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The final wish of a 24-year-old man told by doctors he has just one week to live is to see 2,400 more people register for bone marrow donation - 100 for every year he has lived.
Kevin Kararwa, of Canterbury Road, Morden, is spending his final days in an isolated hospital ward doing all he can to stop others dying from leukaemia.
He cannot speak or eat, but communicated via a text to speech phone app: "Most people are not aware that ethnic minorities struggle to find bone marrow transplants.
"I would like to be the catalyst in creating awareness like never before."
Mr Kararwa was in his third year studying business systems at the University of Portsmouth in April 2012 when he caught a cold that never went away.
Three weeks after developing flu symptoms he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive life-threatening cancer, and has been in and out of hospital ever since.
In October last year the Wimbledon Guardian helped him launch an appeal to find a bone marrow match.
Five hundred people registered within two hours of Kevin's appeal being launched.
But a match still wasn't found.
Kevin's parents are Kenyan, reducing the chances of finding a match to one in 100,000 - the equivalent of finding one person in a packed Wembley stadium.
Mr Kararwa said people of ethnic minorities just don't have the understanding to join the bone marrow register, which involves taking a cheek cell sample using a cotton swab.
After several months of intensive chemotherapy failed to beat the cancer, doctors decided his only chance was to have a 50 per cent matched transplant donation from his 18-year-old brother.
But on Friday, May 9, doctors at King's College Hospital, Camberwell, discovered the leukaemia had returned. They said there was no more they could do and gave him two weeks to live.
Mr Kararwa's health is deteriorating every day, but despite his physical frailty, he is determined to motivate the public to join the UK bone marrow register.
He said: "In a way I would love to leave a legacy but it's more about other peoples' lives being saved through bone marrow donations."
He is spending all the time he can working to start a website, healthconnect, a forum allowing people with serious illnesses to connect online and combat loneliness.
Mr Kararwa said: "Cancer is never a good thing for anyone which is why I want to start this website so if you are unfortunate like me you have support from the outset.
"I noticed it is very difficult to speak to those who are going through it and those who have survived, especially in this ward you are isolated from people like you."
He would like the site to eventually cater for people suffering from all illnesses, but is focusing on leukaemia sufferers for now.
Mr Kararwa is paying someone to help him design the site, which he hope to send live soon, but needs more money to make the site in his name.
He said: "Finding out the disease had come back was overwhelming but I have my faith in God. Knowing my family are there for me give me the encouragement to continue to fight.
"This also helps me push the site forward because family play a very important role in support. That's what drives my website, a hope for the future."
Mr Kararwa's three final wishes are to raise £24,000 for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, inspire 2,400 people to join the bone marrow register and to keep his story alive in the media and public domain using hash tag #KillLeukaemia4Kevin.
To help him reach his fundraising target, donate at www.justgiving.com/KevinFinalWish
To join the bone marrow register by completing a simple swab test, visit https://www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk/become-a-donor/register.html
Listen to Veronica Kararwa, Kevin's mother's message, about why you should join the bone marrow register:


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COLUMBIA, SC Jan. 26, 2013 – The Cougar swimming & diving teams endured tough competition over the weekend in a meet at South Carolina against the Gamecocks, Queens University and Wingate.
The Cougar men finished in fourth place, while the women picked up a dual meet matchup over Queens, 182-134.
Sophomore Sarah Graif continued her strong swimming from Friday as she won the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.93. She also came in sixth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:57.75).
Freshman Lydia Renn powered through the 1650-yard freestyle for a fourth-place time of 18:01.47.
Junior Sarah Boyle picked up points in both the 100 back and 100 butterfly as she placed second (57.80) in the former and third in the latter (58.07). Boyle also contributed to a fourth-place finish in the 200 medley relay, joining with Taylor Hollingsworth, Corrine Taylor and Graif to touch the wall in1:49.19.
The women's 400 freestyle relay placed eighth (3:41.17) behind the swimming of Ali Leberfinger, Michelle Whitfield, Layne Thornton and Jayme Groth.
On the men's side, junior Dave Sherrier took third place in the 200 free (1:42.15) and freshman Alex Wood finished fourth in the 50 free (21.37). Sophomore Pablo Ortiz came in fifth in the 400 IM with a time of 4:11.13.
Sophomore Josh Shaffer finished seventh in the 1650 free (16:41.91), and freshman Nicholas Campbell placed 10th in the 100 back (55.52). Junior Chris Verboncoeur placed ninth in the 100 fly (53.06).
The Cougars took ninth and 10th place in the 200 breaststroke with times of 2:13.62 from Nick Alonso and 2:15.85 from Henry Loong.
Charleston finished fourth in the 400 free relay as Wood, Eric Craig, Greg Karel and Sherrier notched a time of 3:08.63. The men's 200 medley relay team placed sixth as Ortiz, Alonso, Verboncoeur and Karel hit 1:36.95.
College of Charleston will have its final tuneup before the CCSA Championships next weekend at East Carolina.

subset: commoncrawl


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Just One Thing (8 June 2014)Jun. 8th, 2014 12:18 pm
It's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing that you've accomplished in the past 24 hours. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange, or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.


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Scioscia thinks Rule 7.13 will be clarified by playoffs
ANAHEIM -- Before baseball's most important games in the playoffs, Angels manager Mike Scioscia expects more clarity on one of the most controversial rules this season -- Rule 7.13.
Implemented during this first year of expanded replay, Rule 7.13 states that catchers cannot block the path of a runner to the plate without having the ball. With the addition of the rule and video replay, the play at the plate has seen its share of interpretations.
Scioscia said there was still an "aura of uncertainty" around the play, and that the postseason should force a clearer rule to emerge.
"Once you get some clarity on how it's going to be interpreted by a replay official, you're going to have a little better idea of how you can execute the play, and I think that's what will happen," Scioscia said. "I'm sure when you get into a playoff scenario, there will definitely be, I think, some discussions on exactly the definition of what's going to be called and how things are going to be interpreted out there on the field."
On Aug.5, the Angels lost to the Dodgers when Chris Iannetta couldn't snag a throw due to his positioning that gave a clear path to the runner. On Saturday, they survived an Oakland challenge on an out call of the A's Josh Donaldson at the plate, where Iannetta's foot was moving into the path before he had the ball.
Matthew DeFranks is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @MDeFranks. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Media Release
Oral Bondronat Shows Equal Efficacy and
Basel, – Data announced today at the European Cancer Conference (ECCO) in
In the study, patients with advanced breast cancer were administered either Bondronat once a day as a tablet or zoledronic acid as an infusion every 4 weeks. The results show:
o Those patients taking oral Bondronat were nearly six times less likely to have abnormal reactions, such as flu-like symptoms, in the first three days of treatment than those taking i.v. zoledronic acid – 8% for Bondronat vs. 47% for zoledronic acid.
o Throughout the study the proportion of patients experiencing adverse events was lower in the group taking Bondronat– 65% for Bondronat vs. 76% for zoledronic acid.
o Fewer patients withdrew from the study in the Bondronat group compared to the group taking zoledronic acid - 2.9% versus 5.1%.
"These data show that Bondronat offers comparable bone marker suppression and in addition has a clear tolerability benefit, particularly in the first few days of taking the drug" said Professor Jean-Jacques Body from the Institut Jules Bordet in Belgium and lead investigator of the study. "Oral Bondronat can provide a significant advantage over zoledronic acid by limiting adverse events and hence improving patients' quality of life."
Up to 80% of patients with advanced breast cancer suffer from metastatic bone disease, the spreading of cancer from the original tumour to the bones. Treatment-related adverse events have a strong influence on physicians' treatment choices, especially in elderly cancer patients who are most commonly affected by metastatic bone disease. With oral Bondronat physicians and patients have a bisphosphonate treatment at hand that can be conveniently taken at home and is significantly better tolerated than zoledronic acid. Unnecessary inconveniences like hospital visits and experience of adverse events can be avoided, helping patients to keep up an active lifestyle and retain personal independence.
Previous studies also indicate that Bondronat has a good long-term safety profile for up to two years, with renal safety similar to placebo. As a result, Bondronat does not require monthly renal monitoring and dose adjustments like zoledronic acid.
About the study
The 12-week, open-label study recruited breast cancer patients with advanced disease and at least one bone lesion. Patients were randomized into two arms: one arm (n=128) receiving 50 mg oral Bondronat daily, the other arm (n=126) receiving 4 mg zoledronic acid via 15 minute infusion every 4 weeks.
All adverse events were recorded throughout the study. Both bisphosphonates were generally well tolerated, although the proportion of patients experiencing side effects was higher in the zoledronic acid group than the Bondronat group (76% vs. 65%). In particular: the incidence of adverse events in the first three days of treatment was significantly higher in the group using zoledronic acid than those using Bondronat (47% vs. 8%); reported bone pain was higher in the zoledronic acid group than the Bondronat group (21% vs. 12%); the incidence of gastrointestinal events was slightly higher in the oral Bondronat group (23% vs. 18%); the incidence of withdrawals from the study (Bondronat 2.9%; zoledronic acid 5.1%) was lower for Bondronat.
Efficacy data from this study was reported earlier and showed that oral Bondronat is as effective as i.v. zoledronic acid at suppressing bone turnover markers, a surrogate measure of clinical efficacy.
About Metastatic Bone Disease
Metastatic bone disease occurs when the cancerous cells from the original tumour spread to the bone via the blood stream resulting in pain, fractures and other clinical consequences. It is most commonly associated with breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancer. In multiple myeloma, bone is the primary site of tumour and can cause extensive lesions, with a high risk of fractures and high levels of bone pain. Metastatic bone disease can also lead to skeletal related consequences including:
In addition to bone pain and other clinical complications, patients with metastatic bone disease can suffer from disturbance in sleeping patterns and reduction in appetite.
The most common sites for metastatic bone disease are the ribs, skull, pelvis, hips, vertebrae and the ends of long bones.3
- Ends -
For further information please contact:
At ECCO
Dr. Nina Hautzinger
Mobile +41 79 593 43 07
Shire Health
Fiona Robertson
Mobile +44 (0) 7812 414 434
Shire Health
Melissa Millard
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7108 6034
Mobile: +44 (0)7990 818 039
Shire Health
Lucie Taylor
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7108 6017
Mobile: +44 (0) 7971 122836
1. Body JJ, Lichinister M, Tjulandin SA, Coleman RE, Bergström B. Safety comparisons of oral ibandronate and intravenous zoledronic acid in metastatic breast cancer patients: phase III data. Poster presented at the European Cancer Conference (ECCO),
2. Body JJ, Lichinister M, et al. Effect of oral ibandronate versus intravenous zoledronic acid on markers of bone resorption in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases: results from comparative phase III trial. Poster presented at the Association of Clinical Oncology (ASCO),
3. Diel IJ, Solomayer EF, Bastert G. Treatment of metastatic bone disease in breast cancer: bisphosphonates. Clin Breast Cancer 2000;1:43–51
Notes to Editors
Bondronat® (ibandronate)
Bondronat was approved by the European Commission for the prevention of skeletal events (pathological fractures, bone complications requiring radiotherapy or surgery) in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases in October 2003. Bondronat has shown effective treatment of bone fractures and pain for at least two years in three randomised trials; the relief of bone pain is currently being further assessed in a global head-to-head study with zoledronic acid. Previous (non-comparative) trials and analysis suggest that Bondronat provides bone pain relief faster and maintains it for longer than zoledronic acid. Small size loading dose studies with Bondronat demonstrated significant reduction in bone pain within three days which was sustained for at least six months. Standard treatment in larger trials showed moderate relief peaking after 8-12 weeks, continuing for up to two years.
Additionally, the superior renal safety profile demonstrated in two randomised trials and supported in other studies means that Bondronat limits the risk of kidney deterioration or failure that has been associated with other i.v. bisphosphonates. Intravenous Bondronat has a renal safety profile comparable with placebo during two years of treatment. The effects of Bondronat on the kidney did not accumulate over time (incidence was consistently lower in the Bondronat group than in the placebo group), and there was no increased risk of renal adverse events with up to four years of Bondronat treatment.
Bondronat is the only bisphosphonate available in equal efficacy in i.v. and oral formulations, with the approved dosage for prevention of the complications of skeletal metastases in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases being 50 mg once daily administered orally at least 30 minutes before food, or 6 mg administered intravenously every three to four weeks.
For further information on Roche in Oncology go to:
For more information:
Last updated on: 27/08/2010
PharmiWeb.com is Europe's leading industry-sponsored portal for the Pharmaceutical sector, providing the latest jobs, news, features and events listings.
The information provided on PharmiWeb.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician.


