty nice drives with the Firebird, but I was very inconsistent. I understand the Roc would be better for approaches and putts (my girlfriend and I had some nice fail drives with it the other day).
For drivers I heard that the Archangel, Valkerie or Dragon might be good, but I hear different things every where. I'm also planning on picking up a Buzzz which I know is a midrange disc like the Roc but from what I've read it would be better at driving and general use than the Roc, which seems better for putting. The other day I used my friend's Cyclone a couple times but wasn't very impressed with it. I think I would need something by Innova or Discraft since there is a place near the local college campus that has many of their discs but I don't recall what other brands they had. I'm also looking to spend probably 10 dollars or less per disc, its just a fun hobby for us right now. Thanks for the help.


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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.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Double vision
History: My husband an accountant (60) had congestive heart failure in Nov. 06 and they drained fluid and was doing great Then a few months later after medicine did not improve the heart rate they gave him a catherization Found blockage Then he had a 4 bypass in Feb. 07 He was doing GREAT His neck arteries are under 50% All was well and he was prepared to go back to work. . . Then after 4 weeks from the surgery he got double vision and we went to the ER - They did a CT and gave him an aspirin - thinking it was a TIA He got an MRI that week and discovered a 2mm stroke in the brainstem that effected the eye movement Now he is on all the medicines including cuomadin and plavix and aspirin
My questions are: HOW LONG statically does the double vision last? It has been 3 weeks. Does body pain come with this?
Does the clot dissolve? Disappear?
Can we do anything about how tired and sick he feels from this double vision.
Should we push to get better or rest more?
Thank you
Recovery after stroke varies from person to person. Some never recover at all, while others recover completely. The majority recover to some degree. Timing of recovery varies too. The best rule of thumb is that recovery happens more in the short term than the long term (i.e. we see most of the recovery in the first days to weeks after stroke). Thus, I cannot tell you what your husband can expect for recovery.
Double vision symptoms can be lessened for some patients with prisms placed in glasses, or can be resolved by wearing an eye patch. It would be best to discuss these options with an opthalmologist locally.
Brett Kissela, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Director, Neurology Residency Program
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati


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3M: Communicating Innovation to Employees
September 9, 2011
Dawn McGinley, director, corporate marketing and communications, 3M, and Anne Greer, manager, corporate brand, 3M, discussed how 3M used innovative techniques to reach out to their employees.
Restricted Content
Access to this content item is restricted to:
- ANA Corporate Marketer Members
Please login below or create an account.
You may already be a member. Find out if your company is already an ANA member.


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Schluter-QUADEC is an angular finishing and edge-protection profile designed to lend both functional protection and a touch of elegance to the outside corners of tiled surfaces. The QUADEC Q100ACG profile is designed with an integrated bonding flange. This flange is best used with thin-set and self-leveling mortar, minimising the influence of excess mortar on the finished look of the tile. The aluminum profile is engineered with durability and longevity in mind to give your tile the edge protection it needs for years to come, while the brilliant polished chrome anodized aluminum finish adds decorative taste to a wide variety of surfaces.
Product Features
Square Design for a Clean, Bold Appearance
Schluter-QUADEC profiles feature a 90 degree angle on their outer edge, providing a clean, angular appearance that can add definition and style to any element in a room.
Pure Aluminum Construction
This profile is constructed from aluminum, giving it the durability it needs to last for many years without the worry of breakage or bending.
Trapezoidal Anchor Pattern
Schluter-QUADEC profiles use an alternating trapezoidal pattern of anchoring holes for adherence to mortar. This pattern gives optimal movement stability in all directions.
Brilliant Polished Chrome Anodized Aluminum Finish
The polished chrome anodized aluminum finish on the Q100ACG profile gives your tile an extra touch of class and sophistication.


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Topic: Newly Diagnosed
I'm a 31 year old female who was just diagnosed with intrahepatic CC. I have no symptoms. They only found the tumors in my liver (last count was 7) because I went to the ER in November with chest pain (which was unrelated and went away on its own). I've gone through every diagnostic test imaginable looking for another primary tumor. My doctors couldn't find anything, so they have settled on CC.
I'm undergoing IVF now to freeze embryos and am scheduled to start chemo next week. They plan on using gemcitabine, irinotecan and panitumumab. Howeverr, we are waiting for insurance approval because two are off label. All of the tumors are in my left lobe, with the exception of a single "spot" in my right lobe, which the surgeon said he could just ablate. He gave me every indication that they could all be removed. They want to do chemo first because they are afraid that if it isn't CC, then it could spread elsewhere. After chemo then we will begin discussions about surgery.
The last month and a half has been hell for me, my husband and my family, but I'm trying to stay positive. I was reluctant to post on here, but I have read that being a part of some sort of support group is helpful. It's so hard to believe that all of this is happening because I feel generally healthy. The doctors say their goal is to keep me healthy.
I could use some encouraging words and some good vibes because this is all really daunting.


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Learn about what you can bring and how to package it. Also, track your bags when you're traveling and find information on delayed or damaged bags.
Traveling with a cello? Golf clubs? Surf board? Find out what you can (and can't) bring on your next flight and read our policies on instruments, sporting equipment and more.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your bag after you check it in? Now, you can keep track of your bags from check-in to when you land.
If your bags aren't there when you land, please tell a US Airways representative before you leave the airport (within 4 hours of your arrival). We'll do our best to get your bag back to you within 24 hours.
You can check the status of your bag online with your bag tag #. It begins with 'US' and ends with 6 digits, and it's right above the bar code on your bag claim check.
Plan to check bags on your upcoming trip? Make travel easier and let the service experts from Bags VIP deliver your bags to the destination of your choice.


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Headlines (Campus Updates)
Laurier Brantford
Laurier flu clinics
Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing
Nov 2/12
Flu season has arrived early this year, and in response, flu clinics are being offered to Laurier students, staff and faculty.
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. People of any age can get the flu, and are usually ill between two and seven days.
According to Laurier Health Services, getting an annual flu shot is the most effective way to protect you and your family from the flu.
The flu shot helps to strengthen your bodys natural immune response against the flu. It does this by stimulating your immune system to build up antibodies against the virus, making it stronger so that it's ready to fight off the illness before it starts.
Flu clinics:
Waterloo Campus
Lauriers Health Services Department, in conjunction with Waterloo Region Public Health, is again hosting on-campus flu clinics for Laurier students, staff and faculty.
Those interested can sign up for an appointment online. If there are no available time slots, the Student Health and Development Centre welcomes walk-ins during clinic times.
For more information about the on-campus clinics in Waterloo, visit: http://waterloo.mylaurier.ca/health/info/Flu.htm
Flu shots are free of charge. Please bring your health card.
Brantford Campus
The Brant County Health Unit is running all the flu clinics. Laurier Brantfords Health Services department will give out the flu shots to students, faculty and staff who request it by appointment, and will also welcome walk-ins. For more information about Brant Countys flu clinics, please visit: http://www.bchu.org/content/view/1061/769/
Waterloo Region Public Health provided the following tips about the flu:
To further reduce the risk:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm running water especially before eating, preparing food and after blowing noses or using the washroom
- Use alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer (either gel or wipes) when soap and water are not available
- Symptoms include sudden onset of fever (accompanied by chills), cough, sore throat and muscle or joint aches.
If you have the flu:
- Stay home until the symptoms begin to lessen
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, or if tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow of clothing to prevent spreading


