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My beach books aren't novels about Smith women discovering their sexuality, or biographies about forgotten historical figures, or leadership You-Can-Make-Millions-Out-Of-Your-Home-And-Here's-How. I read the Prospectus books.
The Baseball Prospectus book is the staple of every March — I try to find someplace warm and read it cover to cover, like a novel — and in August, it's the Football Outsiders Almanac. The Football Outsiders' crew's takes are sometimes ridiculous — they love the Rams this year, for some reason — but always well-researched, smart and compelling. I find it the perfect way to prepare for the season; reading makes me feel like I know what I'm talking about, when I really, really don't. It's indispensable. Buy it.
I talked to FO editor-in-chief Aaron Schatz about the book, about the woes of the book publishing industry, the non-split with Baseball Prospecuts (the book is self-published this year, for the first time, and you can't get it in bookstores) and why he's so down on my Buzzsaw.
So what happened with Baseball Prospectus? You're still a part? Or no? Why's the book self-published? Was there some sort of fight? What happened?
We're fine with Baseball Prospectus, actually. Football Outsiders has always been a separate company, so there's no "divorce" or anything like that. We had a deal with them to produce a football book provided
they had a contract with a publisher, but their publisher, Plume, made the decision to no longer publish Prospectus books in sports other than baseball. By the time Plume made this decision, it was too late
for us to go with another publisher. In addition, once we had to do the book on our own anyway, it made sense not to pay for the promotional value of the name "Prospectus." But we are still friends with those guys, we still link to their site and they link to ours, Will Carroll is still writing for both sites, and I want to see them succeed. I especially want Basketball Prospectus to succeed because I think Kevin Pelton is a really good guy.
We have other publishers who are interested in the 2010 book, so we'll have to decide if we go back to standard publishing or do it this way again. Self-publishing gave us an extra five weeks or so to finish the
book, we didn't need to have it done until the end of June, and that was just HUGE from a sanity perspective. My wife is perfectly happy if I never go back to a schedule where the book is due by Memorial Day.
Football Outsiders has had a few staff changes of late too. (I remember when my college pal Michael David Smith wrote for you all the time.) Has this whole process been different than you were expecting when it started kicking in? How has it progressed?
Heh. Well, I started the site as a side gig when I had another job, and the only other people working on it were some of my old fraternity brothers. So yeah, this is a bit different than what I expected six years ago. The site has grown fairly organically, which has led to some of our infamous server issues, but it's also kept me from growing eyes that were far too big for my own stomach, if that makes any sense. I didn't ever want FO to grow too fast and then crash and burn. It's cool that some of our writers have gone on to bigger and better things. I mean, MDS had written on the Web before FO, but it was his work with FO that hooked him up with AOL and gave him the opportunity to do this for a living now, even though that means he can't work for us anymore. I wish more people could work for FO full-time, but that would probably entail taking almost all the content on the site to a subscription model, and I'm just not ready to do that right now. So for now, it's just me and Bill Barnwell.
I've always wondered if you'd start seeing Football Outsiders people working in the NFL the way you see old Prospectus people working in baseball. That doesn't seem to have happened yet, but you see little changes seeping in, most notably with Jim Schwartz, the new coach of the Lions and first real head coach to embrace advanced statistical principles. You've worked with him in the past, right? Is he a referendum on what you guys, and others, do?
Yes, I've worked with Jim in the past, and I hope to work with him in the future as well. I do want to say I would hate to have anything regarding the Detroit Lions become a referendum on what FO does. The
fact is, while FO people aren't working in the league, there are plenty of people in the league who do the kind of statistical analysis that we do. Historically, empirical thinking has always been far better accepted in the football world than in the baseball world. Many more of the management people in football have come from the business world rather than from the playing field. The most statistically oriented organizations in the NFL are probably New England, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Things have not gone well for the 49ers, obviously, but I think the Patriots and Eagles have been fairly successful over the last few years. So as far as I'm concerned, stat analysis has already proven itself. Eventually, there will be people working in front offices who grew up reading FO. They're already there, it's just that right now they are at the intern level. One of those guys will be running a team in ten years.
The other thing I should point out is that when I started Football Outsiders, the goal was never the better management of NFL teams. It was always the better coverage of NFL teams by the media. The guys in the NFL front offices are smarter than fans give them credit for, and certainly they're smarter than those guys in the booth on Sunday babbling on about how the team is 8-1 when running back X runs for 100 yards. I'm here to improve analysis of the NFL, to make fans feel like they are a) more knowledgeable and b) more entertained. If teams read our work and apply that to managing their franchises, that's pretty
neat, but I'll always see myself as a writer first and foremost.
How mad will you get if I ask you about Kevin Jones? (Note: FO has been predicting stardom for Kevin Jones since he was three years old. It hasn't happened.)
Not that mad. Guys who look good as rookies fall in their faces as second-year players. It happens. All the signs that caused us to project him for such a great second season are still signs that players will improve in their second seasons. If we had a player now with the same stats that Jones had as a rookie, we would probably make a similar projection. Kevin Jones carried the ball 241 times for 1,133 yards, 4.70 yards per carry. Terrell Davis as a rookie carried the ball 237 times for 1,117 yards, 4.71 yards per carry.
To this year's book: I'm not upset that you think my Buzzsaw will flop, because you have figures and research behind it, rather than emotion. (Unlike me.) But don't you think there are certainly things that can't be predicted from past performance? No matter what happened during the regular season, can't you tell SOMETHING about how that team will do from that playoff run?
Sure, there are things that can't be predicted from past performance. That's why we do "mean win projections" based on running the season 10,000 different ways, rather than just saying "Arizona is going to go 5-11." The book says OAKLAND has a two percent chance of winning 11 or more games, for crying out loud. All kinds of strange, unexpected stuff happens in the NFL. On the other hand, when it comes to sitting down and writing the chapters, and doing things like fantasy football projections, we concentrate on what is likely, not what is possible.
I wish I wasn't predicting such a bummer season for the Buzzsaw. I was really annoyed when the projections came out, because the Arizona projection is based on a lot of little things rather than one or two big trends that could be easily explained. I didn't want the Arizona projection to be SO different from conventional wisdom, and I played around with the projection system constantly to try to figure out what variables I was possibly missing that might explain why Arizona should be expected to have another winning season. But there was no way to improve the Arizona projection without making the whole projection system much, much less accurate overall. So we go with what we've got.
The fact is, there just isn't a lot of history of teams that massively improve in the playoffs carrying things over to the next regular season. The 2007-2008 Giants are a big exception, which is what makes them so remarkable. The 2002 Patriots missed the playoffs. So did the 2004 Panthers and the 1981 Raiders.
You seem to imply you think the Rams will win the NFC West this season in the book. A few things have happened since your deadline. Do you still think they're underrated?
Well, first of all, I don't think we imply the Rams will win the NFC West. I think we're pretty clear that we think that Seattle will win the NFC West. The Rams' mean projection in the book is for 8.2 wins, compared to Seattle at 9.9 wins.
I'm concerned about the Rams' early injuries — I mean, without Donnie Avery that team really has an unknown group of receivers, and the idea of Kyle Boller at quarterback gives me hives — but the trends that we identify in the book are still there. The strongest trend in identifying "surprise" teams is still drafting an offensive lineman in the first dozen picks, like last year's Dolphins and the 2007 Browns. This is still a team that is likely to be much healthier and nowhere near as bad in the red zone [as last year]. The NFC West didn't suddenly get any better over the last few weeks — Seattle's dealing with even worse injury issues.
We know that every year some team that has been losing for a couple seasons will come out of nowhere to have a winning season. Everyone wants to figure out how to predict that team, and we're no different. We looked closely to try to figure out what trends pointed to a team about to break out. What we're saying is that St. Louis is the most likely team to do that this year — more likely than Buffalo or Oakland or San Francisco or Detroit or whoever else. We're not guaranteeing a playoff spot or anything. Given how much the Rams sucked last year, they could improve significantly on both sides of the ball and still end up 7-9.
You guys make a very convincing argument that the Broncos are going to be horrible this year. Is there a way for guys to account for 32-year-old maniacs who desperately want to be Bill Belichick?
Wait, is that supposed to be a good thing that leads to wins?
Did you guys ever do any Arena League statistics? Actually, now that I"m thinking about it: Don't you think some enterprising UFL coach could make a name for himself by using FO principles? Like, why not, ya know? It's the UFL.
No, we've never done anything with Arena or CFL. I've thought about doing UFL. It would likely be easy with just four teams playing what, six games each? I'm happy to talk to any UFL coach who wants to speak with me, and we've considered the possibility of a weekly UFL column covering that league, maybe looking at what players might be able to move up to the NFL (or, more likely, move back to the NFL).
In the book, you say if Brett Favre comes back, he's roughly the equivalent of Sage Rosenfels anyway, so it doesn't alter much. Does Michael Vick on Philadelphia change any calculations?
No, he's a backup. Unless Donovan McNabb gets hurt, he isn't going to matter much. Vick's return is more of a news story, whereas Favre's return is more of a sports story, if that makes any sense...
Which movie are you more likely to see: Moneyball, or The Blind Side?
Moneyball, because Demitri Martin is supposed to play Paul DePodesta, and I love me some Demitri Martin.
Note: After this interview, Schatz read Drew's Buzzsaw screed yesterday, in which Drew said, "Schatz was upset the Eagles lost the NFC title game because they failed to prove his metrics correct. But the reason you look to compile interesting stats isn't so that your predictions come true and you look like some big swinging dick. That's Mariotti shit." Schatz had this response:
First of all, I never, ever said I found the Pittsburgh Steelers lackluster in any way. NEVER. Do not besmirch my reputation with Steelers fans! The Cardinals fans are allowed to hate me, but I say lots of good things about the Steelers.
Second, the problem I had last year was not the Cardinals, per se. It was the Cardinals after the 2007 Giants after the 2006 Colts, and so on. It was the trend where the regular season seems to becoming less and less important. It's not about proving my numbers right and it isn't about hating Arizona or wanting Philadelphia to win. Of course the numbers will be wrong sometimes. They just shouldn't be wrong every year, because that would indicate that the regular season is totally pointless, and then the NFL has become hockey. Do we really want the NFL to become hockey?