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YOUNGSTERS from the Black Country are helping raise cash by putting their best foot forward for a good cause.
Barnardo's Big Toddle got under way on June 10 at Dudley Zoo and Castle where under 5s gathered for a sponsored walk around the 11th century site.
The space themed event continued on June 12 and a further walk will take place on Tuesday June 17.


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All Aboard the Apple Train
Apple's (AAPL) coattails are some of the most bizarre I have seen. Sure there are the obvious ones: Qualcomm (QCOM), Broadcom (BRCM, not nearly as much as it should be) and ARM Holdings (ARMH).
Google (GOOG) gets to go higher. It's protected by the Apple umbrella even as they are mortal enemies....139 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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Generating sales can be especially challenging during a downward economy. How can you boost your business without breaking the bank? Using promotional cards can be a cost-effective way to market your business and provide your customers an incentive to shop.
It's easy and affordable to make your own professional-looking promotional cards right from your desktop with Avery Clean Edge® Business Cards and the free Avery Design & Print Online software. Create your own custom design or select a pre-designed template to help get you started. You can print as many cards as you need, or change your design at any time. For a little inspiration, take a look at these ideas:
To reward loyal customers
Taking care of your current customers can be worth the payoff. The 80-20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, is a common rule of thumb in business that states 20% of your customers are responsible for 80% of your business. By rewarding your loyal customers, they can reward you back.
- Thank you. Give out cards that can be redeemed for a discount, free gift or service upgrade as a simple "thank you" to your loyal customers who frequent your business.
- VIP membership. Make your customers feel special with a VIP membership card to give them exclusive access into private sales, special discounts, complimentary consultations and more.
To earn repeat business
- Buy one, get one half off. Get customers to stock up on their favorite items by offering the second item at half the price.
To attract new customers
Once you've created your promotional cards, send out a mailer to all your current customers. In your mailer, announce your special promotion or event and include your card. Then give your mailer that professional touch with a custom label you can create using Avery White Easy Peel® Address Labels and the free Avery Wizard software for Microsoft® Office. When you need to pump up your business on a budget, using promotional cards can give your customers a little "push" toward your business.
Tip: Want to increase the chances of getting your mailer opened? Entice your customers with a callout message such as "Special Offer Inside," attached to the outside of the envelope using Avery Clear Easy Peel Address Labels. Our Clear Labels virtually disappear onto the surface when applied giving your mailing piece a neat, clean look. Your customers won't be able to resist what they'll find inside!
Related Content:
Make Your Business Mail Look Its Best
Give your mailing a professional look with customized PhotoStamps®. You can turn your business logo or photo into a sheet of First Class US Postage and reinforce your brand with each mailing piece you send. PhotoStamps are valid US Postage—not photo stickers—and officially authorized by the US Postal Service®.
Create your own PhotoStamps in just three easy steps:
1. Upload your photo
2. Customize your design
3. Place your order


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Sao Paolo, Brazil -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that Brazilian grocer Grupo Pão de Açúcar – the country's largest retailer – plans to open 100 new mini stores in 2013. The small-format concept is called Minimercado Extra, according to CFO Vitor Fagá.
The Minimercardo Extra format of small neighborhood supermarkets will continue to be the focus of the group's growth, according to Fagá. The company is also working to expand its presence in Brazil's northeast and center-west regions.


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Ventura's victory rates with KC rookie feats
Righty fires eight scoreless in club's first shutout at Baltimore since '04
BALTIMORE -- Yordano Ventura stirred up all sorts of dust in the Royals' archives with his latest performance.
Ventura pitched the first eight innings of Friday night's 5-0 victory which was Kansas City's first shutout at Baltimore since July 9, 2004, when left-hander Darrell May beat the Orioles, 7-0, on a five-hitter.
Ventura's eight shutout innings were the most by a Royals rookie since Bryan Bullington worked the first eight innings of a 1-0 win over the Yankees on Aug. 15, 2010. That was Bullington's first and only victory in the Majors; the next year, he began a successful stay in Japan with the Toyo Carp.
Ventura's eight strikeouts were the most by a KC rookie since Danny Duffy fanned nine at St. Louis on June 19, 2011.
And Ventura was the first rookie in franchise history to strike out at least six in four straight games since Royals Hall of Famer Dennis Leonard did so in four starts in August and September 1979.
Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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In response to growing concerns about aflatoxins in drought-stressed feed, University of Illinois educators have developed a YouTube presentation on the risks of aflatoxins.
The presentation was developed by Jim Baltz, instructional design specialist with the University of Illinois, and Mike Hutjens, extension dairy specialist.
The presentation is less than 10 minutes in length and can be viewed by going to http://youtu.be/MGOP5d2awjA or you can go to http://Go.Illinois.edu/dairy.
Source: Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois


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CRADLEY will look to continue their stunning run of form when they head to neighbours Stoke on Sunday (6pm).
They'll be without the services of Steve Worrall, who is riding for Edinburgh in the Premier League Fours Championship. His rides will be shared amongst his colleagues.
Skipper Paul Starke, who broke the Cradley track record at Monmore in last week's win over Coventry, is hoping to keep the momentum going.
He said: "It was obviously a great night for me personally but for the team it was an important win as well.
"We wanted to set a precedent against a strong Coventry side, and I think that's what we did.
"It was a result which sent a message out to other teams, and I can't see many sides wanting to ride us at the moment the way we are going.
"Now we go to Stoke and hopefully we can just keep picking up those points and put ourselves in a strong position for the play-offs."
Worrall, meanwhile, is delighted to be racing for the famous old club.
"Everything has gone really well since I joined Cradley - it couldn't have gone much better really," he added.
"It's a club I've wanted to ride for for a few years now, and I'm just glad to have the chance this year.
"Fortunately everything has come together well - we have a great bunch of lads and we are riding really well as a team.
"Fingers crossed things carry on as they are for the rest of the season and we can end up winning the league again."
Cradley are next at Monmore on Tuesday, August 12 when they face bitter rivals Mildenhall with more league points on the line.


