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Budget cuts 'put mother and baby at risk' at Lithgow hospital
The New South Wales opposition says cuts to the health budget could have led to a pregnant woman bleeding to death.
Four months ago, Laura Nightingale presented to Lithgow hospital at about 4:00am with a dangerous prenatal condition, placenta praevia.
A midwife tried to arrange an emergency transfer to Nepean Private but was told no ambulance would be available until the morning shift started several hours later.
Mrs Nightingale was forced to wait for 90 minutes unattended and bleeding heavily in the ambulance station.
Labor's health spokesman Andrew McDonald says she could have died within half an hour if the placenta had detached.
He is blaming cuts to overtime for what happened.
"This is a highly dangerous situation, the paramedics were available to go from Lithgow to Nepean it should have happened rather than put mother and baby at risk," he said.
"The only reason that Laura and Addison Nightingale are alive today is luck."
The Health Minister Jillian Skinner says she has apologised to Mrs Nightingale but rejects Dr McDonald's claim.
"Look it's nothing to do with money," she said.
"The circumstances of this delay will be investigated as part of this inquiry and, whatever the cause of it, I will make sure that is addressed so that we don't have this kind of experience again.
"It is simply unacceptable for a mum with placenta praevia to be left on an ambulance bleeding.
"That is unacceptable and I have issued an apology."
Topics: womens-health, states-and-territories, lithgow-2790, sydney-2000
First posted


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Ohio Amish defendants: Ban cult reference at trial
CLEVELAND (AP) – Seven of the 16 people charged in beard- and hair-cutting attacks on fellow Amish in Ohio want any references to a cult or renegade group banned from their upcoming trial.
The defendants asked a federal judge in Cleveland on Monday to prohibit such references as prejudicial. The prosecution will get a chance to respond before the judge rules.
They also want banned any references to a clan, schism, breakaway or splinter Amish group.
The defendants are charged with forcibly cutting the beards and hair of men and the hair of women, acts considered deeply offensive in Amish culture.
The defendants say the attacks were internal church disciplinary matters not involving anti-Amish bias. They have pleaded not guilty and rejected plea bargains that offered leniency.
Source: AP
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

