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October 4-10 is National 4-H Week
First Farmers is a proud supporter of 4-H in both Tazewell and McLean Counties, and several of our employees are "4-H Alumni" with some fond memories of their time spent in it...
- Tammy Adair (Delavan) was in 4-H for one year in Tazewell County. She says, "I loved the cooking projects" and remembers winning a ribbon for her brownies.
- Matt Allen (Delavan) was a ten-year member of the Delavan Aces club (Tazewell County). His favorite project was showing swine. Says Matt, "My first year showing pigs at the Tazewell County 4-H Fair, I showed the Grand Champion Carcass Barrow, which everyone in the swine barn referred to as "Big Bob." Today, I serve on the Board of Directors for the same fair that I participated in as a child."
Matt Allen (2002). This is not 'Big Bob'!
- Brian Schroeder (Minier) spent ten years in Hancock County's Four Leaf Clovers club. His favorite project was showing Polled Hereford Cattle. "It was a treat to stay at the fair in the back of the truck …
If you're looking for some fun and free food before Illinois State University home football games, look no further than First Farmers! We are proud to "back the Birds!"
Tailgate passes will be available on a first come, first served basis at our Bloomington branch location about one week prior to each home football game in the 2015 season, but quantities are limited. The pass allows you entry into the Famous Dave's tent for free food and beverages, AND it gives you a chance to win a Tailgate Prize Pack to be awarded at the end of the end of the season!
The Reggie link lists all participating tailgate sponsors.
Go Birds!
First Farmers customers... if you haven't submitted your entry into one of our Weber grill drawings yet, you have one last chance!
Our final drawing will take place in Delavan on Thursday, September 3. You can drop off your entry slip at the Delavan branch or call (309)244-9277 to be entered.
And if you're in the area, be sure to stop in at the Delavan branch between 11am-1pm Friday, September 4 for our 18th annual Customer Appreciation Cookout! Get a hot dog from one of our "First Farmers Grillmasters", chips, drink and dessert. As part of our 140th anniversary year, we'll be serving birthday cake!
Come for a free lunch and visit with staff and other customers... We'd love to see you all there!
Thank you to all of our customers for your business. We appreciate your loyalty!
The Bloomington-Normal community will soon have another food-buying choice, and First Farmers is proud to help support it!
Green Top Grocery will be a full-service grocery store offering locally sourced and sustainably raised food. Although our community is fortunate to have Farmers Markets, there are several local farmers who produce more than can be sold at those venues. Green Top will provide them with an alternative for selling their products and provide the public with opportunities to eat healthy and support the local producers who feed us.
Green Top will be located at 921 E. Washington St. in Bloomington near Beer Nuts, Inc. in a development called The Foundry. The location will be in a USDA-designated "food desert" and provide food options to an area of our community that is underserved.
Learn more about Green Top's location!
Unlike other grocery store outlets, Green Top is a cooperative. To learn more about a co-op or to become an owner, click here.
It's said that nothing is permanent except death and taxes. And the second installment of property taxes are due soon!
All three First Farmers State Bank locations accept real estate tax payments for both McLean and Tazewell Counties. Both counties require the second installment payments to be made no later than Tuesday, September 1. Payments received after September 1 are subject to an interest penalty.
Questions or disputes regarding your bill must be directed to the McLean County Treasurer's Office or the Tazewell County Treasurer's Office. First Farmers cannot resolve these matters for you.
Payments can be made inside the bank and via the drive-up during regular bank hours or in our night depositories.
Join us for one of our annual Field Days!
First Farmers is happy to once again have representatives from Diversified Crop Insurance Services to share their expertise and observations with local ag producers.
Download our event flyer invite!
Choose a date and sign up to attend!
Friday, August 7
Zimmer Farm
229 2800th St., San Jose
Contact Matt Allen (309)244-9277
Friday, August 14
King Farm
21024 E 1600 North Rd, Normal
Contact Brian Davis (309)663-6200
Friday, August 21
Troyer Farm
IL Rt. 122 and Lauster Rd., Minier
Contact Joe Conroy (309)392-2623
We are hosting our 18th annual Customer Appreciation Cookouts, and again, all customers have a chance to register to win one of three Weber grills!