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Group Booking Terms and Conditions
Because you are making a Group Booking, there are additional Terms and Conditions that apply. Please read them and click 'I Accept' below to continue with your booking
General Group Booking Terms
By making a group reservation through Hostelworld.com you agree to the following terms and conditions as set by Hostelworld.com and as set by the hostel in question.
- In order to make a group reservation on Hostelworld.com it is necessary to pay a deposit. The balance is due directly to the hostel according to their payment conditions.
- The booking deposit is non-refundable.
- Please note that any cancellations must be notified directly to the hostel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled arrival date, unless otherwise stated in the hostel's conditions.
- Hostelworld.com are not responsible for changes or amendments to your reservation once it has been processed. All correspondence with regard to changes to your booking need to be dealt with directly with the hostel.
- Cancellations for reservations must be made directly with the hostel and must conform with the individual hostels cancellation policy (see below)
- It is your responsibility to pay the balance of your accommodation cost to the hostel in accordance with their payment conditions (see below). Failure to do so may result in your reservation being cancelled by the hostel.
- Individual hostels may have special booking conditions relating to group stays, please read the hostel booking conditions carefully before making your reservation.
Hostel Specific Terms & Conditions
The remainder of the amount due will be charged to your credit card 4 weeks prior to arrival. Should numbers or room selection change, the per person deposit times the number of people who actually travelled will be deducted from the total accommodation charge levvied by the hostel.
Cancellation / No Show & Reduction in Numbers Policy
Full payment is required 4 weeks prior to arrival.
The following are the cancellation charges that Star City Hotel*** will communicate to all Group Organisers:
Cancellation charges
6-8 weeks before arrival date: 50% of total cost
3-6 weeks before arrival date: 75% of total cost
Less than 3 weeks before: 100% of total cost
Note: Booking conditions and cancellation fees for groups, which are booked less than four weeks before arrival, must be agreed at the time of booking.
Reduction in numbers / amendments to reservations
6-8 weeks before arrival date: 25% of total cost amendments / reduction **
3-6 weeks before arrival date: 75% of total cost amendment / reduction
Less than 3 weeks: 100% of total cost amendment / reduction **
Note: ** Depending on numbers of reduction / amendment this is the percentage charged
Additional Terms and Conditions
-In certain cases, Star City Hotel*** may alter the above conditions and cancellation / reduction in numbers / amendments to reservations charges as it sees fit. Star City Hotel*** agrees to communicate any new conditions to the group organiser / agent at the time of booking.
The following group types are not accepted by this hostel: Stag/Hen/Bachelor Party If you have misrepresented the type of group you are booking for, your booking may be cancelled by the hostel.
Additional Info:
The group organiser / agent agrees to provide flight / arrival details for the group on confirmation and a full name list for the group no later than two weeks before arrival.
Any cancellations resulting from agreement to these terms and conditions under false pretences will result in loss of deposit.
Vous devez accepter les termes et conditions pour que nous puissions confirmer votre réservation
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The Biggest Loser RunWalk New England Off-Road Challenge
Amesbury Sports Park
Sun 08/11/2013
1 Mile, 5K, Elite, Off-road/Trail
Join former contestants from The Biggest Loser and wind through an Off-Road Challenge designed by Spartan Race! This is the perfect opportunity to get off the couch and discover the world of trail running/walking! This obstacle mud run will take you off the pavement through Amesbury Sports Park.This Off-Road Challenge is divided into two groups: one for beginners and one for advanced participants. There is also a Kids Obstacle Challenge. *This is NOT a timed event. This is a Biggest Loser RunWalk Team Challenge at a Spartan Race where we start as a team and end as a team! Please be aware that there will be obstacles throughout the course.Race Location:Amesbury Sports Park12 S Hunt Rd Amesbury, MA 01913Each participant receives: Non-intimidating Environment for New Runners and WalkersBiggest Loser RunWalk Race T-ShirtBiggest Loser RunWalk Race Finisher MedalRace NumberWater Station(s) along the CourseSnacks and Water at Finish LinesKids' Obstacle Race benefiting Kids Fit Foundation. The Kids Fit Foundation is a national non-profit organization created to serve communities with the charitable mission to fund and provide fitness programs for at risk youth and their families.If you have any questions please email [email protected] schedule and timesStart Time:Saturday, August 10, 2013Biggest Loser RunWalk Heat: 9:15 amKids' Obstacle Race: 12:00 pmFor questions please email [email protected]
- Address:12 S Hunt Road
Amesbury, MA 01913


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A scorned lover has been found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend's brother in revenge for her dumping him.
Highly-paid city worker Andrew Morris, 30, stabbed chef Henry Stangroom, 21, in the heart and lungs on Thursday, October 17.
Murdered: Henry Stangroom
Victim Mr Stangroom also sustained an injury to his head from a harpoon which Morris later shot into his own head during a series of suicide attempts when he realised he had killed his ex's brother.
Mr Stangroom's relatives grew concerned for his welfare and police visited the flat they shared in Lavender Sweep, Battersea, where they found Mr Stangroom dead and lying on his bed in a pool of blood.
Morris, who has a young son, was found in the bathroom with slit wrists and a harpoon spear sticking out of his chin.
The court heard how Morris was in a relationship with Mr Stangroom's sister, Michelle, 28, for three years. The pair went on exotic holidays and he bought her expensive presents including Tiffany sunglasses which Morris later snapped.
The three of them lived together in Lavender Sweep before Miss Stangroom dumped Morris and moved out when he became violent towards her.
In the run-up to the murder Morris, who studied maths at Cambridge University, had been on sick leave for five months and was abusing large amounts of cocaine and alcohol.
The court heard Morris had a history of violent and aggressive behaviour towards his ex girlfriends and had punched one former partner in the stomach and spat in her face.
During his trial at the Old Bailey it was revealed Morris had searched online for 'murder and mental illness sentencing', 'sentencing for murder in the UK' and 'spear gun death accident' in the run-up to the murder.
The flat near Clapham Junction where Morris murdered Mr Stangroom
Detective chief inspector Diane Tudway, Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Andrew Morris killed Henry Stangroom in a brutal attack because he felt rejected and because he could not come to terms with that. He has not taken responsibility for his actions and shown no genuine remorse.
"He took Henry away from a loving and close family who have continued to show amazing strength and dignity. I am pleased the jury has convicted him today, and whilst it will not alleviate the grief of Henry's family and friends, I hope Morris' conviction goes some small way towards providing them some comfort."
The Stangroom family issued a statement following his conviction and said: "There is no justice for our son and brother, nothing will bring him back. The evidence has proved this was a premeditated murder whilst asleep, by a coward hiding behind diminished responsibly.
"We will never be able to come to terms with the loss of Henry, we will never be able to move on, it's impossible not to think of the terror he must have felt being woken with a spear gun wound to the head and then faced with a maniac with a knife he would have been in no position to defend himself. No sentence would be enough."


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I have example from here...http://webdesignerwall.com/tutorials/cross-browser-html5-placeholder-text
running here....
in iPhone 3 the placeholder works fine in type="text" fields, but in textarea it does not (it doesn't disappear when you click on textarea)(in OSX simulator, it works fine in iPad and iPhone, but in real iPhone placeholder text does not disappear when I click on textarea...(could this be b/c my iPhone is iPhone3?)
thank you...
Does that disappear in other browsers? I don't think it would. Not without some JS.
well, I was just going to post that the JS code I have in there is irrelevant for mobile, it's for the older browsers.....;-)my problem is in iPhone.....(again, it's from example here, http://webdesignerwall.com/tutorials...aceholder-text)
again: problem is ONLY in iPhone, and ONLY in textarea.... for regular text boxes it works fine, even in iPhone.. prob is only with textarea, only in iPhone....(works fine in FF, Chrome, Safari... in desktop/laptop..)
(were you able to test in an iPhone? http://mayacove.com/html5/ph.html)
thank you......
It does disappear on iPad when you start typing IMO. If you don't like that one you could try this one. It degrades well with js off too. http://www.websitecodetutorials.com/code/jquery-plugins/jquery-infieldlabel.php
oh brother.. I think folks here still don't understand the problem:
how placeholder works: when you click on the text field or textarea the placeholder text in there is supposed to disappear, yes?
well, in the iPhone THE PLACEHOLDER TEXT DOES NOT DISAPPEAR FROM THE TEXTAREA ONLY (it disappears fine from regular text boxes..)
last night I tested on a friend's iPad, same thing: placeholder text disappears from regular text boxes when you click on them, but NOT from textarea.....
to see what I mean pls load this page in iPhone or iPad, click on textarea....http://mayacove.com/html5/ph.html
(& I have no idea if this problem this occurs in Android and/or Windows devices also.... it does not occur in regular browsers...)
thank you....
With the HTML5 "placeholder" attribute, the text only disappears when you start to type, not when you click on the form field.
That page you linked to has two things going on. Firstly, each input and the textarea has a placeholder attribute on it. But secondly, each input (but not the textarea) is targeted by CSS, which is removing the placeholder text when you click on the input:
input:focus::-webkit-input-placeholder {
color: transparent;
Without that CSS, you'd get the normal behavior on the placeholder text in the inputs—that is, it would only disappear when you start to type. To get what you want on the textarea also, you'd have to extend that code to this:
input:focus::-webkit-input-placeholder, textarea:focus::-webkit-input-placeholder {
color: transparent;
oh man.. ok, I see... in the textarea it does disappear when you start typing (but why won't it disappear when you click on it like the regular text boxes? weird...)
ok. thank you very much... that code you posted does achieve that effect, though.. that's cool....:-)
ok... thank you very much, Ralph......:-)
(I guess what you're saying is also that you could, in theory, use the JS that's here for the older browsers and -- just for the textarea -- apply it to all browsers.. that would work, no? of course it works with CSS, which is much more practical... but well, in theory you could do it with JS, yes?)
thanks again...
Not sure what you are asking there, but a few years ago, before the placeholder attribute, the only way to do this was with JS. Of course, JS is still an option instead of the placeholder attribute, though I think placeholder is much better—even though it doesn't behave quite as you were expecting.