subset: commoncrawl


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D.C. Has A Serious Rat Problem. What Can The City Do?
The number of people living in D.C. is booming, and so too is the number of rats. Kojo talks about how D.C.'s rodent problem is affecting the city and what's being done to fight off the pests.
Guest Host: Christina Bellantoni
Early American souvenirs typically took the form of a piece of the place visited. A splinter chipped out of the molding at Mount Vernon, a chunk of stone chiseled from Plymouth Rock or bit of fabric clipped from a White House curtain. At one point the "national mania" for souvenir collecting threatened to destroy the very places visitors wished to remember. We talk with the curator of a new Smithsonian exhibit about the evolution of souvenirs and what we can learn from those early relics.
Images courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
MS. CHRISTINA BELLANTONIWelcome back. I'm Christina Bellantoni of the PBS News Hour sitting in for Kojo Nnamdi. And we are going to have a conversation about 'Souvenir Nation.' In our nation's early days, visitors to sites of historic significance brought away more than memories. They walked off with pieces of Plymouth Rock, where for a while a hammer was kept on hand in case you forgot your own. Swatches of fabric cut from the White House curtains and splinters of wood from, well, just about anything made of the stuff. They were seeking souvenirs.
MS. CHRISTINA BELLANTONIAnd before an industry cropped up to provide them readymade, they improvised. Here to tell us how we got into and out of that habit is Larry Byrd, who is the curator and historian at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. He's the man behind the exhibit 'Souvenir Nation' on view now at the Smithsonian castle and the accompanying book of the same name, which has on its cover some very interesting trinkets that I think we're going to be talking about. Thanks so much for being here, Larry.
MR. WILLIAM L BIRD JR.Well, thank you, Christina.
BELLANTONISo I'm fascinated by this. I'm looking at, on the cover of this book, a lock of hair from Sir. Walter Scott. What exactly is 'Souvenir Nation?'
BIRD JR.Well, who knew? I mean, these are from what used to be the history collection in the United States National Museum. And it's a collection that goes back not too far into the 19th century. But as the museum grew bits and pieces of this were taken away and formed whole new collections. And the legacy collection today is sort of a residual bathtub ring, if you will, of unclaimed and not taken objects. And most of them are sort of these small little things that could've been cut or chipped away and taken as souvenirs when people traveled, especially in the 19th century.
BIRD JR.When you went to, let's say, Mount Vernon for example, you were almost expected to come away with a little bit of memorabilia of it, you know, a piece of wood, a chip of the mantle, you know, something from the garden. Or if you visited a famous person, you might ask them for a lock of hair and they would be obliged to give it to you if they were so inclined. But these things have sort of piled up in the collection that I curate. And it's really a kind of small deed democratic way that anyone could save the past, you know, by taking a little bit -- piece of it.
BIRD JR.And these are typically things -- small things of much -- they're bits and pieces of much larger things that loomed large in our imagination. And in such, they're really intensely personal ways that you can connect with that past and certainly to keep the memory alive in the thing that you can hold in your hand in a tangible way.
BELLANTONIAnd as people sort of reinvented the way that you visit historical sites, it's probably a little harder to take, you know, a rock from somewhere. I do get this -- I took one off Normandy Beach once on a trip with the president so I'm guilty of it.
BIRD JR.Yeah well, everyone has done this kind of thing. But when the collection sort of began to trickle into the museum, it was sort of closing out an era and people were beginning to appreciate this for what it actually is, which is just vandalism. But it actually was a kind of a hobby, if not an avocation of what was called relic hunting. And that's really from the beginning of the souvenir memory business today. I mean, overtime your attention was subtly shifted into -- or may not so subtly shifted into things that you could purchase, like a postcard in a gift shop. And there are even some transitional items.
BIRD JR.For example, you have a little -- it's a buckeye. It's a little acorn sized nut that fell from a tree at Mount Vernon that's imbedded with a compass. You know, well, the nut is from Mount Vernon but the compass is from nowhere in particular, you know. But pretty soon everything is from nowhere in particular. So, I mean, even the show today, when you go to see it in the castle it starts in a shop and it ends in a shop. So we sort of come full circle.
BELLANTONIWell, you can join our conversation and tell us if any of your ancestors might've had sticky fingers at historical sites. Give us a call at 1-800-433-8850, email email@example.com. Of course you can get in touch on our Facebook page or send a Tweet to @kojoshow. So Larry Byrd, curator of this interesting exhibit, we might think of keepsakes and mementos as being interchangeable terms. Bur what is the difference between the different types of items on display here?
BIRD JR.Well, in terms of using those words, keepsake, mementos, souvenir, relic or what we call them today historical artifacts, we sort of ennoble them, it's really one of, I think, emotional intensity. The keepsake being the most emotionally intensive and that would include a hair lock, for example. And it sort of goes on a sliding scale downward until the point where you get to the relic or the historical artifact, which is -- it may have a certain emotional intensity to it, and if you're lucky it does -- but the -- typically is a way just of dramatizing the passing of an historical event or a moment.
BELLANTONIDo you have a favorite in the exhibit?
BIRD JR.Yeah, people ask me that. And there's a little tiny piece of wood that's about the size of a fingernail that was chipped from the last railroad tie -- what was thought to be the last railroad tie at Promontory, Utah. We've all seen the famous photograph of the wedding of the rails, you know, the two locomotives that are pushed together on the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. And at that ceremony people began to whittle away at the last tie into which the golden spike or spikes were driven.
BIRD JR.And so three weeks after that event, this eight-year-old boy was going through Utah with his mother. They stopped at Promontory, they got off the train and he was allowed to take his little pen knife out and whittle a little piece of the wood. And so it lives in a little manila folder in our storage area with a label. And when I saw that I thought, oh man, could it be true? And it turns out that -- he was three weeks after the ceremony and it turns out that travel writers wrote about this quite independently that as soon as the ceremony was over, people began whittling these things away. And they were just allowed to do it until they had to replace a tie. And they replaced one tie a week.
BIRD JR.So by the time he got there they were probably whittling on the third tie, which explains how he was able to do it or maybe was even suggested that he saw people doing it. But he kept it his whole life and then he mailed it into the Smithsonian, you know, in 1922. And there you have it.
BELLANTONIWell, it's such a testament too to the incredible curation that you all have, being able to keep track of all that and make sure you know which splinter is which.
BIRD JR.Oh yeah.
BELLANTONISo what do you think fueled this desire of so many Americans to literally have a piece of history they could take back home with them? What's that about?
BIRD JR.Well, if you think about it, again as I said before, it's a way that anybody, you know, with a pen knife and even an eight-year-old, can participate in saving the past. And for the longest time, saving the past or how you would save the past if you were a person of means is you would -- it was a function of art. It was a formal function of art. You know, you would have a portrait painted of yourself. You would have a landscape painted of your house. You might even commission a statue or a bust of yourself. Or maybe you might be lucky enough to have a medal struck in your honor or maybe a coin, a stamp, you know, that kind of thing.
BIRD JR.And all of those ways are on display in the museum today. And now with the opening of this exhibit, you know, this is also to do. But that's not to say that this means of chipping and taking fragments of things wasn't available to people of means, because people who traveled, you know, certainly did that and took advantage -- every advantage of that too. And it's reflected in the collection with the kinds of things we have.
BELLANTONIAnd what about sort of the historical nature? Are people trying to take a piece of heritage with them?
BIRD JR.Well, I think it's a way to just intensely -- it's intense personal meaning for people. It's a way to connect with the past. You're connecting by physically collecting, hunting, gathering. And most of these things are small. And they're sort of -- it's the kind of thing that would fit into a pocket or a purse, and they're really quite nondescript. I mean, even if you look at Plymouth Rock, it's just -- it's a piece of granite. And what is that?
BIRD JR.It's really the notes that they left, and sometimes affixed to if you're lucky, these things, these nondescript rather mundane objects that would've lost their significance if not for the note that someone thought to leave with it, which again attests to the personal level of engagement that these things have.
BELLANTONIThis is a destructive hobby to be sure, but what changed our national mindset on the ways that we collect these items?
BIRD JR.Well, you know, we have described it as vandalism. But to be fair in the absence of the museum idea or the museum as an idea, and certainly in the absence of a historic preservation movement, these things really kind of predate and for a while coexist with the development of those ideas as institutions. For example, I mean, if you went to Mount Vernon, it isn't until 1859 that anyone has the idea that the whole estate will be preserved in its entirety. So, well, why not take a little piece of it?
BIRD JR.You know, it's sort of inevitable that it may fall down, but then, you know, this whole idea of conserving things, and certainly that's the formal idea of the -- it's sort of the founding idea of the museum that these things are to be saved and to be taken out of circulation and treated with respect and dignified and that sort of thing. So really it's the advent of the National Museum and the historic preservation movement which begins in earnest at Mount Vernon one year away from the start of the Civil War.
BELLANTONIWell, tell us what your most cherished souvenir is and where did you get it? Give us a call at 1-800-433-8850. Send an email to email@example.com or of course Tweet to us at kojoshow. So Mount Vernon, just a few miles from here you just mentioned, is an interesting example of an estate where we can chart the evolution of souvenir taking and selling. So how did the caretakers of this property deal with that early phenomenon?
BIRD JR.Well, Mount Vernon is a really special if not an exceptional case because of the intense relationship that people have with George Washington and the legacy of Washington and the founding of the country, the Revolutionary War and on and on. And the way down there was typically by boat. I mean, you could go over land but until they put a trolley in, the way down was by boat. You would come from Washington or you would start in Alexandria and you'd be let off the boat for a couple of hours before the boat came back to pick you up and take you home.
BIRD JR.And so for those few hours the attendants at Mount Vernon had to be on their toes just to watch people and to make sure they weren't, you know, chipping away at things. And they lost interior furnishings to this kind of phenomenon. And over time they began to develop a trade in estate-made wooden things, canes and that sort of thing. So when you came up from the boat on the landing, the first thing you encounter is Washington's tomb. And there would be somebody there to sell you canes made from estate wood.
BIRD JR.So they're trying to, you know, channel it into some kind of a revenue-generating -- and they also would take things that were sort of renewable from the greenhouse. You know, you could. He had, there was a greenhouse and they would take plant cuttings and sell boxwoods and cuttings from boxwoods that you could replant, that sort of thing.
BIRD JR.But sometimes, you know, people would come off the boat and they'd be confronted with, you know, the sale of canes for example and they would question the person. Well, how do we know these are actually wood from the estate? Oh, well we would, you know, this represents that and so either not wanting to spend the money or on the way back to the boat they would just lope off into the woods and cut their own so just take it away. And then they were sure of the provenance of it and you know it was something that they had done.
BELLANTONIAnd it's all collected here in this exhibit. Well a lot of it is collected there. William, Larry Bird is a curator and historian at The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. We will continue our conversation after a short break. I'm Christina Bellantoni of the PBS "News Hour" sitting in for Kojo. We'll be right back.
BELLANTONIWelcome back, I'm Christina Bellantoni of the PBS "News Hour" sitting in for Kojo Nnamdi and I'm talking with Larry Bird. He is the Smithsonian's curator and historian at the National Museum of American History.
BELLANTONIAnd we're talking about the exhibit Souvenir Nation on view now at The Smithsonian Castle and the book "Souvenir Nation: Relics, Keepsakes and Curios from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History." Larry, this is so much fun to talk about it.
BELLANTONII want to share an email we got from Charlie in Adams Morgan who sent this email to email@example.com. He tells us that he used to travel regularly to the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima, site of a major World War II battle of course. He said he would escort entertainers there to perform for Coast Guard personnel and one time as a souvenir one of those officers gave him a 1944 vintage Coca Cola bottle he'd found washed up on the beach.
BELLANTONIHe filled it with the sands from the beach and brought it home. A year later he showed it to a colleague who said that her father had fought in that battle. "I gave her the bottle and I have no regrets". I'm sure you must hear many, many stories of that. What are some of the stories behind some of these relics that you see, you know people that are handing off trinkets or making sure that they get to The Smithsonian for preservation in such a distinct way?
BIRD JR.Well, in many ways it's really not the thing so much as it is the story or the, you know, the memory of the thing. I'm wracking my brain for probably one of the better examples.
BIRD JR.We have, well, and this is one of the things you would never expect that we would have. We have a napkin that was described as Napoleon's napkin that was collected by a man who traveled to the courts of Europe and he was a friend with the future mother-in-law of our second secretary Spencer Fullerton Baird.
BIRD JR.And he knew, the man knew that this woman was an admirer of Napoleon or of Napoleon's executive ability which was something that I hadn't really studied much, much up on, but yeah, you can think of him as a monarch, as a ruler but you can also think of him as an executive, as he was in the 19th century apparently.
BIRD JR.But the napkin passed down through their family and the daughter of the Bairds gave it to the museum after the turn of the century so there it is. It's one of the first things you see in the show. I mean and every one of these things has a sort of a story like that.
BIRD JR.It's one of the things that were collected, passed on, deposited and then sort of consigned to the, you know, the outer reaches of the museum's collection.
BELLANTONIWell, let us know what you might have in your attic. Give us a call to join the conversation at 1-800-433-8850. Of course send a tweet to @kojoshow. Now Marty in Alexandria, Va. has heard a rumor about Francis Scott Key's house. I'm not sure we have an answer to your rumor but go ahead Marty, thanks for joining us.
MARTYCan you hear me?
MARTYOkay. I had heard a story that Francis Scott Key's house had been taken apart practically board by board and saved for the Smithsonian Museum but then later nobody could figure out where it was and it was kind of lost. I just wanted to hear what you had to say about it.
BELLANTONIWell, Larry Bird, not to put you on the spot, but are we hearing anything about Francis Scott Key's house and why is that something that might be important to this region?
BIRD JR.Well, yeah, it is important to the region and I think it's up in Frederick, Md. if I'm not mistaken. I'm not available to the internet at the moment, but that's the first place that I would start. But we do have -- I mean that's a common 19th century thing to dismantle some historic structure, typically a frame house and take it and set it up and display.
BIRD JR.One of the centennial exhibits in Philadelphia, you know, the world's fair, that kind of thing. That was frequently done. And one of the things that we do have in the collection is this tiny, little sliver. It's about the size of you know, the thickness of a Popsicle stick from a building in which Andrew Jackson practiced law in Salisbury, N.C.
BIRD JR.And it was taken and purchased off of its foundation and it was to be set up at the centennial in Philadelphia in 1876 and it never showed up. And the town is still looking for it if anybody knows where.
BIRD JR.But it's just the kind of thing, again, without a note. It's nondescript. It's a pile of lumber. What is it? You know, but here we have a little stick of it. It's stuck to the back of a business envelope with a note explaining what it is. It may be all that's left of it.
BELLANTONIAnd many of those items that you've been describing are pieces of wood or rocks or some little item but actually some of the items that you portray in the book and on display do resemble the types of trinkets you might find today that are more tourist-y.
BELLANTONISo tell us about this, on page 55 we've got this, basically a Statue of Liberty...
BIRD JR.Right.
BELLANTONI...and this is from the 1800s.
BIRD JR.Well, Bartholdi, the French sculptor, the gift was of the statue itself, of Liberty, not the pedestal. You know, there had to be a fundraising campaign launched to build, to create the pedestal on which the statue would sit. And so the man that headed up the committee, the pedestal-building committee and was also Bartholdi's American agent, a man named Richard Butler (sp?) arranged with Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World for a publicity campaign.
BIRD JR.So if you gave a dollar to the campaign you were given a little six-inch replica Statute of Liberty that had been made with the sculptor's full approval and knowledge and for $5 you got a slightly larger version of the same thing. And you know, Butler was, you know, he got around a little bit. I mean he was a man of means and wealth.
BIRD JR.He was a rubber manufacturer and he came down to The Smithsonian and he left one of these little statuettes and they were looking around and they said, well gee, I guess he should get the credit so they accessioned it as a gift in his name.
BIRD JR.And the statue is interesting. It's slightly a more copperish color than the pedestal but the thing comes apart and you can figuratively complete the construction by placing the statute on the pedestal. But that's what you got for a dollar. But this is the way that the figure, the image of Liberty was publicized around the country.
BIRD JR.I mean people got their first looks besides, you know, looking at it in a newspaper ad or magazine ad, at the back of a magazine, the line drawing. But this is actually what it will look like. This is what you will see.
BELLANTONIAnd of course you'd have to go and see this on display at the exhibit, but I'm looking this page in the book and it doesn't. The Statue of Liberty actually looks like she's put on a few pounds in this little trinket here so.
BIRD JR.Oh no, that's the way. In fact, that is the mother of all of the little plastic trinkets that you see today, you know, here from here to New York and back. I mean, that is it. You cannot get closer to the real deal than that and it was made with Bartholdi's complete knowledge and cooperation.
BELLANTONIWe've got Bert from Washington, D.C. on the phone. He has a story about when living in Sweden and going to a museum there, go ahead Bert, thanks for joining us.
BERTThank you, we had the privilege of taking many visitors to the Vasa Museum which as you probably know was taking a disaster of a shipwreck and turning it into a wonderful treasure for the country of Sweden. I was horrified when one of the visitors I took said, oh I was here in the 1970s when they were just restoring it and I took a chunk of wood from it and gave it to a friend's mother and you know I've never seen that again.
BELLANTONIWow, what do you think of that Larry Bird, the curator and historian of The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History?
BIRD JR.Well it's hard to know what that is. I would say that approach is vandalous so. Yeah, but there's always that, there's always that line that you cross between, I mean is it inevitable that something is to be destroyed or, you know, there's just so much of it that can never. They're not going to miss this little bit.
BIRD JR.It's, you know, I think now conservation is, you know, the wise, the wisest policy, just, you know, let it alone. Go find, take an Instagram photo of it, you know, do something with your.
BELLANTONIAnd so many places are so careful about that with velvet rope and things. So our awesome production team in the control room has found some answers for Marty who was asking about Francis Scott Key's house.
BELLANTONISo there was a June column by Answer Man John Kelly in The Washington Post and it looks like the National Parks Service were custodians of the Key House, not The Smithsonian and evidently, according to this article they did lose pieces of it back in the early 1980s. So, thank you Marty for raising that question, now we have it answered.
BELLANTONIAnd again if you want to join our conversation and tell us about some of your favorite historic relics you might have up in your attic give us a call at 1-800-433-8850. Send a tweet to @kojoshow or send an email to email@example.com So what is the fascination with hair? We talked a little bit about this hair on the cover from Sir Walter Scott. How did people, how did collecting hair become a thing?
BIRD JR.Well it's definitely a kind of piece of Victoriana in the 19th century at least the way that I think of it. I mean it's the closest that you can actually get to a person and it's kind of an endearing kind of a keepsake. And the one that, the collection that we have that people talk most often about is one that was made by a man named John Varden and Varden is often described as the first curator and is also alternately described as a janitor.
BIRD JR.But he made a kind of a complete hair index of presidents of the United States starting with George Washington and it went to Franklin Pierce. So he's working in the 1850s and either repurposed things that he found in the collection or he actually added to them. But he considered it his personal collection and I mean it's the kind of thing in terms of a display.
BIRD JR.It's one of the longest existing displays. It's actually kept as a complete display in its original frame today. But it's very much a part of the times. I mean, but still today, I mean people keep hair locks of children, loved ones, that sort of thing.
BIRD JR.But he extended it out into the kind of showmanship, you know, museum, you know going that he was of a complete piece.
BELLANTONIKind of a little creepy but interesting and of course I should point out thanks you very much to the Answer Man who is the person who came up with that answer on Francis Scott Key in this June column. So we're going to take Bill in Vienna, Va. talking about tradition of relics. Thanks for joining us Bill.
BILLYes, thank you very much. I'm a long-time fan, first-time caller.
BELLANTONIWe love to hear that.
BILLThank you, I couldn't help, but think that there is enormous tradition of the conserving and worshipping and collecting of relics dating even before the Middle Ages that some of this chipping off of a piece of wood from Mount Vernon might have a relationship to.
BIRD JR.Oh, you're talking about perhaps religious relics?
BILLWell, religious and also not necessarily religious, you know lots of hair from a person that was considered important. This would be along the same line of thinking I imagine.
BIRD JR.Yeah, no there is a very long tradition in the United States and of course even longer in Europe which is where a lot of this comes from and it really is, it's hard to know just how far back to push it every time you come up with an example. Someone comes up with a slightly earlier one and on and on and on. But yeah, it is a long. I didn't mean to imply that this was anything recent by any stretch of the imagination.
BIRD JR.But in terms of it becoming a commodity and certainly something that relates to the beginning of The Smithsonian's collection or the National Museum's collection. This really is of a relatively recent phenomenon and by that when I say recent I'm thinking like the 1820s.
BELLANTONIRight, interesting, now David from Alexandria, Va. you have a very interesting story about a trinket that you have.
DAVIDAh yes, thanks for taking the call. It was interesting to listen to this narrative and think of how they pre-regulated item collection kind of scenario here in America and I felt like that was something I really saw in the Iraq War, particularly in my first deployment in 2004.
DAVIDIt was a very fresh environment. A lot of the palaces that were being occupied, that we occupied for that decade still had a lot of the furniture or little pieces of chandeliers and whatnot and of course the soldiers were just naturally unearthing and taking them.
DAVIDOne in particular was this, and if you Google it you can probably find a historic image of it, a gigantic bust of Saddam's head that was placed on top of the Presidential Palace that was subsequently pulled down and someone got the bright idea to take the bust and then a welding torch and cut them into about two by two square inch pieces with little authenticated sticker on the back of it and sold it.
DAVIDI mean the guy probably made millions off of that thing. There's got to be dozens of Iraqi vets wandering around with a real or imagined piece of the Saddam bust from the top of the Presidential Palace. I remember walking through the rubble of Tariq Aziz's house after we hit it. It had been hit in the initial invasion and watching them literally taking little pieces of chandelier, busted brick and sticking it in their bags.
DAVIDSo I hope 30 years from now when I'm walking The Smithsonian there will be a fascinating exhibit of Iraq War collection similar to the one we're talking about now.
BELLANTONIVery possible, thank you David for sharing that story and Gretchen in Manassas, Va. has a very different story of what's been taken and collected over the years. Go ahead Gretchen.
GRETCHENHi, can you hear me?
GRETCHENHi, yeah I just wanted to share with you the fact that when I was growing up my father, wherever we would travel, all over the world he would always sneak a little pinch of the plants, Buckingham Palace or Versailles or Monticello and he would bring it home and then he would root it and plant it in our yard.
GRETCHENAnd I can remember being, you know, terrified that we were going to get caught stealing a plant and yet when I got home I was secretly, actually very pleased that my backyard was filled with living, growing history from all over the world and I think that I loved that the fact that we were connected somehow to history from wherever we went.
GRETCHENI loved the fact that you know this history is this rolling, evolving series of events and yet somehow in my yard we could be a part of it. I loved that.
BELLANTONIThe perfect closing thought. Thank you very much Gretchen. I really appreciate it and I want to thank Larry Bird who is a curator and historian at The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Make sure to check out the exhibit Souvenir Nation, which is on view now at The Smithsonian Castle and that's now through August 2014 approximately and this has been a really interesting segment so thank you very much.
BELLANTONI"The Kojo Nnamdi Show" is produced by Brendan Sweeney, Michael Martinez, Ingalisa Schrobsdorff, Tayla Burney, Kathy Goldgeier, Elizabeth Weinstein with help from Stephannie Stokes.
The number of people living in D.C. is booming, and so too is the number of rats. Kojo talks about how D.C.'s rodent problem is affecting the city and what's being done to fight off the pests.
The federal court judge who ruled that Maryland's public universities were unlawfully segregated rejected solutions proposed by the state's Higher Education Commission and a group representing a coalition of Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities for redressing that segregation. We get an update on the case.
A new book, "Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital," presents a sweeping view of how race impacted Washington, D.C. for the past four centuries.
Developers and new residents are eying Reston, Virginia, and Fairfax County officials want to change zoning rules to allow them to move in. But in a trend that is playing out across the region, many long-time residents say their community is becoming too urban too fast.