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Razorbacks fall at College World Series
Gamecocks 3, Razorbacks 2
The University of Arkansas baseball team finished third nationally at the College World Series after dropping a 3-2decision to two-time defending national champion South Carolina at TD Ameritrade Park on Friday.
The Razorbacks (46-22) finished tied for third in the nation for the second time in the last four years, while the Gamecocks (49-18) look to three-peat as baseball's national champion in a best-of-three series against Arizona, which begins on Sunday.
Arkansas drew first blood, scoring once in the top of the first. Tim Carver swung at the game's first pitch and chopped a single over the third baseman's head, and a sacrifice bunt by Jacob Mahan advanced Carver to second. Matt Reynolds then lined a single to left, scoring Carver from second base to give the Razorbacks the lead.
South Carolina tied the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth with Tanner English leading off the inning with a single before stealing second with one out. The Razorbacks were able to avoid further trouble as Trent Daniel got LB Dantzler to foul out to third and Colby Suggs stuck out Adam Matthews to end the inning.
The Gamecocks, however, took the lead with a run in the bottom of the seventh. After an infield fly out by Walker, Dantzler reached on an infield single to load the bases. Matthews then drew a bases loaded walk to put South Carolina in front.
Arkansas seniors Bo Bigham and Carver ended their Razorback careers with a fight, going a combined 3-for-7 in the game with a walk and run scored. The seniors accounted for three of Arkansas' five hits in the game, while Bigham also made a highlight diving grab on a line drive early in the contest.

subset: commoncrawl


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Following the news that the Jeff Mangum-curated ATP event was to be rescheduled, plenty of people were wondering what the line-up would like when they came to re-announcing it. Well, now we find out as it has just been confirmed that the following bands form the bill - so far - for the event, which takes place next March.
Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel
The Music Tapes
Magnetic Fields
Group Doueh
Mike Watt & George Hurley perform the songs of The Minutemen
Joanna Newsom
Scratch Acid Thurston Moore
Yann Tiersen
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The Fall
Young Marble Giants
Robyn Hitchcock performing I Often Dream Of Trains
The Raincoats performing The Raincoats
The Magic Band
The Olivia Tremor Control
The Apples In Stereo
Tall Firs
Half Japanese
A Hawk And A Hacksaw performing a new and original soundtrack to Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Lost In The Trees
This is not a bad start at all. Unfortunately some bands couldn't make it this time around, and they include Panda Bear, Tinariwen, Superchunk, Group Inerane, The Mountain Goats and Colin Stetson, which is a shame. ATP also inform us that they are hoping to confirm Fleet Foxes, Sun Ra Arkestra and Micachu & The Shapes very shortly.
Next year's Jeff Mangum ATP takes place at Butlins, Minehead from March 9-11. More information on tickets and whatnot can be found here.


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Latest Innovations. Subspecialty Care. Strength in Patient Follow-Up
What are immunology and serology?
Immunology is the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders. Serology is the study of blood serum (the clear fluid that separates when blood clots).
Immunology and serology laboratories focus on the following:
- identifying antibodies (proteins made by a type of white blood cell in response to an antigen, a foreign protein, in the body)
- investigating problems with the immune system such as autoimmune diseases (when the body's immune system turns on its own tissues) and immunodeficiency disorders (when a body's immune system is underactive)
- determining organ compatibility for transplantation
Common immunology and serology tests:
|To determine the state of an immunodeficiency and certain cancers
|Rheumatoid factor
|To classify arthritis and diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
|Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)
|To diagnose syphilis, which then must be confirmed with a more specific test
|HLA Typing (Human leukocyte antigens)
|To determine compatibility in organ transplantation, to determine paternity and to diagnose HLA-related disorders


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Cascade Station/Portland International Center Plan District Traffic Impact Analysis
These reviews are required to evaluate traffic impacts resulting from development that occurs beyond certain thresholds that are identified in the plan district.
CS/PIC Plan District Traffic Impact Analysis reviews are processed through a Type II procedure.
- Pre-Application Conference - Optional unless it is a specific requirement of a review.
- Completeness - Staff notifies applicant of any missing information or materials within 14 days of submittal.
- Public Notice - Upon receipt of a complete application, public notice is mailed to all property owners within 150 feet and to the recognized organizations within 400 feet of the site. At least 21 days are allowed for public comment.
- Decision - Made administratively by staff within 28 days after the application is determined to be complete.
- Appeal - To local hearings bodies, such as the Adjustment Committee or the Hearings Officer, depending on the land use review.
Questions? For further assistance with the land use and zoning regulations that apply to your site, please call us at (503) 823-7526, or visit Planning and Zoning Staff in the Development Services Center.
- Application for Land Use Reviews - Complete this application form to apply.
- Application Packet Checklist for Land Use Reviews - Use this list to identify submittal requirements.
- 33.508, Cascade Station/Portland International Center Plan District
- Summary of Procedure Types - Summarizes all procedure types.
- Type II Procedure Timeline - Outline of timeline for Type II Procedures.
- Fee Schedule for Land Use Reviews - A list of all land use fees.


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A reproduction of my original mixed media artwork – titled: Flapper: a party girl portrait. This is from my Party Girl series
Fine art museum quality reproduction.
Printed on Epson Cold Press Paper with archival pigment inks.
Image Size: 8 x 8
Paper Size: 10 x 10
each print is titled and signed by artist
all prints will arrive wrapped in a cellophane sleeve and protected in a sturdy cardboard mailer or tube.


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Screen Shot 2018-08-21 at 8.38.22 AM
Editor in Chief, Cece Woods, started her career in publishing in 2013 with the launch of 90265 Magazine. In late 2014, after noticing a void in local investigative journalism with the departure of Surfside News founder Ann Sobel, Woods started The Local.
In four short years, The Local has become the most trusted voice in local media. The publication supported two successful ballot measures, successfully campaigned for three City Council members in the 2016, and has been a strong voice in local activism leading to multiple environmental victories for the Malibu Community.
In 2018, Woods exposed the law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings case, the story of Matthew Weaver Jr that went national only after Woods connected it to the area of two other high profile missing persons cases. Woods was the only local Malibu media on the ground during the Woolsey Fire and provided the most comprehensive coverage generating over a million hits across social media platforms during the most devastating wildfire in Malibu's history.
- EXCLUSIVE - Missing Links: The Unanswered Questions in the Death of Linkin Park Front Man Chester Bennington - Part 1
- New Details in Attempted Kidnapping of Joe Montana's Grandchild
- Trauma Takes Its Toll: Father of Missing Person Matthew Weaver Jr. Could Face Multiple Attempted Murder Charges After Shootout
- Malibu City Manager Orders Tribute to Black Lives Lost Due To Police Violence Taken Down


