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Main Office
Music Building, 247
P.O. Box 311367
Denton, TX 76203-1367
(940) 565-2791
Fax: (940) 565-2002
Office of Undergraduate Advising
Music Building, 242-243
(940) 565-3734
Office of Graduate Advising
Music Building, 249
(940) 565-3721
Thomas S. Clark, Associate Dean
William V. May, Associate Dean
Paul E. Dworak, Associate Dean
Joan C. Groom-Thornton, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Edward A. Baird, Director of Graduate Studies
Professors Adkins, Baird, Banowetz, Brothers, Brusilow, Candelaria, Cho, Clardy, Clark, Collins, Corporon, Di Fiore, Enyeart, Fink, Froehlich, Garner, Gillespie, Haerle, Heiberg, Ivey, K. Johnson, Kagarice, Kern, Kuss, Lewis, Little, Lumpkin, M.S. Mailman, May, McTee, Papich, Paul, D. Peters, Phipps, Riggs, Roberts, Scharnberg, Schietroma, Scott, Shrader, Slater, Veazey, Winsor, Wodnicki. Associate Professors Bradetich, Bush, Dworak, Eschbach, Fisher, Friedson, Gibbons, Groom-Thornton, Hamilton, Harlos, Homer, Johnstone, Joyner, Killam, McCroskey, Miller, Nelson, Ramsey, Ritscher, Rutherford, Soph, Sovik, Steinel, Sundquist, Warner. Assistant Professors Alorwoyie, Borodin, Conkling, Henry, Hudnall, T. Johnson, Klein, Meltzer, Nestler, Reynolds, Sundberg. Resident Artists Crader, Davidovici, Viardo. Lecturers Dickinson, Odnoposoff, J. Peters.
The College of Music, among the largest in the nation, offers a comprehensive musical environment and unlimited opportunities for the pursuit of excellence in the musical arts for talented and dedicated musicians. The breadth of the musical experience includes the study and performance of the extended gamut of Western art music, the music of global cultures, and the creative contributions of contemporary jazz and the electronic/experimental media. The depth of the instruction is provided by a faculty of internationally acclaimed performers, composers, scholars, and educators who are able to share their knowledge, skills, and insights with the next generation of musicians, from the baccalaureate to the doctoral and artist levels. The entire program is enhanced by the holdings of the UNT Music Library, the largest and most comprehensive collection among universities in the South and Southwest. Graduates of the College of Music hold positions of leadership and influence throughout the nation in the areas of concert, opera, symphony, and jazz performance, in higher education and scholarship, and in public school music education. The College of Music, with its wealth of campus concert experiences and varied instructional programs, is a unique asset in the cultural and intellectual life of the university community; in turn, its effectiveness is enhanced by being part of a large, comprehensive university.
Admission to the College of Music is contingent on clear admission to the university.
Those students who intend to be music majors must qualify by audition on their principal instrument or voice. Auditions are held both on and off campus during the spring semester for enrollment the following academic year, and at new student orientation prior to registration. The student should perform standard classical works. Prospective jazz studies majors should be prepared to audition with both classical and jazz repertoire.
Those students unable to audition in person may submit a cassette recording representative of their performance abilities.
If a student fails to gain unconditional admission but shows promise, the faculty may grant conditional admission, subject to re-audition and evaluation at the end of the first semester. Permission may be granted to take applied music at reduced credit until the audition is passed.
Auditions for acceptance as a performance major are held during the first week of each semester.
Students planning to major in composition also must submit evidence (scores, tapes) of creative ability at or prior to registration to receive permission to enroll in composition courses.
At Freshman Orientation, students will take placement examinations in both music theory and piano. Transfer students will take similar examinations at New Student Orientation during registration week.
Scholarships and service awards are available in the various performing areas, ensembles and composition. Scholarship auditions (which also serve as entrance auditions) are held at various times during the year as announced, both on and off campus. Applicants unable to attend any of the announced auditions may submit tapes (cassettes preferred) with the scholarship application. Auditions for jazz scholarships are by tape only. Scholarship recipients are expected to enroll for a full load, maintain minimum academic grade requirements and perform in appropriate music laboratories and ensembles.
For information, dates and applications for scholarships and entrance auditions, write to: Dean, College of Music, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 311367, Denton, TX, 76203-1367.
Music fees are charged for private music lessons, practice on university instruments, instrument rental (only a limited number of instruments are available for rental), practice rooms and lockers. See Tuition and Fee Register for specific fees.
All fees must be paid before instruction is given or use of facilities is permitted.
Study in applied music (private lessons) is identified by the categories major, concentration or secondary. The type and amount of applied study is determined by the specific curriculum.
Applied Major study of the student's principal instrument (or voice) toward a degree in performance.
Concentration applied music study of the student's principal instrument (or voice) toward a degree in general, choral and instrumental music, or other degree not in performance.
Secondary study of an instrument or voice in addition to the major or concentration.
A list of repertoire requirements at various levels of study is available from the Music Office. To obtain a list, please specify major, concentration or secondary, and particular performance (voice, trumpet, etc.).
During each semester of required applied study, the student must pass performance examination(s) before a jury composed of faculty members. Jury requirements are available on request from the music office (please specify major, concentration or secondary, and particular performance voice, trumpet, etc.).
Each student with a major in music must attend a minimum of 15 concert/recital performances each semester for eight semesters as a graduation requirement.
As a graduation requirement, each undergraduate student with a declared major in music history or music theory is expected to attend all lectures presented in the division of music history, theory and ethnomusicology lecture series during each long semester of full-time enrollment (12 hours).
Music laboratories are an integral part of the college. Each student with a major in music participates
in laboratories each semester or summer session in residence. Exceptions must be approved by the dean. A
of eight semesters is required for the bachelor's degree. Graduate students should consult the Graduate Catalog. Credit for each laboratory is one hour a semester.
Laboratories are a cappella choir, concert choir, chamber choir, men's chorus, women's chorus, grand chorus, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, marching band, lab bands, jazz guitar, jazz repertory, jazz keyboard laboratories, jazz singers and accompanying. Auditions are held at the beginning of the semester and are prerequisite for admission to the laboratory; the needs of the ensemble and students' preferences are considered.
A Cappella Choir organized in 1938; composed of 45 voices; has made more than 700 appearances, including annual tours, and television and radio broadcasts; yearly performances with major symphony orchestras; professional recordings; two European tours sponsored by the State Department. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Concert Choir organized in 1940; major performing ensemble of about 50 mixed voices; membership may be shifted from one choir to another. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Chamber Choir composed of 24 voices selected primarily from graduate students. Repertoire includes selections from a broad range of chamber vocal literature. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Men's Chorus subsidiary organization of the a cappella and concert choirs; membership may be shifted from one choir to another. Gives several concerts a year. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Women's Chorus subsidiary organization of the a cappella and concert choirs; membership may be shifted from one choir to another. Gives several concerts a year. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Grand Chorus required of members of the a cappella, concert and chamber choirs; includes selected members of other choirs and additional graduate vocal music students; performs major choral-orchestral works; more than 100 appearances with orchestras, including the Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and university symphonies. Rehearsals: 2 hours a week.
Symphony Orchestra composed of about 105 musicians; has appeared at state, regional and national music conventions; programs include standard symphonic works and premieres of contemporary compositions; presents at least eight campus concerts per year. Rehearsals: 6 hours a week.
Wind Symphony study and performance of traditional and contemporary band literature, requiring an advanced level of performance ability. Appears by invitation at state, regional and national conventions; annual spring tour. Rehearsals: 6 hours a week.
Symphonic Band study and performance of repertoire for the wind band. Public concerts each semester. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Concert Band study and performance of standard band repertoire. Public concerts each semester. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Marching Band offered fall semester only. Open to all students within the university who have had high school band experience. Study and performance of the fundamentals of drill and pageantry at athletic events. Rehearsals: 6 hours a week.
Lab Bands 20-piece jazz ensembles. Open to all university students by audition. Study and performance of traditional and progressive repertoire. Public concerts each semester. One O'Clock Lab Band has won numerous awards and has received Grammy nominations; toured Mexico, Europe, USSR and Australia. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Jazz Guitar composed of 15 electric guitarists, bass and drums. Open to all by audition. The music performed is a combination of big band literature and original music which provide the student with an opportunity to develop reading skills and section playing. Public concerts each semester. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Jazz Repertory Ensemble a history-based learning and performing group dedicated to the collection, study, preservation, and recreation of classic music from the entire history of jazz. The ensemble ranges in number from fifteen to twenty students. The group is committed to playing only authentic compositions and arrangements or recreations of classic recorded performances by such jazz legends as Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Gil Evans, and Charles Mingus. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Jazz Keyboard the repertoire is devoted primarily to electronic idioms and the reading of notated melodic passages as well as chord symbols. Open to all by audition. Good acoustic piano technique and improvisational skills are required. Rehearsals: 4 hours a week.
Jazz Singers mixed voices and rhythm, composed of 15 to 20 musicians. Open by audition; required of vocal jazz majors. Jazz Singers I has appeared at numerous international conventions and records annually.
Accompanying for students majoring in piano and for students with piano concentrations who desire proficiency in reading and accompanying.
Chamber music coaching is offered under course numbers MUCM 3510/5510, 3520/5520, 3530/5530, 3540/5540, 3550/5550. Small groups include string quartets, strings with piano, woodwind and brass quintets, saxophone quartets and jazz groups.