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Chris Hall, from Autodesk, visits with ID students to demonstrate work flows inside of their new Product Design Suite. Autodesk provides access to full versions of all their software at no cost for current students.
Autodesk has also launched 123D, a collection of free software tools that allow people to make 3D objects from start to finish.


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I'm a new user of Python and I will be using it for writing scripts to the FEM software ABAQUS.
My problem right now is that I have a binary file with data describing the stressdistribution in a component. I would like to write a python script that reads this file and writes it to a text-file. Is this possible?? And if, how do I start?
If necessery I can provide you with some C-code that reads from this binary file if this helps.
Best regards!


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According to someone name Wei Dasen, who works for Stephen Chow in some capacity, his boss has not only "resigned" as director of Seth Rogen's "Green Hornet", but he's also shaken off the shackles of a co-star billing as well. At least, that's what Wei Dasen has to say. Who is Wei Dasen? I haven't a clue. Although ol Wei may be correct, as from everything I'm reading, it sure looks like Chow is ready to ditch Rogen and company and move on to making his own superhero movie for his American debut. You can see the reasons why, can't you? Let's see: play second fiddle to a comedian beloved by potheads and fanboys, or write and direct your own movie with another comedian beloved by potheads and fanboys, except this time you'll be in charge? No contest.
Here's what the mysterious Mr. Wei told China.org (via DH):
Wei from Chow's company says the actor-director is currently writing the screenplay for the new film. "It will be about a superhero, action-packed, special effects-rich, and of course funny."
American beauty Anne Hathaway is likely to star in the unnamed film, according to Wei.
Chinese media cited sources close to Chow as saying that the film will be similar in style to "Kung Fu Hustle", which is full of parodies and exaggerations.
The whole Anne Hathaway as co-star? Maybe, maybe not. Keep in mind that when it comes to movie rumors, the Chinese press is even less reliable than the British press. As in, I'll believe it when I see it, which in this case, I don't believe it. Yet.
Then again, I was 100% sure Chow wouldn't come within spitting distance of the "Green Hornet", and oh boy did I turn out wrong on that one…
Below: Anne Hathaway looks hungry. Maybe she should have some Chow.


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It is said that Elzora "ran off" with a married man and her husband, Charles, subsequently obtained a divorce.
Father: Ammon MOREHOUSE , of New Haven b: 20 Nov 1831 in New Milford, Litchfield, CT
Mother: Eliza A. MORGAN
Marriage 1 Charles Starr MORGAN b: 17 Jan 1848
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Drug crop found in bunker under shed
Two men have been arrested over a cannabis crop found at a house at Angaston in the Barossa Valley.
South Australian police say the house, built only recently, had a cement bunker under a shed with an elaborate hydroponic set-up.
They say plants were found, as well as bags of cannabis.
Two men, 38 and 26, have been charged with cultivation and possession of cannabis.
They will face the Magistrates Court next month.
Topics: drug-offences, angaston-5353, adelaide-5000, sa, port-pirie-5540, tanunda-5352
First posted


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FC Dallas' winless streak continued with a 0-0 stalemate in Montreal on Saturday. Despite the draw on a tough road trip, the team didn't see much positive movement in this week's power rankings.
Yahoo Sports moved FC Dallas down to #10:
Earning a draw at Montreal would normally be a good result, but Dallas really need to locate a win. Talk about a July to forget.
FC Dallas remained number 11 according to MLSsoccer.com:
All things considered, a point on the road is a good result for a team that's trying desperately to hang on in the playoff race. But there's this: They haven't scored a single goal since June. Crisis.
Avi Creditor of SportsIllustrated.com left FC Dallas in the #10 spot:
Center back anchor George John returned following a four-game absence and helped FC Dallas to a 0-0 draw against Montreal, but the club remains winless since May 25, a stretch of eight games. That streak will linger on past the MLS All-Star Game, as FCD does not play another league game until an Aug. 3 date against the Seattle Sounders that kicks off a run of seven games in a row against Western Conference competition.
Pro Soccer Talk also put FC Dallas in the 10th spot:
Speaking of Stoke City, they move from South Texas up I-45 to suburban Dallas for a meeting with Schellas Hyndman's team over the weekend.
ESPN FC dropped FCD one spot to number 13:
George John's return helped Dallas secure a much-needed road point at Montreal. And while FCD was missing some speedier elements, it seems reasonable to expect more offense from a lineup featuring David Ferreira, Kenny Cooper and Eric Hassli.
Finally, Soccer America moved FC Dallas down three to #10.