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Food & Drink
World's best airport spas
By Emma Sloley, Executive Travel • Published 3rd June 2013
High flier Karen Zuckerman has a secret weapon for avoiding the air terminal blues: treating herself to a facial or massage while waiting to board her plane. No, Zuckerman doesn't travel with a beauty entourage. She's just one of many travelers taking advantage of the proliferation of airport spas around the world.
President of Maryland-based marketing and advertising agency HZDG, Zuckerman often visits high-end beauty temples like the Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons and Canyon Ranch. While none of these luxurious spas have opened airport outposts (yet), plenty of other brands are helping make flying a whole lot more Zen these days.
Executive Travel: America's best spring drives
"An airport spa gives me the ability to multitask and do a little something for myself," explains Zuckerman, who travels about 30 times per year for work within the U.S. and Europe. Depending on what's available, she'll book a facial, massage or quick mani-pedi at whatever terminal she finds herself in. "When I'm really stressed and can sneak in a 20-minute neck or back massage, that's a huge bonus," she says.
Can the 'game-changer' still live up to its name?
Sunny Kortz of OraOxygen -- whose spas in the Calgary International and Detroit airports attract travelers, airport employees and the odd civilian (the Calgary branch is located pre-security) -- reports that many clients come for combined oxygen/massage treatments. "The oxygen refreshes your body and mind after a long plane trip," she says. "When used together with a massage treatment, people can go energized to that business meeting or trip with the kids."
World's best airport hotels
Whether you're stuck in transit, quailing at the prospect of boarding a long-haul flight or just whiling away the hours between check-in and takeoff, there are now countless ways to relieve the tension, stress and ennui of traveling before you've even taken off. Check out our list of terminally fabulous airport spas, from Calgary to Dubai, and prepare to give travel-induced stress a send-off.
Timeless Spa
Dubai International Airport
Emirates -- the first carrier to offer in-flight showers to first-class passengers -- has also brought luxury pampering to its terrestrial hub in Dubai. Three Timeless Spas are located at the airport's Terminal 3: one in the Emirates First Class Lounge, a second in the Business Lounge and a third at the Dubai International Airport Hotel. Both lounge spas offer express services like half-back massages, mini-manicures, reflexology and basic hairstyling (including blow-dry, trimming and beard-shaving) at no cost; for those with more time to spare, the Timeless Spa at the Airport Hotel offers full-body massages, body wraps and anti-aging facial treatments.
Executive Travel: Best new carry-on luggage
Absolute Spa
Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
The airport outpost of Canada's most luxurious hotel chain has a spa offering an array of jet set-friendly treatments -- among them a Pink Grapefruit Jet Lag recovery body wrap and a special massage to reduce foot and leg swelling. All guests (including day visitors) also have access to the spa's mechanized lap pool, sauna and fitness center -- and can indulge in longer, more luxurious treatments, like a Moor Mud bath, Academy Award face and body spray-tan application or Lomi-Lomi massage to soothe away those travel-induced kinks.
World's 100 best beaches
d_parture Spa
Newark International Airport
Set in Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport, d_parture Spa has been created with green principles in mind, using sustainable materials like reclaimed glass, bamboo flooring and eco-friendly products. On the menu are signature treatments designed to quickly lull travelers into a state of serenity, like the pressure point-focused Scalp and Eye Massage that helps relieve sinuses, the Altitude Protection Facial that hydrates and protects skin from air-pressure changes and the half-hour Fly Away Mini Facial.
Elemis Travel Spa
London Heathrow Airport
First and Club World British Airways travelers can partake in quick -- and complimentary -- treatments at the Elemis Travel Spas located in Heathrow's Terminals 3 and 5. The spas, designed to provide intensive, targeted treatments in a short amount of time, offer a menu of 15-minute prescriptions for passengers, including facials that target concerns like dehydration and skin clogging, the Musclease Leg and Foot Workout and a Stress-Away shoulder and scalp massage.
Executive Travel: World's most scenic train trips
Back to Life Spa
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
This airport spa provides travelers with what will surely be their only in-transit opportunity to have a full-body aqua massage (while remaining fully clothed). The Back to Life Aqua treatment invites clients to recline in a space age-inspired, podlike contraption, where 36 pulsating water jets -- separated from their clients' bodies by a microfiber film -- simulate traditional hands-on massage. The spa also offers more mainstream stress-busters, like 20-minute chair massages, reflexology foot massages and an oxygen bar that combines 15-minute-long O2 boosts with aromatherapy.
Qantas First Lounge
Sydney and Melbourne international airports
Qantas's much-ballyhooed Marc Newson-designed lounges at the Sydney and Melbourne airports are havens of tranquility for the airline's business and first class customers -- but their spas are where the magic really happens. These oases of Nordic-inspired serenity, which feature flowering vertical gardens, blonde wood furnishings and shower suites stocked with Kevin Murphy products, also offer 20-, 30- and 50-minute complimentary services that range from eye-firming treatments to full-body massages and intensive hydrating facials.
OM Spa
Hong Kong International Airport, Regal Airport Hotel
Catering to both overnight hotel guests and travelers with time to kill, this full-service spa employs a soothing décor of bamboo screens, Thai silk cushions and fresh flowers all of which feel a world away from the bustle of Hong Kong's airport. The menu of services here includes everything from tamarind body scrubs (ideal for dry skin) to Sabai hot stone massages to jasmine milk baths. For $20, nonguests can have access to the hotel's gym, steam room and 72-foot outdoor pool, surrounded by massage cabanas.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Part of a rapidly growing chain (which includes branches at several U.S. airports and Amsterdam's Schiphol), this spa has six separate locations at New York's main international air hub. As well as offering manicures, facials and massages in layover-friendly sessions, several of the spas dole out longer treatments like hour-long, deep-moisturizing seaweed facials and 90-minute full-body massages. Frequent spa fliers can get a Rewards Club card for discounted services at all XpresSpa locations.
Calgary International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
To combat the particular malaise that comes from breathing pressurized, recycled cabin air, OraOxygen's two spas (there are plans to open more in the U.S., Canada and Asia) offer refreshing boosts of oxygen alongside their menu of facials, nail services and massage treatments. The most popular treatment at both of the modern, light-filled spas is the 60-minute full-body massage combined with a 15-minute oxygen session—truly a breath of fresh air. ora-oxygen.com
The Ultimate Transit Haven
Singapore Changi Airport
A sanctuary within a sanctuary, this spacious spa in Terminal 2 of Singapore's spotlessly clean, user-friendly airport offers quick fixes for tired travelers (like showers and half-hour foot reflexology sessions). It also, however, provides an exotic menu of longer, full-body treatments, including Tui Na, and Balinese and Javanese massage.
A year of the world's
Best Beaches
There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all
Go to the best beaches


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Did you know if you Register you have access to free search tools including the ability to save listings and property searches? Did you know that you can bypass the search altogether and have listings sent directly to your email address? Check out our how-to page for more info.
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"We have been very satisfied with all dealings with AlarmForce personnel. Especially with the technicians who have come to our home."
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"We are so glad we have this system. We feel much safer and are pleased to rest in the knowledge our possessions are protected."
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"It is the best I had at my home. Next to zero chance of a false alarm."
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"I like the feeling of safety and confidence when I leave my house and garage unattended. The system is basic and uncomplicated. Thanks for the secure feeling."
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"Your company has given me peace of mind. I never think twice when I leave my home as long as the alarm is set. Thank you for your security."
Ingrid, BC
"Very happy with the alarm and the smoke/fire option. Never had a problem and main battery changed by competent, courteous person."


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M.A. in Liberal Studies – Info Session
Are you looking for a master's degree program taught by passionate scholars with a rigorous, interdisciplinary, curriculum? Would you like to pursue your graduate studies in the world's greatest city?
The Graduate Center, CUNY has a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program that combines scholarship and value in an engaging urban center. As an interdisciplinary degree, the M.A. in Liberal Studies allows students to focus on an area of study that they are enthusiastic about and connect with the scholars who are similarly committed—regardless of those faculty's subject field. With nearly 20 concentrations to choose from—including Individualized Studies, for those who want even more disciplinary flexibility—the M.A. in Liberal Studies program offers the chance for any student to sharpen their critical thinking and hone their advanced communication skills.
If you are interested in learning more about offerings at The Graduate Center you are welcome to attend this open house where Gerry Martini will be fielding questions on any of our graduate programs, particularly the M.A. in Liberal Studies. We hope to see you then!


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YEA, today is officially the first day of Spring! Micah Claire is loving the new warm temperatures and the long hours of daylight. Some nights it's a battle to even get her to come in and eat dinner.
I think this picture screams.........Deep thoughts by Micah ClaireHere's my sweetie showing off just a little for the camera.
I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Micah Claire. It's just priceless!It's no longer fun to just slide the normal way. Now we have to do a stretched out version.
Friday, March 20, 2009
YEA For Spring Time!!!!!!!!
YEA, today is officially the first day of Spring! Micah Claire is loving the new warm temperatures and the long hours of daylight. Some nights it's a battle to even get her to come in and eat dinner.
Posted by The Cowart Family at 9:16 AM 0 comments
Still my little climber
Before my child could even crawl she was climbing on everything. And as you can see from this video, she's never really stopped. Her Daddy was not happy about this new stunt at all; I know it's dangerous but I still find it hilarious. I just had to get it on video.
Posted by The Cowart Family at 8:52 AM 1 comments
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Even Bruce had to come check out M.C's new set of wheels.
What a pro; she knew exactly where to put her feet and how to make it go.
And it didn't take her very long to discover that if she went down the drive way she didn't even have to pedal at all.....weeeeeeeeee!
Posted by The Cowart Family at 8:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Baby is 1 1/2 years old and has the Flu-SO SAD
Today Micah Claire turns 18 months old. She is no longer just a 1 year old; she's a big 1 1/2year old. WOW; where or where has the time gone. She was dying to go outside this morning. So, I finally gave in and let you play for a few minutes.
Monday afternoon our babysitter called and said Micah Claire had a fever of 102-103. So Shawn went and picked her up and gave her some medicine. Every couple of hours her fever would go sky high again. It got super close to 105 which scared the mess out of us; but she had no other symptoms (weird I thought). My mom stayed home with M.C on Tuesday. A little before lunch she called and said she couldn't get M.C's fever to stay down and she wouldn't eat or drink anything. So I called the doctor and they got us right in. Dr. Perrin thought it might just be the start of a bug but she went ahead and did a strep test and a flu test. She said it will take about 15 minutes to get the results. Well.... within 15 seconds she came back in the room and said the flu test had already produced a positive result. My first thought was NO WAY! But after she showed me the result stick I knew it wasn't a joke. And of course M.C. is too young to take medicine recommended for children with the flu. So..... we just have to wait it out. Dr. Perrin said M.C. is only the 4th case this season and all the cases have been mild-no body has had to been hospitalized because of it. So I hope and pray that she recovers quickly and as easily as possible. She gave Shawn and I some medicine to start pre-treating us just in case was start to develop it. She recommended that I stay home since I work around pregnant women and newborns. Micah Claire has to fever and symptom free for at least 48 hours before she can be considered non-contagious. So, it looks like M.C and I will be home together for the rest of the week.
Thank goodness she has no problems taken medicine! Some how she even got the child proof lid of the Tylenol and poured an entire bottle on my carpet-YIKES!
Posted by The Cowart Family at 9:18 AM 4 comments
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Our Non-Stop Weekend
Saturday afternoon Micah Claire and I went to Lainee and Gracee's 4th day party at the HSU swimming pool. Micah Claire had a great time at the party. Check out their super cute mermaid cake.
Ms. Traci sent M.C home with a goody bag that had Smarties in them. This was her 1st time to eat them. At first she didn't' like them because they were so hard. But then she realized how good they were once she bite into them.
She ate all 2 packages of them. I took and posted these pictures just so Ms. Traci would have proof that I actually did let M.C. eat them!
Micah Claire loved being with Kelsey. She just kept hugging on her; too cute!
It got too dark and too cold to get all their stuff moved; so all 3 Davis girls spent Saturday night with us. M.C had a blast bathing and playing with Kelsey til 10:30pm.
Posted by The Cowart Family at 5:38 PM 0 comments


