text:
Managing Giant Retinal Tears
A video-enhanced guide to surgical repair.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) related to giant retinal tears (GRTs) present unique challenges to vitreoretinal surgeons. Greater than three clock hours in size, GRTs have a tendency to roll back posteriorly and can extend radially.
Historically, outcomes in these cases were poor. In 1975, Kanski reported a 58% retinal reattachment rate using intentional retinal incarceration.1 Other strategies included prone air-fluid exchange and retinal tacks or sutures. Since then, several innovations in surgical technique have coincided with improved outcomes (Figure 1).2-8
Figure 1. Primary anatomic success rates in the surgical repair of GRT-related RRD have improved over time with new techniques and technologies.
A recent case series from The Retina Service of the Wills Eye Hospital reported an 88% single surgery success rate.9 To achieve this level, each step of the procedure must be optimized.
The next time a patient walks into your office with a RRD due to GRT, consider this step-by-step guide with some clinical pearls to help increase the chance of a favorable outcome.
Conflicting reports exist regarding the benefit of adding an encircling scleral buckle (SB) to vitrectomy for GRT-RRDs. Authors who favor buckling argue that GRTs occur in patients with an abnormal vitreous base, and supporting this region decreases the tractional forces that could result in reopening of the break or extension into uninvolved retina.10,11 This mechanism may be especially important in phakic patients, in whom the crystalline lens hinders thorough vitrectomy.
In contrast, some argue that GRTs, especially if extending greater than 180º, already have significant release of traction, similar to a retinectomy, so a SB may not be helpful.
John D. Pitcher, III, MD, is a fellow in vitreoretinal surgery at Wills Eye Hospital and a clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson Univeristy Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. He reports no financial interest in any of the products mentioned here. Dr. Pitcher's e-mail is firstname.lastname@example.com.
In cases with pre-existing proliferative vitreoretinopathy, a buckle should be strongly considered. Most will agree that, when initially in doubt, placement of a SB is seldom regretted.
If adjuvant scleral buckling is performed, a low lying buckle is preferred (41 or 42 band). A high buckle could increase the chance of retinal slippage or radial folds.
This is also true if larger elements are utilized. In all cases, the goal should be to position the posterior edge of the GRT to fall on the plateau of the buckle.
Small-gauge vitrectomy is now the preferred method for GRT-RRD repair. Both 23- and 25-gauge platforms have sufficient stiffness of instrumentation to complete the necessary tasks. Valved cannula systems decrease turbulent flow and lessen vitreous incarceration, which are especially important in complex cases, in which insertion and removal of instruments are more frequent.
High speed cutting with low vacuum levels allows for safer shaving of peripheral vitreous over detached retina. Confirm a posterior vitreous detachment intraoperatively.
In cases associated with trauma or genetic syndromes (Stickler, Marfan, etc.), a PVD is less commonly present. A thorough dissection of the vitreous base is advised, with the aid of scleral depression if available.
Lensectomy is not necessary for the vast majority of cases, unless lenticular opacity is an impediment.8 As in all cases, proper lighting is critical for gel visualization. Give extra attention to the horns of the GRT, the most common site where the break may reopen.
The anterior flap of the tear is devitalized (ischemic) retina that can serve as a scaffold for anterior-loop PVR — it should be preferentially trimmed, when possible (Video 1).
Endodiathermy along the posterior edge of the GRT can ensure hemostasis in areas of amputated retinal blood vessels, which the surgeon may encounter in subsequent steps. The lateral extent of the tear is helpful to mark, because the surgeon's view may become more limited later in the case.
Cautery should be gentle enough to avoid retinal contraction but generous enough to aid in visualization of the edges of the tear (Video 2). Of course, other retinal defects outside of the GRT should be marked for similar purposes.
The widespread integration of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in the 1990s revolutionized the repair of GRT-associated RRDs. Gradually inject PFCL over the optic disc to ensure that a single enlarging bubble expands past the peripheral edges of the GRT.
Tilting the eye away from the break can help displace all subretinal fluid. A soft (silicone) tipped cannula can facilitate unrolling any residual areas of retinal folding (Video 3).
Instructions for Viewing Videos Online
To view the videos associated with this article, please view the article online or visit www.youtube.com/user/RetinalPhysician1.
Adequate retinopexy is critical in GRT-RRD repair. Endolaser should be applied in at least two to three rows along the posterior edge of the tear and continued anteriorly to the ora serrata.
Moderate intensity burns are preferred, with a near-confluent pattern (approximately one-half burn-width apart). More generous barricade should be placed at the horns or radial extensions of the GRT, where primary failure most often occurs (Video 4).
Other retinal breaks should be treated appropriately, but no evidence exists to support the addition of 360º endolaser in the absence of lattice degeneration or other pathology.8
The fluid-air exchange is arguably the most critical step in the surgical repair of GRT-associated RRDs. Improper technique can result in retinal slippage or folds. A meticulous, slow aqueous removal with an extrusion cannula at the air-PFCL interface and at the edge of the tear is essential.
Rotating the eye to place the GRT in the most dependent position, maintaining suction, and draining for a longer duration than in typical RRDs will ensure that residual subretinal fluid is nonexistent (Video 5).
Many factors contribute to the decision of choice of tamponade agent. The superotemporal quadrant is the most common location for spontaneous GRT formation. Longer acting gas (C3F8) is appropriate in these cases, if uncomplicated.
The presence of PVR, primarily inferior GRT, or suspected poor compliance with positioning generally necessitate the use of silicone oil.
Avoid the use of short-acting gas (SF6) because evidence has suggested higher rates of redetachment.8 Seven days of postoperative head positioning is recommended for most cases.
Patients who have had a spontaneous GRT are at risk of developing a GRT in their fellow eye. Because of the substantial potential visual morbidity associated with a GRT-RRD, many have debated the role of laser and even surgical prophlyaxis.12,13
Most advocate for retinopexy of any peripheral retinal breaks or lattice degeneration in the fellow eye. Less evidence exists for preventative treatment in the absence of pathology. Patients with a syndromic predisposition are at especially high risk, and these cases deserve close monitoring.
A Previously Lasered GRT
A 45-year-old phakic myopic man presented to the Retina Service of the Wills Eye Hospital with a macula-on RRD associated with a five clock hour superotemporal GRT. One week earlier he underwent laser retinopexy by an outside retina specialist to treat the GRT.
Subretinal fluid progressed through the barricade, and surgical intervention was necessary. The pathology was nearly completely contained by the previous treatment, so I did not include a scleral buckle in the surgical strategy.
I performed 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (Figure 2A, page 19), using scleral depression to remove inferiorly settled vitreous hemorrhage and ensure the vitreous base was thoroughly dissected (Figure 2B). I used the vitrector to relieve all vitreous traction from the break and amputated the anterior edge of the GRT (Figure 2C).
Figure 2. While performing pars plana vitrectomy (A), scleral depression (B) helped to ensure the vitreous base was thoroughly dissected. After relief of vitreous traction from the break and amputation of the anterior edge of the GRT (C), endodiathermy was used to cauterize bleeding vessels at the edge of the GRT (D). During fluid-air exchange, the cannula was used to pull the retina peripherally (E). A laser probe was used to complete retinopexy (F) and C3F8 gas was perfused (G).
I used endodiathermy to cauterize bleeding retinal blood vessels at the edge of the tear (Figure 2D). This also aided in visualization and identification of the extent of the GRT later in the case.
During the fluid-air exchange, I used a silicone soft-tipped extrusion cannula to gently engage the retina and pull it peripherally (Figure 2E). This maneuver was possible due to the localized nature of the GRT, and it facilitated retinal flattening under the air tamponade, obviating the need for PFCL.
I used a 23-gauge illuminated laser probe to complete three rows of barricade retinopexy surrounding the previous treatment zone (Figure 2F). At the end of the case, I infused C3F8 gas to a physiologic intraocular pressure (Figure 2G).
I instructed the patient to avoid supine positioning for five days. Three months later, his retina remained attached, and his Snellen visual acuity was 20/20.
A Nearly 360º GRT
A 50-year-old pseudophakic man presented to the Retina Service of the Wills Eye Hospital with a macula-off RRD due to an 11+ clock hour GRT (Figure 3A).
Figure 3. A patient with an 11+ clock hour GRT (A) underwent vitrectomy. The vitreous base was trimmed and the anterior flap of the GRT amputated (B). Care was taken to avoid cutting the intact retina (C). PFCL was injected to facilitate unfolding of the retina (D). Endolaser was performed along the posterior edge of the GRT (E). After ensuring no subretinal fluid was present (F), C3F8 tamponade was performed (G).
I performed 23–gauge PPV without a scleral buckle. I completed a meticulous trim of the vitreous base and amputated the anterior flap of the GRT (Figure 3B).
Only a small amount of peripheral retina in the superonasal quadrant was unaffected by the GRT. Although several small breaks were present in this region, I was careful to avoid cutting the intact retina (Figure 3C). Connecting the horns would have resulted in a 360º GRT, increasing the risk of torsional translocation.
I slowly injected PFCL with the globe rotated toward the superonasal quadrant. This facilitated unfolding of the retina (Figure 3D). I then placed three rows of barricade endolaser 360º along the posterior edge of the GRT (Figure 3E). I also used an extrusion cannula to perform a fluid-air exchange.
I removed the fluid layer first, leaving only air and PFCL. I spent additional time at the edge of the GRT in each quadrant to ensure that no subretinal fluid was present (Figure 3F) and used C3F8 gas for long-acting tamponade (Figure 3G). I asked the patient to maintain prone positioning for five days after surgery.
Three months later, the patient's retina was flat, and his Snellen visual acuity was 20/60.
When RRDs are associated with GRTs, they pose a difficult challenge. We now have the tools to achieve improved outcomes, even in such difficult cases.
Focusing on the optimization of each step of the procedure will ensure that your results are as favorable as possible. RP
1. Kanski JJ. Giant retinal tears. Am J Ophthalmol. 1975;79:846-852.
2. Kertes PJ, Wafapoor H, Peyman GA, Calixto J Jr, Thompson H. The management of giant retinal tears using perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene: A multicenter case series. Vitreon Collaborative Study Group. Ophthalmology. 1997;104:1159-1165.
3. Chen CH, Tsai MH, Su CC, et al. Results of 12-year clinical study of giant retinal tear. Chang Gung Med J. 2001;24:633-639.
4. Scott IU, Murray TG, Flynn HW Jr, Feuer WJ, Schiffman JC. Outcomes and complications associated with giant retinal tear management using perfluoro-n-octane. Ophthalmology. 2002;109:1828-1833.
5. Lee SY, Ong SG, Wong DW, Ang CL. Giant retinal tear management: an Asian experience. Eye (Lond). 2009;23:601-605.
6. Ang GS, Townsend J, Lois N. Epidemiology of giant retinal tears in the United Kingdom: the British Giant Retinal Tear Epidemiology Eye Study (BGEES). Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010;51:4781-4787.
7. Kunikata H, Abe T, Nishida K. Successful outcomes of 25- and 23-gauge vitrectomies for giant retinal tear detachments. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2011;42:487-492.
8. Gonzalez MA, Flynn HW Jr, Smiddy WE, et al. Surgery for retinal detachment for patients with giant retinal tear: etiologies, management, strategies and outcomes. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2013;44:232-237.
9. Pitcher JD, Khan MA, Storey P, et al. Giant retinal tear detachments: surgical strategies and outcomes. Submitted for publication.
10. Goezinne F, LA Heij EC, Berendschot TT, et al. Low detachment rate due to encircling scleral buckle in giant retinal tears treated with vitrectomy and silicone oil. Retina. 2008;28:485-492.
11. Verstraeten T, Williams GA, Chang S, et al Lens-sparing vitrectomy with perfluorocarbon liquid for the primary treatment of giant retinal tears. Ophthalmology. 1995;102:17-20.
12. Ang GS, Townsend J, Lois N. Interventions for prevention of giant retinal tear in the fellow eye. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012 Feb 15;2:CD006909. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006909.pub3.
13. Wolfensberger TJ, Aylward GW, Leaver PK. Prophylactic 360 degrees cryotherapy in fellow eyes of patients with spontaneous giant retinal tears. Ophthalmology 2003;110:1175-1157.


