text:
Tempers Rise as Climate Talks Stall – Alex Morales and Kim Chipman (Updated)
The Bali climate change conference turned acrimonious as India and China objected to language in the draft resolution. From Bloomberg:
Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, left the auditorium in tears after China's delegation demanded to know why the session had twice been started while separate talks were ongoing elsewhere.
"The secretariat was not aware that meetings were going on elsewhere," de Boer said, before closing the book in front of him and walking off stage. He returned about 15 minutes later.
Tempers rose during an earlier session when Sun Guoshun, a member of the Chinese negotiating team, told the plenary meeting: "I'm not sure whether the secretariat is our secretariat, and I would like to ask for an apology." [Full text]
Update: From the Los Angeles Times, "After-hours deal at climate talks":
After two weeks of often rancorous negotiations and a last-minute effort by the United States to turn back a compromise from developing countries, the United Nations climate talks here ended today with the unanimous adoption of an agreement charting the course for negotiations on a new global warming treaty.
The treaty, which will be hammered out over the next two years, will succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, set to expire in 2012. [Full text]


text:
By John Crawley WASHINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - Top-selling sport utility vehicles, most equipped with electronic systems to boost stability, posted average to good results in 2006 U.S. government rollover tests, figures showed on Tuesday. Regulators cited improvement while safety advocates greeted the news cautiously, saying updated crash statistics due later this year would provide a clearer picture of rollover dangers and whether updated safety systems are beneficial for SUVs. ...
Premium Content (PAID Subscription Required)
"US says popular SUVs better in rollover tests" is part of the paid WardsAuto Premium content. You must log in with Premium credentials in order to access this article. Premium paid subscribers also gain access to:
All of WardsAuto's reliable, in-depth industry reporting and analysis
Hundreds of downloadable data tables including:
• Global sales and production data by country
• U.S. model-line inventory data
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• WardsAuto's North America Plant by Platform forecast
• Product Cycle chart
• Interrelationships among major OEMs
• Medium- and heavy-duty truck volumes
• Historical data and much more!
For WardsAuto.com pricing and subscription information please contact
Lisa Williamson by email: email@example.com or phone: (248) 799-2642
Current subscribers, please login or CLICK for support information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I need some help. I'm 17 years old, I wanna go home to my mom but Idk if I can leave without the law enforcement getting involved and if I do leave, since the people that now am living with have guardianship of me, can they bring me back here?
Hi Curtis. I guess that would depend on 1) where you currently are and 2) why you are there, and not with your mom. Are you court ordered to be where you are?


text:
Written on: 10/09/2010
National Archery Supply are CROOKS!
I ordered a crossbow and broadheads from them. They stated that it would arrive at my door in 5-7 days via ups. After 7 days I emailed them and they told me that it was on backorder but they were supposed to get some in three days from then. 3 days from them is still said not shipped. I emailed to get a estimated ship date but they gave me a bunch of buloney about we are calling the vendor to see what the hold up was. Then I heard nothing. I cancelled m y order and received an email saying that my refund was being processed right now but that I should still wait 5-7 days for it to show up. Guess what it didn't show up. I have emailed the owner jason but haven't heard back. I have called the bank and put it in thier laps.
I ordered the same thing from american archery supply and was actually able to speak to someone on the phone and had my bow in 3 days.


text: I have a bit of a tradition on election days- I like to have a bowl of Italo-American spaghetti 'n meatballs (but any pasta will do) and a beer and watch the election returns. Also kinda stunned that I am old enough now to even have any kind of quadrennial tradition ... but anyway... Anybody know of a good place to do this in Hillcrest? Not usually something that I'd require in a restaurant, but if they have a tv or two above the bar, that would be great. Cheers!


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
City Lifts Snow Alert
PIERRE, S.D. –The City of Pierre has lifted the Snow Alert issued on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.
City crews worked through the night to clear Emergency Snow Routes. That work has been completed, and vehicles may now park on Emergency Snow Routes. Snow plowing operations continue in residential areas and the downtown business district.
The City thanks the community for its cooperation during snow plowing operations and reminds the traveling public to drive with care.
Residents are reminded that it is a violation of city ordinance to move snow back onto a plowed street from either a driveway or sidewalk.


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Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
If there is no evidence besides a witness that telling multiple conflicting stories do you think it will make it to trial? Robbery case
1 Answer from Attorneys
Credibility of a witness is for the jury to decide. The testimony of a single witness can be enough to convict. The big question will be whether or not that witness (with any conflicting stories) will be enough.
If the prosecutor thinks the case is falling apart, they can certainly cut a much better deal for the defendant..... or dismiss the case.
If they think there's still enough, even given a conflict in the evidence, then they'll go forward.
You're asking us to speculate based on very little information and without knowing any of the facts - most importantly what discrepancies there are and how significant they are in light of ALL the evidence, not just one witness's statements.
Related Questions & Answers
What makes a witness non Creditable enough to go to trial or even just dismiss the... Asked 8/29/13, 12:46 pm in United States California Criminal Law
My boyfriend is currently in prison in Arizona and he has a pending charge in... Asked 8/29/13, 11:00 am in United States California Criminal Law
If the identification is shaky to weak and the witness is also telling multiple... Asked 8/28/13, 10:22 pm in United States California Criminal Law


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|Reference : Multiple Material Mesh Generation For Biomedical Applications
|Scientific congresses and symposiums : Poster
|Engineering, computing & technology : Multidisciplinary, general & others
|Multiple Material Mesh Generation For Biomedical Applications
|[en] Generation de maillages multimatériaux pour la biomécanique
|D'Otreppe, Vinciane [Université de Liège - ULg > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > LTAS-Mécanique numérique non linéaire >]
|Boman, Romain [Université de Liège - ULg > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > LTAS-Mécanique numérique non linéaire >]
|Ponthot, Jean-Philippe [Université de Liège - ULg > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > LTAS-Mécanique numérique non linéaire >]
|National Committee on Biomedical Engineering - National Day
|Pascal Verdonck
|Jean Delbeke
|Marc Nyssen
|[en] Biomechanics ; Mesh Generation ; Finite Element Method
|[en] The finite element (FE) method is commonly used in biomedical applications for the simulation of the behaviour of biological structures. A key component in FE simulation is the creation of a finite element mesh. In medical applications, the meshes should be directly generated from the medical scans. Moreover, biological structures are usually composed of several inner regions that need to be separately segmented, labelled and meshed to be able to apply different material properties in the finite element model.
A procedure to create surface meshes from a multi-valued volume data sets is proposed. Following properties are guaranteed: (1) The generated mesh consists of a set of non manifold triangle meshes that separate each connected component in the labelled data set. These interface meshes join each other consistently along their boundaries, i.e., no T junctions nor gaps may appear. (2) The surface mesh is a geometrically accurate representation of the data represented in the medical scans. However, it is not be tainted by the typical aliasing and staircase artifacts that are due to the discrete nature of the voxels.
|Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (Communauté française de Belgique) - F.R.S.-FNRS
|Researchers ; Professionals
|File(s) associated to this reference
Fulltext file(s):
All documents in ORBi are protected by a user license.


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Tulsa, OK
Brandon Lamb, senior managing director, joined the firm in 2011 and launched the company's first office in the state of Oklahoma. He has over 15 years of experience in commercial banking and investment sales, with an emphasis in real estate and securities, and has brokered over $500 million in commercial real estate transactions including the sale of the $95 million American Residential portfolio in Tulsa, which set a new record for the largest apartment transaction in the city's history.
Prior to joining ARA Newmark, Mr. Lamb was the managing principal of a boutique brokerage firm where he assisted institutions such as KeyBank and Huntington National Bank in the disposition of distressed commercial assets. During his tenure there, he was responsible for over $100 million in distressed loan transactions.
Mr. Lamb has been recognized as a "Top Producer" within ARA Newmark and has received multiple "CoStar Power Broker" awards. He holds an MBA from Oklahoma City University, a BBA from Evangel University and is a CCIM candidate.
Oklahoma City, OK
Tim McKay, senior managing director, brings more than 18 years of commercial lending and brokerage experience to ARA, A Newmark Company. He has financed and sold over $1 billion in assets located throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama, Missouri and Texas. Freddie Mac, Trimont-Tritex, AIG, Equity Residential, Wells Fargo, Watermark Residential, Case & Associates, Haley RE Group and Olympus Property are among Mr. McKay's list of clients.
Tim graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors of Science degree, and later worked in both the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association as well as the OSU Athletic Department.
Dallas, TX
Brian J. O'Boyle, Sr. is founder and vice chairman of the ARA, A Newmark Company Dallas office as well as a partner in the Austin ARA Newmark office, the Washington, DC ARA Newmark office, and the ARA Newmark National Seniors Housing Group. He has 30+ years of experience in real estate, specializing exclusively in the brokerage of multi-housing projects and land. He holds the CCIM designation by the Commercial Investment Real Estate Council of the Realtor's National Marketing Institute and in November 2002 he was presented the Stemmons Service Award by the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors; this prestigious award is given annually by the NTCAR in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to both the Real Estate industry and the community. Brian is also the recipient of the "Heavy Hitter's Award", given by the Dallas Business Journal to the #1 Investment Broker in the Metroplex. He received this award twice during the past ten years and has received "special recognition" status six additional times as a top producer in his field.
Recognized as a leader in the industry and based upon his experience in the Dallas/Fort Worth multi-housing real estate market, Brian has been a guest speaker at over 60 events throughout the county, serving as a moderator for several industry panels and forums. Brian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Ohio University
Since 1995 Brian has personally been involved in multi-family and land transactions totaling in excess of $6.9 billion.


