text:
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) remains one of the costliest of cattle diseases, and a persistently infected (PI) animal can cause devastating losses at any production stage. To address the problem at a national level, NCBA has teamed with Animal Profiling International, launching a BVD surveillance program during the Cattle Industry Convention in Tampa. The program offers BVD testing at a reduced rate of $2.25 per head for NCBA members with no minimum.
A PI calf can occur when a gestating cow is exposed to the BVD virus during the period between 40 to 125 days of gestation. The virus is transferred to the fetus, and if the calf is born alive, it can survive as a PI calf, constantly shedding the virus and infecting other cattle for as long as it lives. Exposure to a PI calf can cause annual losses from $15 to $25 per cow in a cow-calf herd and between $42 and $93 per head in a feedyard.
In addition to the special price of $2.25 per head for testing, participants have access to telephone and e-mail support from a BVD expert at no extra cost, along with control and surveillance education.
Testing results from participants in the program will be used to create a national surveillance system, but individual results are confidential and will not be shared with NCBA. John Patterson, PhD, who manages the program as NCBA's executive director of producer education, says NCBA will track information on a state-by-state basis, but individual results will remain between producers and their veterinarian. Ultimately the group plans to use geographic data to identify hotspots to target for additional testing and education. Control begins at the cow-calf operation, where PI calves are created, but surveillance of disease incidence at feedyards can help identify where those calves originate.
Patterson notes that testing can add value to calves marketed for feeding and heifers sold as replacements, as it reduces the buyer's risk. According to recent data from Superior Livestock Auction, 2012 was the first year calves certified as BVD PI-free earned significant premiums in Superior's sales. Those premiums averaged $2.42 per hundredweight.
For more information on how to obtain test kits through the program and how to collect and submit samples, visit NCBA's BVD surveillance website.
For additional BVD resources and detailed information on BVD control and eradication, visit BVDinfo.org


text:
A WELL respected and much loved family man and banker who touched many people's lives throughout his life and career has died.
Tony Diaper lost his short battle with lung cancer on Monday, January 21 aged 85.
He lived in Hazel Close, Hadleigh for more than 40 years and founded Hadleigh Town Football Club. He also worked his way to the top of Barclays Bank and was manager of the Corringham branch until he retired in 1988.
His son Chris, 51, explained as a youngster he was part of a successful Hadleigh Junior School football team and his dad felt it would have been a shame for the squad to fall apart when they left, so he set up Hadleigh Town to enable the boys to still play together.
The club then developed to the point where there were six squads up and running, ranging from under 16s to adults.
Tony was born in Hatfield Peveral in 1928 and completed his national service in Carinthia, Austria, and got a taste for travel while he was there.
He married his wife Doreen in Brentwood in 1956 and they had two sons, Chris and John, 47, who are now directors of Hairways Hair and Beauty, which has branches in Basildon, Colchester and Enfield.
Tony was also a grandad to Chloe, 23, Hannah, 20, Jack, 17, and Alice, 15.
His death comes during what has already been a tough time for the family as Doreen died just six months ago aged 81.
Chris, from Billericay, said: "Dad seemed to go downhill a bit after that.
"We were both very close to him and he was supportive of both of us.
"He was really dedicated to his work and was well thought of, he was a father and friend to everybody and was still in touch with some of his customers from the bank.
"Some say without him they wouldn't have got started in business. He was very genuine, there were no hidden agendas, he really wanted to help people."
A keen photographer and Southend United fan, Tony could always be found behind a camera, rather than in front of one. He was also a member of the Orsett Agricultural Group, which is heavily involved in the popular Orsett Show.
Up until two months ago he was also still helping John and Chris out with their business.
Chris added: "He would have gone bonkers being at home all the time so he would work part time with us and said when he came in to work he came alive because he was part of a team again.
"The staff would all make a fuss of him."
Mr Diaper's funeral will be held at Southend Crematorium on Wednesday, January 30 at 12pm.
Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Little Havens Children's Hospice through Stibbards and Sons, in Hadleigh.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a range of introductory and advanced courses in the areas of zoology, botany, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. The B.S. degree program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for employment, or future study that can lead to employment, in the biological sciences, within the context of a broad liberal arts education. In addition, our curriculum prepares students for employment, or future study that can lead to employment, in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, etc), environmental fields, teaching, and many areas of research (academic, industrial, governmental, medical, etc.) The biology faculty aim to facilitate a well-rounded educational experience for each student by providing challenging in-class instruction, hands-on laboratory and field experiences, and opportunities to engage in independent study.
(B.S. degree) A minimum of 49 hours is required. A minimum of 38 hours in Biology including BIO 111, 212, 214, 314, 335, 451, 452, and one field course selected from the following: BIO 300, 316, 320, 413, or 470 (Tropical Biology); the remaining 11 hours of electives to be selected from other 300-400 level courses in Biology (excluding BIO 306). A maximum of 3 hours of Independent Study, BIO 440, can be used to satisfy the elective hours. In addition, the required allied hours are MAT 111 and CHE 111, 112, and 113. MAT 125, and CHE 201, 202, 309 and 310 are recommended. Teaching majors in Biology must also include BIO 305 and 311, and therefore only have 3 additional elective hours of 300 or 400 level courses. The four courses in the biology core (BIO 111, 212, 214, 314) are preferably taken in the freshman and sophomore years; all should be completed by the end of the junior year.
A minimum of eighteen hours including BIO 111. Note that BIO 212, 214, or 314 are prerequisites for most upper level electives. BIO 100 does not apply to a major or minor in Biology.
Course Offerings
100. Science of Life. (3 hours) A general course designed for students other than biology or environmental science majors or minors. Laboratory. Fall and Spring
111. Biological Principles. (4 hours) An introduction to the major themes of biology: organismal diversity, evolution and ecology, and the cellular, genetic, and metabolic basis of life. Laboratory. Fall and Spring
212. Cellular and Molecular Biology. (4 hours) An introduction to cell biology, metabolism, genetics, gene expression, and diversity of unicellular organisms. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 111. Spring
214. Organismal Diversity. (4 hours) An introduction to the biology of multicellular organisms. Lecture topics include reproduction and early development, control of gene expression in development, homeostatic systems of plants and animals, signaling and coordination in plants and animals, and the history of multicellular life. Lab will emphasize the diversity and evolution of multicellular organisms. Laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 111. Fall
260. Preceptorship in Health Sciences or Veterinary Science. (1 hour) On site supervised experience in the medical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Prerequisite: Junior classification, GPA 3.2, and permission of instructor. BIO 305 recommended. (Pass/Fail only) Fall and Spring
300. Marine Biology. (3 hours) An introduction to marine science with an emphasis on the taxonomy and ecology of marine life and marine ecosystems. Required off campus field trip. Prerequisite: One course from BIO 212, 214, or 314. Even Springs
305. Human Physiology I. (3 hours) The function of the human body with emphasis on cellular and tissue-level structure and function. Topics include cellular physiology and the physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Prerequisite: BIO 212 Fall
305L. Human Physiology I Lab: Electrophysiology. (1 hour) This lab is designed to introduce students to the properties of cells in the respiratory, skeletal muscle and cardiovascular systems. Most labs will examine the electrical properties of cells, including electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and electromyography. Corequisite: BIO 305 Fall
306. Human Physiology II. (3 hours) A continuation of Biology 305. The physiology of the brain and sensory organs, and of the endocrine, digestive, immune, and urogenital systems, with emphasis on cell and tissue structures and function. Prerequisite: BIO 305 Spring
306L. Human Physiology II Lab: Histology. (1 hour) This lab is designed to introduce students to the microscopic study of cellular/tissue structure and function. All of the major organ systems will be examined in this lab. Corequisite: BIO 306 Spring
311. General Microbiology. (4 hours) Introduction to the diversity, cell biology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and medical impact of microorganisms and viruses. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 212. Fall and Spring
312. Immunology and Pathogenesis. (4 hours) A study of the bacteria pathogenic to humans and the mechanisms of infection and immunity. Methods of isolation, growth, and identification of the pathogens and serology are emphasized. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 311. Even Falls
314. Evolution and Ecology. (4 hours) Study of populations, communities, and ecosystems, and the evolutionary forces that shape them. Laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 111; MAT 111 recommended. Spring
316. Plant Taxonomy and Spring Flora. (4 hours) Principles of classification, identification, and nomenclature of vascular plants. Field-oriented laboratory emphasizes collection and identification techniques, as well as on-sight recognition of local flora in winter and spring conditions. Prerequisite: BIO 214. Odd Springs
320. Vertebrate Ecology. (4 hours) An investigation of vertebrate animals emphasizing their ecology, biogeography, and conservation. Special emphasis is placed on life history strategies. Field-oriented laboratory activities include the collection and identification of animals, as well as the gathering and analysis of baseline population data. Prerequisite: BIO 214. Odd Falls
325. Vertebrate Anatomy and Embryology. (4 hours) A course on the organization, development, and function of the vertebrate body, with emphasis on understanding why vertebrates, including humans, are built as they are. Laboratory includes detailed dissection of sharks and cats and microscopic study of frog and chick embryos. This course provides a strong foundation for the study of medical or veterinary gross anatomy, but it is not intended solely for pre-medical and pre-veterinary students. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 214 or BIO 305. Spring
330. Environmental Science and Natural Resources. (3 hours) (See ENV 330) Even Springs
335. Genetics and Molecular Biology. (4 hours) Introduction to both classical and molecular genetics using microbial, plant, and animal systems. Modern recombinant DNA techniques and their applications are also discussed. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 212. Fall
337. Cell Biology. (4 hours) Relationships of intricate cell structures to specialized cell function, including mechanisms associated with growth, differentiation, biochemical activity, physiological behavior. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 335 Spring
413. Freshwater Biology. (4 hours) Freshwater systems and the nature and interactions of their physical and biotic components. Includes taxonomic identification, emphasizing the algae, invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 214. Even Falls
421. Developmental Biology. (3 hours) The genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of multicellular organisms. Topics include control of gene expression, pattern formation, and selected topics in animal and plant development. Emphasis on reading and discussion of current research literature. Prerequisites: BIO 214; BIO 335 recommended. Odd Falls
440. Independent Study. (1-3 hours) An independent research project supervised by a member of the department. Prerequisites: BIO 214, and consent of supervising professor. Fall and Spring
451. Seminar I. (2 hours) Emphasizes scientific writing, research presentation techniques, and applying for jobs and post-graduate school. Information on careers in biology, as well as graduate and professional school provided by guest lecturers and field trips. Prerequisites: BIO 214 and Junior classification. Spring
452. Seminar II. (2 hours) A topical "capstone" course which draws upon the skills, knowledge, and experiences students have gained throughout their years of college study, particularly in biology. Emphasizes library research, scientific writing, oral presentations, discussion, and critical thinking. Prerequisites: BIO 451 and Senior classification. Fall
470. Topics in Biology. (1-4 hours) Significant topics in biology. Course content varies. Not offered on a regular basis; students should consult the current class schedule. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.