text:
The Minnesota House on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to let judges demand that people served with domestic abuse protection orders surrender their guns.
An accused abuser would have to transfer firearms temporarily to a law enforcement agency, a federally licensed gun dealer or an eligible third party on a judge's order under the bill that passed 111-to-15.
The bipartisan vote marked a rare instance where lawmakers appeared ready to tighten gun regulations.
Victim advocates and gun rights supporters agreed the bill would help keep people safe by removing guns from volatile domestic situations while providing constitutional protections for gun owners accused of domestic violence.
"Parties do have due process. They do have to stand in front of a judge and they do get the ability to argue their side of the story," said bill sponsor, Rep. Dan Schoen, a Democrat and police officer in St. Paul Park. "It is a court action."
The Senate version of the bill awaits action on that chamber's floor.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(¯`v´¯) ∝╬══→ Ħott Ċarnal Queens 々
`*.¸.*´ ?♥ Games & Contests & Official Carnal siggys. ♥
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)?♫ Strong friendships that will last a lifetime. ♫
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.♫ Rooms dedicated to a variety of subjects, anything you could ever want to talk about.♫ (gaming/books/television/babies/sex)♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
thanks for the add!
*~* Hello I would love to invite you to a family siggy group. Barbed Wire & Roses is a new group where the designers offer awesome tags around their family schedule. We offer personalized siggies of your family, Gift Siggies for your friends and much much more. Stop in and check us out! *~*
• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..•´Wishing you.... -:¦:- .•´¨¨))
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´* a Toadily Slammin Day!•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´* ((¸¸.•´* ((¸¸.•´* -:¦:-
+ * * . + * .*. -:¦:-
Happy Birthday + * .*.¸.•´ .•´+ ´¨¨))
+ * * . + * .*. Toadily Grand Slammin Profiles -:¦:-
((¸¸.•´* ((¸¸.•´* -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´*
Pssst! Have you heard about that new game, Latte Land? It's apparently all the rage on CafeMom. I'm heading over there right now to check it out! http://www.cafemom.com/games/latte_land/
Well my worlds in a nutshell.... well where should I begin, I'm a pretty off beat "cool" mom as my oldest calls me lol. I love to just hang around and have a movie night on the weekends with the kids, play board games, I love all kinds of video games, the PC ones mostly. Well when the weathers nicer we like to go fishing, and on hikes. I try to keep pretty active. We've travelled around alot while my husband was Active duty Army. but now we're finally back home since hes discharged. Im currently in school full time. I love my music which varies in everything. well.. I can't think of much more for now but Ill probably put more in eventually.
Most Liked Posts


text:
Producer group says Motsoeneng must be dealt with urgently
The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) on Thursday called for urgent intervention at the SABC following a damning report by public protector Thuli Madonsela.
"We call on the institutions designed to provide oversight – Parliament, the shareholder in the department of communications, and Icasa [Independent Communications Authority of South Africa] – to exercise their mandate and to intervene urgently," the IPO said in a statement. "The IPO, which represents the majority of South Africa's working producers, is both concerned and distressed by the continuing instability at the SABC."
On Monday, Madonsela criticised SABC acting chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng and the public broadcaster's board over his irregular appointment and salary progression.
Complaints against Motsoeneng were raised with Madonsela by former SABC staff – including former chief operations officer Charlotte Mampane and ex-SABC senior executive Phumelele Ntombela-Nzimande.
Motsoeneng was also investigated for fraudulently misrepresenting his qualifications to the SABC, including claiming that he had passed matric when he applied for employment.
'Dishonest' Motsoeneng
Madonsela said allegations that Motsoeneng committed fraud were substantiated. She said it was worrying that Motsoeneng's file had disappeared at the SABC while he denied falsifying his qualifications.
She concluded that Motsoeneng irregularly and rapidly increased the salaries of various staff members, resulting in the state broadcaster footing an unprecedented salary bill escalation of R29-million.
Madonsela's report recommended that the SABC board institute corrective action against the "dishonest" Motsoeneng.
She urged Communications Minister Yunus Carrim to take urgent steps to fill the chief operations post within 90 days.
Madonsela also wanted Carrim to establish why group chief executive officers at the SABC could not function, and leave prematurely, causing financial and operational strains.
The IPO said for many South Africans, the SABC was their only source of information and entertainment.
"While the organisation is making a few people rich, the quality of programming is suffering," it said. "Budgets are extremely low and the organisation is forced to rely more and more on advertisers to fund programming, which comes with severe challenges." – Sapa


text:
We cater to people who want to ride and show Hunters and Jumpers, although a riding academy is a fine place for anyone to learn responsibility and nurture their love for animals, even if it is not their goal to compete. We do not accept boarders from any other discipline (ie. western, dressage, etc.). We attend USEF rated horse shows on the INHJA (Iowa/Nebraska Hunter Jumper Association) circuit in Zone 6, and the IHJA (Illinois Hunter Jumper Assn.... (read more)
Competition, English Pleasure, Equitation, Hunter, Hunter Jumper, Jumping, Lesson, National Show, Money Show, Show, Horse, Horses, Pony, Ponies, Boarding, Lessons, Illinois, Coal Valley, Training, Arenas, Arena, Pasture, Paddocs, Summer Camp, Horses for Sale, Indoor Arena
If so, you can update this page by editing your company information.


text:
That's between the newly diagnosed Rich (Jeff Auer), a despondent, hard-drinking poet and short-story writer, and Saul (Todd Michael), his easily excitable ex-lover, who takes charge when Rich's new boyfriend bolts in fear. These two share a long, believable history, and Hoffman artfully articulates their shifting emotions as they go through Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. He also presents a convincing, sometimes shocking New York milieu: the random, still-unsafe sex at clubs; the friends and relatives who don't know how to react; the rueful group therapy, uniting terrified victims from different backgrounds; the devastating physical deterioration and scant therapies then available (AZT, the best hope at the time, was just out); and the understaffed help hotlines. Hoffman gracefully moves time and space around—serving up different scenes simultaneously, breaking down the fourth wall, and knowing just when to inject a comic line into the bleakness.
Auer perhaps overemphasizes Rich's WASPyness, his clenched-jaw handsomeness masking too much emotion. At times I couldn't tell what Rich was feeling. Michael, on the other hand, is a marvelous Saul, admittedly a part that more readily allows self-expression. You can hear the tenderness and anxiety in every line and watch the shifting emotions cross his face. Brian Hopson is especially good as Rich's brother, leaning back in his hospital chair, timid to be breathing the same air as his stricken sibling. David L. Zwiers and Ryan Stadler are a funny pair of bitchy phone-line volunteers.
Some of the other actors, under Walter J. Hoffman's direction, could use reining in. Emily King Brown's hospice worker would never break down into such a screaming, sobbing heap, though the actor is admirably restrained in other roles. So are Jason Griffith, appropriately smarmy as Rich's shallow short-term boyfriend, and Jessica Luck as Rich's actress friend, self-centered yet caring and sympathetic when she has to be.
As one who logged three years as a Gay Men's Health Crisis volunteer, I can tell you the situation really was this ghastly, and humor was an essential survival tool. For those who lived through those years, this "As Is" is a sometimes uncomfortable but always worthwhile reminder of the difficult emotional terrain we traveled. For those too young to remember, it's a valuable lesson in how to cope in a crisis: with patience, anger, and love. A program note reminds us that there are currently more than 107,000 HIV-positive New Yorkers. So, sadly, "As Is" is far from just a history lesson.
Presented by Apple Core Theater Company at the Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., NYC. Oct. 14-31. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (212) 239-6200 or www.applecoretheatercompany.com.