A variety of conducted ensembles is offered under course numbers MUEN 2602/5602, 2605/5605, 2611/5611, 2616/5616, 2617/5617, 2621/5621, 2624/5624, 2625/5625, 2630/5630 and 2631/5631. Many groups perform publicly, appear at conventions and tour extensively. Ensembles include brass choir, trumpet choir, horn choir, trombone choir, tuba-euphonium ensemble; wind ensemble; collegium musicum; chamber orchestra; percussion ensemble and marimba ensemble; steel drum band; African ensemble; gamelan ensemble; Latin ensemble; flute choir; jazz keyboard; strings; classical guitar and electric guitar; new music ensemble; harp ensemble.
The UNT Opera Theatre presents at least one fully mounted, major operatic production each year, accompanied by orchestra, with scenery, costumes and lighting. Auditions are open to all students. Those chosen for solo roles should be currently enrolled in opera theatre courses or have been enrolled previously.
Voice majors take MUEN 3040, Opera Theatre, as part of their degree requirements.
Students must pass all required achievement examinations before applying for graduation.
Piano Proficiency Examination This examination is required of all students majoring in music. To prepare for this examination, all non-keyboard majors must enroll in secondary piano MUAG 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014 or MUAS 1501 each long semester until the proficiency is passed. A list of examination requirements for non-keyboard majors is available from the music office. Keyboard majors and concentrations should consult the keyboard division for departmental requirements.
Voice Proficiency Examination If noted on the degree plan, the student must demonstrate knowledge of breath control, principles of enunciation and pronunciation in singing and tone placement, and essentials in interpretation. Examination compositions are chosen by faculty.
Instrumental Proficiency Examination This proficiency examination is for the student whose course outline requires brass, woodwinds, strings and/or percussion class. A working knowledge of all instruments is required.
Theory Proficiency Examination This examination must be passed by each student majoring in music; it covers part writing, keyboard harmony, ear training and sight singing.
Concentration Proficiency Examination This examination must be passed for each concentration; it covers applied music requirements through the third year of study.
Music Literature Examination This examination must be passed by each bachelor's degree candidate in the school; it covers aural and factual aspects of music literature. Students with a passing grade in MUMH 1600 are not required to take the examination.
Sight Singing and Keyboard Proficiency Examination This examination is required for a minor in music. If noted on the degree plan, the student must demonstrate proficiency in sight singing and in melody harmonization at the keyboard. It is administered by music education faculty.
Conducting Proficiency Examination This examination is required for students who major in general, choral and instrumental music and who transfer conducting course work from another institution. It must be passed prior to student teaching.
Jazz Studies Proficiency Examination This examination is required for a major in jazz studies. It must be passed prior to enrolling in upper-level courses for the performance emphasis (MUJS 3360-3370) or the arranging emphasis (MUJS 4610-4620).
Information about academic matters is available in the main office, from the division chairs for the various degree programs and performing instruments, and from the degree program adviser (Music Building, Room 242). For further information, see the College of Music Handbook.
The degree plan is an official document that lists courses completed, courses to be completed, proficiency examinations and all other requirements for a particular degree program. Each student makes a degree plan in conference with a designated music official. Degree plans should be made by the end of the sophomore year. Transfer students should have degree plans made during their first semester at UNT.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:
The college offers instruction, music performance opportunities and performance organizations to students majoring in fields outside music, arranged and assigned through the music dean. In certain cases, music is accepted toward degree requirements in other fields. At registration the student should secure approval from the major department chair.
This degree may be earned with a major in (1) performance; (2) general, choral and instrumental music; (3) composition; (4) music theory; (5) jazz studies; or (6) music history and literature.
The student who majors in performance may choose piano (performance), piano (pedagogy), organ (performance), organ (church music), harpsichord, voice or an orchestral instrument, including harp, classical guitar, and multiple woodwinds, as the area of choice. Four-year outlines for major programs and specific instrumental specializations are listed below.
Each student should secure from the music office or adviser the eight-semester outline for the chosen major.
Instruction in each area is designed to train students for public performance and teaching in schools or private studios, to prepare them for passing barrier examinations, to develop them culturally, to develop musicianship and technical proficiency, to strengthen sight-reading and the ability to assimilate music without guidance, and to prepare them for participation in church services, orchestras, ensemble groups or graduate work. The curriculum for general, choral and instrumental music majors also leads to teacher certification by the state of Texas. Instruction is given on both group and individual bases.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Music must meet the following requirements.
1. Hours for the Degree: Completion of a minimum of 139 total semester hours (143 for Music Theory; 144 for Performance: Voice; 142 for Jazz Studies: Performance-Vocal; 132 for Performance: Orchestral Instruments); 42 hours must be advanced.
2. General University Requirements: See "General Degree Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog.
3. University Core Curriculum: Minimum 47 hours. See specific degree plan for exact hours.
4. Major Requirements: Major of 34-63 hours in music in a prescribed field, depending on the program. See specific degree plan for exact hours.
5. Minor: Minor of 18 hours minimum, 6 of which must be advanced. See specific degree plan for required minor.
6. Electives: See individual major.
7. Other Course Requirements: See individual major.
8. Other Requirements:
General academic requirements for all music majors include completion of courses in the University Core Curriculum, which, together with other program requirements, total 132-143 hours. Consult the degree outlines for the various programs and the list of courses to satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements available from the degree program adviser.
Majors in general, choral and instrumental music also must satisfy specific Teacher Certification course requirements, most of which are included in the Core Curriculum (consult the degree outline). In addition to developmental reading, music theory, music history and literature, performance, conducting, and music laboratory requirements, a general, choral and instrumental music major must complete 18 hours of professional education that include 6 hours of music education courses to complete the course requirement of 139 hours.
The following choices are available under performance.
Students who have not fulfilled the following requirements at the beginning of the fifth semester are not allowed to major in applied music.
1. Completion of at least 60 semester hours with an average of C or better.
2. Completion of MUTH 1380-1390, 1480-1490, 2380-2390 and 2480-2490, and MUMH 1600.
3. Completion of sophomore applied major study, or equivalent for transfer students, with at least a grade of B.
4. Faculty recommendation, after audition, for election of junior applied major study.
1. Completion of 20-32 hours in the major instrument/voice. (Number of hours vary according to the instrument.)
2. Completion of 6-16 hours supplementing the major instrument (literature, pedagogy, diction, chamber music, advanced conducting).
3. Demonstration of proficiency in solo playing in public recitals, and in ensemble and chamber music, as appropriate.
4. Presentation of senior recital, content approved in advance and public performance graded by faculty.
5. Completion of 6-12 hours in upper level MUTH, MUCP, and MUED.
6. Other music and general electives 3-10 hours (see program outlines below for specific recommendations).
7. A total of 132-139 hours are required. 144 hours are required for voice.
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Piano ) (HTML)
Major in PerformanceFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Piano) Pedagogy) (HTML)
Major in PerformanceFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Organ) (HTML)
Major in PerformanceFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Organ-Church Music) (HTML) Major in Performance
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Harpsichord) (HTML)
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Voice) (HTML)
BM with a Major in Performance
(Specialization: Orchestral Instruments) (HTML)
BM with a Major in General, Choral and Instrumental Music
(Teacher Certification) (HTML)
Major in CompositionFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Composition (HTML)
BM with a Major in Theory (HTML)
BM with a Major in Jazz Studies
(Arranging Emphasis) (HTML)
BM with a Major in Jazz Studies
(Specialization: Instrumental Performance) (HTML)
Major in Jazz StudiesFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Jazz Studies
(Specialization: Vocal Performance) (HTML)
Major in Music History and LiteratureFollowing is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
BM with a Major in Music History and Literature (HTML)
For information on the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music, see the College of Arts and Sciences section of the catalog.
For a first minor in music, students must complete a minimum of 18 hours, 6 of which must be advanced, representing theory, applied music and music history.
Minimum hours in each area are as follows: theory, 6 semester hours credit; applied music, 4 hours credit; and music history, 6 hours credit.
Although there are alternate choices, MUMH 3000 and 3010 are designed to fulfill both the music history and advanced hours requirements.
Requirements for all-level music certification are included in the requirements for the BM with a major in general, choral and instrumental music (see above). To receive a secondary teaching certificate, BA candidates must complete student-teaching proficiency examinations in conducting, instruments or voice, and Piano Proficiency and Theory Proficiency Examinations.
Consult the College of Music and the College of Education for further requirements.
Graduate degrees and majors in music are listed above under Programs of Study. For information on graduate programs in music, consult the Director of Graduate Studies in Music and the Graduate Catalog.
The Artist Certificate is a nondegree program providing an intensive, two-year study in music performance and related music studies. Intended for exceptionally gifted and accomplished performers seeking professional careers as concert soloists, the highly selective program is limited to one percent of the total enrollment of the College of Music. To apply for the program, submit a letter of application and resumé of musical accomplishments to: Dr. Thomas Clark, Associate Dean, College of Music, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 311367, Denton TX 76l203-1367.
UNT Undergraduate Catalog College of Music
UNT Graduate Catalog College of Music
UNT Undergraduate Catalog Table of Contents
UNT Graduate Catalog Table of Contents
UNT Undergraduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide
UNT Graduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide
UNT Program Options
UNT College of Music Home Page
UNT Jazz Home Page
UNT Prospective Students
UNT Home Page