text:
New Traditions at Orientation Carry School Spirit into Fall
Published on Mon, August 26, 2013
As Callie Frieler stood outside of the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts this past July, watching a wall of people form a human tunnel, she was struck by an overwhelming emotion.
"It was an amazing thing to watch," she said. "People clapped and cheered as the newly-minted Class of 2017 ran through the tunnel. We were all very excited to be a part of it!"
Frieler, who is the director of student activities and leadership development, helped organize and coordinate the weekend's events—a weekend, she says, that was a success for students, parents and staff. With more than 1,000 people on campus, bonds were formed that will last for years.
Branching Out
Highlighting Marywood's 115-acre arboretum, this year's orientation theme was "Branch Out," an idea that is significant in both principle and in practice.
"Not every university can say that they have a campus arboretum," Frieler explains, "so the theme was very personal to us."
The theme was meant to celebrate the idea of new students "branching out" to meet fellow classmates and establish new bonds.
When asked about her favorite moment of orientation, Frieler recalls that while eating dinner with guests, she learned about one family's connection with the university, which goes back for years.
"They began to tell me about one of their daughters, who had graduated from Marywood, and that another daughter was just beginning here," she says. "When I heard that, I thought, 'Wow, these people really have a solid bond, and a true connection with this place.' It was nice to witness a new Marywood generation being formed."
A New Tradition
Although Orientation Weekend is now a happy summer memory, in many ways it still continues, according to Frieler. As we begin the fall semester, the concepts celebrated at Orientation Weekend will be carried over into the new school year.
"The weekend was very successful," Frieler says, "and I think we established new traditions that will benefit other classes."
A new tradition established at this year's orientation—besides walking through the human tunnel—was "The Wood Dance." Named in celebration of Marywood, The Wood Dance is a combination of movements and cheers, providing new students the opportunity to let go and cut loose.
"Everyone, even the parents, joined in," Frieler said. "It was a lot of fun."
Frieler's hope as a new year begins is that the spirit of orientation will continue throughout the students' entire Marywood experience. Finally, with more than 98 percent of the new freshman class having participated in Orientation Weekend, there's a good chance the dancing will continue—at least until midterms.


text:
Not sure if this is the right product?
Do you have questions about this product?
AnswerBox - Get answers from Staff Experts and real customers by clicking "Ask a question" or click here to ask our Customer Service Team
Q:My husband and I have finished our entire main floor with Austrailian cypress and we love it. We would like to finish our stairs too but can you tell me the dimensions on the risers for the stairs? I presume it is a standard size but I don't know what that size is. Thank you
1 answer
A:We sell our Austrailian Cypress Risers in 36" and 48" lengths. Both risers are 3/4" thick and 7 1/4" wide. You will have to measure your existing risers on your steps to see if our 36" and 48" riser length and width will work. We can also customer order our solid treads and risers. For more information on customer orders please contact our Sales Department at 1-800-HARDWOOD.


text:
Will You Make it Out?Riddles are little poems or phrases that pose a question that needs answering. Riddles frequently rhyme, but this is not a requirement.
Almost everyone makes it in but not many make it out.
What is being alluded to here?
AnswerDouble-digits (10 years old through to 99) in terms of age.
Almost everyone makes it to 10 years old yet not many reach 100.
What Next?
See another brain teaser just like this one...
Or, just get a random brain teaser
If you become a registered user you can vote on this riddle, keep track of
which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
Back to Top


text:
The indices continue to hang tough, but it's slow going. There isn't much movement in either direction and volatility is contained. Breadth is running 2300 gainers to 2500 decliners. Oil is leading while chips lag, primarily due to Intel (INTC).
My market exposure has declined quite a bit as I've taken stops and locked in gains, but I'm unable to find new buy candidates. Even though I'm bullish about the big picture, I am actually bearish because I have so much idle cash.
The majority of the small-caps that I follow are trading flat and I'm keeping very tight stops on what I'm holding. If the market finally turns lower, like so many people are anticipating, my stops will trigger and I'll look at taking a leverage index play like Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X Shares (TZA). I still have little interest in pursuing the dark side, but if the opening lows are taken out, I'll likely try to catch some downside momentum.
I've made it clear that I'm not looking to be bearish until I see actual weakness. Lower intraday lows would be one sign that would push me to be more aggressive about selling. So far, that it isn't happening.


text:
~* Thanks everyone I got yall on Twitter! *~
~* They call me Mary Mac *aka* MzBHaven! *~
~* Nicki Nicki this this Nicki Nicki that that! *~
~*Me & Flavor Flav! getting some [email protected] Finish Line *~
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 12:51 PM
~* Ladies With Soles! *~
I'm inviting all my Pink Friday Barbs & Kenz 2 Log in2 FaceBook & "Like" my new Lady SneakerHead page called Ladies With Soles! Hope 2 see you all there! Here is the Link: https://www.facebook.com/LadiesWithSoles?ref=hl


text:
Baby Gear to Invest In
Five Newborn Items to Invest In
Five Newborn Items to Invest In
Navigating the aisles of a baby superstore can be cumbersome for parents-to-be, but knowing which items to cut costs on and those to invest in makes the task less daunting. From a safe crib to a firm infant mattress, there are a few goodies that are worth spending the majority of your budget on. Check out our slideshow for lil's favorite splurge worthy baby basics.
0previous images
-26more images