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As one of the first conservatories in the U.S. to acknowledge the prime importance of jazz as an art form, Manhattan School of Music's programs of study for jazz arts majors are designed to develop skilled performers, composers, arrangers and jazz educators in preparation for careers in jazz music. Systematic and rigorous conservatory training, combined with a myriad of performance and networking opportunities in New York City make this program one of the richest of its kind for young jazz musicians. Student ensembles include the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Philharmonic, Chamber Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. All students in the Jazz Arts degree programs are required to fulfill their ensemble requirement as outlined in their course sequence plans and as assigned by the associate dean of the Jazz Arts Program.
In addition to studies with our expert faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists. Recent master classes have included: Gary Burton (vibraphone), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Stefon Harris (Class of 1997, 1999 — vibraphone), Vijay Iyer (piano), Lee Konitz (saxophone), Dave Liebman (saxophone, Artist-in-Residence), Jason Moran (Class of 1997— piano), Butch Morris (Conduction Workshop), Christian McBride (bass), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), Jon Faddis (trumpet), and Maria Schneider (composition). Every concert season, guest soloists are featured in concert with our large ensembles, providing enriched performance experiences for students. Recent guest soloists include Paquito D'Rivera, NEA Jazz Masters Candido and Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, John Faddis, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, and vocalists Jane Monheit, Roberta Gambarini and Judi Silvano.
The Jazz Department Handbook includes information for current students on a variety of issues including ensemble and audition requirements, juries, recitals, grading systems, etc.
Specific courses and degree sequence plans can be found in the Course Catalog.
Jazz composition is offered for graduate applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Music degree. Students who major in jazz composition at Manhattan School of Music are presented with several unique and special opportunities to develop their art. These include regularly scheduled composers' reading sessions each semester for large and small ensembles; two Jazz Philharmonic reading sessions with full studio orchestra (symphony orchestra & jazz big band; sessions are recorded for faculty review and study); student commissions with performance and monetary awards, performance of compositions at Jazz at Lincoln Center concerts, quarterly jazz composers' concerts for chamber and jazz orchestra ensembles; and open access to two computer-based electronic music studios.
Classes are offered in studio synthesis techniques, composing and arranging for MIDI synthesizer, arranging for jazz composers, advanced studio recording, film scoring classes, songwriting classes.
Jazz voice is offered for graduate applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Music degree. The jazz voice program at Manhattan School of Music is designed to prepare each vocalist to be an exceptional performer who is able to function in today's business of music. The program is spearheaded by our internationally known faculty Theo Bleckmann and Kate McGarry. Here are some of the highlights of the program:
The program of study leading to the Manhattan School of Music doctor of musical arts degree is offered with a major in Jazz Arts Advancement.
Program Philosophy
As jazz music continues to work its way into the mainstream of the American education system, new and innovative methods need to be formulated to assure the perpetuation and development of this important art form. The Manhattan School of Music philosophy is that this is best done at the actual point where knowledge is transferred, at the level of the educator.
Having created a program that attracts top musical talent, Manhattan School of Music trains Doctor of Musical Arts candidates through an integrated and innovative educational format that focuses on three distinct and critical areas of jazz music: performance, composition and pedagogy. This three-fold educational concept enables a student to develop as "The Complete Artist Musician" — one who excels equally as a performer, composer, arranger, teacher, conductor of workshops and clinics, and lecturer. This distinctive concept in music education is the central philosophy of the Manhattan School of Music Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement Program.
General admission information
Jazz Bass Audition
Jazz Composition Audition (Master of Music only)
Jazz Drumset and Hand Percussion Audition
Jazz Guitar Audition
Jazz Piano Audition
Jazz Saxophone, Clarinet, Harmonica, and Flute Audition
Jazz Trombone Audition
Jazz Trumpet Audition
Jazz Vibraphone Audition
Jazz Violin, Viola, and Cello Audition
Jazz Voice Audition (graduate only)
Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement Program Audition
Director, Associate Dean
Associate Director
Senior Coordinator
Assistant Coordinator
Jazz Arts Faculty
120 Claremont Avenue New York, NY 10027-4698 | Map | Main: 212 749 2802 | Box Office: 917 493 4428 | Contact
Copyright 2016 Manhattan School of Music


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ATLANTA -- A Georgia couple accused of insurance fraud last week by claiming the wife died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks already had collected about $273,000 from four insurance companies, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said.
Cynthia S. Gavett, 40, and Charles Allen Gavett, 44, of Pike County face additional charges for filing six fraudulent claims with different companies totalling $600,000, Oxendine said Thursday.
The Gavetts were arrested Nov. 26 and charged with attempting to defraud Minnesota Life Insurance Co. by claiming she had an appointment at the World Trade Center at the time of the suicide attacks. She was insured with the company for $200,000.
When Minnesota Life asked Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas to verify that she was missing, a deputy reported seeing her alive and well in Concord, a town 45 miles south of Atlanta.
The couple already had collected from Allstate, CUNA, Fortis and Colonial Life and Accident, Oxendine said. He said Gavett also made claims against his wife's life insurance policies with Mutual of Omaha and MetLife, but those claims had not been paid.
The Gavetts, who moved from Florida two years ago, have lived in a $300,000 brick home on 75 acres north of Concord. The property includes a barn for several Arabian horses.
Until April, Gavett worked for $11.50 to $12 an hour operating a commercial front-end loader, emptying Dumpsters in nearby Griffin, officials there said. Mrs. Gavett sold comsestics from the home.
Oxendine said the Gavetts had bank accounts in at least three states holding ''hundreds of thousands'' of dollars, ''more than enough to cover the amount they received'' from the insurance companies.
The Gavetts are being held without bond in the Pike County Jail.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Saturday, December 8, 2001.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


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Humboldt1 Palais-Hotel & Bar
Hotel Specials
Package Specials
Package Specials
Standard Single Room
- One Single Bed
Superior Room
- One Queen Bed
Superior Double Room
- One King Bed
Deluxe Double Room
- One King Bed
Stay in one of 7 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your Select Comfort bed comes with cotton sheets, down comforters, and down blankets. Windows open for fresh air and city views. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature handheld showerheads and televisions.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).
Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. For your convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include limo/town car service, dry cleaning/laundry services, and multilingual staff. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge, and self parking is available onsite.
Know Before You Go
- This property offers transfers from the train station. Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
- The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
- No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
Mandatory Fees and Taxes
Unless otherwise indicated, the charges below are not included in the overall room price. If not included in the overall room price, they will be charged by the property at check-in or check-out. Charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book. This property told us they will charge you for the following:
- A 7.0 percent city/local tax will be charged
We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.
- Complimentary Coffee
- Concierge Desk
- Dry Cleaning Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Services/Laundry Facility
- Lounge/Bar
- Multilingual Staff
- Wedding Services
(*) = Free, some restrictions may apply


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Japan's Hayabusa, the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid and return to Earth, made a fiery reentry over southern Australia Sunday night. Scientists hope the craft's capsule contains samples from the asteroid Itokowa.
©2010 National Geographic; video courtesy NASA
The Japanese-built Hayabusa spacecraft re-entered earth's atmosphere Sunday night and put on a spectacular show as it burned up while traveling at the speed of an asteroid crashing to earth.
SOUNDBITE: Jay Grinstead, NASA Reentry Observation Project Mgr.
"Hayabusa's return at 7 ½ miles per second is rare. Something like this is not going to happen for several years at minimum."
This video was recorded by a group of astronomers from NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, also known as JAXA, and other organizations.
They were aboard NASA's DC-8 laboratory packed with cameras and other imaging instruments to capture the high-speed re-entry over an unpopulated area of South Australia.
The Japanese spacecraft spent seven years in space, including a short stop on the asteroid Itokowa five years ago. It has hopefully brought back samples from the asteroid.
It's the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid and return to earth.
Scientists recovered its space capsule Monday in Australia's Outback.
The samples would initially be studied by a team of scientists in Japan, and then other scientists will have the opportunity to examine the materials.
The re-entry offered a new opportunity for scientists to observe how the spacecraft broke into pieces, and how well the heat shield material protected the capsule with the sample.
The data collected can be used for analysis for future earth re-entry voyages.


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Canoeing is an activity developed thousands of years ago by Native Americans. Historically, trees that had fallen were hollowed out and used to float down a river, lake or stream for transportation, fishing, or gathering food. Today canoeing is a great way to explore a body of water and has been established as an Olympic sport.
Canoes typically differ from kayaks in the sense that they are completely open and often take two people using one sided paddles. On a glassy lake canoeing is a calm activity where as canoeing down Class III rapids can be quite challenging.
Kayaking, similar to canoeing, is considered to be a form of paddling. Kayaking is often done on white water rapids and has been established as an Olympic sport. Kayaking involves a person sitting in the kayak facing forward with their legs extended. Most kayaks feature 'closed decks' that seal the kayaker in the boat for added security. Kayaking, unlike canoeing, uses a 'double bladed' paddle. Sea kayaking and ocean kayaking are popular while more leisurely derivatives of the sport and can be fantastic ways for exploring the open water.


