text:
D-backs not content with first-half success
Despite leading the NL West going into the break, Arizona can perform better
PHOENIX -- The D-backs were happy with the way their first half of the season went.
Happy, sure, but far from satisfied.
The D-backs went into the All-Star break in first place in the National League West, but with the nagging feeling that they should have done even better.
"I don't think we've played as well as we can," third baseman Eric Chavez said.
The D-backs persevered through several significant injuries during the first half.
Before the season even began, outfielder Adam Eaton strained his elbow and missed the first three months. Cody Ross started the year on the disabled list and second baseman Aaron Hill spent more than two months on the DL, while closer J.J. Putz was out for almost two months.
In addition to the injuries, third baseman Martin Prado started slowly at the plate and catcher Miguel Montero was hitting below .200 as late as June 7.
And yet there the D-backs were, atop the standings at the break.
"We had major injuries to start out the year, and we thought it was going to hurt a lot more," Montero said. "Obviously it hurt, but the guys who were here stepped it up and did their jobs, and they definitely opened some eyes. We've been playing as a team, and that's why we're at where we're at right now."
The D-backs were led by the two players who represented them at the All-Star Game -- first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and left-hander Patrick Corbin.
First-half awards
|MVP: Paul Goldschmidt If the season ended today Goldschmidt would deserve to be in the conversation for the NL MVP Award. He has carried the Arizona lineup for much of the season and has played Gold Glove defense at first.
|Cy Young: Patrick Corbin After winning the No. 5 spot in Spring Training, Corbin quickly became the team's ace. He won his first nine decisions and could have had even more wins with better offensive support.
|Rookie: Didi Gregorius Though Gregorius' numbers tailed off after a hot start, he brought energy to the team when he was activated in late April, and he has played stellar defense at shortstop.
|Top reliever: Josh Collmenter It's not often that a long man is a team's top reliever, but Collmenter has saved the bullpen numerous times by pitching as many as six innings at a time. He particularly saved the 'pen in extra frames, and he started off 4-0 in extra-inning games.
Goldschmidt signed a five-year, $32 million extension this spring and made it look like a bargain with the way he played. He led the NL in RBIs for much of the first half and delivered clutch hits when the D-backs really needed it.
Corbin, meanwhile, earned the No. 5 spot in the rotation during the spring and then went out and pitched like the team's ace.
In his first 19 first starts before the break, the D-backs were 17-2. And while the rotation was inconsistent for much of the first half, Corbin was a model of consistency.
"We've had our ups and downs, but I don't think we've played our best baseball yet," Corbin said. "I think we're just going to get better and better as the season goes on."
And then there was outfielder Gerardo Parra.
For the second year in a row, the D-backs gave away his starting job during the offseason, and once again, Parra found a way to make himself indispensable.
Arizona manager Kirk Gibson has consistently preached team goals over individual ones during his time at the helm, and general manager Kevin Towers made putting together a team with that mindset a priority.
"If I was looking at personal goals, I would be miserable," Montero said. "I'm not looking at that. Obviously I'd like to be doing better, but as long as the team wins, I'm happy. I'm doing my best to help. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."
The D-backs began getting some of their injured players back just before the break, which should help boost them in the second half.
Players to watch in second half
|Adam Eaton Eaton was expected to be a spark plug in the lineup, but he was on the disabled list until July 9. He brings a different dimension to the Arizona lineup, and if he can stay healthy and play to his potential, he will be a big boost.
|Ian Kennedy Kennedy has struggled through a disappointing first half. He's shown flashes of the pitcher who won 21 games in 2011, but has struggled to find consistency with his command. If he can pitch like the Kennedy of '11, it would really help the rotation.
|J.J. Putz Putz battled some health issues, which caused him to miss time, and it took him a while to get his arm speed back when he returned. The D-backs need him to regain his dominant form in order to stabilize the bullpen.
And they will need to get more offensive production out of Montero and Prado to be able to remain ahead of the Dodgers, who closed the first half riding a wave of momentum.
"These guys have been around for a while, and we know what they're capable of," Corbin said. "That's why I think we can be that much better when we start playing together and get more in sync and get the whole team together and healthy."
The biggest area the D-backs will need to improve on in the second half is closing out games.
After Putz missed nearly eight weeks, his arm strength was not up to the closer's role when he returned, and the usually reliable setup man David Hernandez has struggled with his consistency. Heath Bell closed for a while in Putz's absence, and he, too, struggled.
With their position players now back and injured starters Brandon McCarthy and Trevor Cahill due to return in late July or early August, the bullpen will remain the area of focus as the Trade Deadline approaches.
"How do we fix it?" Towers said just before the break. "What other things can we do to try and get guys in the right spots to where we can be more successful? Those are the type of conversations we're having right now. We'll probably have a better idea what our plan is when we open up [the second half] against the Giants."


text:
Right-hander Reynolds looking forward to callup
CINCINNATI -- Each season, players come up from the Minors and enter the Reds' big league clubhouse. Some appreciate the opportunity more than others. Considering the time and effort it has taken him to get back to the Majors, right-handed starting pitcher Greg Reynolds really appreciated the chance.
"I think it's more gratifying this time around," Reynolds said on Sunday morning from a locker at Great American Ball Park after arriving from Triple-A Louisville. "I definitely had to fight my way to get back. I'm excited about this opportunity. I'm glad the Reds are giving it to me. I will give them everything I've got."
Reynolds, who turned 28 on July 3, will be officially called up on Tuesday to face the Giants in the second game of a doubleheader at San Francisco. He hails from nearby Pacifica, Calif.
"I'm sure he's excited," manager Dusty Baker said. "He's from right over the hill from my place in San Francisco. I'm sure he grew up a Giants fan."
The No. 2 overall pick by the Rockies out of Stanford in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Reynolds has had a star-crossed career in the Majors. He reached Colorado by '08 but was slowed by shoulder and elbow injuries. His last experience in the big leagues came in '11.
In 27 games, including 16 starts, for the Rockies, Reynolds was 5-8 with a 7.47 ERA. Last season was spent with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock, where he posted a 5.30 ERA in 27 starts. The Reds signed Reynolds as a Minor League free agent in December.
"I was just trying to find a good fit," Reynolds said. "To be honest with you, there weren't that many offers out there."
Everything has been solid this season at Louisville, where Reynolds was 10-2 with a 2.54 ERA, 23 walks and 79 strikeouts in 19 starts. Necessity has forced him to change from being a hard-thrower to more of a finesse pitcher. He's added pitches, including a cut fastball.
"I definitely had to transfer to more of a pitcher, rather than just trying to beat guys with stuff," Reynolds said. "My fastball is not what it was coming out of college. I need to pitch a little more, execute better and just hit them with a steady mix to keep them off balance.
"It's definitely been a great season so far. I keep it always about the next start and try not to dwell on what I did the last start or before that. I fought a lot harder this time to get here and prove that I belong here."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Webster University Ranked Highest Ever by U.S. News and World Report
Sep. 10, 2013
ST. LOUIS - Webster University moved up three spots in the just-released "America's Best Colleges" 2014 edition of "U.S. News & World Report" from 24th to 21st in the Regional University-Midwest category. For the fifth consecutive year, Webster University tops its category for schools in the St. Louis Area.
This is the highest level ranking that Webster University has received on a "U.S. News & World Report," and this is the second year in a row that Webster University has risen in the rankings, moving from 28th on the 2012 list. Overall, Webster tied with Bethel University and Milwaukee School of Engineering as among the best Midwest Regional Universities.
"Webster University focuses on providing programs of recognized academic excellence at great value with attention to students' success," said Webster President Elizabeth "Beth" J. Stroble. "Our talented faculty and staff continue to develop innovative and engaging ways to prepare students for an increasingly connected world that demands life-long learning. As this ranking news indicates, the quality of a Webster education and our reputation are growing as a result."
"U.S. News & World Report" defines institutions in the Regional University category as those that provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master's programs. Schools are listed among four regions - North, South, Midwest and West. Nationwide, 621 institutions are in the Regional University category; 147 of those are in the Midwest region. Institutions in each region are listed as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 institution. Webster has been ranked a Tier 1 institution for more than a decade.
Overall, Webster's entire score went up in just about every category on the list, including graduation and retention rates.
Webster was ranked as an "A-Plus School for B Students" among Midwest regional colleges. According to "U.S. News and World Report," this category is for students with "B average" grades who felt that they could do well in a top college, and that the colleges on the list "truly seek a broad, engaged student body" and accept a mix of both top academic students as well as those who show potential. Webster also made two other lists:
- Economic Diversity among the Top 25 Ranked Schools in the Regional Universities (Midwest) category: Webster is listed as first with 51% of undergraduate students at the Webster Groves campus receiving Pell Grants in 2011-2012.
- Highest Proportion of Classes with Fewer than 20 Students in the Regional Universities (Midwest) category: Webster is listed third with 86.3% of undergraduate classes in fall 2012 on the Webster Groves campus having fewer than 20 students enrolled.
"This newest rankings of Webster University by U.S. News & World Report is indicative of our investments in the best educational experiences for our students," said Provost, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Julian Schuster. "Increased number of the full time faculty, relevant programs, personalized attention, and modern facilities reflect our commitment to serve the multi-talented student body."
Earlier this year, Webster University's online graduate education program was recognized by "U.S. News & World Report" at 27 among the 100 best in the nation, while its online business program was recognized at 62 among the 100 best. Webster University's nursing program was ranked at 295 out of 442 programs, and its nursing-anesthesia program was ranked at 48 out of 100 by the magazine in 2011, the last year the magazine reviewed nursing programs in the United States. The University also has been recognized by several other rankings earlier this year. This summer, "Forbes" listed Webster as among the best universities and colleges in the country, while "Affordable Colleges Online" listed Webster as having one of the top "returns on investments" for alumni.
"U.S. News & World Report" issued its first annual academic rankings 30 years ago. The magazine uses a protected methodology that calculates a school's overall score based on numerous factors, including peer assessment score, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving rate.
In this year's introduction to the rankings, "U.S. News & World Report" says, "The host of intangibles that make up the college experience can't be measured by a series of data points. But for families concerned with finding the best academic value for their money, the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings provide an excellent starting point for the search."
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses and a robust online learning program. Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America, with a campus in Africa expected to open in 2014. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.