text:
The Wisconsin Holstein Association has scheduled this year's Barn Meetings for March 24, 28 and 30 and April 1, 2011. All meetings will start at 11:00 a.m. and will feature presentations by Dr. Chris Booth or Dr. Matthew Dorshorst on reproductive tools and current reproduction protocols.
Dr. Chris Booth is a food animal veterinarian and partner at Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services located in Plymouth, Wis. He provides medical, surgical, and production medicine services to clients ranging from 50-3000 cows, while helping them maximize animal health, production and profitability. Dr. Booth frequently provides training sessions for clients in the areas of transition cow care, milk quality, and reproduction management. His discussion at the barn meetings will involve utilizing available reproductive tools to meet your herd's reproductive goals.
Dr. Matthew Dorshorst is a 2005 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison Veterinary School. Matthew and his father Charles Dorshorst operate a veterinary clinic in central Wisconsin as well as the farm. Matthew specializes in embryo transfer and reproductive ultrasound as well as other advanced reproductive procedures, including invitro fertilization. His topics for the barn meetings will include a brief summary of current reproduction protocols and the use of ultrasound in herd health reproduction programs. He will also discuss an overview of embryo transfer and other advanced reproductive techniques.
The first of four meetings will be held at Paradise-D Holsteins, the Dan and Nancy Pagenkopf Family, near Lancaster, Wis, on Thursday, March 24. The Pagenkopf family has been involved in the Registered Holstein industry for over 25 years. Dan and Nancy's three children, Craig, Scott and Andrea, along with Craig's wife Ela, help out in various aspects of the farm. The Pagenkopfs also have two additional part-time employees who are mainly relief milkers.
They currently milk 130 Registered Holsteins, and their cows are housed in a 58-cow tie stall barn and a 97-cow free stall facility. The Pagenkopf's rolling herd average is 26,500 pounds of milk on twice a day milking. They operate a combined 500-acres that are owned and rented, and raise 125 heifers and 60 bulls annually. The milking herd is fed a TMR.
Dan and Nancy and family have been marketing Registered Holstein bulls and embryos both domestically and internationally since 1995. Their main goal is to continue to breed and develop strong cow families that interest both the local dairyman as well as the A.I. industry with profitable genetics including production, type and longevity. The herd currently has family members of Paradise-D proven bulls Gilmore, Sparta, Suede, Swift, Mast and Paradise.
The Pagenkopfs are excited to host a barn meeting and hope that Holstein breeders will come out for lunch, speaker Dr. Chris Booth and great fellowship with other Holstein breeders. The farm is located about 3 miles east of Lancaster on County Road A at 4613 County A, Lancaster.
The second WHA Barn Meeting will be held on Monday, March 28 at Forest Ridge Holsteins, Kurt and Sarah Loehr, Eden, Wis. Working with Kurt and Sarah on the farm are Kurt's parents, Randy and Ellen, several part-time employees and Kurt's brother, sister, and grandmother who help when needed.
Forest Ridge Holsteins is home to 100 milking females and 140 heifers. Currently, 50% of all animals are registered with the remaining half sire ID. The current herd average is 25,500 pounds of milk with 3.8%F and 3.1%P. Kurt and Sarah's current (and first) BAA in October 2010 was 109.9%. The Loehrs run approximately 700 acres of hay and corn, and all crop work is done jointly with Kurt's uncle who farms a half-mile away.
Forest-Ridge is excited to showcase several cows that they are currently working with. They have a full sister and maternal sister of Rosedale Lexington, VG-89, Reserve All-American Junior two-year-old in 2010. The Loehrs also have a full sister to Van-Goh Durham Treasure, EX-95 Nominated All-American, a Rubens daughter from Greenlea Rub Marlene-Red, EX-94 and Champion of the International Red and White Show at WDE, and several descendants of Stelbro Michelle Rubens 3E-93, Nominated Red and White AA 2004, including her daughter Forest-Ridge Minnie, EX-93, who was Nominated Red and White AA in 2009.
Additional cows of interest include Krull Goldwyn Echo, VG-88 and daughter of Krull Elegant Rose, 2E-93 GMD DOM, and granddaughter of Elegance. Forest Ridge Drake Jemma, EX-90 EX-94 MS at 3-06, has seven generations of EX behind her going back to GBM Valiant Starbuck Janice, EX-94 3E. Wegnerlann Durham Geneva, VG-87, is from the Gabby family at Wegnerlann Holsteins, as well as Wegnerlann Miss Universe, fourth and Best Bred and Owned Winter Yearling at the 2010 WI Championship, who is due early March and goes back to Sarah's very first purchased calf at age 11.
The Loehrs open their doors to everyone to see their new and updated facilities. They moved into a brand new special needs barn in December, their tie-stall barn was remodeled in 2008, and their calf barn is just six years old. Kurt and Sarah try to emphasize that with excellent cow comfort, longevity and productivity will provide financial compensation. The farm is located at W2133 Randellen Lane, Eden. To get to the farm from Fond du Lac, follow Hwy. 23 east about 10 minutes to Hwy. W, turn south on Hwy. W and proceed straight through two stop signs; after the second stop sign, the farm will be on your right.
Harmony-Ho Dairy, Stratford, Wis., will be hosting the next meeting on Wednesday, March 30. Harmony-Ho Dairy has been home to Ralph and Sharon Bredl since the purchase of the 60-cow dairy in 1989. They constructed their first free stall barn and milking parlor in 1994, and by 1999, a new parlor and free stall addition were built to accommodate the herd's current size of 415 milking animals.
Harmony-Ho has become a very diverse operation, and in 2000, the Bredls formed a joint herd sire marketing enterprise with Badger Holsteins of Unity, Wis. They sell 80 breeding age bulls annually. In 2004, their daughter Martine joined the farm after graduating from UW-River Falls. In 2007, Harmony Specialty Dairy Foods was established with the purchase of a local cheese plant, and the Bredls began producing cheese from the Harmony-Ho milk supply. Harmony Specialty Dairy Foods now produces several varieties of cheese, all of which will be available for sampling during their barn meeting.
The Bredl family will be showcasing Genex Genesis cows. Genesis refers to a nucleus of herds utilizing breeding strategies and genetic or reproductive technologies to produce elite, highly profitable males and females resulting from embryo purchases, designated by the CRI suffix, combined with Genex owned females identified with the co-op prefix. In 1999, Harmony-Ho began housing the elite females to provide an unbiased environment.
The Bredl's 415 milk cows have a rolling herd average at 29,369M with 3.89 1144F and 3.05 894P lbs. Their herd pregnancy rate is 22%, with a voluntary waiting period of 75 days. The Bredls breeding program focuses on TPI, in addition to udder and feet and leg composite. Ralph and Sharon own and operate over 450 tillable acres, and purchase any additional feed needed.
Harmony-Ho is excited to host a 2011 barn meeting, and along with sampling the many cheeses produced by Harmony Specialty Dairy Foods, visitors will hear featured speaker Dr. Matthew Dorshorst, DVM. The farm is located at B3571 River Rd., Stratford. Directions to the farm from from Marshfield: North on Hwy. 97 (9 miles), east on County Hwy. C (1 mile), north on River Road (1.5 miles), and the farm is on the west side of road. From the north/Hwy. 29 go south on Hwy. 97 (10 miles), east on County Hwy. C (1 mile), north on River Road (1.5 miles), and farm is on the west side of road.
The fourth and final barn meeting will be held on Friday, April 1 at Welsh-Edge Holsteins, the Ralph and Sheila Petersheim Family of Viroqua, Wis. Welsh-Edge Holsteins has been a family run operation since Ralph and Sheila married in 1985. Their family includes six children and a son-in-law, Heather and Mike Metzler, Derek, Daniel, Heidi, David, and Hope. All children are involved part-time in the operation.
The Petersheims moved to their current location in southwest Wisconsin in 1995. Before purchasing their Vernon County farm, they rented Ralph's home farm in Pennsylvania, which was nestled along the Welsh Mountain. They sold their herd before moving to Wisconsin, and purchased the grade herd that was on the farm. Ralph and Sheila did, however, bring a load of heifers and calves as well as Welsh-Edge Leadman Ginger. Welsh-Edge has become a 100% registered herd once again since their relocation.
Welsh-Edge is home to 90 milking females in a remodeled 70-cow sand bedded tie stall barn. The herd's rolling herd average is right at 21,000 lbs milk, with 3.7%F and 3.0%P. The BAA is 108%, with 16 Excellent, 32 Very Good and 29 Good Plus cows. The Petersheims pasture the milking herd extensively during the growing season. Their desire is to remain profitable but not necessarily to break records. Ralph and Sheila accomplish remain profitable by grazing and feeding high forage diets, which translates into healthy, low maintenance, cows with great longevity. Approximately 70% of the cows that leave Welsh-Edge are sold for dairy purposes, which greatly enhances the farm's bottom line.
Ralph and Sheila have invested in several cow families over the years, including DRA-August, Bic Betty, Blackrose, and Rudolph Amy. While they enjoy working with these families and their offspring, their favorites remain in their Leadman Ginger family. This family continues to easily transmit true dairy strength and high scoring cows. The Petersheims are milking daughters of Durham Gingerheart, EX-92 3E, by Astronomical (EX-91), Roy (EX-92, EX-90, VG-86, and GP-80 at 2 yrs, with none lower), Stormin Norman (VG-86, VG-85, VG-85) Stormatic (VG-85), and an exciting Plaid that needs to see a classifier.
The Petersheim family is looking forward to hosting this Barn Meeting and invite you to join them for lunch and speaker Dr. Matthew Dorshorst. The farm is located at E5633A Sag City Rd., Viroqua, Wis. To get to the farm from Viroqua go south on US-14/US-61/WI-27 and turn right onto WI-27/WI-82, follow WI-27 for 7 miles, turn right onto Sag City Road and go 2 miles to farm on left side of road.
For questions regarding these meetings or other WHA events, contact the WHA office at 1-800-223-4269 or visit the web at www.wisholsteins.com.


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
HEBRON ESTATES - Older. Smarter. Wiser. Better.
A year after going 9-10-1 with a squad that had just three seniors, the North Bullitt Lady Eagles are looking for bigger and better things this fall.
While most of the players return, there is a change at the top as Ryan Bringhurst has taken over the reins from Missy Fox who coached the team just one season. Bringhurst was the assistant coach last year.
This is the first head coaching job for Bringhurst who graduated from Bullitt East in 2000 where he played football and participated in track.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the The Pioneer News, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
If you are new to the award winning The Pioneer News and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.
|ZIP Code:


text:
The Future Biggest Wrestling Company...TNA
by, 11-13-2012 at 03:00 PM (11208 Views)
The Future Biggest Wrestling Company...TNA
Let me start of by saying, this is my 20th blog in EWN. I wanted to do something different for a change, something I have not blogged about before. I came to the idea which is...TNA! I never done a TNA blog before, except from now. Anyway, lets get on with my 20th blog!
The good about TNA
I have been a fan of TNA since the past few years. I am impressed by their majority of wrestlers. My favorite wrestlers are AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels. I enjoy watching AJ styles and Daniels intense rivalry, over the years, but I do feel they have had to much to do with each other, however, they do pull off having great matches which usually is match of the night. I don't recall seeing anyone moving the speed of Samoa Joe at the size he is. He isn't just athletic, but also as tough as he looks, or even tougher. When TNA did put these men in a match together; it was a all out brutal brawl these men gave to each other. Apparently, it was the best match in TNA history. WWE may be bigger than TNA, at the moment, but when comparing TNA to WWE's roster. TNA have more quality wrestlers by the mile. You better not get me started on WWE's Woman Division. WWE like to focus more on entertaining then wrestling, and that is very stupid because with out the wrestling. WWE should just be called W.E. Regardless, WWE still managed to make it work, but making the loyal fans very unhappy. TNA may use major story lines, now and again, but at the end of the day its the wrestling which they have the main focus on.
The Faults of TNA
TNA may have good consistent matches, but they do have many faults which prevents them from being big. I will discuss a few. TNA do have good matches, but I feel sometimes there put together out of the blue. The Triple Threat Tag Team match, at Bond For Glory, for instance. I felt AJ and Angle where randomly put in the match because they didn't have anything to do. It was obvious they wouldn't win, and if they did win not much people could get behind there recent teaming. This is because they haven't really had that much build up, being in the match. I also don't like there Consistent absent with superstars; one minute there here next week they're not. They like to take at least 3-4 months off, then return, and shoot up back to the main event scene. I know wrestlers need a break, every now and again, but not a regular basis. I am not suggesting they should have a Vince schedule, not the slightest, but if they take a break let them take a big break. If they want to wrestle, let them wrestle for a long time with out taking a longed out break. Lets say 2-3 years contract, and when there contract is up, let them take a 6-12 month rest before resigning. Many fans also like to blame, TNA faults, on Hogan, and Bishop. They blame them for the numerous past stables in TNA that ended up going in a bad direction. They dislike them for keeping themselves in the spotlight most of the time, and overshadowing superstars that really sell. I think the best thing that happened since Bishop, and Hogan gained control is Aces & 8s; lets hope they don't eventually mess that up to.
TNA's Obsession With Former WWE Superstars
I was going to write this in 'The Fault of TNA' paragraph, but I felt I could write a paragraph solely on this, lol. TNA love to take superstars from WWE; WWE is famously known around the world so taking famous superstars is a must, for TNA. The only problem is they usually take guys who are former WWE superstars; this makes TNA look cheap because their basically taking WWE's unwanted trash. When they do have WWE's superstars they sky rocket them to the main event scene, and they eventually go on to win the big one. This has happened to many superstars such as Jeff Hardy, Kurt angle, Rhino, Mr Kennedy,Christian and Rob Van Dam. I could go on, but TNA have taken more than 20 superstars from WWE so I won't. They use WWE's unwanted group to go over their own talent who have earned the right to be at that top spot, which the unwanted group have taken. I just don't understand this, TNA have great talent but would rather use old rusty superstars such as Chavo Guerrero, than their own hard working talent. Does TNA realize that gives them a bad image? The worst thing about it, most of the time it never ends well. Then that opens the question, was it all worth it? But, that's most of the time. Let's look at former WWE/WCW superstars who have helped make TNA a better place.
I am going to say, in a particular order, which former WWE/WCW superstars have helped themselves, and TNA to be a success.
05. Bull Ray&Devon/Team 3D:
These guys have one won the most Tag Team Championships. They have had many great feuds and memorable moments such as sending abyss through a flaming table. These guys where one of the best Tag Teams in WWE, but now also in TNA. They are currently one of the hottest things right now in TNA. We all know now that Devon is a important figure in Aces and 8s, and Bully Ray was shocked to find out, but now whats nothing more to battle his past Tag Team partner.
04. Kurt Angle:
Kurt Angle's WWE contract was up, and in a few mere weeks he joined TNA. Kurt Angle became one of the top, and at one point the biggest superstar in TNA. He changed the landscape of TNA, having feuds with Samoa Joe, AJ styles and being the leader of 'Main Event Mafia'. He is the type of superstars TNA dreamed for; Kurt is probably the best wrestler TNA managed to get there hands on, from the WWE. He may be aging, but TNA still need him, and we as fans still want to see him.
03. Jeff Hardy:
At the time, Jeff Hardy was seriously popular with the fans in WWE. WWE had to let him go, because of certain reasons. TNA decided to grab him as fast as they could, as a result, Jeff Hardy is now TNA's best merchandise seller. TNA have finally found some one who could be a cash cow for them. Jeff Hardy beat Austin Aries, at Bound For Glory, and Jeff is currently TNA's World Heavy Weight Champion. I have heard rumors, Jeff was planning to return to WWE next year. I guess TNA gave Jeff the World Title as a reason to not go back to the WWE, but to tell the truth who would want to lose their best merchandise seller.
02. Sting:
He is the only WCW wrestler to not go WWE; he decided to go to TNA instead, which was at its early stages, at the time. He is the first inductee in the TNA hall of fame. I do like when he's present with Hogan by his side. These two where one of the most important wrestling figures in WWE/WCW, so it's kinda cool them being side by side holding weapons such as baseball bats and chairs.
01. Jeff Jarrett:
Who where you expecting? If it wasn't for this man having a brilliant idea there wouldn't be a TNA; there's nothing more to say than that.
TNA Can Be The Future Biggest Wrestling Company
TNA is the WWE's biggest competition, at the moment. TNA is watching WWE, and WWE is watching TNA. TNA have a few things WWE don't have which is a strong Woman Division, and more quality wrestlers. The right thing TNA have done so far is by going live in the summer, and apparently will continue the rest of the year. TNA have a loyal fan base, so most ratings in TNA is never to high or to low. TNA are winning over places like England and Australia, better then WWE. They are going in the right direction. I live in England and TNA do treat us fans very well. I am going to boast and say I was at the very first ever episode on TNA, in England. Anyway, in England we can watch the PPV for free. The only downside I would say is, I believe, if TNA really want to take a risk they have to get on a better channel to attract more views. In England they are on the former channel Bravo, which is now known as Challenge. If they want many English fans to watch, they should go to the sports section where WWE currently is. Since it's taped for us in England, it would be more convenient to bring it to the sports channel, and I guarantee more people would watch it. WWE Raw is featured live in sky sports; which showcases at 2am in the morning. I'm sure TNA could easily steal more WWE fans. TNA is taped so it would be on Sky sports late in the afternoon, so more people would watch it instead of waiting to watch WWE. I don't know much about US Networks/Channels, but I do know the infamous one's, such as 'USA','ABC','CBS' and etc. I believe, WWE is shown on 'USA'. I am not saying TNA should just jump and go in a big Network/Channel, but a decent one if they're not already. Ratings is the only thing holding back TNA from reaching WWE status. TNA have only been around for a decade, it will be a hard journey, but the sky is the limit for TNA.
Thanks for reading my 20th blog. I hoped you enjoyed it; let me hear your thoughts about TNA and my blog. Do you think they will reach WWE's popularity one day? Is there anything else you would like to add? If there is just leave a comment. Anyway, peace.


text:
Hultgren Announces House Science & National Labs Caucus
The new caucus will concentrate on reinforcing federal investment in research and the national laboratories, as well as raise awareness about the role laboratories play in long-term economic growth.
"These laboratories, much like the rest of the economy, deserve certainty from the government so they can continue their important work with confidence," Hultgren said.
Congressman Hultgren, named earlier this year as the Science Coalition's Champion of Science, also represents Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Ill. Fermilab has long been at the cutting edge of physics research, but also serves the community through outreach, teaching, and technological advancement.
"National labs do much more than research," Hultgren said. "Their reach can be seen in all sectors of the economy, and they help make America the most economically competitive country in the world.
"Congressmen Fattah, Lujan and Nunnelee understand the importance of this federal investment, and I am thankful for their leadership on this critically important issue."
(Released by Congressman Hultgren's Office on Dec. 7, 2012)
APS encourages the redistribution of the materials included in this newspaper provided that attribution to the source is noted and the materials are not truncated or changed.
APS Headquarters, College Park, MD
One Physics Ellipse,
College Park, MD 20740
Editor: Alan Chodos
Staff Writer: Michael Lucibella
Art Director / Special Publications Manager: Kerry G. Johnson
Design and Production: Nancy Bennett-Karasik
APS Washington, D.C. Office
529 14th St. NW,
Washington, DC 20045
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 202-662-8700
Fax: 202-662-8711
Director of Public Affairs: Michael Lubell
Associate Director of Public Affairs: Francis Slakey
Senior Government Relations Specialist: Jodi Lieberman
Government Relations Specialist: Tyler Glembo
Press Secretary: Tawanda W. Johnson
Office Manager & POPA Studies Administration Specialist: Jeanette Russo


text:
COMMERCE CITY, Colo.—Brad Guzan played so well in the U.S. national team's loss to Brazil in August 2010 that he was named man of the match despite being on the field for only 45 minutes.
The goalkeeper, who replaced Tim Howard at halftime, stymied the high-flying Seleção at yet-to-be-christened MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with several spectacular saves. Guzan kept the visitors from adding to their 2-0 lead and served notice before a crowd exceeding 77,000 that he was poised to compete for the starting job.
Indeed, he did start two of the national team's final three games of 2010 and even captained the squad in the year-ending shutout win over South Africa.
— SN exclusive: U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann's methods, leadership questioned
— Linemakers: U.S. favored against Costa Rica
But his career was starting to sputter. The 2010-11 season, his third with Aston Villa, would be his second straight without a single English Premier League appearance. Guzan was loaned to second-tier Hull City, returned to Birmingham for the 2011-12 campaign and then played in only eight EPL games.
At one time considered Howard's U.S. heir (or even competitor), Guzan slipped from the national team picture. Shortly after current coach Jurgen Klinsmann was hired in the summer of 2011, young goalies like Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson began getting a look while Real Salt Lake veteran Nick Rimando became the experienced back-up of choice. Addressing the issue in the fall of 2011, Klinsmann said simply that Guzan wasn't being called up because he wasn't playing.
"We're very aware of the situation of what is coming after Tim Howard," Klinsmann said at the time. "We knock on wood that he never gets injured."
So much for superstition. Howard is injured—he broke a couple of ribs last month—and Guzan, after resurrecting his career following a brave decision to re-sign with Villa last summer, will be in net when the U.S. faces Costa Rica in a must-win World Cup qualifier here on Friday night (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Guzan, 28, said Wednesday that his false dawn against Brazil seems like a "long time ago." He's done an awful lot of sitting since then and has played only 29 minutes for the U.S. in the past two years.
But he is the obvious choice to fill in for the injured Howard thanks to his performances this season with Villa, where he has emerged as the key cog in the club's fight against relegation.
— MF Brad Davis of Houston Dynamo joins U.S. team
— Costa Rica likely without Alvaro Saborio
— Goal.com: Klinsmann names Clint Dempsey captain
"I feel confident in front of him and I think with him between the posts, you've got to feel solid," said U.S. defender Geoff Cameron, who plays in the EPL with Stoke City. "The guy makes saves for Aston Villa all the time. He's playing in one of the best leagues in the world. He gets a good amount of shots a game so I'm pretty confident of him getting the job done."
Guzan said here that he chose to stay at Villa rather than move to a club where he was more likely to start because he understood that playing time isn't "guaranteed wherever you go—there's always going to be competition." He added, "I felt there was some unfinished business that I had to offer Aston Villa and I was excited to go back."
He signed a three-year contract and has played in 28 of the club's 30 EPL matches this season. Prior to last summer, the Chicagoland native hadn't started regularly since '08, when he was with Chivas USA. He's making up for lost time playing behind a struggling 17th-place team that yields plenty of scoring chances. Only one EPL goalkeeper has faced more shots than Guzan and only two, both of whom have played more minutes, have made more saves.
"For myself, (being) able to make saves, that's important for a goalkeeper, especially when you haven't played for a few years," Guzan said. "I feel confident. For the first time in a few years now I've been playing consistently over in England. I feel confident and I feel ready. I'm not new to the national team and I'm excited for the opportunity."
In addition to handling the qualifying crucible, Guzan almost surely will be playing behind a back four taking the field together for the first time. The U.S. has been gutted by injuries, especially in defense, and also will be without full-time captain Carlos Bocanegra, whose difficulty securing regular playing time at his Spanish club forced Klinsmann to leave him off the current roster.
Cameron likely will start and could play alongside Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson or even Maurice Edu, who's been in good form and demonstrated his defensive qualities in last year's U.S. win in Mexico City. Klinsmann has several options at outside back, none of whom have much recent international experience.
"If you want to be a good team you have to deal with these kinds of things," midfielder Michael Bradley said when asked to address the absences. "If you get to a World Cup you deal with suspensions. You deal with injuries. You have to be able to use everybody. This is no different. A big home qualifier that now is going to call on every single guy to step on the field with, as I said, a commitment, a determination, a pride that says this isn't going to be an easy game but no matter what we're going to leave everything out there and we're going to walk off the field with three big points."
Whatever questions might exist around the 10 field players, the U.S. camp has none about Guzan.
"We have one thousand percent faith in Brad Guzan," Klinsmann said this week. "We're not worried about that situation at all."
Said Cameron, "I've played against him. Everybody knows he's a good shot stopper. He's a good 'keeper all around. He's a beast. He's a big boy. So we definitely feel confident."
Clint Dempsey has faced Guzan this season with Tottenham Hotspur.
"He's a good goalkeeper," Dempsey said. "This year he's gotten his chance to play more games so he's starting to get more of a reputation. … They're a team that's trying to avoid relegation. They're down in that battle and he's played well for them this season."
Howard, 34, started every game of the 2010 World Cup, all seven qualifiers played during the current cycle and 19 of the past 25 overall. He has been a mainstay during a time of national team transition. But now with the stakes at their highest since Klinsmann took the reigns, it is the former benchwarmer who will take his place in the spotlight. After battling at Villa for years, he now has an opportunity to stake his claim to the most important starting job of all.
"There's competition for spots in any team you're part of and especially a national team," Guzan said. "That's what makes everybody better. You have to push each other. For me, back when Jurgen took over, it was about playing consistently with my club and sorting out my club situation first. Now that I've been able to do that, I'm back in the mix. I'm excited and I feel ready for the opportunity."