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Choi survives Sabbatini challenge to win Sony
HONOLULU - Every shot brought a tough decision. Every swing brought an unpredictable result.
K.J. Choi never imagined having to work so hard in paradise, even with a four-shot lead in the Sony Open. When he finally calmed his nerves and his putting stroke, however, he wound up as the champion everyone expected.
Choi survived the blustery conditions at Waialae and a spirited charge by Rory Sabbatini, closing with a 1-over 71 for a three-shot victory Sunday that put him in elite company. It was Choi's fourth straight year with a PGA Tour victory, joining Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh with active streaks that long.
Miller wins downhill to match American record
WENGEN, Switzerland - Bode Miller always wanted to be the best American skier ever. With one more win, he will.
Miller matched Phil Mahre's U.S. record of 27 World Cup victories by winning the Lauberhorn downhill for the second year in a row, charging through the lower part of the course to win in 2 minutes, 30.40 seconds.
With two straight downhill victories - he also won in Bormio, Italy, on Dec. 29 - and a sudden rediscovery of his slalom form, the 30-year-old American is a good bet to pass Mahre before the season ends.
Kenyan Cheruiyot wins third Houston Marathon
HOUSTON - Kenya's David Cheruiyot won the Chevron Houston Marathon for the third time Sunday, finishing in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 32 seconds.
The 37-year-old Cheruiyot also won in 2005 and 2006. He joined fellow Kenyan Stephen Nbungu (1998-2000) as the only three-time winner.
Ethiopia's Kasime Adilo was second in 2:12:45.
In the women's event, 22-year-old Dire Tune of Ethiopia set a record with an official time of 2:24:40. Tune broke her own mark of 2:26:52, which she set last year.
Serena Williams starts strong at Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia - The difference in 12 months was easy to see.
Serena Williams, wearing hot pink bicycle shorts a short white dress and dangling, chandelier-inspired earrings, found her form quickly and beat Jarmila Gajdosova 6-3, 6-3 Monday in the first match in the Australian Open.
Last year, Williams was unseeded, ranked 81st and coming off one of her worst losses on tour - in a Tier 4 event at Hobart - yet she beat six seeded players en route to the title at Melbourne Park. It was her eighth, and least expected, Grand Slam win.
Briefly ...
NEW YORK - Roger Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, wouldn't commit Sunday to having the pitcher give a deposition to congressional investigators, even as he said the seven-time Cy Young Award winner remains willing to testify in open session before a House committee investigating denials that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
HOUSTON - Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 assists and made four free throws in the final 15 seconds to lift New Orleans to a win over Houston Sunday 87-82. David West scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who snapped the Rockets' five-game winning streak. The Hornets have won seven consecutive road games and seven of their last nine meetings with Houston, a divisional rival.
Compiled from staff reports
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Funny lady Kathy Griffin returns to Tucson for an evening of celebrity bashing and true confessions at Desert Diamond Casino's Diamond Entertainment Center Saturday.
The 52-year-year-old reality-TV star who parlayed her D-list celebrity-hood into an A-list Hollywood career wasn't available to chat about her Tucson gig. So we turned to her most recent comedy special, "Calm Down
Gurrl," for six things we hope to hear Saturday.
Convicted murderers love her: "I found out that ... Jodie Arias is following me on Twitter. So you can tweet from prison?"
Arizona "second freaking craziest state after Florida": "Leave it to Arizona to have an obscure law where the jury can ask questions. Not if but when I kill someone ... I cannot imagine the jury asking me questions. What's a jury of my peers? Andy Dick and Sarah Silverman?"
Her 34-year-old toy boy: "What am I thinking. Guys, there is an 18-year age difference. This is not right. Oh yeah, it's really appropriate for me to talk to his mom about what her life is going to be like when she is my age."
Meeting Barbra Streisand: "She sits down and she was incredibly nice and approachable. I said: 'Hi, so nice to meet you. My name is Kathy Griffin. I'm a comedian. I would love it if you would just sing 'People.' ... She laughed and said 'Oh, yeah, you know how I love singing at parties.' 'I know. Just two verses.'"
Justin Bieber's identity crisis: "The Biebs is very thug. If there's one thing I will always be amused by it is a rich, white, suburban kid who thinks he's black."
Amanda Bynes unraveled: "She seems to be part of this new wave of celebrities that can just do super-crazy stuff and get away with it because as we watch them we are fearing for their own safety and mental health to the point that no matter what they do, we're like, 'Oh.' "


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Thomas "Tinker" Sanson
Thomas "Tinker" Gerald Sanson, 75, of Walters, was received into Heaven on Sunday, August 10, 2014. He was born Sunday, August 28, 1938, in Alexandria, to the union of his parents, David Edward, Sr. and Susan Emmaline Johnson Sanson. Tinker was a retired Baptist minister, also a Free Methodist minister, and was employed by the LaSalle Parish Police Jury for 21 years, retiring as Superintendent. Services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the Prosperity Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas "Tommy" Sanson, Jr. officiating. Interment followed in the Woodland Cemetery near Jena under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Bettye C. Sanson Crooks. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mandy Dee LaCroix Sanson of Walters; two daughters, Levena Sanson Roark and husband Glenn of Summerville, and Jerry Lynn Sanson of Jena; a son, Tommy Sanson of Jena; two sisters, Velda Joyce Sanson Doughty and husband Larry of Walters, and Janie Mae Sanson Huffman of Walters; one brother, David Sanson, Jr. of Walters; four grandchildren, Jason Roark, Brandy Roark Taylor, Tracey Roark Oakes, and Samantha Sanson; and five great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jason Baker, Eddie Sanson, Donnie Ray Huffman, Jason Roark, Brad Stevens, and Richard Dubois. Honorary pallbearers were Don Jones, Lonnie Taylor, and Ancil Woodard.
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text:
My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Life Group LA Inc, West Hollywood, CA, USA
This organization embodies the true spirit of community service. The seminars that they put together not only provide the best and most update information about HIV care, but also show to the attendees the power of volunteering since these events mobilize an amazing group of volunteers that follow the powerful leadership of Sunnie Rose. I am honored every time that I am invited to serve as speaker for these educational programs. Octavio Vallejo, MD, MPH.
More Feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


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PepsiCo President Zein Abdalla to Present at the Barclays Back-to-School Consumer Conference
Aug 26, 2013, 16:05 ET from PepsiCo, Inc.
PURCHASE, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today announced that President Zein Abdalla will present at the Barclays Back-to-School Consumer Conference in Boston on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at approximately 8:15 a.m. EDT.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/NY93895LOGO )
A live audio webcast and replay of the presentation will be accessible through PepsiCo's website at www.pepsico.com in the "Investors" section under "Events and Presentations".
About PepsiCo PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo's promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.
SOURCE PepsiCo, Inc.


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2 works Add another?
Most Editions | First Published | Most Recent
Special when lit1 edition - first published in 1979
The Secrets Of Investing In Technology Stocks1 edition
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RIPLEY, Wyoming -- By fiddling with one gene, scientists have discovered they can increase the size of brains in mice. The process, which comes at the expense of the sanity of no less than 34 scientists, is being applauded by some and condemned by others.
Among the "some" are the 10 remaining sane scientists from the three-year-old project. "I am very happy not to have lost my mind with this project," said one scientist. "It was difficult making a case for staying up all of those hours just to be able to make a mouse's brain larger. My children are happy, too, that I will still be able to tell my right foot from my left."
Some of the now-demented scientists from the project are experiencing mental aftershocks from the intensity of the work. Five believe they are vegetarians, seven are given to uncontrollable urges to toss walnuts at violins and 16 have seizures when watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
Still, the sane group believes it was all worth it. "We may now be able to learn how to make the human brain larger, which should improve the quality of politicians and hockey players," said one.
The mice used in the experiments all had larger brains as a result of the work and some developed intelligence and culture. "One of them," said a scientist who just escaped insanity during the final hours of work, "began to build a replica of a Venice canal and another started a painting by Van Gogh in oils. We were examining why the brain gets bigger in evolution. Now we know it has nothing to do with the size of the skull. A brain can actually grow larger than a skull, making the person extremely intelligent, though horrific to look at."
The key turned out to be specific, not general, proteins found in tissues throughout the body, except for elbow muscles. Some proteins trigger cell division, while others corrupt a person's ability to squeeze a golf ball and experience pleasure.
Proteins in the cerebral cortex, better known as gray matter, have been impossible to pronounce, even by top scientists. But since human brains have 1,000 times more protein than mice, their penchant for breakfast cereal remains a mystery and a product of a small brain.
Many people have extra gray matter, which extends the brain but stops it from growing to the size of a striped beach ball. Mouse brains can now grow to the size of a grapefruit, proving that mentally retarded people are less apt to drive a tractor into quicksand than was previously thought.
Those "others" who protested the experiments, claimed that mice with larger brains would try to take over the world, causing an imbalance in the manufacture of cheese that could make the stock market collapse.
Also, some religious leaders called for the experiments to be stopped because "we don't want any progress to disprove what we believe the Bible tells us" and "mice are meant to be lowly, dirty, disgusting, boneless creatures that represent cowardice."


