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WASHINGTON (AP) — With Mideast peace talks on the verge of collapse, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared Friday that "it's reality check time" on whether an agreement can be reached anytime soon after decades of bitterness between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. The U.S. will re-evaluate its role as mediator, he said.
It was Kerry's most pessimistic take yet on the peace effort after nearly nine months of frustrating talks with little progress to show.
Kerry made clear that his push for peace is not yet over, and he said both sides claim to want to continue negotiating. But he also said that continuing setbacks in the process — culminating this week with tit-for-tat moves by Israeli and Palestinian officials that have upended good-faith bargaining — could force the U.S. to shift focus to other crises where Washington might have more success.
"We have an enormous amount on the plate," Kerry told reporters during a diplomatic visit to Rabat, Morocco, the end of a marathon trip that saw him jumping back and forth between Israel, Ramallah and Europe. He noted that the U.S. is also dealing with challenges in Ukraine, Iran and Syria, and he said, "There are limits to the amount of time and effort the United States can spend if the parties themselves are unwilling to take constructive steps in order to be able to move forward."
The nine months of talks are scheduled to end April 29, and Kerry has been pressing to have them continue through much of the rest of the year. "But we're not going to sit here indefinitely," he said. "So it's reality check time, and we intend to evaluate precisely what the next steps will be."
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he "would anticipate that a conversation with the president is in the near future."
Kerry has spent major portions of his 14 months as secretary of state pursuing an Israeli-Palestinian agreement despite the seemingly long odds. A collapse of the talks could be a diplomatic embarrassment for him and the administration — and a danger in the region as well.
Failed efforts in the past have led to major bouts of violence. On Friday, Palestinians fired rockets at Israel, which responded with warplanes attacking military targets in the Gaza Strip.
Uzi Rabi, director of Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, said it's doubtful the two sides will broker a final peace agreement, given years of bitterness and sharp differences over borders, claims to Jerusalem and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. But he said the talks should continue — if only to ward off a new Palestinian uprising against Israelis that would surely lead to a surge in violence.
"I think the Americans know that" the talks ultimately will fail, Rabi said. "So why are they going on? Because it's much better to talk than something which is much more problematic, like intifada." Intifada is the Arabic term for past Palestinian uprisings against Israel. The last one began in 2000, and more than 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis were killed in several years of fighting.
In the West Bank city of Ramallah, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat expressed hope Friday the talks would continue. But, he said, Palestinian leaders do not feel bound to follow Kerry's ground rules for negotiating if Israel fails to live up to its own commitments.
"We don't have anything to lose," Erekat said, after the moves and countermoves that Israeli and Palestinian officials have undertaken over the past week that have left the negotiations on life support.
Already lacking signs of progress, the peace process was put into serious jeopardy last weekend when Israel refused to release a group of Palestinian prisoners it had said last summer it would free as part of the agreement to resume talks that had been stalled since 2011.
U.S. diplomats then offered the unprecedented possibility of releasing convicted American spy Jonathan Pollard, who is serving a life sentence for selling U.S. military secrets to Israel, as incentive for Israel to release the prisoners. Every president since Ronald Reagan has refused Israel's request to release Pollard.
But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas retaliated by signing 15 United Nations treaties and conventions to give Palestinians greater international recognition — a step his side initially pledged not to undertake while the peace talks were continuing. The U.S. has supported statehood for the Palestinians but wants them to accomplish it through the peace process rather than by unilateral actions.
"Obviously it's a very difficult moment and in a sense not surprising because of the actions taken over the past several days by both parties," said former Sen. George Mitchell, who led peace negotiations for the Obama administration for more than two years ending in 2011.
Making clear he is no longer privy to the closely held talks, Mitchell said the Obama administration "can and should" try again to broker a peace agreement before the next U.S. presidential election in 2016. He said, "I don't think it can be left for that period of time."
Kerry's comments on Friday signaled that he and his team would be taking a step back from the peace process to test Israeli and Palestinian intentions. Abbas and Netanyahu must lead and make difficult compromises for the talks to have a chance for success, he said.
"It is regrettable that in the last few days both sides have taken steps that are not helpful and that's evident to everybody," he said.
U.S., Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are supposed to meet again on Sunday, according to people familiar with the talks.
Associated Press writer Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah, the West Bank, and Josh Lederman in Washington contributed to this report.
Follow Lara Jakes on Twitter at https://twitter.com/larajakesAP and Matthew Lee at https://twitter.com/APDiploWriter


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Looking to grow your blog following? You might be surprised that the best way to gain a following is to focus on other people's blogs.
Outreach is key to having a blog that actually works for your business, yet it's the one element many professionals ignore. And it's contrary to most competitive thinking because it involves spending time away from your blog.
Done correctly, however, reaching out to other bloggers in your field will actually create more business opportunities, increase traffic to your own blog, and enhance your business brand more than any other tactic you could employ.
Here's how:

subset: commoncrawl


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Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.
View our "Why Become a Retailer" presentation above.
Lottery games are not only a fun product to offer your customers, but they are a profitable part of many businesses.
Any person interested in obtaining a license to be a Rhode Island Lottery Retailer must first file a Rhode Island Lottery Sales License application and General Disclaimer Form with the Lottery, which are both available on our Retailer Forms page with further information and instructions.
At the discretion of the Rhode Island Lottery, a license will be issued to the applicant whereby the following game type(s) may be made available for sale at the Retailer location:
Upon license approval, all licensees and their designated staff are required to attend a one-hour training session at the Rhode Island Lottery headquarters to learn the operation of Lottery terminals. There, the Lottery`s Rules and Regulations, to which licensees must adhere, will be presented and explained.
No license as a Retailer to sell Lottery tickets shall be issued to any person to engage in the sale of Lottery tickets as his/her sole occupation or business.
Lottery licenses are NOT transferable and are NOT to be advertised as a business feature or condition for sale purposes.
This website, www.RILOT.com, is the official website of
the Rhode Island Lottery. It is UNLAWFUL for anyone under the age of 18 to play the Lottery. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy
of the winning numbers information on this website, mistakes
can occur. If you have questions about winning numbers, contact
the Lottery at 401.463.6500 or visit your nearest Lottery
Retailer for the official winning numbers and game information.


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A special gift for Malala from Cameroon
- 4 مشاركة
By Bertheline Nina Tchangoue
Member, Global Education First Initiative Youth Advocacy Group and youth worker for DAYCAM
Malala Yousafzai is an idol for inclusive education in the world, especially girls' education. Her story has inspired many governments, communities and families across the globe to have concern for the right of girls to have access to quality and equitable education. This 12 July 2013, Malala Day, young people from different countries and cultures will meet at the UN headquarters in New York to join their voices with Malala's to advocate for education. This will be a historic and unique moment for Malala, the champion of education, who on her 16th birthday will talk to the world's youth about her passion and determination to see all children in school.
In Cameroon, a day can't go by without people talking about Malala. The news of her story is being spread everyday through word of mouth, radio and social media. People - especially young people - are very supportive of her.
My idea of creating a special gift for Malala was welcome by all the youth workers of the Developing African Youths, Cameroon (DAYCAM). This would be a very simple gift to show Malala that we, the young people of Cameroon, are all encouraging her. She will receive the gift on her birthday on 12 July.
Learn more about Malala Day: www.globaleducationfirst.org/malaladay


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Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Got a burning beauty question for Lauren Conrad? You're in luck, because the bestselling author plans to address your every last quandary.
"I am currently working on Lauren Conrad Beauty," she reveals on her personal website. "Got questions about hair, makeup, skincare, manicures … or anything else beauty-related? Leave them in the comments below," she requests. "I will check out all of your questions and work with my team to answer your beauty conundrums in the pages of my new book!"
Of course, this is not the first time the star has used her blog as a platform to interact with fans. She often polls readers regarding which hairstyles she should try next, even posting a tutorial for the "Vintage Vixen" hairstyle she sported at last night's second annual Autumn Party (above). She's also planning to launch a beauty line based on her site, TheBeautyDepartment.com, soon.
However, one question remains: How is her hair the color of cotton candy one day, her natural hue the next?
— Justine Harman


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Like, recognize that you have a weird name, accept it, and then don't resent the white people for not being familiar with names of immigrants from every obscure country that have immigrated here over just the last 50 years.
And no, they're not "American" in the same sense that we are. But, in a sense, they have assimilated, but they've assimilated to white lib culture of complaining and being over-sensitive.(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3648549&forum_id=2#33565360)
they hate everything about us and are culture but still want our resources
You've got to put aside your differences and get on Team White People. Otherwise we are ALL going down BIG LEAGUE.(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3648549&forum_id=2#33565585)
*becomes an angry SJW for no fucking reason, having never encountered "injustice" or material discomfort of any sort*
*writes #blacklivesmatter 100 times on admissions essay*
*gets into stanford*
yup; that's the future. RIP america.(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3648549&forum_id=2#33570842)


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We ran across this story and thought it was pretty cool, and worth sharing.
Across the big pond in Scotland, a professional hunting guide has been helping hunters for the last 45 years. Peter Frasier has been the head stalker, or chief guide, for the Invercauld Estate for the last 43 years. Two years prior he was learning the ropes, so to speak, as a guide.
This is his last season. He's retiring in November when the red stag season ends.
Check out these cool photos from NBCNews.com, and best wishes to Frasier on his retirement. After more than four decades of chasing stags and helping hunters, we lift a pint to him!