text:
Virginia gun sales rose to record highs in 2012
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia gun sales surged to an apparent record high in 2012.
State police statistics on gun buyers' mandatory criminal-background checks showed that there were 432,387 gun transactions last year, a 35 percent jump from 2011. Records show that it was the largest year-to-year increase in 20 years and the third-largest increase overall since Virginia's background check program was implemented in 1989.
The state's 2012 figures outpaced the nation as a whole, according to FBI data. A record 19.6 million transactions were conducted in the U.S. last year through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, up 20 percent from 2011.
Not all checks represent the sale of a gun, as some customers buy multiple firearms and other checks involve people reclaiming firearms that had been pawned. About 1 percent of the background checks in Virginia also typically result in people being denied permission to buy a weapon. Exact sales figures aren't recorded in Virginia.
Those in the industry say the state spike was fueled in part by the July 1 repeal of Virginia's one-handgun-per-month law and fears of increased gun restrictions after December's school shooting in Connecticut. Transactions in December rose 79 percent over the same month in 2011. Interest tends to increase customers fear for personal safety or worry that lawmakers might ban certain firearms.
"Given that the two largest month increases in background checks (November 2008 and December 2012) came following President Obama's election and President Obama's address about the Sandy Hook tragedy, I think it would be fair to say that individuals may be reacting to what they believe could be an attack on the right to own a gun by buying more firearms," Thomas R. Baker, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/VHUE7W ).
Baker, who specializes in criminology theory and studies gun-related issues, said fear of being a victim may also be driving sales.
Town Gun Shop Inc. stores in Martinsville and Chesterfield County set new company sales records "every day" during the week after the Sandy Hook shooting, said president Mark Tosh. He estimated that sales quadrupled over the same period in 2011.
Tosh said he has been in the retail firearms business for 31 years, "and nothing has come close to this."
Although business has been extremely good, he said he finds no joy in selling firearms under such circumstances.
"I hate to see sales as a result of such a heinous crime or tragedy," he said.


text:
Lot of discussion regarding Mahinmi and upgrading w a 3rd Big. I cannot find a list of backup centers and salary specifically but below is a link to Hollingers player efficiency ratings for all nba centers (starting and bench). I don't place a great amount prominence on stats and not the intent of this thread. Because Iain is ranked last for all qualified players. this list is simply to provide us with a list of backup centers we pershaps should consider.
other than going round and round in circles and no one providing substantial data. please review the list in the link provided below. if someone has a better breakdown w salary included it would be appreciated.
Centers I would like the Pacers to consider as a third big: these are reasonable suggestions. obviously I would like to see us a add a Vucevic or even a Tyler/Cody Zellar but I don't see how that is reasonable without trading core players.
DeJuan Blair - prob not likely.
Dalembert - I think he is paid too much.
Plumlee - like to get him back
ZaZa Pachulia - heck yea, but im guess he is paid more than 4M.
Greg Stiemsma - this one seems very realistic,,, and would be a nice addition. 2.7 M salary,,, I would deal Cope for this guy.
I remember Stiemsma from his Boston days and he seems to be a darn good defensive player. I don't want to see this guy on the Heat.
if anyone else has a list please feel welcome to post. I cant find anything with salaries included.


text:
Museum of Modern Art begins collecting video games for new exhibit
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Action, Adventure, Culture, Puzzle
Museums must have something against Roger Ebert. First, the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds an exclusive video game event earlier this year, and now the New York City Museum of Modern Art is following suit.
MoMA is officially bringing in 14 videogame classics to begin an ongoing gaming collection that will go on display in March 2013 in the Philip Johnson Architecture and Design Galleries. Currently, the included games feature obvious choices such as Pac-Man, modern games like Portal, and obscure games like vib-ribbon. The collection MoMA is aiming for consists of about 40 titles, which will fall in as part of a "new category of artworks."
Click to continue reading Museum of Modern Art begins collecting video games for new exhibit
Read More | MoMA
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.