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Methuen High student held without bail after allegedly threatening to attack school with AK-47
A 17-year-old Methuen High School student was held without bail today after being arraigned on charges that he told a classmate he wanted to buy an AK-47 and wage a Columbine-style attack on his school.
Jacob Butze-Maille also allegedly told the classmate, a 15-year-old girl, that she would be the first to be killed if she told anyone of his plan, Essex County Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Gillespie said at a hearing in Lawrence District Court.
Judge Michael J. Brooks ordered Butze-Maille held for up to 90 days, slating a Jan. 4 probable cause hearing, after prosecutors argued that Butze-Maille was too dangerous to go free.
"I find there are no conditions that would reasonably ensure the safety of the community,'' Brooks said. "These are alarming and disturbing allegations, I think, compounded by the threat [to the witness].''
Butze-Maille is facing charges of threatening to commit murder, intimidation of a witness, and willfully communicating a threat concerning a dangerous item, Methuen police said.
Gillespie also said school officials had told law enforcement officials that Butze-Maille had previously discussed Columbine and made references to guns and violence.
"Detention is the most appropriate way to secure the safety of the community,'' she said.
Defense attorney Jessica Thrall of Salem said her client, who has been working at a Market Basket as a bagger for the past month, had no prior criminal history.
She also said that the St. Ann's Home & School, the facility where Butze-Maille lives, had offered to take him back under very strict conditions. She said he would continue with therapy he has been receiving there, if he were released.
Butze-Maille, who had short black hair, wore a black hoodie, black baggy pants, and sneakers during the hearing. His mother was in the courtroom but did not comment after the hearing.
The student Butze-Maille spoke to reported the threats Thursday to school officials, Methuen police said.
After the threats were reported, an investigation was undertaken by Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon and Methuen School Superintendent Judith A. Scannell. They quickly obtained an arrest warrant for Butze-Maille.
"The Methuen Police and the Methuen School Department take all threats of violence seriously,'' the police department said in a statement posted on the department's Facebook page.


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Please join us for Omnidawn's Celebration/Reading at Poets House, NY
Readings begin promptly at 6:15pm.
The evening will include readings by these Omnidawn authors/translators:
Application deadline: Friday, November 8
Bring your picnic baskets to the "front lawn" of our future home in Battery Park City for this unforgettable evening of outdoor readings and musical performances overlooking the Hudson River.
Audience members are invited to join us for a pre-reading walking tour of Battery Park City, featuring an introduction to some of its literary and artistic niches. The free tour will begin at 6:00pm at the Poets House booth, near the bandshell in Rockefeller Park.
Join Martín Espada, Galway Kinnell, Thomas Lux and Marilyn Nelson in a New York tradition that, according to Time Out New York, "could just make you fall in love with New York all over again." This unforgettable literary pilgrimage over the bridge that inspired Hart Crane, Walt Whitman and generations of poets begins near One Centre Street and stops en route for readings under Roebling's famous arches.
Carin Berger (author of the bestseller All Mixed Up and illustrator of Jack Prelutsky's Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant) reads from her work and offers children a crash course in collage-making using ticket stubs, newspapers and other unsung paraphernalia to create lively, cut-and-paste characters.
Part of Poetry Westchester! , bringing free writing workshops, poetry readings and talks to community libraries throughout Westchester--a county rich in literary history, from Edgar Allan Poe to Washington Irving.
Funded by the Westchester Library System (through the Westchester County Board of Legislators).
Who were the Beat Poets? Why are they "beat" and what does that mean? A look at their work, and the decades of the fifties and sixties in which they wrote, will explain why they remain iconic figures in American poetry. Their writing was shocking to some yet celebrated by others. Contemporary reaction to their poems was vociferous and divided. Today they continue to be notorious, though there is growing interest in their lively, noisy, exciting work. The Beat goes on!
Raymond P Scheindlin draws upon the letters and poems of Judah Halevi (1085-1141), the pre-Modern Hebrew poet and philosopher, to recreate the last year of Halevi's life during which he abandoned his Spanish homeland to journey to the land of Israel. Though Halevi is generally considered the precursor of Zionism, this new reading of his poetry locates his pilgrimage in the sphere of personal piety and calls attention to the influence of Halevi on Islamic religious ideas.
Join Richard Lewis (the founding director of the Touchstone Center) in a poetry and art-making workshop as he explores the magical elements of light and air, accompanied by a performance of Play, Said the Air to the Earth by dancer Clea Rivera and musician Harry Mann.
In the spirit of Norman Bluhm and Frank O'Hara's collaborative poem-paintings, currently on view in New York Cool, participants representing several generations of New York City poetry respond to the atmosphere of camaraderie among downtown artists and poets from 1955 to the present.
Call (212) 998-2596 for more information
© 2012 Poets House