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In this article
Why am I so tired and fatigued now that I'm pregnant?It's completely normal to feel tired when you're pregnant.
When you're pregnant, huge changes take place in virtually every system in your body, which can make you feel extremely tired (Murray and Hassall 2009, PRODIGY 2009). Even if you're usually a night owl, you may find staying awake for a film, or even a 30-minute soap, virtually impossible now that you're pregnant.
Throughout pregnancy, but especially in the first trimester, your body works tremendously hard. You're making the placenta, which is your baby's life-support system. Your hormone levels and metabolism are rapidly changing (NHS Choices 2011), while your blood sugar and blood pressure levels tend to lower. This all contributes to your sense of constant fatigue.
When is tiredness a sign of something else?Being tired and run-down can make you feel low. But occasionally, being exhausted and having trouble sleeping can be symptoms of depression (NHS Choices 2011). If you have feelings of hopelessness and have lost interest in the things you used to enjoy, speak to your doctor.
Tiredness and low energy levels can also sometimes be a symptom of anaemia, which is not uncommon in pregnancy (Pendry 2010). Your doctor will check your blood for anaemia during your booking visit and later on in pregnancy, as part of your routine blood tests (NCCWCH 2008).
How long will my tiredness last?It's different for every mum-to-be, but you are most likely to experience fatigue in your first and third trimesters (NHS Choices 2011). So you may be struggling with exhaustion before you've even told other people that you're pregnant (NHS Choices 2011).
In your first trimester, fatigue is often one of the symptoms of pregnancy sickness, along with nausea, loss of appetite and sometimes vomiting (PRODIGY 2008). If your symptoms are disturbing your sleep then you'll feel even more tired and irritable. Try to get as much rest as you can, because fatigue can make nausea and vomiting much worse (PRODIGY 2008).
You may find that your pregnancy sickness eases at about 14 weeks to 16 weeks of your pregnancy (PRODIGY 2008). But varying levels of nausea can last until 20 weeks, or even longer, for some women.
You'll probably lose steam again sometime around 28 weeks. By this time, your bump will be getting bigger and it may be harder for you to get comfortable in bed and get a good night's sleep. And the extra weight you are carrying can make you feel tired during the day (Murray and Hassall 2009, NHS Choices 2011).
However, it's not the same for every woman. You may feel tired throughout the whole of your pregnancy, or you may hardly slow down at all.
What can I do to cope with tiredness?Listen to your body's signals. Try taking catnaps or have an early night. You'll need more sleep in early pregnancy, so rest and get plenty of sleep whenever you can (PRODIGY 2008).
At work, even a 15-minute nap can make a difference, so if you're lucky enough to have an office door, close it, put your head down on your desk and rest. Or have a nap in your lunch hour in your car if there's nowhere else for you to sleep. If you are at home, make time to sit with your feet up during the day (NHS Choices 2011).
Try to adjust your schedule. You could reduce your hours at work, or if that's not possible, perhaps adjust the hours when you work. Or, if you're already a mum, give yourself a break now and then and leave your children with someone else, so you can catch up on your sleep. Ask your family and friends for support, and accept offers of help.
Try to make sure you're eating well. A healthy diet made up of wholegrain carbohydrates,
Eating well while you're feeling sick isn't easy, but try to eat little and often, as having an empty stomach can make you feel even more queasy and tired. Keep your blood sugar levels on an even keel by nibbling small amounts of bland, dry food during the day. Try some of our healthy pregnancy snacks if you can't face a main meal.
Do some gentle exercise, even if it's the last thing you feel like doing. Going for a walk or a swim can make you feel better, and help you to sleep at night (RCOG 2006).
Hang in there, because you'll soon be in your second trimester and hopefully raring to go again. You may even feel up to seeing a film or going on a weekend break before your newborn arrives and sleepless nights start all over again.
Rest assured that feeling tired won't harm you or your baby. But do try to get as much rest as you can, whenever you can.
Find out how other mums cope with tiredness in pregnancy.
Baca versi Bahasa: Keletihan semasa hamil
Murray I, Hassall J. 2009. Change and adaptation in pregnancy. In: Fraser DM, Cooper MA. eds. Myles Textbook for Midwives. 15th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 189-225
NCCWCH. 2008. Antenatal care: routine care for the healthy pregnant woman. National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Clinical guideline. London: NICE. www.nice.org.uk [Accessed October 2012]
NHS Choices. 2011. Sleeplessness and feeling tired. NHS Choices, Pregnancy and baby. www.nhs.uk [Accessed October 2012]
Pendry K. 2010. Obstetric anaemia – the OTIS survey. www.transfusionguidelines.org.uk [Accessed October 2012]
PRODIGY. 2008. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. PRODIGY Clarity, Clinical topic. prodigy.clarity.co.uk [Accessed October 2012]
PRODIGY. 2009. Tiredness/fatigue in adults. PRODIGY Clarity, Clinical topic. prodigy.clarity.co.uk [Accessed October 2012]
RCOG. 2006. Exercise in Pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Statement, 4. www.rcog.org.uk [pdf file, accessed October 2012]


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High expectations follow Lake to big leagues
Developing slower than teammate Castro, Dominican's goals remain lofty
CHICAGO -- When Junior Lake plays in the Major League All-Star Game -- and there is every reason to believe it will happen some day -- the Cubs rookie outfielder has to make sure he takes Jose Serra with him.
Serra, now the director of operations in the Dominican Republic for the Cubs, signed Lake when he was 16 years old after a tryout and some tough negotiations, and he once passed on a trip to make sure he got the youth.
Mario Encarnacion, a scout in the Dominican, told Serra about the slender teenager. As soon as Serra saw Lake play, he knew the Cubs had to have him.
"I said, 'Wow, I like this guy, and I've got to bring him to the academy,'" Serra said.
Lake came to the Cubs' facility in Boca Chica for a tryout with four other players. Oneri Fleita, who was the head of player development and scouting with the Cubs at the time, happened to be in the Dominican and watched the prospects. Lake stood out.
"It's hard not to look at the way he can run, the way he can throw and the way he can field and say he'd make it [to the big leagues]," said Fleita, now a consultant with the Reds. "He was an easy guy to profile that he could play any position on the field. You didn't know if he'd get too big to play short. He looked like he might have power, and you thought he could project the power to play the corner positions. And at the very least, you thought you might have a pitcher."
A pitcher? Lake has played shortstop and third base in the Minors, and he is playing outfield for the Cubs. But pitch?
"Well, he's got a great arm," Fleita said. "Position players are so hard to come by; you keep them playing the position."
Fleita left the Dominican and turned the negotiations over to Serra, who had signed another talented 16-year-old middle infielder a few months earlier on Oct. 25, 2006, in Starlin Castro, now the Cubs' starting shortstop. Lake and Castro were born three days apart. Both were middle infielders, but the similarities ended there when they signed.
"Lake had more power than Castro, and tool-wise, Junior was better," Serra said. "But Castro was the hardest-working guy we signed."
Castro had signed for $45,000. Lake's mother and the buscones, or scouts, who handled his negotiations were seeking $200,000. The Cubs were not willing to go that high. In early February, Fleita called Serra to tell him that he had his plane ticket and hotel set for the Caribbean Series, which was being played in Puerto Rico that year. But Serra was not going to leave the Dominican until he finalized the deal with Lake.
Finally, on Feb. 2, 2007, Lake agreed to sign for $110,000. But Serra missed the trip to Puerto Rico, and he has not let Lake forget that.
"I called him last night," Serra said Saturday from the Dominican. "I told him, 'Remember, you have to make it to the All-Star Game, and you have to take me.'"
Lake, 23, should be able to pay Serra back soon. Recalled from Triple-A Iowa on July 19, he went 3-for-4 in his Major League debut as the starting center fielder, hitting a double in his first big league plate appearance and stealing third base on the next pitch.
Cubs manager Dale Sveum did not get much of a look at Lake this spring because Lake fractured a rib. At Triple-A Iowa, Lake batted .295 with 10 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 18 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 40 games.
Lake has made the big leagues look easy. He is the first Cub since at least 1916 to record two four-hit games in his first 16 big league contests, and he is the first Major Leaguer to do so since St. Louis' Bo Hart in June 2003.
"I just know from Day 1, we probably liked Junior a lot more than Castro," Fleita said of the two, who played together in the Dominican Summer League and in the Rookie League in Mesa, Ariz., after they signed.
In the Rookie League in '08, Castro batted .311, Lake .286.
"They're interesting kids," Fleita said. "We were in Spring Training [in 2009] and didn't know what to do with either one of them, and we put Castro in the Florida State League and we started Junior in the Midwest League because we wanted to keep him at shortstop. They're three days apart in age, and it's interesting at how their careers have gone -- how one went off a little quicker than the other. You never know how guys will develop."
At Class A Advanced Daytona, Castro made the Florida State League All-Star team and was batting .302 when he was promoted to Double-A at the age of 19. Lake struggled at Class A Peoria, batting .248 with 138 strikeouts.
Castro made his big league debut in May 2010, while Lake was at Daytona. Castro made a splash, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat and finishing his inaugural game with six RBIs. Lake has taken longer to develop.
"He did have some injuries, and for whatever reason, the game didn't come as easy for him," Fleita said of Lake. "I think he was still trying to grow into a body that now he's finally matured into. They're two different guys. Junior has grown four, five inches. He's so much bigger and stronger. They're different kids."
Serra acknowledged he thought Lake would get to the big leagues before Castro but said the two had different mindsets.
"When Castro signed, he knew what he wanted," Serra said. "Lake enjoyed the moment. It took some time for him to realize what it took [to get to the big leagues]."
Lake now appears to have a good feel for the game. He collected hits in his first seven games with the Cubs, and he was batting .333 with four home runs, three doubles and seven RBIs in 18 games through Sunday. The Cubs are prepared for some growing pains as Lake learns how to play outfield.
"He's got that incredible physical ability, amazing tools, where when he is locked in and seeing the ball well, he can do some things on the baseball field that make you drop your jaw," said Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.
What may have helped Lake was playing this past winter for Estrellas Orientales. He batted .312 and ranked among the Dominican Winter League leaders in batting average (fourth), OBP (fifth), slugging (fifth), OPS (fourth), home runs (seventh) and steals (second), and he finished third in the running for the Most Valuable Player Award. David Jauss, whom Epstein knows from his days with the Red Sox, was Lake's manager then.
"[Lake] is showing right now he's playing with a ton of confidence and that he really belongs here," Epstein said. "This is the league he feels he's ready for, and he's going out and showing it."
Lake is the third Cubs player since 1921 to have at least 24 hits in his first 16 career games, joining Andy Pafko in 1943-44 (24 hits) and Mandy Brooks in 1925 (25).
"I think there's still some pounds to add to his body," Serra said. "Look out -- he'll be hitting some bombs out of the ballpark then."
Fleita has kept an eye on Lake's progress. His children, who get to know the players from Spring Training and trips to the Dominican, were excitedly running around the house when Lake notched his first two-homer game last Thursday against the Dodgers in a 6-4 loss.
"It's hard not to know how well Junior is doing," Fleita said. "He had quite a start to his professional career."
A career Serra and the Cubs hope includes many All-Star Games.