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Five Mind Numbing Facts About Tamil Sex Storiesposted on 17 May 2016 22:42 by milioumpel
Rapid Healing From Sexual Weak point Because of Over Masturbation
Every person needs sex-related pleasure, and also if one passes the popular belief after that this is probably more appropriate when it comes to guys. There have actually been research studies done on individuals from different components of the globe, as well as a basic reality that has been noted is that guys tend to consider, as well as seek sex-related enjoyment regularly than females. This is possibly the factor why the masturbating prices of guys are greater than ladies.
If one goes by the recent growths in medical scientific researches, it has actually been verified that extreme masturbation may not be a great deal of enjoyable. Those men who look for too much satisfaction as well as have the tendency to masturbate a number of times on an everyday basis struggle with different sexual issues later on, one of the most typical of which are early ejaculation and also impotence.
There is obviously a quite valid reasoning and also thinking behind it. When your penis does not get sufficient remainder in between succeeding masturbating sessions, as well as is forced into climaxings, then it comes to be weak. This leads to the pelvic location, as well as the rear of the individual hurting a lot. There is additionally a feeling of continuous tiredness, together with psychological anxiety and inability since of reduced focus degrees. Exactly what is worse is that the individual loses his capability to execute well in actual sexual encounters, leading to bad performance in bed. Either one ends up having an orgasm prematurely and could not withstand for long, or has troubles in giving excellent pleasure to the partner. This is obviously not only literally stressful, yet also mentally disturbing. When companions are miserable with the bad performance of such men, there are additionally partnership troubles that begin to develop.
The issue of sexual weak point because of over self pleasure has numerous measurements to it, as well as many components connected to it, making it extremely intricate for an individual to manage.
The finest way out of this issue is to depend on natural cures. Two herbs, particularly Ashwagandha and also Shilajit are quite reliable in treating such problems. They have actually been used given that time unknown for healing male sexual disorders of all kinds, as well as are remarkable in increasing up one's sexual endurance and also performance. They heal problems like Nightfall, semen leakage throughout urination, erectile disorder, reduced sperm count, early ejaculation, and so on together with improving semen high quality and also contributing to one's endurance degrees in bed. As an outcome of this, the person is able to manage his climaxings much better, and also has the ability to get along with provide great pleasure throughout an intercourse.
One must, nevertheless, note that these natural herbs will just function when the individual eliminates the behavior of over masturbating, As a matter of fact, that is the initial step to recovering from sex-related weakness. Unless and till a person provides his body adequate time to recover, the herbs will not show any kind of results. It is really important to comply with a great diet along with good way of life practices, such as eating and exercising on time, getting adequate rest, staying clear of smoking cigarettes and drinking etc. Hope this item of write-up will be useful to you. For more information browse through our website.


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Hi everyone new to the site, but it seems awesome! Recently my trusty Radeon 5850 decided to die, and with that I cannot slay zombie's in Diablo 3. So I need a new video card; I would like to spend around 150-280$ just looking for a card that will max any game for the next few years no problem. I would preferably like to get a good warranty as I'm a warranty person and if anything comes up I want it fixed no hassle. I dont know all that much about this particular subject, I just play the games! Here are a few card's I have in mind willing to take any advice on other ones too thanks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130660
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130738
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130651
that will max any game for the next few years no problemhttp://techreport.com/articles.x/22705
Hmm. Depending on rebates, I'd say a Radeon HD 7850 of some sort is probably a better bet? Don't pay TOO much for a factory overclocked card, but you can still find factory OC'ed cards that are a good value in terms of additional performance.
If longevity really is the solid goal tho, the extra money for a Geforce GTX 670 might be worth it, but then you're talking $400 and not $250...
I would like to spend around 150-280$ just looking for a card that will max any game for the next few years no problem.
good luck with that.
I started a very similar thread last week:
Vid Card price-performance sweet spot $125 to $275
My preference was to stay in the $200 range but was willing to go higher for a big bump in performance. My conclusion was the best bang/buck was the $200 Nv GTX480 while the best bang/buck/wattage/noise/heat was the $200 ATI 6950. I went with the 6950 and am very happy so far. If I were spending a little more money, I would have gone with the ATI 7850 for about $250.


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tw telecom Leads All Competitive Providers in Delivering Business Ethernet Services
tw telecom inc.(TWTC), a leading global provider of managed services, including Business Ethernet, converged and IP VPN solutions for enterprises throughout the U.S. and world-wide, today announced its continued leading market share performance among competitive service providers. Vertical Systems Group, a leading industry analyst, recognized tw telecom's leadership performance in its year-end 2012 U.S. Business Ethernet Services Leaderboard as one of the top 3 providers delivering business Ethernet services.
"Business Ethernet is the foundation of our network strength, resiliency and reach," said Mike Rouleau, Senior Vice President Strategy and Business Development at tw telecom. "It is the platform for our Intelligent Network services that deliver CIOs immediate, real-time visibility and control of their network.The power and flexibility of Business Ethernet resonates with our Enterprise customer base and enables us to broadly deploy services to 10 Gigabit Ethernet today, to meet their growing needs for applications driven bandwidth."<
"The U.S. market for retail Ethernet ports rose 24% in 2012," said Rick Malone, principal at Vertical Systems Group. "The year was characterized by major backbone upgrades, new market rollouts, price wars and channel expansion. Ethernet access to IP VPNs and Cloud connectivity was the fastest growing application." Ethernet port shares were calculated using the base of enterprise installations of Ethernet services, plus input from Vertical Systems Group's independent surveys of Ethernet providers.
tw telecom continues to innovate around its Business Ethernet service platform. Business Ethernet is the foundation of its Intelligent Network that includes the unique real-time Dynamic Capacity bandwidth-on-demand capability that allows customers to instantly double or triple network capacity to meet scheduled and unplanned network events without service interruption. Recognized by the Metro Ethernet Forum for this industry unique bandwidth on demand capability, tw telecom won the prestigious 2012 MEF North America Carrier Ethernet Award for the Best Business Application.
tw telecom's national resilient fiber network and infrastructure connects approximately 17,000 commercial buildings* across the country to enable a secure, scalable and predictable networking experience for a large and growing number of enterprises worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.twtelecom.com