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Black History Month is a time spent recognizing the achievements of African-American's and their role in U.S. History. Like any other period of observance, this celebration has a history of its own. The history behind Black History Month is one that few know, but many wonder about. Here are the answers to the questions you've been wondering about.
Q: What is the origin of Black History Month?
A: Carter G. Woodson, born December 19, 1875, founded Negro History Week (which later became Black History Month) in 1926. The goal of the celebration was to create and popularize knowledge about the black past.
Q: Are there are other countries that celebrate Black History Month?
A: Canada celebrates Black History Month in February along with America. The United Kingdom also celebrates Black History Month, but in October.
Q: Why is Black History Month celebrated in February?
A: The month of February was chosen due to the fact that it was the same month as Abraham Lincoln birth and Frederick Douglass death, who both were instrumental in instating the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
Q: Is it true that Black History Month is themed?
A: Yes! Every year there's a different theme for February's celebration of Black History Month. The theme for Black History Month is announced annually by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in Washington DC. This year's theme is "The Golden Jubilee of the Civil Rights Act."
Past themes have included:
- 2000 Heritage and Horizons: The African American Legacy and the Challenges for the 21st Century
- 2001 Creating and Defining the African American Community: Family, Church Politics and Culture
- 2002 The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?
- 2003 The Souls of Black Folks: Centennial Reflections
- 2004 Before Brown, Beyond Boundaries: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
- 2005 The Niagara Movement: Black Protest Reborn, 1905-2005
- 2006 Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civil Institutions
- 2007 From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas
- 2008 Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism
- 2009 The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas
- 2010 The History of Black Economic Empowerment
- 2011 African Americans and the Civil War
- 2012 Black Women in American Culture and History
- 2012 President Barack Obama National Black History Month Proclamation
Copyright 2014 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Padres announce six-player trade with Los Angeles Angels
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Padres today announced that they have acquired infielders Taylor Lindsey and Jose Rondon and right-handed pitchers R.J. Alvarez and Elliot Morris from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for right-handed pitchers Huston Street and Trevor Gott.
Lindsey, 22, has hit .247 (73-for-295) with 13 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, 30 RBI, seven stolen bases and scored 50 runs in 75 games for Triple-A Salt Lake this season. The left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing infielder entered the 2014 season rated by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Los Angeles Angels organization and the 93rd-best in Major League Baseball. A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., he has put together a career .289 (532-for-1842) batting average with 102 doubles, 28 triples, 43 home runs, 209 RBI and 288 runs scored over 453 games over parts of five minor league seasons. Originally signed by the Angels as a supplemental round selection (37th overall) in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Desert Mountain High School (AZ), Lindsey was named an All-Star at the minor league level in each of his first three full professional seasons from 2011-13, including being named the most valuable player of the Pioneer League in 2011, hitting .362 (105-for-290) with 43 extra-base hits in 63 games that season.
Rondon, 20, has hit .327 (97-for-297) with 17 doubles, five triples, 24 RBI, eight stolen bases and 40 runs scored in 72 games this season for Single-A Inland Empire. A native of Venezuela, he entered the 2014 season rated by MLB.com as being the fifth-best prospect in the Angels organization and recently represented the World Team at the 2014 XM Futures Game as part of the Major League All-Star Game festivities at Target Field. The right-handed infielder owns a career .300 average (287-for-958) with 64 doubles, 12 triples, two home runs 116 RBI and 38 stolen bases in 245 games over parts of four minor league seasons. Rondon was named a Pioneer League Post-Season All-Star in 2013 after he hit .293 with 22 doubles, two triples, a home run, 50 RBI and 45 runs scored for Rookie-Level Orem. He was signed by the Angels as an international free agent in 2011.
Alvarez, 23, has posted a 0.33 ERA (1 ER, 27.0 IP) with 38 strikeouts against 10 walks in 21 relief outings for Double-A Arkansas this season. The right-hander was originally signed by the Angels as a third-round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Florida Atlanta University (FL). Last season for Single-A Inland Empire, he went 4-2 with a 2.96 ERA (16 ER, 48.2 IP) and 79 strikeouts against 27 walks in 37 games, two starts.
Morris, 22, has split this season between Single-A Burlington and Inland Empire, appearing in 17 games total, 16 starts, and going a combined 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA (31 ER, 85.1 IP) with 84 strikeouts against 41 walks. The right-hander was signed by the Angels as a fourth-round selection in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Pierce College (WA). In his first professional season last year, he went 2-2 with a 3.95 ERA (12 ER, 27.1 IP) and 25 strikeouts against 11 walks in 11 games, two starts, for Rookie-Level Orem.
Street, 30, has pitched to a 1-0 record with a 1.09 ERA (4 ER, 33.0 IP) to go along with 24 saves in 33 appearances in 2014. The right-handed closer has converted 24 of his 25 save opportunities this season, 49 of his last 51 chances dating back to May 14 of last season and 109 of his last 117 since the start of the 2011 season, the best save percentage (93.2) in Major League Baseball in that time. The Austin, Texas, native recently represented the National League at the 2014 Major League All-Star Game at Target Field in Minneapolis, his second career All-Star Game selection (also 2012).
Gott, 21, has split time between Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio this season, going a combined 2-4 with a 3.56 ERA (17 ER, 43.0 IP) and 42 strikeouts against 18 walks in 39 relief appearances. The right-hander was signed by the Padres as a sixth-round selection in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Kentucky.


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Treasury Could Target 'Earnings Stripping' In Inversion Hunt
After a wave of corporate "inversions," which are meant to reduce U.S. tax payments, the Obama administration is looking at ways to crack down and either limit the practice or change the economics of such moves.
The Treasury Department is exploring ways it could, without Congress, "limit the ability of companies to engage in inversions" and "meaningfully reduce the tax benefits after inversions take place."
So what could the agency do?
More In Inversions
- Former Treasury Officials Urge Lew to Reconsider Inversions Rules
- What New Rules on Inversions and Fiduciary Duties Remind Us About November
- Treasury's New Inversion Rules - At A Glance
- Capital Journal Daybreak: Why Donald Trump Survives the Waves He Makes
- With Pfizer Deal, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Finally Agree on Something
- Elizabeth Warren Calls Corporate-Profits Proposals a 'Wet Kiss' to Tax Avoiders
One likely target is section 163(j) of the tax code, which relates to a practice known as "earnings stripping."
When a U.S. company acquires a foreign firm, and decides to domicile overseas in a low-tax country like Ireland, it will often load the U.S. subsidiary up with debt that is "owed" to the foreign headquarters. Interest payments on this debt can often be deducted from taxable income. If the debt is considered "excessive," the practice is known as "earnings stripping."
The Bush administration wrote a lengthy analysis of earnings stripping in a 2007 report to Congress.
"Although payments of other deductible amounts by a U.S. corporation to tax-exempt or partially exempt related parties also provide an opportunity to shift income out of a U.S. corporation, the use of related-party debt arguably is the most readily available method of shifting income out of U.S. corporations," the study said. "Income shifting through interest payments is certainly the most recognizable manner of shifting income in this context."
The Obama White House has already proposed that Congress pass a law that would effectively end such earnings stripping arrangements, but Congress hasn't acted. The Treasury Department could instead decide to act unilaterally to prohibit the practice, effectively by amending 163(j) in the tax code.
The Treasury Department could propose that interest payments on the debt – going forward – would no longer be tax deductible. This would likely remove the incentive for companies to load up a U.S. subsidiary with debt, and – if Treasury decided – it could also apply to future interest payments for companies that have already stripped earnings and continue to deduct interest payments.
But Treasury would face a sizable test in how narrowly it might decide to tailor such a rule. If it writes the rules broadly, it could impact the debt arrangements at scores of companies, even those that don't "invert." If it writes the rule too narrowly, it could allow creative tax lawyers to find a new way around any new proposal.
How Tax Inversions Became the Hottest Trend in M&A
Reader Q&A: Personal Taxes and Inversions
5 Things to Know About Inversions