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The Travelin Man So, what's your point?
bill voss he gets a free lunch and we don't. :)
MiamiDon Have the comments come from people who have actually had BBQ in TN, TX or KC?
wanderingjew who am I to argue.
buffetbuster wanderingjew who am I to argue. Although you know I am with you on this, I am having a hard time getting past this part of your post!
wanderingjew Well, everyone said it was fantastic, so I guess all I can say is Kreuz's - move over- you've got Becky's to join you in the annals of BBQ lore...
The Travelin Man I don't ever get out much. And, having grown up on Long Island, I surely don't have any idea what Italian food tastes like. Your co-workers are obviously right. But, it does seem a little odd that you condemn said barbecue without having eaten any of it.
Pigiron I'm missing something here. Are you saying that BBQ can't possibly be good because it's from RI?


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Ashleigh Hiett of St. Augustine, who excels in sports and academics, will represent Florida in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles on June 20.
"Ashleigh is a delightful young lady, but most of all she has not let her handicap stop her from setting and achieving her goals and enjoying life," said her Braille teacher, Sandy Serventi. She and Ashleigh's mother, Angie, will accompany Ashleigh to the Braille Challenge. It will be a return trip for Serventi, who was named the 2007 National Braille Teacher of the Year for the National Braille Challenge.
As an infant, Ashleigh suffered an allergic reaction to a medication that left her blind. Now, on the verge of turning 15, Ashleigh finds that life is what you make it, regardless of handicaps.
Ashleigh, who was born in Atlanta, began learning Braille at the age of 7. Four years ago, her parents, Angie and Stacy Hiett, decided to pack up the family and move to St. Augustine so Ashleigh could get the best education possible.
While at Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, she has learned to use several adaptive devices including a Braille note taker and computers equipped with a speech recognition program called JAWS.
The teen maintains a 4.0 grade point average and takes classes at St. Augustine High School. She recently completed honors anatomy and honors world history.
Ashleigh also assists with a Florida State University Literary Braille class that Serventi teaches by grading Braille assignments. This class is designed for teachers and staff as a way to refresh their skills when working with visually impaired students. Ashleigh soon will play a role in another FSU Braille course that will concentrate on math and graphic displays by relating her Braille knowledge and experiences.
FSD&B girls' goalball coach James Crozier describes Ashleigh as an incredible athlete.
"She's very driven," Crozier said. "She strives to do the very best she can both on the court and in the classroom."
Recently, Ashleigh was selected to be a member of the USA Junior National Goalball Team based on her performance at various tournaments and her performance at a selection camp held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in May. The team will compete in a World Championship tournament this summer from July 17-20 in Colorado Springs. Crozier also coaches the national team.
The well-rounded teen also has musical talents including singing and playing the piano and guitar. She also tends pets at the PETCO adoption center, and is involved in the Young Life group at the Family Worship Center.
Ashleigh will be an 11th grader this fall and although she says she wants to go on to college, she isn't quite sure what her career pursuit will be.
"The teachers and staff here at the school have given me the best training and helped me to this point," said Ashleigh. "I think I'd like to pursue psychology or education maybe teach elementary school," she said. "I'll figure it out later."
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


text:
If you're a US national team fan, you've probably viewed Jermaine Jones' massive golazo against Portugal about 100 ways to Sunday.
From every angle, every slow-motion replay, Vine, meme, screen shot, fan reaction montage; well, you get the point. It's not only one of the best strikes of this World Cup but also one of the most important goals in USMNT history, sparking what was nearly a win over Cristiano Ronaldo & Co., and becoming hugely important considering it ended in a depressing 2-2 draw.
But you haven't really watched it until you've seen it reconstructed with Lego men. That's right, Lego men, courtesy of the Vine account of French sports daily L'Equipe.
Take a look below, and you tell me this isn't the best version of the goal you've seen – or at least the most unique and creative.