text:
Fashion in 50 Seconds 8/13/10 Mad Men Auction, Why Paris and Zac Posen Are Meant to Be
Why Paris and Zac Posen are meant to be.
W Hotels get in on the Fashion Week fun.
Mad Men obsessed? Be sure to check out this Mad Men auction.
Talbots turnaround: this isn't your grandmother's store.
Applications have officially opened for this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize.
Source: IMDB


text:
Sorry for the lateness of this Friday Five. My Internet connection dropped on me mid-afternoon on Friday and didn't come back up until sometime early Saturday morning. This is the first chance I've had to sit and type since that time. My time, unfortunately, is short, so I'm just posting links this time:
"We Always Ignored That Rule"
Rodeo: Rounding up Sheep and Links
The Art of Faking It.
GM of A Thousand Faces
Totally Eighties Inspirations


text:
NEW YORK—While velocity is the easiest and first component of a fastball to identify and quantify, it is only one component of the overall fastball grade, which also corporates movement, extension and command. Although Chad Luensmann's fastball velocity is not currently plus, his heater plays up because two of his other fastball components (life and extension) are among the best in the high school class.
The righthander threw two scoreless innings for the Northeast Mets Scout Team against a talented Team Elite lineup that has won all three games and advanced into Sunday's championship game. After plunking the leadoff hitter on his first pitch, Luensmann retired the next six in order, striking out two on four swinging trikes.
"I felt good today and I was able to get the ball down and they made good plays behind me, especially Garrett (Whitley) in center field," Luensmann said.
Infielders should expect plenty of work with Luensmann on the mound given his heavy groundball tendencies. On a day when lots of wooden bats were broken, no pitcher has a greater chance to create large piles of firewood than Luensmann.
His fastball played at 86-88 mph, touching 89, but showed plus life that flashed plus-plus. Luensmann works from the first base side of the rubber (the side of the rubber that most groundball pitchers set up on) and has a high leg kick nearly up to his shoulders before throwing from an arm slot a tick below three-quarters. His fastball life is primarily heavy, late sink with boring action to his arm side, which is where he mostly spotted up his fastball.
"I am really able to pitch off my fastball and really work inside to righthanded hitters and more than 90 percent of my fastballs are heavy sinkers," Luensmann said. "I have always had that sort of sink. It was tough to control earlier in my career but I have worked hard to rein it in and be able to throw it for strikes."
Luensmann pitched off of his fastball, throwing it 73 percent of the time. Evaluators believe that his fastball usage could increase significantly because of the offering's prowess and tough same-side look it gives righthanded hitters.
Luensmann's heater also plays up because of his fastball extension out front and had one of the best fastball extensions measured at the Area Code Games.
"I have an up-tempo delivery and I realized that to throw fast you have to work fast," Luensmann said. "So I have really worked hard on getting down the mound quickly, speeding things up. We really worked hard on lengthening my stride and tried to get out front. I think that is one of the reasons why my fastball is tough to pick up for hitters."
The Nebraska commit mixed big-tumbling changeups with fade, his primarily secondary offering, and splitters.
"My changeup has always been my go to pitch, ever since I was about 12, and I had feel for it today," Luensmann said. "I added a split within the last year. It was really developed and it is really nice to have another fourth or fifth offering."
He threw four breaking balls on the day at 69-71 mph with one going for a strike.
"I feel my slider needs some work," Luensmann said. "On the Area Code Games pitching staff we were able to make some tweaks and work on throwing it with for strikes more often. I have learned with my arm slot that I cannot throw a curveball. So the slider is the best fit for me."
Luensmann threw strikes consistently throughout his outing after the opening hitter, producing strikes on 63 percent of his pitches.
The 6-foot-3, 208-pound Luensmann has a strong pitcher's body with a large frame, broad shoulders, high waist and short torso leading to a strong lower half. His large frame offers projection and room to get stronger.
"I think I can get to 220 by the spring, which would be a good weight for my build," Luensmann said. "I am working on improving my slider and would like to add a little more velocity to my fastball."
The Bellwood-Antis High (Bellwood, Pa.) player will likely be the second player ever drafted from his high school and first since 1992. He is part of a core of interesting prep arms that are above-average for the Keystone State, headlined by righthander Mike Nikorak and lefthander Brendon Little.
• The only ball that left the infield against Luensmann was a well-hit ball to deep center field that athletic center field Garrett Whitley tracked down shortly before the warning track. Whitley displayed closing speed and adjusted to the ball in mid-flight that was coming back to the center of the field before the righthanded thrower fully extended to grab the ball over his shoulder. At bat, Whitley went 2-for-3 with a walk. His above-average speed created a hit in his first plate appearance when he hit a grounder into the hole at short, beating the throw to first while running a 4.24. In his final trip to the plate, Whitley pulled a ball on the outer half into left field for a single.
• Luensmann's catcher, Anthony Toribio, is not a national showcase veteran but has shown impressive tools. The backstop offers at least a plus arm, with some evaluators believing that it could reach plus-plus. He made an athletic play while showing quickness in catching a bunt attempt that was popped up. Toribio has an athletic body at 6-foot, 180 pounds with a high-waisted and toned lower half. The righthanded hitter has a loose, line drive-oriented stroke and showed some power to center field in batting practice. The bilingual Toribio turned 18 two months ago and will likely be 19 around the time of the draft, depending upon the exact date.
• The high school catching crop in the 2015 class does not currently have the depth of the 2014 class, but the class will be bolstered by the reclassification of Garrett Wolforth (Concordia Lutheran High, Tomball, Texas) that became official this week. Wolforth was at the Area Code Games earlier this month as a rising junior before the reclassification was finalized. He has at least a plus arm behind the plate with a quick transfer and produced some of the best pop times during the evaluation day. He has baseball intelligence and the receiving skills necessary to potentially remain behind the plate. The 16-year-old becomes one of the youngest prep players in the class and won't be 17 until October. The Dallas Baptist commit is a switch-hitter with power potential from both sides of the plate and drove the ball out of the ballpark during evaluations. He is the son of Ron Wolforth, who runs the Texas Baseball Ranch in Montgomery.


text:
While Demi Moore works to overcome her recent personal problems, we have an update on her professional life:
Sarah Jessica Parker has signed on to replace Moore as Gloria Steinem in Lovelace, the upcoming biopic centered around the life of 1970s porn star Linda Lovelace. Demi dropped out of the film almost immediately after being hospitalized earlier this week.
Parker joins a cast that includes Amanda Seyfried in the title role, along Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Brody, Juno Temple and Wes Bentley.
Moore, meanwhile, is out of the hospital. Her next move is unknown, but the 911 call placed on her behalf was released to the public today.


text:
Track and Field: Drawing from the ArenaAugust 4th, 2009
"Track and Field: Drawing from the Arena" is a series of photographs by Cassandra Jones. She actually still shoots with 35mm film and that's how she can make these multiple exposure photos, some of them are exposed up to 8 times!
found at colectiva


text:
Gateways : An anthology of new, original award-caliber stories by bestselling SF authors inspired by SF great Frederik PohlIt isn't easy to get a group of bestselling SF authors to write new stories for an anthology, but that's what Elizabeth Anne Hull has done in this powerhouse book. With original, captivating tales by Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, Ben Bova, David Brin, Cory Doctorow, Joe Haldeman, Harry Harrison, Larry Niven, Vernor Vinge, Gene Wolfe, and others, and a poem by Neil Gaiman, Gateways is a science fiction event that will be a must-buy for science fiction readers of all tastes, from the traditional to the cutting-edge; from the darkly serious to the laugh-out-loud funny.These authors have two things in common. They all have enviable careers; and they all respect and admire Frederik Pohl. In a career dating back to 1939, Pohl has won all the awards science fiction has to offer: Hugos, Nebulas, the SFWA Grand Master Award. Having written more than two million words of fiction and edited the groundbreaking Star anthologies and Hugo Award–winning magazines and books, Pohl is an SF icon. This anthology is a treasure of brilliant, entertaining SF stories, and a tribute to Pohl's stature in the field.
|Science Fiction


text:
India Minister Seeks Increase in Fuel Prices
NEW DELHI--India's oil minister confirmed Tuesday that he has sent a note to a cabinet panel to seek approval for an increase in diesel and cooking fuel prices.
But Jaipal Reddy added that the proposal is unlikely to be discussed later in the day at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs. The committee is headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and includes several cabinet ministers.
Mr. Reddy told reporters...