text: Hunting: Story Story Posted 11-26-2012 Firsts in the Field: Shot From The Hip First Lady of Hunting Valentine says deer have come a long way By: Mike Suchan, OutdoorChannel.com Brenda Valentine, The First Lady of Hunting, said back in the day, you were lucky to see a track in her home state of Tennessee, much less a deer. When she was about 12 years old and working in the tobacco field, Valentine saw her first whitetail. She said people came from all over just to see the tracks, convinced Valentine had lost her mind. Some of the local folk had no clue what the tracks were, speculating a goat or calf had scampered off the farm. With a paltry 2,000 deer left in the 1940s, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency began a restoration effort that stretched into the 1980s, releasing 9,000 deer during that time. With the herd approaching nearly a million deer now, 45 percent of Tennessee hunters bag at least one, a figure that would have made hunters from previous decades gasp in amazement. TWRA had just opened limited parts of the state for deer hunting when Valentine joined the "red coats," the hue of choice before blaze orange. She hunted hard for three years without seeing so much as a tail twitch. Still brimming with determination, 18-year-old Valentine was hunting with a group of friends at Natchez Trace State Park near Lexington when her luck changed. Valentine carried an open sight Model 94 Winchester .30-.30 on that cold, clear morning. She hiked a gas line to the highest point she could get to and sat down on the ground. After sitting on an oak ridge throughout the morning, Valentine began trudging back to camp to get a bite to eat with her fellow hunters. When she topped a hill, she saw a deer at the bottom. "It surprised me so much I never shouldered the rifle and aimed but pulled up and shot the lever action from the hip by instinct. Guess I'd been watching too many "Rifleman" TV shows!" After dropping the small buck in its tracks with a cartridge she had carried so long she had "worn the shiny off of it," Valentine did what she had seen successful hunters do in Outdoor Life and Field and Stream photos. "They were always shown packing out their bucks over their shoulders, so I thought that was the only way to do it," she said. "I somehow got that deer wrapped around my neck where I could hold onto the feet and carry my rifle while walking the mile or so back to camp. "I didn't field dress it before carrying it, which was a mistake not to lighten the load. By the time I got there, it had bled all the way from my ponytail into my boots." Valentine said there was no need to announce to her friends that she had scored. The entire camp witnessed her marching in, grinning, sweating, bloody and sporting a deer collar. Since that day years ago, Valentine, TV show host, author, spokeswoman for the NWTF and member of the RedHead Pro Hunting Team, has killed many deer. As Valentine pointed out, there are a lot more deer now, which makes it easier to be successful. She acknowledges that hunting technology has come a long way but is adamant that nothing can replace good woodsmanship skills honed from actual in-the-field experience. When Valentine first started hunting, it was all about the meat. She firmly believes that today's hunters can place too much emphasis on what the antlers scored, which is bad for the image and future of hunting. "I like to take an occasional nice buck just like every other hunter, and there is no denying what the whitetail has done for the hunting industry," she said. "I see major industries that were born from the love of deer hunting. "Things such as treestands, camo, calls and scents have all gained fame since I first climbed a tree and stood on a limb in the same old faded winter coat I wore around the farm." Valentine doesn't have a lot of time for nostalgia, though. She hasn't missed a season in 40 years and hopes to enjoy 40 more. "I look forward to fall with eager anticipation knowing I will have that quiet time in a tree to slow down, take account of my life, witness the wonderment of nature," she said, "and give thanks that I live in a country where hunting is still legal and that neither age or gender are really a factor." Share This Story Next From Story 'Monster' Alligator Harvested in Florida Hunt Related Comments Categories News Stories Recipes Tips Gear Videos Photo Galleries Viewer Photo Galleries Features Deer Season Outdoors 365 with Lynn Burkhead Everything Deer with Jeremy Flinn Short Stories by Larry Potterfield Opening Days Live Hunts Hunting Check Out All The Photos Explore the United States. Find information about and activities within your state. Get Started


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Is California agriculture part of our air quality problem, or is it part of the solution?
This summer, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will hold public hearings on new rules that sharply reduce air emissions from farm fumigants. These gaseous pesticides clear the soil of weeds, insects, and mold for a wide variety of crops, from carrots in Kern County to strawberries on the Ventura coast.
Unfortunately, fumigants also contribute to smog. Under the federal Clean Air Act, most regulatory efforts against smog for the past two decades have focused on vehicles, gasoline, and stationary sources such as power plants and factories.
But as growers have shifted to higher-value fruit and vegetable crops, they have used more fumigants. Three areas – the San Joaquin Valley, the Southeast Desert, and Ventura County – now fail to meet pesticide air goals. Last year, a federal judge ruled that DPR must put unprecedented restrictions in place by January 1, 2008.
The truly daunting challenge is whether we can meet our environmental obligations and sustain a farm economy that produces more than half the fresh fruits and vegetables for our nation. Some critics of agriculture would simply ban pesticides, but reality and environmental sensibilities are far more complex.
The shift to higher-value crops and more fumigant use, for example, is one side effect of a statewide real estate boom. Farmers who lease their fields have a hard time competing with land speculators. And farmers who owned land have good reason to cash out before the next commodity price downturn, drought, or flood pulls them into debt for years to come.
With so much riding on every year's crop, it's little wonder that lenders and landowners require growers to fumigate their fields – whether they wanted to or not – to ensure profitability. DPR discovered this several years ago, as we undertook efforts to help growers develop fumigant alternatives and other least-toxic pest management strategies.
In the process, we also saw many farmers grow more environmentally sustainable – finding the right, long-term balance to meet the needs of nature and people. Examples abound: Green buffer zones promote natural eco-systems and prevent runoff from orchards. Wine grape growers embrace a comprehensive manual that guides everyday activity, from vineyard management to employee and community relations. Old-fashioned practices encourage natural pest control, while cutting-edge technology uses computers to apply the smallest amount of least-toxic chemicals.
Now we must do more, and California's future landscape hangs in the balance.
While DPR is absolutely committed to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all Californians, the court deadline leaves little regulatory flexibility. DPR must reduce fumigant emissions by 38 percent in the San Joaquin Valley -- and more than 50 percent in Ventura County and the Southeast Desert -- under rules that must take effect next year.
Some commodity groups already fear a farm exodus. If that occurs, every ton of agricultural emissions could be multiplied tenfold by development. Strip malls, suburban tracts and street traffic create far more pollution than agriculture. Yet development provides none of the benefits of food production – unless you count the fast-and-fried take-out variety.
In Ventura County, land use restrictions and local ordinances have stitched together a crazy-quilt pattern of farming, suburbia, and business that ensures air emissions and use conflicts. Even when farmland has been permanently preserved, its mere presence has become a major irritant to neighboring homes and business. Or as one local official put it, "You can't farm and you can't get out of farming – that's our motto here in Ventura."
That motto could become a statewide mantra unless we develop overall environmental policies that are more cooperative and comprehensive, rather than confrontational. We must recognize that every segment of our society has some value in the overall scheme of things. Grow crops or suburbs? It's a false choice for the environment to swap one source of smog for another that could be worse.
DPR's pesticide air strategy is consistent with Governor Schwarzenegger's commitment to clean up our air and take action against global warming. At the same time, the Governor has rightly insisted that environmental and economic priorities must co-exist and should complement each other.
In our case, this means stressing low-emission pesticide air applications for now, and more creative alternatives for the future. Last month, DPR held a two-day air emissions symposium in Sacramento that brought together agricultural and environmental stakeholders, government agencies, and academic authorities to discuss research needs.
At the national level, such research has lagged for two reasons. First, other agricultural states have not yet felt pressure from the Clean Air Act. Second, there was a lack of national leadership on global warming until Governor Schwarzenegger filled that void. Now that we are beginning to see a change in the political climate, state and federal agencies need to pool their resources and join the private sector to make up for lost time in dealing with agricultural air emissions.
Meanwhile, we're already working with one commodity group on a transition away from fumigants. This biological solution could also make thousands of acres of fallow farmland productive once again. On another front, we're exploring partnerships with private foundations that want to fund new research that can assure agriculture's future.
Certainly, it would be easier for DPR to cite our legal directives, shrug our shoulders, and ignore the consequences for agriculture.
But to create a California that is truly a model of progress and diversity for the rest of the nation, we need an environment – natural and economic – that serves and sustains us for generations to come. Change is in the air, and we will adapt to it.


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Once again we seek your votes on your most favored Kate styles from 2012. Today we look at Kate's evening gowns as well as suits/separates worn by the Duchess in 2012.
Kate was stunning for the January premiere of War Horse, wearing what proved to be a popular dress, the 'Amoret' by Alice Temperley. The gown showcased French lace with a floral motif atop a nude silk lining, unlined lace sleeves, a snug fit to the hip where the skirt then flares to the floor, waist detailing with a bow, a deep vee neck and keyhole opening at the back.
There was also a short sleeved white version offered via the Temperley Bridal line, both styles now appear to be sold out.


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No one can claim 2013 was an uneventful year in the postal world. Early in the year, the U.S. Postal Service made the blockbuster announcement that it would move to 5-day delivery, but by mid-year it had changed course and pulled the plan. Then, on Christmas Eve, the Postal Regulatory Commission issued a momentous decision to approve the exigent price increase, only temporarily through surcharges. Sprinkled in between were drones, barcodes, and Sunday delivery. Read on for the list of top 10 postal stories of 2013 (in reverse order of impact), as compiled by the staff of the Office of Inspector General. Let us know if you agree or disagree. And vote for your top story of the year.
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Success – The Postal Service is tapped to run the technology behind the cloud-based authentication program known as the Federal Cloud Credential Exchange. The program, known as FCCX, will allow citizens to use their existing online passwords and credentials to gain access to government online services.
9. Just Drone it In – Delivery competition heats up as some of the biggest players look to get an edge. Amazon suggests it will use drones to deliver small packages in a few years. DHL, also eyeing drones, is testing crowdsourcing delivery in Sweden. And major retailers and their shipping partners ramp up same-day delivery offerings.
8. Trolls, Barcodes, and Patent Law – Litigation by non-practicing entities (a.k.a. patent trolls) threatens to stymie wider adoption of the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) as mailers face lawsuits and steep legal fees to fight charges of patent infringement. The action raises questions of whether a similar approach could be applied to other new technologies, like augmented reality and near-field communications.
7. Reality Bites – Posts around the world announced significant changes to their operations or business models to adjust to a new reality of communications. Royal Mail went public; New Zealand Post began a move to 3-day delivery in urban areas; and Canada Post said it will end to-the-door delivery by 2016.
6. Nay to 5 Day – It looked like 5-day delivery of mail might happen in 2013 when the Postal Service unveiled plans in February to eliminate Saturday delivery of letters and flats. But the Board of Governors put the plan on ice for now.
5. Intelligence Delayed – The long-awaited full service Intelligent Mail barcode requirement falls victim to the Postal Service's annual price adjustment. The Postal Service delays the planned January 2014 implementation of IMb full service to accommodate the PRC order that stated price changes associated with the IMb requirement would violate the price cap.
4. Growth Spurt – The Postal Service marks its first revenue increase in 5 years, taking in $800 million more than the previous year. Boosts come from Standard Mail, packages, international mail, and an accounting adjustment on unused forever stamps.
3. You Say Potato – The Postal Service goes on a rebranding spree, first changing the name of its Parcel Post product to Standard Post, and then changing Express Mail to Priority Mail Express.
2. Sunday Driver – Sunday is no longer a day of rest for the Postal Service. It inks an historic deal with Amazon.com to deliver packages on Sunday in some markets.
1. It's the Recession, Stupid – Well, sort of. The Postal Regulatory Commission approves, by a 2-1 vote, the Postal Service's request to raise prices above the inflation-based price cap (including a 49-cent stamp) but only temporarily. The PRC directed the Postal Service to institute temporary rate surcharges to compensate only for losses due to the Great Recession, not for electronic diversion.