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Colt McCoy, Texas–With so many great quarterbacks returning in 2009, this wasn't an easy choice. But McCoy is coming off a record-setting season where he completed 77 percent of his passes and was just a last-second Texas Tech upset away from clinching the Heisman and a berth in the national title game. I think it's time to give him his due.
Running Back
Jahvid Best, California–Best is the closest anyone has come to being the next Reggie Bush. He rushed for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true sophomore and averaged an amazing 8.14 yards per carry. He's a classic breakaway back with angle-crushing speed. If he can stay healthy, he'll flirt with the 2,000-yard mark.
William Rose, Florida Atlantic–At HP, we recognize that there is still such a thing as a fullback in football and so therefore there must be an All-American at this spot. Rose, a senior, rushed for 307 yards and caught 23 passes for 168 yards in 2008.
Tight End
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma–The best college tight end since Kellen Winslow, Jr. He should've won the Mackey Award last season, when he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns. A superior talent.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State–The most dominating wide out in college football. He can take over a game. Also a brilliant return specialist. A dark horse Heisman candidate who caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Arrelious Benn, Illinois–A long-time HP favorite (he was an HP preseason AA last year), he has the best combination of size, speed and strength of any receiver in college football. Should have huge year with continued improvement by his quarterback, Juice Williams.
Offensive Line Unit
Per HP tradition, we will not choose individual All-Americans on the offensive line.
We refuse to do so because, unlike other people who pick All-Americans, we admit that we have no idea who really are the best offensive linemen.
There are no individual stats to go by. Highlights rarely show what they do. We could go off of hearsay, but wouldn't that be dishonest? What's more, there are 585 starting offensive linemen in Division One. It's almost impossible to have seen enough of them to know who is really the best. Did anyone pick Baylor's Jason Smith–the second pick in the draft–on their preseason team last year? I don't think so. So, while other All-American teams choose linemen almost solely based on reputation, we will not.
However, we will choose the best line unit in the country, since this is a bit easier to quantify. That honor goes to USC, which returns five starters plus two part-time starters–including three seniors–from a group that went 12-1 and paved the way to 195 rushing yards per game while allowing only 18 sacks. Congrats Trojans.
We'll have our preseason HP All-American defensive team tomorrow…


text: +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | TPWD News Releases Dated 2013-08-06 | +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | This page contains only plain text, no HTML formatting codes. | | It is not designed for display in a browser but for copying | | and editing in whatever software you use to lay out pages. | | To copy the text into an editing program: | | --Display this page in your browser. | | --Select all. | | --Copy. | | --Paste in a document in your editing program. | | If you have any suggestions for improving these pages, send | | an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com and mention Plain Text Pages. | +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ [ Note: This item is more than four years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references. ] [ Media Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030 ] [ Additional Contacts: Lindsey Pope, Texas Department of Agriculture; Lauren Mulverhill, Texas Water Development Board; Tom Harvey, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ] Aug. 6, 2013 State Agencies Asking Texans to Share How Drought Has Affected Their Lives AUSTIN -- What does your Texas drought look like? With more than 97 percent of Texas suffering from drought conditions, that's what the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) want to know. This coalition of state agencies today launched an interactive public awareness campaign inviting Texans to submit personal photos capturing what the drought looks like for them and how it has impacted their lives. From now through September 30, Texans are invited to share their original photographs of the drought on Flickr, Instagram and other social media platforms. Photos should illustrate how the drought is affecting daily life--whether it is dry creek beds, withered crops, native plants flourishing in the dry climate or the innovative water conservation measures Texans are using to combat drought. "This current Texas drought, which started in 2010, has proven in many ways to be our worst drought in history. In fact, it has surpassed the Dust Bowl of the 1930s," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Every Texan has experienced the drought's ferocity in different ways and these agencies are joining forces to collect and share these stories with other Texans, as well as for the historical record for future generations to appreciate the importance of drought preparedness and proactive, voluntary water conservation. We know citizen-led conservation efforts are our best alternative to mandated restrictions that can hurt our economy." Texas' many diverse regions are each experiencing the drought in unique ways. This project aims to educate Texans on the critical nature of drought and water conservation. By providing the photographs, the public will help TDA, TWDB and TPWD garner an in-depth view of local drought conditions, ultimately helping manage and conserve the state's water resources. "At the Texas Water Development Board, we're well acquainted with the effects of drought on our state," said TWDB Executive Administrator Melanie Callahan. "It affects water supplies for cities and agriculture alike, and can devastate economies and natural resources. This photo campaign is a way for Texans to document how drought affects them personally. Showing the results of water shortages and ways to conserve are equally important parts of this story." According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly the entire state of Texas is experiencing some form of drought, and more than 65 percent of the state is suffering from severe to exceptional drought. The state water plan dictates nearly 25 percent of our future water needs will be met through water conservation. "With the punishing drought our state has suffered, most people know how important it is to conserve water and plan to use it wisely, and dramatic photos showing the reality of drought certainly underscore that conservation is imperative," said TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. "In poll after poll, Texans have consistently ranked water resources near the very top of public priorities. It's important for people in cities, and it's important for fish and wildlife, state parks and natural habitats--everything is connected. We all have a role to play in conserving water." Photographs may be submitted to our Flickr group, "What does your Texas drought look like?" at http://www.flickr.com/groups/texasdrought. This is a public webpage that anyone with an Internet connection can view, even those who are not members of Flickr. The Flickr page above provides instructions on how to share photos. Photographs also may be posted to Twitter or Instagram. Please use the hashtag #txdrought when sharing your photos. The campaign's Instagram account is texasdrought. Tag photos with date, location and include a short description. Additionally, you can email up to three photos to email@example.com, and we will post the pictures to our flicker page. All user-submitted photographs must be original content. -30- [ Note: This item is more than four years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references. ] [ Media Contact: TPWD News, email@example.com, 512-389-8030 ] Aug. 6, 2013 28 New State Game Wardens Heading to the Field AUSTIN - Twenty-eight new state game wardens soon will be spreading across Texas to begin their law enforcement duties after completing seven months of intensive training at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County. The 58th Game Warden class graduated in ceremonies at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the House of Representatives chamber at the Capitol in Austin. Featured speaker at the event was Daniel Hodge, first assistant Attorney General of Texas. . The new game wardens will be reporting for duty at stations spanning the state from East Texas to El Paso. While the primary duty of state game wardens is to enforce hunting and fishing laws and water safety regulations, they are fully commissioned peace officers who also respond to natural disasters, assist other local and state law enforcement agencies as well as conducting public outreach on a variety of conservation-related topics. "Their much-needed presence will be felt as they assume duty assignments all across the state," said Danny Shaw, assistant director of TPWD's Law Enforcement Division. "Texas game wardens have played a vital role for over 118 years and these officers are prepared to carry on that rich heritage and tradition. The new game wardens received 618 hours of instruction to meet the state- mandated training requirements for their basic peace officer certification including criminal and constitutional law; firearms; self defense; use of force; defensive driving; arrest, search and seizure; ethics, and first aid. In addition, their curriculum included another 700 to 750 hours of training related to wildlife and fisheries enforcement, the Texas Water Safety Act, wildlife and fisheries identification, public relations and communications, boat operation, ATV operation, and specialized patrol tactics. The new wardens also have become certified hunter education and boater education instructors. The 28 new wardens will bring TPWD's Law Enforcement Division to its authorized strength of 532 game wardens, a group of men and women who are carrying on a tradition of service to Texas dating back to 1895. These are the new game wardens, their home town, and the counties in which they will be stationed: --Mark R. Anderson- Tyler, TX- Starr County --Samuel D. Anderson- Nacogdoches, TX- Brewster County --Michael I. Blevins- Hempstead, TX- Ward/Loving/Winkler County --Joshua A. Bonney- Commerce, TX- Zapata County --Roel Cantu Jr.- Edinburg, TX- El Paso County --Jayme J. DeSchaaf- Liberty Hill, TX- Zapata County --Travis J. Fountain- Nacogdoches, TX- Galveston County --Mark W. Frayser- Cibolo, TX- Upshur County --Jason Garcia- Schertz, TX- Maverick County --Tommy R. Johnson- Wharton, TX- Liberty County --Hsin-Wei Lin- College Station, TX- Tarrant County --Derrick Lopez- Round Rock, TX- Cameron County --Grant W. Moore- Jacksboro, TX- Edwards County --John C. Newman- Stephenville, TX- Brewster County --Jake E. Noxon- Austin, TX- Maverick County --Jack F. Pearl- Athens, GA- Starr County --Howard A. Pierce- Rockport, TX- Brooks County --Travis R. Porter- Bridgeport, TX- Tarrant County --Jennifer M. Provaznik- Gautier, MS- Galveston County --Arturo O. Salinas- Uvalde, TX- Hudspeth County --Coby J. Sanders- Amarillo, TX- Brewster County --Jeremy D. Schwalk- Lubbock, TX- Presidio County --Brendan A. Shoars- Abilene, TX- Ector/Crane County --Justin R. Solis- Rockport, TX- Webb County --David A. Stokes- Nashville, TN- Cameron County --Zachary R. Temple- Lufkin, TX- Presidio County --Colton R. Thomas- Pleasanton, TX- Presidio County --Emily R. Zaunbreche- Houston, TX- Kinney County --- On the Net: http://tpwd.texas.gov/warden/ How to be a Game Warden in 6 Easy Months: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URG-LS5C-Qc&feature=related -30-