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Paper: Goody's to close all stores
A Knoxville, Tenn. newspaper has reported that Goody's Family Clothing will close all its apparel stores and could start going-out-of-business sales as early as Friday.
One remains hospitalized after bus wreck
All three students aboard a school bus that spun into a ditch Tuesday afternoon were sent home from Athens Regional Medical Center after being checked for injuries, though one of the adults remained hospitalized.
Two men arrested after car chase
Madison County sheriff's deputies caught two Athens men with four pounds of marijuana Tuesday after a high-speed chase from Colbert to Hull.
School bus wreck leaves five hurt
Georgia State Patrol troopers are investigating the cause of a school bus crash Tuesday in Jackson County that sent three children and two adults to local hospitals with minor injuries shortly after 4 p.m.
Trailers stolen from two companies
Thieves stole a trailer valued at $950 from Athens Exterminating Inc., 7080 Smokey Road, between 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Monday, Athens-Clarke police said.
Three gunmen rob fast-food patron
Three gunmen robbed a man Tuesday night in the parking lot of an Athens fast-food restaurant, Athens-Clarke police said.
Lawn tools taken while crew works
Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of lawn-care equipment from a truck parked behind an Athens business while the crew worked out front, Athens-Clarke police said.
Lawn service tools taken from storage
Thieves stole landscaping equipment valued at more than $2,800 from Greenbriar Landscape Management, 337 S. Milledge Ave., between 1 p.m. Friday and 2:20 p.m. Monday, Athens-Clarke police said.
Burglars take aim at home electronics
Burglars forced open a side door of a home in the 100 block of Michele Drive between 11 p.m. Sunday and 12:17 a.m. Monday and stole a flatscreen TV, a laptop computer and a PlayStation 2 with a total value of $2,000, Athens-Clarke police said.
Electronics, gun taken in burglary
Burglars kicked in the garage door of a home in the 100 block of Sycamore Drive between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m. Tuesday and stole a television, a laptop computer, a shotgun, a compact disc player and a bow with case valued at $4,280, Athens-Clarke police said.
Burglars steal home electronics
Burglars broke through the front door of a home in the 100 block of Sussex Drive at Laurel Ridge apartments off Epps Bridge Road between 4 p.m. Tuesday and 12:35 a.m. Wednesday and stole a video game system, a TV and remote control, laptop computers and a guitar with a total value of $3,980, Athens-Clarke police said.
Stereo gear taken from student's SUV
Thieves broke the window of a University of Georgia student's sport utility vehicle at the Baxter Street Lofts, 1075 Baxter St., between 10 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday and stole a compact disc player, an amplifier, a subwoofer, an iPod and a satellite radio with a total value of more than $1,300, Athens-Clarke police said.
Officers catch man carrying OxyContin
Officers patrolling Bethel Midtown Village Monday night chased down a man who ran from them and arrested him when they found he had 27 Hydrocodone and OxyContin pills, Athens-Clarke police said.
Pipe-cutting tools taken at work site
Thieves stole pipe-cutting equipment valued at $3,000 from a construction site in the 100 block of Classic Road between 2 p.m. Friday and noon Tuesday, Athens-Clarke police said.
Gun, game system stolen from home
Thieves stole a shotgun and electronics valued at $2,650 from a home in the 300 block of Whitehead Road between 11 p.m. Monday and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Athens-Clarke police said.
Woman victimized by series of thefts
A woman who lives in the 100 block of Deerwood Court reported that belongings valued at $1,702 went missing beginning in October, Athens-Clarke police said.
Laptop, games gone when student returns
A University of Georgia student who left for work about 10 p.m. Tuesday forgot to lock his home in the 100 block of Jolly Lane, and when he returned about 3 a.m. Wednesday, he found the residence had been burglarized, Athens-Clarke police said.
Stafford, Moreno headed to NFL
Quarterback Matthew Stafford's cannon of an arm and running back Knowshon Moreno's spin moves are heading to the NFL.
Fond farewell: Stafford and Moreno going pro
Quarterback Matthew Stafford's cannon of an arm and running back Knowshon Moreno's spin moves are heading to the NFL. The Georgia stars announced Wednesday afternoon they will enter April's NFL draft.
A.J. Green named to Freshman All-America Team
Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green picked up another postseason honor today when he was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team.
Georgia running backs coach: Moreno probably to go to NFL
Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno will announce this afternoon whether they will enter April's NFL draft or return for another college season.
Ching: Decision an easy one for Bulldogs
When it came time to make a decision on their football futures, there was no decision for Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno.
Another lineman joins Georgia fold
Dallas Lee has been going virtually nonstop the last three and a half weeks. The Buford High School offensive lineman won his second straight Class AA state title and took his official visit to Georgia, played in not one but two all-star games before moving onto campus Tuesday as an early enrollee with classes starting on Thursday.
Notebook: Top end Robinson decides to join Dogs
Georgia had trouble generating pressure from its defensive ends this season. Help could be on the way.
Cox new No. 1 QB
As Matthew Stafford's backup the past two-and-a-half seasons, quarterback Joe Cox has "definitely earned the right to play," Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said Wednesday.
Trash talk, debate fuel title game
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Bob Stoops posed next to the crystal football and played along with a wave of photographers.
AU's Powers to go pro
AUBURN, Ala. - Defensive back Jerraud Powers has decided to forgo his senior season at Auburn and enter the NFL Draft.
Boston College fires Jagodzinski
BOSTON - Boston College fired Jeff Jagodzinski on Wednesday, days after he was warned of dismissal if he interviewed for the coaching job with the New York Jets.
Freshman gymnast overcomes physical obstacles
Gina Nuccio knew something was wrong immediately. Her heart suddenly raced and she felt lightheaded. The unexplainable and unexpected events worried the 18-year-old, who was just a few months away from her arrival in Athens to compete for the Georgia gymnastics team.
McCool, Taylor make one dynamic duo
Just moments after Georgia's Courtney McCool finished her floor routine on the last day of competition at the NCAA Championship, her teammate Grace Taylor dismounted the beam with a huge smile on her face.
Tom Jackson: Anonymous letters unethical
In publishing your now-traditional year-end selection of letters to the editor that you categorize as "a little different," the Banner-Herald has violated one of the basic canons of ethical journalism by publishing anonymous attacks on individuals.
Cassandra H. Fuqua: College Station is dangerous road
I do agree with Banner-Herald Editorial Page Editor Jim Thompson on one point in his Sunday column, "Change the name of College Station Road."
Randy Elmore: ABH intern right on vouchers
Banner-Herald intern Bryan Barks is to be commended for her commentary in Sunday's opinions section, headlined "Wake up to the realities of school vouchers."
Susan Williams: Change Cedar Shoals traffic light
Either the traffic light at Cedar Shoals Drive and Gaines School Road needs to be fixed, or Cedar Shoals Drive, recently restriped as a two-lane road with a center turn lane, needs to be changed back to a four-lane road.
Daphna Nachminovich: Returning dog unconscionable
It's unfathomable that the Madison County Animal Control Board voted to put a dog back into the hands of a man who has been accused of professional dog fighting (Story, "Pit bull returned to owner/Allegedly fought dogs," Dec. 30). This inexplicable decision is akin to giving a heroin stash back to a drug dealer, and has put the dog in grave danger of violence and of "disappearing" back into the cruel dog-fighting underworld.
R. Thomas Trimble: Corruption is nonpartisan
If Democratic U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hasn't made a New Year's resolution not to utter the words "culture of corruption," she most certainly should.
H.D. Lott: Senate has become comedy team
If you don't read this paper or watch one or more of the news shows on television, you've missed out on one of the greatest shows on Earth, as the Democratic-majority U.S. Senate has wrestled with the question of whether to seat Roland Burris, the man appointed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich's appointment would replace the Senate's only African American, Obama, with another African American.
Andrew Payne: Inmate issues warning
My name is Andrew Payne, but most around Athens simply remember me as "Jack-'Em-Up."
Finger-lickin' good ribs
Looking for an easy way to feed a crowd? Break out the baby backs.
Goggin: Cork board pulls it all together
A new year is the perfect time to look at new ways to organize ourselves and our families. Even small tweaks on current systems can make a big difference. As we all strive to simplify our busy lives, having a system in place for keeping us on track is key. These next couple of weeks, I'll share ideas I've received that help your families run smoothly and stay organized.
Make your own Thai curry at home
Thai curries at home? Why not, curries are home-cooked all over Thailand, where my wife grew up. But it's easy, even in Athens. The ingredients are locally available and inexpensive. In the New Year, excite family and friends with this luscious cuisine.
Pomegranate seeds best part of the fruit
I just bought a big ripe pomegranate and wish to use it in a salad. What happens to the seeds when they're used in a salad? Surely, you don't sit at a polite dinner table picking them out of the lettuce and spitting them out?
Make a thick soup, minus the fat
Thinking about how to fill up while on a diet? Think about soup.
Holiday giving rolls on thanks to motorcycle club
A 28-degree morning greeted members of the Notorious South Biker Boys Motorcycle Club as they gathered gift bags for their annual "Blessing the Needy" Food and Toiletry Drive.
Quick Glimpse
Foundation Fellows: Joseph Stunzi, a native of Athens and a graduate of Clarke Central High School, has been selected to the Foundation Fellows Program, a prestigious scholarship offered to 22 incoming freshmen every year at the University of Georgia.
With the military
RECENT GRAD: Navy Seaman Apprentice Cass L. Hickman recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Hickman, son of Ida J. and stepson of Stacy L. Turman of Bowman, is a 2007 graduate of Elbert County High School in Elberton.
PAWS receives grant
Brian Patton, JEMC, presented a $1,500 grant check to Cathy Gruetter, Hull-Sanford Elementary principal. The funds will be used to support the school's new behavior initiative, PAWS, aimed at helping each student become a better citizen at school and at home.
Wal-Mart manager plays for a Miracle
Manager Greg Toler plays the piano in Wal-Mart as part of an effort to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network on Dec. 23.
Rounding up holiday spirit
County Line Elementary School's fourth- and fifth-graders recently presented, "Christmas at the O.K. Corral" under the direction of James Tanner, music teacher, with set design by Kathy Walters, art teacher.
Realtors rally for Tots
The Athens Area Association of Realtors held a toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots during the Association's Holiday Party Dec. 16. Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps attended and helped collect more than 300 new, unwrapped toys that were donated by AAAR members.
Driving for joy during the season
The Athens Donor Center recently held a toy drive for needy children. Pictured are Doug Dennis and Karen Leopold at the end of the holiday drive.
Santa joins Longhorn for breakfast
Longhorn recently held a breakfast with Santa Claus for the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. Stylized Portraiture took photos of the kids with Santa and raised $320 in cash and $200 in toys, providing a generous amount of toys to each of the 17 children at the shelter.
Blood donor hits century mark
Bob Painter sits with Red Cross district manager Judy Hall and TMS Barb McLean at the Athens Donor Center on Christmas Eve. Painter's donation that day marked his 100th blood donation with the Red Cross.
Big bear for little girl
The winner of Peebles third annual Giant Bear Giveaway was Lowery Rumer, daughter of Rod and Stephanie Rumer of Auburn. The drawing was held Dec. 19 and the bear, valued at $300, was given away on Dec. 20. There were more than 500 entries.
Madison County transplant once worked card tables in Las Vegas
When the subject of Elvis Presley came up, Marty Quinn eased up from her chair and walked to the television stand where she pulled out a VHS tape of Presley's gospel music.
Deer season ends on a 'decent' note
"It was a decent season," Dwight Thompson remarked while standing behind the counter at Georgia Outdoor Sports in Hull on Dec. 30.
State FFA officers visit with Freshman Academy
The Freshman Academy FFA chapter and Agriculture education program at Madison County High School recently received a visit from two 2008-09 state FFA officers.
Ex-sheriff's deputy thanks residents
Dear editor, In January 2000, I walked into the Madison County Sheriff's Office for the first time and met Sheriff Clayton Lowe. I was looking for a job and wanted to serve the people of the county where I was raised. He took a chance on me and provided me with the opportunity to serve you. I have done so proudly for the past nine years.
Madison County police blotter
The Madison County Sheriff's Office reported the following incidents
Around Madison: Local honored at UGA
Michelle Henry Barton, a University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine professor and Colbert resident, has been appointed to a Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair, according to the UGA Office of Public Affairs.
Woman collects jeweled Christmas trees
Dozens of Christmas tree pins and broaches were on display during the holidays at the Madison County Library. The collection is owned by Helen Beatenbough of Madison County.
'DRUMLine Live' premieres tonight in Athens
Alicia Dixon's father didn't break out champagne when she told him she wouldn't be returning to the University of Georgia in January for the second semester of her sophomore year.
'Dark Knight' sweeps People's Choice Awards
LOS ANGELES - Holy People's Choice Awards, Batman! "The Dark Knight" soared away with every trophy it was nominated for Wednesday at the 35th annual fan-favorite CBS ceremony. The caped crusader flick won five awards, including favorite cast, superhero, action movie and on-screen matchup for Christian Bale's Batman and the late Heath Ledger's Joker.
Siblings make harmonious music
For David Ying, who plays cello with his siblings in the Grammy Award-winning Ying Quartet, teaching and performing provides the ideal musical job description.
Showfly: The first few stand-out gigs of '09
Christmas break is now officially over for everyone, and as the college kids migrate back to Athens this week, so do the nationally touring bands. Gig listings soon will plump up, but right now things are looking a bit sparse. Still, here are some shows worth marking your calendar for this month:
Best Bets
Rachel O'Neal, 5:30 p.m. today, Terrapin Beer Co. Brewery
Jack Black eyes Grand Ole Opry
NEW YORK - Jack Black may have been schooled in rock, but now he'd like to sing at the Grand Ole Opry with wife Tanya Haden's family, who recently turned him on to bluegrass music.
Obama 'Hope' portrait goes to Smithsonian
WASHINGTON - Even before he takes office, President-elect Barack Obama's image will become part of the permanent collection at the National Portrait Gallery, the museum announced Wednesday.
Best Bets
Wildcard Wednesday, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Athens-Clarke County Library
Bulldogs collapse as Tech recovers
ATLANTA - Georgia's good vibes from Alexander Memorial Coliseum collapsed under an avalanche of turnovers and poor protection of the defensive glass.
UConn clips Mountaineers
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Jeff Adrien scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and No. 5 Connecticut beat No. 25 West Virginia 61-55 on Tuesday night.
Duke subdues red-hot Curry, Davidson
DURHAM, N.C. - Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler scored 22 points apiece and No. 2 Duke held off a late Stephen Curry-led charge to beat Davidson 79-67 on Wednesday night.
Sea of 'red ink' concerns Obama
WASHINGTON - Pointing with concern to "red ink as far as the eye can see," President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs - even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy.
Gaza erupts after a pause
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt after a three-hour lull to allow in humanitarian aid. Hamas responded with a rocket barrage.
111th Congress opens
WASHINGTON - The Capitol rang loud with vows to fix the crisis-ridden economy Tuesday as Congress opened for business at the dawn of a new Democratic era. "We need action, and we need action now," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
France, Egypt push plan to end war in Gaza
GAZA CITY, Gaza - France and Egypt announced an initiative to stop the fighting in Gaza late Tuesday, hours after Israeli mortar shells exploded near a U.N. school sheltering hundreds of people displaced by the onslaught on Hamas militants. At least 30 Palestinians died, staining streets with blood.
Israel and Gaza: Troubled history
June 1967: Israel captures the Egyptian-controlled Gaza Strip during a six-day Mideast war. An Israeli census put the population at 380,000, at least half of whom were refugees from Israel. Today the population stands at about 1.5 million. The U.N. lists just over 1 million as refugees and their descendants.
School zone letters to be mailed 'soon'
Clarke County School District administrators spent part of the day Wednesday preparing to send thousands of letters to parents notifying them what school their children will attend next year.
Chicken processor cutting jobs
Nearly 100 workers at the Pilgrim's Pride poultry plant in Athens will lose their jobs Feb. 9, when the company eliminates its nighttime chicken processing shift.
Winds pick up, knocking down trees, branches
A brisk, chilly wind literally ripped trees out by their roots Wednesday, blowing two onto houses in Athens and causing scattered power outages all across Northeast Georgia.
A-C's 'newbies' take their seats
New Athens-Clarke commissioners Ed Robinson and Mike Hamby officially took office Tuesday night, but residents shouldn't expect the local government to change much.
Barrow tightens its belt
WINDER - Barrow County Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood imposed austerity measures Wednesday to compensate for a $2.7 million revenue shortfall in the county's 2009 budget.
Guilty plea in 2005 slaying
An Athens man pleaded guilty Tuesday to stabbing another man to death four years ago during a robbery at a home in Southeast Clarke County, and was sentenced to life in prison.
Barrow single-sex classrooms pass a test
Barrow County school officials are considering adding more single-gender classes next fall, after students in two pilot classes at Winder-Barrow Middle School outperformed their co-ed peers on state tests.
Oconee school chief list narrowed to two
WATKINSVILLE - The man now at the top of the Oconee County School System and the current Banks County schools chief are finalists to be the new Oconee County superintendent.
Tree branch murder trial gets started
Attorneys made opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of an Athens man accused of beating his wife to death with a tree branch more than a year ago.
Alleged kidnapper will return to S.C.
A former police officer accused of kidnapping his estranged wife and infant son and holding them hostage in Morgan County will return to South Carolina to face charges.
Airport landing system up in the air
The Barrow County Airport Authority didn't approve funding in its 2009 budget to complete a long-planned instrument landing system for the Northeast Georgia Regional Airport, but that doesn't mean the project is dead.
Bus driver's aide still in hospital after crash
One of the five people aboard a Jackson County school bus that spun into a ditch Tuesday afternoon was expected to spend a second night in the hospital Wednesday, a school district official said.
Oconee rezoning compromise draws ire
WATKINSVILLE - Oconee County commissioners stuck to the middle this week and gave neither a controversial shopping center's developers nor its opponents what they wanted.
Child porn case returns to court
WINDER - The Winder man accused of keeping dozens of pornographic images of children in a travel trailer behind his Windsor Drive home will appear before Senior Judge T. Penn McWhorter on Thursday.
Athens veteran missing from Decatur hospital
DECATUR - Authorities on Wednesday searched for a 90-year-old Athens man who wandered away from the Veterans Affairs hospital in Decatur.
Sheriff to host morning forum with citizens
WATKINSVILLE - Oconee County residents will get a chance Thursday morning to chat with Sheriff Scott Berry over coffee in an open forum.
Goody's to liquidate its clothing stores