text:
Linux: We're All In This Together, Right?When I first started to explore the many lovely Linux Islands of the OS Seas, I was surprised to see the extent of the squabblings and snippy words that were exchanged between folks using what I regarded as variations of the same Operating System.
Of course, I shouldn't have been surprised at this for the very simple reason that these communications were taking place between PEOPLE. If you gather enough people in one place, they will find something to fight about.
There is also the fact that a lot of these exchanges take place over the internet, that magical communications tool that is so popular these days. And given the opportunity to speak with people from all over the world, what do we decide to use it for? Discussing how we can make things better? Helping each other and sharing knowledge? Encouraging others to find the many joys that can be experienced during our transitory visit here? Or telling people they're a fricking idiot for liking the things that they do and suggesting that not sharing the same opinion makes them a substandard human being?
Subjective FactsIt's very similar to when people are arguing about music. It can be lively and entertaining but there is a tendency for those involved to express their subjective opinion as if it is fact.
I used to buy music magazines regularly, but reading them became increasingly tedious because they seemed to just become a forum for writers to blow off steam about their tastes and deride anyone for not thinking the same. At least with the internet you're not usually handing money over directly for what you're reading, but I have seen people arguing about how their favoured musician is playing more technically accomplished music and so it proves that they are better than whoever the other person happens to like. The fact that those songs might still sound shit to someone else appears to be lost on them.
I saw a magazine cover, just in passing one day, and it said something along the lines of 'The Blahblahblah's: The New Saviours of Rock 'n Roll?'. It occurred to me that it was necessary to express it in that way to make it more exciting. An alternative that would have lacked the same dramatic punch would be 'The Blahblahblah's: They're quite a good band. We enjoyed their music.'
I wonder if people feel compelled to write in a more 'exciting' manner because to express a more reasonable or balanced opinion would make them feel like they are boring and lacking in a zest for life.
I would like to think that people reading comments or news stories full of 'exciting' language can 're-translate' it into the basic meaning without getting too distracted by a deliberate emotive choice of words.
Linux: No Squabbling RequiredThis article was originally titled 'Linux: We're All In This Together (so shut the f**k up)'. The purpose was to hit a few 'emotive' buttons and get people to read on. I also thought it was an amusing and contradictory title for an article that wanted folks to get along, but I have plumped for a more reasonable version after the first editor I sent it to had reservations about the use of profanity.
When I started to write this, I had a purpose in mind. I wanted to try to encourage a less free use of subjective and opinionated diatribes. Perhaps they could be saved up just for the more important things?
This seems to be particularly obvious with regard to Ubuntu. Perhaps it's mainly from reading people's comments whenever there's an Ubuntu article or news item, but it's hard not to get the impression that there is a good deal of ill will towards Ubuntu and whatever they are trying to do.
Ubuntu has a user-base of somewhere around 20 million people. Even if those figures can be picked at, I would consider 10 million users nothing to be sneezed at. It might be a drop in the ocean compared to the user-base of Windows or Mac, but if 10 million people like it enough to use it then that's 10 million people using a version of Linux instead of supporting a closed-off proprietary system. Whatever problems or reservations anyone has about Ubuntu, it's still doing a good job in encouraging people away from proprietary, closed-source software. It is encouraging people to use Linux. It is encouraging people to become part of the Linux Community.
I would imagine that those using Ubuntu find that it provides all the things they require from an operating system. If it didn't, then why would they use it? There are so many other choices and nobody is forcing them into choosing one distribution of Linux over another. So why does it seem so necessary for other Linux users to make derogatory comments towards it?
The best I can guess is that it is down to a lack of trust over why someone prefers one distro to another: If they have chosen Ubuntu then it must be because they're an idiot, so it'd be best if I point out why their choice sucks and then they will see the error of their ways and become smart like me. In fact, they're probably too moronic to see why I'm right so I might as well just call them names.
But that's not the point of the Linux Community is it? Linux users should be able to unite under a banner: We have chosen at least the Open-Source option (with the option to delve further into Free Software if we so wish). We can wave the flag for what can be achieved without the need for a massive software corporation to make it happen. There is another way of creating, maintaining and improving a fully functional and reliable Operating System and the results are at least as good as the other closed-source alternatives.
So why do I get the impression that the Linux Community spends a good deal of time bickering amongst themselves? I'm hoping that it's as simple as a disproportionate representation of ill-will. I read negative and blunt comments (which often basically amount to someone throwing their faeces at something they have taken a disliking to) and think it represents the Linux Community when in fact a large proportion of Linux users probably just don't find it necessary to type up that they're quite happy for other folks to find what works for them.
Some Of My Best Friends Use Windows So I've Told Them That They Are ArseholesPlenty of my friends use Windows. The fact of the matter is that most of them use whatever Operating System came with their machine. They use that operating system to do the things they want to with their computer and then they go off and do something else. It's not that important to them.
I see no reason to dislike them for it. I'm probably not going to write them a letter saying 'You're a tool. You should be using something better. You suck.'
I think it's that extra layer of distance from using the internet that seems to support the sentiment that if someone is far away then it's fine to be an arsehole to them. This is a general internet communication problem.
Before the rise in popularity and ubiquity of the internet (and our increased ease of access to it) it was not so straightforward to share opinions so freely and easily. There were layers in place that would filter out some of the less 'well formed' opinions.
The free exchange of ideas and opinions is a better model, but the trust is placed on the individual expressing them or reading them to add their own filter in.
Filtering through ideas and opinions is necessary for us to engage with the world. If we accepted every opinion and idea to be equally valid and relevant then we would end up in a mess. Filtering through news articles and comments and noting that the writer is deliberately being provocative without trying to help articulate their point is a useful exercise for these filtering 'muscles'.
In the midst of writing this article my original purpose diverged. It occurred to me that a better 'call to arms' would be to encourage anyone, whilst trawling through their favourite Communication Expressing/Exchanging websites, to keep forefront in their minds that most of the things typed will just be opinions that may or may not have any relevance to their own.
If they are not subjective, then it's just a plain exchange of facts.
S.C.A.B.SThat being said, I'm not above having kneejerk reactions to things I read. I attempt not to type up my most visceral reactions to share in reply, but I'm tempted to believe that considering and evaluating your gut-reactions is often looked at as somehow being less honest.
There's something, that I have created a handy acronym for, that I like to call the Simon Cowell Affectation Belief System. Plenty people before him have taken on a similar persona, but I think he does it quite well and is easily recognisable. I also find him smug and arrogant, so if I find a blustering and blunt opinion I don't particularly like, I can imagine it's someone like him saying it and it makes it less relevant.
What bothers me about the Simon Cowell Style of expressing your opinion is that, usually, he steps up and pisses over whatever it is he's been asked to judge and then people say 'Ah well, at least he's being honest'.
But it's not an honest representation of his opinion. It might be preferred to be heard than someone being too nice about things and stepping around what their gut-reaction is saying, but it's not more truthful. It is very deliberately blunt for effect. It is a 'stylised' version of the truth.
Perhaps I had mistakenly thought that there was an ethos running through Linux in general that would make folks look out for other members of their extended community. I didn't imagine that it would be some sort of utopia, but I felt fairly sure that their appreciation for Linux and how it has been put together would temper their desire to suggest that liking the 'wrong' Linux distro proves that your head is up your arse.
I wonder if it's been the case where someone, considering making that step over to the Linux way of doing things, has been put off by getting the impression that it seems to be a bunch of folk squabbling and making snippy comments at each other. I think it'd be interesting to see if a more united front might offer a better and more encouraging impression of Linux and the Linux Community to someone wondering what it is all about.
And what impression would I hope that they get if they sail past on their sightseeing tour of the Linux Islands? Well, it's lacking in dramatic punch and 'exciting' language but it'd be something like:
Use Linux. Enjoy it. There's a lot of variations but they are all based on very worthy foundations.
You can mention to people that you've got a specific system tailored to your tastes. You can suggest they try out something similar to see if they can see the benefits also. It doesn't have to be the dramatic screamings of 'NOOOoooo! Your choice proves that you're a dickhead! You're a fool!' any time a Linux flavour that you personally have taken a disliking to gets mentioned.
Linux has been made with the intent of being put to good use. It is there for everyone who so chooses to make use of it and anyone who doesn't is perfectly entitled not to. I managed fine without it but I manage better with it. I've tried a few different flavours and found what suits my tastes but I don't think less of anyone else for finding something that suits them better. I may well prefer a new taste when I try a different recipe in the future.
And to all those who can't seem to help themselves with making their combatative comments: the next time you catch yourself on the cusp of putting fingers to keyboard, bear in mind that you are choosing how you want to be heard. Are you trying to say 'I think this is important and wish to share my thoughts' or are you pulling your trousers up high and trying to say 'Nyahnyahnyah! Your head is full of poopies and you smell bad'?
I for one intend to get a good bit more done by not giving much time or attention to anyone who can't make that little bit of effort to arrange their thoughts as if they are speaking to another human being. If you've got an opinion to express then fire away but don't pretend your point is more valid just because you're choosing to be as mean and insulting about it as possible.