text:
The Czarna Hańcza River and the Augustowski Canal 6 daysOrganized Kayaking trip - dates, accommodation options, Poland
Through 3 countries in a kayak - 6 days, complex organized visafreeThe kayaking trip - Poland Belarus Lithuania, accommodation options
Bonding events, business meetingsIn the land of Yotvingian people, kayaking trips for companies
Dear Guests,
We are a registered tourism operator - No. 17/00/04 issued by the Office of Podlaskie Voivode in Bialystok.
We also posses Tourist Organiser Insurance No. AXA TUiR S.A. 02.057.149.
We cordially invite you
Our kayaks and canoes
We are a member
Polish Chamber of Tourism
We are a registered tourism operator - No. 17/00/04 issued by the Marshal
of the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
We also posses Tourist Organiser Insurance AXA TUiR S.A. 04.206.802.
16-300 AUGUSTÓW Poland
ul. Konwaliowa 2
mobile +48 601 146 703
tel. +48 87 644 67 58


text:
Home > Original Equipment > Products > Product Details
Piston ring with rectangular cross section that performs necessary sealing functions under normal operating conditions. With peripheral coating and appropriate barrel face, use is mainly in the top groove in automobile gasoline and diesel engines.In order to secure a good oil film between ring and cylinder, rectangular rings with a symmetrical or asymmetrical-barreled running surface are used as pressure rings in the first groove, as shown below. The running surface is the contour of the ring facing the cylinder surface. The objective of this running surface profile is to create a lubrication slot with a hydrodynamic film which the piston ring can slide on without touching the other surface. An optimized asymmetrical-barreled running surface ensures low lubricant consumption even after a very long running time. The additional angle on the running surface prevents the upper edge of the ring from touching the cylinder and transporting oil upwards into the combustion chamber.A common feature of a piston ring is a slot with a non-circular design. This non-circular form is necessary so that the piston ring exerts an exactly defined pressure over the whole ring circumference when inserted in the circular cylinder. This pressure can be distributed evenly over the circumference; however, a negative oval form is generally aimed for. This means that the pressure in the area of the slot is lower than on the remaining circumference which avoids increased pressure on the slot during operation of the engine.
Product Category


text:
| 5.2°C Belfast
Labour's biggest affiliate is to cut its funding by £1.5 million in the wake of changes to the party's links with trade unions.
Unite said it will affiliate 500,000 members to the party in 2014 and will review the number annually.
The union had affiliated one million members, worth £3 million a year to Labour, so the move will effectively cut funding by around £1.5 million.
The GMB union decided last year to cut its affiliation funding by £1 million because of reforms put forward by Labour leader Ed Miliband.
A special conference agreed at the weekend to adopt the changes, under which union members will have to opt in to party membership rather than be automatically affiliated.
The reforms were put forward by Mr Miliband following controversy last year over Unite's involvement in the selection of a Labour candidate in Falkirk.
A statement by Unite said the decision of the special conference sets the collective relationship of Unite and other affiliated unions with the party on a "new course."
Unite's executive also authorised general secretary Len McCluskey to respond to any requests for additional financial assistance from Labour, with a general election just over a year away.
The statement said: "The union will rapidly prepare a plan to ensure that we maximise the number of our political levy-paying members who express support for our continuing collective affiliation, and who take advantage of the possibility of becoming associated members of the party.
"Our representative on the implementation committee which will oversee the introduction of the agreed reforms will, among other things, work to ensure that the interests of our members are protected in the forthcoming selection process for Labour candidate for London mayor and in any leadership election that may occur before 2020.
"When the leader of the party announced his intention to seek changes in the Labour-union relationship in summer 2013, he made it clear that he did not think it appropriate that the party continue to accept affiliation fees from those who had not actively assented to such payments. Unite accepted that principle at the time."
The new opt-in arrangements will apply immediately for new union members, and within five years for existing members.
The statement continued: "By the conclusion of the transitional period in 2020, it will be clear how many members of Unite and other unions actively support their political levy being used to affiliate to the Labour party. Unite will work to make that number as large as possible.
"It is inevitable, however, that the final total will be considerably less than the present one million members affiliated. Opinion polling evidence suggests that, while Labour is by some way the most popular choice for Unite members at the ballot box, no more than half the membership in Britain vote Labour at present (many of the others not voting at all).
"The Executive Council therefore agrees that Unite's affiliation will need to be reduced over the five-year period to 2020 to reflect this reality. It will therefore affiliate 500,000 members to the party for 2014, and will review this number annually.
"The Executive Council is, however, also aware that we are now just a year from a general election, in which it is vital that the British people are offered a clear political alternative to the ruinous economic and social policies of the coalition government. It is not in the interests of democracy itself for Labour - the only party which can offer such an alternative - to contest the election without the resources required to make the contest a "fair fight" against the parties of global capital and the super-rich.
"Bearing in mind the tight timescales in which decisions may need to be made over this next period, it therefore authorises the general secretary to respond to any requests for additional financial assistance, beyond the affiliation fee, which may be made by the Labour party, after first consulting the Executive Council or the finance and general purposes committee."
There have been estimates that Labour could lose many millions of pounds in affiliation funds from unions because of the new arrangements.
But Mr Miliband made it clear at the conference last weekend that he wanted to encourage greater participation in the party and attract new members.
His reforms received massive backing from constituency parties, MPs and unions, although some delegates warned they could weaken the historic link with unions.
A Labour Party spokesman said: "We have always acknowledged that the ambitious reforms to change the Labour Party and the way politics is done in this country would have financial consequences. But we want Labour to become a party for millions, not just for millionaires like the Tories under David Cameron.
"Our members and small donors already give us more money than the trade unions, and the introduction of affiliated supporters and the growth of registered supporters gives us new opportunities to change our funding base in favour of many small donors rather than a few big ones."


text:
Simchas Torah
Chapter Five from Sammy: Child Survivor of the Holocaust
In the Deblin concentration camp in the spring of 1944, nine-year-old Sammy sensed that something different was happening. He heard people talking with excitement and he could hear vibrations. The war was closing in on Deblin.
The Germans decided to move the Jewish workers from the Deblin camp to Czestochowa, a camp farther away. In that camp the Jews were forced to make bullets for the war.
There were two transports from Deblin to Czestochowa at this time. Most of the Jews were taken in the first transport, about a thousand in all, including most of the 20 children who were in the Deblin camp. All but five children were taken in the first train. The Jews were put on a cattle car and taken away. The people who were leaving were crying and didn't want to go. They knew that the Deblin camp was as good a place as you could be if you were a Jew in Poland, and everyone knew were all of those cars were going that kept passing by.
There was a little Yiddish song about the journey:
Treblinka Dort
Fur jeden Yid ein bitteren ort
Wer geht shon hin
Er kommt nicht raus
Unsere yiden in
Yene seit yam
Sie kennen nicht feelin
Unsere bitter schmerz
Treblinka over there for every Jew a bitter place
Whoever goes in doesn't come out.
Our Jews on the other side of the ocean
They cannot feel our terrible pain.
No one really knew if the first transport was taking people to Treblinka or to Czestochowa. Even young Sammy realized he and his sisters were fortunate not to have to go on that first transport. His new brother-in-law, Walter, a Viennese Jew, was in charge of the bathhouse where the disinfection took place, and this was considered a very important position. Also, he spoke German, and the Germans needed him.
The remaining Jewish laborers, including Walter, Rosa, Sammy and Sara, went on a second train to Czestochowa as the Russians were approaching. They were locked into the cattle cars.
Most of the cars were completely enclosed with barbed wires in the little windows near the top of the cars. I was in an open car with no top. There were a lot of people in there with little room to move around. As we approached the railroad crossing, I could hear bells starting softly and getting louder as we got closer to the crossing. Then quickly the bells would fade away.
Sammy was aware of the constant rhythm of the train, ta tum ta tum ta tum ta tum, as it hit each rail. He could hear the puffing and chugging of the engine. The outside seemed so silent, and everyone was so very cold and hungry.
When they would come close to the crossroads, Sammy heard the children yelling, playing, having fun and the dogs barking. How he wished that he could be out there! Anywhere but here! He wished he were a dog or anything, but not on a train feeling hungry and scared. He didn't want to be one of those people being carried away on the cattle trains with their hands hanging out and crying and shouting. He knew that wherever he was going, it probably was not good.
We were riding at night. When I looked up at the stars, I do not remember seeing the moon. Sometime early in the morning, the train stopped. We were told to be very quiet. When one man stepped on another man's shoulder to look over the side of the car, we heard a shot fired by a German guard. The man was not hit, but he said there was nothing but woods out there. It was quiet and peaceful, almost ominous. After awhile the train started to move and the soot and sparks of the engine sprayed on us again. Our next and last stop was not so quiet. I could hear voices speaking and yelling in German. Then the heavy doors of those freight cars were opened.
Sammy saw people being pushed down a steep wooden ramp from the car, and hit and pushed by the Germans who carried bayoneted guns and whips. Some of them had barking dogs held on leashes.
When the first transport came into Czestochowa camp, a man appeared. It was his job to separate the people, children to the left and others to the right. The children were loaded onto a truck and taken to the woods where they were shot by the German soldiers.
On the second transport from Deblin, Sammy got out of the cattle car, and he was forced to go to the left even though he had stood on the tips of his toes. Knowing he could be taken away if he as too small, Rosa and Walter told him to stand on his tiptoes. That way he would look big enough to be a worker. Sammy strained and strained and tried to look as tall as possible, but the German pulled him away from his sisters and forced him to go to the left along with four other children. Rosa and Sara could only watch and cry.
This was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. People were pushed into separate lines, men in one line, women in another, and children in a third line. There were only five children and I was one of them. The children's relatives were screaming and crying but they were beaten away. I was kicked in the chest by a German. I still remember that shiny boot that was tailored around his leg. I don't remember the pain, just the boot.
The children were placed in a room just outside the barbed wire gates leading into the main camp. Sammy could see the gates through a window in that room. The adults were leaning on the gates, crying, yelling and glaring in the direction of the children's window about a hundred yards away, hoping to see the five children who were taken from them. They knew that the children would soon be taken by truck to the woods and be shot.
Sammy was entirely aware of the seriousness of his situation and distraught at being separated from his sisters. Yet he continued to feel that somehow he would be all right.
In my mind, I did not think of death. I still had faith in my survival with thoughts of crossing the nearby river I saw through the window, of jumping from the trucks and just running. I gave the Ukrainian soldier guarding us a little note to give to my sisters when they were crying by the barbed wire gate. The note, written in Yiddish, said not to worry about me. I would be all right. My sisters still talk about this note.
The children stayed in that room for several days. Crying people continued to flock to the gate, waiting, waving and praying for their release.
One evening, there was a commotion outside. A Jew was arguing in German with an SS officer.
"The papers say Ruthie is to be allowed to stay with me!" shouted the Jew, who happened to be a man of some importance to the Germans. Because of his position, he had been given papers before leaving Deblin that said his daughter would be allowed to stay with him in Czestochowa.
"What is said in Deblin does not matter here!" shouted back the SS officer.
"Then look at the signature and tell me you don't care about that signature!" The Jew thrust the papers at the officer.
The German looked at the papers and then sulkingly shook his head. "OK, she can go with you. But the others stay!"
"ALL THE CHILDREN OR NONE!" shouted the Jew, hoping to allow all the children to be spared. Everyone held their breath, knowing that this man was risking his own daughter's life to save the other children.
"ALL OR NONE!" he shouted again.
This time the German just shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Then with a motion of his hand, he nodded to a guard to let the children out.
The children were taken out of the room and led toward the main concentration camp. The people, many of whom had lost their own children, were overjoyed at seeing these little people. Many were crying and praying out loud.
As Sammy passed the barbed wire gates into the camp, he was lifted up, kissed and hugged, and passed overhead from hand to hand. These men and women, who hadn't seen a Jewish child in years, reverently passed Sammy from one person to another, in like manner as the Torah is handed from person to person on the festival Simchas Torah.
The Torah must feel the same as I did when passed from hand to hand. I can still see their faces, feel their love. I have always felt the responsibility, weight and burden of fulfilling their hope. Every year at the celebration of Simchas Torah, I think of the gift of life given to me in the Czestochowa concentration camp.
Excerpted from Sammy: Child Survivor of the Holocaust, © Samuel R. Harris, All Rights Reserved. Bluebird Publishing, 1999.
Originally published as an online web extra for The Grinnell Magazine, Summer 2008