Discount chain Goody's Family Clothing will begin liquidating its stores Friday as the retailer becomes one of the new year's first victims of the worsening economy.
Hand to clay: Local artist to teach class at OCAF
Always a budding artist, Monica Jones truly discovered her talents while attending University of Georgia just a few years ago. Those talents now have been nurtured and blossomed into a passion and career she is sharing with young artists through the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation.
Oconee County police blotter
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office reported the following incidents
Around Oconee: Time to clean trash
The Oconee County Democratic Party will conduct its Adopt-a-Mile Cleanup at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Oconee County Fire Station on Mars Hill Road near the Oconee Connector.
Longtime commissioner to be honored
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will host a drop in from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Oconee County Civic Center to honor longtime commissioner Don Norris for his 20 years on the board.
Pilots help the Salvation Army
Pilot Club of Oconee member Cathey McIntosh, who volunteers as a sorter for the Salvation Army Thrift Store, pushes a shopping cart loaded with more than 150 magazines that were collected by the Pilot Club during the fall.
Bank gives a thesaurus to every Colham Ferry third-grader
Oconee State Bank representative Marcene Marshall holds a thesaurus while handing the books out to students at Colham Ferry Elementary School recently.
Rotary honors area high school students
The Oconee Rotary Club held its Student of the Semester program Nov. 25. The club recognizes students and their favorite teachers from all five high schools in the county.
PTO raised money through fundraiser at Colham Ferry
PTO member Glen Ebell flips hamburgers during a festival held in October at Colham Ferry Elementary School.
Editorial: No time for foolishness in General Assembly
Three things, and three things only - the state's budget, its water supply and its transportation issues - should be commanding the attention of Georgia's 236 state legislators with the start of the 2009 Georgia General Assembly now just six days away. At a time in which an economic downturn, a continuing drought, road congestion and volatility in gas prices - and, hence, gas tax revenues - continue to command their share of headlines, those three things offer plenty of challenges to lawmakers.
Editorial: Teachers shouldn't be immune to fiscal reality
A story out of metropolitan Atlanta's Fayette County this week, in which the county school board is asking teachers to consider returning a pay raise they were awarded last spring, is a sad commentary on public education in Georgia for a couple of reasons.
Shipp: Next political cycle promises plenty of entertainment
As 2009 dawns, the next cycle of Georgia politics is coming into view. We already have seen coverage of the budding race for governor, with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine preparing to run for the Republican nomination.
Cutting state spending may only worsen Georgia's budget crisis
With potential state budget deficits of between 10 and 15 percent over the next two years, Georgia is facing the most severe fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. The budget decisions we make now will go a long way in determining the future economic well-being of Georgia. The choices are clear: Use the current fiscal crisis as an excuse to disinvest in the education, health, welfare, public safety and basic public infrastructures of the state, or close the deficits through tax increases as well as targeted budget cuts, allowing for the short- and long-term public investments necessary to assure Georgia is able to compete and succeed in the 21st-century economy.
Extra shots help Gladiators top Wildcats
BETHLEHEM - Clarke Central coach Billy Wade had a simple remedy Tuesday night for his team's poor shooting: Take more shots than the other team.
Clarke Central looks to rebuild
As defending Region 8-AAAA champions, Clarke Central started the 2008-2009 season with a target on its back.
Spartans sprint past Wolverines
BOGART - Athens Academy never gave Prince Avenue Christian a chance to catch its breath. The Spartans used a suffocating full-court defense to bury the Wolverines under a huge early deficit, picking up a 62-30 Region 8-A victory.
Higgs leads Athens Christian
Athens Christian's Tim Cummings returned to the basketball bench Tuesday for the second time this season due to the death of coach Ron Link's mother, and remained perfect as a substitute coach.
1151 Rocky Branch Farm Drive
Buyers looking for spacious living in an upscale Oconee County neighborhood will love this five-bedroom home with a finished basement that includes a full kitchen.
Winfield Chase Condominiums
Winfield Chase, an affordable place to call home and a great opportunity for a winning investment, is one of Athens' most successful developments in recent years.
855 Parkview Drive
Buyers looking for an authentic Victorian home with artisan appeal will love this Queen Anne-style estate privately located on 5.5 scenic acres.
44 Glenn Court
Families looking for spacious and comfortable living on a kid-friendly cul-de-sac lot will love this 2,500-square-foot home in Madison County's Hidden Falls neighborhood.
Search for Homes for Sale and Real Estate for sale across our Network
mdRealtyPro + Morris newspapers = the most comprehensive home search across our Morris Newspaper Areas.
1312 Hedgerow Lane
Buyers seeking exceptional value on new construction in Oconee County must see the Village Homes at Meadow Springs.
Hannah Heights
In the heart of the fastest growing area of Madison County is the area's newest subdivision, Hannah Heights. Drive out and take a look at these new "Everything Included" Craftsman-style homes.
Big, colorful flowers aren't that hard to grow
If you're a first time homeowner, listen up. If you think you can't grow fabulous flowers, read on. If past failures have made you throw your hands up and retreat from gardening in general, get ready to rumble. There's a secret to great big bold flowers.
Custom shower curtains create tile match
Have you noticed that the newest luxury area in a home is the bathroom? In new homes, baths are often huge, having both full showers and jet tubs.
150-year-old home with daylight apartment!
Located on the edge of downtown and only three blocks from The University of Georgia, this 150-year-old home on Finley Street is the perfect fit for buyers seeking an authentic Athens experience.
No-maintenance living in Oconee County
Oconee County's serene Triple Creek neighborhood features the best in beautifully finished patio homes. Beautiful brick and hardiplank exteriors partnered with full landscaping services make Triple Creek the low-maintenance living option that you've been looking for.
1520 Cleveland Road
Homeowners wanting a woodland retreat loaded with amenities and only minutes from shopping and dining in Athens must see this custom-built Lindal cedar home beautifully situated on 19 acres.
Blackmon Shoals "Your Hometown Village"
Priced from the $160's, the homes at Blackmon Shoals represent a buyer's best value in quality construction with a premium location. Buyer's incentives on seven available homes mean even more for your money.
1100 Rowan Oak Circle
For exceptional value in luxury living, look no further than this five-bedroom beauty located in the exclusive Rowan Oak swim/tennis community.
1151 Oconee Crossing Circle
Buyers looking for spacious living in an upscale Oconee County swimming community will love this immaculate home in Oconee Crossing.
Realtors® Tell Congress Increased Housing Demand Will Stabilize the Market
WASHINGTON, November 18, 2008 - In a statement to the House Financial Services Committee today, the National Association of Realtors® recommended a four-point plan to stimulate home sales and stabilize housing valuations.
Cindy Karp Realty Agents Attend GRI-1
Cindy Karp, the Broker of Cindy Karp Realty is proud to announce that John Morrison , Associate Broker and Jason Clemmons both completed GRI-1.Having earned that designation herself many years ago, she understands the importance of this program and actively supports the completion of this designation.
Who Are the Seniors Real Estate Specialists®?
Elizabeth Thurmond has successfully completed the education program and has received the Seniors Real Estate Specialists® designation. SRES® are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Announces 2009 Board of Directors
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® and the Multiple Listing Service recently announced their 2009 Board of Directors.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® PR Committee Offers Support to the Athens Area Homeless Shelter
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS (AAAR) believes in giving back to the community. In that spirit, the AAAR Public Relations Committee has arranged for the AAAR members to provide regularly scheduled dinners to residents at the Athens Homeless Shelter throughout 2008.
Jane Greenway's cover story for 1312 Hedgerow Lane, which ran in the December 21 edition of HomeFront, contained incorrect photos of the property.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Sponsors Toy Drive
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) is holding a Toy Drive through December 16, 2008 to benefit Toys For Tots. The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® has supported the Toys for Tots Program for many years.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Holds Toys For Tots Toy Drive
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) held a Toy Drive to benefit Toys for Tots during the Association's Holiday Party on December 16, 2008.
Matt Thomas & Atlas Sponsor Holiday Food/Toy Drive
Matt Thomas, principal and licensed Realtor with Atlas Real Estate Advisors, is hosting a food/toy drive and pics with Santa at his holiday open house on Sunday December 14th from noon until 5pm at MadiSun Park Subdivision in Danielsville, GA.
Athens Chapter of WCR Installs its 2009 Officers
The Athens Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR) installed its 2009 Line Officers at their Holiday Luncheon held December 11th at Carrabba's Italian Grill.
Prudential Blanton Properties' REALTORS® Attend GRI
Heather McElroy, Connie McMillan, Ivey Adams, and Chad Clark of Prudential Blanton Properties all recently attended the "Graduate REALTOR® Institute" (GRI) program. These REALTORS® will soon join other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Donates Infant Care Items To Help Children in Need
In an effort to give back to the community, the Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) organized an Infant Care Drive during the month of November.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® MEMBERS ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION
The National Association of REALTORS® held its Annual Conference and Expo November 5 – 10 in Orlando, Florida. REALTORS® had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of continuing education courses, programs, committee meetings, and the trade show.
Susan Mosley's 1311 Victoria Road listing was incorrectly priced in the December 14th edition of HomeFront, located on page 12. The correct price is $289,900. We apologize for this misprint.
Jeri Stephens has successfully completed the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation.
Through the required education courses, designees learn how to lead senior clients, who are aged 55 and older, through real estate transactions.
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS(AAAR) is holding a drive to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers. The charity uses monies from the sale of the collected cell phones to purchase calling cards for soldiers.
Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Present Fundraising Proceeds to Local Fire Departments
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) raised approx. $6,500 for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) through Family Fun Day: REALTORS® Help Heal The Burns held October 6, 2008.
Kelly Lyn Beasley
Kelly Lyn Beasley is proud to announce her recent affiliation with Chastain...
Randy Flanigan has joined Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty as a licensed REALTOR®, per Charles L. Upchurch, III, President and Broker.
Athens Area Association of REALTORSCelebrates 50TH Anniversary
2008 marks the 50th anniversary for the Athens Area Association of REALTORS Inc. Celebrating five decades which began with 21 founding members representing 14 firms, the organization will hold a commemorative event on August 15th.
Athens Area Homeless Shelter 5th Annual Harvest for the Homeless
The Athens Area Homeless Shelter will hold its Fifth Annual Harvest for the Homeless tonight, Sunday November 23, 2008, at the Foundry Park Inn Ballroom from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. The evening's events include a Silent Auction, an Acoustic performance by The Modern Skirts, Hors d'oeuvres, Cash Bar and our Grand Prize drawing for 52 gift certificates to local restaurants!
Michael Seger, From Watkinsville, GA, Had an Impressive 343 Transaction sides in 2007 on his Way to Becoming One of the Athens Area's Top Real Estate Professionals.
Magic hold off Hawks
ATLANTA - For three quarters, Orlando hardly missed. In the final period, nothing seemed to go.
Brees claims offensive honor
NEW YORK - Drew Brees understood what breaking a record set by Dan Marino would mean to the New Orleans Saints.
Cowboys done with troubled 'Pacman'
IRVING, Texas - Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones must look elsewhere in the NFL for another chance. The Dallas Cowboys are done with him.
Felton, Augustin lead Bobcats
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Raymond Felton scored 25 points, rookie D.J. Augustin added 11 of his 20 points in overtime, and the Charlotte Bobcats stunned Boston 114-106 on Tuesday to continue the Celtics' sudden slide.
Nuggets' Anthony out three weeks with broken bone
DENVER - Carmelo Anthony didn't care for the color of the new removable splint he was sporting on his broken right hand, preferring it to be Denver Nuggets blue over bright red.
Teixeira, Yankees seal $180 million deal
NEW YORK - Mark Teixeira and the New York Yankees have completed their $180 million, eight-year contract,
Kim, Villegas try to move closer to top
KAPALUA, Hawaii - Tiger Woods sometimes will glance over his shoulder on his highway to history, not worried about anyone on his bumper but curious to see what the traffic looks like behind him.
Georgia tennis teams both ranked in top 10
The Georgia men's and women's tennis teams will kick off the 2009 season in the top 10, according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings released Tuesday.
Dogs' stars opt for NFL
Matthew Stafford got the answer he hoped for when the NFL advisory committee for underclassmen told Georgia's junior quarterback he would be picked in the first round of April's draft should he leave school early.
America 101: Campus serves up course on U.S. culture
Beginning classes at a new college could overwhelm anyone. But imagine that, along with learning a new campus and meeting new people, you're also getting your first taste of sweet tea and learning to drive on the right side of the road.
Faulty climate-control valve puts museum paintings at risk
A broken valve spewed wet air into a Georgia Museum of Art storage room during the weekend, but officials believe only one of the valuable paintings in the museum's collection suffered serious damage.
Ex-UGA employee charged with thefts
University of Georgia police have taken out warrants charging a former Terry College of Business employee with stealing thousands of dollars during a two-year period.
New semester, new ID cards
Savanna McMichael, a transfer student from Gainesville, walks with her husband, Trey, as she takes a look at her new University of Georgia student ID Tuesday afternoon at the Tate Student Center on campus. Classes for the university's spring 2009 semester begin Thursday.
Lady Bulldogs aiming to make a statement
Georgia arrives at the start of Southeastern Conference play today wanting to make the women's college basketball world take notice of the Lady Bulldogs.
Lady Dogs at Ole Miss
8 p.m. today
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Given that I'm a meditation teacher and the author of a good number of books and audiobooks on meditation, you might think that meditation should be the central thing in my life. But — and this is something I only just realized — it's not.
I've carried around, not very consciously, the idea that meditation should be the most important, the most central, thing in my life. And I suspect that this mostly unconscious idea has led to inner conflict and resistance. Certainly, when I realized just the other day that meditation wasn't and shouldn't be the central thing in my life, I felt unburdened. I felt lighter, freer, and clearer. The notion that meditation … Read more »
Southwest Florida residents have the chance to see something few westerners ever get the opportunity to see — the creation and blessing of a sand mandala by a group of Buddhist monks.
Throughout the week, the group of five Tibetan monks will be at Unity of Naples building the Chenrezig mandala one grain of colored sand at a time.
Once complete, the sand painting will be blessed and ritually dissolved to symbolize the impermanence of life.
"This is the first time I've seen this being done live," said Susanna Tocco, 36, of Naples. "It's amazing — the precision, the patience. It's …
The University of Redlands will welcome a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery to campus from April 4-8, when they will be constructing a mandala sand painting.
To form an image of a mandala—a Sanskrit word meaning sacred cosmogram—millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks. Of all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite.
The mandala sand painting begins with an opening ceremony, during which the Lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. This is done by chanting, music and mantra recitation … Read more »
Here is a transcript of the interview the [Chico, California] Enterprise-Record did with Losang Samten, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, on Feb. 15.
E-R: How old are you?
E-R: What is a mandala?
S: It is a representation. It is the architecture of a palace which represents many things. A divine palace. From the Buddhist point of view (it shows) the different stages to the path of enlightenment. It is the universe, humanity, all of one individual's positive qualities and all the things we need to purify from ourselves. There are so many thusands of mandala with different themes.
E-R: How long have you been making mandalas.
S: Over 30 years.
(The reporter conducting … Read more »
Once again, Lafayette [Indiana] is opening its heart to Buddhist monks touring America.
Eight monks started making a sacred sand mandala Thursday and will continue through next week at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation.
During the opening ceremony Thursday, the monks chanted a blessing for the colored sand. A horn, cymbal, drum and handbell were used to emphasize parts of the 15-minute ceremony.
Through a translator, Lobsang Dhondup explained the sand mandala, which is a Buddhist tradition using geometric designs inside a circle. The mandala is used for meditation and contains several Buddhist doctrines.
"The mandala is indispensable for the practice of Buddhism," Dhondup said. "This is one of our spiritual exercises."
A fundamental precept of Buddhism is the ability to reach Enlightenment – an awakened state of spiritual alertness – in a single lifetime. Avenues to this higher state of being include the chanting of mantras and the performance of mudras – ritual hand gestures.
Another path to Enlightenment, one often used in conjunction with mantra-singing and mudras, is meditation upon particular religious diagrams known as mandalas. These extremely complex rituals are usually taught and performed within the presence of a highly trained master. A select few of these original mandalas are now on display at a The Metropolitan Museum of Art in an exhibit entitled "Japanese Mandalas: Emanations and Avatars."
At the very center of … Read more »
Ratnasambhava is, amongst other things, the Buddha of generosity. Danamaya explores the open-handed Buddha of the south.
In some ways, I may have known Ratnasambhava all my life, although I didn't learn about Buddhism until high school, and then only from an introductory article in a comparative religion class. But looking back I can see all sorts of important themes in my life that got their start in little experiences long before. As a kid, I loved fairy tales, especially the Grimm Brothers. There were always buried treasures uncovered, or led to for someone who'd been set an impossible task who was a small, weak or humble person but who was actually a worthy, noble … Read more »
Meditation, as practiced by the 10 Tibetan Buddhist monks visiting IUP this week, provides "stability and calmness" and opens the potential of one's mind, said Eleanor Mannikka, Monday's Six O'Clock Series speaker.
"What powers your behavior is your mind," said Mannikka, an IUP art professor and 25-year practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. "All the minds that human beings have are the most powerful tools in the universe. Without meditation you're using a small fraction of your mind."
Buddhists practice the teachings of Siddhartha Gotama — the Buddha — who after six years of meditation about 2,500 years ago, found the "middle path," or enlightenment, in his search for the ways to avoid suffering and be happy.… Read more »