text:
wikiHow to Unlock a GE Oven
Two Methods:Resetting the Oven's ComputerUnlocking the Oven ManuallyCommunity Q&A
The self-cleaning oven function is a time-saver and it increases the safety of oven cleaning. During the cleaning cycle and for an hour after, your oven locks to ensure you can't touch the hot oven or breathe in the fumes. Occasionally, an oven can remain set in the lock position, even if you have flipped the lock switch. Luckily, there are several ways to unlock a GE oven.
Resetting the Oven's Computer
1Reset the circuit breaker. Reset the oven's computer by switching the circuit breaker that controls the oven to "off" for five minutes. The circuit breaker might be in your garage or on the outside of your house.
- The best way to determine which switch powers your kitchen is through trial and error. Leave the kitchen light on and test each switch, one by one.
- Leave the switch off for a few moments and switch it back to "on."
- You'll know that the oven reset because the oven time will blink "12:00."[1]
- Many houses or apartments will label circuit breakers to avoid this process.
2Test the cleaning setting. If the oven is still locked, press the self-cleaning button again to start the cycle. Let it go for 30 seconds, and then cancel the self-cleaning cycle. Test the door lock lever again.
- It is important to note that you must wait for the oven to cool after running the self cleaning function.
3Set a new cycle. Program a short self-cleaning cycle of one to two hours. Let the oven cool and try it again. If you are still not having any luck and have waited an ample amount of time (one-three hours), it's time to cut power off the oven.
4Remove all power from the oven. Go back to the circuit breaker that controls the oven and switch it off. Go back to the oven and test if the lock works briefly. Now move the oven out from against the wall gently. Follow the power supply that attaches to the wall and unplug the power.[2]
- Unplug the oven if you plan to unlock the oven door manually.
Unlocking the Oven Manually
1Wait it out. Make sure you have waited over an hour after the self-cleaning cycle has ended to unlock the oven. It may be too hot to handle before that time. It is not supposed to unlock until the oven is cooled.[3]
2Check the power. Cut the power to the oven by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the oven completely from the wall. If you already tried troubleshooting the oven, you should have attempted to remove all power from the oven.[4]
- Follow the cables in the back of the oven to avoid detaching a gas cable.
3Use a wire hanger. Unfold a wire hanger and create a hook that you can use to flip the switch. Slide the flat hook through the area between the door and the main part of GE oven. Place the hook over the latch. Pull gently to release the lock. This may take several tries.
- Be careful not to damage the oven's finish with the wire hanger.[5]
- If you continue to get an error message that your door is locked when it isn't, press cancel or off to remove the message.
4Detach the oven door. If there are screws near the top or front that attach the oven top to the base, unscrew them and pull the oven top up. Many newer ovens will have these screws more concealed than older models. Once inside the oven, switch the lock from the inside of the oven. The lock should be in the top center of the door. You should see a clear latch that is adjustable.
- You will need a friend to help lift the heavy stovetop while you switch the lock.
- If you continue to get an error message that your door is locked when it isn't, press cancel or off to remove the message.
- Many ovens place these screws on the inside of the oven, so you'll need try a different technique or call a specialist.[6]
Community Q&A
When I try to use my oven it says LOC in large orange letters on the digital display screen. How do I unlock it?wikiHow ContributorTry pressing the 0 & 9 buttons at same time.
My oven is locked open and never began the cleaning cycle. Can I unlock it without unscrewing it?wikiHow ContributorWe were able to unlock ours by pushing the button on the upper left side of the door edge. When you press it, the interior light will also come on. The oven must be cooled down in order for the door to open.
We bought a new GE oven, and we're trying to hook it up but the door is locked, and we can't open it to get the parts out of the inside. What can I do?wikiHow ContributorCheck your owner's manual or other paperwork, which probably has instructions for unlocking the door. If you can't find it, a quick phone call to the company you bought it from should solve the problem.
How do I change Celsius to Fahrenheit?CassiereroniThis comes from the manual for my GE oven. To change Temperature Selection: 1) Touch the "Bake" and "Broil HiLo" pads at the same time for 3 seconds. 2) Touch the "Broil HiLo" and "Cooking Time" pads at the same time. The display will show either F (Fahrenheit) or C (Celsius). 3) Touch the "Broil Hi/Lo" and "Cooking Time" pads again at the same time. The display will show F (Fahrenheit). 4) Touch the "Start" pad. Your oven should now be in Fahrenheit when using it.
I stopped the self-cleaning mode 45 seconds before it was done. Does the oven have to cool before it will unlock?wikiHow ContributorYes. You have to wait about 10 minutes and it will unlock for you.
How do I unlock my GE oven when I pressed the clean button?wikiHow ContributorThe oven will automatically unlock when it has finished cleaning.
Why would anyone buy a very expensive GE oven when it rarely works?
How do I enter am/pm to set the time?
I don't know if I allowed the self cleaning process to finish but I pressed off. Then F2 came up on screen and making a noise I hit off and F2 and the noise stopped?
My GE oven won't work after a self clean. Where is the reset switch?
What do I do if the oven is saving it is locked and not working, but the door is not locked?
- Call GE Customer Service at 1-800-432-2737 if you have tried resetting the electricity, repeating the self-cleaning cycle and manually flipping the switch. They can schedule a time for a repairman to visit your home.
- If you're at all uncomfortable messing with the door manually or electricity, call a repair service. You don't need to risk damaging your appliances or yourself!
Sources and Citations
- ↑ http://www.appliance411.com/faq/cleanlock.shtml
- ↑ http://www.appliance411.com/faq/cleanlock.shtml
- ↑ http://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=49-85211-6.pdf
- ↑ http://www.partselect.com/Repair/Range-Stove-Oven/Door-Will-Not-Open-After-Self-Clean/
- ↑ http://www.partselect.com/Repair/Range-Stove-Oven/Door-Will-Not-Open-After-Self-Clean/
- ↑ http://www.chowhound.com/post/viking-oven-unlock-clean-843059
Article Info
Categories: Cooking Appliances
In other languages:
Deutsch: Einen Backofen von GE entsperren, Русский: разблокировать электрическую духовку, Español: desbloquear un Horno GE, Italiano: Sbloccare un Forno GE, Português: Destravar um Forno GE, Français: déverrouiller un four GE
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 69,960 times.


text:
What is Free Shipping Really Worth to Your Business and Customers?
By Jennifer Polk | October 25, 2013 | 0 Comments
Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, recently announced an increase in its free shipping minimum, from $10 to $35, for the first time in a decade. While some would argue that an increase after ten years is reasonable, the merchant still pointed out its expanded assortment of items, digital delivery and free shipping service, Amazon Prime, as justification for the increase. Whether or not you believe the increase was valid, you should consider what this signals to consumers and how it may impact their behavior and expectations of your business. To be clear, free shipping is rarely ever free. It costs your business in terms of hard dollars for supply chain overhead, which you may or may not be able to pass along to your customers. Some businesses bake the cost of shipping directly into the price of the goods, while others try to make up for the lost margin by cross-selling and upselling to higher margin products and services. Still others offer a trade-off of time and convenience for shipping costs in order to manage variable consumer demand. Customers who want their goods sooner will pay a little more. This the most common model. Amazon turned this model on its head with its Prime service that essentially allows you to pre-pay for free or discounted two-day shipping.
By encouraging customers to prepay for Prime, Amazon is solving for the trade-off in time, convenience and shipping costs, and they're circumventing, or at least nullifying, the zero moment of truth with some customers. Let's face it, once customers have prepaid for shipping for the next month, they're somewhat locked into a relationship with that retailer. Why on earth would you ever buy from another retailer if Amazon offers the same product at a lower, all-in price (including cost of merchandise + shipping or gas to go to local store). There are even whispers that this latest move is an attempt to steer more shoppers toward Prime by making it more cost-effective to lock-in the cost and timing of shipping than to meet the higher minimum with each purchase. Pretty smart if you ask me. So how you can your business create a shipping model that benefits your bottom line without turning off your customers. The key is to understand what matters most to your highest value customers when they buy your particular product. Is it price? Assortment? Convenience? Really consider their state of mind when they're making this purchase decision. Is the purchase planned in advance, is it an impulse buy or is a decision made under duress?
Once you understand when, where, why and how customers decide to purchase your product and why they do or don't choose your brand, you can start to model scenarios where there is a trade-off for what they want more of and what you want less of. Say you're an online retailer who sells shoes, and through research you learn that customers are perfectly willing to buy shoes online except for one issue—the shoes need to fit. If they don't fit, the customer is left in a lurch, having to pay for shipping costs in both directions and still missing the shoes they need. Zappos overcomes this obstacle by offering free shipping and returns. DSW minimizes risk by accepting returns of most online purchases in its stores. LL Bean nullifies the risk and rewards customers by offering free shipping on returns to LL Bean Visa cardholders. Once you know what your customers care about, specifically your high value customers, you can optimize the commerce experience to better meet their needs and have a positive impact on your business by emphasizing (and monetizing) dimensions of their purchase that are most important to them. You can use approach to improve various aspects of the commerce experience—from shipping to promotions—by delivering what customers value and are willing to pay for.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Reply to Stephanie GCancel Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


text:
You may recall I wrote last month about the minor flap that occurred when NPR reporter Ari Shapiro broadcast a short interview with a woman named Bobbie Lussier at an American Legion meeting in Indianapolis. Referring to the Obamas, Lussier told him, "I just – I don't like him. Can't stand to look at him. I don't like his wife. She's far from the first lady. It's about time we get a first lady in there that acts like a first lady and looks like a first lady."
There was no follow-up, leaving listeners to speculate on what she might have meant, with most people drawing the conclusion of color being a factor in her disdain. Yesterday, Shapiro had an opportunity to clarify things when he was approached by the same couple at a Romney event at another Legion meeting, this time just outside Washington DC. Lussier and her husband had recognized him from the previous meeting and approached him.
Struck by the coincidence, he was able to ask her what she meant by her earlier comments. Here's the relevant part:
LUSSIER: Can you imagine, you know, Kennedys or the Bushes or anybody doing push-ups on the floor? I mean, you know, that's just not a first lady.
SHAPIRO: A lot of people wondered if there was a racial undertone to your comments.
LUSSIER: No, it's not. I don't care what color she is. It's just she doesn't act and look like a first lady. I mean, she's more about showing her arms off and, you know, I think that's very inappropriate for a lot of functions that she goes to.
SHAPIRO: So do you mean it's an issue of modesty?
LUSSIER: Well, yeah. I mean, you see her walking around in shorts and, you know, just real casual wear. And, to me, that's – I mean, when I go to functions, I kind of dress up other than, you know, today. But you just got to look the part.
So what she objects to is Michelle Obama doing athletic stuff. And again with the disdain of bare arms, which I hear a lot with respect to Michelle Obama. What's with this obsessive frowning on women showing their arms?
For the record, here is a photo of Jackie Kennedy showing her bare arms in both casual and formal settings.
And here's one of Laura Bush in shorts.
I am not sure that I buy Lussier's explanation that there is no racial undercurrent. Nowadays few people will come right out and say that they don't like someone because of their color. They may not even consciously think that way because it has become such a taboo. But we would be kidding ourselves if race does not influence the way we all think. But the feeling surfaces in subtle ways, when people take either an unreasonably hard line on something trivial, like a woman showing bare arms, or when it is vague, expressed in sentiments like the person 'doesn't look or act right' or 'doesn't fit'.


text:
Image copyright:
Please sign in to comment. Don't have a profile? Join now! Joining is absolutely free and no personal information is required.
Size for size much more powerful than the larger vessels. Have a great day!!
It's amazing how powerful those tugs are!
It was, Phyllis. I've posted a jig for you with a kiwi on it. I hope you enjoy it!
Just look at the colour of the sea, it's glorious, rich and frothy, but what a dangerous line of work to be in I think!