text:
EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL To Make World Premiere at Chicago's Historic Water Tower Works 6/16 - 7/29
Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the world premiere of EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL, written by Artistic Director Andrew White with music by Ben Sussman and Artistic Associate Andre Pluess and directed by Amanda Dehnert. The production runs June 6 – July 29, 2012 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The Press Opening is Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
July 25,1915: the S.S. EASTLAND sits on the Chicago River between Clark St. and LaSalle, overflowing with passengers. Slowly the boat leans to port - and keeps leaning, until finally it tips and comes to rest on its side. By day's end, hundreds will perish, whole families will vanish, and unexpected heroes will emerge. Unforgettable melodies and haunting harmonies inspired by early American folk music weave a tapestry of working class stories and colorful characters, giving voice to the victims and heroes of that fateful day.
Artistic Director Andrew White (Of One Blood, 1984) resurrects the ghosts of America's forgotten tragedy in this Lookingglass Original musical, with music by Ben Sussman and Artistic Associate Andre Pluess, the team behind the score of Lookingglass Alice, 1984, Metamorphoses, Hard Times, and The Secret in the Wings, as well as the acclaimed Winesburg, Ohio.
EASTLAND is based in part on events recounted in Jay Bonansinga's The Sinking of the EASTLAND: America's Forgotten Tragedy.
Artistic Director Andrew White comments, "This play revives the ghosts of those who drowned in this Chicago disaster of 1915, and asks questions about which events linger in our memory and which become lost to history. Told through a musical narrative, it weaves three characters' stories into a tapestry of memory and longing, with the strains of American folk music driving the events of that day to their inevitable finish. It is a quintessential Chicago story told in quintessential Lookingglass fashion, and will be a dynamic and powerful production for audiences of all ages."
EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL features Ensemble Members Larry DiStasi (Otto, Olaf and others), Christine Mary Dunford (Marianne and others), and Doug Hara (Reggie), as well as Jeanne T. Arrigo (Sister, musician and others), Derek Hasenstab (Husband, Houdini and others), Erik Hellman (Grocer, musician and others), Malcolm Ruhl (Musician and others/Music Director), Michael Smith (Pedersen, musician and others), Scott Stangland (Ernie, musician and others), Tiffany Topal (Solveig and others), Claire Wellin (Bobbie) and Monica West (Ilse).
Designers include Ensemble Members Dan Ostling (scenic), Mara Blumenfeld (costume), as well as Company Members Christine A. Binder (lighting), Ray Nardelli and Josh Horvath (sound); with Maria DeFabo (properties). Malcolm Ruhl is the music director.
The Chicago Community Trust, National Endowment for the Arts: Art Works and United Airlines are Production Supporters of EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Lookingglass Theatre.
EASTLAND is the recipient of The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award.
Lookingglass is continuing its tradition of partnering with organizations in the community to enhance the audience experience with additional education and outreach programming. Season Community Partners include: Chicago History Museum, Chicago Architecture Foundation, WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. Production community partners include EASTLAND Disaster Historic Society, American Red Cross Chicago Chapter, Old Town School of Folk Music and Friends of the Chicago River.
About EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL artists
Andrew White (Writer/Artistic Director/Ensemble Member) has appeared in more than thirty Lookingglass productions, most recently in Ethan Frome. He wrote and directed Of One Blood in 1989 and his adaptation of George Orwell's 1984 received a 2004 Joseph Jefferson Award. He has taught in various Lookingglass Outreach programs and residencies, and recently co-founded a new company, Mosaic Experience, which uses an arts-based approach to dialogue about diversity.
Amanda Dehnert (Director and Music Arrangement) is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Northwestern University. Recent productions include Julius Caesar (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Verona Project (words and music by Amanda Dehnert, world premiere, California Shakespeare Theatre), Peter Pan (A Play) (by Amanda Dehnert, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Joseph Jefferson Award nomination, best new adaptation), Death of a Salesman (Dallas Theatre Center), The Fantasticks (Long Wharf Theatre and Arena Stage), Not Wanted On The Voyage (Brian Hill/Neil Bartram, the American Musical Theatre Project), Cabaret (Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canada), Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), My Fair Lady (Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cleveland Playhouse, Virginia Stage Company), and a staged reading of The Two Gentlemen of Verona – The Rock Opera (Shakespeare Theatre, D.C.)
Andre Pluess (Artistic Associate) & Ben Sussman(Co-Composers) Based in Chicago, credits include composition and sound design for numerous productions for Lookingglass Theatre, Court Theatre, the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, Victory Gardens Theater, About Face Theatre and many other Chicago and regional theaters. Broadway credits: Metamorphoses, I Am My Own Wife, 33 Variations and The Clean House (Lincoln Center). Pluess and Sussman have received multiple Joseph Jefferson Awards, an L.A. Ovation Award, Barrymore Award, Drama Critics Circle Award, and Drama Desk/ Lortel nominations for composition and sound design. Recent projects include Cascabel (Lookingglass), Equivocation (Arena Stage), Stage Kiss (Goodman Theatre), Endgame (Steppenwolf); Milk Like Sugar (La Jolla Playhouse/Playwrights Horizons); Arabian Nights and Argonautika (LTC and regional productions), Ghost Light and White Snake (both at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and MacBeth and Titus (both at the California Shakespeare Festival).
Jeanne T. Arrigo (Sister, musician and others) returns to Lookingglass, having played "Ilse" for the staged reading of EASTLAND last year for the "In The Works" series at Millennium Park. She was most recently seen at the Chicago Cultural Center's DCA theatre this past spring in another new work, Las Hermanas Padilla, with Chicago Fusion Theatre. Prior to that, she worked with Griffin Theatre Co. in their national Fall tour of Letters Home. Other credits include "Chloe" in Lips Together, Teeth Apart with Remarcable Productions; Woody Guthrie's American Song with BlindFaith Theatre Co. and past work with Steep Theatre Co. and Illinois Theatre Center. Also a singer/songwriter with two CD's to her credit, Jeanne totes her guitar around town to auditions and gigs.
Larry DiStasi (Otto, Olaf and others/Ensemble Member) was last seen onstage at the Water Tower Water Works as "Daedalus" in Lookingglass Theatre's Icarus. Since 1988 he's appeared in over 30 Lookingglass productions. He helped create the Lookingglass Theatre Company, The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School. He's appeared in the Flying Griffin Circus, T.V.'s "Early Edition," a film called Since You've Been Gone and an opera called Galileo Galilei. He recently directed Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus at The Actors Gymnasium.
Christine Mary Dunford (Marianne and others/Ensemble Member) has been a Lookingglass Ensemble Member since 1989 and has appeared in nearly two dozen Lookingglass productions in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Most recently she appeared as "Gail," the counselor, in Trust, and "Mrs. Webb" in Our Town. Some of her favorite roles include "Maria" in The Jungle and "Contessa"/"Philomena" in Vanishing Twin. Over the years Christine has served the company as managing director and director of development, and she has taught with Lookingglass' Education and Community program since its inception. In addition to Lookingglass, Christine has worked with a number of other Chicago and regional theaters, in television, films, and in radio plays. Christine has an MA in cultural anthropology and PhD in performance studies, and teaches at Northwestern, DePaul and Roosevelt Universities. In 2009 Christine cofounded the Memory Ensemble, a joint project of Lookingglas and Northwestern's Alzheimer's Disease Center (CNADC) that uses performance activities and improvisation to improve life for people with memory loss. In 2012, Christine will direct her own adaptation of Still Alice, a novel by Lisa Genova that explores what it's like to live with Alzheimer's Disease.
Doug Hara (Reggie/Ensemble Member) is an ensemble member of Lookingglass Theatre Company where he has participated in 16 productions since 1991 including Metamorphoses, West, Arabian Nights, Up Against It, The Master and Margarita, Lookingglass Hamlet, Lookingglass Alice, and The Brothers Karamazov. Goodman Theatre Productions include Journey to the West and The Odyssey. Arden Theatre productions include A Prayer for Owen Meany, Something Intangible, Threepenny Opera, and Cyrano. Two River Theater Productions include Our Town, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Charlotte's Web, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and HONK! Broadway credits: The Boys of Winter and Metamorphoses. Off-Broadway: The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, and Lookingglass Alice. Doug has performed at many regional theatres including, About Face Theatre, Jellyeye Drum Opera, Huntington Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, Mark Taper Forum, The ALLIANCE THEATRE, Syracuse Stage, Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, Brooklyn Academy Of Music, and Joyce Theatre.
Derek Hasenstab (Husband, Houdini and others) Chicago credits include: Sunday In The Park With George, SS!, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and Disney's Aladdin (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire (Writers' Theatre); Phyro Giants!, Dealer's Choice, Ecstasy (RoadWorks Productions); A Home at the End of the World, Cloud Nine (After Dark Award, About Face Theatre); Oedipus Complex (Goodman Theater); Animals Out Of Paper, Disappeared (Steppenwolf Theater); I Hate Hamlet, The Buddy Holly Story, A Christmas Carol, The Foreigner (After Dark Award, Drury Lane Oakbrook); High Fidelity (Route 66 Theater); Pride's Crossing, Hitting For The Cycle (Famous Door Theater); A Civil War Christmas (Northlight Theater). Regional Credits include: The Glass Menagerie (Kansas City Repertory) and Metamorphoses (Mark Taper Forum). Broadway National Tour: The Lion King.
Erik Hellman (Grocer, musician and others) is working at Lookingglass for the first time. Other Chicago credits include Hesperia (Writers' Theatre); Comedy of Errors, The Mystery of Irma Vep (Joseph Jefferson Award Nomination-Lead Actor), Titus Andronicus and Arcadia (Court Theatre); Madness of King George III, Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth and Edward II (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Honest, Elephant Man and Huck Finn (Steppenwolf Theatre); All My Sons (Timeline); The Busy World is Hushed (Next Theatre); Tartuffe (Remy Bumppo); Hatfield and McCoy (The House Theatre of Chicago) and multiple performances as an ensemble member of Strawdog Theatre Company. Outside of Chicago Erik has appeared in Dracula at The Geva Theatre and Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, where he played the title role in Romeo and Juliet, as well as I Just Stopped By to See The Man (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre); Romeo and Juliet and All's Well That Ends Well (Shakespeare Santa Cruz) Oh The Humanity and Mr. Marmalade (Houston's Stages Repertory Theatre); and Off-Broadway in Macbeth (Mirror Repertory Theatre). Film/TV work includes The Dark Knight and "The Chicago Code" and the upcoming season of "Boss." He plays around town with the folk duo Erik and Jessie.
Malcolm Ruhl (Musician and others/Music Director) Musical Direction: Hairspray, Pump Boys and Dinettes (Jeff Nomination) and Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story at Drury Lane Theatre; Ain't Misbehavin' at the Goodman Theatre; Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Oklahoma! (Jeff Nomination) at American Theatre Company; Woody Guthrie's American Song (Jeff Award), Blues in the Night (Jeff Nomination), and Smoke on the Mountain at Northlight Theatre; Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Apollo and Forum Theatres; Grease (Theatre at the Center); Big River (Apple Tree Theatre). Orchestration: A Little Night Music (Writers' Theatre); The Original Grease, Oklahoma! (American Theatre Company); Heart of Spain. Musical Coordinator: Million Dollar Quartet (Apollo Theatre). Malcolm appeared as "Jackson" in the Broadway production of Pump Boys and Dinettes. Composition: Holiday Memories (Northlight Theatre), Cicada Dance (Kennedy Center/ACTF) and several choral works published by Final Score Music.
Michael Smith (Pedersen, musician and others) wrote the music for and performed in Steppenwolf's The Grapes Of Wrath, wrote and performed in Victory Gardens' Michael Margaret Pat & Kate, was musical director and performed in Victory Gardens' Hello Dali, was musical director and performed in Pasiones at Theater On The Lake, and wrote the adaptation and music for and performed in Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen at Victory Gardens.
Scott Stangland (Ernie, musician and others) is making his Lookingglass debut with EASTLAND. He was last seen in Remy Bumppo Theatre's production of Mourning Becomes Electra, in the role of "Orin Mannon." His Chicago credits include Murder For Two [u/s], Short Shakespeare Macbeth, and Julius Caesar (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Boy Gets Girl (Eclipse Theatre Company); Every Christmas Story Ever Told (Noble Fool Theatricals); Man From Nebraska (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); and As You Like It [u/s] (Writers' Theatre). Regional credits include Romeo & Juliet and Comedy of Errors (Michigan Shakespeare Festival); Romeo & Juliet and Antony & Cleopatra (Colorado Shakespeare Festival). Film credits: Contagion and Men of Honor. Television credits: "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" (TNT). He received his MFA in Acting from The Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University.
Tiffany Topal (Solveig and others) is excited to be making her Lookingglass debut. She was most recently seen in the Marriott Theater's productions of Legally Blonde (Margot) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other recent credits include White Christmas, 42nd Street, How Can You Run With a Shell on Your Back? (Marriott Theater), Cabaret (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Hairspray (Cape Playhouse), and Xanadu (1st National Tour). Ms. Topol also currently performs throughout Chicagoland with her singer/songwriter project, Glad Fanny.
Claire Wellin (Bobbie) is making her Lookingglass debut with the telling of this story. Previous Chicago credits include Man In Love and To Kill A Mockingbird with Steppenwolf Theatre and the Jeff-Award Winning Killer Joe with Profiles Theatre. TV credits include "Detroit 1-8-7" and "Reconstruction." Claire has a love for writing and sharing music and is working on a solo project as well as a collaborative work called Birds of a Feather with Arielle Luckmann.
Monica West (Ilse) makes her Lookingglass debut in EASTLAND. Regional: Guthrie, Actors Theatre of Louisville, NYS&F, Westport Country Playhouse, George Street. NY: Roundabout, Barrow Street, 59E59, Cherry Lane. Television: "Law and Order," "One Life to Live." Monica originated the role of "Baby" in the North American Premiere of Dirty Dancing and she is one half of the comedic duo, MVPleez. MVPleez has been featured on HuffPo Comedy, New York Magazine, and Village Voice among others. Monica graduated with honors from Marquette University.
EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL -Dates, Times and Ticket Information Tickets are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
Previews of EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL are June 6 – June 15, 2012. The press opening is Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The production runs through July 29, 2012. Tickets are $24-$68.
Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all.
A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.
Groups of 10 or more people save up o 20% on tickets. Special student group tickets are also available.
Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at both the nearby John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park (161 E. Chicago Ave.). To purchase tickets, call the Lookingglass Theatre box office at (312) 337-0665 or visit lookingglasstheatre.org.
The Chicago Community Trust, National Endowment for the Arts: Art Works and United Airlines are Production Supporters of EASTLAND: A NEW MUSICAL. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Lookingglass Theatre.
EASTLAND is the recipient of The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award.
About Lookingglass Theatre Company Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. 2011- 2012 marks the company's 24th anniversary season. Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. Lookingglass has staged 57 world premieres at 23 venues across Chicago, and garnered 52 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations.
Work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.
The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.
Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 22-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies and President Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.