text:
Column: Is Bill Bennett A Hypocrite?News at Home
As a person with political leanings somewhat akin to those of Mr. Bennett's, I should perhaps just let it rest and be grateful that the "sins" of the critics have muted their criticism of my "hero."
But then my hero's "sin" has occurred on my academic turf (the gambling industry), and for the most part in my new hometown (be it ever so humble) Las Vegas. I feel an urgent desire to speak, although I am a bit lost of the feeling that my words will be adequate. I am hopeful that I can do this without either condemning the man or forgiving him. On the latter point, I am unsure about which man shall give the forgiveness, as I am unsure about just what action must be forgiven. As a beneficiary of the gaming taxes of Nevada (they do pay my salary--to a large extent), I am sure it is not I who has been sinned against.
I do wish to offer a viewpoint from Las Vegas to a world, which according to a front page story in Time Magazine (January 1994), was trying very hard to become like Las Vegas. It is a story about slot machines. Slot machines and Bill Bennett to be sure. I offer a history of gambling machines in my book Gambling in America: An Encyclopedia of History, Issues, and Society (ABC-Clio, 2001). The first patent for a gambling machine was given to Gustav Frederick Wilhem Schultz of San Francisco in 1893. His invention inspired (to the point of stimulating a major lawsuit) the efforts of Charles August Fey who to this day is credited with inventing the first modern style slot machine. His "Liberty Bell" machine had spinning reels with depictions of bells, hearts, diamonds, spades, and horseshoes. The patent courts sided with Fey and accepted the notion that a patent could not be given to Schultz as the legality of his gambling device was questionable. So too was the legality of Fey's device, so he was also denied a patent. Realizing that he had better not sell his machines, Fey instead "placed" the machines in various bars, taverns, and stores on a "revenue sharing" arrangement of the type still used between machine companies and grocery stores in Las Vegas and Reno. Unfortunately for Fey, someone in the Mill's Novelty Company of Chicago acquired a machine in 1905, and soon Mill's was making similar machines and selling them throughout the country.
Various subterfuges were used to dodge laws against gambling. Machines awarded merchandise instead of money prizes. The machines had signs saying they may not be used for gambling. The machines played music, and indicated that any coins coming out of them had to be reinserted so more music would play. The player could activate play on each reel, and therefore the machine owners could claim that play involved "skill" and not "luck." Some machines displayed exactly what combination would be displayed on the "next" coin, so that playing the machine--on that next coin--could not be considered gambling. Other machines gave a piece of gum with each play, so that the machines could be considered primarily gum dispensers.
Cat and mouse games with the law persisted through many decades, but when Nevada legalized casinos in 1931, major machine manufacturing could begin. In that year a company called Bally's developed a machine they called the "Ballyhoo." They sold the machines to both legal and illegal gambling venues. By the 1950s they dominated the gaming machine industry. In the 1960s and 1970s as they sold more and more machines, they developed electronic and then computerized machines.
As the 1970s ended Atlantic City casinos opened and Bally's had three quarters
or more of the American gambling machine market. Enter Si Redd. Si was a Mississippi
gambler who loved to tinker with machines. He rose in a career as an executive
with Bally's. There he worked with colleagues and other inventors on the development
of games which were played on a cathode ray tube--that is, a video screen. He
was especially interested in a video poker game. The higher-up executives with
Bally's knew their "bread and butter" was with the old reliable handle
pull spinning reel machines. After all, what customer would dare to trust a
computer--the customer wanted to see the actual reels spinning. Redd stood his
ground, but so did Bally's and a parting of the ways was inevitable. As each
party was fixed in their opinions, the parting was a mutually agreeable one.
Redd could take his video game inventions and go his own way, as long as he
promised that he would not try to make any "reel" machines that would
compete with models from Bally's--for five years. Oh, Bally's threw in its crumb,
they would not build any video machines for five years.
And that is how the Bally's empire came to fall, and that is how Si Redd and his new company International Gaming Technologies came to be a billion dollar operation. Video Poker "took off" as Atlantic City "took off." By the time the five years was over, I.G.T. dominated the market, and they had a big leg up in selling machines to new Native American casinos and riverboat casinos throughout the Middle West. In the 1980s casinos ceased relying heavily on table games, and machines overtook the tables in revenues. Now, even in Las Vegas, machines produce 60 percent or more of gambling revenues for casinos. In most other areas of the U.S. casinos receive as much as 80 percent of their revenue from machines.
The video poker machine is very popular because of its enticing qualities. Old slot machines might be played by "little ole ladies in tennis shoes" or by "non-gamblers" as they waited for their partners to play table games. Actually the machine players could be seen talking away with friends as they played two, three, four machines at a time. No more. With video poker games, the player became very serious. The video screen "talked" to the player. Well, sort of. The screen asked the player if he or she wished to hold a card, or have a new card. The player had to pay close attention to the screen. The player had time for one machine only, and the player did not have time for conversation with other people. An idle conversation would mess up one's concentration. Indeed, the player might mix up a diamond and a heart, a seven or an eight, and mess up chances for a straight or a flush. Video poker became serious business. And sad business too. The machines soon became the most addictive gambling device in the casinos.
One gambling counselor in Las Vegas found that 95 percent of the female compulsive gamblers he helped were addicted to video poker machines. In my own survey of 99 members of Gamblers Anonymous groups in Las Vegas, my colleagues and I found that over 70 percent were addicted to these machines. Prominent therapist Rob Hunter of Las Vegas is credited with calling the machines the "crack cocaine" of gambling. Psychiatrist Durand Jacobs of Loma Linda University works with gambling addicts. He finds that a majority of the ones who have video poker addictions have had the following symptoms while they played--out of body experiences, black-outs, and trance-like states, and that they have taken on the identity of other people.
Now consider Bennett. Here is a man who has achieved in every way what we consider admirable in our society. He is well educated--Ivy League degree, law degree, Ph.D, he has a solid intact family life, he has achieved both wealth and renown as an expert--whether or not you agree with him. He also is a believer and a strong church member who gives much time and money to charities and to persons less fortunate than he is. We would say that this man "has it together." YET. Look at what a video poker machine did to him! It could have destroyed him, it certainly has brought a degree of ruin to his reputation, and there is no doubt that it has brought hurt to many of his family, his friends, and those (like myself) who admire his views and his public persona.
Take this fact a step further. ASK. If a video poker machine can do this to a person who is "so together" what can it do to one who's life is troubled--to an unemployed person, a person on the edge of poverty, a person with a broken home, a lonely person, an elderly person who has lost a spouse, a person who is losing his or her health? The video poker machine can be devastating. In a sense I am glad that a number of rich people come to Las Vegas and lose a lot of money. I am saddened when I find casinos appealing not to rich tourists but to local residents who too often (unfortunately) fit the latter profile I present. These people with empty lives are especially vulnerable to gambling, and more so to the video poker machine.
The liberal voices condemning (criticizing) Bennett should direct some of their venom at their liberal political colleagues in Pennsylvania (Rendell), Wisconsin (Doyle), California (Davis), and others in Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, Washington, and Maine who are advocating introduction and expansion of video poker machines in their states. The case of Bennett should tell them that these machines are very dangerous, especially for "the little man." But then the International Gaming Technology company is part of the American Gaming Association which has a very large lobbying fund, and which gives politicians (many of the liberal stripe) very healthy campaign contributions.
Point One: Bennett's nemesis--the video poker machine--is a very dangerous commodity. Liberals should not encourage the spread of these machines.
Moving now to a second concern--the health of Mr. Bennett. A parallel or two. Ronald Reagan never won points for being a mental giant, whiz kid, quiz kid, or champion of Jeopardy. Ronald Reagan was regularly panned while president (by his liberal opponents) for his naps--including ones during cabinet meetings, and his gaps--of ready recall of information. Yet today in 2003, very few of his many critics would launch humorous jibes at his lack of energy or his failed memory. He instead merits sympathy. He is a victim of Alzheimer's disease. No laughing matter.
Now if it were revealed by a medical authority at a leading hospital that a champion spokesman of the Right--i.e. a William Bennett--was clinically diagnosed as being schizophrenic, or in common parlance, bi-polar, should such a diagnosis be greeted with personal condemnation and snide remarks engendering laughter, or perhaps with a degree of sympathy, with best wishes that he receive treatment and hopes that the treatment works? Would it become liberal voices to be laughing at mental illness?
I write not of hypotheticals. I write of facts. Liberals such as Mike Kinsley and Ellen Goodman heap scorn on a troubled gambler, almost with the laughter of glee that they have achieved another "gotcha." But none other than the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1980 after much study and discussion carried out over several years decreed that severe troubled gambling is a pathology, a mental illness, a "disease" of "impulse control." The Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals of the APA (editions III, IIIR, and IV) indicate several behavioral criteria for identifying the "disease." If a person displays several of the following he or she may be diagnosed as having this mental illness: preoccupation with gambling throughout waking hours, gambling larger amounts of money than intended, increasing bets to maintain a needed sense of arousal, irritability when not gambling, chasing losses by betting more and more, gambling when one must be at other places meeting obligations, mounting debts while gambling, engaging in illegal activities to gain gambling funds, hiding ones gambling activity, lying about gambling, and failing in efforts to stop gambling.
While Bennett certainly meets some of the criteria presented, we cannot know for sure if he has been diagnosed with the "disease," the mental illness. But it certainly appears if that was not the case, he was headed in that direction.
Both supporters and critics should be disturbed at this part of Mr. Bennett's life. We should not rejoice, albeit critics may have a quiet contentment that the voice of their adversary has been silenced, at least temporarily.
Maybe instead, we should seek to find understandings for why a person with such a complete life seemed to have such an empty spot in his life that he needed to fill it with addictive behavior. We should ask if perhaps we too are vulnerable.
Point Two: Liberals should be very careful about laughing at the mentally ill.
Ah, but then, maybe Bennett is only a "diseased" gambler in development. Perhaps his gambling at the stage of his exposure was not the result of a compulsion, a "disease," albeit it was excessive. After all, it appears that he did not reach the point of financial ruin, he is putting the food on the family table, he is paying (as far as we know) his debts, and he is (was) meeting his job obligations. Is he then ripe for criticism? I would think he is to a degree. We certainly can say--barring mental illness--that he foolishly squandered his money, that he engaged in frivolous activity reflecting poor financial judgment. If his judgment was so poor in this area, perhaps we can use that as a motivation to criticize his judgment in matters political, in matters of moral arguments.
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The most used word for Mr. Bennett's plight, a word repeated over and over as I ask others for their opinion is : "HYPOCRITE."
Does he qualify--in a religious sense, in the sense that he wrote (and collected essays) for a book called, The Book of Virtues? I refuse to call another a hypocrite, as I do have to look at myself in the mirror each day (or I choose to do so, at least when I am using a razor blade to shave). And while I must hesitate to condemn others for offering their criticism, perhaps I can analyze that particular criticism.
Webster's Dictionary (9th New Collegiate Edition) defines "hypocrite"
as "one who affects virtues or qualities he does not have." "Hypocrisy"
is defined as "a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one
does not...the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion."
A starting point for analysis.
First let us look at gambling and religion. I have devoted a major section to this topic in my Gambling in America. There I present views of various faiths toward gambling. Many--Baptists, Methodists--take a "deontological" view of gambling. namely they find it to always be wrong, always like in every circumstance. They find Biblical scripture that will support the notion that gambling represents covetness, stealing, and a mockery of the lessons of God and the Son.
Mr. Bennett is not a member of such faiths. He is a Catholic. While there is no universal view of gambling in Roman Catholic theology, a consensus view is that it is wrong but may be tolerated in some circumstances. This worldly or "teleological" (end result) view would hold that gambling activity should be condemned BUT. If the gambling game is honest, if the players are not cheating, if the players can afford their wagers, and if the players are meeting all of their social (church, family, society) obligations, and they are playing not habitually but rather recreationally, and if the bottomline result of the play helps society THEN gambling may be tolerated. In this scheme of things, Bennett may fail only in regard to the habitual nature of his play. We certainly should recognize that the games he played were honest and legal, and that the taxes from this rich man's gambling do provide for government services for less wealthy people, and that the profits taken by the casinos do employ many persons less fortunate than Mr. Bennett. Mr. Bennett also has been a major charitable contributor, he gives heartily to his church and other good causes, he takes care of his family, and he pays his taxes. He maintained that he only played occasionally. This may not be true. Certainly we could suggest that he had some playing binges that went beyond recreation. But if he was not under the "impulse control" illness mentioned above, it was an activity that might not have been too far beyond recreation. Many controlled gamblers have played for the lengths of time he played.
A religious hypocrite he seems not to be.
A hypocrite because he wrote The Book of Virtues? We must ask just what was in this book of "virtues." Many of his critics agreed that he had not personally criticized gambling activity, but they like to throw a "McCarthy" type guilt by association on him because others of the "Right" do oppose gambling. Like all conservatives must be of one mind. That doesn't justify any need for response.
But what was in "his" book. Ellen Goodman (Boston Globe, May 11, 2003) and others have pointed out the absence of "gambling" in his book. "Did you think it was odd that Bennett's Book of Virtues didn't mention gambling?" The implication was that he was meticulous to mention "his" sin in a book covering a litany of sins of others.
This is simply a very inaccurate reading of his book. He DID mention gambling--loud and clear, as well as soft and subtly. On the soft side he talked of investing and gathering. He distinguished between idleness which is unearned and "leisure" that is earned recreation. In Las Vegas we like to call gambling a "leisure" activity. He included Ecclesiastes--you know, the passage Kennedy used in his inaugural address--"...and there is a time for losing." Good enough for JFK. But the one piece that is "right on the money" is the poem from Rudyard Kipling. Bennett included "If." The lines flowed, "If you can make one heap of all your winnings, and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings, And never breathe a word about your loss.....If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With sixty seconds worth of distance run--Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!"
The liberal ladies may beg my forgiveness, but the point is that the vigorous mature soul can play the game, lose quietly (as Bennett was quite content to do), and go on with life. Bennett put the poem in his chapter on courage. Life goes on, and who best to be able to use human fortitude to advance whatever the loss or obstacle--but the gambler. Ergo, the gambler is not a person to be scorned and pitied and disdained, but rather a person deserving admiration--a "man" of courage. That he may have lied and shirked some personal responsibilities makes him vulnerable to critics, but then the full force of his book of virtues does not render him among all men to be particularly vulnerable to being labeled "hypocrite."
Point Three: Bill Bennett's religious beliefs and his philosophy of morality leaves room for gambling activity. He is not a hypocrite simply because he engaged in gambling--even if he did so with some degree of excess.
I don't admire Bill Bennett's affliction, be it one of mere excess or one of a disease of "impulse control." I feel a goodness for him that he was exposed before his excess or affliction brought him down completely. He will have to work hard to recover from his troubled gambling. Only a minority of members of Gambler's Anonymous groups can "stay clean," and the only sure cure to troubled gambling like alcoholism is total abstinence.
But in the meantime I must confess that I do admire the accomplishments of the man, and I find his Book of Virtues to be a wonderful collection of wisdom. I am reminded of the homily, "The efficacy of the sacraments is not to be compromised due to my inadequacies as a priest." His message on morality is no less viable due to the fact that he has human frailties, or perhaps that he like all of us is subject to the forces of human disease.
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Josh Greenland - 7/26/2003
"While I am critical of Bennett's politics, it is an entirely different matter to criticise his personal life, and quite hypocritical to confuse the two."
Bennett criticizes other people's private lives, sometimes in really mean-spirited ways. He has no right to be immune to what he does to others.
Josh Greenland - 7/26/2003
I don't know everything that "liberals" are supposed to be saying about Bill Bennett, and I won't take Bill Thompson's word that they are all calling him a hypocrite.
I have Bennett's Book of Virtues and don't see anything wrong with it (though I haven't yet read it all yet). It seems like the kind of thing that was written as non-sectarian moral instruction for children before 1940, dating back to before the 20th century. I don't have a problem with this, since so many young people seem to be growing up nowadays with a stunted moral code. However, the book is bulky enough that it looks intimidatingly like a tome and probably won't be read by most young people.
Bill Bennett is indeed Catholic religious right, so he isn't violating his own religious beliefs by gambling, and he may or may not be contradicting what he's written in his Virtue books. The problem is that he's been trying to lay his beliefs on others, and has justifiably earned the ire of many liberals, libertarians and libertines and gay people. And they can point to his alliance with those people and groups on the Protestant religious right that are anti-gambling and by trumpeting his gambling problem, can put the heat on him. His allies are particularly intolerant people and if there is too much publicity on this, it may make it hard for him to work with them (or sell books and lecturers to them). The folks who don't like him know this and are acting accordingly.
Sure, he may have a problem, but it's hard for most of us to feel sympathy for someone who can afford to play $500 slots for hours and lose $300K+ over a long weekend, especially if we don't respect how he made that money originally, being a professional moralizer who opposes the way that large parts of the population live.
I think he deserves the flack he's getting, not because there's anything so evil about his gambling, but because he is a public figure whose made a lucrative career of attacking other people's lives. Too bad if Bill Thompson agrees with most or all of Bennett's bigotries, because Bennett deserves what he's getting now.
Don Williams - 7/26/2003
In the cited news article above, Bennett now admits to losing a lot of money. But he sung a different tune when Washington Monthly first asked him about his gambling back in May. From
Bennett--who gambled throughout Clinton's impeachment--has continued this pattern in subsequent years. On July 12 of last year, for instance, Bennett lost $340,000 at Caesar's Boardwalk Regency in Atlantic City. And just three weeks ago, on March 29 and 30*, he lost more than $500,000 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. "There's a term in the trade for this kind of gambler," says a casino source who has witnessed Bennett at the high-limit slots in the wee hours. "We call them losers."
Asked by Newsweek columnist and Washington Monthly contributing editor Jonathan Alter to comment on the reports, Bennett admitted that he gambles but not that he has ended up behind. "I play fairly high stakes. I adhere to the law. I don't play the 'milk money.' I don't put my family at risk, and I don't owe anyone anything." The documents offer no reason to contradict Bennett on these points. Bennett claims he's beaten the odds: "Over 10 years, I'd say I've come out pretty close to even."
"You can roll up and down a lot in one day, as we have on many occasions," Bennett explains. "You may cycle several hundred thousand dollars in an evening and net out only a few thousand."
"I've made a lot of money [in book sales, speaking fees and other business ventures] and I've won a lot of money," adds Bennett. "When I win, I usually give at least a chunk of it away [to charity]. I report everything to the IRS."
But the documents show only a few occasions when he turns in chips worth $30,000 or $40,000 at the end of an evening. Most of the time, he draws down his line of credit, often substantially. A casino source, hearing of Bennett's claim to breaking even on slots over 10 years, just laughed.
"You don't see what I walk away with," Bennett says. "They [casinos] don't want you to see it."
Any gambler knows that the Casinos are set up to give an edge to the House -- and that edge makes it certain that one will lose
heavily if gambling is prolonged (over an hour).
If you bet big, you will lose even bigger. They don't build those huge glittering casinos by losing money.
What people often don't realize is that the house edge applies to
the total amount gambled,not the size of the bet. Take the $500 slots that Bennett reportedly played. Assume they were set up with a generous payout of 98% (i.e., return 98% of the amount gambled, on average, back to the players and house keeps only 2%.
--note that Nevada law allows casinos to set slot machines so as to keep up to 25% of amount gambled but competitive pressure usually ensures casinos are more generous.)
The problem for Bennett is that the pace of slots is rapid -- up to 12 spins per minute or 720 spins per hour. At that rate, one has bet a total of 720 x $500 or $360,000 over the hour and the casino will earn 2% x $360,000 or $7200. Over three hours , the player will lose $21,600.
A player might earn a profit if he hits somes wins at the start of play and then immediately quits with his earnings. But if he plays for a hour or more, the house edge will inexorably eat up his stake.
Stephen Kriz - 7/26/2003
Here's the latest from Billy Boy himself:
Reminds me of Nixon's line, "I'm not a crook".
Bennett: "I'm not a hypocrite" - Yeah, right, Bill........
Stephen Kriz - 7/25/2003
A picture is worth a thousand words, and this cartoonist pretty much nails Bill Bennett in these few panels:
Kenneth Gregg - 7/23/2003
I have a good appreciation of Bill Thompson's well-balanced view of Bill Bennett. His scholarship, as always, is clear and to the point. More often than not, it is far too easy to criticise a public figure by ignoring the fundamentals, such as their core religious/philosophical stances, or the context of their lives and writings. What Thompson has done is far superior to the other critics (and Thompson was making some criticisms) have done with the public "outing" of Bennett's gambling.
While I am critical of Bennett's politics, it is an entirely different matter to criticise his personal life, and quite hypocritical to confuse the two. Bennett, regardless of what I or anyone else may say of his politics, has led a thoughtful and successful life.
Christians would point out that they may not be perfect, just forgiven. The rest of us would learn from this.
Congratulations to Bill Thompson!
Kenneth Gregg
Wilson - 7/22/2003
I hate to kick someone when they're down, but Bill Bennett also weighs about 300 lbs. I remember reading a typically hectoring piece of his in which he damned the Clintons and liberals for indulging in several of 'the seven deadly sins.' All I could think was, "Does he now know gluttony is one of them? Has no one ever told him that?"
Stephen Kriz - 7/22/2003
Editor: THIS COMMENT HAS BEEN REMOVED. IT DOES NOT MEET HNN'S STANDARDS OF CIVIL DEBATE AS OUTLINED HERE:
HC Carey - 7/22/2003
Now he has to lie in it. Bennett set himself up as the nation's moral guargian and consistently lectured Americans on their failures. That he was a compulsive gambler who lied to his family to conceal the extent of his losses and then justified his gambling on the grounds that "no one was hurt" (precisely the argument used to justify marijjuana use!) does not change the utility, value or strategic usefulness of the morals he espoused. It just, quite rightly, knocks him on his ass as a spokesman and deprives him of the right to lecture other people about their shortcomings
Josh Greenland - 7/22/2003
Bill Thompson puts together a defense of conservative Bill Bennett against charges of hypocrisy. It's hard to have much faith in Thompson's mental illness argument, however, when he starts off with this statement: "Now if it were revealed by a medical authority at a leading hospital that a champion spokesman of the Right--i.e. a William Bennett--was clinically diagnosed as being schizophrenic, or in common parlance, bi-polar,...."
Schizophrenia is a thought disorder, and has nothing to do with the mood disorder known formally as bi-polar disorder. Common parlance for the latter is manic-depression.
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Re: Update on Lauren
Please know our family is thinking of Lauren and your entire family during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to each of you.
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Please know our family is thinking of Lauren and your entire family during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to each of you.
Dear Pam & Family,
I did not think my heart could break again but it did with the news of Lauren's continuing on with her journey. Bless Lauren and your entire family for the unselfish courageous war you all waged against CC. The world is a better place for her bright light having shown here, even for such a short period!
Be gentle with yourselves,
Lori Johnson
Trackers Mom 1981 - 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will pray to almighty to give you all the courage, support and strength to over come this loss.
I can't tell you how saddened I am by this news. You have an amazing family, and I am sending all of you my best thoughts for this difficult and trying time.
May Lauren rest in peace in heaven, and know that there are many of us who have never met you but have been touched deeply by your courageous fight, and are sending you our love.
Pam and family,
I do not post often, but I have followed dear Lauren's story and I as so sorry for your loss. She fought a brave battle and I know that she is resing in peace in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Hugs from New Hampshire,
From Pam -
http://loveandhopeforlauren.blogspot.co … ments.html
Pam, You WILL see Lauren, she will come to you in a dream that will let you know she is so happy and healthy and then you will realize it is not a dream she is really with you to let you know she is just fine. You already got your first penny. Pam start your own private log, I have a feeling she will be coming a lot and the log will bring you comfort. I am sending you an e mail about what to look for, altho Lauren knows you are not going to miss a single sign. Teddy passed Dec 6th and showed up Dec 12th for the first time. It is so wonderful as they look so good!
I love the beautiful Family picture on your Blog. I am hoping you feel my spirit with you on the 14th. You are amazing! Much love coming your way and to your family as well.
Thank you all so much for your kind words. What in the world would I do without all of you, my sweet friends. I know Lauren is in a better place and I'm sure Teddy had a seat for her at the banquet table. That table has to be getting quite large as we have lost so many to this disease. Our family promises to fight for a cure and never give up as a tribute to Lauren and all the wonderful souls before her that were taken too soon. God Bless you all and I will be back to help real soon.
Love to all,
I hope you won't mind me sharing this Pam, I saw it on your FB page.
Lauren Patrice "Wo" Kunklier
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ohio/o … bLoggedOut
Thinking of you and your family Pam.
Pam: I wish I could make it for Lauren's funeral. I will be thinking of you and the family. I pray God gives you strength to get through this. You are all in my prayers. I know Lauren will be there, and am sure she will visit you often. You had a wonderful relationship.
Dear Pam and Lauren's family,
My heart is breaking as I learned about Lauren's passing. Since my own mom's departure in Mid May, I have been closely following your blog regarding Lauren's condition... I was not able to comment or post anything.. but I checked everyday hoping and wishing for the best outcome while cheering on in silence. I'm truly sorry for your loss.. You are such a wonderful mom and she had such a great loving family and friends. Please know that she is no longer in pain and she is at peace... Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of Lauren.
sending love and lots of hugs,
I have been following your blogs & forum updates for the last several weeks and now words just escape me....please know that your beautiful daughter & family are in my thoughts & prayers, God Bless
Dear Pam
I was also following your blog and deeply sorry for your loss. This cancer is so unbelievably cruel and offers so little hope. I was really hoping that Lauren would be one of the exceptions.
Thinking of you and your family, Alla
My heart breaks for you Pam and your family. R.I.P gorgeous girl. xxx
Pam, I loved your Blog, felt like I was there, but went through quite a few Kleenex's then took a bath towel! Pam you are one courageous woman and I just know Lauren is so proud to be your daughter. That will never, ever change. Do what you can do in your own time. Like me, I think you do find some peace in writing and it is a good way, one way, to keep those Memories flowing. Love you to pieces. Time, give it lots of time but at the same time you know Lauren wants you to be happy, when you are ready.
Dear Pam,
I have not been online for weeks and lost track of many friends here so seeing your news about Lauren was heartbreaking. I am so, so sorry. Words can't heal your broken heart right now but time will help lessen the grief. I know I tended to get teary and often cry when talking or thinking about Tom after he first passed but now I usually laugh when thinking of him. I think of our good times and his smile and laugh and voice and you will remember Lauren that way too. You'll get over the trauma you obviously have been through, it's like suffering from PTSD after being a caretaker for so long and having to go through all that you and your family experienced at the end. Watching a child go through what Lauren did would be torture. But in time those memories will fade and you'll be able to laugh again. You'll still cry... just not as often !! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and with Lauren. We have a new, beautiful CC angel. We'll always remember her strength and courage. Take care of yourself, Pam. Remember we are all here for you. Love, Mary
I have not been on this site in months. Maybe it was because I wanted to wish everything was the way it once was. I was absolutely devastated to hear of Lauren's passing. My heart breaks for you and your family. You as her caregiver, are a saint. God bless you and your family. May you find peace.
I;m so sorry. I have been out of town for a while and not able to update on the board. But I followed your blog while I was away. I'm so sorry to hear about Lauren. Praying for you and your family.
Take care,
The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.