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Remember the J.C. Penney (JCP) first-quarter analyst day? Ron Johnson told the Street the company was 29% through year one of its transformation and ahead of schedule. At the time, same-store sales were down 18.9%. Investors were thinking, "Wow -- what does 'behind schedule' look like?"
Friday will mark the 77.5% point of year one. For the third time this year, Mr. Johnson will take the stage in front of investors and answer the question, "Just how bad is it?" Also on Friday, it will have been 283 days since Bill Ackman of Pershing Square, on CNBC, described J.C. Penney's first analyst day as the "most important day in retail in 25 years." The question is: Has anything really changed in the past nine months -- other than free haircuts -- that will catapult this company to its goal of becoming "America's favorite store?"
Same-store sales are likely still down well into the double digits. While comp results may not be as bad as they were in the second quarter's 21.7% dip, they probably aren't much better than the 18.9% drop seen in the first quarter. Removing the coupon drug is still taking its toll on J.C. Penney's loyal bargain-savvy core consumer. That consumer has voted on Fair and Square Pricing, or everyday low price (EDLP) -- but, unlike President Obama, this may not get another four years.
Mr. Johnson's goal was to add transparency by simplifying pricing, as well as cutting costs and confusion from changing "sale" signage. To be sure, 12 promotional packets per week were reduced to one per month at savings of $50 million. But, while EDLP was supposed to present the idea of a fair deal, the reduction in promotions has simply backfired. Value is often perception. Perception has voted, and coupons win.
Some changes to the pricing strategy have been made -- for instance, in the elimination of month-long specials in favor of a two-tier pricing structure. But there are signs, after less than one year, that the company may be moving closer to doing a 180-degree spin on strategy. A recent email promotion from Mr. Johnson to customers offered a "gift" of $10 with a purchase of $10. Maybe this was just a way to get customers to visit the new J.C. Penney, or maybe it is a sign of things to come -- a return to the coupon drug. My take? As retailers continue to compete for market share through promos, J.C. Penney will be forced to return to where it came from (video link).
A few things have changed since we first met Ron Johnson back in mid-January. First, the idea of guidance has been put on the back burner, and I hope that continues. Second, when it comes to comments from insiders that add to volatility and confusion, a conservative approach may be the best approach going forward. I'm talking about commentary from activists like Bill Ackman; from fashionistas such as Nina Garcia, who said new store was a game-changer on Twitter; and from Mr. Johnson himself. Just recently Johnson himself told investors shop-in-shops were running 20% better than the rest of the store -- and, yet, the store was running down double digits. That comment was followed by a mention that business has been tough in the past two weeks.
Sometimes less is more.


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There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a Twitter initial public offering in 2013.
Could it happen? Sure.
If I were Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, I would be strongly considering it. Facebook's (FB) did have a somewhat unsuccessful IPO this past year from a personal relations/optics perspective. However, you would have to concede that the company is now public with $10 billion more in cash in the bank, many of their early investors cashed out and happy and with an inflated stock price that they can use to make acquisitions.
Twitter has none of those things, and is at a disadvantage because of it. The main reason Facebook snatched away Instagram from Twitter this year was its coming IPO and, due to this, an ability to pay several times what Twitter was willing to do. It didn't matter that Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom had once interned for Twitter's Jack Dorsey and was good friends with him. At the end of the day, all Systrom and his investors cared about was cold hard cash and stock.
It was a major lesson for Twitter, and probably a big reason why the company will want to IPO next year.
Whenever the next Instagram emerges -- that hot, new mobile start-up that shows a lot of promise to one day eclipse either Facebook or Twitter in popularity -- Twitter knows that Facebook will swoop in and make a play for it.
Sometimes Facebook will kill the momentum behind the start-up with the acquisition, but sometimes the acquisition will greatly benefit Facebook -- the jury is still out on what's going to happen with Instagram. Twitter just can't remain in the shadows talking about how great it is that they don't have the pressure to report their numbers quarterly.
Twitter also has a great product that is well-suited to the new mobile world. It's been doing a great job so far at selling mobile ads on their platform.
I suspect that, if Twitter were to IPO in 2013, it would get a valuation of between $10 billion and $20 billion, depending on how the markets are doing. It certainly wouldn't be as big as Facebook, but that type of valuation would allow the company to go after some of the hot new start-ups and make its existing investors happy with a great exit.
I continue to think Twitter would be better served if it were to agree to an Apple (AAPL) acquisition. I have no idea if Apple is interested -- but it should be, in my view. The combination of Apple and Twitter could be very powerful, and would truly allow them to compete with Facebook on an even level. Twitter could also certainly teach Apple about building competitive mobile services in the next 10 years.
But, whatever happens, something big will happen to Twitter. It won't end the year as a private company.