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All 18 fighters competing at this weekend's Bellator 39 event, including main-event competitors Eddie Alvarez and Pat Curran successfully have made weight for Saturday's card.
Additionally, Lyman Good and Rick Hawn made their welterweight tournament semifinal official, while Patricky "Pitbull" Freire and Toby Imada each made weight for their lightweight tournament semifinal.
Today's weigh-ins took place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
The same venue hosted Saturday's MTV2-broadcast event.
In the night's main event, Alvarez looks to defend his Bellator lightweight title for the first time.
"Look forward to a high-paced and violent fight," Alvarez said.
He takes on surprise season-two winner Pat Curran, who said he realizes the opportunity at hand.
"This is the biggest fight of my life," Curran said. "This is huge. People are going to know me after this."
In a last-minute change not announced by the promotion, Luiz Azeredo stepped in to replace Matt Veach in a preliminary card matchup.
Azaredo was completing pre-fight medical assessments during the weigh-in ceremony and will step on the scales late this evening
The full weigh-in results included:
- Champ Eddie Alvarez (154) vs. Pat Curran (154) – for lightweight title
- Lyman Good (169.5) vs. Rick Hawn (170.5) – welterweight tourney semifinal
- Patricky "Pitbull" Freire (154.75) vs. Toby Imada (155) lightweight tourney semifinal
- Ben Saunders (174.5) vs. Matt Lee (174)
- Dave Jansen (155.5) vs. Scott McAfee (155.75)
- Dan Cramer (185.5) vs. Greg Rebello (185.5)
- Ryan Quinn (169.75) vs. Mike Winters (170)
- Rene Nazare (160.75) vs. Luiz Azeredo ()*
- John McLaughlin (134.75) vs. Blair Tugman (135)
* – Azeredo did not weigh in during the official ceremony
For more on Bellator 39, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Eddie Alvarez)


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RACELAND, LA (WAFB) - Four people are dead, including the suspect, and three others remain hospitalized after a killing spree in south Louisiana Thursday night.
Deputy Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office said all three surviving victims are listed in stable condition. He added Lafourche Parish Councilman Louis Phillip Gouaux and his daughter, Andrea, are in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgeries early Friday morning.
Authorities reported Ben Freeman, 38, of Houma, was found dead inside his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on US 90 near the Bayou Blue-area of Lafourche Parish around 10:45 p.m.
Before taking his own life, Freeman is accused of murdering Susan "Pixie" Gouaux of Lockport and Milton Bourgeois of Raceland. Deputies confirmed they were killed with a shotgun, as was Freeman.
The suspect's wife, Denise Freeman, was also found dead. Her body was found in the bathtub of her home. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that she was strangled and died as a result of suffocation and drowning.
Sheriff Craig Webre said a shooting was called in from Lockport around 6:40 p.m. Councilman L. Phillip Gouaux reported he, his wife and his daughter had been shot. Responding deputies found Susan Gouaux dead.
L. Phillip Gouaux and his daughter, Andrea, were taken to a hospital in New Orleans for treatment. Deputies said they learned the Gouauxs' were Freeman's former in-laws. He had once been married to one of the couple's daughters, but not the one who was shot.
Detectives said another shooting happened in Raceland about 20 minutes after the Lockport shooting was reported. They said Freeman showed up at Bourgeois's home and opened fire.
Bourgeois, the administrator at Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland, was shot to death at close range. His wife, Ann Bourgeois, was also shot, but survived. She was also taken to a New Orleans hospital for treatment.
Freeman was employed with Ochsner St. Anne Hospital from May 28, 1998 and through April 18, 2011. Officials say he resigned in April 2011 and sighted personal reasons. However, he remained eligible for rehire and remained on call status for several months after.
Authorities said while searching for Freeman, they placed Ochsner St. Anne Hospital, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center and Terrebonne General Medical Center were all placed on lockdown because they found out he had worked at all three at some point over the past few years.
Ochsner released the following statement Friday morning:
We are terribly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our friend and colleague, Milton Bourgeois, CEO of Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital.
Milton has been a long time member of the Ochsner family and instrumental in healthcare in our region. This is a devastating loss not only to the employees, physicians and staff of the Bayou community, but to the entire Ochsner Health System. Our immediate focus is on providing much needed support for our caregivers across the organization. We will continue to pray for the safe recovery of his wife, Ann, and the other victims. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and the families of the other victims.
We ask for respect and privacy for all of the families and others involved during this difficult time.
The sheriff said multiple agencies from across the area assisted in the investigation. Officials have not yet determined the motive behind the killings.
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that Ben Freeman had a court date scheduled for Jan. 16, 2014 related to a charge of simple battery domestic violence. The charge is a misdemeanor.
Copyright 2013 WAFB. All rights reserved.


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"We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us." – John Muir
Today is Earth Day, a moment when we as a people take notice of our interconnected relationship with the planet we inhabit, when, in theory, we take stock of our responsibilities towards good stewardship of the fragile ecosystems that allow the flourishing of life. A moment where we realize that the resources that we depend on for life are not inexhaustible or incorruptible. Originally a teach-in on environmental issues, Earth Day has since become a global point of focus for issues relating to environmentalism, ecology, and the preservation of natural resources. With climate change becoming an increasingly dire issue, it remains to be seen if we can escape the fog of politics and actually work to mitigate some of the worst effects while we still can.
While many contemporary Pagans today feel a deep connection with these issues, to the point where many now describe themselves as following an "Earth Religion," that was not always the case. Nascent Pagan religious culture in the 1950s and 1960s was more focused on what scholar Chas Clifton, in his book "Her Hidden Children," calls "cosmic" and "embodied" forms of nature. This former dominant paradigm is underscored by a recent editorial by Fritz Muntean, who argues that hedonism, not high-minded environmental concerns, were the driving force in the community he joined in the 1960s.
"The people who rallied, with me, around the ribbon-bedecked May Pole of modern Pagan Witchcraft in the early 1960s were primarily hedonists. Many of us, it's true, were interested in ecology and environmentalism. But all were there, I believe, to fuel the fires of a religiosity that claimed 'all acts of love and pleasure' as its sacraments."
I think that Muntean's assertions as to how the shift in emphasis from 'cosmic' and 'embodied' ideas to 'Gaian' ones happened suffers from a selective and biased reading of our community's history, and largely ignores how Pagans of that time were influenced by a much larger groundswell in the West around issues of environmentalism. As Clifton puts it, this cultural shift within Paganism largely happened without premeditation.
"I would stress that Wicca and other forms of new American Paganism stepped right into the opening created, without, so far as I can tell, any premeditation. In more than a quarter century of involvement in the movement, I have not uncovered any instance of any American Pagan's saying, in effect, 'Let's position ourselves as the environmental religion.' Risking an argument from absence, I think that the unconscious ease with which American Pagans embraced the terms nature religion or earth religion testifies to the strength of Catherine Albanese's argument that nature religion does exist in the American worldview, whether as a scholarly construct, a way of organizing reality (her first description), or as the 'spiritual source of secular passion.'"
It should be noted that within the larger Pagan movement, some individuals and groups have, in recent years, rejected labels like "earth religion" or "nature religion," finding them not accurate descriptors of what they practice or believe. That said, support for environmental causes, a willingness to embrace modern scientific data on issues like climate change, and a general belief that preserving natural resources is a good idea, are still pervasive throughout our interconnected communities. A shift did happen in 1970, one that has changed our religious movement in a deep manner, to the point where environmentalism is often slurred with the epithet of "pagan" by some political conservatives.
"With the demise of the biblical religions that have provided the American people with their core values since the country's inception, we are reverting to the pagan worldview. Trees and animals are venerated, while man is simply one more animal in the ecosystem. And he is largely a hindrance, not an asset."
This slur, meant to shock Christians of a certain stripe, is increasingly losing its power in the face of greater ecological catastrophes. The main question now is, will outrage over local disasters, over poisoned resources, over under-regulated oil, chemical, and gas industries, gel into a national movement powerful enough to shift the political will as it did in the 1970s? Back then it took acid rain, rivers on fire, toxic smog, and widespread chemical poisoning of both people and our ecosystem before enough push-back solidified. How much damage, or more accurately, how much irreversible damage, will we as a culture tolerate? It's clear we will need more than Pagans espousing nature religion, we will need a larger change in how we all encounter and experience the natural world and our place within it.
While I think that documentaries like "A Fierce Green Fire" (debuting tonight on PBS), "Monumental," "Earth Days," or Ken Burns' love letter to the National Parks, can help raise both awareness and a longing for reconnection with nature, nothing replaces experience. Living in Oregon, surrounded by ocean, forest, high plains desert, mountain, and butte, one has only to pick a direction and walk to it. Since moving here some years ago, I have seen my own spiritual framework shift and change as I adapted to my new home. Here, people regularly climb to the summit of local buttes to break through the clouds that are our reality for several months of the year, where almost everyone owns hiking gear, where both REI and Cabela's thrive in providing equipment for a number of outdoor excursions. As a result, "nature religion" is almost our default setting in a land where religious "nones" are a force to be reckoned with.
Not everyone has access to the lush splendor of the Pacific Northwest, but nature, and our desire to preserve its ability to support us, need not depend on forest or mountain. Pagans can oppose fracking in urban New York City, they can get involved in environmental law, fighting for nature in our courtrooms, they can call awareness to poisoned water supplies, they can stand on the front lines as activists, and perhaps most importantly, they can dig into the history of the land they are on, no matter where that is.
"Many of us look to the land to teach us various internal and external lessons. And most of us look to what has been built before us in order to better understand who we were and are. But we sometimes overlook the idea that the objects and structures that we have built can also serve as powerful lessons about the land itself. Lessons that our ancestors knew but in the present-day we have forgotten, lessons that the land may not be able to tell us quite so clearly, especially when man-made alterations have transformed the historic layout of a landscape." – Alley Valkyrie
I know that there will be many who will say that there is little they can do, that they already recycle, or conserve, or donate, as best that they can. That the problems we face are too immense, that we can simply face forward with stoic composure, or engage in "collapse" scenario preparations, and hope for the best. However, I don't think that's true, there is something we all can do, rich or poor, connected or isolated, and that is to stop being polite about the devastation. When the AIDS crisis hit, there were those who were more than ready to consign all who were hit by the disease with death, who readily villainized the sick. However, a group of people decided that they weren't going to die quietly, and that they weren't going to give up hope. They forced awareness, they pushed for new drugs, and they pushed for policy changes. As a result, there are thousands alive today who may not have been had they accepted their fate.
The way forward, especially for those of us who think terms like "nature religion" or "earth religion" matter, is to keep pushing towards a culture that cares about these issues. Where it is reported on in the news every day, where all politicians are forced to have a position, where every new statistic, every new disaster, every new setback, is discussed openly, even if it annoys some of your connected social network. If nature is sacred, if we are connected to that sacred nature, then "likes" are immaterial in the face of crisis. If we want global change, we must become that change. We must role model what we expect from our leadership, be that spiritual or political. Making every day "Earth Day" has become a cliche rejoinder, but we must instead make it a call to action that promotes a radical shift in our spirit.