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November 9, 2004
v No. 250159
Wayne Circuit Court
LC No. 01-013625-01
Before: Zahra, P.J., and White and Talbot, JJ.
Defendant appeals as of right from his jury convictions of two counts of first-degree
premeditated murder, MCL 750.316(1)(a), two counts of first-degree felony murder; MCL
750.316(1)(b), armed robbery, MCL 750.529, assault of with intent to murder, MCL 750.83,
felon in possession of a firearm, MCL 750.224f, and possession of a firearm during the
commission of a felony (felony-firearm), MCL 750.227b. After dismissing two of defendant?s
first-degree murder convictions and his armed robbery conviction,1 the trial court sentenced
defendant to life imprisonment for the two remaining first-degree murder convictions, 225
months to 40 years? imprisonment for the assault with intent to murder conviction, and forty to
sixty months? imprisonment for the felon in possession of a firearm conviction, to be served
consecutively to two years? imprisonment for the felony-firearm conviction. We affirm.
I. Facts
At about 10:45 p.m. on October 15, 2001, Maurice Odums, Damon Hill, and Antonio
Hall drove to a residence at 14181 Spring Garden so that Hall could meet someone to sell a
pound of marijuana. After parking the car, they walked up the driveway to get to the back of the
residence. Hill and Hall were carrying large wads of money in their pockets and Hall was
carrying marijuana in his bag. When they got to the back of the residence, they were confronted
by defendant, Corey Scales, and one other unidentified man, who were all armed with handguns.
1 There were only two murder victims. The court did not specify whether it was dismissing
defendant?s premeditated murder convictions or his felony-murder convictions. However, the
court indicated that it was required to dismiss defendant?s armed robbery conviction because
armed robbery was the underlying felony supporting defendant?s felony-murder convictions.
When defendant pointed his gun at Odums, Hill, and Hall, Hall told the gunmen that they could
have whatever they wanted if they did not shoot him. Odums then heard a gunshot and started
running away. Scales pursued Odums and shot at him several times during the chase.
Eventually, Odums saw a parked police car and ran toward it. Before reaching the police car,
Odums and the police officers heard more gunshots coming from the backyard of 14181 Spring
Garden. The police officers patted Odums down and put him in the police car. Soon after,
Scales emerged from an alley and the police arrested him. The police investigated and found the
bodies of Hill and Hall in a driveway between two residences. Both had been killed by a single
gunshot to the head. A search of their bodies revealed that Hall was carrying $5.
Meanwhile, another police officer, who was arriving on the scene, noticed a Caprice
being driven by defendant and occupied by Anthony Patton. Defendant and Patton testified that
they were not at 14181 Spring Garden that night, but were driving to pick up defendant?s friend,
Lena Nixon, at a nearby bus stop. Defendant slowed down next to the police car where Scales
was detained. Defendant testified that he slowed down by the police car because he was curious,
and that he recognized Scales in the back of the car. According to the officer, Scales had his face
pressed up to the window and appeared to be stating something to the occupants of the Caprice.
The officer ordered defendant to stop his car, but defendant drove away. Defendant testified that
he did not know that the officer ordered him to stop. Two police cars pursued defendant.
Defendant testified that when he noticed he was being followed by police, he sped up because
Patton said he did not want to be stopped by police. At one point during the chase, defendant
slowed down without coming to a full stop and let Patton out. An officer got out of his car to
pursue Patton on foot, but could not catch him. Later, defendant stopped, and police arrested
him. A search of defendant revealed that he was carrying $10.50. The next day, Odums
identified defendant at a police lineup.
At trial, defendant argued that he was not involved in the murders. In support of this
defense, he testified that he was at a wake until about 10:40 p.m. on October 15, 2001. Several
witnesses, including Patton, corroborated defendant?s testimony that he was at the wake until
between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.. The jury rejected defendant?s defense and convicted him as
outlined above.
II. Analysis
A. Production of Witnesses
First, defendant argues that the trial court denied him his right to present a defense by
denying defendant?s request to produce an unendorsed police officer at trial and to assist him in
locating another witness. We review de novo the question whether a defendant was denied his
constitutional right to present a defense. People v Kurr, 253 Mich App 317, 327; 654 NW2d 651
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects a criminal defendant?s
right to obtain witnesses through compulsory process. Washington v Texas, 388 US 14, 19; 87 S
Ct 1920; 18 L Ed 2d 1019 (1967). However, ?[a] criminal defendant?s right to call witnesses is
not absolute.? People v Lueth, 253 Mich App 670, 689; 660 NW2d 322 (2002). Probative
evidence may be precluded when the defendant fails to comply with a valid discovery rule.
Michigan v Lucas, 500 US 145, 151; 111 S Ct 1743; 114 L Ed 2d 205 (1991).
1. Officer Fisher
Defendant argues that the production of Officer Fisher, who took one of Odum?s
statements to police, was essential to his defense. Upon request, a criminal defendant is required
to provide, within ten days before trial or another time specified by the court, the names and
addresses of all witnesses the defendant intends to call at trial. MCL 767.94a; MCR
6.201(A)(1). The trial court has the discretion in deciding whether to allow the late endorsement
of a witness or to exclude testimony or evidence for noncompliance with discovery rules. People
v Burwick, 450 Mich 281, 291; 537 NW2d 813 (1995); People v Callon, 256 Mich App 312,
325-326; 662 NW2d 501 (2003); MCR 6.201(J). Here, defendant did not request production of
Officer Fisher until the third day of trial and the last day of testimony. As noted by the trial
court, granting defendant?s request to produce the witness was late and would have delayed the
trial considerably. Further, Officer Fisher would merely have testified regarding one of Odum?s
statements to police, which was already covered in detail at trial. There is no indication that
defendant was prejudiced by the trial court?s decision, as defendant does not give any indication
how Officer Fisher?s testimony would have been beneficial to his case. The trial court did not
abuse its discretion in denying defendant?s request to produce Officer Fisher for trial.
2. Lena Nixon
Defendant argues that Nixon was necessary to his defense because she would have
corroborated his testimony that he was on his way to pick her up at a bus stop when the police
saw him and began to chase him. Defendant argues that the trial court should have granted his
request to assist him in locating and producing Nixon for trial. A defendant requesting assistance
in locating and serving a witness must do so in writing within ten days before trial or another
time specified by the court. MCL 767.40a(5). Here, defendant did not request assistance in
locating Nixon until the third day of trial and the last day of testimony. Locating and producing
Nixon for trial would delayed the trial for days, if not weeks. Further, there is no indication that
Nixon would have testified favorably for defendant. Even if she had, the most she could have
added was that defendant had agreed to pick her up at the bus stop. Such testimony would have
merely corroborated the testimony of two other witnesses who testified to the same fact. The
trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant?s request that the prosecution assist
him in locating Nixon. Thus, defendant was not denied his right to present a defense.
B. Prosecutorial Misconduct
Next, defendant argues that he was denied a fair trial by numerous instances of
prosecutorial misconduct. We review claims of prosecutorial misconduct to determine whether
defendant was denied a fair and impartial trial. People v Ackerman, 257 Mich App 434, 448;
669 NW2d 818 (2003). Because defendant failed to preserve his allegations of prosecutorial
misconduct, our review regarding this issue is for plain error that affected defendant?s substantial
rights. Id. We will not find error requiring reversal where a curative instruction could have
alleviated any prejudice. Id. at 449.
1. Opening Statement
Defendant first claims that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct during his opening
statement. Defendant first points to the prosecutor?s statement that defense counsel might not be
thankful for the jurors serving on the jury. This was an isolated comment that was made after
defense counsel objected to the prosecutor thanking the jurors, on behalf of the victims? families,
for serving on the jury. Second, defendant points to the prosecutor?s comment that Scales?s case
had ?already been disposed of.? This remark did not, as defendant argues, imply that Scales had
been convicted. Further, the prosecutor?s comment merely restated what the trial court had
already told the jurors during voir dire. Third, defendant argues that it was improper for the
prosecutor to say that Odums ?passed the gold standard test, going to a line-up and choosing the
right man, that is Don Perkins.? This statement was a proper comment on the evidence the
prosecutor intended to present. See People v Mayhew, 236 Mich App 112, 123; 600 NW2d 370
(1999). Moreover, there is no indication that defendant was prejudiced by any of the
prosecutor?s comments during his opening statement. Any possible prejudice was cured by the
trial court?s instruction that the statements of the attorneys are not evidence.
2. Cross-Examination
Next, defendant argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct during the cross-
examination of witnesses. First, defendant points to the prosecutor?s cross-examination of one of
the defense witnesses, where the prosecutor asked the witness if he had been watching the trial
from the courtroom despite having been told by the trial court to wait in the hallway.
?Opportunity and motive to fabricate testimony are permissible areas of inquiry of any witness.?
People v Buckey, 424 Mich 1, 15; 378 NW2d 432 (1985). Because the prosecutor had reason to
believe that the witness had remained in the courtroom throughout the questioning of the
prosecution?s witnesses, it was proper for the prosecutor to confirm this fact during cross-
examination, so the prosecutor could later call the witness?s credibility into question by pointing
out that the witness could have conformed his testimony to that of other testifying witnesses.
The prosecutor did not, as defendant contends, give unsworn testimony while questioning the
witness, but merely asked leading questions, which are permissible during cross-examination.
MRE 611(c)(2).
Second, defendant argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by asking defendant
on cross-examination if one of the police officers would have any reason to lie. ?A prosecutor
may not ask a defendant to comment on the credibility of prosecution witnesses because a
defendant?s opinion of their credibility is not probative.? Ackerman, supra at 449. However, a
timely objection by defense counsel could have cured any prejudice by obtaining an appropriate
cautionary instruction. See Buckey, supra at 18. Further, defendant has not shown that this
question affected defendant?s substantial rights by changing the outcome of the trial.
Third, defendant argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by reminding defense
counsel in the presence of the jury that he had shown him one of the exhibits during their lunch
hour. Defendant does not explain why this comment was improper. We do not see any
misconduct related to this statement.
3. Closing Argument
Next, defendant argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct during his closing
argument. Defendant first contends that the prosecutor gave unsworn testimony in his closing
argument several times. We disagree. By arguing that Patton might have been the third person
involved in the murders, the prosecutor was merely drawing a reasonable inference from the
testimony as it related to his theory of the case, which is allowed during closing arguments.
People v Knowles, 256 Mich App 53, 60; 662 NW2d 824 (2003). The prosecutor?s comment
that the backyard of the Spring Garden residence was ?lit up? by a ?floodlight? was proper
because several witness testified that the backyard was illuminated by a floodlight. The
prosecutor?s comment that defendant turned away from Odums while Odums was testifying at
trial was not improper because the record clearly indicates that defendant did in fact turn his back
to Odums while Odums testified. The jury could properly consider defendant?s actions and
demeanor when evaluating his credibility, and the prosecutor?s remark properly pointed out that
defendant?s body language showed his lack of credibility. The prosecutor?s statement that ?what
we have here is the classic returning to the scene of the crime? was not, as defendant argues,
unsworn testimony ?about the existence of some undocumented phenomenon,? but was the
prosecutor again properly drawing a reasonable inference from the testimony as it related to his
theory of the case. Knowles, supra at 60.
Defendant next argues that the prosecutor shifted the burden of proof by commenting on
the fact that Nixon did not testify as an alibi witness. However, where the defendant advances an
alternate theory or alibi, the prosecution may properly comment on the nonproduction of
corroborating alibi witnesses. People v Fields, 450 Mich 94, 112-116.; 538 NW2d 356 (1995).
Such a comment merely points out the weakness in the defendant?s case and does not shift the
burden of proof. Id. at 107-108, 112-116.
Defendant also argues that the prosecutor attempted to mislead the jury on the law by
telling the jury that defendant?s flight from the police could be interpreted as ?evidence of guilt?
rather than as consciousness of guilt. Defendant is correct that evidence of flight is admissible to
support an inference of consciousness of guilt. People v Goodin, 257 Mich App 425, 668 NW2d
392 (2003). But such evidence is substantive evidence of guilt. People v Cutchall, 200 Mich
App 396, 399; 504 NW2d 666 (1993). Therefore, the prosecutor?s statement that flight can be
interpreted as evidence of guilt was accurate. Furthermore, any confusion caused by the
prosecutor?s comment was cured when the trial court instructed the jury that flight alone does not
prove guilt, but can be used to infer a guilty state of mind.
Finally, defendant argues that the prosecutor improperly denigrated and questioned the
integrity of defense counsel. A prosecutor may not personally attack defense counsel. People v
McLaughlin, 258 Mich App 635, 646; 672 NW2d 860 (2003). Additionally, ?[a] prosecutor may
not suggest that defense counsel is intentionally attempting to mislead the jury.? People v
Watson, 245 Mich App 572, 592; 629 NW2d 411 (2001).
?The prosecutor may not question defense counsel?s veracity. . . . When
the prosecutor argues that the defense counsel himself is intentionally trying to
mislead the jury, he is in effect stating that defense counsel does not believe his
own client. This argument undermines the defendant?s presumption of innocence.
. . . Such an argument impermissibly shifts the focus from the evidence itself to
the defense counsel?s personality.? [People v Dalessandro, 165 Mich App 569,
580; 419 NW2d 609 (1988), quoting People v Wise, 134 Mich App 82, 101-102;
351 NW2d 255 (1984).] Here, the prosecutor made the following allegedly improper comments during the rebuttal
portion of his closing argument: (1) he referred to defense counsel as a ?wolf in sheep?s
clothing;? (2) referring to defense counsel, he stated, ?This is a guy who represents a criminal?;
(3) he talked about his past experiences with defense counsel, and implied that defense counsel is
unethical; (4) he stated, ?when is [defense counsel] ever going to get up and say, ?Well, you
know what? They got my guy?? You know. That?s his lawyer. His obligation flows to one
person, [defendant]?; and (5) he repeatedly referred to the fact that defense counsel was paid to
represent defendant, implying that defense counsel would act unethically and argue facts not in
evidence because he was paid to do so (e.g., ?He?s making that statement, which obviously
doesn?t comport with the evidence, for the benefit of his client?). We conclude that these
comments improperly attacked the credibility of defense counsel and implied that defense
counsel did not believe his own client, and was only making his arguments because defendant
paid him.
Despite the prosecutor?s improper comments, we conclude that defendant has not shown
that the comments were so prejudicial that they denied him a fair trial. Before making the
improper comments, the prosecutor clarified that his remarks were ?not necessarily an attack on
[defense counsel] or [defendant]. My comments are centered on responding to essentially what
the defense is.? The prosecutor and the trial court also reminded the jury that the lawyers?
statements and arguments were not evidence, and the trial court instructed the jury that the
prosecution had the burden of proving defendant?s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Further, the
prosecutor only made the improper comments during the rebuttal of his closing argument, and
the comments were not so pervasive that they would have affected the outcome of the trial.
Therefore, while we caution the prosecutor to refrain from such remarks in the future, we
conclude that defendant has not shown plain error affecting his substantial rights.
C. Jury Instruction
Next, defendant argues that the trial court improperly vouched for prosecution witness
Odums by instructing the jury not to consider the lifestyles of the victims or parties. Claims of
instructional error are reviewed de novo. People v McKinney, 258 Mich App 157, 162; 670
NW2d 254 (2003). ?Jury instructions are reviewed in their entirety to determine if error
requiring reversal occurred. It is the function of the trial court to clearly present the case to the
jury and instruct on the applicable law.? Id. (citations omitted). ?Even if somewhat imperfect,
jury instructions are not erroneous if they fairly present the issues for trial and sufficiently
protect the defendant?s rights.? People v McLaughlin, 258 Mich App 635, 668; 672 NW2d 860
Here, the jury heard evidence throughout the trial that the victims sold marijuana. At one
point while cross-examining a witness, defense counsel asked, ?[S]o Antonio Hall and Damon
Hill were big[-]time dope dealers[,] right?? The trial court gave the following jury instruction in
order to ensure that the jury was not biased against the victims because of their participation in
illegal activities:
Now, you decide[] the facts. And you must do so objectively. You cannot
decide the case on any subjective emotions, or any feelings of bias[] or sympathy.
You have to leave those feelings outside the jury room.
. . . . You?re not to consider the lifestyles of the victims, or the lifestyles
of any of the parties in the case. You are to consider the facts, and do so
Likes and dislikes and lifestyles or whether you approve of what the
parties do, or how they conduct themselves, that?s not the issue. You?re to
disregard that and decide the case objectively on the facts.
Contrary to defendant?s contention, this instruction does not vouch for Odums. First, there is no
evidence that Odums sold marijuana, so the instruction was not directed at him. Second, the
instruction merely reminded the jury to decide the case based on objective facts rather than
subjective feelings about the victims? lifestyles. Because the instruction did not improperly
vouch for Odums?s credibility, the trial court did not err in giving this instruction.
D. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Finally, defendant argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for several reasons. In
order to preserve the issue of effective assistance of counsel for appellate review, the defendant
must move for a new trial or an evidentiary hearing in the trial court. People v Sabin (On Second
Remand), 242 Mich App 656, 658; 620 NW2d 19 (2000). Where the defendant fails to create a
testimonial record in the trial court with regard to his claims of ineffective assistance, appellate
review is foreclosed unless the record contains sufficient detail to support his claims. People v
Dixon, 217 Mich App 400, 408; 552 NW2d 663 (1996). Here, defendant failed to move for an
evidentiary hearing or a new trial in the trial court. Although he filed a motion to remand with
this Court, the motion was denied. People v Perkins, unpublished order of the Court of Appeals,
entered March 30, 2004 (Docket No. 250159). Because an evidentiary hearing was not
conducted, our review is limited to the mistakes apparent on the existing record. People v Riley
(After Remand), 468 Mich 135, 139; 659 NW2d 611 (2003).
?Whether a person has been denied effective assistance of counsel is a mixed question of
fact and constitutional law.? People v LeBlanc, 465 Mich 575, 579; 640 NW2d 246 (2002). To
establish ineffective assistance of counsel, the defendant must first show that the performance of
his counsel was below an objective standard of reasonableness under the prevailing professional
norms. People v Toma, 462 Mich 281, 302; 613 NW2d 694 (2000). The defendant must show
that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the ?counsel? guaranteed
by the Sixth Amendment. People v Carbin, 463 Mich 590, 600; 623 NW2d 884 (2001). The
reviewing court indulges a strong presumption that counsel?s conduct falls within the wide range
of reasonable professional assistance, and the defendant bears the heavy burden of proving
otherwise. Strickland v Washington, 466 US 668, 689; 104 S Ct 2052; 80 L Ed 2d 674 (1984);
People v Rockey, 237 Mich App 74, 76; 601 NW2d 887 (1999). The defendant must overcome a
strong presumption that the assistance of counsel was sound trial strategy. Carbin, supra at 600.
In addition to showing counsel?s deficient performance, the defendant must show that the
representation was so prejudicial to him that he was denied a fair trial. Toma, supra at 302. In
order to show prejudice, the defendant must demonstrate a reasonable probability that, but for
counsel?s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Carbin,
supra at 600. ?A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in
the outcome.? Id., quoting Strickland, supra at 694.
1. Failure to Object to Prosecutorial Misconduct
Defendant first argues that his counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the
prosecutor?s improper comments discussed in Part II(B) of this opinion. As discussed, supra,
defendant was not so prejudiced by these comments that he was denied a fair trial. Because
defendant has not shown prejudice from these comments, defense counsel?s failure to object to
these comments did not amount to ineffective assistance of counsel. Toma, supra at 302.
2. Failure to Object to Jury Instruction
Next, defendant argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the
trial court?s instruction to the jury that it should not decide the case based on the victims?
lifestyles. However, the record shows that trial counsel did in fact object to the trial court giving
this type of instruction. Therefore, counsel was not ineffective.
3. Failure to Move to Suppress Lineup
Next, defendant argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to move to
suppress testimony regarding the police lineup. However, defendant?s argument consists of one
sentence and defendant does not cite any legal authority supporting his position that the lineup
was improperly conducted. ??An appellant may not merely announce his position and leave it to
this Court to discover and rationalize the basis for his claims, nor may he give only cursory
treatment [of an issue] with little or no citation of supporting authority.?? Watson, supra at 587,
quoting People v Kelly, 231 Mich App 627, 640-641; 588 NW2d 480 (1998). Because defendant
failed to cite any supporting legal authority, he has abandoned this issue. Watson, supra at 587.
4. Failure to Present Expert Testimony
Next, defendant argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present expert
testimony concerning the inherent problems and unreliability of the eyewitness identification
procedure. Once again, defendant has abandoned this issue by making a one-sentence argument
that is unsupported by legal authority. Watson, supra at 587.
5. Cross-Examination
Next, defendant argues that his trial counsel was ineffective by attempting ?improper
cross[-]examination which invited admonishment from the court.? Again, defendant has
abandoned this issue by making a general one-sentence argument that is unsupported by legal
authority. Watson, supra at 587.
6. Cumulative Effect of Errors
Last, defendant argues that the errors of his trial counsel, when viewed in their totality,
constituted ineffective assistance of counsel. But because defendant has not shown any instances
of ineffective assistance of counsel, this argument lacks merit.
/s/ Brian K. Zahra
/s/ Helene N. White
/s/ Michael J. Talbot