text:
Rule through the ages
Your empire awaits
Ever dreamed of ruling over your own tropical paradise? The remote island state of Tropico is yours for the taking, Mr President… but will you be a benevolent leader, or a tyrannical dictator?
Reign over your island state throughout many challenging historical eras, from colonial exploration through two World Wars and the Great Depression. Solidify your power base as a Cold War dictator, advance your country's military might and lead your people into the modern era and beyond.
Research and construct new buildings, gather resources, set up trade routes and diplomatic networks and try to get along with neighbouring islands and heavily armed world superpowers. Create your dynasty by appointing rulers, ambassadors, military generals and more, and learn how to govern from your team of trusted advisors.
And if you need to flex your diplomatic muscles to your friends, hook up with up to three fellow dictators for online co-op or multiplayer games.


text:
Davida news, events and features — koura racer
Davida Racer, Neil 'Soupy' Campbell Tops 174 mph In Speed Challenge
Posted by Sharon Underhill on
This summer, British cyclist and Davida Racer, Neil Campbell rode a £15000 custom steel super-bike to claim the cycling land speed record of 174.339 mph. In his Davida Koura helmet, Neil ( aka Soupy ), was dragged behind a speeding Porsche before being released to pass through the timing gate under his own power, to clock a record speed 280.5 kmph / 174.339 mph. Neil's custom special Koura helmet was one of many bespoke designs created for Davida Koura Racers this year, some of which will be on display on the Davida stand at 2019 Motorcycle Live at NEC from 16th -...
- Tags: 174 mph, 220in2020, custom motorcycle helmet, customer special, cycling land speed record, davida bespoke special, davida full face motorcycle helmet, davida koura helmet, davida koura racers, Davida Racers, elvington airfield, koura racer, koura racers, land speed cycling record, neil campbell, Porsche, soupy, world record


text:
Story highlights
Barcelona surpass Real Madrid's record for best start to La Liga season with 5-1 over Bilbao
Messi scores twice to leave him one short of Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a calendar year
Ronaldo and Ozil score for Real as they beat Atletico in Madrid derby
Mauricio Pellegrino sacked as manager of Valencia following 5-2 defeat by Real Sociedad
A Lionel Messi brace helped Barcelona to a 5-1 win over Athletic Bilbao and a new La Liga record on Saturday.
With 13 wins and one draw so far, Tito Vilanova's side surpass the previous record for the best start to a season set by Real Madrid back in 1991-92.
Gerard Pique put the home side ahead in the 22nd minute with Messi doubling the lead three minutes later.
Adriano all but sealed the points with a goal at the end of the first half and Cesc Fabregas made doubly sure 12 minutes after the restart.
Ibai Gomez goal in the 66th minute ensured Bilbao's trip wasn't completely wasted but it was Messi who once again had the final say putting away his second of the match moments later.
The Argentine is now one goal away from equaling German Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year set in 1972.
Read: Football remembers 'Christmas truce'
Barcelona's nearest rivals in the title chase squared up to each other in the Madrid derby with Real overcoming Atletico 2-0 at the Bernabeu.
A stunning 30-yard free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 15th minute put Jose Mourinho's men ahead before Mesut Ozil securing all three points with a strike in the 65th minute.
The result sees Real reduce their arrears with Atletico to five points with Barca still 11 points ahead.
Earlier on Saturday, Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked as manager of Valencia following a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad.
The result sees Philippe Montanier's side move up to seventh, one place behind Getafe who beat fourth-placed Malaga 1-0.
Meanwhile in Serie A, Juventus extended their lead over Napoli – who play Pescara on Sunday – to five points with a 3-0 home win over Torino.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 40th minute when Polish defender Kamil Glik was shown a red card.
Juventus took full toll of the numerical advantage in the second half with two goals from Claudio Marchisio and one from Sebastian Giovinco.


text:
TORONTO — A video purportedly of Toronto's mayor smoking crack has caused an uproar in Canada.
The video has not been released publicly and there is no way to verify whether it is authentic. Reports by gossip website Gawker and The Toronto Star said it was taken by a man who claimed he had sold crack to Mayor Rob Ford.
Ford said when he emerged from his house on Friday that the allegations are "ridiculous."
He later made similar comments twice outside his office, but also added that it was "another story with respect to the Toronto Star going after me."
A lawyer for Ford didn't respond to messages seeking comment.
The Star said two reporters watched a video that appears to show Ford, sitting in a chair, inhaling from what appears to be a glass crack pipe. The Star said it did not obtain the video or pay to watch it.
The Star also alleges Ford made an anti-gay slur against federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
Ford later appeared Friday afternoon at a previously scheduled ceremony marking International Day Against Homophobia.
The mayor of Canada's largest city has been embroiled in constant controversies about his behavior since being elected in 2010, but these are the most serious allegations he's faced yet. He has been accused of flouting conflict of interest rules and making obscene gestures at residents from his car, and has had high-profile shouting altercations with a Toronto Transit worker as well as a Toronto Star reporter.
Ford, a right-wing city councilor for years, promised to end wasteful spending at city hall when he became mayor, tapping into a well of voter anger with his "stop the gravy train" message. Ford also said Toronto would be better off if it didn't accept more immigrants. Half of Toronto's population was born outside Canada.
Toronto deputy mayor Doug Holyday questioned the authenticity of the video, saying "video can be altered" and "drug dealers can't be trusted."
Holyday said he has not spoken to Ford or his staff since the allegations surfaced, but noted he still believes in the mayor "at this point."
"I'm not sure who is behind this. I wouldn't want my career or my credibility resting on the word of drug dealers," Holyday said.
Councilor Adam Vaughan, a frequent opponent, called Ford a "bad mayor" and said the city council has been working around his controversies since the day he was elected.
The controversy drew comparisons to the 1990 arrest of then-Washington Mayor Marion Barry, who was videotaped smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room during an FBI sting operation. He served six months in federal prison on a misdemeanor drug possession conviction and was elected again to the D.C. Council in 1992. Barry won a fourth term as mayor in 1994. He returned to the council in 2004 and continues to represent one of the city's poorest wards.


text:
The Buddy Program Promo
Spring Membership Recruitment Promotion
What members get: Current members who recruit members receive 10% off their selected membership.
What recruited members get: The recruited new members are rewarded with the following discounts:
|Bring 1 New Member
New member receives
|Bring 2 New Members
New members receive
|Bring 3 or More New Members
New members receive
Give incentive to your selected golf group to join Swan Lake and regularly play while saving money. Limited time offer with limited availability.


text:
By continuing your visit, you accept the use of cookies to offer services and offers tailored to your interests.
Found 1 results in 13 milliseconds.
The Class Gift fund provides funding for student projects thanks to donations made by the graduating class year. The Class Gift initiative was set up three years ago by students at the school wit


text:
I have a combined RSS feed of all my RSS feeds in Google Reader. The URL is like:
http://www.google.com/reader/atom/user%F4K3U53RC0D3%2Fstate%2Fcom.google%2Freading-list. But that feed contains only the last 20 entries, so sometimes if there is more of them, they get lost.
Is there a way (in Google Reader settings or in an URL parameter) that could raise that limit from 20 up to, let's say, 100?


text:
While filming on the set of the new Lone Ranger film, Johnny Depp slipped off the side of a horse during a stunt and slammed to the ground, fortunately not suffering any major injuries, the actor recalled on Late Show with David Letterman Thursday.
Depp, who said he's had experience with horses on several of his films, said the incident could've left him "horrifically mangled."
"We were shooting at a different place in the desert where there's these little bumps and things," Depp said. "And so the horse that I was on decided to jump a couple of these little obstacles. The horse was unaware that the saddle I was wearing to sit on top of it was jury-rigged, kind of faked... to give the effect that I'm riding bareback. So basically it's not very tight on the horse. So when we came down, the saddle slipped and I went to the left and had the reins here and somehow had the wherewithal to grab the mane of the horse. All very calm for some reason, I figured that fear would kick in but it didn't. I was waiting."
Lone Ranger crew member dies on set
Depp dropped from the horse, noting that he was clipped by the horse's back legs, but suffered no major injuries. Check out the full story in the video below:


text:
We are happy to help with anything in your garden from renovation of mature gardens to help with new ones. We can do a one off seasonal tidy up or regular maintenance of lawns hedges and borders. In fact if its a job in your garden give us a call as we are sure to be able to help.
Always working to your budget - for a hands on, personal approach give me a call, Elaine on 01583 413553 or mobile 077 2929 3296.