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Watch CBSN Live
Chinese artist Yang Yongliang was classically trained in the art of Chinese calligraphy and his images evoke serene, natural landscapes. Upon closer inspection though, Yang's compositions are more complex.
One picture of modern Shanghai is stacked together and made to look like a mountain. Everything from the trees to the jagged cliffs are created from images of today's China. A rocky island upon first glance, for instance, is actually skyscrapers.
To create his images, Yang layers thousands of tiny photographs to create and comment on another world.
Read more: Artist Yang Yongliang's naturalist-looking work has "hidden" message about Chinese development
Credit: Yang Yongliang
Yang takes pictures in cities across China. As he snaps the photos, he doesn't know how they'll come together. Ultimately, a telephone pole might wind up resembling a tree or a house can become a rock in a river.
He says he sees human beings as fragile, and through "development" they're creating their own demise.
Far from the Ming Dynasty paper scrolls that were his inspiration, Yang's newest work is projected. His pieces show a Chinese landscape cluttered with skyscrapers and cranes. Yang says good art shows awaken inner emotions.
"I want to make people reflect," he said. "Modern life is comfortable and convenient, but we rarely think about what we exchange for that."
Chinese artist Yang Yongliang layers photographs of modern China to create his "classical" compositions.


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Hard to believe I only attended one game during the last homestand. It was a big homestand too. 12 games to be exact. The only game I went too was last Saturday for Photo Day. {linked here} I'm not blaming my newborn, just saying. :)
Eric Karros was walking out after the game. I think he was still upset over Matt Kemp's ejection. I told Karros that I would like for him to replace Steve Lyons in the broadcast booth. He just smiled. As you know, Karros is working for Fox and does pregame shows for KCAL.
I couldn't figure out the color of his tie. Green/Blue? Nice kicks inside the Nike box though.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Eric Karros blinds me with his tie
3 comments:
- Unknown said...
I think we should call the tie Teal!!!
- June 30, 2011 at 7:54 AM
- Roberto Baly said...
It is a teal! :)
- June 30, 2011 at 8:15 AM
- mel4thedodgers said...
That's totally a "Easter" outfit tie!
- June 30, 2011 at 9:46 AM
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Trade Group Says Ohio Home Sales Up Nearly 12%
An Ohio trade group's report shows statewide home sales rose nearly 12 percent in March compared to a year ago.
Ohio Association of Realtors President Thomas Williams says in a statement that the state's housing market is making steady progress in its effort to establish a solid foundation.
The association said Monday that sales through the first quarter of the year reached 24,412 - a more than 13-percent increase from the 21,515 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The average sales price of $130,668 was a 5.2 percent increase from the $124,259 average price posted in March 2012.
The National Association of Realtors says U.S. sales of previously occupied U.S. homes dipped in March as the supply remained tight, though the pace remained ahead of last year's.


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We have just kicked off The Mentoring Experiment after talking about it for months. There has been a lot of interest and quite a few applications submitted. We've even had a lot of people ask if we needed help mentoring people, which is great. If you're interested, you still have a couple days to submit an application.
The past week or two, after getting started, I've been surprised just how often I've seen or heard the word "mentoring" used in many ways. I've seen it talked about on TV, on the radio, and in various Internet spots. It's almost like our experiment kicked off a slew of other projects from other people. That's not the case, and my guess is I'm a little more aware of how often mentoring is used by various people.
Webster's dictionary says that a mentor servers as a guide or advisor. Wikipedia sees a mentor as a counselor, friend, or teacher that helps to advise a protégé or serve as an example.
Those tend to fit my definition which is someone that is providing some counsel, advice, and perspective to another in a way that has the best interests of the mentee or protégé at heart. It's private, at least to the extent that the mentee wants it private, and there isn't any exchange of money or quid pro quo for the time. It's a volunteer effort on the part of the mentor.
Mentoring is part setting that example in your own career, which allows the mentor to help the mentee learn from experience. This experience and wisdom should establish the respect that is needed for the mentee to take a mentor's advice under advisement. Mentoring is also acting as a sounding board, almost as a psychiatrist does, in listening to the mentee, asking questions, and helping to give an outside perspective on a situation or decision.
A mentor should act as a guide, helping and leading, but not setting the direction or goals, but helping the mentee to find their own way to a better career.


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With the presidential election too close to call, hundreds of thousands of Americans living in Europe have been posting their absentee ballots with a sense that they could truly make a difference on November 6.
From Berlin to Paris and London to Madrid, they have closely tracked the battle between Democrat President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, though the emotional temperature is several degrees lower than four years ago, when most expats rallied behind Obama after two terms of George W. Bush, whom many thought had tarnished the U.S. image abroad.
Both the Republicans and Democrats have courted the expat vote since 1988, when absentee ballots reversed the outcome of a Senate race in Florida, allowing Republican Connie Mack to pip Democrat Buddy MacKay, who had led when polling stations closed.
Absentee ballots also made the difference in another Senate race in 2008. Democrat Al Franken came from 215 votes behind to win with the help of absentee votes.
RELATED: The Hidden Power of the Early Voter in Election 2012
The tightness of the presidential race, with a Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll showing a dead heat [ID:nL1E8LO7LJ], has made the expat vote arguably more important than ever. Both Republicans Abroad and Democrats Abroad organizations have gone all out to get Americans registered and voting in their home states.
"Americans in Germany are really excited about this year's election but nervous too," said Nancy Green, an opera singer who chairs the Democrats Abroad in Berlin. A New York state voter, she helped hundreds get registered in their states this year. "Everyone knows it's going to be really, really close," she added. "People abroad realize our votes really count. We've done everything we can to find Americans and help them register."
U.S. citizens wanting to vote have to be registered in advance in a state, each with different rules and deadlines. Even though there is no data available about the distribution of the expat vote, it could have an impact in key swing states such as Ohio, Florida and Virginia.
"There's a high interest among expats in Germany, but I sense those on the Democrat side aren't as fervent today as they were in 2008," said Thomas Leiser of Texas, chairman of German's Republicans Abroad and a businessman in Frankfurt. "There's intense disappointment in President Obama's leadership."
The estimated 250,000 Americans in Germany - the fourth largest U.S. expatriate community in the world - traditionally leant toward Republican candidates, partly due to a large cohort of generally more conservative soldiers stationed there, and the coordinated efforts of the military to get absentee ballots to the 50,000 troops. But that shifted in recent elections as disenchantment with Bush in Germany and across Europe grew - though political scientist James Walston of the American University in Rome believes expats in the military will still mostly vote Romney.
"The majority of soldiers will tend to be Republican voters because of the demographics," Walston said. "They tend to come from the Southern and Central states where the Republicans win."
But civilian expats appear to have been more influenced by the overwhelmingly pro-Obama stance of their European hosts. Many Americans in Europe, for instance, are baffled that Republicans oppose national health care, which most Europeans take for granted. An opinion poll by the Emnid polling institute found 87 percent of German nationals would vote for Obama and only 5 percent for Romney if they had the chance to cast ballots. Those numbers are similar to polls of Germans taken four years ago.
In France, a CSA poll found 67 percent would prefer Obama versus 5 percent for Romney. In 2008 the same poll found 83 percent for Obama and 10 percent for Republican John McCain.
"Based on what I'm hearing, I'd say most expats are going to vote for Obama, probably about 90 percent," said Alan Benson, a leader of American Voices Abroad, which helps people register. But Benson, a 53-year-old teacher who has lived in Germany for 47 years, said the enthusiasm for Obama was gone. "People were over-excited by Obama and got disappointed. Some people voted once in a lifetime in 2008. We met people who crawled out from under their rocks for that. But they're not coming back."
In Britain, where about 400,000 Americans live, several of them admitted the mood was subdued this time and they were less passionate about Obama. Most seem disillusioned as the promise of hope and change was dashed by partisan politics and Congressional obstacles. "This election is different," said Kendred Dove, 25, a marketing executive whose vote will count in Arizona. "In 2008 there had been a real turn against Republicans after Bush. Obama symbolized a bright new future and had the celebrity factor. Neither candidate has the celebrity factor anymore."
American expats interviewed at random in Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Brussels said they were leaning towards Obama, but with less enthusiasm than in 2008. But a vote's a vote, however zealous the voter. "People may not be as passionate as in the last election, when we were voting for the first black American president and the end of the Bush years, but we are just as determined," said Brian Lee Ford, a psychotherapist in Madrid. "With Bush, it was embarrassing that we couldn't justify our foreign policy."
In France, where about 100,000 Americans live permanently, a short walk through a 17th century cobblestone courtyard in Paris leads you to the "Obama Meetup", where several dozen Democrats have assembled in a room decorated with a life-size cut-out of the president, blue Obama T-shirts and a few U.S. flags. "France has one of the highest (U.S. expat) voter registration rates in the world. Congratulations everybody!" announced Eileen Bastianelli, who heads social media for Democrats Abroad.
Tom McGrath, 53, a banker at the helm of Republicans Abroad, said Americans were suffering in a deep recession and Obama would be held accountable. "French people that I know can't really imagine Obama losing," he said. "They don't see Romney as a serious contender. They just cannot imagine Americans would throw out Obama. What they miss is that Americans haven't experienced the type of economic situation that we've been through since the 1930s."
(Additional reporting by Isla Binnie in London, Tracy Rucinski in Madrid, Alexandria Sage in Paris, Ethan Bilby in Brussels and Martin Schmidt-Bleek in Berlin)