Friday, July 31
Minier Firehouse
Friday, September 4
Delavan Bank Location
11am-1pm both days
Thursday, July 30
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, September 3
All grills are 22" Weber Original Kettle (TM) grills.
*Each customer can register 1 time for the drawing of their choice. If you miss one drawing, just ask for your entry form to be entered into a future drawing. Customer must use a bank-supplied entry slip.
We are in the process of testing a new telephone on-hold messaging system. Please excuse any "hiccups" you may hear for the next few days if you are placed on hold! We greatly appreciate your patience and will do all we can to minimize the amount of time callers are on hold.
You should hear some First Farmers-specific messages, and we will be adding and changing them over the next week or so. The style and content of what you hear today may be different tomorrow or in a few days. However, if you experience dead air, please contact us at any of our three locations.
Again, thank you for your patience!
As we launch into summer and the season of storms, hurricanes and the like, the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and First Farmers State Bank offer the following seven tips to help you get your financial documents in order before a natural disaster strikes.
"While the first priority is the safety of you and your family, knowing that your banking documents and private financial information are safe gives you one less thing to worry about during stressful times," said ICBA Chairman Jack Hartings, president and CEO of The Peoples Bank Co., in Coldwater, Ohio. "Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters can quickly remind us how important it is to be organized and have a plan. Having a financial preparedness plan will protect you and your family from the long-term effects of damaged, destroyed or lost financial documents."
The following seven tips will help you prepare your financial information before a natural disaster occurs:
- Keep marriage licenses, birth certificates, adoption papers, property deeds, wills, insurance policies, passports, Social Security cards, car titles or lease contracts, bank …
First Farmers State Bank is grateful to all of the men and women who faithfully served our country in the armed forces. We deeply appreciate your service and the sacrifices you made.
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, we will be closed Monday, May 25. First Farmers will have regular bank hours on the preceding Saturday and Tuesday thereafter.
Our web site provides links to other web sites for convenience and informational purposes only. By accessing these links you will be leaving First Farmers State Bank's website and entering a website hosted by another party. Please be advised that you will no longer be subject to, or under the protection of, the privacy policies of First Farmers State Bank's website. We encourage you to read and evaluate the privacy policies on the site you are entering.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Columbia, SC (WLTX) - You've heard of people camping out for electronics, but have you ever heard of someone camping out for sneakers?
Well if you were driving through Five Points, You may have notice some folks camped out in front of Blue Tile. Folks from all over are sleeping on sidewalk to wait for the "Diamond Tiffany Dunk High" to come out Saturday.
Ten years ago Diamond Supply Company, which makes skateboard clothing and accessories, collaborated with Nike skateboarding brand to make a Tiffany Dunk Low," and sold out quickly for up to $10,000 a pair.
There is only one other shop in South Carolina that will get these limited edition shoes.


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Sharia will not be main source of law in new Tunisian constitution
Catholic World News - January 06, 2014
The parliament of Tunisia has decided not to make Sharia the main source of law in the nation's new constitution, Agence France-Presse reported.
The North African nation has taken an increasingly Islamist turn since the 2011 overthrow of the authoritarian regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali during the Arab Spring demonstrations.
In the new constitution, Islam will remain Tunisia's official religion. The nation of 10.8 million is 98% Muslim; there are 25,000 Catholics.
Additional sources for this story
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Cebu Pacific Promo 2014 Regular Flight Schedule for Cagayan de Oro to Davao
February 17, 2014
Cebu Pacific Promo 2014 Regular Flight Schedule for Cagayan de Oro to Davao
Our friends from Cebu Pacific recently told us that they are offering numerous and exciting promos this 2014 including online promo tickets for passengers bound from Cagayan de Oro to Davao .