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County Honored at NAIOP Awards
Nov. 28, 2012
Ben Boxer
DPWES-Capital Facilities
Fairfax County Honored for 'Focus on Excellence' at Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) was among 23 recipients of the NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards of Excellence, at the group's annual awards gala in Tysons Corner. Honors were received for the Mid County Human Services Center and the I-66 Transfer Station Operations Center in the categories of "Best Real Estate Transaction" and "Best Buildings," respectively.
Best Real Estate Transaction – Sale:
The Mid County Human Services Center
Team: DPWES, Inova Health Services, Noritake Associates and Manhattan Construction
The property transaction between Fairfax County and Inova Health Services, Inc. provided the land, infrastructure, and significant savings in project financing for the county's development of the Mid County Human Services Center to replace the existing Woodburn Mental Health Center. The agreement also provides Inova with the acquisition of 21.88 acres to address the critically needed long-term development capacity for healthcare services at the Inova Fairfax Hospital complex.
The Mid County Human Services Center development will provide a 200,000-square-foot office building, including a 40,000-square-foot area to be leased by Inova, and a 690-space parking structure, to consolidate the programs of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and provide additional space for meeting the demands of existing services. The development of this facility presents the county with significant cost savings in project financing and consolidation of services. The facility is currently under construction managed by DPWES.
Related Information
Woodburn Center & Inova Fairfax Hospital Special Study
Best Building – Institutional Facility Under $20
The I-66 Transfer Station Operations Center
Team: DPWES, Ritter Architects and Falls Church Construction Corporation
Completed in March of 2011, the I-66 Transfer Station Operations Center houses locker rooms and showers, training rooms, lunchroom and office space. The 10,700-square-foot facility was constructed to replace an aging work center consisting of four trailers in deteriorating condition.
The facility is built above a portion of the closed I-66 Landfill that contains compacted trash and soil. The decomposition of the waste also produces methane and other gases directly beneath the building. The design required a special foundation system to prevent excessive settling of the building and included a system to receive processed landfill gas for the mechanical systems. The building also contains a comprehensive methane detection and evacuation system integrated into and below the building.
In compliance with the county's Green Building Policy, the facility was designed and constructed to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council's silver certification standards under the Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design Program. Several green design features include the use of recycled and rapidly-renewable building materials, energy efficient appliances, maximizing the use of natural light in 95 percent of occupied spaces and the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures.
Related Information
NAIOP Northern Virginia is a chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and it comprises over 825 members serving the local Northern Virginia market.
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request this information in an alternate format, or for reasonable ADA accommodations, call 703-324-5880, TTY 711.