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Shoes made in the BOS system - Baltes Outlast Sympatex. Tab is connected to the rest of the shoe over the entire length, which prevents access to the interior of stones, sand and water. Footwear is equipped with eyelets and lacing hooks. In the upper part are placed additional ventilation holes.
Sympatex membrane used to construct these shoes do not contain any channels or pores which prevents ingress of water to the inside of shoes. This membrane provides a high flow of moisture while allowing the foot to breathe and stay dry. It is also resistant to pollution, clogging dirt, dust and oily substances.
Shoes are new in storage condition, packed in original Baltes company box. Available in size 42 where the total length of the insert is 282 mm, and the height of shoe measures 22 cm.


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180-Watt Acoustic and Vocal Combo Amp
Product Code 69824
Retail Price
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Buy Today and Save $469.04 (37% from Retail)
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The re-designed Loudbox Performer offers more power and enhanced features in a lighter, more efficient design.
Our most powerful acoustic amplifier, the Loudbox Performer features 180 watts of transparent bi-amplified acoustic sound and two versatile input channels that accept 1/4" and XLR sources. Each channel includes Fishman's renowned 3-band EQ, feedback-fighting controls, and a new effects section for more tonal options than ever before.
The dedicated midrange provides enhanced detail and note definition over conventional 2-way designs. An improved, integrated kickstand design allows the Loudbox Performer to be tilted back 50º for better sound projection at short range.
1 1
- Two mic/instrument channels with 3-band EQ and feedback controls
- Bi-amplified with passive crossover for tweeter and midrange
- Long throw acoustic suspension woofer for clean bass Input gain control
- Auxiliary stereo input with level control and 1/4" & 1/8" connectors
- Dual digital effects section, with independent channel & effects level
- Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Echo and Slap Echo
- Balanced XLR D.I. outputs on each channel and main mix
- Channel Mute to silence both input channels
- Headphone output
- Three-way speaker design with built-in 10º baffle angle
- Integrated, low profile kickstand for a tilt angle of 50º
- Foot Switch input for remote muting of Input Channels or Chorus, Flanger, & Slap Echo
- Dual Foot Switch (ACC-LBX-FSW) sold separately
- Loudbox Performer Slip Cover (ACC-LBX-SC7) sold separately
Instrument & Microphone Channels:
- Combination 1/4" & XLR input with 10dB pad and clip indicator
- Resonant bass and midrange with shelving-style treble control
- Feedback-fighting Phase switch and Notch filter
- Phantom power for condenser mics (24V, high current spec.)
- Reverb / Delay effects level
- Chorus, Flanger and Slap Echo on/off
- Power: 180 Watts, bi-amped
- Drivers: one 1" soft dome twitter
- One 5" midrange
- One 8" woofer
- SPL: 114dB SPL @ 1 meter
- Speaker Baffle: 10º built-in tilt
- 50º with kickstand
- Dimensions: 18.2" H x 15.8" W x 11.5" D (46cm) x (40cm) x (29cm)
- Weight: 29.4 lbs (13.3 kg)
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Finding the right seats is important. You will need to determine which sections you would like to sit along with which rows you prefer. You also need to consider how many tickets you will need to buy. Lastly, you will need to consider your budget for the tickets. All these options can be sorted with our interactive map and ticket filter when sorting through our selection of seats.Ticket Availability
For major events, tickets may be available before they're on sale with the box office. We secure seats in advance by pre-sales, season ticket holders at venues and through other official sources that allows us to obtain tickets before the general public. Your order is always backed by our 125% money back guarantee.Why Use Front Row King?
As a growing ticket reseller, Front Row King is actively becoming one of the top ticketing companies online. Our primary goals have not changed since our inception in 2005... customer satisfaction (selection, price, accuracy and trust). *endlinie* We're happy to serve all customers regardless of the order size. If you have any issues or concerns, please contact our live support team.Guarantee
When you place your order online or by phone, we will guarantee your order and ensure order accuracy. For more information, please see our guarantee policies. View Complete GuaranteeShipping
Your order will be delivered via FedEx unless otherwise noted. eTickets may be an alternate delivery option or last minute local pickup.About Your Seats
Finding seats depends on your preference, budget and availability. We network with brokers around the country to offer a wide variety of seats for each event. Seats range from lower level seating, front row, floor sections, balcony level and more.
Popular Venues in HoustonSarofim Hall - Hobby Center
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Toyota Center - TX