Cebu Pacific latest promo this 2014 for Cagayan de Oro to Davao starts off with a base fare of only P399.00 per online ticket. The sale period for this Cebu Pacific 2014 promo is up to January 5, 2014 or until seats last. However, the travel period for this Cebu Pacific latest promo for Cagayan de Oro to Davao is from January 15, 2014 up to April 30, 2014. Below is the total breakdown:
From Manila/Cebu Station
Base Fare P399.00
Admin Fee P120.00
Terminal Fee P200.00
One Way Fare P781.28
From non-Manila/non-Cebu Stations
Base Fare P399.00
Admin Fee P120.00
One Way Fare P596.28
The above-quoted Cebu Pacific promo fare for Cagayan de Oro to Davao is inclusive of Base Fare, Php 130 Ticketing Office/ Call Center Admin Fee (Php 120 Admin Fee for bookings created on the web). 12% VAT, Php 200 Terminal Fee for flights transiting in or exiting from Manila/Cebu station and 7kg hand-carry baggage allowance, but exclusive of Fuel Surcharge ranging from Php 250 – Php 400 Php 15 Avaiation Security Fee for flights coming from Cebu and check-in baggage. Terminal Fees ranging from Php 50 – Php 200 for flights originating from non-Manila/non-Cebu Stations must be paid at the airport.
Promo Fares and Lite Fares with promo code discounts and the applicable fees, taxes and surcharges are non-transferable, non- reroutable, non-refundable and may not be stored in a Travel Fund but may be rebookable (except to another promo seat after the sale period). Where allowed, rebooking must be done at least four (4) hours before the estimated time of departure (ETD) and is subject to the applicable charges such as rebooking fees and fare difference. Group packages, promotion codes and discount rates are available by getting in touch with Cebu Pacific flight team.
We inquired about fare for infants and discounts for people with disability (PWD) and senior citizens. Below are the pertinent provisions regarding these matters from Cebu Pacific's terms and conditions:
Infants – Infants (a) sitting on an adult's lap and (b) below two [2] years of age will be charged a minimal handling fee. Infants may be subject to taxes, fees and charges not imposed by the Airline but imposed by appropriate airport or foreign authorities.
PWD and Senior Citizen Discount on Fares – During booking, a PWD or PRM is entitled to a twenty percent (20%) discount on base fare for domestic air travel upon presentation of a valid Identification Card issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs(NCDA) or a local government unit. The 20% discount shall be applicable only for fares and for payment over the counter and not applicable for online booking.
Likewise, a Filipino Senior Citizen is entitled to a twenty percent (20%) discount on base fare for domestic air travel and exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on fares only on the purchase of the itinerary for his exclusive use. Provided that, upon purchase, a senior citizen may present the following as proof of identification: Senior Citizen's Identification Card issued by the OSCA in the city or municipality where the person resides; The passport of the senior citizen concerned; and any other accepted identification cards recognized in the usual and ordinary conduct of business, indicating the senior citizens' birth date or age (e.g. SSS, GSIS, Driver's License, Postal ID, PRC ID, Office ID and the like).
Below are some of Cebu Pacific's Regular Flight Schedule for Cagayan de Oro to Davao :
Flight Frequency Departure Time Arrival Time
5J215 Daily 0640 0740
The above mentioned Cebu Pacific Regular Flight Schedule for Cagayan de Oro to Davao is subject to change without prior notice.
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DISCLAIMER: We are merely a promo, discount and travel information website. We not sell any ticket online nor do we have a reservation, ticketing and booking system. We are not in any way affiliated or connected with Cebu Pacific in whatsoever capacity. The information herein is posted to help avid travellers and backpackers around the Philippines and abroad. If you have any inquiries please leave them in the comment boxes provided below. Thank you and God bless!


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Networks sign on for Clooney's two-hour Haiti telethon
Currently, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT, CNN International, National Geographic and MTV are aboard to air the event live. It will air at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT, January 22.