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2/8/2018 - Pioneering photographer Renée Cox, stirrer of controversy and breaker of boundaries, debuts her new series of work Soul Culture at the CMA. Cox continues to deconstruct issues of race and gender using the body as central image to promote positivity and empowerment. In this series, Cox transforms her photographic portraits into hypnotic video and mandala-like reliefs that are influenced by Hindu and Buddhist religious art, the visual escapism of 1960s psychedelia, and the use of fractals in African culture. Digitally manipulated images are cut and handwoven into unique kaleidoscopic "paintings." The artist creates mesmerizing work designed to let our minds go and find meditative peace.
Found in: Art Exhibitions, Museum Events
Time: Tues. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 - 5 p.m.; closed Mondays Costs: Free with Museum Admission. (Adults $6, Senior citizens $5, Military $5, Students $2.50, Children 6 and under free.)


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Lexmark Z53 Ink
Cartridge prices starting at $11.95Our Lexmark Ink Cartridge replacements for the Lexmark Z53 cartridges are designed and manufactured by an ISO-9001 facility and match Genuine Lexmark name-brand cartridges at a fraction of the cost. These Lexmark Z53 Ink Cartridges will provide optimal print quality and page yields. We've been selling products like compatible Lexmark Z53 Printer Ink Cartridges for over 13 years and think you'll find great value in comparison to the Lexmark OEM Z53 supplies.
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text:
I've been attending WebmasterWorld's Pubcon conference in Las Vegas for at least 6 years although I didn't liveblog that first one for some reason. In fact I first interviewed Pubcon founder, Brett Tabke, in 2005. By no means am I an "old timer" since the show has been running for a lot longer than I've been attending but I do have some history with it.
When people ask me about great conference options to learn practical SEO and PPC, Pubcon is always included in my recommendations. Being held in Las Vegas lends a certain flavor to the event, as in there are plenty of after-event networking opportunities. Sessions are great, but its the in person connections you make and develop that yield tips, tactics that aren't always forthcoming during the day.


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The Houston Telegraph (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 6, 1870
Description: Weekly newspaper from Houston, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with advertising.
Date: January 6, 1870
Creator: Chew, J. C.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Newspaper
Partner: The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History


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Skip to comments.Gay Mosque to Open in Paris, Address to Be Secret
Posted on 11/28/2012 1:54:24 PM PST by billorites
Ludovic Mohammed Zahed is braced for controversy, maybe even worse. A gay Muslim and an expert on the Koran, Zahed plans to open Europe's first gay-friendly mosque in Paris at the end of this month. He calls it a place of shelter as well as a place of worship.
"We need to have a safe space for people who do not feel comfortable and at ease in normal mosques," Zahed told ABC News. "There are transgender people who fear aggression, women who do not want to wear head scarf or sit in the back of the mosque. This project gives hope back to many believers in my community."
"Common prayer, practiced in an egalitarian setting and without any form of gender-based discrimination, is one of the pillars supporting the proposed reforms of our progressive representation of Islam," he said.
"The Unity" mosque will initially operate in a Buddhist temple in a neighborhood in eastern Paris, and will emphasize "accepting everyone as equally God's creation....I hope straight men will pray together with gay men and women, everyone," said Zahed who declines to make public the address of the venue, due to security concerns.
Zahed's mosque will honor some Islamic traditions, like Friday prayers (Jumu'ah), and the Muslim marriage contract (Nikah) to bless same-sex marriage. It will also perform funeral rites (Janazah) for those who have been denied a traditional Islamic funeral based on Sharia law because of their sexual orientation.
"It is a safe place to worship," said Zahed, where no religious questions will go unaddressed. "Our imams will talk on any taboo topic." Zahed will be one of three prayer leaders, along with a female French convert to Islam and another man who is being trained.
"Current Islamic ethics may condemn this sexual orientation," Zahed said, "but in fact...
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I thought all mosques were gay-friendly since they have a room full of men on their hands and knees with the butts sticking up in the air.
I'm guessing this mosque will not be around long!
Why the secrecy? Who are they afraid of?
Gay Mosque to Open in Paris, Address to Be Secret
Entrance in rear, I bet.
Oh Dear! I didnt think of the (other) consequences of a gay mosque until you posted that pic. LOL
I know "Allahu akbar" is Arabic for "Allah is great". What's Arabic for "Allah is FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS!!!"?
With all those muzzie buttholes in the air, what could possibly go wrong?
I love The Onion. This is HILARIOUS!
Oh, wait....
Wonder how long it will take for the maniacs in Islam to blow up this mosque?
Weird that they hate gays when moslem men are famous for buggering boys.
So much wrong with this, LOL. The world has truly gone mad.
This isn't going to end well for Zahed&Co...
I'm guessing once word gets out, your little muslim bathhouse-of-worship will be jammed packed with closet homo muslims.
The secret will last about 5 seconds.
Then it's Abdul bar the door.
"...your little muslim bathhouse-of-worship..."
Bathhouse...that should be a fairly low-cost venture considering all the participants will be bringing their own towels.
Ludovic doesn't have the life expectency of a common house fly.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text: Hi all, im a hardware software tech, currently working on my CCNA/Photonics AS degrees. Im a complete n3wb. I am here to learn and absorb as much as i can and give what lil i can. I have 7 years exp as a A+ Cert tech, and look foreward to many long chats with you all. Glad to be part of your wonderful family. =)


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Daily News Archive
Daily News Subscription
30,000 Reasons To Showcase Your Stallion
No stud farm gets mares to its stallions without reaching the market place. With nearly 30,000 readers of Breeding&Racing's Daily News, there is no better place to reach broodmare owners & the decision makers in our industry. Breeding&Racing's 2009 Sires Annual (featuring a hard copy PLUS an exclusive E-Book digital version of each participating stud farm's stallions on this Daily News home page) is designed with one thing in mind: to help stud farms get "bums on seats". It's incredibly affordable, it's cutting edge & it's in production. Don't look back on 2009 & wonder where the mares went. You already know. Call Gary Knowles on 02-9281 7523 or Christian Whitehead on (0413) 112020 & keep your stallions busy in 2009.