text:
THE JUNGLE BOOK — Christopher Walken and Giancarlo Esposito Join Cast
Christopher Walken and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito have joined the cast of Disney's live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book. Walken will voice the ape King Louie, and Giancarlo Esposito will voice Akela the wolf. They join Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, and Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha.
Much to the joy of many GeekTyrant readers, director Jon Favreau has cast young unknown actor Neel Sethi as Mowgli, who will be the only actor to appear on screen.
It's interesting how advanced CGI has become with movies like the recent Planet of The Apes series, the visual effects are completely immersive. No word yet on how they will animate the animals, I'm just hoping we see Walken in one of those gray motion capture suits doing some soft shoe.
The Jungle Book will inspire man-cubs everywhere October 9, 2015 (USA).
Co-Founder + Editor + COO of GeekTyrant // Coined the word "GeekTyrant" // @FreeReyes // email@example.com


text:
A Conversation with Roxanne of All About TRH
The world of reality television blogging is fascinating. By fascinating of course I mean cutthroat. It is a world where reality stars can talk to 5 bloggers in one day and each blogger calls it an "exclusive". For a genre of entertainment that is all about being real, there is not a lot of reality.
I talk to a few other bloggers on Twitter, and there are some lovely people who have chosen to get on the blogging train. For every sweet person there is one who is in desperate need of both medication and incarceration. It makes sense that the madness of reality TV would attract crazy.
I had been hearing a lot about a blogger called Rox. She has a site called All About The Real Housewives and people seem to adore this woman. I then started to get mentioned with her on Twitter. People would tweet that Rox and I were their favorite bloggers and so I was very curious about her.
She would send me tweets saying hello, and when people would say they liked us both, she would always be gracious and say she was in good company with me. I started to follow her on Twitter and began reading her site. She is a talented writer with a kind heart, who has managed to remain decent.
She is able to write about people without judgment, and provides information without sounding like a trashy gossip rag. Rox engages her readers in a way that they feel involved and connected. I was intrigued so I wrote to ask if I could interview her.
I spoke with Rox this week and I was blown away. She is not what I was expecting. This is a remarkable young woman. She is not even 20 years old, which makes me old enough to be her mother. Having spoken to her, I now feel very protective of her. This is a truly fabulous girl.
Roxanne is a full time college student, who has a job in addition to her blog. She is a first generation American, lives at home with her mother, and is gorgeous. She should be on television, not just writing about it. With her movie star looks, and pure heart, she is special.
Rox started writing by accident. She was a fan who joined Twitter to follow some of the stars. One thing led to another and before she knew it she was tweeting, blogging, and creating her own website dedicated to reality TV. She is now hugely popular and a go to blogger.
She is not mean spirited or hurtful. She stays out of the gutter, does not engage in Twitter wars, and stands on the sidelines to watch the craziness. She is aware of everything that goes on, just opts out of the drama. She is young, but also mature beyond her years. She is a grown up.
In a business where grown women act like high school mean girls, she is a voice of reason. Some of the old hags who blog could learn a thing or two from this young girl. Myself included because I get sucked into drama and I can take a tip or two from Roxanne.
Roxanne has a great accent. It sounds like a mixture of east coast and Canada and it fabulous. Her parents are originally from Iraq and they are very proud of their daughter. Her father is amazed at how big her site has become and supports her 100% in her pursuits.
Her mother sounds adorable. She thinks reality television is ridiculous and cannot understand why we care about these people. I wonder that myself most days. She is from a tight Catholic family and while they don't exactly understand how this all happened, they love her.
Roxanne decided early on that she was going to be ethical. She spends a lot of time fact checking and researching her stories. She also will not post stories that might be hurtful. She is not out to humiliate anyone and does not write about a lot of things that are sent to her.
In the reality blogging world we all get things sent to us for stories. People send pictures, private documents and damaging gossip stories about reality stars. Roxanne reads everything, but rarely prints what is clearly crap being sent from someone with a grudge or agenda.
It is because of these choices that she is so close with many reality stars. From housewives to mob wives, people like her and trust her. They go to her when they want to talk because they know their voices will be heard. This young girl has earned her stripes and it shows.
Roxanne is very open. She was also supportive and kind to me. It was interesting to get advice from her. She could be my daughter, yet at one point in our conversation, she was like my mother. She spoke to me with a gentle firmness that I appreciated.
Rox has watched my Twitter struggles and let me know I did not need to worry. She assured me the crazy people had no power and the people who read my blogs, herself included, could hear my voice and they were not paying attention the silliness that occasionally surrounds me.
She told me I won't ever be able to please everyone so I need to please myself. This is a remarkable woman and I found myself wanting to hug her. I also wanted to protect her. She is a doll and I want her to stay true to herself without getting sucked into the drama.
She may be young, but we can all learn something from Roxanne. Reality bloggers need to pay attention to her because she is doing the job correctly. She is not jaded or bitter. She does her job, does it well, and stares straight ahead without paying any attention to the trolls of Twitter.
I asked Roxanne to tell me three words that best described her and she chose grateful, ambitious, and confident. I asked her if there was anything she wanted her fans to know about her and she said she was an open book and they already knew everything. I love this girl.
I started the interview wondering why people lumped us together as their favorite bloggers, and ended our conversation flattered that I am being kept in her company. Roxanne allowed me to set aside my jaded view for a minute and reminded me how great my job is.
There are a lot of reality television bloggers and there is a lot of competition. That competition can lead to people being very unkind to each other and in the end it's not like that for Rox and me. We respect each other, like each other, and wish the best for each other.
I am inspired by this young woman and also proud of her. She is building a life for herself, and she is going far. I am so pleased I was able to speak with her and am lucky to call her my friend. In the unreal world of reality TV, Roxanne is keeping it real.


text:
Every romance begins with that first look, the first exchange. The Incontro d'Amore Collection, Italian for 'an encounter with love', captures that first moment in an eternal memory, to be worn around the finger.
Consent to use of cookies on first accessing BVLGARI website.
Bulgari uses cookies on this site to help provide you with a high quality browser experience. To find out more about the cookies used on this site and how to delete them, visite our Cookie Policy. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.


text:
Ever Got Stuck ?
Ad Widget
This topic is closed.
new posts
Hi Milo,
I had the same problem at the Manor on my last visit in April, but other than that I've been very lucky. I've seen dozens and dozens of breakdowns as a CM of course, and they can be quite fun.Originally posted by fizzogSoundtracker you cheeky chipmunk
- Mar 2005
- 1698
i've been stuck on Big Thunder , Space Mountain and It's a small World and Phantom Manor .HKDL : Done !!!
Well, when I was at Rock, we had endless problems witht he launch system - and when one of the Soundtrackers gets stuck at the end of the launch tunnel the CMs have to manhandle it back to the station. Believe me, that tunnel is looong!
But it's funny to see how the guests react. The ones stuck on the ride ususally take it all in good humour, but the ones int he queue go spare!
The first question they always ask is "Has anyone got stuck upside down?" But they ask with a certain morbid fascination - they WANT someone to be stuck upside down.Originally posted by fizzogSoundtracker you cheeky chipmunk
I once got stuck in Space Mountain at DLP, on the second lift hill.
Cast members came out to us very quickly and the working lights were put on.
We had to sit there for quite a while, over 15 mins I think.
Eventually they got the ride working and we got to ride the remainder with the working lights on, quite a different trip.
They then let us get out of the problem train and get in the next one so we could ride the attraction properly.
I have also been in Test Track when it has broken down - many times, you just have to sit and wait for it to be fixed, or worse still do the high speed part of the ride at a really slow speed due to the ride reset. They usually let you stay on the ride to do it again properly.
I had to evacuate World of Energy at EPCOT when one of the 'cars' lost guidance and could not be repositioned back on to the guidance cables with guests on the ride. We had to walk through the Dinosaur area with my father in his wheelchair.
During a trip on the Safari at Animal Kingdom, our truck separated a Female Rhino form it's young calf. The mother was not to pleased and rammed the front of the truck hitting the front tyre which was then punctured. We could not move as we had a flat front tyre. So we had to wait for 5 mins for a rescue, meanwhile all the other trucks were stopped in a line quite a way back behind us. Then two jeeps arrived with rangers / CM's with rifles. They very carefully did a complete review of the situation before making their way very quickly by foot to our truck where they climbed up out of harms way. Apparently they were concerned that the Mother may have attacked the truck again. With a set of four 'watchers' on our truck with rifles, 2 brave guys replaced the tyre and then we completed the trip. There were a number of Disney suits waiting for us when we got back, but there were no issues. To be honest for a while some of the 'American' riders thought the whole thing was part of the ride !!!
Ian"I'm surrounded by idiots"
I always get stuck on the Haunted Mansion! Usually in the dinnig room, but durring Haunted Holiday this year I got stuck at the park where they lean you backwards! I spent 5 minutes staring at the ceiling! It hurts your back!
Last week I went on Buzz lightyear for the first tme and got stuck towards the end of the ride! Great time to rack up some points whie your stuck!!!!
Ad Widget


text:
Shopping Tools
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d diesel
Choose BMW X5 Style:
C/D Overview:
BMW's big SUV offers style, space, luxury, and carlike handling. And there's a high-quality interior that offers seating for up to seven. The diesel returns good fuel economy, the gas turbo six-cylinder is adequate, both V-8 versions make the X5 a really sporty SUV.
Base Price: N/A
Attractive and comfy interior, drives like a really tall car, turbo-diesel is a fuel-efficient choice, the M-version is supremely strong and offers sports-car levels of performance.
Cramped third row, options are pricey.
What's New
Redesigned for 2007, M introduced for 2010; no major changes for 2012.
Behind The Wheel
The X5 is a lot like driving a BMW sedan that is wearing platform shoes. Solid, powerful, with handling that will shame many cars.
Select a Vehicle
Or research:
- Select A MakeClose
- View Editors Choice Picks in...Close
- View Most Researched Vehicles in...Close
Research New Cars
Average User Rating: 0
- Acceleration: 0
- Braking: 0
- Dependablity: 0
- Fuel Economy: 0
- Ride: 0
- Transmission: 0
- Handling: 0
- Interior: 0
- Fit/Finish: 0
- Styling: 0
Be the first to add a review for this vehicle
(Overall Quality: )
Reviewed: Overview:
this is some sample text that is the message to be displayed.