text:
The sundew plant is aptly named. Each leaf is covered with tiny hairlike-tentacles, on the tip of which is a drop of what looks like morning dew. In the sun, these droplets glisten and gleam, but they also conceal a carefully laid trap.
What appears to be dew is actually a sticky adhesive, and any insect that alights on a sundew leaf will promptly find itself stuck. As it struggles to escape, the plant's tentacles and leaves curl around the insect, before the carnivorous plant slowly digests its prey.
But now, the sundew may have a role to play in rebuilding bodies as well as dismantling them. Research, carried out by Mingjun Zhang, a biomedical engineer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shown the plant's sticky adhesive may be suitable for a variety of cutting-edge medical procedures, including tissue engineering and chronic wound healing.
The emerging field of tissue engineering represents a new approach for replacing or repairing damaged body parts. The idea is to deliver a teeming mass of healthy, say, nerve, bone, or muscle cells to the site of a nerve, bone, or muscle injury, and hope the new cells integrate themselves into the body as healthy, functional tissue.
But doctors can't just inject a solution of cells into the body and expect new tissue to grow. Cells do best when they have a surface to adhere to - a "scaffold" to which they can anchor themselves as they proliferate and differentiate. So in tissue engineering procedures, cells are applied to one of these scaffolds—which come in a variety of materials and forms, including sponges, meshes, films, and gels. Then the whole construct is implanted or injected into the body. As the cells begin to multiply, the scaffold provides a literal support structure, facilitating cell growth and communication. Eventually, the biodegradable scaffold disintegrates into the body, leaving behind a sheet of brand new tissue.
'Goldilocks effect'
Scaffolds need to meet many criteria, and engineers have spent a lot of time looking for just the right material. "This has been a major challenge," says Zhang, whose lab specializes in bio-inspired engineering. As he scoured the natural world for a substance that might make a good cell scaffold, he began to think that the gluey, gelatinous substance secreted by sundews might fit the bill.
The material is natural and biodegradable, composed of a combination of sugars and acids. It is, of course, sticky, which means it should be able to tightly grip cells. And it's highly elastic, which is crucial for tissue engineering; a scaffold has to be flexible enough to bend and stretch and shift as cells proliferate and tissues grow.
The more closely Zhang examined the sundew adhesive, the more suitable it seemed. For a study he published in 2010, he coated a silicon wafer with the sundew adhesive and let the material dry for 24 hours. Then he stuck the wafer under a microscope. What he saw thrilled him - the dried adhesive was composed of a complex network of nanofibers, linked and crosslinked to form a porous scaffold. What's more, he discovered that the holes in the scaffold were a Goldilocks-like "just right" - neither too large nor too small, but the perfect size for cell attachment. From a tissue engineering perspective, Zhang says, the structure left behind by the dried adhesive had "a beautiful morphology".
Then it was time for an even bigger test. Zhang smeared the sundew material onto glass slides and seeded the adhesive with living cells derived from the brains of rats. Twenty-four hours later, he returned to the slides. The cells had attached; an average of 1250 cells had colonized each square millimeter of the adhesive. Around 98% of the cells were viable, and they were stuck on securely - they stayed put even when Zhang tried to rinse them off. In a 2011 paper, Zhang showed that neurons attached to the sundew adhesive were capable of dividing and differentiating and that bone and skin cells also successfully adhere to the material.
The findings have convinced Zhang that the sundew adhesive is a good starting point for a variety of tissue engineering applications. He thinks engineers could modify and process the material into an implantable or injectable scaffold. Alternately, Zhang imagines brushing a mixture of liquid sundew adhesive and skin or stem cells onto the surface of a chronic, open wound. The sundew material would serve as a scaffold as the cells grew into a new, healthy layer of skin.
The sundew adhesive may also have a role to play in routine medical implant procedures, Zhang says. For instance, it could be brushed onto the surface of an artificial knee or hip, fostering a secure attachment between the implant and the living tissues surrounding it. Down the line, we may find that the best way to put human bodies back together is to borrow from a predatory plant. "Nature does beautiful things," Zhang says. "We should definitely learn from that."
If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.


text:
Ana Paula and 29 of her Greenpeace crewmates are trapped in a Russian jail for trying to save the Arctic from oil drilling. But our community could set them free if we help Greenpeace build a massive global outcry targeting Russia's biggest global partners.
Let's reach 1 million to free the Arctic 30 — sign now by clicking below to add your name to this global petition:
The following Youtube videos provide additional background information on Greenpeace members charged with piracy and jailed in Russia.
Published on Oct 5, 2013 by Real World News, "Russia charges Greenpeace crew with piracy" – Russian investigators have charged the entire 30-member crew of a Greenpeace ship with piracy for a protest at an oil platform in the Arctic. The charge, which carries a 15-year prison term, was filed on Thursday against 16 members of the crew, including a prominent Russian freelance photographer.
Published on Oct 5, 2013 by News World, "Greenpeace protests worldwide for release of activists held in Russia", – From Hong Kong's harbour to London and Toronto, supporters of Captain Pete Wilcox and his crew of imprisoned Greenpeace activists are sending a message to Russia today: "Free the Arctic 30."


text:
Follow Us
Please refer to our privacy policy to find out our tradition on this issue. That policy is also applicable to your visiting on our website.
Electronic Communication
When you visit Csddlink Online Store or send an email to us, you are communicating with us in electronic way, which means that you agree to accept our electronic messages. We will contact you by email or issuing notice on Csddlink Online Store. According with legal requirement on these communication to be written
If Csddlink Online Store can prove that it has sent you the electronic messages or issued the notice on the website, that would be regarded as you have received all the agreement, declaration, proclamation and other information.
All the information posted on Csddlink Online Store such as statement, diagram, sign, button icon, image, audio document segments, digital download, data edit and software belong to the property of Csddlink Online Store.
Your Account
If you decide to use our website, you are responsible for keeping secrete of your account information and password and restricting the entry to your computer and you also approve to respond all the activities with your account and password. CSddlink Online Store don't sell products to children but sell children's articles to adults.
If you still do not reach the age of 18, you are justified to decide by yourself to refuse services, close account, delete or edit content and cancel order on Csddlink Online Store and its affiliated companies only when you¡¦re under the supervision of your parents or guardians and within the scope of relevant international laws.
Csddlink Online Store Management.


text:
Don't Die from Boredom : How to DEAL with the Polar Vortex
They are calling it the POLAR VORTEX and they have no idea if it will strike again. College students…...January 10, 20140
All Categories
There is 1 item in your bookbagStart Price Comparison
They are calling it the POLAR VORTEX and they have no idea if it will strike again. College students…...
BIGWORDS compares every combination of items and stores, calculating the shipping and promotions available for each. We then select the cheapest combination, saving you the most money.Whether you wish to buy textbooks, rent textbooks or sell textbooks, the Uber-BOT always finds the cheapest textbooks, saving you $1,000 annually on average.
BIGWORDS is the only site that that allows you to consider buyback pricing when purchasing, so that you can tell whether you're better of to rent your textbooks, or buy and then sell them back at the end of the term.
Using BIGWORDS, you can compare prices on just about everything - DVDs, Games, and Meat, for instance. Check it out.


text:
Disclaimer: All posts are just containing my OPINION. I don't mean to offend. I mean to give only my honest feedback. Also, I do not listen to every song, although I try to. (I might have missed them or the site may not have posted on it. The 'Discovered' section exists for this reason.)
By the way, this link here is for those who wish to look at (almost) every song that came out in each week. Since I don't like EVERY song that comes out, I thought the Soompi tag should reflect a better picture of the releases. 😀 Two other links here may help too: LINK #1, LINK #2
SO MANY music releases this week. >.<
The Good
#1. Rainstone (a.k.a JYP US SVP) produces <Rainstorm> (known for producing WG's 'Nobody')
Electronic mid-tempo Dubstep Hip-Hop-Rap R&B – 'Rainstorm' by Brian Mcknight, San E & Verbal Jint [Dopely unexpected]
Click title to read more comfortably or click to continue


text:
NBC and CBS Give Scant Coverage to Deadly Shootings at Occupy Wall Street Protests; ABC Ignores
On Friday, both NBC's Today and CBS's The Early Show offered news briefs on two deadly shooting incidents at two separate Occupy Wall Street protests Thursday night, while ABC's Good Morning America failed to make any mention of the deaths.
On Today, news anchor Natalie Morales reported: "Occupy Wall Street protests turned deadly overnight in two cities. In Oakland, California, Police are investigating a gun fight that left one man dead....And in Burlington, Vermont, a 35-year-old war veteran apparently shot himself..." On The Early Show, news anchor Terrell Brown noted: "In Oakland, California last night, a man was shot and killed just outside the anti-Wall Street demonstrations....A Wall Street protester committed suicide in Burlington, Vermont yesterday."
Both broadcasts worked to separate the violence from the movement itself. Of the Oakland shooting, Morales added: "Police say they're not sure if the shooting was related to demonstrations." Brown similarly explained: "Police say that shooting was apparently not related to the protest."
However, neither made any mention of the homicide prompting Oakland's liberal mayor, Jean Quan, previously supportive of the protest, to call for its end. The San Francisco CBS News affiliate reported:
Oakland Mayor Jean Quan called on "Occupy Oakland" to voluntarily dismantle their encampment after a man in his early 20s was fatally shot in Frank Ogawa Plaza Thursday night. Though protesters say the shooting was not related to the encampment and police have said there is no apparent connection between the two, the mayor said in a statement Thursday night that this kind of violence is unacceptable either way.
Of the suicide at the Burlington protest, Brown pointed out: "Police say the 35-year-old man shot himself to death. Other protesters say he had mental health issues." Morales simply noted: "Police responded by trying to shut down the protesters' camp, meeting resistance from demonstrators."
While both cases are still under investigation, it's hard to imagine that the media would have given such little coverage to these acts of violence had they occurred at Tea Party events.
- Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center. Click here to follow Kyle Drennen on Twitter.