Clooney will host from Los Angeles, and Haitian music star Wyclef Jean will take the mike from New York as co-host. CNN's Andersoon Cooper will offer special live reports from on the ground from the ground in devastated country.
The model for the show is a standard variety show telethon with viewers able to send in donations by phone or online. All proceeds will go evenly between Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF and Yele Haiti Foundation.
There's no firm confirmation yet of what celebrities or acts will perform during the show, but rumors include the possible appearances of Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, Ben Stiller, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.


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U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson
Keynote Speaker
Simpson is a former U.S. senator who co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform with U.S. Sen. Erskine Bowles and served as one of the 10 bipartisan members on the respected Iraq Study Group chaired by U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton and U.S. Rep. Jim Baker. He is a partner in the Cody firm of Simpson, Kepler and Edwards, the Cody division of the Denver firm of Burg Simpson Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, PC.
Simpson pre-served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and still travels the country presenting speeches and lectures on a variety of subjects. He authored a book, Right in the Old Gazoo: A Lifetime of Scrapping with the Press, which chronicles his personal experiences and views of the news media. His biography, Shooting from the Lip, was published in September 2011. From 1997 to 2000, Simpson was a visiting lecturer and for two years, the director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. During fall 2000 he returned to his Alma Mater, the University of Wyoming, as a visiting lecturer in the Political Science Department and co-taught class entitled, "Wyoming's Political Identity: Its History and Its Politics," proving to be one of the most popular classes offered at UW. Read his full biography.
David Alberts
Mayer Brown
David Alberts is a partner in the New York office of Mayer Brown, where he focuses his practice on insurance and reinsurance matters. David's work for the life insurance industry includes corporate/M&A, regulatory, contract wording, insurance finance (including life and annuity reserve financing), collateral arrangements and credit enhancements, and new product development. He regularly advises on multijurisdictional and cross-border transactions and regulatory issues, including credit for reinsurance laws, risk transfer regulations, permissible investment under insurance investment laws and related collateralization requirements. In the past few years, he has represented numerous insurers in a steady stream of highly structured life insurance reserve financing transactions. David is a long time advisor to the ACLI Reinsurance Committee and is a member of the Association of Life Insurance Counsel.
Spencer Alridge
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
SCOR Global Life Americas
Spencer Alridge is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at SCOR Global Life Americas. Currently, he is responsible for all legal and compliance matters for the Latin American and Canadian operations of SCOR. Prior to his work with the international businesses, he had primary responsibility for all litigation, arbitration and dispute remediation and resolution worldwide. Spencer provides the life reinsurance representation for SGLA to both the ACLI and the RAA. Before joining Transamerica, he spent 10 years in private practice, concentrating on litigation of insurance, employment, bankruptcy and commercial matters. Spencer received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and his J.D. from George Washington University.
Richard J. Bielen, MBA, CPA
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer
Protective Life Corporation
Mr. Bielen is vice chairman and chief financial officer of Protective Life Corporation. He joined Protective Life in 1991 with responsibility for the company's Securities portfolio, became chief investment officer and Treasurer in 2002 and has served as vice chairman and chief cinancial officer since 2007.
He is a certified public accountant and serves on the boards of The United Way of Central Alabama, The Alabama Trust Fund, Children's Health System and Cluff Research Fund. He earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University.
Jeff Boland
Chief Risk Officer
Athene Holding Ltd.
Mr. Boland is Chief Risk Officer of Athene Holding Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company for the Athene family of companies, whose core business is fixed annuities in the growing retirement services market. He received a PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Michigan, served as an assistant professor of mathematics and authored research publications, and has worked in risk management within the capital markets and reinsurance industry for many years.
Richard Braun, MD
Vice President & Chief Medical Officer
Generali USA Life Re
Dr. Braun currently serves as vice president and chief medical officer for Generali USA Life Re. He was previously Chief Medical Director of Lincoln Re. And he was Medical Director for ExamOne before joining Generali USA Life Re. He is a past president of the American Academy of Insurance Medicine and currently chairs the Membership committee of the ACLI Medical Section. He is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Insurance Medicine.