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Product: watch only time woman Philip Watch Caribe R8253597517
Watch Philip Watch Ladies Collection Of Caribe. Only Time Swiss Made, Case Type: Round; Cash diameter 35mm. Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet, The Color Of Steel Strap is. Resistance All'Acqua Of 10ATM, Fund And Crown Screw. New Arrivals in February 2015, Reference: R8253597517
this only time will be shipped with the original box Philip Watch
30 days to return the product
this only time is shipped worldwide with UPS
Features only time R8253597517 Philip Watch
brand: Philip Watch
package: original box Philip Watch
Product Guarantee: International Warranty Philip Watch
kind: woman
category: watches
Subcategory: only time
style: casual
producer code: R8253597517
collection: Caribe
Bracelet Clasp: Deployant
Bracelet Colour: Steel
Case Material: Steel
Case size: 35mm
Functions: Waterproof
Movement: Quartz
Watch Bracelet material: Steel
Watch Digits: Roman numeral hour markers
Watch Shape: Circular
Water Resistance: 100m - 10ATM - 10bar
Winding crown: Screw
Bottom: Screw
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The SportDOG YardTrainer 105 has all of the reliability and toughness that youve come to know from the SportDOG brand, but with simplified controls and a shorter range that make it an inexpensive e-collar for training in the yard or home. This one-dog system is perfect for introducing you and your dog to using an e-collar for the first time.
The ergonomic transmitter has a stimulation intensity dial at the top with 8 levels of continuous stimulation. The upper button on the front is for continuous stimulation at the level set on the intensity dial and the lower button is continuous stimulation 2 levels higher than the dial to provide immediate and strong reinforcement. The left hand side button provides tone only with no stimulation. It has a stimulation dual purpose light showing battery strength or if buttons are pressed. Requires 2 3-volt, user-replaceable lithium batteries (included). The transmitter is water resistant, but not waterproof or submersible.
The slender and lightweight receiver comes on a durable nylon collar with plastic snaps that fits a 12-19 inch neck. Short and long contact points are included and are interchangeable for coat length. The dual purpose light shows battery strength or if transmitter buttons are pressed. Comes with the 2 required 3-volt, user-replaceable batteries. 100% waterproof and submersible to 25 feet.
Basic training instructions by professional trainer Charles Jurney are included. This quality training tool is backed by the SportDOG name and their one-year manufacturer warranty.
|SportDOG 105 Yard Trainer Manual