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The Staging Experts
Thank you for choosing Staging Canadell! Our products are designed to solve a variety of portable staging needs and we are pleased to help you. From our humble beginnings in 1978 to an internationally recognized manufacturer, Staging Canadell has maintained its devotion to quality and integrity. We are proud to provide schools, churches, hotels, performance groups and facilities with leading-edge portable stages, risers and services.
Our portable stages, choral risers and seated risers help you to create powerful performances that are easy to prepare for. Our quality focus and experience allow us to provide a high quality product at an attractive price for you our customer.
At Staging Canadell we work hard to ensure your purchase suits your needs. We will work closely with you to select one of our standard products or customize a product to meet your needs. Our customer service is second to none and we will always be here to assist you.
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Downtown Express Photo by Elisabeth Robert
Matthew Lesko, author of Free Stuff for Busy Moms, at a recent appearance at the Wall Street Borders.
Question Mark Guy visits lower Manhattan
Helping mothers thru government red tape
By Angela Benfield
Sporting a literally questionable suit, Matthew Lesko gave a recent lecture at Borders to stressed-out mothers on Free Stuff for Busy Moms. You probably dont know him by name, but you may have seen one of his late-night infomercials where he yells about free money from the government while waiving a handfull of hundred dollar bills. For the past twenty-five years, hes been selling books in varying forms about it.
About twenty people sat and listened attentively as the enthusiastic Mr. Lesko told them how to use free government services, such as training for a job or starting a new business, while telling one-liners and pretending to trip or bang his head into the wall. All the while sporting a brown suit with orange question marks sewn onto it.
Two out of three businesses are started by women, said the 61-year-old Lesko, arms flailing wildly. He wants mothers to know that help is out there, but he cautioned that these programs are meant to do something in life, and not for sitting around and eating bon-bons at the expense of the government.
Lesko, who is married to his third wife and has two college age sons, also encouraged women to find out about government programs without buying his book. He said the information is available in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance, which you could access online for free. He said that all he did was cut and paste and put it together in a few books. Well, quite a few everything from Free Money For Your Retirement, to Free Money For a Better Home.
His disclaimer lends credit to Leskos reputation, and is probably the reason hes hitting the lecture circuit again after a long hiatus. The New York State Consumer Protection Board recently released a report stating that Lesko uses exaggerations and distortions in his advertisements. The report charges that Leskos claims of hidden government money are actually low-income entitlement programs. For example, his advertisement that the government gives away $328.00 a month to help pay rent is actually a Section 8 housing subsidy. However, while the report questions Leskos marketing, it does not allege that he is doing anything illegal.
Lesko contends that he is taking the heat for other scam artists who promise prospective victims that they could make thousands of dollars in government grants by purchasing their books. Although Leskos advertising could be misleading to someone who is trying to make a quick buck from the government, his books are actually filled with helpful information - such as free help to write a resume or where to get free college tuition if youre over 65.
Over the last decade, Lesko has been working on selling his government books from his Washington D.C. home. He says that hes always looking for new ways to market the same stuff. He admits that hes written the same book over in different forms to target various consumer groups, but he believes that these marketing techniques promote awareness to those that need it. Because the government doesnt advertise.
Says Lesko, this information never gets to the people its intended for.
Before he began running around shouting about free government money, Lesko worked out of his bedroom helping Fortune 500 companies get commodities information. Having been born and raised in the modest town of Wilksbarre, Pennsylvania, he was appalled that people like Donald Trump and Ross Perot were taking advantage of grant programs when the average Joe didnt even know they existed. Thats how he got the idea for his first book.
As the lecture went on, it surprisingly took on an inspirational tone, with Lesko encouraging everyone to do something they love in life. You lose your aches and pains when you do something you really want to do, he exclaimed. But he added that you have to work to get the government to help you do what you want to do. At least seven phone calls are necessary when contacting an agency. Because it takes effort, people dont do it, says Lesko.
Although Lesko said that anyone could get information on government grants without buying his book, people still lined up to get a signed copy at the end of the lecture.
Its not what I thought it would be, but it was helpful, said one woman who was looking to change her life.
In addition to Free Stuff for Busy Moms, he has written Free Money to Pay Your Bills, Free Money to Quit Your Job, and Free Money to Change Your Life.
So, what is it with the question mark suit? This is who I am on the inside, said Lesko.
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For current nominees and voting go to:
2016 ORCA Winners
Upper Elementary School Division Winner,
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Middle School (Intermediate) Division Winner,
Counting By 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan
High School (Senior) Division Winner,
The Living by Matt de la Pena
This year we held the 6th annual Oregon Reader's Choice Award, co-sponsored by 3 OLA divisions (OASL, CSD, OYAN), along with the Oregon Reading Association and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association.
If you have any photos or stories about your ORCA experience this year, please send them to [email protected]olaweb.org or comment on the blog. If you haven't held an ORCA vote at your location, the ORCA blog has booktalks, links to trailers, bookmarks and ballots.
What is the ORCA?The Oregon Reader's Choice Award was founded in 2010. The award is intended to be a fun and exciting way for Oregon youth in grades 4-12 to become enthusiastic and discriminating readers. During the course of the school year, Oregon students choose their favorite book in a real-life democratic process.How are the books chosen?Books must be nominated for inclusion on the ORCA ballot. In order to be considered, the book needs to have a copyright date of two years prior to when the ballots are announced. This delay ensures that the title will be readily available in paperback during the voting year. Oregon students, teachers, and librarians are all able to nominate books. The nominations are reviewed by a committee of librarians and educators. The committee creates the final ballots based upon a number of criteria, including literary quality, creativity, reading enjoyment, reading level, and regional interest.Who may vote?Oregon students in grades 3-12. To qualify for voting, the person must have read, or listened to, at least 2 books in one of the divisions.When does voting take place?Voting takes place online between March 1-31. The 2014-2015 ORCA CommitteeChairNina Kramer (Albina Library, Portland)[email protected]
Oregon Young Adult Network (OYAN)Elizabeth LaShomb Christley (Lake County Libraries, Lakeview)Lisa Elliott (Tigard Public Library)Teena Nelson (Driftwood Public Library, Lincoln City)
Oregon Reading Association (ORA)Beth LaForce (George Fox University)Marie LeJeune (Western Oregon University)Karren Timmermans (Pacific University)
OLA's Childrens Services Division (CSD)Melanie Hetrick (Tillamook County Library, Tillamook)Jessica Marie (Salem Public Library)Denise Willms (Willamina Public Library)
Oregon Association of School Librarians (OASL)Kathryn Harmon (Neahkahnie School, Rockaway Beach)Kiva Liljequist (Metropolitan Learning Center, Portland)Laurie Nordahl (North Bend High School, North Bend)
Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA)Kira Porton (A Children's Place Bookstore, Portland)
Oregon Library Association P.O. Box 3067 | La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: (541) 962-5824 | Email: [email protected]


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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are edging lower on Wall Street in early trading as investors take little solace from the latest deal to deliver financial help to Greece and an increase in U.S. home prices.
The Dow Jones industrial average was down 18 points at 12,949 shortly after the opening bell Tuesday.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index slipped less than two points to 1,404 and the Nasdaq composite was off three points at 2,974.
The European Union and the International Monetary fund agreed to release loan payments of $57 billion and announced new measures to reduce Greece's debts, which have threatened to break apart the monetary union.
Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller reported that home prices increased in September in most major U.S. cities, more evidence of a housing recovery.