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How Much Do You Know About Your Own Heart and Brain?
When's the last time you had a physical? Have you ever felt short of breath? Do you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol? Are you out of shape and overweight? Or are you so stressed out that you think you might be having a panic attack OR a heart attack? Here is some important information that YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Moose Racing has been producing high quality MX and off-road gear for over two decades. Moose Racing gear is designed by racers for racers, built to perform in the most aggressive and demanding motocross riding scenarios. Moose Racing recently began making high quality luggage systems as well using Pelican cases, some of the finest available on the market.


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Here at Nashbar, we're pretty proud of the work we do. Not only do we
find the best deals on bikes and bike gear from our vendors to pass along
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Our gear is made with careful attention to detail, and we carry gear to suit every rider, from newbies to blue-bloods. We also back every bit of it with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you don't like it, we'll take it back.
We Make Shopping Safe, Secure and Easy
© 2017 Nashbar. All Rights Reserved.
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There's no doubt that bank employees are in a position of trust. Customers walk in every day and hand them money, confident it will be in their bank account when they need it. To do their jobs, high-level bank employees have access to lots of sensitive consumer information and even cash, so when an employee turns to crime, things can go downhill fast.
That's exactly what's alleged to have happened at not one, but two banks in Oakland, Calif., where a former banker is accused of having stolen more than $1 million from customers at US Bank and First Republic Bank, according to reports by The Oakland Tribune and KTVU.
Linda Foss, who worked at US Bank from 1983 to 2012, most recently as a branch manager, is accused of siphoning off money directly from one customer's certificate of deposit, or CD, account, reducing the balance from $972,000 to $353,000. Another former client said Foss had forged her signature on checks worth more than $40,000.
Foss was later terminated by US Bank, but quickly got another job at First Republic Bank. From there, Foss allegedly tried to cover her tracks by stealing from other customers to replace the stolen funds, including $164,000 from first one, then another elderly client at First Republic.
Eventually, authorities caught up to Foss, who will face trial on money laundering, theft from an elder adult and grand theft charges.
Beyond the consequences for Foss's clients and her community, the incident does raise some serious questions for bank customers in general. Foss was terminated by US Bank in March of this year, according to the report. Did they know or suspect something was wrong, and if so, how was she hired to be a branch manager at another bank? And how was a bank employee allowed to siphon more than $600,000 from an account without attracting immediate scrutiny?
It seems inevitable that unscrupulous bank employees will find ways to bilk customers, but banks owe it to customers to do their utmost to keep a close eye on account-holder funds and prevent crime wherever they can, and to make customers whole when they fail.
What do you think? Do you ever worry about fraud at your bank?
Follow me on Twitter: @ClaesBell.


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We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. Thanks Carter for submitting your handsome Puggle Pedro to be featured. We affectionately refer to our mixed-breed canine companions as "dogs of mixed heritage" who make our lives more colorful. Whether your dog is a purebred or mixed breed remember all dogs are created equal, deserving of unconditional love and their time in the spotlight.
This is Pedro! He is a four month old Puggle. He was born in Ohio and now lives with in NYC. He is very active and such a joy . He loves chewing, as most puppies do, but his favorite chew toy is a Flossie, he can chew through one in a day. LOL!
Height: 13 – 15 inches
Weight: 15 – 20 lbs
Coat: The Puggles coat is smooth, straight and short haired.
Color: Puggles come in a variety of colors, but fawn or tan with a black mask covering the muzzle and around the eyes is the most common. That said, fawn Puggles can have a varying degree of black coloring on their face, some feature full masks, while others have very small amounts. In addition to fawn, some dogs are born solid black, white, tri-colored or may have multi-colored coats.
Appearance: Puggles are a crossbreed (pug/beagle), and because of this fact, their physical appearance is difficult to generalize compared to that of purebred dogs, especially since they don't have a breed standard. Though Puggles generally look alike, the appearance of these dogs is dependent on their parents. That being said, many of these pooches often have the fawn colored coat and wrinkled black masks that are characteristic of Pug's but a body length, longer muzzle and floppy ears similar to the Beagle. It is not uncommon for this designer dog to also have a thickset body, under-bite, short legs, and a Beagle-length tail with a Pug curl.
Temperament: Puggles are sweet tempered lap dogs, and yet are very playful creatures. They are energetic, affectionate and bright. They bond quickly with their owners and family, and are excellent companions. They are very social animals and require plenty of attention. and want to be involved in as much activity with their pack as possible.
They are friendly toward strangers, other dogs, household pets and children. Puggles have a keen sense of smell, like a Beagle, finding many smells very interesting, and will be inclined to track scents. They like to use their voice and will alert their owners to strange sounds and people, making them a good watchdog. Overall, they are a happy-go-lucky dog with a very friendly disposition.
Health: The Life expectancy for Puggles is 10-15 years. Puggles are a relatively healthy breed, but owners need to be aware that this dog is prone to any genetic illness that may affect their parents, and are also at risk for any disease that affects the Pug or Beagle breeds. Health concerns a Puggle may face include, cherry eye, entropion, skin infections, slipped stifles (dislocated kneecaps), back problems, epilepsy, lameness, respiratory issues, and Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) to name a few. This breed is also prone to overheating and is intolerant of extreme temperatures.
Common Illnesses include: eye problems, Pug Dog Encephalitis, lameness respiratory issues, skin infections.
Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?
If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks. Don't forget to send over a photogenic pic of your dog as well.
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Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?
If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks. Don't forget to send over a photogenic pic of your dog as well.
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Our photo gallery is growing constantly, please submit a photo of your dog enjoying any of our products to enter our twice monthly contest! Each month we will have a drawing on those customers who submitted pictures to the gallery and a winner will be chosen and posted on the site. The winner will win more bully sticks!


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A charity to help police dogs, founded using funding from the Emergency Services Show, will be taking part in this year's event at Hullavington airfield on Sunday, September 7.
The WAGs Retired Police Dogs Trust was established in 2013, in part thanks to a £500 donation from the show.
Wiltshire Police dog handler Marie Poole is now busy planning a number of displays for this year's event, using both working and retired animals.
The 2014 Emergency Services Show is being held on Sunday 7 September at Hullavington airfield, off J17 of the M4.
Advance tickets are available to buy up until August 31 at www.emergencyservicesshow.com or entry can be paid on the day - £6 adults and £3 children under 16. There is no charge for children under three.
A wide range of attractions will be available between 10am and 4pm, including air ambulances, emergency vehicle rides, the chance to meet personnel from all three 'blue light' services, driving challenges and much more!
The police dogs are always very popular with visitors, and can been seen 'up close' when not doing demonstrations.
Alongside those from Wiltshire Police will be animals supported by WAGs, which is a not for profit, independent organisation set up to help retired police dogs from Wiltshire, Avon & Somerset and Gloucestershire Police.
Marie said: "These dogs spend their working lives detecting crimes and helping with searches, often for the most vulnerable people in our society.
"They can be involved in dangerous situations and may be injured whilst protecting the public and police officers, and when detaining offenders.
"WAGs is not there to assist with everyday expenses such as food and annual boosters, but it provides assistance in emergency situations where a large vet's bill may mean a decision is made about the dog's future based on cost.
"Sometimes the dogs are not suitable for rehoming and, as they have often spent most of their life with the handler, it is a natural progression for them to retire to the handler's home."
To find out more, or make a donation, visit the WAGs website www.wagsretiredpolicedogs.org or 'like' the WAGs Facebook page.