text:
Tyler, Texas -- Brookshire Grocery Co. recently became one of a select number of grocery retailers nation-wide to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill partnership, which works with supermarkets to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change.
By joining GreenChill, BGC pledges to go beyond regulatory requirements to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change. According to the EPA, a typical supermarket leaks some 1,000 pounds of harmful refrigerant gas into the atmosphere each year.
By joining GreenChill, BGC will work to reduce those emissions by continuing to transition to environmentally friendlier refrigerants, reduce the amount of refrigerant used and adopt green refrigeration technologies, strategies and practices. Companies that partner with GreenChill have refrigerant emissions rates that are approximately 50% lower than the national average.
"We continue to explore ways to positively impact the environment," said Rick Rayford, BGC President and CEO. "This pledge demonstrates our ongoing effort to provide our customers with more than just a great place to shop. We are committed to the safety of our communities and our environment, and believe this partnership will help us exceed standard business practices and be responsible environmental stewards."
For more information on EPA's GreenChill partnership, including its store certification program, visit EPA.gov/greenchill.


text:
I have been longing for a Buddhist forum for quite some time. I was a member of E-Sangha years ago.
I am reading The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh. I previously have read a dense work called The Doctrine of the Buddha by George Grimm. Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is much more accessible, howevever even the other was enough to intrigue me into Buddhism. The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings is really fantastic and opening my eyes with a fuller understanding.
I also discovered accesstoinsight.org and love the Random Sutta feature. I have joined here hoping it may also be a kind of sangha for me. I'm thankful to be here!
Oh, and here is a lecture by Bhikku Bodhi I am listening to right now! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLnxq_MbJM)


text:
iPhone Skin
dance 5by Garima Dhawan
Skins are thin, easy-to-remove, vinyl decals for customizing your device. Skins are made from a patented material that eliminates air bubbles and wrinkles for easy application.
"Live with a dancing spirit.The stars in the heavens are dancing through space, the earth never ceases to spin. All life is dancing: the trees with the wind, the waves on the sea, the birds in the sky, the fish, all are performing their own dance of life..Every living thing is dancing, and you must keep dancing, too-for the rest of your life." - Daisaku Ikeda


text:
Denver Broncos Striped Legging
- Officially licensed by the NFL
- Wide elastic paneled waistband
- Approx. 8 in. leg opening; 29 in. inseam
- 95% polyester, 5% spandex
- Machine wash
- Model wears size Medium
- Imported
Turn up during the pre-game party in this cozy knit legging. It sports screen prints of the team logo at the left leg and the name at the sides of the webbed elastic waist. Complete with team color stripes at the right ankle.


text:
Marin County voters on Tuesday approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase to pay for county parks, open space and farm programs.
Measure A, which needed a two-thirds vote to pass, received 74 percent of the vote, or 60,655 yes to 21,757 no votes.
The measure, placed on the ballot by county supervisors, will raise more than $10 million a year for parks, open space and farm programs.
"I'm ecstatic," said Supervisor Steve Kinsey, who backed the plan. "It shows the deep core commitment from the Marin voters about this place we call home. I knew we would get a super majority, but to get more than two-thirds is great. I am happily surprised."
Alex Easton-Brown, a director of the Marin United Taxpayer Association, said voters didn't fully understand the measure.
"When people see it on the ballot it looks like a good deal, but when you read the fine print you realize there is $90 million involved and not all that money has a place to land," he said. "It will be a slush fund and be used by the Board of Supervisors to reward their supporters. It's a lot of money and the county is already 80 percent open space."
The sales tax will raise more than $90 million over its nine-year life, with 65 percent of the take, or about $6.5 million a year, boosting the $12 million parks budget 54 percent. About $1.3 million would be set aside annually to buy open space.
Some 20 percent of the sales tax money, or about $2 million a year, will support farm programs, allowing ranchers to cash in development rights. The Marin Agricultural Land Trust is in line to be the key farm administrative agency, although other agricultural groups could make a bid for funding as well.
Another 15 percent of the revenue, or $1.5 million, will be set aside for city and community park district programs.
Supporters argued that funding cuts prevented the parks department from maintaining existing facilities, and noted that state and federal grants were ending for easement programs under which MALT enabled farmers to cash in development rights. Further, boosters said the sprawling open spaces, regional parks and expanses of rolling farmland preserved by past generations represented a priceless legacy that must be maintained, enhanced and passed on.
The Marin United Taxpayers Association argued that parks officials spend lots of money, and asserted the measure provided a blank check for fiscal freewheeling. Critics also said the measure ignored other pressing needs, including health care, housing and roads, not to mention paying for pension liabilities. The League of Women Voters was so torn it remained neutral on the measure.
Contact Mark Prado at firstname.lastname@example.com and Nels Johnson at email@example.com. Follow him at twitter.com/nelsjohnsonnews


text:
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability is an active social response to recognizing the world as a finite system. There is substantial evidence showing that if we don't reduce our consumption and exercise energy efficient means of production we will diminish the quality of life of future generations. I personally attempt to live more sustainably because I hope to leave the legacy that my generation understood and respected the Earth rather than simply leaving behind poisoned lakes, mountains of plastic, and industrial wasteland.
What are you doing to help UB become more sustainable?
A majority of the work I do to improve UB's efforts in sustainability has come out of being in the co-ed environmental professional fraternity, Alpha Kappa Chi. Our brothers have formed one of the largest environmental networks at UB, allowing us to motivate and in some cases create actual change towards accomplishing a more sustainable university. We have participated in the Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER shoreline sweeps along Ellicott creek, supported the development of the North Campus garden project, and have utilized the stage provided by UB's Earth Week celebration to express our passions and lifestyle choices to other students. I owe a lot to the brothers who have paved the way thus far and hope that my work as President will strengthen the influence of people who truly desire a more sustainable society.
How do you involve UB's faculty or staff in your sustainability work?
The inspiration I have acquired from my professors as an environmental geosciences major is but one of the many opportunities I have had to work with UB's faculty. I have come to realize that collaboration with environmental professionals is enormously beneficial to finding career opportunities after graduation. Therefore, I eagerly accept all chances to get to know those at UB who are willing to inspire and support environmentally conscious students. Jim Simon, UB's sustainability engagement coordinator and advisor to my fraternity, has opened many doors for me and is someone I believe any student who desires to convey their enthusiasm towards sustainability in their career should become acquainted with while at UB.
How has sustainability impacted your academic pursuits?
Freshman year I started out as a biomedical major simply because I thought a career in medicine would satisfy my desire to help people and assure employment upon graduation. However, I soon realized that although medicine certainly helps people, it isn't the only means to improve the welfare of society. I thought a lot about what I was passionate about and found that inspiring others to be active in making their communities more resilient though sustainability was something I not only would be proud of but would enjoy doing. Since I was nine years old I've made short films, but I had only ever seen it as a hobby until I came to college and realized the potential I had been building all these years to advocate social change through media. Integrating my comprehension of humanity's role within nature along with my ability to illustrate meaningful and interesting narrative through film is what I hope to be my life's work.
What is the one thing you would like people to know that you do in your personal life to further sustainability?
I really enjoy biking and strongly encourage others to take it up. It amazes me how many students complain about not being able to find parking at a campus in which they drive less than 5 miles to get to daily. Bike riding, along with using public transportation, is a simple daily practice that can contribute to reducing one's own carbon footprint and put money that would otherwise be spent on gas towards the local economy.
How could UB improve its sustainability efforts?
I believe keeping an open dialogue with the student body is essential to UB's sustainability efforts. There are many environmentally conscious innovators that will notice the diverse initiatives the university has made concerning sustainability including our undeniably impressive solar strand and surprisingly want even more. Areas of the world suffering with environmental injustice lack any sort of communication between the offenders and the victims and by allowing students who care utmost about sustainable solutions to work with faculty to realize their ambition, UB will contribute to fostering generations of students that will actively campaign for sustainable legislation and customs.


text:
10 Eastern European Fashion Designers to Keep on Your Radar
It's tough to pin down exactly what makes Venessa Arizaga's eponymous jewelry line so special. It could be the quirky, one-of-a-kind charms that she's collected over the years, or the fact that each piece is hand-crafted — in sweet patterns created from crocheting, sewing, and knotting — evoking the sense that it was made with love and care. Whatever it is, we can't get enough, which is why we visited Venessa in her Brooklyn studio, where she taught us how to make a sunny charm bracelet that is the perfect pick-me-up for our summer wardrobes.
Although Venessa has an impressive background in fashion — with stints at Zac Posen and Carolina Herrera under her belt — her jewelry career started as a hobby. "It began with me at the beach picking up a shell here and there — wanting to wear it and not knowing what to do with it," she explained. "I'd just string things together to create a beautiful and unusual piece, and I would think, 'what can I do with my grandmother's locket or my dad's cross?' It was kind of sentimental."
Venessa has an enviable collection of vintage charms from her travels, but it's easier than you'd think to start finding some of your own. "I love searching eBay for charms, I think it's a really great source," she tells us. "You can literally type in any crazy thing you're thinking about, and you'll find it! Vintage is great because it has character — it's someones past. I love going to vintage stores and hobby shops and finding little trinkets and picking up things, or finding old jewelry and taking it apart and dissecting it."
If you're hoping to start making jewelry and are in need of inspiration, the designer suggests looking through books at the library, or rummaging through your family's collection of old accessories. Even with no jewelry-making experience, Venessa wholeheartedly believes that anyone can create in their own gorgeous pieces and tell their own stories. Read on for tips from Venessa and a step-by-step guide on how to recreate one of her signature charm bracelets at home.
To begin, take about four strands — plus some heavy thread to give the bracelet texture — and measure them so each is about a yard in length. Go back and forth, folding the thread over itself five or six times to get the right thickness, and then cut. Snip ends as you go along to avoid lumps.
Cannes Fashion Through the Years