text:
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Revolution's 2010 season opener against the LA Galaxy on Saturday night will be a homecoming of sorts for goalkeeper Preston Burpo.
Expected to start between the pipes in place of the injured Matt Reis, Burpo should be very comfortable roaming around the box at The Home Depot Center. After all, he'll be standing on familiar ground.
No, Burpo is not from California. And no, he never played for the Galaxy. But he did call The HDC "home" from 2006-07 during a two-year stint with Chivas USA, which shares its home ground with LA.
Burpo appeared in 22 games in two years with the Goats – including a career-high 19 in 2006 – and maintained a very respectable 8-4-10 record. He'll be hoping to continue his previous success at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night in his first appearance with the Revolution, the club he joined this past offseason via trade with the Colorado Rapids.
The veteran shot-stopper is looking forward to his return to California, and will feel right at home not only on the field, but off it as well. Having moved away from the area just three years ago, Burpo still has many acquaintances around Carson.
"Getting back there and seeing some people before the game will be nice," he said.
Perhaps seeing some familiar faces will add to Burpo's comfort level on Saturday night, but undoubtedly it's his previous experience on the field at The Home Depot Center which will aid him as the noise from the home fans grows increasingly louder throughout the match.
Just the second soccer-specific venue designed for an MLS team when it was opened in 2003 – following only Columbus Crew Stadium – The Home Depot Center provides a distinct home-field advantage for both the Galaxy and Chivas USA. Seating 27,000 fans in close proximity to the field, it can be an intimidating environment for visiting players.
Fortunately for Burpo, he'll have an advantage in that regard.
"The noise sits in that stadium and it's a great place to play," he said of his prior experience at The Home Depot Center. "The Galaxy always has some loud and hostile fans, and it makes it a fun environment, for sure."
Burpo might actually know more about the Galaxy's "loud and hostile" fans than any of his Revolution teammates. While every visiting club surely hears from the Galaxy's supporters when visiting The Home Depot Center, it's likely that none hear it more than Chivas USA.
Billed as the "SuperClasico" because the clubs not only play in the same city, but share the same stadium, the rivalry between the Galaxy and Chivas USA has been building since Chivas USA joined the league as an expansion team in 2005.
As part of that rivalry, Burpo knows what it's like not only to play as a member of the home team at The Home Depot Center, but also as a visiting member of the Galaxy's most spirited rival.
With a 2-2-2 career record against LA – including his time with Chivas USA and the Rapids – Burpo is just hoping for a successful season opener on Saturday night.
"When the whistle blows, hopefully it'll be a good time for us," he said.


text:
Our furry friends are just another member of the family and we want to take them everywhere. Some dogs have a hard time keeping up because they are small, getting older or the summer heat makes the
asphalt so hot it can be dangerous for them to walk on sidewalks all day. We recommend you let your pup ride in style…with a stroller!
- Using a stroller will keep your elderly pup from getting tired and will help them feel more energetic during the day
- Strollers are a great alternative to carriers. Carriers can put a lot of strain on your back, neck
and shoulders, whereas a stroller adds zero pressure to your body
- Strollers keep your pup off the hot ground, preventing paws from injuries such as burns and cracking
- Strollers don't have to be used all the time – you can walk your pup until they get tired and pop them in the stroller for a good nap while you finish your daily duties
The First Class Jogger is a "Mutt Tested and Approved" favorite. This Jogger comes with a soft, comfy pad for your pup to lay on while looking outside the mesh windows during the daily stroll. Large
wheels have suspension for a completely smooth ride and rear tires have lockable breaks. The Jogger also comes with a large basket underneath for storage. You can find this stroller and more at any of our store locations or online. "Stroll" away!


text:
Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.Add your Review
Jesus from Houston, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
1 of 3
Categories Comments Campus Safety
We have security on duty and we have never had any issues.
Greek Life
Only greek life you will get is in those greek classes.
Great for these types of students
Students who are hungry for the word of God and want to learn the historical settings for all 66 books, know how to read it and explain verse by verse, wants to understand where different view or ideas about problem passages came about and would like to teach His word.
Bang for the buck
Classes are not so expensive and they also offer Financial Aid for those who qualify
What to do for fun
We have a book store where everyone likes to hang out and either play chess, talk theology, hang with professors or even go to restaurants near by to fellowship with one another.
Food and Dining
We don't have a cafeteria because it is a small school. The school orders sandwiches so that students on campus can purchase from book store.
Dorm Life
We have no dorms. It is a small bible school.
Tips for prospective students
It will be a mind changing experience! They hold to the same teachings that Dallas Theological Seminary, one of the best seminaries in digging into God's word, and College of Biblical Studies is a great Pre-Seminary experience.
In three sentences
A Conservative Bible School that loves and holds to biblical truths. A School where mentorship is available and professor care about your life. A place to meet brothers and sisters in Christ and grow in fellowship.
Daveta from Houston, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
2 of 3
Categories Comments Campus Safety
Greek Life
None (that I know of)
Great for these types of students
Those looking for a great Biblical knowledge
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We pray during classes
Bang for the buck
What to do for fun
Small school but does have various activities that can be done
Academic Rigor
Challenging yet fulfilling
Tips for prospective students
School will make you learn and pursue to be greater
In three sentences
Wonderful experience. Professors are very knowledgeable and push to challenge us and teach us to expand our minds.
Cindy from Katy, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
3 of 3
Categories Comments Great for these types of students
Anyone that wants a good Christian education.
Tips for prospective students
Everyone is so friendly, they really seem as if they want to help. The classes are small and the professors are more than willing to help you succeed. Stay teachable and open minded to what they have to say, but most importantly to what GOD has to say.
Am learning a lot
This school gives you hands on tools to study the bible, and to prepare you for your ministry.


text:
The theory of group schemes seems to be well developed: there are many applications and examples, and the literature is vast.
On the other hand, a quick google search with some obvious keywords (ring, schemes, algebraic) does not yield any good reference on Ring Schemes, nor any interesting examples (other than Witt schemes) or applications. My question, out of pure curiosity, is:
Is there any good introductory reference(s) to the subject?
I'd be most interested in knowing what the important questions and applications of Ring schemes are.


text:
Share the post "His Holiness Patriarch Kirill greets the Heads of foreign states with the New Year and the Nativity of Christ"
His Holiness Patriarch Krill of Moscow and All Russia sent greeted the heads of states of Orthodox tradition in far abroad with the Nativity of Christ. His Holiness congratulated President Boris Tadić of Serbia, President Filip Vujanović of Montenegro, President Gjorge Ivanov of Macedonia, President Georgi Parvanov of Bulgaria, President Traian Bǎsescu of Romania, President Karolos Papoulias of Greece and President Dimitris Christofias of Cyprus. The text is given below.
Please accept my cordial congratulations on the Nativity of Christ and the New Year. St. John the Apostle said: "God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him" (1 Jn 4:9). During these bright days we, like shepherds from Bethlehem to whom the angels brought good news of the born Christ, again are filled with great joy (Lk 2:10). It is this joy that helps us overcome difficulties and misfortunes in our life and gives us strength for creative and zealous labour. We should remember that the Lord calls people to live in peace and harmony and love people as brothers. The future of humanity can be built only on these simple, but intransient truths.
I wish you good health and help of Christ the Saviour in your ministry to the good of your people in the coming year.
With respect,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia


text:
As a Model Citizen (employee) of LEGOLAND, you have an important role in shaping our guests' experience. Whether this is your first job in the workplace or a new career challenge; the friends you make and the skills you develop here will assist you in your future.
Our work here at LEGOLAND is a building process. And it's a lot of fun! We are an expression of the LEGO values:
- Creativity is about self-expression and the empowerment of the individual in an open-ended way.
- Imagination is about endless ideas, curiosity, discovery and exploration to bring ideas to life.
- Learning is about playful learning, learning through play, challenging play, hands-on minds-on play, play that encourages accomplishment and challenges the status quo.
- Fun is about active fun, social, childlike, adventurous fun and the thrill of creation.
- Quality is about ethical values and a consistency in all of our actions that engenders an ongoing feeling of trust.
Here at LEGOLAND, our ultimate goal is to bring these values to life through HEROIC service to our guests. As a Model Citizen of LEGOLAND, you welcome our guests to our park and ensure that their experience here is one they will want to tell all their friends about.