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This High-Performance level, state-of-the-art aluminum material is made predominantly from 6011 alloy and delivers best-in-class strength-to-weight ratios. These framesets also feature unique welding technologies for a high-performance ride quality.
FastRoad SL 3
Please be aware that while we are working hard to deliver orders as normal, you may experience some delay while we ensure the health and safety of all staff that work on behalf of Giant and Liv.
So smooth, so efficient, it feels like flying. This lightweight flyer combines the sporty feel of a road bike with the added confidence and control of a flat handlebar.
The perfect balance of road bike speed and city bike versatility. Built on a lightweight ALUXX SL aluminum frameset, this new flat-bar road bike puts the rider in a comfortable position that's smooth and efficient. The fast-rolling 700c wheels and vibration-absorbing composite D-Fuse seatpost help smooth out rough roads. The fast-rolling 700c wheels can accommodate large tyres up to 32c, perfect for tackling rough roads with confidence and control, while integrated ergo bar ends keep your hands comfortable on longer adventures. Powerful disc brakes give you added control in all types of weather, and easy-to-use rack mounts make FastRoad SL a smart choice for commuting, fitness riding and weekend adventures.
Key Performance Factors
Light and agile
ALUXX SL aluminum frameset with updated geometry minimizes weight and produces a quick, nimble ride quality.
Smooth and comfortable
Innovative D-Fuse composite seatpost absorbs road vibrations, and new ergonomically designed bar ends protect your hands, keeping them comfortable on longer rides.
Easy to accessorize
Smart-mount rack and fender system lets you customize the bike for fitness riding, commuting or long-range adventures.
Similar Products
All specifications listed are subject to change without notice.


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Concord & 9th HEXAGON Dies 1071310713
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Concord & 9th launched in August 2015 when two creative minds intersected. Greg Cottrell & Angie Backman left their corporate jobs to fulfill the dream of owning and running a small business in an industry they are passionate about. Concord & 9th's products are designed to be fresh and trendy, with innovation in the details. Concord & 9th strives to focus on giving you the most versatility out of a single design. All of their products are manufactured in the USA from the highest quality materials.


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Kamakura's research efforts are led by Dr. Robert A. Jarrow, Managing Director of Research.
Kamakura's processing speed and analytical quality are due to Dr. Jarrow's innovative research. Clients deserve the integrity of academic review to ensure the accuracy of all risk management calculations, and for this reason Kamakura boasts the leading publishing record in the risk management software industry.
Kamakura provides clients with full access to our modeling details and the underlying mathematics. We don't believe in black boxes and neither do financial institution regulators.
Unparalleled Accuracy
Kamakura clients often integrate a small number of risk modules at the beginning, with additional functionality introduced over time. This approach allows for acquisition of the specific risk functionality while providing a growth path to a more integrated risk solution. It also reduces the initial acquisition cost of a risk solution and can reduce the overall expense of migrating to an integrated risk solution.
Kamakura's clients have never failed to successfully operate the Kamakura Risk Manager system on their site with their data. This flawless record of successful installation is unique in our industry. Kamakura's clients achieve this processing volume and successful implementation record because Kamakura software modules share the same following attributes:
Kamakura provides integrated credit risk, market risk, asset & liability management, and performance measurement in a singular software offering. This integration is desirable from a cost and efficiency standpoint and crucial for true and effective enterprise wide risk management. Kamakura Corporation is the first software company in the world to provide a single, fully integrated software package that performs critical functions previously requiring multiple vendors.


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- Pastoral Outreach Director for Minnesota for Marriage
- Host of "Word of Truth" radio show
- Compared marriage equality supporters to Nazis, saying ""[Hitler] removed their voices in the public square and removed their control of their own businesses. So, he stopped Jewish people from speaking out in public and he silenced them." (Brandon has apologized for this remark. Minnesota for Marriage stood by his statement, saying "His point was absolutely correct; he was just using a poor analogy and an incorrect choice of words"
- Claims gay people are using Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer to get kids to "sign a pledge online" to say that they are "for the homosexual agenda and the homosexual movement in this country" because "Satan knows that if he gets the kids he gets the future. Even Adolf Hitler knew that."
- Compares being gay to being an alcoholic, an adulterer or a pedophile
- Claims to have witnessed a "group of homosexuals" teaching students that "masturbation is okay" at Minnesota's State Capitol


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I was asked to give an introduction to tables in LaTeX. Even though there are plenty of tutorials and pieces of LaTeX-code out there in the internet, it might still be useful to somebody who just started using Latex or has never used tables before…
Let me start with the table-stub and later on explain how to fill in the actual table content. Most of the Latex editors provide a macro, which is usually helpful as it directly inserts the basic stub usually including a few rows and columns of the table. The macro provided by LED is the following code:
\begin{table}[t] \centering \begin{tabular}{} %table content \end{tabular} \caption{} \label{tab:label} \end{table}
There is an optional argument which determines where LaTeX places the table. Available placements are:
h (here), t (top), b (bottom) and p (page of floats).
Caption and label are the same commands used when including figures. Caption is the explanation displayed below or above the table, depending on where you insert it, before or after the tabular. The label is used for reference in the text. It is a Latex convention to start table references by "tab:", which no only lets you use the same name for a figure (starting with fig:) and a table, but makes it easier to distinguish between figures and tables. Use the command \ref{tab:} to reference a table in the text.
The tabular environment produces a box consisting of a sequence of rows aligned vertically in columns. The complete tabular environment takes 3 arguments:
The first argument fixes the width of the whole tabular environment.Filling the content is not difficult, once you got the idea. Columns are separated by "&" and rows by "\\".
Example 1:
entry 1 & entry 2 & entry 3 & entry4 \\
You have to tell Latex in the beginning how many columns you will be using. This is done by adding l's (align left), c's (align center) and r's (align right) in addition to |'s (vertical bar for cell separation) as the argument of the command tabular.
Example 2:
In order to generate a table with four horizontal cells as in example 1, one would use
c can be substituted by l and r.
It is also possible to use different alignments for different cells. Just make sure that are as many c's, l's and r's as there are column entries, otherwise LaTeX will complain. For leaving a cell empty, just use "& &". The number of &'s has to be equal to the number of c's/r's/l's -1.
There are a certain number of other options available, which I will not discuss here, as they are quite specific. You can find the complete command reference for tabular here.
In order to horizontally separate the cells, just use
\hline, which inserts a line as wide as the table. The size of the table is determined automatically, depending on the number of cells as well as the content.
Example 3:
Here is the code for a complete table, which can be used as a template for your tables, just copy-paste the code into your tex-file:
\begin{table}[t] \centering \begin{tabular}{|l|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline Product & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5\\ \hline Price & 124.- & 136.- & 85.- & 156.- & 23.-\\ Guarantee [years] & 1 & 2 & - & 3 & 1\\ Rating & 89\% & 84\% & 51\% & & 45\%\\ \hline \hline Recommended & yes & yes & no & no & no\\ \hline \end{tabular} \caption{This is a table template} \label{tab:template} \end{table}
\ref{tab:template} gives an example of how to write a table in Latex.Generating the PDF should produce thefollowing table.