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From the Editor:
While cemeteries are forbidding places to some, to most family historians they are enticing sources of genealogical information and hints of history. Many a genealogist got his or her start through curiosity about an unfamiliar name on a tombstone in the family plot. When a government or church record is unavailable, a tombstone is a valuable source of information, possibly giving dates of birth and death, as well as clues to relationships. Unfortunately, our society does not always respect the dead and their resting places. Whether due to ignorance, expediency or necessity, too many cemeteries have been built over, relocated or simply neglected. In this month's newsletter, we will address several remedies for the problem of maintaining graves and cemetery records. While the genealogical importance of cemetery records is certainly a factor, we recognize cemeteries as sites of historic significance to be preserved. With the guidance available, we hope your family, church, civic or genealogical/historical association will adopt one or more cemeteries to survey and/or maintain.
As always, if you have comments or questions regarding the newsletter, please address them to Susan Scouras, Archives and History. Regarding the Web Site, please address your comments and questions to Joe Geiger, Archives and History.
By Jeanne Robinson, Executive Director
Oregon Historic Cemeteries Association
[The Archives and History Newsletter reprints this article from Missing Links, Vol. 5, No. 24, published by Julia M. Case and Myra Vanderpool Gormley, CG.]
Historic cemeteries are in need of care, but there are many well-meaning folks who actually harm them. Here are a few hints to assure your visit to a cemetery will result in something positive.
Old marble gravestones and wooden grave markers are very fragile. Do not lean on them or treat them roughly. Be careful with weed whips around the stones (concrete bases are much tougher). If necessary, hand-trim any weeds.
Lawnmowers should never be run over a gravestone. Take care when mowing near markers, fencing, or curbing. Bumpers made of old tires on your mower will help prevent scraping.
Cleaning of marble gravestones is NOT recommended. Even the most gentle cleaning methods (clear water and soft bristle brushes) will remove particles of stone. Never use bleach or wire brushes on ANY stone. NEVER power-wash or sandblast a grave marker of any kind.
Please do not smoke in the cemetery. There are no ashtrays, and a stray spark could start a fire in dry grasses and weeds. Many old cemeteries were totally obliterated when fire swept away all of the old wooden markers.
Please do not move or remove any metal funeral home markers even if they can't be read. They mark a grave. The same is true of fragments of gravestones or even what appear to be stray rocks. If you must move for mowing or weeding, please return them to the exact spot from which they came.
Before you remove or mow plants, try to identify them. Lilacs, roses, iris, and other flowers, trees, and shrubs may be antique specimens planted by pioneers. It is OK to remove trees if they pose a threat of getting big and harming nearby gravestones. Herbicides may be used in cemeteries, but be careful not to spray on the makers. Protect them from over-spray with garbage bags or dry cleaner bags.
In most Oregon cemeteries [and elsewhere in the United States] you will find examples of four common types of grave markers. The following will help you identify each:
Granite Gravestones: Granite is a very strong mineral used to identify graves since about the turn of the [20th] century when stone carvers developed tools to carve the lettering. It holds a polish well and generally will have multi-colored grains.
Marble Gravestones: Marble was used for most early grave markers in Oregon [and in many other parts of the United States]. It is generally white or blue-gray and often shows veining. Because it is a soft mineral, early stone carvers often included beautiful artwork on their marble grave monuments.
White Bronze Markers: These monuments look to be a gray-green color and often surprise folks when they realize they are metal (zinc). If you are in doubt about whether you are looking at a metal marker, tap it lightly. White bronze monuments are hollow.
Wooden Markers: Early pioneers and settlers sometimes marked graves with wooden crosses or slabs. Some contemporary graves are also marked this way. Old wooden markers are hard to find and even harder to read.
[This article first appeared in the OHCA LEDGER, Volume 9, Issue 1 (June 2000) and is reprinted with its kind permission and that of the author. OHCA LEDGER is a publication of the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Association, Inc., which is a nonprofit corporation formed to educate the public about Oregon cemeteries, to build and maintain appropriate databases, and to protect Oregon cemeteries and their records.]
The issues of Missing Links (Vol. 5, No. 25 and No. 26) following the publication of the above article contained several readers' comments about types of tombstones. Wrought iron crosses were described as being common in the cemeteries of German-Russian Catholics in the mid-West. I found them to be common also in the Slavic and Polish cemeteries in northern New Jersey where I lived for awhile. Another reader said he had seen many limestone and sandstone markers, which I have found to be common in Appalachia also. Another wrote of finding many graves simply covered with a bare concrete slab or with a slab of seemingly unmarked concrete standing at the head of the grave. The writer's uncle explained to him that the slabs had originally been made with a layer of plaster or mortar into which the inscriptions had been dug. This weak material weathered away in a relatively short time, leaving only the concrete slab behind. For additional responses with comments and information regarding the Missing Links article, check out http://freepages.genealogy. rootsweb.com/~wgroleau/other/stones.html. No one mentioned the covered or sheltered graves found in the Appalachian Mountains. From childhood I remember seeing graves with timber or log shelters, or glass-enclosed memorials containing photographs, artificial flowers and mementos.
Old graveyards are not the only source of worry. I am concerned about the survival of the modern flat bronze markers in today's perpetual care cemeteries. These markers are being damaged by mowers that are run right over them. Many have vase-storage holes in them that collect water that will eventually cause damage from freezing and thawing repeatedly through the winters. I have seen relatively recent markers already damaged by overly enthusiastic polishing with chemical cleaners and rough brushes.
Avoid making rubbings of tombstones or bronze markers, particularly those in well-visited cemeteries where many other people may have the same idea. Repeated rubbings have been proven to damage both raised and incised lettering on stones and metal markers alike. This is a big problem in Europe now. Instead, take photographs of the stone from several angles to insure that all lettering will be legible in the developed pictures.
Hazards associated with decorating graves should be considered also. Never attach a wreath or other decoration to a headstone with wire. The wind and weather will move the wires back and forth over the surface of the stone, particularly the edges, and will at the very least leave scratches and rust discoloration. If enough of the polished surface is removed, the porous bare stone is left exposed to the elements, hastening wear and inviting cracking. Be careful when planting shrubs and vines that can cause surface damage. The roots of nearby shrubs and trees can eventually topple a stone. Think in terms of a hundred years or more, not one year or ten years!
The Archives and History Library has several dozen volumes of cemetery records in book form covering about 40 West Virginia counties. The authors/compilers range from individuals who have documented family plots, to historical/genealogical societies who have canvassed most of a county. Some books have complete indexes allowing a search of one or several cemeteries by the individual name of the deceased, while others are simply a listing of burials by cemetery. In our pamphlet file we have a few booklets with cemetery lists or a survey of a small cemetery. When using the Archives collection, always search the on-line catalog by subject to be sure you see all our holdings. The books on the Reading Room shelves may not be our only sources on any given subject. Cataloged under Dewey number 929.5 with the cemetery books, we have a few books compiled from funeral home records.
According to Cathy Miller, Library Assistant, who is in charge of West Virginia State Documents, there are no official state listings of burials or cemeteries available to date; however West Virginia Dept. of Health Vital Statistics Death Certificates include a record of date and place of burial. The Archives Library can provide copies of state death certificates from 1917 through 1972.
A card index by individual name was compiled through a WPA project in the late 1930's and is housed in the Library's card catalog for now. Each card contains information from the tombstone or cemetery record of an individual (man, woman or child) buried in any of a number of cemeteries scattered across the state. The project includes a listing of some cemeteries in each county, as well as some veterans' burials.
For Spring Hill Cemetery, Kanawha County, we have microfilmed records covering 1818 through 1994, including an alphabetical list of burials and plot maps by sections. We also have the W. Va. Adjutant General's records of Civil War military burials and cemeteries. This microfilmed record has a name index and a county by county listing of cemeteries with military graves, with maps.
On National Archives microfilm we have the card records of contracts for government-provided headstones for Union Civil War soldiers who died between ca. 1861 and ca. 1903. A few War of 1812 veterans are listed. The cards, alphabetical by surname, include some or all of the following information: rank, company and regiment; cemetery where buried, with name of community, county and state; grave number, if any; date of death; name of contractor and date of contract for provision of the tombstone. Most of these burials are in private cemeteries.
We are adding cemetery records to the Archives and History Library collection all the time. If we do not have a book for the county in which you are interested now, check again every few months. We would like to receive a copy of any record you or your organization may have that we do not have in the Library at present. If you would like to inquire about our holdings, contact Susan Scouras, (304) 558-0230.
The Archives Library now offers 11" x 17" microfilm copies from the laser printer at $1.00 per copy. Coin-operated microfilm reader/printer copies are $.25, while staff- produced 8 1/2" x 11" microfilm copies are $.50. Standard photocopies of 8 «" x 11" or 8" x 14" are $.25 per page. An 11" x 17" photocopy is $.50. If a copying project requires more than 30 minutes of staff time, an additional charge of $15.00 per hour applies after the first « hour.
1920 Kanawha County, West Virginia Census: Big Sandy
District: West Virginia Genealogical Society, [no date].
Cumberland, MD Polk City Directory, including Ridgeley and Wiley Ford, WV, 1999.
James Halstead: Pioneer of Indian Creek Virginia West Virginia: Dee Wheaton, 1999.
Profiles: West Virginians Who Made a Difference: The Charleston Gazette, 1999.
Snapshots of the 20th Century: A Photographic Look at the Past 100 Years in West Virginia: Rosalie Earle, 2000.
1920 Barbour County West Virginia Census: Julia Ann Charlton Stewart, [no date].
Lewis County Birth Records, Volume V, 1904- 1916: Hartzel G. Strader, [no date].
Tableland Trails: Garrett County, Maryland: Tableland Trails, 1956.
Tableland Trails: Fayette County, Pennsylvania: Tableland Trails, 1955.
Tableland Trails: Monongalia County [West Virginia]: Tableland Trails, 1958.
Catalog of United States Census Publications, 1790-1945: Bureau of the Census, [no date].
History of the 1092d Engineer Battalion: West Virginia Army National Guard (Includes the history of the 82d Engineer Combat Battalion): Ltc. James B. Hill, [no date].
Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, Supplement, 2001, Part 2: Gale Research Co., 2000.
Harris West Virginia Manufacturing Directory: Harris Publishing Co., 1997.
Kith and Kin of Boone County, West Virginia, Vol. 25: Boone County Genealogical Society, 2000.
The Weekleys of West Virginia: Descendants of Thomas and Rachel Weekley: Nancy E. Gates and Sharon Pawlowski, 2000.
The Melungeon Health Education and Support Network: Nancy Sparks Morrison, [2000].
Government and Politics in West Virginia: Readings, Cases & Commentaries: edited by James Forrester, 3rd ed., 1996.
Walter Reuther: The Most Dangerous Man in Detroit: Nelson Lichtenstein, 1997.
1815 Directory of Virginia Landowners (and Gazeteer): Volume 5: Southwest Region and Volume 6: Northwest Region: Roger G. Ward, 2000.
Baxter Family USA: George Howard Moose, 1998.
Calhoun County WV 1910 Census: Sheridan, Sherman and Washington Districts: Wes Cochran, 1999.
Calhoun County WV 1910 Census: Center and Lee Districts: Wes Cochran, 2000.
Images of the Civil War in West Virginia: Terry Lowry and Stan Cohen, 2000.