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China rushes relief following Sichuan quake
By GILLIAN WONG
Associated Press
YA'AN, China — Rescuers and relief teams struggled to rush supplies into the rural hills of China's Sichuan province Sunday after an earthquake left at least 179 people dead and more than 6,700 injured and caused frightened survivors to spend a night in cars, tents and makeshift shelters.
The earthquake Saturday morning triggered landslides that cut off roads and disrupted phone and power connections in mountainous Lushan county, further south on the same fault line where a devastating quake wreaked widespread damage across the region five years ago.
Hardest hit Saturday were villages further up the valleys, where farmers grow rice, vegetables and corn on terraced plots. Rescuers hiked into neighboring Baoxing county after its roads were cut off, reaching it overnight, state media reported. In Longmen village, authorities said nearly all the buildings had been destroyed in a frightening minute-long shaking by the quake.
In the fog-covered town of Shuangli, corn farmer Zheng Xianlan said Sunday that the quake damaged her house, in a setback for a family that does not have much money.
She rushed from the fields back to her home when the quake struck, and cried when she saw that the roof collapsed. She then spent the night outdoors on a worn sofa using a plastic raincoat for a cover to watch over it.
"We don't earn much money. We don't know what we will do now," said 58-year-old Zheng, her eyes welling with tears. "The government only brought one tent for the whole village so far, but that's not enough for us."
Along the main roads, ambulances, fire engines and military trucks piled high with supplies waited in long lines, some turning back to try other routes when roads were impassable.
Rescuers were forced to dynamite boulders that had fallen across roads, and rains Saturday night slowed rescue work, state media reported.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived Saturday afternoon by helicopter in Ya'an to direct rescue efforts, the government's official Xinhua News Agency reported.
"The current priority is to save lives," Li said, after visiting hospitals, tents and climbing on a pile of rubble to view the devastation, according to Xinhua.
Xinhua, citing the China Earthquake Administration, said at least 179 people had died, and more than 6,700 were injured.
The quake — measured by the earthquake administration at magnitude-7.0 and by the U.S. Geological Survey at 6.6 — struck shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday, when many people were at home, sleeping or having breakfast.
Tens of thousands of people moved into tents or cars, unable to return home or too afraid to go back as aftershocks continued to jolt the region. In Ya'an, a city that administers Lushan, where aftershocks rattled buildings nearly a day after the quake, residents sat in groups outside convenience stores watching the news on television sets early Sunday. Fourteen-year-old Wang Xing sat with her family on chairs by the roadside in the cool night air, a large blanket on her lap.
Wang and her relatives decided to spend the night in their cars. "We don't feel safe sleeping at home tonight," said Wang, a student. She said the quake left tears on the walls of her family's house. "It was very scary when it happened. I ran out of my bed and out of the house. I didn't even have my shoes on."
As in most natural disasters, the government mobilized thousands of soldiers and others, sending excavators and other heavy machinery as well as tents, blankets and other emergency supplies. Two soldiers died after their vehicle slide off a road and rolled down a cliff, state media reported.
The Chinese Red Cross said it had deployed relief teams with supplies of food, water, medicine and rescue equipment to the disaster areas.
Lushan, where the quake struck, lies where the fertile Sichuan plain meets foothills that eventually rise to the Tibetan plateau and sits atop the Longmenshan fault. It was along the same fault line that a devastating magnitude-7.9 quake struck on May 12, 2008, leaving more than 90,000 people dead or missing and presumed dead in one of the worst natural disasters to strike China in recent decades.
"It was just like May 12," Liu Xi, a writer in Ya'an city, said via a private message on his account on the Twitter-like Weibo service. "All the home decorations fell at once, and the old house cracked."
The official Xinhua News Agency said the well-known Bifengxia panda preserve, which is near Lushan, was not affected by the quake. Dozens of pandas were moved to Bifengxia from another preserve, Wolong, after its habitat was wrecked by the 2008 quake.
Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed from Beijing.
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Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
There's a reason the phrase "smooth as a baby's bottom" exists. We spend our whole lives (and a lotta dough) trying to achieve the skin we had as a wee one. Enter the Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer to help you reach that goal—without spending more than $7. A thin layer of this moisturizing, miracle primer is all you need to blur the appearance of pores and give your skin a smooth, matte finish—just like a baby's bottom!
L'Oréal Paris Magic Perfecting Base
When it comes to makeup, we're all perfectionists, right? If you want your foundation to look as flawless in the evening as it did when you freshly applied it, the L'Oréal Magic Perfecting Base is your guy. It smooths onto skin to minimize the look of pores and fine lines and leaves you with a matte finish that will have your friends asking what you had done. But don't worry, it can be our little secret.
NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer
The sister to the High Definition Primer, Hydra Touch is meant for those who could use a moisturizing boost. You can expect a wave of hydration to come over your skin in seconds, so those cheekbones will be glowing all day. After application, layer over foundation and drop the contouring stick—this primer calls for some serious strobing.
L'Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
Who couldn't benefit from a bit more glow? The Light Infusing Primer does just that—it gives your skin a boost of luminosity, and it all starts with the easy-to-use pump (yas!). With its liquid light texture, blend one pump with your foundation for radiant skin without all the effort.
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Primer
No matter what you're looking for in a makeup primer, FaceStudio Primers have you covered—literally. The three formulations work to target a spectrum of skin concerns: blurring and controlling redness, targeting uneven skin tone and fine lines, and boosting radiance for those who could use a little extra glow. Just apply all over skin before foundation, or wear alone for those actual no makeup makeup days.
An oily T-Zone doesn't stand a chance against this HD primer. So lightweight, you'll forget that you even applied it! Because of its water-based texture, it dries quickly and leaves skin feeling fresh all day. Not to mention, it adheres to makeup like velcro, so you don't have to worry about your makeup melting away through those long work days. Or even longer nights.
Garnier SkinActiv 5 Second Blur Instant Smoother
True to its name—five seconds (and a dash of light-reflecting particles) is all it takes to instantly blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, rough spots, large pores, and everything in between. Who knew the Fountain of Youth was actually a $20 primer?
Do you have a fave drugstore primer that we didn't mention? Give us your picks in the comments below!


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About the Book
A shattering tale of tragedy and horror from top ten New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance.
A desperate father′s search for his runaway daughter has led him to the last place he ever expected to find her: backstage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But the murders in this dazzling world of make-believe are no longer mere stagecraft, and the blood is all too real. The hunt for his child has plunged former Seattle Homicide Detective J.P. Beaumont into a bone-chilling drama of revenge, greed, and butchery, where innocents are made to suffer in perverse and terrible ways. And many more young lives are at stake, unless he can uncover the villain of the piece before the final, deadly curtain falls.
Educator and Librarian Resources
Product Details
- Imprint: William Morrow
- On Sale: 03/17/2009
- Pages: 368
- List Price: 9.99 USD
- BISAC1: FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural


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Nationals retain Burrinjuck
The Nationals, Katrina Hodgkinson has declared victory in the central west seat of Burrinjuck.
The ABC predicts there will be a 14 percent swing to the Nationals in the electorate.
Ms Hodgkinson has held the seat since 1999.
She says the Coalition will bring a new, fresh approach to government.
"We've got a fantastic, enthusiastic team who are really ready to look after the citizens right across New South Wales.
"I of course have a particular focus on regional NSW so we'll see a renewed emphasis on the regions and on rural NSW and I think that is long overdue," she said.
Topics: elections, government-and-politics, political-parties, nationals, states-and-territories, young-2594, cootamundra-2590, cowra-2794, grenfell-2810, gundagai-2722, yass-2582
First posted


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Tel:++62 361 286 283
Fax: ++62 361 286 284
U.S.A. Fax:(toll free) 1-800-506-8633
U.K. Fax: ++44-20-7000-1235
Australian Fax: ++61-2-94750419
24h: ++62 812 3819724
InterContinental Bali Resort have announced their continuing support BIZNET Bali International Triathlon.
Centered at Jimbaran Bay, the challenging Olympic and Sprint distance event will be held for the sixth time on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
The area where individual participants and relay teams transition from the swimming, cycling and running segments of the race has moved in 2012 from the Four Seasona Resort at Jimbaran Bay to a spacious area on the north side of the spacious 5-star resort.
As a major sponsor of the event, the Resort's grounds will be used as a transit point for athletes to collect and deposit their bikes. Spectators will be invited to gather at the Spa Garden to cheer on the competitors as they set off on the arduous ride around the hilly roads of Bali's southern peninsula. Live music, food and beverage stands, and booths operated by local companies and non-governmental agencies will also be on offer.
In addition to the larger transition area to accommodate a growing number of participants, other major changes include closure of one lane of the Ngurah Rai Bypass between Jimbaran and Nusa Dua to provide a more secure race course for cyclists.