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Two weekends ago, in a crucial postseason high school football game, Marin Catholic's Johnny MacLean stepped in front of a first-quarter pass for an interception to blunt an El Cerrito drive during the North Coast Section championship game. Later, teammate Jared Lazor did likewise, with his fourth-quarter interception setting up the Wildcats for a last-minute field goal which gave them a victory.
Then Saturday night, Billy Alten grabbed the spotlight for a while with a 25-yard touchdown catch that gave Marin Catholic its first lead of the night against Sutter. Not to be outdone, Lazor followed three plays later with an interception that set up the Wildcats for another touchdown in a 23-7 victory that sent the team to the state championship game, where Marin Catholic will face Madison (San Diego) on Saturday afternoon in Carson.
The postseason heroics of defensive backs MacLean and Lazor and wingback Alten would be worthy achievements for any athlete. But they are perhaps even more noteworthy given that none of the three sophomores were even on the Marin Catholic varsity when the season began.
"I was the JV quarterback, playing quarterback for the first time and I was just kind of focused on that," MacLean said. "And then all of this happened; it's crazy. I was kind of surprised (to be promoted), but I just embraced it and was determined to work hard."
MacLean and Alten spent three games with the Marin Catholic junior varsity squad before being promoted to the varsity for the Wildcats' MCAL opener against Justin-Siena. For Lazor, the call from varsity coach Mazi Moayed didn't come until several weeks later, as the Wildcats prepared to face Drake.
In each case, the players didn't have to wait long to get onto the field. MacLean and Alten saw action against Justin-Siena — Alten handled the ball on offense a season-high seven times in the game with five carries and two receptions — and Lazor played the entire second half in his debut against Drake.
The season stats — Alten has 19 catches for 203 yards and two touchdowns and MacLean and Lazor have combined for a double-digit interception total — show just how big an impact the players have had.
"Farther in the future, I thought I could be here, like junior year," said Lazor, who played wingback on offense and safety on defense with the freshman squad before moving to linebacker with the JV this season after Alten moved up. "But sophomore year, I never expected that. It's such a privilege. I mean, it's crazy to be here."
Moayed said the trio has looked comfortable with the varsity since they arrived. He said their work in practice and in games has showed they have what it takes to help the team.
"He's just a phenomenal athlete overall," Moayed said of MacLean. "And the way he competed on the JV team — his competitive spirit — is what stood out. We figured, 'This guy can make plays anywhere.' With Lazor, he came up to compete for a spot because we had some depth issues because of injuries and he stood out right away at practice. He was able to work his way into the starting lineup and he never came off.
"Billy Alten, that's a guy who can start on either side of the football for us. He's a phenomenal athlete who can play all around. He can play running back, he can play receiver, he can play linebacker, he can play safety "... he's got tremendous skill and coordination. Heck, he can even throw the football."
While the three sophomores have plenty of pluses, there is also something missing that has helped them — fear.
Each of the three say they long ago got over any jitters associated with playing in big games with the varsity.
"I got in and got some action right away," Alten said. "It was really cool because the first week was hard because there were so many plays and variations of plays that I had to learn. Everyone helped me out and it made it easier for me to get in there with confidence. "... It was kind of like deer in the headlights for the first couple of games, but now I feel comfortable and I try to stay with that confidence to make me elevate my game."
"For my first varsity game, you have to be nervous," MacLean added. "But I was prepared; I wasn't too nervous because I've always felt pretty comfortable that we have a really good defense. If I make a mistake, other guys will pick me up."
Such confidence — and of course, ability — has pleased Moayed.
"For those guys to come up and be competing at the level they have been competing says a lot about those guys, especially in some of the games we've been in and those guys coming through," Moayed said. "Against some of the top teams, it's pretty incredible. "... We're never going to call somebody up and put them in harm's way. We're not just pulling ducks out blindly. We see certain qualities or traits that show a player can contribute, we'll give them a shot."
For the trio of sophomores, being given that shot has helped Marin Catholic move to within one victory of a state title.
"It's crazy fun," Lazor said. "Playing football with all these guys, it's always a great time out there. I'm not tired; football is still running through my blood, I'm craving every game, every play."
"I don't think anybody can expect this," added Alten when asked if he has been surprised at how things have worked out this season. "It's just kind of something that you can only hope for and work as hard as you can for. The desire this team has, they've brought that out of me. And it's a lot of fun."
Contact Dave Curtis via email at firstname.lastname@example.com
STATE CHAmPIONSHIP
High school football Division III final at the Home Depot Center in Carson
Saturday: Marin Catholic (14-1) vs. Madison-San Diego (14-1), noon.
TV: Comcast SportsNet California. Streaming audio from PlayOn Sports on marinij.com.
Tickets: Price is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and they are available for presale at the Marin Catholic bookstore from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 7 a.m.-noon on Friday. They also will be sold at the stadium.
Rooter bus: Seats on a free round-trip bus to the game will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The bus will depart Marin Catholic on Saturday at 4 a.m. and depart Carson 30 minutes after the postgame ceremonies. Sign-ups for the trip will be taken at the Marin Catholic bookstore from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 7 a.m.-noon on Friday.


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WASHINGTON -- Andre Iguodala's scoring average is the lowest since his rookie year. His rebounding numbers are at an all-time low. It has been six years since he averaged so few assists.
And yet, Iguodala is having a huge impact on the Warriors, who have won eight straight games and reasserted themselves as a contender in the West after a stretch in which they went 5-7. Not coincidentally, that rough patch came while Iguodala was sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Iguodala's impact on the Warriors' most recent victory, Friday night in Atlanta, was plainly obvious. His 3-pointer at the final horn came with the Warriors trailing 100-98.
"The thing about Andre is he's not afraid of the moment," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "We've got guys who put the time in. He's another guy who's there 10, 11 o'clock at night getting shots up. You think he stumbles into that shot and he's not afraid of it, but I'm watching him at midnight taking those same shots. So when the lights come on and the curtains open up, he's ready and prepared. He's once again showing why we went and got him. He's a big-time player."
The numbers might not show it -- Iguodala is averaging 10.4 points, five assists, and four rebounds -- but the Warriors are getting everything they expected when they acquired Iguodala from Denver in the offseason.
And what the numbers don't say, others will.
Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer says Iguodala's presence as a perimeter defender makes this Warriors team even more dangerous than the one that gave San Antonio a scare last season in the Western Conference semifinals. And Budenholzer would know; he was with the Spurs last season as an assistant to Gregg Popovich.
"Another perimeter defender is something that's important for them," Budenholzer said of the Warriors. "At times, you felt there were places you could attack them on the perimeter and now, he can really cover that up.
"He's also a great passer so he can facilitate," Budenholzer said. "He can play like a point forward, and when you've got (Stephen) Curry and (Klay) Thompson coming off the pin-downs, he's kind of playing quarterback. "And then he can run and get easy baskets in transition. He's like one of those guys that does a little bit of everything and does a little bit of everything pretty well."
Iguodala's ability to fill a stat sheet in multiple columns prompted Miami Heat forward Shane Battier to call him the "West Coast version of LeBron" before Thursday night's game. Then the Warriors went out and beat the two-time defending champs on their home floor. Once again, the numbers didn't say a lot -- eight points, six rebounds, six assists in 34 minutes -- but's Iguodala's primary task that night was to defend LeBron James scored 26, but another number told the story: The Warriors outscored Miami by 16 points when Iguodala was on the floor.
Friday night in Atlanta, through three quarters, Iguodala had been quiet. Perhaps owing to the exertion of the previous night, he'd played only 18 minutes and taken just one shot.
Then came the fourth quarter. Iguodala had three assists, a steal that led to an easy bucket to give the Warriors the lead, and seven points. The game-winning shot was the fifth of a career that began in 2004. Only one NBA player, Joe Johnson, has made more game winners () in that time.
"You've just got to live in the moment and not make it bigger than it is," Iguodala said. "Or you can make it bigger than it is and really try to live in it. I go through drills -- I'm sure many guys go through drills -- where it's the last second, what kind of move are you going to have, how comfortable are you being in that moment? Just letting the game slow down, letting your work do the talking and let the shot go."
And here's something else for the Western Conference to consider:
"I'm still trying to get back to 100 percent," Iguodala said, "and I'm on a perfect team to be able to do that. I can go out there and not have to do too much and still give a lot to my team and just wait for the moment when I'm really, really back."