Lawrence S. Carson, FSA, MAAA
Senior Vice President and Chief Pricing Actuary, Global Financial Solutions
RGA Reinsurance Company
Mr. Carson is senior vice president and chief pricing actuary, Global Financial Solutions for RGA Reinsurance Company. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of pricing for this worldwide business unit, which focuses on asset-intensive, capital-motivated, and bulk longevity reinsurance transactions.
He received an A.B. (cum laude) degree in Mathematics from Harvard University. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He has also served in various roles with the SOA's Reinsurance Section Council, was a member of the Academy's Life Reinsurance Work Group, and has spoken at numerous industry meetings.
Mike DeKoning, FSA, FCIA, MAAA
President & CEO
Munich American Reassurance Company
Mr. DeKoning joined Munich American Reassurance Company in January 2008 as president and chief executive officer. Mike is responsible for all of the U.S. life reinsurance business for Munich Re, including individual life and disability, group life and disability, and long term care. He directs all aspects of the business and sits on the Munich American Reasurance Company board of directors as well as the board of directors of LifePlans, Inc., one of the largest providers of long term care insurance underwriting, claims and administration services.
He is a past board member and chairman of the Audit Committee of MIB Group and is currently on the board of the American Council of Life Insurers and the Educational Foundation of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance of Georgia State University.
Doug French, FSA, FCA, FIAA, MAAA
Managing Principal, Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services
Ernst & Young LLP
Mr. French is the managing principal of the Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young LLP's Financial Services Offices. Mr. French is based in New York City. He has spent over 28 years in actuarial consulting. He has worked on engagements in the United States, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. His clients include banks as well as insurance companies.
He is a frequent speaker at industry seminars on topics such as enterprise risk management, capital management, retirement income, solvency II and solvency modernization. Mr. French is a co-author of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia's sessional paper "Margin on Services Reporting: The Financial Implications," which was the Institute of Actuaries of Australia 1993 Parker Prize Winner.
Anthony Garcia, MBA
Western & Southern Agency Group
Mr. Garcia is the newly-appointed president of W&S Agency Group, where he leads Western & Southern Financial Group's career marketing and sales organization, encompassing 2,800 field and home office associates in 182 offices across the United States.
He holds a Series 7 securities license and serves on the board of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). He is a graduate of Delta State University and holds an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Frank L. Gillis
Chief Executive Officer
Athene Life Re Ltd.
Mr. Gillis is the Chief Executive Officer and one of the founders of Athene Life Re Ltd., based in Bermuda. Athene Life Re is a reinsurance company focused on the growing retirement services market, whose core business is fixed deferred annuity reinsurance. His many years of experience include expertise in insurance solutions for Life and Annuity companies.
Frank "Chip" Gillis serves on the boards of Athene Holding, Athene Life Re and a subsidiary Special Purpose Vehicle, Highland Re.
Gail Goering, JD
Foley & Lardner LLP
Gail Goering is a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP where her practice is primarily devoted to advising clients in reinsurance disputes, both in the U.S. and abroad. These matters have involved issues arising from both life/health and property/casualty reinsurance contracts. She is co-chair of the firm's Insurance & Reinsurance Industry Team and a member of the Insurance & Reinsurance Litigation Practice.
Dean C. Graham, FIA
Head of Life Reinsurance
Mr. Graham is Head of Life Reinsurance at PartnerRe and responsible for the world-wide life reinsurance activities of PartnerRe. He joined the life reinsurance unit of PartnerRe in 2008 with responsibility for business development and was appointed to lead the unit in 2010. PartnerRe offers risk reinsurance, financing and structured solutions for individual and group life risks as well as risk transfer solutions for longevity risk.
He has a Bachelors degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and worked at Old Mutual before joining PartnerRe.