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First Aid in the Outdoors - NEW Courses FOR 2017
First aid, especially when operating in the outdoors is a crucial skill to hold and is often mandatory.
Cycling UK'S first aid courses include:
- Outdoor First Aid. This 2-day (16 hour) course, which is accepted for most outdoor environments, specifically covers the first aid requirements where you are away from immediate (road based) ambulance access. Suited to those holding Cycling UK's Leader, Instructor and Trainer Awards. This course is also appropriate and relevant to most other outdoor activity qualifications, such as BCU, MLTB, and RYA.
For new dates: Call 01483 238305
- Bike First Aid. This 1-day course covers typical incidents and injuries sustained by cyclists and mountain bikers, and provides scenarios to help you manage emergencies. It is ideally suited to general riders and club members, as well as those working in ambulance and phone landline accessible environments, such as holders of Group Leader, Ride Manager, Club Ride Leader and MTB Leader.
Each First Aid in the Outdoors course includes:
- Safe best practice
- A systematic approach to incident management in the outdoors
- Unconsciousness, causes and treatment
- External bleeding, internal bleeding and shock
- Resuscitation procedures including choking
- Awareness of current regulations
- Injury management outdoors
- Illness recognition and management
- Managing thermal (heat, cold) problems
- Incident management scenarios
The full course package is based on:
- Interactive hands-on practical training indoors and outside
- Typically 70% practical with 30% theory session ratio
- One CPR training manikin per 2 participants
- Use of recommended first aid kit
- Easy to follow individual course booklet
- An accredited, recognised certificate valid for 3 years
Course outcomes
Cycling UK's first aid in the outdoors courses provide you with the adaptions, skills and experience to manage injury situations and especially give you confidence. The two-day course also covers longer term immediate care where road-going ambulance and possibly phone access is not immediate.
Cycling UK's , working closely with the UK wide first aid providers including Lifesigns Group & Outdoor Training have generated cycle-specific elements and scenarios for these courses, ensuring that whether you are out on your own or with a group, on the road or trail, and out in the woods or wilds, you will know what to do when things don't go quite as planned...
This course is valid for a period of three years, after which revalidation is required.
Please contact the Courses & Training Helpline to find out if this course is available for booking: 01483 238 337
What you need
There is no prior experience required before attending this course. The qualification is valid for three years, after which re-validation is required.
What next?
This course leads directly to further first aid courses including the Expedition First Aid and the Overseas Medical Intervention courses.
They also support all the knowledge and skills requirements to enable use of the Cycling UK Leader Awards and all of the Cycling UK Safe Working Practice courses.