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Do free maxi pads help keep girls in developing countries in school? Not if their periods weren't making them miss class in the first place.
Times Economix bloggers Emily Oster and Rebecca Thornton point out that girls in the developing world attend school at a lower rate than boys, and that policymakers have looked to periods as an explanation: "As the story goes, girls miss significant amount of school during menstruation, largely because of lack of modern sanitary products, and this contributes to lower attendance rates, eventual failure, or dropping-out." Procter & Gamble, the Clinton Global Initiative, and other organizations have sought to remedy this problem through free pads and "hygiene education" in developing countries. But their efforts may not be doing much.
When Oster and Thornton studied girls in Nepal, the girls did report missing school due to menstruation. But the effect was very small — Oster and Thornton write that "girls missed only about a third of a day per year due to their period." The economists also gave menstrual cups to some of the girls, but this had no effect on their attendance.
I'm not sure if the cup aspect of the study is conclusive — many women swear by menstrual cups, but they can also be intimidating, especially for young girls. The rest of the findings, however, make a certain amount of sense. We too have echoed the menstruation explanation for girls poor attendance, but really, women have been menstruating all over the world for thousands of years. It's a little ethnocentric to assume that those in developing countries just haven't figured out how to deal with their periods, and need special Western "education." And I'm not the first to point out that Procter & Gamble may be setting up future markets of paying customers by introducing girls to its products.
Focusing on periods may also distract education advocates from deeper issues. Oster and Thornton write,
Part of the appeal of [the menstruation] explanation is that the fix is so easy. There is no need to change attitudes about female schooling, to provide funds for uniforms or textbooks, or to construct new schools closer to girls' homes; instead, the menstruation theory suggests simply providing sanitary products could significantly affect the education gap.
Oster and Thornton didn't study every country in the world, and it's possible that girls outside their sample might benefit from free feminine products. But their study makes clear that periods aren't the whole story, and a maxi pad is not going to solve the problem of female education.
Are 'Feminine Problems' Keeping Poor Girls Out Of School? [NYT/Economix]


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FASHIONABLE FETE: A fashion flock celebrated the launch of Anna Mouglalis' first jewelry line, called "Ego sur Mesure," at Paris' Colette on Tuesday night. Karl Lagerfeld, Inès de la Fressange, Theophilus London, Caroline de Maigret, Ellen von Unwerth and Dominique Issermann were among the guests.
"Here is the young bride," enthused Lagerefeld, referring to Kati Nescher, who had gone down the Chanel catwalk earlier that day. The little boy who ended the show with Nescher and the second bride is Lagerfeld's godson, Hudson Kroenig.
"He is very cute," cooed the model.
Meanwhile, Lagerfeld said, "I am taking advantage of the party to shop, to buy gifts for friends."
"Karl cannot help shopping at Colette," added de la Fressange. "You cannot come here without buying something. If you are really broke, there are always funny bubble gums. Last time, I bought an iPhone case."
The party was co-hosted by Seafarer, the denim brand known for its bell-bottom pants, and the Pièce d'Anarchive fashion label, founded by sisters Priscilla and Déborah Royer and Virginie Muys.
On display were Paolo Roversi's large black-and-white photos of Arizona Muse, who features in Pièce d'Anarchive's spring-summer images.
"I like Arizona a lot. It's for her that I am wearing my hat tonight," said Roversi. "She is from Sante Fe. So is my hat."
The fashion photographer said he is working on two new books. "They won't be anthology books. I am too young for that," the 65-year-old said with a smile.
Mouglalis explained she turned to jewelry making after a yen to do something crafty, but that her collection's debut fell on a daunting day.
"After today's shows, it is a bit difficult. They were absolutely gorgeous," Mouglalis exclaimed.


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New Orleans hurricane disasters are who we are.
We met in the aftermath of Katrina, both giving speeches about race and recovery at a fair-housing conference. We attempted our first date during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, but the requisite preparations and family evacuations for Hurricane Gustav made it impossible to connect with each other. On our second date, at President Obama's inauguration, we co-authored a commentary arguing that his election was possible because the televised suffering of Katrina survivors dramatically changed American public opinion toward President Bush and the Republican Party. We were in love by the time President Obama made his first presidential visit to New Orleans. We took the opportunity to write together again, claiming that the lessons of post-Katrina New Orleans offered a blue print for rebuilding our national economy.
That's how nerd love works… at least in New Orleans.
Hurricane Isaac, by striking the Gulf Coast on the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, reminds us that while some things have changed, much remains the same.
Much has changed for us. We are no longer dating; we are happily married. This time there were two sets of parents to evacuate. This time there was a fifth grader's school schedule to consider. This time there were two houses to secure. There is the little shotgun in the 7th ward where we live; we just celebrated the full post-Katrina restoration of that home earlier this year. It stood strong in the storm. Across the street was the other home. It had been ravaged by Katrina and Gustav, but we'd just closed on it a few weeks ago, hoping to fully restore it and make it our home so our family would have room to grow. Isaac took it on Wednesday morning, exactly seven years after Katrina.
This time we could share the emotional despair and deferred dreams as never before.
But the changes since Katrina are not just personal. This is a different country. We have a Democrat in the White House. President Obama, working with Congress, has led the federal government in constructing a state-of-the-art federal levee and water pumping system to protect the New Orleans metropolitan area. This time, the levees held. And thank goodness they did: Katrina's disastrous legacy is due mostly to the failure of the federal levees and subsequent flooding of 75 percent of historic New Orleans.
Still unchanged is the devastation and dashed hopes that are left in the hurricanes' paths. Like Katrina, Isaac destroyed homes, separated families and left people stranded on rooftops. Our dream home, which had stood for more than 100 years, is gone. Even that loss is minimal compared to the massive losses of personal property and memories that so many of our neighbors in Plaquemines Parish have suffered.
Also unchanged is Republicans' uncanny ability to demonstrate just how out of touch they are with the suffering on the Gulf Coast. Recalling President George W. Bush's ignominious flyover seven years ago, Republicans partied and danced the night away in Tampa, Florida, voicing only fleeting concern for those in Hurricane Isaac's path. But as most conservatives celebrated the Romney-Ryan government rollback ticket, one up and coming Republican leader rebutted a fundamental conservative premise.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal asked for the federal government to do more. He has been a standard bearer against so-called "Obamacare" and has railed against federal stimulus dollars, but as the winds and rain of Isaac devastated his state, Governor Jindal reached out for Washington's help. The president had declared a state of emergency, thereby allowing the governor and the people of Louisiana access to federal support to "alleviat[e] the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population…to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe." Jindal, concerned that this might be insufficient, wrote to the president: "…the state's original request for federal assistance…included a request for reimbursement for all emergency protective measures. The federal declaration of emergency only provides for direct federal assistance."
It was the right move. In the wake of disaster, communities need support that can only be provided by the collective support system that federal government provides. The request, however, runs afoul of party stalwarts. From Ron Paul to Eric Cantor, Republican leaders have called for the defunding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These agencies lead and manage government response to disasters and track hurricanes and predict their paths so that Americans can prepare appropriately. In fact, even as Hurricane Irene struck Cantor's district, he refused to support full funding for FEMA and NOAA.
During Hurricane Isaac, only one levee failed. It was a levee in Plaquemines Parish built using private resources. It was constructed because local members of Congress, citing cost concerns, refused to fund construction of a federal levee to protect the low-lying parish.
The failing private levees supports the notion that there are some things that private corporations and rugged individualism simply are not designed to handle. Surviving disaster requires support that can be provided only by the collective. Our collective tax dollars allow the National Hurricane Center to warn us of impending hurricanes. Our collective tax dollars fund federal interstates that allow evacuation. Our collective tax dollars fund emergency response agencies that help disaster victims in need.
So while Republicans dance the night away in Tampa, we remain in New Orleans. Our home collapsed, and our neighborhood has been without electricity since Tuesday. For once, we stand in agreement with Governor Jindal. We need more government, not less. Too bad Governor Jindal won't be in Tampa to spread the word.


text: The 2019 Americana Honors & Awards ceremony was held on Sept. 11 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The star-studded event, which was hosted by the Milk Carton Kids, featured performances by Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, Lori McKenna, Delbert McClinton, Buddy & Julie Miller, Maria Muldaur, Mumford & Sons, Amanda Shires and more. The night's big winners…… MORE


text:
Summer Fling – Gehäkeltes DROPS Tuch in "Delight" mit Fächermuster und Luftmaschen-Bögen. – Free pattern by DROPS Design
Again, we can easily make a fishnet shawl model with you. Not only is it a fast-moving braid, it also looks good.
We start by making harosho at the bottom end with 4 loops. 2 we give the triangle form by increasing the loop one at a time from the sides.
We cut 1 from the front and weave by increasing 1. In the back row, we cut what we raise, and we advance the example by increasing what we cut.
We finish the example until the long part of our shawl is 1.5-2 meters. We make the shawl look even more beautiful by fringing it at the lower ends.
Today I'm going to tell you about making hairpin shawls. This slim, envelope wrap model is very beautiful and very popular. I'll try to tell you how to knit this shawl.:
* We take a large hairpin, a medium-thin rope and a wool crochet.
* We weave the length we want with our hairpin.
* 4 pieces of the same length we weave firketemizle.
* 1. we're getting our hairpin vote. We pick up 20 ropes from the first one. We pick up 5 ropes between them. We're putting chains on it.
* In the same way we do the other side and complete the first one. 2nd ed. we make our hairpin, we make chains between them, we put them together.
* This is how we complete it all.
* We make decorations around the edges and complete our shawl.
The shawl model I'm going to tell you is knitted with silvery thread and crochet.
Construction: our Shawl is duplicated by starting in the middle. We pull 6 chains and close the chain. We create 6 fillings on 3'er Banister and make flowers. At the starting point of the shawl, this is the flower. Decanter spaces of the flower 4 ' each 2 fill, one of the single Fill by turning around the flower. Every turn we make it double on doubles and single on singles.
Trick: the only fillings by taking the reverse of the 4'lu Banister do not replicate. We weave until the length is 1.5 m and make a spider at the ends of the skirt and complete it.
Godeli shawl knitting making
We start our shawl in one piece with 35 loops around the corner.
We weave 5 haroshos to form the Godey at the ends of the skirts and go back.
We weave 5 more loops and turn, passing the other 5 loops and increasing 1 one in between.
We increase the main part by 20 loops and weave harosho and move to the godeli part.
We turn back 5'er knitting 15 after looping the bottle to increase.
We weave the Godeli portion to remain constant as a total of 15 loops, but we weave the shawl part every time by increasing 1 loop until it is 60 cm.
As for the middle part in the same way 1'er cut the loop at the end of the 35 loop until the remaining we weave and finish in this way.


text:
ROCKFORD — No one was hurt during an early-morning armed robbery of a business located inside an office building at 7210 E. State St.
A tenant had gone to the parking lot about 1:37 a.m. Thursday to retrieve items from a vehicle. A man armed with a black revolver forced the tenant back into the office building and three or four other assailants appeared, Rockford Police Department Lt. Dane Person said.
The robbers stole electrical musical equipment, computers and other items.
The man with the gun was described as a black male, 6-feet tall, 240 pounds wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and white bandanna. No other descriptions, vehicle information or direction of travel were available.
Anyone with information is asked to call Rockford police at 815-987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.