text:
Apparently unsatisfied with wasting as much as $100,000 in taxpayer money to extend her Hawaiian trip without her family, Michelle Obama is reportedly uprooting the local community in the process.
After Barack and the kids left earlier this month, the White House explained Michelle stayed behind as a birthday present from her husband, albeit funded by his subjects. She has taken temporary residency at media mogul Oprah Winfrey's sprawling vacation home in Maui, according to reports.
Advertisement - story continues below
Neighbors and local shop owners say the surrounding neighborhood has been effectively closed to traffic.
The Obamas have routinely cordoned off entire streets in anticipation of a personal celebration; however, the current roadblocks are reportedly causing widespread and persistent inconveniences.
TRENDING: Kiss Rocker Gene Simmons Releases Statement Responding to Lifetime Fox Ban
One business owner explained potential patrons were unable to reach the location due to a number of police checkpoints set up in the vicinity. Other shops have complained employees are arriving late – or not at all – because of the shutdown.
Furthermore, even those simply trying to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian landscape are being thwarted by the intrusive security measures. In areas near Winfrey's mansion, a number of recreational sites have reportedly been closed.
Advertisement - story continues below
Perhaps it is not surprising that a woman who believes her perpetually vacationing lifestyle should be bankrolled by working citizens also feels her mere presence warrants the gridlock of an entire tourist destination. For those who call the island home, not to mention those who spent their hard-earned money to visit, her departure won't come soon enough.
Sources indicate Winfrey has already had her share of run-ins with her neighbors, who have cited the disruption associated with previous stays. Inviting one of the only women whose arrival would cause even more nuisance than her own will likely only make Winfrey more unpopular among locals.
Incidents such as this illustrate the Obamas' disdain for the American people they are ostensibly working to help. Shutting down a neighborhood for days on end is nothing compared to yet another "free" vacation.
–B. Christopher Agee
Advertisement - story continues below
Have an idea for a story? Email us at [email protected]


text:
Come for a 45 min lunch class and leave with a fresh pressed juice from Seva
When: Monday, March 25 – Friday, March 29
Where: Yoga Shelter Midtown Studio
- 3 classes and juices for $40
- 4 classes and juices for $50
- 5 classes and juices for $60
Must pick what classes in advance. $5 juice price is for Midtown unlimited autopay package holders only. All other unlimited (including other studio autopay and 60 days) it's $7 per class and must register for at least 3.


text:
Published: March 24, 2011
Jerome Harrell, left, principal of Wilson Middle School, Youngstown, presents a pair of shoes to eighth-grader Jonathon Flores. The shoes were presented Wednesday to several students by the family members of Jamail Johnson, who was killed Feb. 6 at a shooting a home near Youngstown State University. Johnson, 25, a YSU student had served as a mentor at the school.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive daily news directly in your inbox.


text:
Tour of Thailand is full of adventure. In this trip you can explore mysterious caves on Ko Hong and many adventurous and beautiful places of Thailand. For more details visit: http://www.adventurelink.com/Gallery/Destination/Thailand
adventure tours travels packages
On August 18 2014 at United States 9 Views
male - 04/04
16 Photos
California, United States


text:
Ashburn, VA Change Location
|Below are the contents of your cart
Subtotal: $0.00
Your Shopping Cart is empty.
Please note that changing delivery zip code may result in removing your cart items. Confirm your delivery zip code and select your items again.true
If you saved items on a previous visit, sign in to access your saved cart.
Continue Shopping
|Below are the contents of your wish list
Your Wish List is empty.
If you saved items on a previous visit, sign in to access your wish list.
Continue Shopping
Cindy Crawford Home
The Auburn Hill sofa combines the comfort of reclining seating with supple leather wherever the body touches. Padded chaise footrests, pillowtop arms and generously sized padded seats ensure the sofa is as cozy as it is chic. With the touch of a button the power reclining feature automatically raises and lowers the footrests and can be stopped in any position for individualized comfort. Double needle stitching adds a stylish reinforcement.
Leather wherever the body touches.
Cindy Crawford Home Auburn Hills Brown Leather Power Reclining Sofa Dimensions
86"W x 41"D x 39.5"H
You May Also Like
Your session will expire in


text:
The Lund 42 in. Black Steel Light Duty Job Chest has ample storage space for a truck bed, yet is sized and designed for portability. This black powder-coated steel box has a handle at either end. It also offers security for your tools and other valuables in the form of a keyed paddle-handle lock.
- Portable, secure truck storage
- Durable 22-Gauge steel in a black powder-coated finish
- Handle on each end for easy carrying
- Paddle-handle locking mechanism


text:
Tagged: events calendar, woocommerce, wootickets
hello. I am using Incarnation with Events Calendar Pro (thanks for making the CSS for displaying the event calendar so nice!). The author of this plugin, Modern Tribe, also have a Wootickets add on for the Events Calendar plugin, but there seems to be a conflict with the theme.
Events Calendar requires one of two default template choices. Incarnation seems to have been set up to work well with the events plugin, but only when choosing the DEFAULT EVENTS TEMPLATE. the default page template does work, but the view is not nearly as nice as the events template.
Modern Tribe's Wootickets allows for event specific registration, but for some reason, the add on is not visible when using the pre-designed CSS provided by Incarnation and in the DEFAULT EVENTS TEMPLATE mode.
However, when reverting to the 2011 default theme, everything displays fine, in both event template formats… leading me to think this is a theme / plugin conflict issue.
you can see my issue here (using DEFAULT EVENTS TEMPLATE option – so my event ticket options are invisible):
thanks in advance for your help!
Try following – open up incarnationincludesloop-page.php and replace following code:
the_content(__('Read more','avia_framework').' →');
if ( !wootickets_should_run() ){
the_content(__('Read more','avia_framework').' →');
thanks. I'll let you know if that works.
The topic 'Wootickets by Modern Tribe and Incarnation issue' is closed to new replies.


text:
NBC's summertime series Treasure Hunters concludes tonight at 9 p.m. ET. It had the misfortune of airing opposite Hell's Kitchen 2 and being a bit too similar to The Amazing Race without actually having its high-speed tension.
Of the 10 teams, which are the best part of the show, only The Geniuses, Southie Boys, and Air Force remain. One will find and win the "treasure that will become the richest prize in television history," according to NBC. Is it free RAZR phones for life? A Two and a Half Men walk-on role?
The show concludes when "the worth of the treasure will be revealed live from Washington, D.C.," according to an NBC press release. How exactly a race concludes live and retains its drama is beyond me, but the show will also apparently feature a live reunion. And lots of random product placement.


text:
Some take issue with a principle I consider very nearly axiomatic: denominationalism is sinful. That's what I think.
Now, some kinds of denominationalism are worse than others. The worst kind is the "we're saved and you're not" kind. I think the Bible is entirely clear that all with a submissive faith in Jesus as Son of God and Lord are saved and hence members of the only church there is.
But the other kind is bad, too — although not nearly as bad. I have friends who are Baptist, and they like to say things like, "I'm a Christian first and a Baptist second, but Baptist is a very close second." It's right and good to recognize that the Baptists are a subset of Christians in general, but I just get this feeling that the attitude comes very close to —
(1Co 1:12 ESV) 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."
Now, I pick on my Baptist friends because Baptists have long rejected creedalism and accepted other denominations as fellow Christians. And this is good, and they do in fact sometimes cooperate with churches of other denominations. So — in theory — the Baptists are right. And the progressive Churches of Christ are moving in a very similar direction. We have doctrinal differences, but many among the progressive Churches would be inclined to say, "I'm a Christian first and a Church of Christer second, but the Church of Christ is a very close second." And they'd mean it.
But is this really what the scriptures command?
(1Co 1:10 ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
(Rom 15:5-6 ESV) 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let's go a little deeper — past the prooftexting. The biggest internal issue that Paul confronted in his ministry was the division between Jews and Gentiles. Many Jews demanded that the Gentiles be circumcised and honor Jewish food laws to be saved. The Gentile Christians were delighted to worship Jesus, but didn't want to become Jews. How did Paul respond?
Well, think how we'd respond today? If we had two ethnic groups that took tremendous pride in their ethnic heritage, who spoke different first languages (Greek was the second language of many, if not most), who had different food scruples, and who had different attitudes toward worship, wouldn't we say something like, "Let's celebrate our diversity! And if the two groups want to form different denominations, have separate lectureships, have separate ministries, and only cooperate in token ways, that'll be just great, so long as they recognize one another's salvation! Praise God that we can form distinct fellowships and yet recognize each other as brothers and sisters in Christ!"
That's very 21st Century thinking. It's not Paul's thinking.
(Gal 2:11-14 ESV) 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
All Peter did was refuse to eat with Gentile Christians — and Paul declared him condemned because his conduct violated "the truth of the gospel."
(Eph 2:14-22 ESV) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
V. 14 says that the death of Jesus removes the wall that divides Jews from Gentiles. Jesus died to bring all together to form "one new man in place of the two, so making peace" (v. 15). The cross therefore binds us into "one body" (v. 16) — making us into a single "household of God" (v 19), built on a single foundation, which is a temple (singular) "in the Lord" (v. 20), indwelt by the Spirit (v. 21).
Paul repeats the concepts of "one body" and "one Spirit" in chapter 4 to re-emphasize that, as Thomas Campbell wrote, the church —
is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the scriptures, and that manifest the same by their tempers and conduct, and of none else as none else can be truly and properly called christians.
Now, imagine Paul telling the Jews and Gentiles to form separate denominations and to cooperate in token ways here and there. I really can't think of anything less Pauline than advocating that we resolve our differences by separating. Indeed, Paul told the Corinthians,
(1Co 3:4 ESV) 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?
Paul doesn't argue that they were damning each other — only that they were divided by having divided loyalties. How is this even a little different from "I follow Luther" and "I follow Wesley" and "I follow Campbell"? All would declare that they follow Jesus first and the men second, but they follow the men into division, which is not the same as following Jesus.
The problem, you see, is that we've been divided into denominations for so long — 500 years — that we don't know how to do church any other way. We are so eaten up with denominationalism that when we try to escape it, we do so through the denominational structure — counting on state and national denominational institutions (or colleges and periodicals in our case) to lead the way. We can't even imagine finding unity other than via our precious denominations.
Sorting ourselves into denominations is therefore sinful. They could be even more sinful, but division is division is sin, and denominations are, by definition, division.
To quote Thomas Campbell again,
That although the church of Christ upon earth must necessarily exist in particular and distinct societies, locally separate one from another; yet there ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable divisions among them. They ought to receive each other as Christ Jesus hath also received them to the glory of God. And for this purpose, they ought all to walk by the same rule, to mind and speak the same thing; and to be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment.
I guess I'm just old-fashioned that way.
Now, there are obvious challenges to leaving behind our denominational structures, but rather than just assuming there's no better way, I think we'd do well to consider how we might do just fine without them. But that's for a later post. I haven't quite figured it out yet. But I'm working on it.