My Recollections and Experiences of the Civil War: or a Citizen of Weston During the Late Unpleasantness: Thomas Bland Camden, M.D., 2000.
Lewis County West Virginia: Her People and Places: Joy Gilchrist-Stalnaker, 2000.
Gleanings from Lewis County West Virginia Chancery Records, Vol. I: Nancy A. Jackson, 1999.
The People of Vandalia Community: Lewis County, W. Va.: Sam W. Hardman and W. H. Peterson, with new maps by Hartzel Strader, 1999.
Particles of Glass: Birth Dates of Members of the Window Glass Cutters League of American as Recorded by the League on May 19, 1941: Joy Gregoire Gilchrist-Stalnaker, 1999.
Research Notes on the Bennetts From Pendleton County, (West) Virginia with Tax/Census Addendum: Jeff Carr, 1999.
Registered Voters: Lewis County, W. Va: Hacker's Creek and Freemans Creek Districts: 1906: Okey Paul Corley, 1997.
Braxton County West Virginia Births: 1853- 1860: Nettie Gregory and Lisa Gregory, 1998.
Webster County, W. Va., Births: 1888-1899: Nettie Gregory, 1999.
Family Stories & Bible Records of Central West Virginia: Extracts from Clarksburg Exponent Telegram, Vol. 2: Lolita A. Guthrie, 1999.
Lewis County, WV, Road Precinct Book: December 1865-December 1872: Okey P. Corley and Nora Corley, 1997.
Abstracts of Lewis County, West Virginia, Deed Books A, B & C (1817-1827): Becky Brogie, et al., [no date].
Lewis County, W. Va. Death Records, Vol. V: Hartzel G. Strader and Alan L. Strader, 1998.
1920 Braxton County, WV Census: William Marsh, 2000.
Morgantown and Its People: The Dominion Post, 1999.
The Devastating Hand of War: Romney, West Virginia During the Civil War: Dr. Richard A. Sauers, 2000.
War Veterans of Upshur County: Nathaniel Jack, 1988.
Aurora, WV in the Twentieth Century: Alice McGinnis Penzo and Laura Lee Frye, 1999.
Written in Stone: Tombstone Readings of Preston County, West Virginia: Vol. I: Donna G. Keener, 1999.
The 1930 United States Census is due to be opened to the public in 2002 and must be ordered six months in advance from the National Archives in order to receive it by the release date. Seven West Virginia counties will be covered by Soundex: Fayette, Harrison, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mercer and Raleigh. Because we want to be able to purchase the West Virginia Census and make it available as soon as it is released, Mining Your History Foundation and the West Virginia Archives and History Library are accepting donations toward that cost. A similar campaign ten years ago enabled the Library to purchase the 1920 Census and make it available immediately upon release. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated by the patrons who rely on the Archives Library for their research.
Look for the person, not the name. Sometimes you'll hit a brick
wall when you find two people with the same name living in the same
area. In this case, only further research will help you determine
which one is yours. One way to identify an individual is to expand
your research to include his extended family. Why not look for
record of your ancestor in documents relating to his siblings or
his wife's family? Try to determine if friends or associates
mentioned him in their wills or deeds. Perhaps he was active in his
community and may be mentioned in a local history. By making your
ancestors more than just a name, you not only spice up your family
history but also make it easier to trace.
By Liz Lieber, Genealogy.com
RootsWeb Review, Vol. 3, No. 30
The U.S. Dept. of Veteran's Affairs will furnish grave markers for all who were U.S. military veterans, including Union and Confederate States Army and Navy, if the deceased veteran currently does not have a tombstone or marker. Shipping to your specified location is free. Proof of military service, pension documentation, discharge papers, proof of burial place and lack of marker, plus proof of your relationship to the deceased must be supplied with your application. Request Form 40- 1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) and return with documents to:
Memorial Services Program (403A)
Dept. of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20420-0001
The West Virginia Archives and History Library can assist you in obtaining Civil War service records and in proving your relationship through West Virginia records.
On March 10, 2000, a new law was passed by the West Virginia Legislature guaranteeing access to cemeteries on private land. The following is a synopsis of this important amendment to the code. (Italics added by editor.)
An act to amend chapter thirty-seven of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty- one, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated article thirteen-a, relating to graves on private lands; authorizing certain persons access to cemeteries or graves on private lands for stated purposes; requiring the persons to act responsibly and making the persons liable to owners for damage; limiting the use of motor vehicles to access cemeteries and graves; creating a cause of action for injunctive relief; and application of the article.
. . .the State recognizes that the owners of private land on which a cemetery or graves are located have a duty to allow ingress and egress to the cemetery or graves by family members, close friends and descendants of deceased persons buried there, by any cemetery plot owner, or by any person engaging in genealogy research who has given reasonable notice. . .
The right of ingress and egress. . .shall be limited to the purposes of (1) visiting graves; (2) maintaining the grave site or cemetery; (3) burying a deceased person. . .; and (4) conducting genealogy research.
All persons exercising access. . .are liable to the owner of the private lands for any damage. . .
The access. . .does not include the right to operate motor vehicles on the private lands, unless there is a road or adequate right-of-way that permits access by motor vehicle and the owner has given written permission to use the road or right-of-way of necessity.
Any person denied reasonable access. . .may institute a proceeding in the circuit court of the county in which the cemetery or grave site is located to enjoin the owner of the private lands. . . from denying the person reasonable ingress and egress. . .for the purposes set forth. . .
The provisions of this article shall not apply to any deed or other written instrument executed prior to the effective date of this article [90 days from date of passage] which creates or reserves a cemetery or grave site on private property and which specifically sets forth terms of access.
SUGGESTED READING: Strangstad, Lynette: A Graveyard Preservation Primer, American Association for State and Local History book series; Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press, 1995.
If you are interested in learning more about West Virginia cemeteries and cemetery law, you may want to attend Joy Gilchrist-Stalnaker's session on Cemetery Research, presented during the History and Genealogy Fair on October 28, 2000. The Genealogy Fair is co-sponsored by Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants, the Mining Your History Foundation, and the West Virginia Historical Society. For more information and a printable registration form, go to the Internet at http://www.rootsweb.com/~hcpd/fallfair.htm or write, e-mail or call:
Discovering Your West Virginia Roots & Branches
c/o HCPD
23 Abbotts Run Road
Horner, WV 26372
Phone: (304)-269-7091
e-mail email@example.com
The Historic Preservation Office of the Division of Culture and History is responsible for the West Virginia Cemetery Survey, which was initiated in 1995 to gather and preserve information about cemeteries, including the headstones and markers themselves. The two-page survey form can be filled out by an individual or an organization. Data requested includes: location (with topographic quadrangle citation), ownership, access, condition, descriptions of headstones, predominant surnames, etc. A complete listing of the names of those buried is not required for the purposes of the survey, but we in Archives and History would prefer that you also provide copies of cemetery records and/or a listing of information compiled from the grave markers.
The Historic Preservation Office newsletter, Details, Vol. 7, No. 2 for Summer/Fall 2000, has a lengthy article about the Cemetery Survey by Joanna Wilson, Senior Archaeologist, with step by step instructions on filling out a survey form.
Forms may be obtained from:
WV Division of Culture and History
Historic Preservation Office
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-0220
A cemetery survey would be an excellent project for a genealogical/historical society. Scouting, church or public service groups for teenagers could assist with the legwork under adult supervision. Scouts considering earning Eagle Scout or Gold Award honors should look into the possibility of building their proposals around cemetery surveys. For genealogical and historical purposes, cemetery records could be copied and grave marker information recorded and published.
CHECK OUR WEB SITE (http://www.wvculture.org/history/events.html) FOR GENEALOGICAL and HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES LISTED BELOW:
"PRESERVING HISTORIC RESOURCES WITH TECHNOLOGY AND ACTION," SEPT. 8-9. Conference sponsored by Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Inc. and Weston Historic Landmarks Committee, Weston.
BERKELEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR, SEPT. 9-10. "SLAVES IN THE FAMILY," SEPT. 14. Edward Ball, Cultural Center Theater, Charleston.
"THE MIDDLE PASSAGE," SEPT. 21. Amos Beyan, Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
"RESISTANCE TO SLAVERY I: THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD," SEPT. 29. Symposium, Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
"GRIOT TO GRANDMOTHER: STORYTELLING AND THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM," SEPT. 30. Raymond Dobard, AND "THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: ORGANIZED RESISTANCE." John Fleming. Both at Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
ROANE COUNTY GENEALOGY FAIR, SEPT. 30. Spencer Armory, Spencer.
"SLAVERY IN THE KANAWHA SALINES," OCT. 12. John Stealey, Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
"MILITARY CLAIMS AND PENSIONS," OCT. 17. John Lavery, KYOWVA Genealogical Society, Huntington.
"FEMALE SLAVE RESISTANCE IN THE ANTEBELLUM SOUTH," OCT. 19. Stephanie Shaw, Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
WEST VIRGINIA GLASS GATHERING 2000, OCT. 20-21. Regional glass history conference. West Virginia Museum of American Glass, Weston.
"BELOVED," OCT. 20. Showing of the movie, Kanawha County Public Library, Charleston.
"THE MARGARET GARNER CASE AND MORRISON'S 'BELOVED,' FACT AND FICTION," OCT. 21. Steven Weisenburger, AND "BELOVED TRUTHS IN HISTORICAL FICTION," Delores Johnson. Both at Grace Bible Church, Charleston.
"DISCOVERING YOUR WEST VIRGINIA ROOTS AND BRANCHES," OCT. 28. Sponsored by Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants, Mining Your History Foundation and West Virginia Historical Society. For more information on this major genealogy conference, use the link through the Upcoming Events portion of our Web site, or go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~hcpd/fair.htm.
SYMPOSIUM: "FAMILY STORIES: GRASSROOTS HISTORY," NOV. 4. Grace Bible Church.
"1910 CABELL COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA CENSUS," NOV. 21. Sheri Pettit, KYOWVA Genealogical Society, Huntington.
GENERAL ELECTION DAY*, NOV. 7. Archives Library will be open regular hours.
VETERANS DAY*, NOV. 10. Archives Library will be open regular hours.
THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 23. Archives Library will be closed.
FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING*, NOV. 24. Archives Library will be open regular hours.
SATURDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING*, NOV. 25. Archives Library will be open 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Only the Archives Library will be staffed--all other Archives offices will be closed. The State Museum will be open any time the Archives Library is open. The West Virginia Library Commission Library in the Cultural Center is closed weekends and all holidays.
Fredrick Armstrong: Director
Debra Basham: Archivist (photographs, special collections)
Greg Carroll: Historian (Civil War, Native American history)
Dick Fauss: Archivist (microfilm and moving images)
Elaine Gates: Part-time Library Assistant (microfilming and microfilm repairs)
Joe Geiger: Historian (Web page, publications)
Ed Hicks: Photographer (archival photography, darkroom)
Mary Johnson: Historian (John Brown)
Jaime Lynch: Library Assistant (Records of the 1700's and early 1800's, Pennsylvania)
Cathy Miller: Library Assistant (WV State documents, periodicals)
Sharon Newhouse: Secretary to the Director
Harold Newman: Library Assistant (microfilming, Revolutionary War)
Pat Pleska: Part-time Library Assistant (Clipping File)
Susan Scouras: Librarian (cataloging, Kentucky, library collection, newsletter editor)
Bobby Taylor: Library Manager
Nancy Waggoner: Office Assistant
Contract employees working on special projects: Constance Baston, Allen Fowler and Nikki Witt.
This newsletter is a publication of :
The Division of Culture and History
Archives and History
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0300
(304) 558-0230
Commissioner: Louis A. Capaldini
Archives and History News