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The Age of Cognac
A Cognac may only be soldy when its youngest eau-de-vie reaches a minimum of two and a half years old, as of the first day of October following the harvest of the grapes.
Only the years of storage in oak barrels count to determine its age.
Once transferred into glass, the Cognac stops maturing . It stands still.
V.S (for Very Special) , also called *** (or Three Stars) is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least two and a half years old.
V.S.O.P ( for Very Superior Old Pale) , also called Reserve, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is between four and a half and six and a half years old.
XO (for Extra Old ) , Napoléon, also called Hors d'âge, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least six and a half years old.
Most Cognac houses will use Cognacs much older than those required by law, allowing X.Os to reach a minimum of twenty years old, in order to reveal their very best.
Jean Grosperrin - N° 14 Petite Champagne
Les Trésors de La Gabare
"It is one of our treasures and, for this reason, only available in very small quantities."
Bottled in a one liter original bottle - from the end of the 19th century - with wooden box.Learn MoreExcl. Tax: €1,245.83 Incl. Tax: €1,495.00


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|April 24, 2013
Volume 15, Issue 9
|Midwifery Today E-News
"Being a Midwife"
Print Page
Welcome to Midwifery Today E-News !
Save $15 on your Midwifery Today order.
Check out our Spring into Savings page to find out how. You'll also find coupons for specific Midwifery Today products as well as special offers from other birth-related businesses. Take a look and start saving today!
Midwifery Today Online Store
This issue of Midwifery Today E-News is brought to you by:
Look below for more info!
Help your clients have more comfortable labors
Attend "Comfort Techniques for Midwives and Doulas," a full-day pre-conference class with Debra Pascali-Bonaro. You'll learn about techniques such as the gate control theory of pain, hot and cold compresses, music, massage/touch, acupressure, aromatherapy and the birthing ball. You'll see demonstrations of a variety of positions and techniques for both first and second stage, and there will be time for hands-on practice. Registrants at previous conferences have raved about this class, calling it fun and informative. Part of our conference in Belgium 30 October – 3 November, 2013.
Promote your product or service at the Belgium conference. For more information, go here to download the ad flyer.
In This Week's Issue
Quote of the Week
I believe that the...most important thing you can do for mothers, babies, fathers and society is to keep walking forward in your calling. Changing our birth ways will take all of us doing what we are called to do.
— Jan Tritten
Do you like what you're reading?
Then show your support and get more content by subscribing to our quarterly print magazine, Midwifery Today. Subscribe here.
The Art of Midwifery
I know I make a difference. I do as much as I can to help make each birth as sacred, loving, gentle, peaceful, empowering, connecting and celebratory as possible. With the threat of Nubain, Pitocin, epidurals, cesareans and egos looming so closely, it is not necessarily an easy thing, but it is the best I can do.
— Nancy Wainer, excerpted from "Walking a Fine Line," Birth Wisdom: Tricks of the Trade, Vol. III, a Midwifery Today book
ALL BIRTH PRACTITIONERS: The techniques you've perfected over months and years of practice are valuable lessons for others to learn! Share them with E-News readers by sending them to email@example.com.
Send submissions, inquiries, and responses to newsletter items to: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Subscribe to the Web Updates RSS feed to stay on top of what's new or highlighted on the Midwifery Today website. Be alerted when conference programs go online, new articles are posted and more.
Featured Article
The Call to Midwifery
"You have the best job in the world!" I hear this quite often when I tell people what I do. I agree, of course. I do have the best job in the world. I know, however, that the vision in the mind's eye of the speaker is the blissful moment when the baby slowly crowns and then slips its way into the waiting hands of a calm, not-at-all-blood-splattered midwife. The reality, of course, is that by the time the slippery-baby-entry thing happens, the calm midwife has been through many hours of back-rubbing, poop-wiping, cervix-checking, amniotic fluid-splashing labor.
At the time of the birth, I am hopefully calm, but also fatigued, sweaty and hungry. And don't get me started on the post-birth photos! Why can't we take those at the beginning, when my hair is brushed and I don't have creases on my face from sleeping at the foot of the bed on a wadded-up towel? Oh, right, the baby's not out then, and the baby figures prominently in birth photo ops.
Still, I do have the most amazing job. Well, not a job, really. For me, it's a calling. A vocation—from the Latin word vocare, which means to call or to summon.
What's the difference between a job and a calling? It's simple—you choose a job, but a calling chooses you. It finds you and then harasses you until you respond. Of course, you might respond with a resounding, "No way!" But I'm inclined to believe that callings are not so easily deterred.
Sometimes, I think my call to midwifery came to me before I even knew what a midwife was. It probably came way back when, as I crowded my way into our tiny back bathroom to help one of our many cats birth her kittens. Or perhaps it came long before that, before my birth—a little egg awaiting its destiny in my mother's ovary, with the midwifery gene already programmed in.
However long its dormancy, the call presented itself loud and clear when I wandered into a bookstore on 8th Street in Greenwich Village in New York City. A misplaced Southerner, I had enrolled at NYU during the winter term. I was struggling with everything—leaving home, the biting cold, city life, down coats and gloves—when I stumbled into that store. There, on a bookshelf facing the entrance was a beautiful book, the cover all purple and swirls. It literally called to me. I took off my gloves and pulled it off the shelf. Spiritual Midwifery. Hmm. What's that? A quick glance. The book was mine.
— Diana Janopaul
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Read this article excerpt from the Spring 2013 issue of Midwifery Today:
Birth Q&A
Q: Why are you a midwife?
— Midwifery Today
A: I worked as a birth doula for a number of years prior to having children of my own. After the birth of my first baby, I knew there was more, so much more to birth than I had previously understood. I took the whole family on a trip, my pilgrimage really, to The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee. After we got home, I researched my pathways to midwifery and ultimately I chose to apprentice with an awesome midwife—a choice I have never regretted! Being a midwife has been such a beautiful lifework! It is a lot of work, being on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but next to birthing four beautiful babies of my own, it is my life's greatest accomplishment!
— Rachel Curnel Struempf
A: It's my destiny, who I am and what I was meant to do!
— Claire Andrews
A: I am a midwife because I believe every woman should have the opportunity to give birth in her chosen environment, surrounded by people who love her and who honor her strength.
— Linda Roberts
A: That's like asking why I'm a woman or why I'm 5'5". It took me a while to grow into womanhood and it took me some time to reach this height. It will take me a good amount of time to become the midwife I want to be, but it's always been there in me.
— Jodi Borsk
A: As an aspiring midwife hoping to start my journey this coming fall, my motivation is the importance of treating mothers and their families with respect during the childbearing year. The way a mother is treated during her birth experience can impact her negatively or positively for her whole life. I am blessed to have received compassionate, loving midwifery care for my children's births, and believe that the midwifery model of care holds great promise for changing the face of birth in North America.
— Kyla Wong
A: I am a midwife because I love to witness women becoming mothers, coming into their own power and being in charge of their experiences. It's amazing!
— Roux Anne
Conference Chatter
My First Conference
I recently attended my first Midwifery Today conference. Usually my MT work involves editing articles and contacting faceless inboxes, so it was a real joy to put faces to the names of many of our ongoing contributors. My main thought as I sat in the classes of Michel Odent, Sister MorningStar and Carol Gautschi was this: I should be sitting in a packed basketball stadium with standing room only as I listen to these teachers speak. The depth and power of the birth wisdom shared is priceless to anyone with a passion for gentle birth and so many people need to hear it.
I am sure many of our readers have thought about attending a Midwifery Today conference. Unfortunately, getting away and affording a trip can be trickier for some than for others, but where there is a will, there is a way. The caliber of teachers who come to spread their knowledge is unparalleled and attendees will not be disappointed. Here's to looking forward to the next conference in Belgium!
— Nancy Halseide, managing editor for Midwifery Today
Craving more birth info?
I was laboring at home with my second baby and had already requested quiet and no movement around me. I was deep in my "labor-land" when I was startled with someone throwing a water balloon into the bathroom behind me. I looked up very annoyed that someone would think it would be funny to start tossing water balloons around me while I was in labor. It wasn't until the midwife a second later popped her head in and said, "Hooray! Your water broke!" that I realized I had just passed a milestone in the labor process. I was more shocked with her explanation than I was about my water balloon theory. I was so into my own universe that I forgot that I was in the thick of having a baby!
— Ely Mujica Bradway
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Midwifery Today: Each One Teach One!


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Southern Oasis Cycling CSO
Visiting: Morocco
Trip Duration 8 Days
Cycling Holiday Morocco
Surrounded by the Jebel Sahro mountain range, we cycle through kasbahs, tribal villages and cool oases in the Draa Valley. We trek by camel to a nomad desert camp in the Sahara, explore one of the world's most impressive canyons, Todra Gorge, and ride through remote Berber heartland in the High Atlas.
Tour Highlights
- Draa Valley - Cycle through one of the most picturesque valleys in Morocco
- Erg Chebbi - Ride camels through impressive Saharan sand dunes and camp overnight in a desert wilderness
- Tizi N'Fedrhate Pass - Enjoy a thrilling descent from this stunning mountain pass in the High Atlas
- Marrakech - Discover Morocco's vibrant Red City, with its atmospheric medina and lively Djemma-el-Fna Square
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select.
1Join tour Marrakech
2Explore Marrakech; drive High Atlas pass to Ouarzazate
3Cycling in the Draa Valley, then drive to Alnif
4Cycle the foothills of Jebel Sahro; camel trek to camp
5Enjoy Sunrise in the sand dunes then pedal to Erfoud
6Bike though local villages en route to El Kelaa Mgouna
7Ride down the Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech
8Tour ends Marrakech
Trip notes
Each departure date has its own dedicated trip note, detailing all you need to know about that trip. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.
We have the following different versions of the Southern Oasis Cycling trip available at present.
Please select a date:
Why Book this trip
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.
|Included meals
TransportMinibus, Bicycle
Accommodation6 nights Standard Hotel
1 night Simple Camping
Trip StaffDriver(s), Local Guide(s), Assistant Cycle Guide, Explore Tour Leader / Cycle guide
Cycling Information
On this tour we cycle 223 km over five days (an average of 45 km a day). The terrain is mainly flat or downhill on tarmac roads (90% tarmac, 10% dirt roads) and we use a bus to drive the steeper sections. We have graded the route as moderate.
Included Bike
27 gear Cannondale Off Road or Trail Mountain Bike with front suspension (or similar).