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Mets bullpen helps topple Padres in series finale
Granderson sparks offense with leadoff homer off Kennedy
NEW YORK -- With two baserunners on and no one out in the sixth, Vic Black couldn't find the strike zone. The count was two balls, no strikes on San Diego slugger Carlos Quentin and Black was in danger of walking his third straight batter, mound visits from catcher Anthony Recker and pitching coach Dan Warthen holding no apparent effect.
Then The Captain came over.
David Wright made his way to the bump for a quick chat with Black, a 26-year-old fireballer who has battled command issues, and the turnaround was immediate in the eventual 3-1 Mets win. He came back to retire Quentin, then got the following two hitters to escape the jam, throwing nine of his next 12 pitches for strikes. The last one was a 97-mph fastball that Rene Rivera tipped right into Recker's mitt to end the inning.
"He goes, 'You know the only way they're going to get on base is if you walk them. They can't hit it, so go ahead and just throw strikes,'" Black said. "I said, 'Yeah, I have to remember that's how you get these guys out, throwing strikes.'
"There really is something different with having a guy like that come out as opposed to a coach. ... To have David out there, he knows what's going on, knows the situation, knows I have no reason to worry, which I felt like, too. It's just nice to have somebody else to put those types of words in your mind."
Black's escape work was one in a series of impressive feats for the New York bullpen Sunday en route to the Father's Day victory and series win over the Padres, the club's first of the month. Mets relievers tossed eight innings after starter Daisuke Matsuzaka left with what the team announced as "a severe upset stomach."
With two of his regular relievers unavailable, Mets manager Terry Collins called on right-hander Carlos Torres in the second. Torres tossed four innings of one-run ball, followed by Black (two innings) and Jenrry Mejia (two innings). Mejia's appearance was his first since leaving Thursday's game with a tight lower back. He needed only 18 pitches to set the Padres down in order both frames.
"We were pretty much, to say it politely, up the river without a paddle," Collins said. "I'm going to give credit to [Warthen] and [bullpen coach Ricky Bones]. They got those guys ready. Ricky did a great job down there today trying to explain everything that was going to happen."
Torres, who threw a season-high 63 pitches, knew early the bullpen's workload might be a heavy one.
"About two hours before the game," said Torres, who allowed one run over his four innings. "I walk in here and I hear throwing up, and I see who it is coming out and didn't know what was going on, but I knew it was a possibility that we were all going to have to get up early.
"I guess I did [get tired] because I walked [Will] Venable on five pitches. But it's just one of those things you don't really notice. Coaches notice for you and made the adjustment."
The Mets took the lead the first chance they had. Leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson, making his first start since Wednesday, sent a 1-0, thigh-high fastball deep into the upper deck in right field for a 1-0 lead against Padres righty Ian Kennedy, who allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.
"I have no clue where it went," Granderson said of his homer. "The main thing is trying to square it up, and when you hit it on the barrel, sometimes you get that sense where you don't feel it. It was one of those times like that."
It was Granderson's first time hitting leadoff as a Met after doing so regularly for the Tigers from 2006-09. He finished 2-for-3 with a pair of walks, and Collins indicated Granderson might occupy that spot beyond Sunday.
Bobby Abreu added a first-inning double to plate Daniel Murphy, who had also doubled. Murphy's sacrifice fly the next inning plated Recker.
Still, though, the Mets finished 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base. Three of them were left stranded when Wright flew out to right field with the bases loaded to end the sixth.
"We had opportunities to blow this game open," Collins said. "We have to start blowing some games open because it's going to take a lot of pressure off a lot of people."
Tim Healey is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Chicago -- National retail sales increased 2.5% and foot traffic also increased 2.5% when compared with the same two months last year, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.
ShopperTrak's initial data indicates that shoppers spent $248.8 billion during this period, which marked the third consecutive year with positive total retail sales. It also was the second holiday season of the past three with positive foot traffic changes.
The 2012 holiday season had the longest interval possible between Black Friday and Christmas, with an extra weekend of holiday shopping. As a result, many consumers procrastinated in finishing their holiday shopping.
But once the late-bloomers headed out to stores, their last-minute shopping and post-Christmas exchanges drove large increases in both retail sales and foot traffic during the final days of December. ShopperTrak forecasts that for the week ending Dec. 29, sales increased 18% and traffic increased 14.4% compared to the same period last year. This indicates the largest year-over-year increase of the holiday season.
"Heavy discounting by retailers at the end of December led to increases in shopper activity across the board," said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin.
ShopperTrak estimates that three of the busiest foot traffic days occurred in late December. Though "Black Weekend" held its own – Black Friday, Nov. 23, retains the top spot and Saturday, Nov. 24 comes in as the fifth-busiest traffic day – the weekends leading up to Christmas saw the most shoppers at stores and malls. ShopperTrak reports that "Super Saturday," Dec. 22, was the second-busiest shopping day of the season, followed by Saturday, Dec. 15 in third and Sunday, Dec. 23 ranking fourth.
Similarly, the top sales days of the holidays took place largely toward the end of the season. Black Friday again led the pack, followed by Super Saturday. Dec. 23, Dec. 21, and Dec. 15, in that order, rounded out the top five best sales days of the holidays. They helped to close the holiday season on a high note, according to Martin.
"The presidential election and Hurricane Sandy drew consumers' attention away from shopping at the outset of the holiday retail season," said Martin. "However, lower unemployment, higher consumer confidence and stable gas prices positively influenced shoppers to make purchases this holiday season."