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While holding Denver to 75 points in the opener was impressive – the Nuggets averaged a league-high 104.1 points last season – there were some interesting items of note that came out of the Sixers' win.
Sure, it's only one game, but it was nice to see the Sixers go 17 for 21 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Denver was just 5 of 11.
What's so special about this? Well, again, it's just one game. So there's no reason to act like it's a trend or anything like that. But last season the Nuggets led the NBA in FTA differential (+6.2). They also averaged a league-high 26.7 free throw attempts.
Conversely, your 2011-12 Sixers had the worst aversion to the line that we've seen in the NBA in quite some time. In fact, their 18.2 FTA last season came pretty close to breaking the NBA record (18.0) for fewest per game (a distinction held by those muscular 2005-06 Phoenix Suns).
The biggest surprise was with Jrue Holiday. The recipient of a sparkling new four-year, $41 million deal, Holiday went 4-for-5 from the line against the Nuggets (who, by the way, looked out of sorts on Wednesday. I don't know what was up with that. However, I still think the Nuggets will be improved this season, substantially so if JaVale McGee's basketball IQ starts to catch up with his freakish athleticism). With the ball in his hands more this season, Holiday has to be more aggressive at attacking the basket than he has in the past.
Last season, Holiday averaged a paltry 1.8 FTA per game, inexcusable for a guy with that size. Just seven times last season did he attempt five free throws or more in a game. He should top that number in the first month of the season.
The Sixers also looked pesky and very active on defense in forcing the Nuggets into 22 turnovers. Last season they forced teams into 20+ turnovers just three times last season. Also of note is that the Sixers had 13 steals and 11 blocks in the opener. The last time the Sixers had 10+ steals and 10+ blocks in the same game was vs. Sacramento on Jan. 15, 2010.


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Man Accused Of Stealing Excavator, Driving Drunk In Duluth
DULUTH (AP) - A man accused of stealing a construction excavator and taking it on a drunken joyride in Duluth is facing criminal charges.
Authorities say 27-year-old Dustin Lunde was arrested March 9 when he was spotted driving the excavator down a sidewalk. State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske says a breath test registered Lunde's blood alcohol content at .20 - more than twice the legal limit to drive.
Lunde is charged with theft, possession of stolen property and driving drunk.
An attorney for Lunde was not listed in court records.