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Dr. Ellen Janetzke is a board certified Plastic Surgeon and one of the few female surgeons who specializes in breast augmentation, breast reduction and reconstructive surgery. While maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and surgical techniques, Dr. Ellen and her staff are equally focused on nurturing the doctor-patient relationship. The most important aspect of that relationship is listening to the patient. She recognizes how important it is to make sure her patients are fully aware of the procedure they are undertaking. Her ability to understand, anticipate and fulfill patient expectations, honestly and realistically, has gained her a reputation as both a gifted surgeon and a caring doctor.
May 2004 – present Unasource Surgical Center
Associate Staff Physician
October 2001-present William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI
Associate Staff Physician
August 2001 – present William Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI
Associate Staff Physician
- Unversity of Michigan Degree:BA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine Degree:MD
- Lehigh Valley Hospital General Surgery Internship
- William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI General Surgery Residency
- Detroit Medical Center Hand Fellowship
- Temple University Hospital Plastic Surgery Fellowship
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Ameican Society of Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery
- Michigan Academy of Plastic Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- Michigan State Medical Society
- William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI
- William Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI


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OBERON Presents WINTERBLOOM Tonight
OBERON, the American Repertory Theater's Second Stage and club theater venue, presents WINTERBLOOM, four singer-songwriters sharing their diverse cultural traditions through song and story for the holiday season, tonight, December 14 at 7 and 10pm. Doors will open at 6:30 and 9:30pm.
Winter is a time for gathering, and It is in this spirit that a tradition has emerged -- a tradition of friendship and music. Antje Duvekot, Anne Heaton, Meg Hutchinson and Natalia Zukerman have been touring together as Winterbloom since 2008. For a month or so each winter, the group of separate singer/songwriters bring their diverse reflections and experiences to the stage for a special Holiday-themed show. Join Winterbloom this holiday season for an evening of warmth, friendship, sarcasm and surprises. Expect to hear some of your old Winterbloom favorites as well as an expanded repertoire reflecting their diverse backgrounds. Where else can you experience such a multi-cultural holiday celebration with songs in Hebrew, Tibetan and German? Weaving Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and family related themes, the Winterbloom shows have both sacred and hilarious elements to them and a wonderful spirit of reunion as four talented friendsreunite in what is fast becoming their very own tradition.
Tickets are $25-$35 and can be obtained by calling 617-547-8300 or online HERE.
The Winterbloom presentation is co-sponsored by Passim (www.passim.org). OBERON is located at 2 Arrow Street at the corner of Mass Ave. in Harvard Square. For more info and tickets visit www.cluboberon.com.


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ByLyneka Little
"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin used the comments section of his personal website to respond to a controversial sex scene in Sunday night's episode of the HBO series.
The fantasy writer responded to a question on his website about the altar scene between siblings Jaime and Cersei in the "Breaker of Chains" episode, which many viewers found varied drastically from the novel.
Here's what Martin wrote, following a post that announces an event with writers Junot Diaz and Anne Perry:
This is off topic here. This is the section for comments about Junot Diaz and Anne Perry and the Cocteau's author program.
Since a lot of people have been emailing me about this, however, I will reply… but please, take any further discussion of the show to one of the myriad on-line forums devoted to that. I do not want long detailed dissections and debates about the TV series here on my blog.
As for your question… I think the "butterfly effect" that I have spoken of so often was at work here. In the novels, Jaime is not present at Joffrey's death, and indeed, Cersei has been fearful that he is dead himself, that she has lost both the son and the father/ lover/ brother. And then suddenly Jaime is there before her. Maimed and changed, but Jaime nonetheless. Though the time and place is wildly inappropriate and Cersei is fearful of discovery, she is as hungry for him as he is for her.
The whole dynamic is different in the show, where Jaime has been back for weeks at the least, maybe longer, and he and Cersei have been in each other's company on numerous occasions, often quarreling. The setting is the same, but neither character is in the same place as in the books, which may be why Dan & David played the sept out differently. But that's just my surmise; we never discussed this scene, to the best of my recollection.
Also, I was writing the scene from Jaime's POV, so the reader is inside his head, hearing his thoughts. On the TV show, the camera is necessarily external. You don't know what anyone is thinking or feeling, just what they are saying and doing.
If the show had retained some of Cersei's dialogue from the books, it might have left a somewhat different impression — but that dialogue was very much shaped by the circumstances of the books, delivered by a woman who is seeing her lover again for the first time after a long while apart during which she feared he was dead. I am not sure it would have worked with the new timeline.
That's really all I can say on this issue. The scene was always intended to be disturbing… but I do regret if it has disturbed people for the wrong reasons.
Now, if you please, I'd appreciate it if we could get back to Junot Diaz and Anne Perry and the subjects of the original post.
More Game of Thrones Coverage


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The War for Cybertron wages on...
San Diego Comic-Con coverage brought to you by Collectibles Insurance, Big Bad Toy Store, Sekaido, and Monkey Depot.
Thursday at Comic-Con brought the Hasbro Transformers panel, when the design team typically discusses current releases and unveils a few surprises. This time they did not disappoint. The all-star lineup of panelists began by discussing the War for Cybertron game and what that means for the current state of Transformers popularity. Working with Activision and High Noon, the Hasbro team went back to the very beginning to show the initial civil war and its heroes Optimus Prime and Megatron. With the line's now 25 year history, it was time to re-introduce certain elements and re-tell the story from the beginning. So, they started with Generation 1, targeting both hardcore fans as well as those new to the Autobots and Decepticons, and finally gamers. The Hasbro team was happy to report that the game is well received across the board, and should make fans even happier with the upcoming bonus pack release including new characters and maps.
On the product side of things, War for Cybertron has four deluxe Generations Transformers in Cybertronian Bumblebee, Cybertronian Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Soundwave. There's also the tie-in novel Exodus by Alex Irvine.
Starting in the fall, the Transformers line will start its Hunt for Decepticons promotion. The experience includes specially-branded packaging with logos and descriptions, and each product will have a code for the new website that allows you to join up and work toward membership in the Autobot Elite Guard through games and other fun content! The fall lineup includes:
"Movie" toys:
* Legends
* Scouts (including the eagerly anticipated Breacher)
* Deluxe: Ironhide (never before done in this scale), Battle Blade Bumblebee (different transformation), Sidearm Sideswipe, Hailstorm (tank mode), Tomahawk (helicopter mode), and Terradive (jet mode with trident weapon)
* Voyager: Sea Spray (can carry Breacher and use any 3mm weapon attachments), Battle Blades Optimus Prime (new transformation), and Highbrow (WWII fighter mode)
* Leader Starscream
* Battle Ops Bumblebee with sounds and tons of built-in gimmicks
Human Alliance Jazz and Captain Lennox
* Deluxe Drift (samurai warrior with swords and increased poseability), Darkmount (tank and battle station modes, pickaxe weapon), Blurr (based on Drift's design)
Power Core Combiners the next step in the long history of combining Transformers. A reimagining gave new life to an old concept, and made it accessible to younger fans at a far lower price point than five large toys. The story was updated too; the Power Core characters dont replace the traditional combiners, but broaden the definition and add a new ranking system.
Transformer plus Minicon:
* Huffer (truck) and Caliburst
* Smolder (evil fire truck) and Chopster
* Searchlight (helicopter) and Backwind
* Icepick (snowmobile) and Chainclaw
* Leadfoot (racecar) and Pinpoint
5 Packs (main Transformer plus drones):
* Bombshock and Combaticons
* Skyburst and Aerialbots
* Doubleclutch and Rallybots
* Mudslinger and Destructicons
* Stakeout and Protectibots
* Crankcase and Destrons
2010 Store Exclusives:
* Toys"R"Us Constructicon Devastator
* Toys"R"Us Masterpiece Grimlock with new crown
* Walmart movie two-packs featuring Bumblebee and Brawl
* Target Hunters Rumble set with Sideswipe vs. Barricade
* Target Skids set with new ice cream truck mode
Reissue Seacons!!!
Finally, the Hasbro guys showed off the new Speed Stars Stealth Force designs, fun vehicle toys that feature pop-out armor and weapons with electronics that kids will love!
Check out more images from the panel's slideshow HERE!
- Scott Rubin