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Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming at the referee following his team's shock exit in the FA Cup to one time rivals Leeds United.
Five minutes additional time was awarded by the fourth official, but Ferguson fumed "there should have been an extra 23 minutes by my reckoning". "I don't know how these officials arrive at their timings, but with another 23 minutes, we might have at least got an equaliser, and even if we didn't, it would have given me time to think up a few more excuses for this fucking piss poor performance".
Playing to a packed house on the home turf at the Theatre of Nightmares, the Reds were comprehensively outplayed by a spirited and committed Leeds outfit, resplendent in all white.
Leeds boss Simon Grayson was jubilant, "we didn't even get muddy".
Reds fans were bemused at the beginning of the match, when their usually reliable manager arrived at the dugout 23 minutes after the start of the cup tie, by which time his team were already 1-0 behind.


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Artwork Worth Saving - Drawing collection (12)
Collected by by giggles
Description: Bits and pieces of drawings I like!
The Falling Gem! Fantasy
by by giggles
"Happy Birthday to ya....." Fantasy
by Rustybird
portal Abstract
by crusoe
everything burn...... Fantasy
by blackbird666999
My True Colors Portraits
by anime0bsession
Buzmark Fantasy
by by giggles
DOODLE Fantasy
by crusoe
Miss Dolly Cartoons
by by giggles
Imaginary Creatures! Fantasy
by Whitemorn
Cuddles Fantasy
by by giggles
Crazy Town Abstract
by by giggles
Sumgon fun Draw Abstract
by Warpedskull
Pages: 1


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Somerset girls basketball keeps getting closer to first win
The Somerset girls basketball team keeps getting closer to its first victory of the season.
The Spartans had their best shot at a win last Friday when they lost to Thorp 47-45 in the second round of the Thorp holiday tournament. The Spartans also played well in the opening round loss to Abbotsford.
The overtime loss was a good experience for the Spartans. It was the first time all season they faced the pressure of being competitive in a game. The Spartans didn't handle the pressure the best, missing 10 free throws in the fourth quarter, but Coach Kendrick Livers said it is all part of the team's learning process.
Senior Sadie Gilbertson was the offensive leader in both games for the Spartans. She scored 12 points against Abbotsford, then she rang up 19 points against Thorp.
"She has the skills to be good,"?Livers said, saying that Thorp did all it could to keep the ball out of Gilbertson's hands.
Livers credited freshman Baily Paulus with being the Spartans' best rebounder in both games. He said senior Sarah Krig was the foundation of the team's defense.
"Sarah protected the basket and she's showing more discipline,"?Livers said.
The Spartan coaches have settled on a player rotation after using the first eight games of the season to give players a chance to establish themselves. Livers said the girls were more relaxed in their play, knowing how the playing time would be divided.
The Spartans have a week to use what they learned in the tournament to improve. They don't play again until next Tuesday, when they host Ellsworth. Neither team has registered a Middle Border Conference win yet this season.