text:
Contrary to popular belief, James T. Kirk is not an idiot.
He's not a complete asshole, either, although that's not what he sees scrawled over the faces of the bridge crew. They might not have agreed with how Spock had been leading the Enterprise, hell, they might not even have liked the guy, but the fact remains that he's lost his entire planet, his mother, and Jim just pointed this fact out to him in the cruellest way possible. So he could become Captain, although they don't know that yet.
He knows what this looks like. He knows exactly what this looks like.
"Well congratulations, Jim. Now we've got no captain and no goddamn first officer to replace him."
Even Bones is staring at him with some weird mix of shock and disgust, like he can't quite believe it's his best friend he's staring at, and Jim feels something twist on his face, awful and resigned, because he had to do this. There was simply no other choice. Or at least, that's what he tells himself, and tries to ignore feelings of anger, heartbreak, the need to stop at nothing to avenge the woman who—
Except those aren't his feelings, and now he has to ignore the fact that he just rubbed the loss of an entire freaking planet in the face of the guy they did belong to.
"Yeah, we do," is all he says, feeling the stares of curiosity, animosity and pure dislike directed his way. Well, it's not like he hasn't experienced any of that before.
God, that word shouldn't hurt as much as it does. Jim shoves it aside, frustrated at – something. Himself, Bones, this entire goddamn situation that is not working out the way it was meant to. He makes sure none of that shows on his face, because what this ship needs right now is sure as hell not a Captain who's doubting himself.
"Pike made him first officer." He thinks that's Sulu. Maybe buddyship does prevail, sometimes. Or maybe the guy is just as shocked as the rest of them.
Yeah, it's probably that second one.
"...You gotta be kidding me," and Jim sees suspicion flash across his features for a split second, the niggling 'would he/wouldn't he', and, uh. Ouch.
"Thanks for the support." If it's bitten out slightly, like something that was a little tough to chew on, you can hardly blame him.
...Well. Maybe you can blame him a little.
But maybe Bones hears it in his voice or something as he sits down in the Big Chair that is definitely way too big for him, because he backs off. And maybe there's even a little bit of guilt flickering across his face, because despite everything Jim is a good guy and Bones knows that.
Then it's Uhura's turn, and hoo boy, is that an ugly look on her face. The sheer disgust evident might've hurt a little less if...yeah, Jim can't imagine that look hurting much less, unless he really was the asshole that expression suggests that he is. Which would be some asshole.
"I sure hope you know what you're doing," and he doesn't his eyes against the blow he knows is coming, because Jim isn't a coward either. More than that, he figures she deserves to have his full attention, regardless. "Captain."
It's a punch that hurts more than you'd think, because he knows that Uhura has always suspected that he's not as much of a prick as he pretends to be, but unlike Bones, she's never been sure. One word shouldn't be able to convey so much feeling, and it doesn't, not really, but it is enough to let him know that every negative thought she's ever had about his character and more has just been confirmed. And that kind of sucks.
It's something else that he can't afford to regret right now, however, because that'll just make it look like he doesn't know if he's done the right thing or not, and if he hasn't just done the right thing, well. He really will be the world's biggest asshole, which is one title he's not in the mood for claiming right now.
So he shoves that regret (and yeah, a little bit of hurt) to one side, tucks it away with the rest of his clamouring, conflicting thoughts and lets Uhura see the last glimpse of 'Jim', a faint uncertainty, the determination to go through with this anyway, before it's all packed away and he becomes someone else entirely.
"So do I."
And maybe it's the look in his eye or the tone to his voice, but something about his demeanour stops the woman from decking him in the face and go to her station. She'll obey his orders, then. She won't like it, but she'll do it, and right now that's really the only thing that matters. With Uhura's acquiescence, everyone remembers that they have a starship to keep running, and there's a sudden flurry of activity.
"Attention crew of the Enterprise, this is James Kirk..."
Captain of the USS Enterprise.
...Well, shit.


text:
Seattle is more than just coffee shops and rain. The city first jumped on the scene in the late 80′s with Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Posse On Broadway" and his Swass LP (which this blog was almost named). Those who were into the music back then know Mix was more than just liking big butts. In the early 90′s you had Kid Sensation aka Xola Malik, Criminal Nation, and E Dawg on the scene. In the present, anyone who is a fan of WYDU and WTR will undoubtedly be aware of our feelings on Blue Scholars and Common Market. Both groups are gaining a solid following in the underground scene as well. On the rise, of course there is former Spotlight artist, Grynch and others like Shayla. Add one more to that list, as Seattle MC, Taybot dropped his dope Phil&Numberman Mixtape late last year. Besides being a rising MC, he also co-hosts one of the radio shows there in town on KEXP 90.3 with DJ B-Mello. We sat down and talked to Taybot about his past, present and future.
Taybot – Constant Heat (From: The Phil&Numberman Mixtape)
Taybot – We Homies Now (Jake One Instrumental)
The Taybot/
Phil&Numberman Mixtape
AVAILABLE NOW! http://taybot3.com/
WYDU: What's good? How about a proper introduction to all the readers out there in blog land?
Taybot: Whatup! I'm Taybot. I'm an MC in Seattle and I also co-host a radio show, Street Sounds on KEXP 90.3 FM. I also run taybot3.com!
W: So what is your background, how long have you been MCing, how did you get your start? We're get the generic questions out of the way all in one swoop….
Taybot: I been MCing for 6 or 7 years. I started out in a crew called Requiem Trifecta. That is some high school stuff ha I barely think about that group no more. Then I was in a crew called estrella with my homie Praxis and finally I went solo.
W: Since you are hailing from Seattle, which I've always watched with a close eye since it's in my "home region", what is your take on the scene out there?
Taybot: The scene is crackin but we deserve more shine! A lot of cats are killin it including but not limited to Speedy The Artist, GMK, Blue Scholars, Fresh Espresso, They Live and Spaceman.
W: You released a mixtape with Phil & Numberman recently. What is the story behind the mixtape? Why should a listener who is swamped with music these days take the time to give what you have to say a listen?
Taybot: For one thing, the homie's Phil & Numberman make dope beats! Also, none of the songs have more than 2 verses so it never gets boring. There's also some 30 second instrumentals scattered on the CD. The MCing is nice too…there's dope concepts and stories on a lot of the songs. For example, near the end of the CD there is a really good song about small towns.
W: Who exactly are Phil & Numberman? How did y'all hook up with them?
Taybot: Oh they are a producer duo who I met in college up in Bellingham, WA. The homie Numberman quit making beats pretty much and is pursuing stand up comedy…he's got jokes! Phil still makes beats and is way better now!
W: Aside from being an MC, you mentioned that you cohost a radio show with B-Mello out there in Seatown, how is that going for you? What kinda of ish do you play?
Taybot: Ya the radio show is off the hook! Sunday nights, 6-9pm on KEXP 90.3 FM. B-Mello is the illest DJ in the town. We play a lot of mainstream artist's songs that don't get major spins and we also play more underground artists like Kali and Black Milk. Of course we also play tons of local rap.
W: At one time you were part of a group, estrella, are you still down with them?
Taybot: Ya the other cat in the group was Praxis. He's the homie and I just kicked freestyles with him last night actually. He is about to finish grad school. He works with kids, helping empower the youth through hip hop. He helps change the world every day.
W: One thing I find pretty neat is 10% of your sales goes to the Mockingbird Society, which is a group working with children in the welfare system. You don't see a lot of that in today's society. How did you team up with that organization and why is something like that important to you?
Taybot: I think it's good to give
back. I chose Mockingbird because they really help out foster youth and these are kids that need an extra push sometimes. Mockingbird is a newspaper that hires the kids to write for it. It's a great organization. It was pretty easy to team up with them, I just told them I'd like to help out by giving a percentage of my sales to them and they were down.
W: So what's on the agenda for the future, world domination, money, whips, and fly honeys?
Taybot: Hopefully all those things but more importantly I'm learning how to make beats so be on the lookout for that. I'm gonna keep sending songs to the blogs until I start getting shine and then I'll grind even harder. I'm also writing a novel but that probably won't be finished for a year or so.
W: Any last words for the audience out there?
Taybot: Yeah check out taybot3.com, it's a dope website!
W: Word, thanks and good luck! Taybot: Ya no doubt homie, stay on the blog grind!


text:
Johannesburg - Government on Sunday denied media reports that key Cabinet members would be reshuffled or replaced, asking that they be afforded the necessary respect and space to work.
In a statement, Cabinet spokesperson Themba Maseko said: "We wish to emphasise that any change to the composition of the executive is the prerogative of the President of the Republic. Only the President knows whether or not there will be a reshuffle, what form it would take, if there was one, when it would happen, if it is to happen and other details."
The Weekend Argus newspaper reported on Sunday that Zuma was set to make several "possible key changes" to his Cabinet, which was holding a special meeting on Monday on a new economic growth strategy.
One possible change was the departure of minister in the presidency for planning, Trevor Manuel, to take up a senior position either at the World Bank or in the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
Another was the replacement of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, whose wife Cheryl is on trial on drug trafficking charges, with Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. Deputy Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile was set for a full Cabinet post, possibly replacing Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana.
The newspaper reported that Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula was set to take up a full Cabinet post as a reward for leading the campaign that saw Zuma elected ANC president in 2007.
Other ministers in precarious positions included Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica and Mining Minister Susan Shabangu.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane has stayed mum on reports that President Jacob Zuma is set to reshuffle his Cabinet.
Chabane told journalists at a news conference in Pretoria that ministers were continuing to do their work as usual and that a question on the reshuffle was "unfair".
"The question is unfair," Chabane said. "We are used to it. Rumours about a Cabinet reshuffle have been around since the Cabinet was formed.
"Ministers are doing their work as usual."