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Venerables and friends,
I've been reading the Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw's guide "Knowing and Seeing", and noticed in the chapter on practicing mettā bhāvanā that the Sayadaw stresses the importance of beginning the practice in relation to someone of the same gender, as doing it towards someone of the opposite gender may cause lust to arise. I can see of course how this advice would apply to the heterosexual meditator, but wonder whether anyone has come across the Sayadaw's advice to homosexual meditators on this topic. Common sense would dictate that one should meditate with people of the opposite gender in mind in this case, but I am curious about anyone's experience with this issue directly with the Sayadaw.
Any sharing would be much appreciated!
In anjali,


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My question to the accomplished psychologist and research scientist following her presentation to a large crowd at Stanford University – a presentation highlighting the link between mental and physical health – seemed simple enough.
"There's plenty of evidence showing the impact that our thoughts can have on our brain," I said. "But is there any evidence that these thoughts actually originate in the brain? And if not, then where do these thoughts come from?"
Her answer: "We don't know."
The rather brief and somewhat matter-of-fact response elicited a fair amount of chuckles from the audience. I guess most of us expected a more detailed explanation. But as the laughter died down, I considered the significance of what was just said.
Could it be that this woman's honest and humble answer had inadvertently engaged the audience in a new line of medical inquiry, perhaps hastening a radically new view – even a new era – of medicine?
When it comes to our thoughts – the consciousness, the brain, the mind, whatever you want to call it – there's a lot that we already know. For instance, we know that there's a link between what we think and the way our bodies act. You get embarrassed, your face turns red; you become frightened, your heart beats faster.
We're also learning that certain types of thoughts such as gratitude, forgiveness and compassion can be particularly beneficial to our health. Negative thoughts tend to have the opposite effect.
What remains to be discovered, however, is where all these thoughts begin.
One of the most provocative suggestions comes from Dr. Larry Dossey, author of the best-selling "Reinventing Medicine: Beyond Mind-Body to a New Era of Healing" (HarperOne, 1999) and the forthcoming "One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters" (Hay House). Dossey believes that "consciousness is not confined to one's individual body," but that there's a singular, "nonlocal mind" governing one and all.
This presents a bit of a dilemma, particularly for those who consider this mind to be divine. If an ever-present, all-powerful God is the source of such health-inducing thoughts as gratitude and compassion, does this mean that He or She is also the source of those thoughts that produce mental and physical suffering, both for ourselves and others? Is God both good and evil?
So far, the best answer I've heard predates Dossey by at least a couple of thousand years.
"'I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end,'" it says in the Bible (Jeremiah 29:11).
In other words, our health doesn't depend so much on our differing views of the Divine, but on our willingness to adopt as our own His or Her view of us – a view that we're assured includes a decidedly secure future.
Assuming for the moment that this is true, it would mean that any evil thoughts that happen to cross our mental radar screens are nothing more than an opportunity to get to know the Divine a little better – and for our lives to become a lot healthier.
Chances are this isn't the answer that most of us are ready to accept. At the very least, however, it's one we should all consider – and certainly one that could usher in an entirely new and exciting era of medicine.
Eric Nelson serves as media and legislative spokesman for Christian Science in Northern California. The Christian Science of Church in Los Altos is located at 401 University Ave., and the public Reading Room at 60 Main St. For more information, visit www.cschurchlosaltos.com.


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Blue Jays could use six-man rotation in May
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays will consider going with six starters in the month of May to give the arms in their rotation an extra day of rest, manager John Gibbons said prior to Thursday night's game against the Orioles.
The organization has had the luxury of four straight Mondays off in April, but with the end of the month comes a stretch of 20 straight games, from April 29 to May 18. One way around overworking the arms of pitchers like Dustin McGowan, Brandon Morrow and Drew Hutchison would be to have J.A. Happ make a spot start, Gibbons said.
McGowan has not made more than four starts in a season since 2008, Hutchison spent last year recovering from Tommy John surgery and Morrow made just 10 starts in 2013, making the risk of a burnout over a long stretch a potential concern.
"Maybe Happ, or something," Gibbons said. "We've talked about doing that; whether it happens or not I don't know. We could do it against Philadelphia. That way it bumps everyone back a day for the sake of the others guys. We haven't committed to it yet, but we've talked about it."
Gibbons indicated that using Happ as a spot starter made the most sense. The 31-year-old lefty was a starter in the team's rotation last season but began the year on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back and was moved to the bullpen upon return. Gibbons said Happ's ability to throw a high pitch count made using him less of a concern, despite the fact that he has not started a game since a Minor League outing in early April.
"Happ's strong," Gibbons said. "He's a big, strong dude. The number of pitches is not a big deal to him."
It is unclear how many spot starts the Blue Jays would use if they were to go that route.
Jamie Ross 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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Judge Starr testifies before Congressional committee on student-athlete unionization
The concept of student-athlete unionization has been one of the hottest topics in college athletics since late March, when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that football players at Northwestern University could unionize. The ruling means the NLRB sees college football players as employees rather than student-athletes, a decision with far-reaching implications across the collegiate landscape. (Northwestern players voted on whether or not to unionize in April, but those results are sealed until the NLRB rules on Northwestern's appeal of the initial decision.)
Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr testified last Thursday before the House Education and Workforce Committee, warning of unintended consequences for private schools like Baylor. The impact of the ruling would only be felt by private schools; public schools are governed separately by state labor boards.
[LINKS: Watch complete video of Judge Starr's testimony || Read his reasons in this Waco Tribune-Herald column]
Starr told Congress that the ruling could create a disparity between schools allowed to unionize and those not allowed, and a discrepancy between the general student body and athletes, who could bargain over academic standards that affect their ability to play. He also warned that the ruling could impact Title IX compliance and set unionized athletes up to be taxed on their scholarships. Judge Starr was joined by Stanford Director of Athletics Bernard Muir in voicing worries about the ruling.
Sic 'em, Judge Starr!


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LINC Media is all about interfacing global business to the Japanese business environment. We work with many multinationals and have developed a strong awareness of global best practice. We couple this knowledge with our highly bilingual and bi-cultural values to ensure that companies entering Japan see their Japanese operations as a normal extension of the rest of their global network and not as an intractable special case.
LINC Media is a Business Enabler, providing all the services needed to start and operate a business in Japan, including: Market Entry, Recruiting, Back Office Operations, IT, Marketing, and Consulting. We provide a stable, high-quality, and cost-effective platform for companies to start up quickly, letting them focus on their core sales and technology challenges.


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Eva Longoria Possibly Back Together With Eduardo Cruz
Eva Longoria Gets Down to Business — and Possibly Reconciles With Eduardo!
Eva Longoria's ex-boyfriend Eduardo Cruz was spotted visiting her LA home yesterday. She emerged later after him and headed off to run errands and visit a studio. Eva and Eduardo have been dating on-and-off since 2011, but Eva's rep confirmed that the couple had called it quits in June of last year. Yesterday morning, Eduardo sent out some cryptic tweets in Spanish, saying, "Sometimes the person who needs to change is the one who asks you to change, and not you" and "Never assume the obvious is true." He started the series with the comment, "If your ex says 'you'll never find anyone like me,' tell them that that's the idea . . . "
Aside from her romantic life, Eva has been keeping busy over the past month by getting involved in politics. Eva — who is a big supporter of President Obama and wore cheeky "Behind Obama" sweatpants during her outing yesterday — attended the Latino Inaugural Ball during Inauguration weekend. She has been outspoken about supporting immigration reform. Eduardo Cruz has a great deal going on too — his sister Monica Cruz announced that she's pregnant, thanks to an anonymous sperm donor.


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Stalking - Are You Protected?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Where and When
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Gallagher Room - Newtown Campus
Contact: email@example.com
Event Information
Find out what constitutes the crime of stalking and vital safety strategies to protect yourself. Learn about the importance of documenting incidents and supportive resources available to victims.
Wednesday, March 13th from 2 – 3 p.m., Gallagher Room, Newtown
Free Presentation for Students, Staff and Faculty hosted by Counseling Services and the Bucks County Network of Victim's Assistance (NOVA).
Also video-conferenced to Upper Bucks Campus (Room TBD).
No rsvp required. Faculty are encouraged to bring classes or design assignments to promote this program.