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Galigai Tower
Firenze (Florence), Italy (FLR)
Hotel Specials
Package Specials
Package Specials
- 1 king
Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom
- 1 king and 1 sofa bed
Make yourself at home in one of the 4 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include washers/dryers and irons/ironing boards, and you can also request rollaway/extra beds.
Business, Other Amenities
The front desk is staffed during limited hours. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request).
The preferred airport for Galigai Tower is Florence (FLR-Peretola) - 5.6 km / 3.5 mi.
Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property's location to the point of interest or airport and may not reflect actual travel distance.
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Know Before You Go
- Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.
- This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- A resort fee is included in the total price displayed.
- Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: EUR 5 per day (rates may vary)
- Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: EUR 5 per day (rates may vary)
- Breakage deposit: EUR 200 per stay
- Crib (infant bed) fee: EUR 10 per night
- Rollaway bed fee: EUR 20 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
Mandatory Fees and Taxes
Unless otherwise indicated, the charges below are not included in the overall room price. If not included in the overall room price, they will be charged by the property at check-in or check-out. Charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book. This property told us they will charge you for the following:
- Cleaning fee: EUR 25 per person, per stay for housekeeping
- Towels/sheets: EUR 25 per person, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.


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Financial investment services in the field of oil and gas technology; venture capital investment; financial investment services in the field of energy technology, renewable energy, sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and electric power
Business in Denver, CO


text: First tea of the day at 1 pm >.< Had a rough morning cleaning crazy amounts of mold from my pantry walls and throwing out painful amounts of food. Wife made me a cup of this and all is right in my world. It's just so sweet without being cloying and tasty and just…happy-making. You can't have a cup of Goji Pop in your hand and still be sad. Just not possible. Definitely one of my favorites and definitely one to get a tin of when the money comes in.


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When Innovation Stalls Productivity
One of the drags on our nation's economic recovery is a sharp decline in the worker productivity rate.
According to the July 19 issue of The Economist, non-farm business productivity is averaging a little more than 1% annual growth since the recovery began. That's about half the annual growth average of 2.3% from 1947 to 2007. The worst numbers have been recorded in the last three years.
What's behind those dismal figures?
It's not due to a lack of innovation. Mobile technologies, social media and big data are reshaping American business.
You can see it in the credit union space. Just a few years ago, mobile banking was still considered a futuristic delivery channel. Today, it's a must-have. Mobile banking has expanded far beyond checking balances and reviewing transactions. Apps are being used to push car and home buyers toward credit union financing, and are boosting noninterest income by improving the adoption rate of services like insurance products. Mobile apps are also making business development easier, allowing staffers to sign up members on the spot, rather than requiring them to return paper applications to branches to be opened by another employee.
Innovation is driving change at CU Times, too. Back when I started here in 2005, stories were written for our print magazine first, and then sliced and diced as an afterthought for use online. Now, we produce two different products, reporting breaking and spot news online, and publishing in-depth analysis in print. We also plan to launch a new social media initiative for our reporters next month that will increase reader engagement, transforming our traditional one-way news delivery into two-way conversations.
The Economist reasoned that such disruptive technology takes a while to produce quantifiable results. The magazine compared today to the 1980s, when computers started to become more common in the workplace, but didn't affect productivity figures for more than a decade.
That makes sense. Things have changed so fast, we're all still trying to figure out how to integrate technology into our existing brands. Credit unions continually upgrade their digital offerings, but most also still fully staff branches.
CU Times continues to publish a weekly print issue while increasing our emphasis on digital delivery and new engagement metrics.
The way we measure productivity must also change. America is no longer the giant widget factory she once was in the 1950s. While it's easy to measure how many print pages CU Times publishes, annual advertising revenue earned or even website page views, it's far more difficult to measure less tangible production efforts like engagement.
The drop in productivity can also be blamed on a lack of infrastructure investment post-recession. I can see the way this has affected my own productivity. I've been using the same laptop for a little more than three years, but what I demand of the hardware has increased significantly. A new Microsoft Word widget that expands spell check to include AP Style has replaced the human copy editing function. This new software could substantially increase my productivity, but instead it slows me down.
Why? Because it sucks up more processing speed than my laptop can handle, and frequently times out Word so I'm left sitting inactive, waiting for my computer to catch up. It's not that CU Times scrimps on technology, but rather, the traditional hardware lifespan is shrinking due to the rapidly increase pace of innovation. As the economic recovery continues to limp along, budgets haven't kept up.
That creates a classic chicken and the egg scenario. Infrastructure investment is necessary to increase production. But until production increases, companies lack the profits to make those investments.
The Economist faulted American governments for failing to spur productivity. America lags behind other industrialized nations that have retrained workers displaced by technology. Governments aren't providing incentives to invest in infrastructure, and increased regulations drag on productivity. I'm sure some shops feel like these days, the only thing they're producing is compliance.
Blaming political polarization, special interests lobbying to keep anticompetitive regulations in place and a lack of attention from the Obama administration, the London-based magazine predicted America's economy will continue to muddle along. Here's hoping the Brits are wrong about that.


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HOUSTON (ICIS)--US spot butadiene (BD) prices moved up slightly on Friday based on an increase in demand and continued tight supply.
Sources said trades were heard at the 59-60 cents/lb ($1,301-1,323/tonne, €950-966/tonne) level, putting the ICIS assessment at 55-60 cents/lb.
Spot prices had been steady at 50-55 cents/lb for most of December as market activity waned and export opportunities dried up.
The export opportunities weakened because the Asian region purchased 20,000-25,000 tonnes of material in November, stemming from tight supply.
However, that material filled the market adequately, with demand soft on year-end inventory control measures and the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.
US domestic demand remains soft, but cheaper prices led to some bargain buying and the slight rise in spot prices.
US spot prices are 18% lower year on year from the average of 70 cents/lb for this week.
The spot BD market is also tight in the US, as production has slowed on the typical year-end factors and continued emphasis is placed on cracking lighter feeds.
($1 = €0.73)


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Panicking, protesting, prowling or seeking sanctuary – where would we be without a rooftop to clamber onto? Small wonder rooftops are such perfect settings for pivotal movie scenes. They even offer ready-made light sources, whether filled with sun or stars.
And what a view! Vistas of cities, vantage points for cross-haired surveillance, somewhere to hide but nowhere to run. Having someone clamber onto a roof invariably means that something exhilarating, dramatic, wistful or tragic is about to take place – unless, of course, they're making a documentary about tiles.
If a film needs a location to heighten the drama, then let's head to the roof. Powerful or terrified if we look down, desperate or free if we look up, the rooftop holds the boundary between heaven and earth. So this week's Clip joint takes us to the top of the house – and here are some scenes to help you on your way to raising the roof. A word on attics: they only count if we can see the roof and that contributes to the scene. Sorry to be strict.
1) The Artful Dodger leads Oliver Twist up and up and up in David Lean's version of the Dickens classic.
2) Cat on a hot tin roof? Nope: cow on a thatched one – the opening shot of John Huston's The Unforgiven.
3) "C'mon Mary Poppins, step in time!" Dick van Dyke and assorted sooty lads cut some rug.
4) As The Untouchables shows, a rooftop can be a dangerous place to mock.
5) Pretty predictable, but marvellous nonetheless – over the tiles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Last week on Clip joint Jan Jarventaus took us on what turned out to be a second journey of rebirth at the movies. Here are his picks from your suggestions:
1) Monkeybug identfied the end of Videodrome, where it's unclear whether Max Renn has achieved a form of moksha or is still stuck in a cycle of death and rebirth. "Long live the new flesh" indeed.
2) swanstep found Michael Gondry and Charlie Kaufman ridiculing rebirth in its back-to-nature incarnation in Human Nature.
3) This beautiful turning point in The Lives of Others comes courtesy of alipan. The Stasi surveillance man Gerd Wiesler, at last touched after listening in to a piece of music, experiences the first pangs of sympathy for his prey as a counterpoint to his emptiness.
4) millmossy comes over all lyrical on the bloody swing in Keyser Soze's trajectory in The Usual Suspects. He slays his own family before would-be abductors to demonstrate his strength of purpose, and becomes a monster at that moment. Or, if you prefer, he commits a "Lacanian act".
5) Thankfully, nishville lets me finish this list of picks with a Capra-esque glow and Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray finally does get to start the rest of his life.
Six days ago on Clip joint, Limara Salt fell casually at the feet of the coolest, smoothest-strolling action heroes who'd perfected the slow walk. Here are her picks from your suggestions:
1) piltrafilla and millmossy suggested this clip from The Dark Knight. It's hard for a man to look cool whilst wearing clown make up and a nurse's uniform but this popular scene from The Dark Knight proves it can be done. Heath Ledger's demented walk brings a touch of much needed comedy to Christopher Nolan's superhero sequel.
2) Superpoop went with this one from Iron Man – Jon Favreau's first instalment of the franchise was positively dripping in cool. Most of that was due to Robert Downey Jr's charismatic performance but everyone will always remember his desert based slow walk.
3) Jamie12's choice from Batman Returns doesn't exactly fit the bill of a slow walk but surely it's far more impressive to do a few backflips and time your "meow" to perfection? Hugh Jackman couldn't do that.
4) Slow walks and hot chicks don't usually go together but Millmossy suggested a great example that proves it can be done. Windstruck, a popular Korean film, blends fantasy and romantic comedy but that doesn't mean there's no space for a car chase, shootout, fight and one helluva explosion.
5) And Millmossy gets their third pick of the week with a historical reminder from Get Mean. The slow walk may seem like a modern phenomenon but Ferdinando Baldi's 1976 spaghetti western classic, Get Mean, managed to sneak one into the trailer. Never has a poncho looked so awesome.