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|MLB Career Stats
|Chi White Sox
|Chi White Sox
|11th in AL
|8th in AL
|5th in AL
|23rd in AL
|20th in AL
|15th in AL
|November 6, 2017
|LHP Neal Cotts elected free agency.
|February 11, 2017
|Washington Nationals signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
|February 11, 2017
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Syracuse Chiefs.
|November 7, 2016
|LHP Neal Cotts elected free agency.
|June 22, 2016
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Round Rock Express.
|June 21, 2016
|Texas Rangers signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract.
|June 13, 2016
|Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders released LHP Neal Cotts.
|May 22, 2016
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
|May 21, 2016
|New York Yankees signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract.
|May 18, 2016
|Salt Lake Bees released LHP Neal Cotts.
|April 7, 2016
|Los Angeles Angels signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract.
|April 7, 2016
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Salt Lake Bees.
|March 25, 2016
|Houston Astros released LHP Neal Cotts.
|February 29, 2016
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Fresno Grizzlies.
|February 27, 2016
|Houston Astros signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
|November 2, 2015
|LHP Neal Cotts elected free agency.
|August 22, 2015
|Minnesota Twins activated LHP Neal Cotts.
|August 21, 2015
|Milwaukee Brewers traded Neal Cotts to Minnesota Twins for Player To Be Named Later.
|January 30, 2015
|Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts.
|October 30, 2014
|LHP Neal Cotts elected free agency.
|May 21, 2013
|Texas Rangers selected the contract of LHP Neal Cotts from Round Rock Express.
|November 12, 2012
|Texas Rangers signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
|April 4, 2012
|Neal Cotts assigned to Round Rock Express.
|March 5, 2012
|Texas Rangers signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
|February 16, 2011
|New York Yankees released LHP Neal Cotts.
|February 16, 2011
|Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees released LHP Neal Cotts.
|December 15, 2010
|New York Yankees invited non-roster LHP Neal Cotts to spring training.
|November 19, 2010
|Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts.
|September 13, 2010
|Indianapolis Indians released LHP Neal Cotts.
|April 8, 2010
|LHP Neal Cotts assigned to Indianapolis Indians from Pittsburgh Pirates.
|January 4, 2010
|Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent LHP Neal Cotts to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
|December 12, 2009
|LHP Neal Cotts elected free agency.
|October 19, 2009
|Chicago Cubs activated LHP Neal Cotts.
|May 27, 2009
|Chicago Cubs optioned Neal Cotts to Iowa Cubs.
Is married.....wife's name is Jaime.....the couple has a son, Madden, and a daughter, Stella...Graduated from Lebanon (IL) High School, where he also played basketball and soccer...Earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors at Illinois State University...Hobbies include golfing and cycling.....follow him on Twitter (@NealJames56)2014
Went 2-9 with a 4.32 ERA and two saves in a career-high 73 relief appearances with Texas...His 73 appearances tied for fifth in the American League...Notched his saves on 9/13 vs. Atlanta and 9/23 vs. Houston...Retired 51 of 73 first batters faced (69.9%)...Stranded 37 of 45 inherited runners (82.2%)...Signed as a free agent with Milwaukee on 1/30/152013
The veteran returned to the majors for the first time since 2009 and posted the lowest relief ERA (1.11) in Washington/Texas franchise history…opened the campaign in Round Rock (AAA) after spending a 2nd straight spring with the organization and was promoted to the majors in late May…led the American League with 8 relief wins, tied for most in the majors.
RANK AND FILE: Had an A.L.-high 8 wins in relief, tied for first in majors (Vin Mazzaro-PIT, Brad Ziegler-ARI)…the 8 wins were T9th-most in club history and most by a Ranger reliever since Jamey Wright was 8-7 in 2008…compiled 2nd lowest relief ERA in the major leagues (BOS's Koji Uehara-1.09) and lowest figure in franchise history…also ranked among the A.L. relief leaders in opp. SLG (5th, .255), opp. OBP (6th, .244), opp. avg. (7th, .180), WHIP (8th, 0.95), and HR/9 (9th, 0.32)…was tied for the 3rd-most relief appearances in the majors from May 21 to the end of the season, most by a left-hander.
BY THE NUMBERS: Held right-handed batters to a .157 (16-102) avg., 10th-best in the majors (min. 100 BF), 2nd-lowest figure by any LH pitcher to Tampa Bay's Alex Torres (.149)…lefties hit .204 (20-98), as Cotts was one of 12 ML pitchers to hold both lefty and right-handed batters at .204-or-lower (min. 100 BF each side), one of 6 in the A.L., joining former teammate Joe Nathan, DET's Joaquin Benoit, KC's Luke Hochevar and Greg Holland, and BOS' Koji Uehara…left-handed batters began year 0-for-33 between Round Rock and Texas.
TEXAS: Had contract purchased from Round Rock on May 21 when spot starter Josh Lindblom returned to the Express…made Texas debut on May 21 vs. OAK, retiring the side on just 6 pitches in the 9th inning...was first major league appearance since May 25, 2009 vs. PIT at Wrigley Field while with the Cubs…surrendered run and suffered blown save on June 2 vs. KC…was first run allowed since April 10 vs. Iowa with Round Rock, snapping a 24.2-inning scoreless streak between Round Rock and Texas…shared Rangers June Player of the Month honors with fellow reliever Joe Nathan, going 4-1 with a 0.59 ERA (1 ER/15.2 IP) and holding opposing batters to a .189 (10-53) average with 7 walks and 18 strikeouts…picked up the win on June 5 at BOS, his first major league victory since July 1, 2006 vs. CHC at Wrigley Field as a member of the White Sox…after no victories since 2006, earned 4 of the Rangers' 7 victories between June 5-21, matching his career high in wins…surrendered just a pair of runs over 10.0 innings and 10 outings in July, with both runs on a go-ahead 2-run home run in the 7th inning by Raul Ibanez on July 4 at Rangers Ballpark…left the bases loaded on Aug. 9 at HOU to earn his 2nd career save and first since April 30, 2006 at LAA as a White Sox…had season high 13.1-inning scoreless streak over 14 appearances from Aug. 17-Sept. 20, 5th-longest by a Ranger in 2013...earned 3 of the 7 victories during the club's final homestand of the season…had a 0.51 ERA (1 ER/17.2 IP) in last 20 G to drop ERA from 1.37 to 1.11…retired 27 of last 32 BF.
THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER: Had a 0.70 (2 ER/25.2 IP) road ERA, 2nd-lowest in the majors among pitchers with at least 25 innings (BOS's Craig Breslow-0.56)…allowed just 3 extra-base hits on road all season, all doubles, including a double to last batter faced (Eric Hosmer) in club's road finale on Sept. 22 at KC, game in which he took his only away loss in 2013…his .200 road SLG pct. was tied for lowest in the majors (min. 25.0 IP).
MISCELLANEOUS: Appeared in 43 of the club's first 87 games after call up and 58 of 118 overall…appeared in more than one inning a team-high 24 times…allowed runs in just 6 of 58 games…stranded 25 of 30 inherited runners…stranded multiple runners 7 times…retired 42 of 58 first batters faced…went 1-for-4 in save opportunities…had season-high 4 strikeouts on June 25 at NYY, most by a Texas reliever in 2013…recorded more than 3 outs 13 times, including a season-high 2.1 innings twice…permitted just 2 home runs all year, both against the Mariners at Rangers Ballpark (Ibanez, 7/4, and Seager, 8/16).
ROUND ROCK: Went 3-1 with a 0.78 ERA (2 ER/23.0 IP) and 2 saves in 15 relief appearances for the Express…did not allow a hit to a left-handed batter (0-28, 3 walks)…Pacific Coast League opponents batted just .171 (13-76) with 5 walks against 42 strikeouts, including 0-for-28 by left-handed batters…stranded all 7 inherited runners and converted both save chances…whiffed 42 of 82 (51.2%) batters faced, including 22 of 31 (71.1%) left-handed batters…allowed runs just once, April 10 vs. Iowa, taking the loss in his 3rd appearance of the season…reeled off 19.1 scoreless innings over his last 12 appearances with the Express.2012 Was signed by Texas on February 20 and was originally assigned to minor league camp before joining major league spring training at the end of that month...posted a 4.22 ERA (5 ER/10.2 IP) in 9 spring appearances...sustained a strained left latissimus dorsi muscle in outing on March 31 vs. CLE in Goodyear and opened the year on the Round Rock disabled list... was activated on June 10 and appeared in 25 games for the Express the rest of the year...allowed a run in 7 of 25 games and permitted 8 of 24 inherited runners to score...earned 3 saves in 4 opportunities...posted a 1.86 ERA (2 ER/9.2 IP) in his 1st 9 games before allowing 8 runs in 3.1 innings in his next 2 outings...had a 2.89 ERA (6 ER/18.2 IP) in final 14 appearances... opponents batted .262...posted a 2.65 ERA (5 ER/17.0 IP) in 13 games at Dell Diamond and a 6.75 (11 ER/14.2 IP) in 12 road contests...had season highs of 2.1 innings and 4 strikeouts on July 22 vs. OMA. 2011 Was released by New York (AL) on February 16 following a minor league deal on November 30, 2010...did not pitch the rest of the year. 2010 Spent entire season on Indianapolis (AAA) disabled list recovering from left elbow surgery after signing a minor league contract with Pittsburgh on December 30, 2009. 2009 Made a total of 31 relief appearances between Chicago (NL) and Triple-A Iowa in an injury-shortened season...Was a member of Chicago's Opening Day roster...Stranded 13 of his 14 inherited runners while pitching with the Cubs, while pitching less than 1.0 inning in 11 of his 19 outings...Was scored upon once in his first eight appearances (3.0ip)...Allowed one run and suffered the loss on 4/7 at Houston...Was charged with three runs and suffered his second loss in final outing with Cubs on 5/25 vs. Pittsburgh...Was optioned to Iowa on 5/27...Was scored upon in just two of his 12 appearances with the I-Cubs before being placed on the disabled list on 6/25...Missed remainder of the season after undergoing "Tommy John" elbow ligament replacement surgery on 7/2 (surgery was performed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek). 2008 Neal spent a majority of the season with the big league club, stranding 26 of 33 inherited runners in 50 outings. © Averaged 10.85 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched, recording 43 punchouts in 35.2 innings of work. © Recorded a 4.02 ERA (7 ER/15.2 IP) in 25 night contests compared to a 4.50 ERA (10 ER/20.0 IP) in 25 day games. © Logged a 2.81 ERA (5 ER/16.0 IP) in 23 games prior to the All-Star break ... had a 5.49 ERA (12 ER/19.2 IP) in 27 games following the break. © Did not allow an earned run in 11 appearances against N.L. West opponents, totaling 8.0 innings pitched. © Pitched on no days rest 15 times, recording a 1.93 ERA (2 ER/9.1 IP) in those outings. © Had a 3.27 ERA (8 ER/22.0 IP) in 29 road appearances, over two runs lower than his 5.93 ERA (9 ER/13.2 IP) in 21 games at Wrigley Field. © Limited left-handed hitters to a .269 batting average (18-for-67) ... righthanded hitters had a .263 mark (20-for-76). © Recalled from Triple-A Iowa May 29 and remained in the majors the rest of the season - made his season debut that day with 0.1 scoreless innings vs. Colorado. © Tossed 6.0 scoreless innings in his first eight relief outings for Chicago, May 29-June 13. © Stranded 12 straight inherited runners from June 27-August 13 (gm. 2). © Began the season with Triple-A Iowa, going 2007 © Worked a season-high 2.0 innings April 13 vs. Cincinnati, retiring all six batters he faced. © Began the season with 11 consecutive scoreless appearances from April 2-May 6 (10.2 IP). © Allowed runners to score in four of his last five big league appearances prior to being optioned to Iowa ... posted a 13.50 ERA (9 ER/6.0 IP) over the stretch. © With Iowa, went 2-2 with a 4.83 ERA (27 ER/50.1 IP) in 24 games (six starts) ... was on the disabled list, June 20-July 21, with a left hamstring strain. © Iowa posted a 16-8 record when he appeared in the game. © Struck out a season-high six batters over 4.1 innings pitched June 17 vs. Memphis. Cotts: Career Review 2006 Finished second on the White Sox with 14 holds, but also watched his record dip to 1-2 with an inflated 5.17 ERA over 70 games. Yielded 64 hits over 54 innings, along with 12 home runs, compared to just one long ball allowed in 2005. His earned run average was 2.79 on the road and 7.39 at home. Picked up his only win on July 1 against the Cubs. Earned his first Major League save on April 30 at the Angels. First batters were 14-for-64 (.219) against Cotts, but 20-of-65 inherited runners scored for a 30.8 percentage. 2005 Developed into one of the most dependable left-handed relievers in the American League in his second full season with the White Sox ... led the Sox and tied for 11th in the AL with a career-high 69 appearances ... ranked among the AL relief leaders in numerous categories ... limited right-handers to a .155 (17-110) average and lefties to a .206 (21-102) mark ... after giving up three runs in his first three outings, compiled a 1.58 ERA (10 ER/57.0 IP) the rest of the season ... won all four of his decisions, posted 13 holds and was 0-2 in save opportunities ... 58 of his 69 outings were scoreless ... averaged 8.7 strikeouts per 9.0 IP (58 SO/60.1 IP) ... pitched on back-to-back days eight times and three straight days three times ... was 2-0 with a 0.70 ERA (2 ER/25.2 IP) in 35 games after the All-Star Break ... limited opponents to two hits in 22 at-bats (.091) with runners in scoring position and two outs ... made 23 straight outings without allowing an earned run from 7/15-9/6 (18.1 IP) ... compiled a 1.56 ERA (7 ER/40.1 IP) at night ... No. 4 hitters went 2-22 (.091), while No. 7 and No. 8 batters went 2-32 (.063) ... gave up his only home run to Jason Dubois on 6/24 vs. the Cubs ... threw 13.2 consecutive scoreless IP from 5/31-6/20 ... combined to throw 11.0 scoreless IP vs. playoff teams Boston, the Angels, Yankees and San Diego, allowing just three hits ... struck out a season-high four on 6/7 at Colorado.
Postseason: Was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/2.1 IP) and two holds in six appearances for the World Champion White Sox ... stranded all seven inherited runners, including five in the World Series ... struck out Morgan Ensberg and Mike Lamb in Game 1 of the World Series to protect a 4-3 lead ... earned the win in Game 2 of the Fall Classic, retiring his only batter faced (Mike Lamb) ... registered second hold in Game 4 of the World Series, inducing Jose Vizcaino to ground out with a runner on third base ... was the only Sox reliever used in the five-game victory over the Angels in the ALCS, tossing 0.2 scoreless IP in Game 1.2004 Appeared in 56 games (one start) in his first full season in the major leagues ... his 56 appearances ranked third on the Sox and tied for fourth among American League rookie pitchers ... was 4-3 with a 5.29 ERA (37 ER/ 63.0 IP) in 55 relief appearances and 0-1 with a 15.43 ERA (4 ER/2.1 IP) in one start ... averaged 8.0 strikeouts per 9.0 IP (58 SO/65.1 IP) ... went 2-0 with a 4.58 ERA (19 ER/37.1 IP) at home and 2-4 with a 7.07 ERA (22 ER/28.0 IP) on the road ... opponents batted .247 (61-247) ... left-handers hit .269 (28-104) and right-handers .231 (33-143) ... went 2.0-plus IP 12 times ... limited opposing batters to a .197 average at home and a .138 average during the day ... first batters faced were 10-45 (.222) ... was 0-2 in save situations ... allowed just 11 of 37 inherited runners to score (29.7 percent) ... recorded four holds ... induced nine double play grounders ... threw nine wild pitches, including three on 8/14 vs. Detroit ... compiled a 0.90 ERA (1 ER/10.0 IP) in April and began the season with 6.1 straight scoreless frames ... went 1-3 with an 8.28 ERA (23 ER/25.0 IP) in 23 games (one start) from May-July ... brought a 2.45 ERA (4 ER/14.2 IP) into his only start on 5/22 at Minnesota (L, 4 ER/2.1 IP) ... allowed a game-winning two-run home run to Bobby Kielty in the 12th inning on 6/1 at Oakland ... earned his first victory on 6/18 at Montreal (0 ER/1.1 IP) ... also collected first major-league hit, a double off Luis Ayala ... tossed 2.2 scoreless IP on 6/25 vs. the Cubs and 8/9 vs. Cleveland, his longest career scoreless relief appearances ... posted a 1.80 ERA (4 ER/20.0 IP) in 16 games from 7/26-9/2 ... struck out a career-high six batters in relief on 9/18 vs. Detroit ... earned wins in back-to-back games on 9/21-22 vs. Minnesota ... allowed nine runs over his final six appearances (7.0 IP). 2003 Was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 3 Prospect in the White Sox organization ... also was tabbed by the same publication as having the Best Changeup in the Sox system ... made 21 starts at Class AA Birmingham andfour with the Sox ... was 9-6 with a 2.12 ERA (25 ER/106.1 IP) and 131 strikeouts in 20 starts with the Barons when his contract was purchased on 8/12 ... at the time of his promotion, led the Southern League in ERA and strikeouts ... made his major-league debut that night at Anaheim, allowing two runs on two hits and six walks over 2.1 IP in a no decision ... posted second straight no decision in next start on 8/17 at Texas despite striking out a career-high six (including Alex Rodriguez twice) over 5.2 IP ... earned first major-league victory in home debut on 8/22 vs. Texas, allowing one run on five hits over 5.0 IP ... his final start came in loss on 8/28 at Yankee Stadium when he recorded just one out, giving up four runs on three hits and five walks ... was optioned to Birmingham on 8/30. Was the starting pitcher for the United States at the All-Star Futures Game on 7/13 at U.S. Cellular Field, allowing one run with two strikeouts over 1.0 IP ... also started the Double-A All-Star Game ... was named to both the Southern League midseason and postseason All-Star Teams at Class AA Birmingham ... was named Best Left-Hander in the SL by managers and coaches ... would have led the SL in ERA but fell 3.2 IP short of qualifying ... tied for third in the SL with 133 strikeouts, averaging 11.0 per 9.0 IP ... limited opponents to a .178 (67-377) average ... held the opposition scoreless in nine of 21 starts, allowed three hits or less 14 times ... struck out seven or more 10 times, including three double-digit efforts ... gave up three earned runs or less in all but two starts ... allowed just two home runs, an average of 0.17 per 9.0 IP, and none over his final 15 starts (75.2 IP) ... named SL Pitcher of the Month for April after going 4-0 with a 0.98 ERA (3 ER/27.2 IP) and 41 strikeouts ... did not allow an earned run in June (11.0 IP) or August (13.0 IP) ... also was named SL Pitcher of the Week for 8/1-7 after going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (13.0 IP) and 14 strikeouts in two starts ... fanned a season-high 12 batters in 6.1 IP on 5/29 vs. Huntsville ... struck out 11 on 4/26 vs. Jacksonville and 10 on 4/11 vs. Carolina ... was on the disabled list from 6/4-16 with inflammation of his left shoulder ... made one start in the SL playoffs, allowing two runs on five hits over 6.0 IP of a loss ... was a non-roster invitee to spring training ... mad0-2 with a 4.64 ERA (22 ER/21.1 IP) and 19 strikeouts. 2002 Ranked second in the California League in strikeouts (178) and strikeouts per 9.0 IP among starters (11.6) and tied for third in victories (12) at Class A Modesto in the Oakland system ... held opponents to a .239 (123-515) average ... struck out seven or more batters 13 times, with a season-high 11 on two occasions ... surrendered five home runs (all to right-handers), an average of 0.3 per 9.0 IP ... won eight of his last 10 decisions, striking out 106 batters in 82.0 IP. 2001 Split his first pro season between Class A Vancouver and Class A Visalia ... averaged 10.6 strikeouts per 9.0 IP (78 SO/66.0 IP) ... made his pro debut at Vancouver ... was promoted to Visalia on 8/2 and did not allow an earned run (16.0 IP) over his first three starts ... struck out 11 batters in one game ... was signed by Oakland scout Jim Pransky.