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Hopefully we get this 2pt conversion
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Hopefully we get this 2pt conversion
Why so SERIOUS
Why did he drop his head... all he had to do was look up and throw it to the receiver.
Why so SERIOUS
Special team sucks, they do not understand contain...
Why so SERIOUS
No need to go for it right there, your d has been playing good, there are 2 min left, and you have 3 timeouts...
I do not understand that... oh well on, to the next one.
Why so SERIOUS
demote hope to recruiting coordinator, hire a head coach that can manage a game, fire gibboney, etc etc etc
at we didnt lose 17-7 to a team that completed 1 pass all game...
Derek Willis no favorite yet...?
Why so SERIOUS
Forget Willis. That kid's going to be enrolled at 3 schools before his eligibility ends.
Hammons had some quotes a couple days ago, think in the Journal Courier, said he wanted to go somewhere that'd push him, direct quote. Talk's cheap, but gotta love the attitude and recognizing a weakness.
Happy to see that Hammons is coming in with that mindset.
As far as Willis I saw this guy play in person, Kid is bad, like Big Ten player of the year potential type bad, I would love for him to come to Purdue. He would be the best recruit that Purdue has picked up in the Painter error. He impressed me more than Gary Harris.
Why so SERIOUS
I'd be shocked if Willis went anywhere besides Louisville or Kentucky.
At this point I'd be shocked if Harris doesn't go to Kentucky as well. Peegs hinted on the IU forums, that while Gary's parents seem to like the idea of IU, PU, or MSU better that Gary is seriously buying into the one and done promise from UK.
I think the only reason Louisville is in it is because it is 30 min from where he lives; he would be close to fam, they could see all his games along with his friends.
Just for reference sake
UK 1.5 hrs
IU 2.5 hrs
PU 3.6 hrs
I think this is the biggest think holding Purdue back actually.
Why so SERIOUS
He won't be one and done, personally I think he has too much to work on to make that jump after his first year, possibly second. But again I would take all this stuff that you hear from these people knowing direct information about what a player is thinking with a couple grains of salt...
Why so SERIOUS
Yeah I tend to agree as well.
I'm not even sure Calipari really has to cheat for these guys anymore. That makes me sad.
Also, Peegs has nailed pretty much everything else so far about the 2012 class.
I thought that as well about the instate comment, but I could only see that for Purdue, I think I realized that fact that I was in denial that he if Purdue was the choice he would have went there by now. I think a lot of this has to do with the parents as well. Teaching your child to look at all of his options before he makes his final decision and I think that is what he will do. The thing with recruits is that there are so many factors that scouts will never have any knowledge of. With a kid making a decision I think it is often either something they have been thinking about forever or one of those clarity moments.
I guess I am kind of happy now that Purdue gets commitments from most of its players pretty early, so I do not have to typically be involved in the will he come to our school stuff. Just from this year alone I am kind of getting wore out on it, lol.
Why so SERIOUS
Purdue clearly has the talent. They ran into a fantastic defense and bad weather last week and only lost by five. Now they're handing it to Illinois.
Terbush is having the game of his life right now.
I hope we can keep this lead.
Why so SERIOUS
Who the hell are these guys?
Yeah last weeks game sucked should have been a win, oh well could have been back to back wins over top 25 teams... hope that we go bowling again.
Why so SERIOUS
The Illini are showing their true colors finally.
Take every complaint you've had this year and flip it basically. This is weird.


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News and analysis
October 08, 2013
Updated: Government Shutdown: What It Means for Nonprofits
Big swaths of the federal government have closed shop because Congress failed to reach a deal to keep the money flowing. Following are some reports about how the shutdown is affecting nonprofits.
You can also share your story at the bottom of this page.
Social-Service Group Seeks to Arm Advocates
Nonprofits and foundations concerned about the impact of the federal shutdown on human services and other programs that help vulnerable people may want to listen to a special Webinar the Coalition on Human Needs will hold to arm charities to become strong advocates on Capitol Hill.
The session, which starts at 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, is designed to jump-start nonprofit activism on budget and spending issues.
The coalition has also started keeping a list of all the ways the needy—and the nonprofits that serve them—have been hurt by the shutdown so far. It says, for example, that states expecting money from the Social Services Block Grant program won't get it, and several nutrition programs that help low-income families won't receive any new aid or groceries.
Nonprofit's Housing Program Stalled Due to Government Shutdown
For many nonprofit organizations, the federal government isn't just the provider of cash, it's a source of expertise. As the government shutdown continues, some charities are missing a knowledgeable partner.
"The shutdown is taking the wind out of a lot of our communities' sails," said Jake Maguire, spokesman for Community Solutions' 100,000 Homes campaign, an effort that spends $1.4-million annually in seeking to find housing for veterans and the chronically homeless.
As part of the campaign, local nonprofits attend "boot camps" with members of the federal government, including the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
The boot camps consist of a few days of face-to-face meetings in which participants brainstorm ideas to get needy people into housing faster. Over the next 100 days, the local organizations attempt to put the plan into action. After that, they go into another 100-day period during which they focus on how to make their programs sustainable and handle more stubborn cases.
During the two 100-day phases, federal officials provide information and advice, Mr. Maguire says.
Currently, seven communities are in the second phase of the program, focusing on the toughest cases: Houston and Harris County, Texas; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Central Texas; Lee County, Fla.; Sarasota and Manatee, Fla.; Bay Pines and Pinellas County, Fla., and Tampa, Fla.
Because of the shutdown, teleconferences later this month with federal officials have been canceled.
Mr. Maguire said the calls were essential for the nonprofits to get advice on their work and for federal officials to give consent for any changes they make in delivering services.
But with the government closed, it's impossible to reschedule. "Our federal partners aren't allowed to respond to e-mails," he said.
Criticizing Politicians Without Crossing the Line Into Partisanship
It's clear that Democrats and Republicans blame each other for the shutdown of the federal government. But can charities blame either political party without crossing the line into banned partisan activity?
Yes, says Melissa Mikesell, West Coast director of Alliance for Justice, which promotes nonprofit advocacy.
She says charities should make sure their criticisms focus on "policy actions of legislative leaders of one party" rather than on specific election campaigns.
It also helps to have a track record of taking positions on such issues. So, as Ms. Mikesell writes on her organization's blog: "Get a head start on that critical commentary!"
—Doug Donovan
Nonprofit Jobs Threatened
Nonprofits are starting to warn some employees that their jobs are at risk if Congress does not pass a spending bill to end the government shutdown.
The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, an antipoverty group in Idaho Falls, has told staff members whose salaries are covered by federal money that they should stay home on October 14 if the budget impasse is not resolved by then, says Russell Spain, the group's executive director.
He says that directive will affect about 10 to 12 employees out of his staff of 120. His organization would have to close a shelter for women and children, stop delivering food to 15 food banks in eastern Idaho, and suspend a plan to open an energy-assistance program on November 1, he adds.
The salary money comes from the Community Development Block Grant Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Mr. Spain says his group would also have to shut down its Head Start centers if Congress does not approve 2014 spending by October 31.
How Nonprofit Leaders Are Responding
Nonprofit leaders are bemoaning the political dysfunction that led to the government shutdown, saying it has left the nation's most vulnerable behind.
"We elect officials to govern, and when they fail in their obligations they get a failing grade from us," said Diana Aviv, president of Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofit and foundation leaders. "Shutting down government hurts communities, it hurts poor people, it hurts families. It's time for them to get back to the business of governing."
Speaking Monday at Independent Sector's annual conference in New York, Ms. Aviv and Stephen Heintz, president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and chairman of Independent Sector's board, asked nonprofits to unite to identify shared national priorities that they could cite to pressure elected officials to support policies aimed at easing the economic inequality in America that is adding to partisan rancor.
"There's not much evidence of collective purpose or responsibility in Washington today," Mr. Heintz said. "But outside of Washington, I find many, many reasons for hope."
Rockefeller and other foundations plan to start a National Purpose Initiative that will draw up a set of national public-policy priorities after hosting online and in-person forums with millions of citizens. It aims to propose solutions by 2016 through a network of scholars, issue experts, and nonprofit, business, media, cultural, and religious leaders.
The citizen-driven process will demonstrate the flaws in the ways political and financial leaders allocate resources to favor special rather than national interests, Mr. Heintz said. "Ideologues will find it more difficult to derail the progress," he said.
What's in Store for Federal-Grant Recipients
The Corporation for National and Community Service, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to nonprofits for national-service projects and the Social Innovation Fund, plans to operate with about 72 full-time employees out of its 610-member staff during the shutdown, the agency said in a contingency plan.
Those employees will support programs that are exempt from the budget impasse because payments are not contingent on annual appropriations, including the National Civilian Community Corps, Vista antipoverty work, and the new FEMA Corps, which assigns AmeriCorps members to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency respond to national disasters.
Nonprofits that have grants from the corporation to engage AmeriCorps or Senior Corps members, for example, will not be immediately affected, the agency says. "However, no new grants will be awarded during this period, and program and grants staff will not be available to provide assistance to grantees."
The corporation says its plan is designed for a two-week shutdown. If the budget impasse survives longer than that, the agency "may determine that it is necessary to terminate some operations."
—Alex Daniels and Suzanne Perry
Tips for Coping
Dismas Locaria, a Washington lawyer who represents nonprofits, has a tip for groups that rely on federal grants and contracts: Keep a careful tally of how the shutdown adds to your costs and prepare to make a claim to recover those expenses post-shutdown.
Mr. Locaria says charities should have already learned whether their points of contact are deemed "essential" employees and exempt from a furlough—and those who work on a federal site need to check whether they will be permitted access.
Even if a nonprofit's grant isn't set to expire anytime soon, some of its work could come to a "screeching halt," Mr. Locaria warns. That's because federal approval is often needed for a contractor or grantee to re-allocate funds or to direct work to a subcontractor.
Mr. Locaria says some of his clients are convinced the shutdown will be a "flash in the pan. Others are scrambling."
Share Your Experience
How is your nonprofit affected by the government shutdown? Share your story in the box below.
Read more on these topics:


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We are pleased to promote eisteddfods and events of interest to the performing arts industry. As a Sydney based retailer we list local events that have been brought to our attention. If you would like to have your event noted on our calendar please contact us for a free listing. To use the calendar select a month then click on an event for full details.
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The NBA Development League announced its 2013 Coach of the Year this week.
Maybe you recognized the name: Alex Jensen.
Remember him?
The NBA Development League announced its 2013 Coach of the Year this week.
Maybe you recognized the name: Alex Jensen.
Remember him?
A former high school star at Viewmont. A former player on some of the best teams in University of Utah history, including the NCAA runner-ups in 1998.
Right. That Alex Jensen.
Now don't worry if you didn't immediately put a face with the name.
Low-key and team-oriented, Jensen never has sought the spotlight and rarely has been the center of attention.
At Utah, coach Rick Majerus made the headlines, along with future NBA players like Keith Van Horn, Andre Miller and Michael Doleac.
When Jensen's college career ended in 1999, he also got paid to play. With the exception of one season with the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association, however, his professional career took him far from home.
While Van Horn, Miller and Doleac earned millions of dollars in the NBA, Jensen made his living in Turkey, Spain and Japan.
He played in relative obscurity for nearly a decade before starting his coaching career as an assistant at Saint Louis University.
His boss? Majerus.
Needless to say, the media didn't flock to the young assistant. Jensen stayed in the shadows again and began a coaching apprenticeship that eventually led him to the D-League's Canton Charge.
Just four days before practice for the 2011-12 season opened, Jensen decided he would leave his job at Saint Louis and strike out on his own.
Majerus was less than thrilled, but only over the timing of Jensen's move.
When asked about it, Majerus referred to superstar LeBron James' decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami just 15 months earlier.
"I was Lebron-ed by the Cavs," Majerus told ESPN.
"I told them I'll drive Alex to Cleveland in March and pay his salary. But I couldn't lose him now not when he was in with three recruits and four days before the season."
Jensen admitted "the timing was unfortunate" and Majerus was "caught off guard." But he "had a gut feeling" it was "a job I could not pass up."
Good move.
After Canton went 27-23 and reached the D-League playoffs in his first season, Jensen guided the Charge to a 30-20 record this season.
Canton won the Eastern Division and qualified for the postseason for the second time under Jensen. The Charge led the league in defense, limiting opponents to 96 points and 30.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line.
Of course, Jensen reacted humbly to his Coach of the Year honor.
That's his way.
"Whenever there's an individual award given out, it's always about more than just one person," he said in a statement released by the team. "I had a great staff and organization working with me. I'm very thankful for that and appreciate their hard work and support."


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Might be heading down to Charleston, WV(state capital) early next week.
Wondering if there were any good courses within a half hour or so of the city. A google search yielded a course in Hico, WV - but the stats on it make it seem like a pitch N putt(15 holes under 300').
Anybody help?


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Since I haven't posted in a while, I figured that I'd get you caught up on some of the latest news. Here's a summary of the biggest stories in the theme park World recently. These were the top stories being clicked on at Theme Park Syndicate – The World's First Theme Park News Aggregator.
Rip Ride Rockit is Rocking Again
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit had been closed for a month until recently amid safety warnings. The park claimed that it was down for maintenance and now it's back up and running. Enthusiasts (me included) would love more information about the ride's downtime. Check out my interview with one of Rip Ride Rockit's designers. Read more: Orlando Sentinel via CoasterBuzz
Orlando Thrill Park Proposed
A proposed Orlando Thrill Park has residents concerned over noise and enthusiasts wondering if the park will survive the seemingly saturated market of Orlando. Read More: WESH Orlando via CoasterBuzz
Disney World's Magic Kingdom Construction
Disney is hard at work giving Magic Kingdom's Fantasy Land an extensive makeover and expansion. I wonder if they're feeling a bit less fantastic with all of the attention that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter received this year. See Fantasy Land construction photos: Orlando United via ScreamScape
And see Small World photos: Orlando Park News via ScreamScape
Ferrari World Opens in Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World had its grand opening a few days ago in Abu Dhabi. And with its opening, we now have a new World record holder for speed in Formula Rossa. The 149.1 mph Intamin launch coaster has eclipsed the previous record holder, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure which maxed out at 128 mph. The park will also boast the Fiorano GT Challenge, a Maurer Sohne launched racing coaster.
See more Ferrari World & Formula Rossa updates: ScreamScape
Also, check out this reverse POV video of the World's Fastest Roller Coaster, Formula Rossa:
What's Your Take?
What do you think of these news stories? Leave a comment below. Photo Credit – Attractions Magazine