text:
Furcal is back
Prior to tonight's game, we will activate Furcal and option Chin-hui Tsao back to Las Vegas. It's beginning to look a lot like we thought it would. The last time San Diego was here, we hit four homers in a row…not that you should expect that again tonight. Here's the lineup:
Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Nomar, 1B
Kent, 2B
Gonzo, LF
Martin, C
Clark, RF
Martinez, 3B
Lowe, P
For any of you who speak Spanish, we've started a new blog on losdodgers.com, which will include posts from Jaime Jarrín, Pepe Yñiguez and several other Spanish-speaking members of the Dodgers. Both of them, plus Fernando Valenzuela, were at a press conference today where we announced a new partnership with Aeromexico, the largest airline in Latin America.
There's plenty of Jackie Robinson information at the special landing page from MLB.com. Earlier today, the Los Angeles City Council officially declared April 15 Jackie Robinson Day in the City of Los Angeles. Accepting the resolution was Robinson's wife, Rachel, his former teammate, Don Newcombe, former Dodger "Sweet" Lou Johnson, City Councilmembers Ed Reyes, Jan Perry, Bernard Parks, Herb Wesson and Dodger Senior Vice President Howard Sunkin.
Tomorrow, Juan Pierre and Marlon Anderson will participate in a clinic at Major League Baseball's Urban Youth Academy in Compton. The event, will also include former Dodgers Don Newcombe, Ken Landreaux, "Sweet" Lou Johnson and Rudy Law.
And finally, a couple things I noticed while doing game notes today.
Entering play today, 12 of the 16 NL teams are above the .500 mark.
Also entering play today, the ERA in the National League for all 16 teams is just 3.47, 0.39 higher than the Dodgers' team mark (3.08). The NL's batting average is just .247, .008 higher than the Dodgers' team mark (.239). Last season, the NL batted .265 and posted a 4.22 ERA. The sample size is too small to make anything of it, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Oh, and the Dodgers have made just three errors in their first nine games.
39 Comments
quick question since betemit is being benched against wells—is betemit going to be permanently platooned? And if so… should we really be pinning our hopes on him staying at third base?
You know I read this blog everyday and it never ceases to amaze me how much of a loser Joey P. is. He has absolutly no life to the point where he goes online to blog pointless insults on a fan-only blog. Get a life loser.
Moving on, the top of the lineup is looking great now that Pierre is in the right role and Nomar is heating up.
I might be wrong on this but Grady Little seems to have LITTLE (no pun) patience with young up & coming players, Ethier must feel like **** right about now & he will probably feel allot more pressure to perform perfectly when he gets another shot. I don't like it.
Brady Clark and Ramon Martinez?? Why??
Geez, show some faith in the young players…….the franchise has absolutely NOTHING to gain in the short term or long term by benching the Betemit and Ethiers of the world for journeyman players like Clark and Martinez……this is the one pet peeve I have with Grady Little…..but I think this kind of vibe originates from the GM unfortunately.
On top of that, we should be keeping guys like Tsao and booting old washed up players like Rudy Seanez.
Just ignore all posts from the person claiming they are JoeyP, their blog is a total fake, too. I can't believe someone doesn't have something better to do than to do up such a cynical enterprise but if we ignore it eventually it will go away. (I hope.) Meanwhile, I dunno if Ethier's officially in Grady's doghouse – I think he plans to platoon Kemp (when healthy), Ethier and Clark depending on pitching matchups and who is hot. Right now Ethier is not hot, he's struggling, but I don't think he'll be permanently benched necessarily. Hope he pulls through it soon. we could use the Ethier of last year. Possible too that other teams have figured out a weakness in his hitting and are exploiting it until he figures it out, too. I still can't believe that LuGo hasn't gotten a single day off yet though, but at least he's swinging the bat better. Hope it's a good series.
And thanks as always for your posts, Josh.
Nice to see Furcal back.
I generally agree that Ethier and Betemit deserve every opportunity, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet. I think tonight is probably a good night to sit Ethier and give Clark a chance. Wells is the only left hander SD's got, so why fill our lineup with a bunch of leftys?
While I definitely don't think that Martinez is the full time answer at 3B, giving Betemit the night off again isn't going to destroy anything…he's been pretty abysmal at the plate lately.
I'm just so happy to have Raffy back. He will jump start this offense like he did most of last year.
Good to hear that Furcal is back but whats the deal with barely any games available in HD?
We Want HD!
Great news about Raffy. I liked letting Kemp get his chances, but I don't get sitting Ethier for Clark. Kemp is going to be a big part of the team for a long time, but Clark is really just a back-up. Let Andre hit out of it. But, it's one day.
I also am concerned about not letting Betemit get his chances. He may need to sit, so that he can get his confidence back hitting against Right-Handers, rather than try to break out of a slump from his weaker side. But here's the rub–we're nine games into the season, and he has 1 hit. If he's still not hitting after we're into the thick of it (say, maybe, another 9 games), don't we have to try moving Nomar across the diamond and giving Loney his shot.
Also, I wanted to re-post my comments from the last entry, because by the time I posted, this new one was up, and I want to make sure Josh saw it:
mhardy78–Great Post about shortwave radio. I think I read about your friend or saw him on the news last year. A great fan.
Josh, please take note, because this idea is really solid. I noticed last Saturday that the radio feed was slower than the TV Feed (I turned off th Fox broadcasters in favor of Charley and Rick–and would naturally have preferred Vin), and saw in the LA Times today about the 10 second delay, and that KFWB was able to reduce this. The delay is silly, and the ideal situation is if the Dodgers (and all of MLB) could work to get the FCC to change their position on this–it's not like there is a half-time show in a baseball game that needs a tape delay.
But, for an in-park solution, another idea that might work better than shortwave would be a very low power AM transmitter at like 530 or 1610 or 1620 on the AM Band that would simulcast the KFWB (or whatever future flagship of the Dodger Radio Network) feed without tape delay. The transmitter could be low power enough so that it only reach the confines of Chavez Ravine. Airports do this for traffic and flight status, and a number of cities have low-power transmitters that do the same thing. A few signs around the stadium would indicate to fans that you could tune in to station on a conventional AM Radio to listen. The Dodgers could set up another one to broadcast on Spanish.
It used to be common-place to hear Vin (and Ross and Jerry, then Don, then Rick) while watching the game at the Stadium. When I first started going to games, I remember my brother brining a radio, but we often did not bother, because there was so many radios, you could hear it throughout the ballpark. These days, you don't get that anymore, and it's really too bad.
They could actually use Vinny's FSN Prime feed, if you wanted to get Vinny over Charley and Rick (I don't know if that would be a problem with the FSN contract, and also because Vin tends to react to the cameras after the simulcast ends in the Fourth Inning, which he generally makes a point not to while he's on Radio–amazing guy). BTW–none of this is meant to be a slight to Charley and Rick, who I think are gerat themselves–but there is no one like Vin Scully.
My two cents: The bench guys need a start now and then to keep them sharp and to see what they can do, but Ethier should be given a little more rope than Betemit.
I would start Ethier tonight (he's already missed so many starts because of Kemp's deserved chances). He basically carried the team for months last year as a rookie, then slumped at the end (injury or too long a season? whatever you want to believe.) That ought to be worth something. Betemit, on the other hand, came in for a month or so and hit with some power but hasn't really earned the cred Ethier did in his short time.
agreed Mitchell@terragon
Ethier hit .359 againts lefties last year.
These #s are not exact, but Ethier has about 10 hits in his last 120 or so ABs. Grady isn't bing unfair. His job is to win games.
Hopefully Ethier snaps out of it, seems like a great kid with a nice future.
Welsome, Raffy!
I see you're point drj884 but there's a BIG TIME COUNTER POINT to your way of thinking.
Ethier hit .359 againts lefties last year.
Posted by: firstname.lastname@example.com
But that was last year and before he was 'Mentally spent'
Grady is putting up the lineup for the situation with what he has to work with.I'm sure Grady will be hard pressed to sit him once he gets it going but I'd rather see him Hot later in the year then what we saw at the end of last year Russ Ortiz was winless in his last 31 appearnces and pitched a 2 run game through 8 2/3. Things change and Eithier didn't have a major league ab til May….
1-2-3 1st
Go Blue!
Go Gonzo!!!!…..'Washed up old man and all'
he still is washed up as far as an everyday player goes, imho. marshmellow man getting rocked. good times.
Gotta love Vin…" After loading the bases with no one out they(Padres) are lucky to get 1″ Classic Vin.
ugh. get a freaking life and stop ruining this blog.
9-1 Dodgers now. I love these doubles!
Geez look at Betamit and Ethier batting average. Are we forgetting how Betamit do when he bat right handed and should give it up? There is nothing wrong started Clark. Clark is doing fine tonight and I still want Saenz to played 3rd against the LH starters but Grady won't let him start. Ethier batting .118 had something to do with Grady decision.
Gagne save #1 tonight, 1K, all fastballs around 93-94
Welcome back, Furcal, we missed you.
And can someone please tell me why we won't trade Betermit for a draft pick and bring up Andy LaRoche?
an unexpected great night for Clark & Lowe at the plate.
elkim…you can't trade draft picks in baseball.
can you imagine how many runs we'd have if Pierre actaully got a base hit? Those duck fart grounds outs were pathetic.
Sole possesion of 1st place.
Troll keep trolling
Dodger keep rolling.
The haters continue to hate.
I'm not taking ther bait.
jspelk and maxpower are mserable,
but I'm not swalowing that pill
Depo is will ver come back, he's gone.
Thank God Mr. Colletti signed Juan
Iggy bin.
Look what happens as soon as Furcal is back at the #1 spot…9 run game. I know he didn't do it all, but he scored one and drove in two. Gotta love him – not a bad 1st game back, even with 2 strikeouts. Good also to have a leadoff man with some gap power…
Maybe because we trade Aybar/Baez for Betamit. They think Betamit have great talent and don't won't to lost trading him just yet.
LOL…im not a Depo fan im glad he's gone. If you are happy that Ned signed Pierre you might want to look at his stats the last three years.
As i said before if he plays like he did in 2004 i'll be all for Juan being on the team but the way he started this year he is gonna kill our offense.
Way to come back Rafael!! Very good first game… and gappers to boot! If only Lowe had some foot speed, you'd have had a triple and a double tonight. We'll take two doubles any night…
Lowe was fabulous as well… Martin looked comfortable in the six slot… Clark was spanking the ball… and Pierre was pressing still. Just relax Juan… you don't have to lead off any longer. Hope he settles in quickly…
Great win!!
Go Dodgers!!
Hmm I'm going to forget the offense for a minute…has the staff done one poor job since opening day? The starters are already going deeper than last season, and it's early when their arms are usually a bit more tender. The 'pen is closing up shop nicely, whether the game is close or not. I've said it before, and I'm not the first to do so…pitching and defense baby. Add the depth the Dodgers have in their system and I'm starting to REALLY like this team.
The pitching is impressive. If they can do this consistently through out the yaer i think we'll run away with the west.
I don't know what to do about Ethier. He's lost all confidence. I think he would benefit from some time in Triple A. He needs to start doing that inside out swing and driving the ball to the opposite field.
Betemit needs to be traded. Sorry he may have power potential but power doesn't mean anything if you can't put the bat on the ball. I think grady will stick him in the lineup and hope he gets hot and then trade him when his value had peaked.
I've said all i can about Pierre. call me a stat head if you want but Pierre was vastly overpaid for his speed. He'll get you 200 hits but at a cost. He made 599 outs last year. He has no gap power. So any extra base hits he'll get will have to be down the line. He doesn't walk. He's not patient. He is pushing himself to try and impress but i still think we would have been better served keep Lofton.
Hey guys, new subject, just had to tell you about this. I just had the greatest Dodger experience of my life. My wife and I were in Las Vegas this week, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We were out walking along the strip, past Ceasar's Palace, and decided on a whim to stop in at the Forum Shops. We had not planned to go there, as we had seen them several times before. At a sports memorabilia store, to my HUGE surprise, Steve Garvey was meeting fans and autographing
merchandise! Now I know these guys do this type of thing all the time, but it was incredible to me because 1) we had no idea he was in town, and 2) Steve is one of my all time favorite Dodgers. I'm the one last fall who was pushing hard for Steve to be in the Hall. ( Don't get me started on that.) Anyway this was my biggest Dodger thrill, to sit and talk with Steve, and get an autographed jersey, photograph and a ball which I am giving my son who is also a huge Dodger fan. To top it off, I wasn't planning to bring my camera, but tossed it in my bag at the last minute just for the heck of it. Now we have photos of the whole event ! Just wanted to share the moment with all of you.
VERY Cool gregg!!!!
Garvey was my hero growing up too never wanted to play anywhere but 1st in LL and an even bigger one as an early adult with the paterity suits as I wanted to be more a stud then then play baseball.
Guess there are better jackpots to be had in Vegas outside the casinos at times.
This is gonna be a great year! GO DODGER BLUE 2007!!!
Oh BTW did ya Hear?
Dodgers are in 1st place!
Dodgers are also tied with the Mets and Braves for best record in baseball…I know it's early, but a good start never hurts a team.
OK..You Furcal supporters, you
have done VERY well. NOW where
are you GONZO bashers.I had
always believed in GONZO,thats why I'm asking this…..