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At Morey's Piers, we're thankful that we're able to share our love of sun, fun and the occasional loopty loop with all of you and your families- our guests. I asked our "Morey Moms" if they wouldn't mind sharing some of their favorite holiday recipes as well.
From Karen Morey's Kitchen:
I don't measure when I cook to give an accurate recipe, HOWEVER, the best way to serve a moist turkey is by brining. It cuts cooking time in half and you have an incredibly fragrant, moist, delicious turkey. Plus by brining you never have to buy a turkey that is injected with artificial chemicals to make it moist!
You'll need a cooler large enough to cover your turkey with brining solution which consists of the following:
Water and Ice
Vegetable Stock (best if you make your own using apple cider, onions, carrots, fennel, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, green apples, rosemary, thyme, parsley and sea salt. OR there are great organic stocks available at most supermarkets. Williams Sonoma makes a great turkey brine already in a jar.)
Place turkey BREAST DOWN into cooler, (turkey should be completely covered in liquid, they like to float. . . so I always find this impossible)
Soak the turkey overnight, or at least 8 hours and then allow to sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Keep all of the seasoning used in brine and put them into the cavity of the turkey.
Also, use some of the brining solution for your turkey gravy…
I also cook my turkey uncovered at 500° for at least 30 minutes (this way all the fat melts right away and it gets nice and brown, then cover with tin foil and reduce temperature to 325 until it's done.)
Best stuffing is APPLE, CRANBERRY, FENNEL and SAUSAGE! When making your stuffing, bake in cupcake pans so that everyone has their own individual crispy stuffing muffin. Fennel is a great ingredient to use over the holidays as it aids in DIGESTION!
From Janice Morey's Kitchen:
Apple Crisp (Originally by Jackye Morey)
Place in buttered 10×6×2 inch baking dish 4 cups sliced apples.
Sprinkle with 1 t cinnamon, 1 t salt, ¼ c water.
Rub together ¾ c sifted flour, 1 c sugar, 1/3 c butter
Drop mixture over apples.
Bake in 350 oven for 40 minutes


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Bieres de la Meuse
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Product ID#: 118397
Title: Bieres de la Meuse
Artist: Alphonse Mucha
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A French beer company in the Art Nouveau style
28" x 40" Fine-Art Print
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You are viewing a museum quality fine-art print. The prints we carry are produced using either the lithographic or serigraphic printing process and are printed on high quality archival acid free paper. Most prints are on a thick (120 pound or higher) stock of paper. Each print is of the highest museum art print reproduction quality and are supplied by the world's leading art publishers. These prints rival any detailed reproduction from their originals and are geared towards the discerning eye of the particular art collector.
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Vienna Celebrates July Fourth
June 29, 2010
News Highlights
Vienna's red, white and blue Fourth of July celebration begins at 11 a.m., Sunday, July 4, at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna. The all-day event ends with a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. at Southside Park, 1315 Ross Drive, SW.
During the day there will be entertainment; a magician for children; arts and crafts; a chili cook-off; antique and classic cars; and rides.
Further information is available online.
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711