text:
Cardinal posts highest graduation rate in school history
ELDON — Cardinal Community School District Superintendent Joel Pedersen is happy to share the news that last year's high school graduates, the Class of 2012, ranked the highest in the school's history with a 98.51 percent four-year graduation rate.
"This represents 66 out of 67 students," said Pedersen. "We will always welcome students back even though it may take more than four years to graduate.
"This is a huge accomplishment to celebrate with staff, students, families and our school community," he said. "We can and are making a difference for our students and families. We must remember this every day and focus on every interaction we have in the schoolhouse. We have a chance to make things better by our actions and 'choice words.'"
Pedersen said the high percent graduation rate shows the district is overcoming obstacles to graduation, such as poverty, through building strong relationships with students and families and by improving instruction.
"Notice that I said relationships first," said Pedersen. "That will be my 'battle cry' until the day I retire."
Schools measure poverty by looking at numbers of students qualifying by household income for free and reduced meals.
Cardinal high school and middle school had a free and reduced lunch rate of 50.4 percent in school year 2011-12; the elementary was higher, at 67.1 percent, giving the district an overall total of 58.8 percent of students who applied qualified for free and reduced lunches.
"The numbers are higher this school year," said Pedersen.
The four-year cohort graduation rate is calculated for the class of 2012 by dividing the number of students in the cohort (numerator) who graduate with a regular high school diploma in four years or less, by the 2011-2012 school year, by the number of first-time ninth graders enrolled in the fall of 2008 minus the number of students who transferred out plus the total number of students who transferred in (denominator).
Iowa school districts' graduation rates are posted on the state Department of Education website as of Wednesday.
Fairfield Community School District's four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2012 was 80.92 percent. Fairfield High School's enrollment in the 2011-2012 school year was 545 students, according to the state website.
For comparison with the previous year's class, the Class of 2011, only the five-year cohort graduation rate, 88.89 percent is figured, not the four-year rate.
"It is an area of concern," said Superintendent Art Sathoff about the 80.92 percent. "We have expanded our alternative program and are working with Response to Intervention strategies in an effort to reduce our number of dropouts, which was 20 in the most recent report. Several years ago that number was 30.
'The percentages get figured different ways, in four-year and five-year cohorts. Students who elect to pursue a GED or return to school to finish after an absence end up hurting a district's cohort graduation rate."
Pekin Community School District's four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2012 was 98.31 percent.
Van Buren Community School District's four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2012 was 85.48 percent.
Iowa's statewide average four-year graduation rate in 2012 was 89.26 percent, an increase of 0.94 percent from the 88.32 percent rate for Iowa's class of 2011, which led the nation in state four-year graduation rates.
The state's 2012 graduation rate also remains above the 2010 rate of 88.8 percent.
"The graduation rate for Iowa's class of 2012 climbed statewide from the previous year, " said information on Iowa Department of Education website.
Graduation rates increased for all but two subgroups of students — Native Americans show a statewide 6.49 percent decrease in graduation rates for the Class of 2012.
Significant increases in graduation rates were seen in these subgroups:
• 3.94 percent among students whose first language is not English
• 2.82 percent students with disabilities.
• 1.59 percent students from low-income backgrounds.
The four-year graduation rate for the class of 2012 increased from the previous year in 172 school districts (54 percent) out of the 318 Iowa districts that had high schools. Ten school districts (3 percent) saw no change in graduation rates from the year before, while 136 districts (43 percent) saw a decrease.
Iowa graduation rates are calculated with a formula established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Unique student identification numbers allow school districts to carefully account for all ninth-grade students as they move through high school. At the state level, the method helps determine when a student graduates, even if the student has switched districts in Iowa during high school.
"Iowa's graduation rate is a testament to the hard work and commitment that teachers and school leaders show in classrooms across the state," said Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass. "While we work to continue that momentum, we also must look beyond the high school diploma and make sure all students are prepared for success after high school."


text:
Richie Barker saluted his midfield duo of Hope Akpan and Josh Simpson after today's 2-1 win at Portsmouth.
Goals from Mat Sadler, direct from a free kick out wide, and Billy Clarke, sealed the points as the Reds came from behind to go eighth in the League one table.
Barker said: "To come here on Boxing Day and beat Portsmouth shows how far we have come.
"I thought some of our football in difficult conditions was excellent, particularly the two midfielders, playing against midfielders who have played at a much higher level than them and they ran the match.
"I thought we deserved it. We had to withstand some pressure pressure but you would expect that, they have good players here desipte the problems."
"It's so tight, if you can stay in that to half you are never more than a win or two from the play-offs."


text:
Articles from RotoWire's fantasy archives that mention Bobby Crosby's name.
September 26, 2012
Bernie On The Scene: Young Guys to Watch For in 2013
Although he's seeing limited work as a reliever, Dylan Bundy should be on the Orioles' radar for a rotation spot in 2013.
January 4, 2012
How to Run a Fantasy Baseball Keeper League: Keeper League Rules Primer
Thinking of joining or creating a keeper league? Brett Cohen offers advice, rules and strategy for how to create your rules.
September 14, 2008
FAAB Factor- AL: Bryan Bullington and Others
July 20, 2008
FAAB Factor- AL: Dallas Braden and Others
July 6, 2008
FAAB Factor- AL: Matt Harrison and Others
May 18, 2008
FAAB Factor- AL: Bartolo Colon and Others
August 29, 2010
NL FAAB Factor: Meet the Mets
August 24, 2010
The Lineup Card: Threat to the Crown
King Felix hasn't allowed a run in his last three starts. Can the Red Sox slow him down?
August 11, 2010
Thursday Lineup Card: Hurricain Warning
In addition to throwing the ball well recently, San Francisco's Matt Cain has held current Cubs hitters to a .217/.311/.357 line. He'll square off against them again on Thursday.
August 5, 2010
Friday Lineup Card: Man On Fire
Francisco Liriano hasn't allowed a run since July 16. Can he keep that streak alive against the Indians on Friday?
August 2, 2010
Sickels' Traded Prospects Analysis: Deadline Flurry Deals
Final Set of Traded Prospects
August 1, 2010
NL FAAB Factor: Trade Deadline Edition
July 31, 2010
Sunday Lineup Card: Pinstriped Puma
Lance Berkman will head to the American League and DH for the Yankees after being traded by the Astros on Saturday.
July 11, 2010
NL FAAB Factor: Wandy Twirling Again
June 30, 2010
Thursday Lineup Card: Dream Weaver
Can AL Strikeout Leader Jered Weaver (118) continue to keep the Rangers' offense quiet in his start against them on Thursday?
June 29, 2010
Wednesday Lineup Card: The O's Cure All Woes
Corey Patterson is one of many Orioles with a poor track record against A's starter Ben Sheets. Can Sheets end his June (1-4, 5.23 ERA) on a high note Wednesday?
June 23, 2010
Thursday Lineup Card: El Caballo on the Loose
Carlos Lee is showing signs of life again in June, carrying a .267 average along with five homers and 17 RBI in 20 games into Wednesday's game.
June 9, 2010
The Lineup Card: A Is for Available
If you're looking for young pitchers with upside, don't forget about Oakland's Trevor Cahill.
June 7, 2010
The Lineup Card: Dealin' Diamondback
Advanced Search
All-Time Fantasy Baseball Team
Ask An Expert – Fantasy Baseball
Auction Values – Custom
Auction Values – Custom Tiers
Auction Values – Earned
Batting Orders
Cheat Sheets
Cheat Sheets – AL-Only
Cheat Sheets – NL-Only
Cheat Sheets – Foreign
Closer Situations
Daily Lineups
Depth Charts
Draft Kit
Draft Software
Draft Software (Mac)
Draft Strategy
Fantasy 101
Games by Position
How to Play Fantasy Baseball
Injuries – MLB
Injuries – AL Only
Injuries – NL Only
Injuries – By Team
Injuries – By Position
Lineup Card
Local Papers
MLB Box Scores
MLB Commissioner
MLB Odds
MLB Standings
MLB Team Pages
News – Latest
News – AL Only
News – NL Only
News – Closers
News – Foreign Leagues
News – Free Agents
News – Minor Leagues
News – Recap
News – Top 100 MLB
News – Top 400 Prospects
Projected Starters
Projections – Rest Of Season
Projections – Daily
Projections – Weekly
Projections – Changes
Prospects – By Team
Prospects – Top 200
Rankings – Custom
Rankings – ADP
Rankings – Custom Points
Rankings – Custom H2H Roto
Rankings – Custom H2H Points
Rankings – Expert Composite
Rankings + Outlooks
Rankings + Outlooks – Catchers
Rankings + Outlooks – First Base
Rankings + Outlooks – Second Base
Rankings + Outlooks – Shortstops
Rankings + Outlooks – Third Base
Rankings + Outlooks – Outfielders
Rankings + Outlooks – Starting Pitchers
Rankings + Outlooks – Relief Pitchers
Recent Debuts
Reliever Usage Report
Stats - Minor League
Defensive Stats
Stats – Advanced
Stats – Batter v. Pitcher
Stats – Explanation
Stats – Second Half (Batters)
Stats – Second Half (Pitchers)
Stats – Spring Training
Stats – 3-Year Averages (Batters)
Stats – 3-Year Averages (Pitchers)
Team Previews
Weather Report for MLB Games
Fantasy Baseball Columns
120 Sports DraftKings Advice
120 Sports FanDuel Advice
AL FAAB Factor
Collette Calls
DFS Baseball 101
DraftKings MLB
FanDuel MLB
Fantasy Baseball Injury Report
FantasyDraft MLB
Farm Futures
In Some Depth
Minor League Barometer
MLB Barometer
MLB Daily Games Strategy
Mound Musings
NL FAAB Factor
Oak's Corner
Pitching 3D
Rebound Candidate
Regan's Rumblings
Short Hops Podcast
Stadium & RW Video
SXM Highlights
The Long Game
The Saber's Edge
The Wheelhouse
The Z Files
Toeing the Line
TYT Sports MLB Video
Umpire Analysis
Video Shorts
Weekly Hitter Rankings
Weekly Pitcher Rankings
Yahoo DFS Baseball