text:
'Touch Detective' (NDS) Sequel In Development?
by Rainier on Jan. 3, 2007 @ 6:36 p.m. PST | Filed under News
Touch Detective is a point & click adventure with a wonderfully unique character design, a great sense of humor, and a ton of challenging puzzles. Developer Success/BeeWorks hints at a possible sequel on its official website with the main character peeking from behind curtains saying "I'll be back." Touch Detective was published in North America by Atlus last October.


text:
The Brunch Dish: Filipino Flair at Pecking Order
Reviews of brunch dishes.
Pecking Order is one of the biggest and best kept brunch secrets in Chicago, and the food is so good I'm half inclined to shut my mouth so as to preserve the weekend meal for myself. But lo, I shall sing the praises of this humble chickenstaurant. Far from the froufrou and/or overcrowded brunch spots elsewhere in the city, Pecking Order succeeds by keeping things simple and supremely satisfying, imbuing brunch staples with a punch of Filipino flair.
The brunch menu at Pecking Order is relatively concise, featuring a few recognizable brunch creations and some dishes with Filipino undertones, a nod to chef/owner Kristine Subido's heritage. And what a tasty nod it is. The Filipino elements woven throughout the menu are what launch Pecking Order's brunch program into the upper echelons of Chicago's brunch stratosphere, with ingredients like pandesal bread, calamansi, coconut jam, and langoniza patties. The latter takes top billing on the "Fat Filipino" burger ($9). I've bemoaned the bastardization of breakfast burgers before, but Pecking Order's rendition is stellar. The egg isn't tossed on top as an afterthought, overshadowed by the burger like a member of Destiny's Child pushed aside by Beyonce. By serving a moderately sized langoniza patty, a mildly spiced sausage somewhat akin to a tempered chorizo, the egg is able to stand tall on its own merits. This is more like an egg sandwich that just happens to be striated with a killer burger patty. It's eggy richness is the perfect yin to the burger's yang, accented with garlic mayo on a pandesal bun, a fluffy yeast roll reminiscent of a slightly less sweet Hawaiian bun.
For something with a little more diner-style Americana, the chicken and waffles ($9) are a fun riff on a classic. To the untrained eye, they look like your standard chicken and waffles, but unless you grew up smearing your waffles with coconut jam and sriracha butter, think again. One of the most sublime plates of chicken and waffles in town, Pecking Order does not skimp on the decadence. This thing is stacked taller than a Jenga tower, with a base of soft, chewy waffles perfect for sopping up jams and spicy butters, plus a crazy amount of chicken strewn on top. It's a lot of poultry, but good luck trying to restrain yourself considering how perfectly fried and succulent it is.
Brunch at Pecking Order is a pleasant departure from the typical weekend rubric. It toes the line between familiar classics and jazzy Filipino flavors, providing a potent punch to kick start your morning. Or your lazy afternoon.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
|Voodoo Tactical F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle FREE SHIPPING!
Police Supply, Police Duty Gear and Tactical Police Equipment
Home > Voodoo Tactical > Tactical-Military > Tactical Vests > F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Voodoo Tactical F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Customers Also Bought
Top Sellers
Voodoo Tactical VDT20-771001335
F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Black, Medium to Large
Voodoo Tactical VDT20-771001330
F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Black, Large to Extra Large
Voodoo Tactical VDT20-771004335
F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Olive, Medium to Large
Voodoo Tactical VDT20-771007330
F.A.S.T. Vest with new Universal Lattice Molle
Coyote, Large to Extra Large
Duty Holsters
Tactical Holsters
Belt Holsters
Pancake Holsters
Paddle Holsters
Inside-the-Pant Holsters
Shoulder Holsters
Fanny Packs & Purses
Ankle Holsters
Holster Accessories
Duty Belts
Garrison Belts
Dress & Sport Belts
Belt Keepers
Duty Gear
Baton Holders
Chemical Spray Carriers
Flashlight Holders
Glove Pouches
Handcuff Cases
Key Holders
Magazine Pouches
Radio & Pager Holders
Radio Accessories
Police K9 Gear
Badge Wallets
Police Badges
Star Badges
Badges with Eagles
Badges without Eagles
Oval Badges
Fire Badges
Canadian Badges
Mini Police Badges
Leg & Waist Chains
Handcuff Keys
Standard Flashlights
Rechargeable Flashlights
Weapon Lights
Pen & Micro Lights
Batteries & Accessories
Police Batons
Expandable Batons
Fixed Length Batons
Training Batons
Radios and Accessories
Radio Headsets
Mens Boots & Shoes
Womens Boots & Shoes
Apparel and Uniforms
Body Armor
Pants and Shorts
Under Gear
Jackets and Outerwear
Protective Gloves
Watches and Jewelry
Morale Patches
Pepper Spray
Police Duty Spray
Personal Pepper Spray
Inert Training Spray
Automatic Knives
Folding Knives
Fixed Blade Knives
Tactical Pens
Training Knives
Equipment Bags
Police Equipment Bags
Backpacks & Hydration
Long Gun Carry Bags
Pistol Cases
Metal Detectors
Handheld Detectors
Walkthrough Detectors
Tactical Holsters
Tactical Belts
Tactical Pouches
Tactical Vests
Tactical Accessories
Tactical Lights
Tactical Gloves
Tactical Knives
Tactical Bags & Packs
Tactical Entry Tools
Gun Accessories
Gun Ammo
Gun Slings
Gun Cleaning
Gun Locks & Safes
Gun Grips & Accessories
Night Vision Optics
Spotting & Gun Scopes
Vehicle Equipment
Clipboards & Organizers
Training and Safety
Training Supplies
Airsoft Guns & Accessories
Safety Glasses & Goggles
Hearing Protection
PPE Gear
Gas Masks
Police Riot Gear
Traffic Safety
Evidence Gathering
Drug Identification
Fire and Rescue
Firefighter Turnout Gear
Fire and Rescue Lights
Rescue Tools
EMT Gear
Recent Items
Free Widgets For Your Website
Customer Service: (800) 330-6422
3801 23rd Avenue, #407 Astoria, NY 11105


text:
I don't know if it was after watching this epic video right before bed about that Kamchatka trip that is all over the surf media, where there was basically no shortboarding.
This one: http://vimeo.com/55835896
But I had a dream about taking a 10ft longboard out on a big day at a wave here, and getting smashed haha. The biggest board I have ridden for at least 3 years is 6'8, and thats a full pintail semi-gun. Should I get a longboard? Is my subconscious telling me its a good thing to have or something?


text:
BOYS BASKETBALL: Raiders win in OT for Considine
TORRINGTON >> After a string of early-season close losses, Torrington High School's boys basketball team shook off the close-game bugaboo with a 67-63 overtime win over Naugatuck at the Connie Donahue Gymnasium Friday night.
Just as important for the end of the yips, the Red Raiders did it in front of a packed house, thanks in part to the game's dedication to raising funds for the ALS Association in honor of beloved Torrington sportsman Tim Considine, who died from the disease this year.
With a sea of green ALS jerseys on both sides of the basketball war, everybody won. Gate receipts, donations, sales of bracelets and raffle tickets combined for a total of more than $6,000 for the cure of Lou Gehrig's disease and support of families that endure it. Both sides of the long-standing friendly rivalry between the schools embraced the common cause. And both teams, each with its own early-season problems, proved they can play good basketball under intense pressure.
If the cause and the raucous crowd were an inspiration, so much the better.
"In the break before overtime, we looked up at the crowd and down at our ankle bracelets (worn all season in honor of Considine) and we knew what we had to do," said senior captain Austin Kelson, who led all scorers with 26 points in a spectacular effort. "This night wasn't about just us; it was for the whole community."
The spell-breaker for Torrington (2-5) was even better because the game came within an eyelash of being one more last-second heartbreak in a string of them.
The Greyhounds (3-5) jumped out to a 6-0 first quarter lead behind athletic efforts from forward Husani Foote (16 points), center Brandon Kuczenski (13 points) and guard Gabe Pulliam (11 points). Midway through the period, Torrington clawed back to the lead on a 3-pointer from John McCarthy (8 points), turn-around layup from 6-foot-9 center Dave Canny (16 points) and coast-to-coast layup by Kelson against a Naugatuck full-court press.
Torrington led 13-10, but this game had no assurances until the end.
"We fought," said Naugatuck coach Michael Wilson, on the same sort of "roller coaster ride" as Torrington coach Eric Gamari in the early part of the season.
Both sides felt the importance of this game, for themselves, for a cause and for their own confidence. Riveting intensity was the byproduct for the crowd.
By the end of the first quarter, Naugatuck led 17-15. The Greyhound lead at the half was 33-29. Naugatuck's Foote had 12 of his 16 points. Torrington's Kelson, with 13, had another half to go.
"We focused more on defense this time," Kelson said of the team effort.
By the end of three, it paid off in a 48-46 Torrington lead. Half-way through the final period, the Raiders led 56-50 on a three-footer by Canny.
Then the old footsteps echoed for the Raiders. Naugatuck's Mick Pernell (9 points) made a layup and a foul shot, 56-53, 2:43 left. Nate Franklin crashed the boards for a put-back, 56-55, two minutes left.
Torrington worked the clock down to 1:20, then missed the front of a 1-and-1 foul. Naugatuck's Kuczenski grabbed the lead on a put-back, 57-56, 49 seconds left. Kelson tied it with a foul shot, 57-57.
With 35 seconds left in regulation, the Greyhounds worked the clock to the final few seconds, then missed a 3-pointer. The buzzer went off a milisecond before a Naugatuck put-back went in.
"We put ourselves in a position to win," said Coach Gamari, who saw that position melt too many times already this year.
This time, as Kelson would have it, inspiration kicked in.
"It was weird," said Gamari. "We just seemed to relax."
Kelson drove for the lead; Canny hit from the baseline; Kelson was there for a put-back; Canny, a foul shot. Torrington led 64-57 before Naugatuck's Pernell could strike back with a five-footer. The Greyhounds got all the way back to 65-63, 16 seconds left.
Naugatuck stopped the clock with a foul. Red Raider Nick Mancini made the most important two foul shots of the night. A final Naugatuck 3-point attempt missed. Even if it went in, this time, with maybe one final nudge from Tim Considine's memory, a 3-pointer couldn't defeat the Red Raiders.