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SANTA CRUZ -- The median price for a single-family home in Santa Cruz County was steady in December at $528,920 but listings shrank to 466, the fewest in eight years.
If the current sales pace persists, everything available would be sold in three months.
The figures come from Gary Gangnes of Real Options Realty, who noted the median, the mid-point of what sold, has exceeded $500,000 for six straight months after remaining primarily in the $400,000 range for the previous 18 months.
He pointed out listings are down 34 percent from a year ago, and 178 listings are under contract, leaving just 288 active.
December saw 158 sales, about the same as a year ago, and comparable to 160 sales in December 2006 before the housing market collapsed. A year later, after the bubble burst, sales shrank to 76.
With sales steady as listings fall, the unsold inventory index -- a measure of supply and demand -- dropped to 2.9 months, the lowest since March 2005, according to Gangnes.
When there is less than a six-month supply of homes for sale, prices can increase, he observed.
Condo listings fell 30 percent while sales spiked up. A total of 55 condos sold, the most in seven years, Gangnes said, with the median price at $360,000. For condos, the unsold inventory index was 3.1 months, the lowest since September 2005.
The big difference between then and now: foreclosures.
But the percentage of distressed homes on the market is shrinking.
About 35 percent of the sales in December, both single-family homes and condos, were bank-owned after foreclosure or "short sales," in which the home was sold for less than what was owed the lender. At the peak of the mortgage crisis it was 40 to 50 percent.
Now short sales outnumber sales of bank-owned properties.
"Lenders have finally figured out they make more money through short sales than through foreclosure," said Robert Bailey of Bailey Properties.
From January to June, 50 percent or more of the sales were sold for less than a half a million dollars.
From July on, 50 percent or more were sold for more than a half-million dollars.
Follow Sentinel reporter Jondi Gumz on Twitter at Twitter.com/jondigumz
At a glance
December 2012 statistics
Single-family homes
MEDIAN PRICE: $528,920 (475,000 a year ago; $503,250 in 2010; $549,500 in 2009)
LISTINGS: 466 (705 a year ago; 773 in 2010; 690 in 2009)
SALES VOLUME: 158 (159 a year ago; 128 in 2010; 146 in 2009)
DISTRESSED: 25 bank-owned, 29 short sales
UNSOLD INVENTORY INDEX: 2.9 months (4.4 months a year ago; 6 months in 2010)
AVERAGE PRICE: $600,073 ($548,333 a year ago)
MEDIAN PRICE: $360,000 ($249,000 a year ago; $275,000 in 2010; $338,250 in 2009)
LISTINGS: 168 (239 a year ago, 251 in 2010; 209 in 2009)
SALES VOLUME: 55 (33 a year ago; 33 in 2010; 36 in 2009)
DISTRESSED: 6 bank-owned, 13 short sales
UNSOLD INVENTORY INDEX: 3.1 months (7.2 months a year ago; 7.6 months in 2010)
AVERAGE PRICE: $365,378 ($276,639 a year ago)
SOURCE: Real Options Realty, www.ror.com
City of Santa Cruz
126 Miles St., $462,000
207 Berkeley Way, $535,000
227 Ocean View Ave., $560,000
1707 Delaware Ave, $565,000
315 Alta Vista Drive, $575,000
Santa Cruz County
4290 Trotter St., Capitola, $525,000
939 Adelaida Court, Live Oak, $525,000
8505 Hihn Road, Ben Lomond, $525,000
457 Monterey Drive, Rio del Mar, $527,840
295 Westdale Drive, Bonny Doon, $530,000
345 McGaffigan Mill Road, Boulder Creek, $530,000
180 Crescent Drive, Boulder Creek, $61,425
1490 Conference Drive, Scotts Valley, $65,000
7 White Road, Aptos, $95,000
855 Park Drive, Ben Lomond, $112,000
395 Boulder Brook Drive, Boulder Creek, $149,000
17 Rockview Drive, Pleasure Point, $1.85M
695 The Shoreline, La Selva Beach, $1.9M
304 Grand Ave., Capitola, $2.6M
550 Hudson Lane, Aptos, $2.9M
4410 Opal Cliff Drive, Pleasure Point, $3.5M
SOURCE: Real Options Realty, www.ror.com


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Cowboys say one DWI incident is 'too many'
Updated 12:37 am, Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Dallas Cowboys on Monday finally broke their silence on the subject of Jay Ratliff's arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated, which came less than two months after another DWI wreck cost practice-squad player Jerry Brown his life.
Ratliff, a veteran nose tackle, was arrested Jan. 22 in Grapevine after his 2011 Ford pickup clipped a semi-trailer truck. Six days later, the club released a statement by Calvin Hill, a player from the Tom Landry era who is now a consultant for the team's player development program.
"Having recently experienced the most tragic of circumstances regarding this issue, we, as an organization, understand the ultimate consequences of driving while impaired," the statement read. "We know that one incident is too many."
Brown died Dec. 8 in a one-car accident that resulted in Cowboys backup nose tackle Josh Brent being charged with intoxication manslaughter. That fiery wreck occurred on the same road where police arrested Ratliff: Texas 114.
Ratliff's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit the night of his arrest, Grapevine police said Monday.
Sports Channel
Police said Ratliff failed a field sobriety test. He allegedly refused a breath test, but police obtained a warrant for a blood sample, which they say produced a blood-alcohol level of 0.16.
Brent's blood-alcohol level at the time of his arrest was 0.18, police said.
Hill's statement indicated the Cowboys would continue to use education as the primary means to prevent DWI arrests among their players.
"The critical goal is to affect the decision-making process in the hours before the wrong decision is made," the statement read.
"Our player assistant programs in the areas of preventing incidents such as these are at the highest level in professional sports, but we are always looking to do better and for ways to improve. We will continue to draw upon the best expertise and resources available, both internally and from outside the organization, to work toward being the best in the areas of education, prevention, and effecting the right decisions."
The Cowboys have talked to Ratliff since the arrest and are monitoring his case, according to the statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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What's the birthday rule all about?
Both you and your spouse are working, and, to maximize your benefits, you've each put your kids on your group health insurance plans. But whose insurer pays if you have a claim?
In most cases, insurance companies work out this issue by assigning primary coverage responsibility to one parent's health insurance plan, while the other parent's plan becomes the secondary payer. Covered expenses are first paid by the primary plan, up to that policy's limits. If unpaid costs remain, the secondary plan picks up the difference, up to the limits of that policy.
The system for assigning primary and secondary plan status to different health insurance plans is entirely arbitrary and relies on what has become known as the birthday rule. According to this rule, the primary health insurance plan is the one that belongs to the parent whose birthday comes up first in the calendar year. It makes no difference to the insurance companies which parent is older; it's the pecking order of the month of the birthdays, and not the year of birth, that matters here.
Just when you thought it might be that simple, here are some special situations to consider:
- You and your spouse were born on the same day. Here, the plan of the parent with the longest continuous health coverage is the primary payer.
- You have health insurance through a current employer, and your spouse has coverage through a former employer (e.g., COBRA). Your health insurance will be primary because you're the currently employed parent.
- If you're divorced or separated, the custodial parent provides the primary coverage for the kids. If that person remarries, his or her new spouse's plan becomes the secondary payer. The noncustodial parent's plan then becomes third in line to provide coverage. A divorce decree or a mutual agreement can alter this payment order, but you'll have to notify the insurance companies.
Although these guidelines are common among health insurance providers, they're not mandated by law, and practices can differ among insurers. To understand how your insurer handles dual coverage, read your policy. If its language leaves you in the dark, seek clarification from your employer's benefits administrator or your insurance company's customer service department.


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Naturalization Ceremony to Be Held May 14
May 6, 2010
News Highlights
Fairfax County is hosting a naturalization ceremony on Friday, May 14, in honor of Asian American Heritage Month. It is the second naturalization ceremony held at the Government Center and will take place in the Board Auditorium beginning at 11 a.m.
Scheduled speakers include:
- Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova.
- U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly.
- Christina Legdameo, White House deputy director of the Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- Abul Hussam, George Mason University professor.
The program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Asian American History Project and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Approximately 75 new American citizens will be welcomed, and information about voting and other rights of American citizens will be available.
A reception, sponsored by Cox Communications, will be held at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The Asian American History Project involves residents in the researching, recording, preservation, writing and promotion of history regarding the experiences of Asian American groups that have chosen Fairfax County as their home. The stories provide information on how, why and when different Asian immigrant groups came to the U.S. and to Fairfax County; where they have settled; and what their contributions have been to the community.
Fairfax County held a naturalization information session in March, which provided an overview of the naturalization process and offered naturalization resources.
For more information, contact Christina Fullmer, Chairman's Office, at 703-324-2321, TTY 711.
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711


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Trent Richardson gave Browns fans reason for hope in a losing effort Sunday against the Bengals.
The rookie running back had 109 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns—one receiving—in his second NFL game. He became the first Browns rookie to run for 100 yards and score on a run and a pass.
But it wasn't just his numbers that were impressive, it was the way he came about them.
Richardson made a name for himself at Alabama as a punishing runner with enough burst to break away from defenders. He showed that ability Sunday against the Bengals, bouncing off and running through would-be tacklers before accelerating ahead.
Perhaps even more encouraging for Browns fans was the performance of another rookie—quarterback Brandon Weeden. Also in his second NFL game, Weeden passed for 322 yards and two touchdowns, which was a drastic improvement over his dismal debut last week.
Yet two encouraging performances weren't enough for Cleveland as Cincinnati got its first win, sending the Browns to 0-2.