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'"You don't want to be remembered for having a horrible start and basically wasting a season. You want to battle and compete. However things turn out, we've showed we have pride. We're happy at the checkpoint we're at now but five games (left), some tough opponents. Same situation we've been in for 2 1/2 months: Gotta win."'
You are here: Home / SabresBeat / Buffalo Sabres still getting used to NHL's high-rent district


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotel3.5-star hotel near Sawgrass Mills Mall
Popular property highlights
Situated in Sunrise, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of VF Outlet and Sawgrass Mills Mall. Volunteer Park and BB&T Center are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Hotel Features
This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and a free area shuttle are also provided. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a spa tub, and a business center.
Room Amenities
All 250 rooms provide free WiFi, coffee makers, and cable TV. Other amenities available to guests include free weekday newspapers, hair dryers, and safes.
Guest Highlights
- Good location
- Proximity to shopping
- Pool
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
- Comfy beds
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to an outdoor pool, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills provides a spa tub and a fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Business-related amenities at this 3.5-star property consist of a business center and a meeting room. This business-friendly hotel also offers multilingual staff, gift shops/newsstands, and concierge services. A complimentary area shuttle within 3 mi is available for guests. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 250
- ATM/banking
- Number of floors - 9
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Free WiFi
- Concierge services
- One meeting room
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Laundry facilities
- Multilingual staff
- Porter/bellhop
- Restaurant
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Spa tub
- Outdoor pool
- Free area shuttle
Family Friendly Amenities
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Area shuttle (complimentary)
- Laundry facilities
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Free weekday newspaper
- Air conditioning
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Cable TV service
- Desk
- Free WiFi
- In-room safe
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Peytons Place - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Nearby Things to Do
An outdoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.
- Golfing nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet
- Up to 50 lb
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: USD 16.95 per person (approximately)
- Pet fee: USD 50 per pet
Hotel Name
- DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Sunrise Sawgrass Mills
- DoubleTree Hotel Sawgrass
- DoubleTree Sawgrass
- DoubleTree Sawgrass Hotel
- Hilton DoubleTree Sawgrass
- Hilton Sawgrass
- Hotel DoubleTree Sawgrass
- Sawgrass DoubleTree
- Sawgrass Hilton
- Sawgrass Hotel
- DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Sawgrass Mills
- DoubleTree Hilton Sunrise Sawgrass Mills
- DoubleTree Hilton Sawgrass Mills


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The industry events section runs online and lets visitors know about conventions, meetings, trade shows, and other events that are scheduled for the upcoming months. If you have an industry event you want included you may fill out the form below to request placement on the site. Fill out as many details as are applicable and click submit.
Not all submissions will qualify for publication. Hotel F&B reserves the right to edit for consistency and brevity the information on event forms submitted for publication.
Copyright ©2017. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.
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Price Gouging and Repair Contractors -- Winter Preparedness Tips
In the wake of major snowstorms, residents are reminded to be cautious when solicited by people offering to provide services such as repairs to roof and decks; snow clearing; car towing.
Price Gouging
The Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act makes it illegal to charge unconscionable prices for 30 days after a declared state of emergency. This state law prohibits price gouging for "necessary goods and services" that are in demand after a disaster. These goods and services include but are not limited to water, food, ice, gasoline, generators, batteries and building materials. The law only applies during a time of disaster when either the governor or the president declares a state of emergency in Virginia.
- Towing — File complaints about price gouging for a Fairfax police-directed tow with the Police Department at 703-280-0575, TTY 711.
- General — If you have concerns about this or other price gouging, to file a complaint, complete a form (PDF) from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or call 1-800-552-9963, TTY 711, to receive the form by mail or fax. Send completed complaint forms by e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com or mail to the Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 443, Fairfax, VA 22035, attention "Price Gouging." For more information about filing a price-gouging complaint, contact the county at 703-222-8435, TTY 711.
Contractor Precautions
The aftermath of severe storm damage often results in an increase in consumer complaints resulting from contractor fraud or shoddy repairs by unlicensed contractors. The Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services offers tips for working with contractors:
Always ask to see a copy of a contractor's license from the
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
(DPOR), or check for a valid contractor license at
www.state.va.us/dpor, or 804-367-8511. Any contractor seeking work
through home
solicitation must carry a solicitor license issued by Fairfax
Check a contractor's licensing credentials. Write down the license
number, expiration date, name of the licensee, address and phone
numbers. (Make sure the contractor has a current physical address, not
a P.O. Box).
Find out how long the contractor has held a license and check for any
disciplinary action taken by DPOR.
Make sure the contractor has a personal liability insurance policy and
verify it with the contractor's insurance agent.
Call the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental
Services Permits Branch at 703-324-1555, TTY 711, to determine whether a permit is
necessary for the intended work. Ask for information on each
contractor's licensing and disciplinary status.
Obtain bids from three contractors, ask for three references from each,
and find out if the contractor provided a monetary discount or payment
in exchange for using a consumer as a reference.
Insist on a detailed written contract with a start and completion
Do not sign anything that you do not understand.
Do not pay cash.
Do not rely on verbal agreements.
Do not pay more than 10 percent down and do not allow payments to get
ahead of the work.
Do not succumb to high pressure or scare tactics, over-friendly sales
pitches, materials left over, or escalating prices.
Do search the Consumer Protection Division's Complaint History files
to locate any complaints previously filed against a contractor.
- Be aware of excessive pricing for snow shoveling when hiring someone to clear driveways and sidewalks.
More Information


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More monkey fun on DVD today...
For a great selection of film, comic and TV action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, PastGenerationToys.com, MonkeyDepot.com, and Sekaido.com.
For a great selection of film, TV and pop culture t-shirts and apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com and 80sTees.com.
Four years after the moderate success that is Curious George, the folks at the Universal Animation Studios and Imagine Entertainment returns with a brand new feature length film that comes straight to DVD on today. Curious George 2: Follow that Monkey reunites Ted, the man in the yellow suit, (Jeff Bennett takes over for Will Ferrell) with George on a cross-country adventure with a home-sick elephant named Kayla. Thanks to complications in modern communications, Ted and George become fugitives in a mistaken elephant-kidnapping plot, all while Ted's priorities of becoming museum director are jeopardized.
Reprising his role as George is long-time voice actor Frank Welker (Transformers, Aladdin, Chipmunk Adventure). The all-star cast also features Tim Curry as the magician Piccadilly, Matt Lauer as TV Journalist Hark Hanson, Jamie Kennedy as head of security, and a small cameo by comedy legend Jerry Lewis. Songs this time around are performed by Carbon Leaf and they do a good job keeping the film going with a special appearance by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Curious George 2 is executive produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
The film has a slim running length at 80 minutes but because this is a film aimed at much younger audience, it may not hold up very well for all audiences. At its heart, however, is a simple story that young kids can certainly enjoy. It moves at a brisk pace and for the most part, does its job. This isn't the original, but holds up fairly well.
From an animation perspective, the film returns to its hand-drawn roots and that in itself is endearing. When CG is used though, it is painfully obvious and reminds me of where Disney was in the late 80's when they began introducing CG elements into their films. But the art and animation is all rendered well and thankfully, does not feel like the stereotypical direct to DVD movie.
There are a handful of bonus features included with this DVD release including two never before seen bonus shows from the all-new TV season. These shows are also hand drawn and definitely aimed at children but thankfully doesnt insult your intelligence at the same time. Also included is a Curious George Cross Country Caper Game that contains puzzles that take George and Kayla from New York to California. A music video of "Hold On, Here We Go" is also included.
For fans of the books created by Margaret and H.A. Rey and of the previous films and television shows, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey is a nice addition to the collection and library. For more monkey fun, you can also catch the Live Stage production or enjoy the Curious George play area at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Review by David Yeh
DVD Sample Courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment


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Spokesman: Gov. Rick Scott 'hasn't picked a side' in issue of making USF Polytechnic independent
After J.D. Alexander met with Gov. Rick Scott in late August to promote his pet project -- taking USF Polytechnic from the USF system and making it independent -- the senator described the governor as "pretty supportive" of the idea.
But Lane Wright, a Scott spokesman, said Wednesday that the governor is of two minds on the issue.
"The governor hasn't picked a side here," Wright said. "He believes it's something that needs to be carefully considered."
Wright went on to say Scott "likes the idea of a school that teaches math, science and technology-centered skills because there's an increasing demand for those in the job market. On the other hand, there's the issue of how it's going to get paid for and that's something he's looking at closely."
And what would be the problem with maintaining the science, math, tech "polytech" under the USF banner?
"That's a good question," Wright said.
Alexander's proposal is now being considered by the state board of governors, which may vote on the issue at its November meeting.
Though it's a hot topic in Polk County, the idea of creating "Polk Polytech" is not generating a flood of calls to the governor. Wright said Scott's office has received two phone calls and one e-mail on the topic, all from people who oppose the fast-moving proposal.
-- Kris Hundley, Times staff writer