text:
Democratic 4th Congressional District Congresswoman Betty McCollum heard a string of officials, faith leaders and members of the public testify against a proposal in the Republican-led U.S. House to cut about $21 billion over 10 years from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food stamp program nicknamed SNAP.
McCollum, at the listening session Monday, June 10, at the State Capitol and in a statement on the U.S. House floor, called the proposal, contained in the House farm bill, "immoral" and "cruel and harmful." No one at the supportive State Capitol listening session faulted the congresswoman's language.
"Children do not choose their families," Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee Chairwoman Tina Liebling, DFL-Rochester, said of children facing hunger as a result of from their parents being cut off from food stamps.
The proposed SNAP cut, McCollum said, could affect 30,000 Minnesotans. About 551,000 Minnesotans, or about one in 10 residents, received benefits from SNAP in January, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Nationally, the ratio is one in seven, according to the Center. Numbers vary with localities.
Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire said a quarter of Ramsey County residents participate in SNAP — enrollment in the program has jumped in recent times, she said. Democratic 5th Congressional District Congressman Keith Ellison, who along with Democratic Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon attended the listening session, asked McGuire whether food shelves or other charities could cover the proposed SNAP cuts.
"The need is so much greater than they can provide," McGuire said.
Faith leaders backed the commissioner's assertion. Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis Public Policy Manager Marie Ellis spoke of charities "stretched to our limit."
"No more hungry neighbors," St. Paul Council on Churches Director Patricia Lull said of the prevailing spirit in the council.
The Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faiths in the council may disagree on theology, she said, but not on stopping hunger.
In its breakdown of Minnesota SNAP recipients, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a self-described nonpartisan research group based in Washington, noted that 68 percent of all Minnesota SNAP recipients are in families with children.
Some 44 percent of SNAP recipients are in working families, according to the Center.
About 82 percent of households receiving SNAP benefits have income below the federal poverty line of about $22,000 for a family of four. About 41 percent of families are deeply poor, with incomes less than 50 percent of the poverty line.
Not that the poor always jump to enroll. About a quarter of SNAP-eligible individuals in Minnesota are not enrolled in the program, according to the Center.
"I absolutely did not want to go for it," 19-year-old Tyler Lindroth, who has been homeless, told McCollum and Ellison about enrolling in SNAP.
The fact he fainted one day convinced him he had to take better care of himself, Lindroth said.
SNAP recipient Erin Pavlica of St. Paul, cradling one of her three children, spoke of having a working husband and of the family's efforts at urban farming. She is teaching her children to grow food for the future, she said.
SNAP recipients receive their benefits on electronic transfer cards that can be used to purchase food at 3,000 locations in Minnesota.
According to the Center, the average monthly benefit for each household member in Minnesota last year was about $116 — the number includes a temporary boost.
In its analysis of the House farm bill, the Center noted that the bulk of the proposed cut, or savings, depending on how its viewed, comes from elimination of a state option that allows some families and seniors to receive SNAP benefits though having gross incomes or assets above the federal SNAP limit, but disposal incomes, in most cases, below the federal poverty line.
The Democratic-led Senate in its farm bill looks to cut SNAP by about $4 billion. Floor action on the farm bills could come soon.


text:
Story highlights
Tim Stanley: Gingrich's campaign, kept alive by showmanship, ego, is over
He says Gingrich has pattern of ambition, bravado, success, disappointment, moving on
He says Gingrich's heart didn't seem in this run; he made self-defeating campaign decisions
Stanley: Why didn't he quit while he was ahead? He started to believe his own success story
Editor's Note: Timothy Stanley is a historian at Oxford University and blogs for Britain's Daily Telegraph. He is the author of the new book "The Crusader: The Life and Times of Pat Buchanan."
If I had my way, Newt Gingrich would run in every presidential primary there ever was. This year, his ego made him shine in a Republican field populated by nonpersonalities. He's certainly a lot more fun than the presumptive nominee. Having Mitt Romney at your cocktail party is the social equivalent of two people not turning up.
But with the defeat in Delaware, Gingrich's run is over. How the journalists shall miss him. His 2012 candidacy was indicative of a career kept alive by showmanship, and undermined by colossal arrogance.
If Sinclair Lewis had lived long enough to write a novel about Newt Gingrich, he'd have cast him as a grifter. He'd move from town to town, living out of a suitcase and renting by the night. Gingrich would probably sell shares in The Fully Patented Ultra-Sonic Moon Shuttle, an expensive stake in a nonexistent rocket. "Reserve your ticket to the stars! Dip your toes in the Sea of Tranquility! Breathe the mineral rich air of the moon!" Of course, as soon as the jig is up, he'd be gone – leaving behind irate debtors, bankrupted old ladies and the odd angry husband or two.
A fantasy perhaps, but Newt has always lived on his wits, surviving only so long as people never spotted the con. The clues were there at the very beginning of his career, when he took a position teaching history at West Georgia College in 1970. Within a year, the 28-year-old applied to be college president. When that failed, he waited another year before trying to become head of the department. Again, he was rebuffed. After delivering a handful of lectures on "futurism" and "environmentalism," this ambitious young man defected to the geography department.
That's been the pattern of Newt's life: Ambition and bravado open a limited period of attention and praise, followed by disappointment, a quickly packed suitcase and a fast cab ride out of town. "Take me to the airport, buddy," says Newt as he ducks out of sight onto the car floor.
Elected to Congress in 1978, Gingrich shifted from being a self-described "Rockefeller Republican" to a man who liked to see himself at the heart of the conservative revolution. Ronald Reagan thought little of his ideas and his Georgia constituents grew tired of a man with a reputation for preferring Washington to Georgia. After redistricting forced a move in 1990, Newt won the primary for a new seat by just 980 votes and the general by only 978. Shockingly low totals for a man who had talked himself into becoming Republican minority whip the year before.
Follow @CNNOpinion on Twitter and Facebook.com/cnnopinion
Newt's greatest moment in the House was his promotion of the Contract with America, which assisted in the 1994 Republican midterm landslide. It was full of Gingrich's futurist passions, unveiling a new brand of conservatism that wasn't just about shrinking the state but financing a bundle of "new ideas" that would improve the lot of all Americans. It looked for a while as if Newt had redefined the American Right.
Again, he blew it. Clinton refused to grant some of the harshest cuts in the contract and the federal government went into shutdown. Gingrich had the advantage until, during a press conference, he suggested he had forced the shutdown because Clinton had ignored him during a flight from Israel. The Clinton White House released a photo of the president chatting happily with the speaker on the plane and Gingrich's position collapsed.
Rick Santorum later described Newt's time as speaker as "an idea a minute" – a series of brainwaves with no follow-through. Santorum's colleagues agreed, for in 1997 there was an attempted coup to oust him. He survived by the skin of his teeth, but was finally forced out in 1999 after the GOP suffered the worst performance of a party that did not control the White House for 64 years. There's a simple reason why Gingrich did not run for the presidency in 1996 and 2000. By 1996, the public was tired of him. By 2000, his party was tired of him. It took 12 years for memories to fade.
Throughout that time, Newt kept threatening to run. His books always seemed to come out around election time, almost as if he were using a potential candidacy as a reason to go on chat shows and talk about his latest proposal to outsource Medicare to Mars or give fat people tax credits for gastric bands. Perhaps in 2012 someone called his bluff, forcing Newt to actually run. His heart could hardly have been in it. His first acts after declaring were to denounce his party's health care proposals and then go on vacation.
Yet 2012 proved to be his final, greatest delusion. Maybe aware that he couldn't win, and not particularly bothered one way or the other, Gingrich said whatever the heck he liked in the debates. He had enough spark and pep to make the bad memories and marriages seem like a detail. He caught the mood of a GOP tired of media clichés and gotchas.
It is true that his victory in South Carolina was a protest vote against Mitt's centrism, but there's a reason why Republicans chose him over Rick Perry or Rick Santorum. He articulated better than anyone else in the field the grass-roots anger at the mainstream media's perceived antipathy toward real conservatives. For paranoiacs who feared the race was being handed to Romney by MSNBC and The New York Times, Gingrich was their man.
But, yet again, Gingrich disappointed. He stumbled in the debate that followed South Carolina because the audience wasn't allowed to cheer him on. It wasn't the heavy loss in Florida that killed him off, but rather Rick Santorum's rise as a more appealing alternative tea party candidate. And at the very moment when he should have quit while he was ahead – fill that suitcase and get outta town – Gingrich pushed on.
Why? My theory is that he succumbed to the danger that hangs over every con artist: He began to believe the con. A switch flipped in his head and he came to think that, yes, Newt Gingrich could be president – it was fundamentally inevitable. And therein lies a lesson for all of us. You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time. But things can only go wrong when you start to fool yourself.
Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinion
Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Timothy Stanley.