Eric S. Henderson, FSA, MAAA
Senior Vice President, Individual Products & Solutions
Nationwide Financial
Mr. Henderson is senior vice president and leader of the Individual Products & Solutions segment of Nationwide Financial. Prior to this position, Henderson was senior vice president of the Individual Investments Group. He was elected to his current position in October of 2011, making him accountable for the financial health of Nationwide's individual annuity and life segments representing over $60 billion in assets and reserves, and $120 billion of insurance in-force.
Eric holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in mathematics from The Ohio State University and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Eric also serves on the Thurber House Board of Trustees.
Daniel J. Houston
President, Retirement, Insurance and Financial Services
Principal Financial Group
Mr. Houston is president, Retirement, Insurance and Financial Services with the Principal Financial Group®. He is responsible for the company's U.S. asset accumulation businesses, including the retirement, mutual funds and annuity lines of business. He's also responsible for the company's U.S. insurance solutions businesses, including individual life and specialty benefits, as well as, distribution channels supporting all units.
He's a member of several boards, including Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI). Houston has appeared before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to discuss the importance of educating the workforce about the financial needs in retirement. Houston also joined the joint forum of U.S. Senate Committees on Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to discuss "Private-Sector Retirement Savings Plans: What Does the Future Hold?"
Gary "Doc" Huffman, CLU, ChFC
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ohio National Financial Services
Mr. Huffman is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ohio National Financial Services. He joined Ohio National in August 2008 as vice chairman, Distribution; advancing to vice chairman and chief operating officer in November 2009 and President and chief executive officer in December 2010. He started his career in the insurance business in 1975 as an agent with Mass Mutual Life and later a general agent, a 20-year qualifier for the Mass Mutual Leaders Club and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
DuWayne Kilbo, MBA, FLMI
Windsor Insurance
Mr. Kilbo has worked for Windsor since 2004 and is a leader on Underwriting and New Business. He has been active in the Life Industry since 1985, serving in a variety of different Underwriting roles, including his previous role as Director of Technical Underwriting for a top industry carrier.
His experience and background includes expertise in Large Case and Impaired Risk Underwriting, Product Development, Reinsurance Management/Relations, Underwriting Management, Underwriting and New Business Process Development and Enhancement, Vendor Management/Relations, Underwriting Research and Development, and Claims. His current duties include amongst other things Case Underwriting, New Business Management, Agent Recruitment, Sales Development, and Agency Management
Mark E. Konen, FSA, MAAA
President Insurance and Retirement Solutions
Lincoln Financial Group
Mr. Konen is president of the Insurance and Retirement Solutions division of Lincoln Financial Group. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of strategic leadership, product development and profitability management of the Life Insurance, Annuity and Group Protection businesses. In addition, he is responsible for sales and distribution for Group Protection.
Mr. Konen has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Nebraska. He is an active community leader, serving on the board of the Pennsylvania Nature Conservancy. His industry activities include serving on various ACLI committees.
Hugh T. McCormick, JD
DuaneMorris LLP
Hugh McCormick is a partner in the New York office of Duane Morris LLP, a law firm of more than 700 lawyers with offices in 12 states, as well as London, Singapore and Viet Nam. He served as executive vice president, corporate development, at Scottish Re Group Limited from 2005 to 2007. He advises domestic and international insurance and reinsurance companies on tax, regulatory, and corporate matters arising in connection with reinsurance, M&A and securitization transactions.
He is a contributing author of Insurance Industry Mergers and Acquisitions (Society of Actuaries, 2005) and International Life Insurance (Chancellor Publications Ltd. (UK), 2002). He received a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1968, a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in 1977, and an LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University in 1980.
Eileen McDonnell, MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Eileen C. McDonnell is president and chief executive officer of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 2012, Ms. McDonnell was named vice chair of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania and to the Board of The American Council of Life Insurers. Previously, she was president of New England Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of Met Life, and senior vice president of the Guardian Life Insurance Company.
A graduate of Molloy College, Rockville Centre, N.Y., Ms. McDonnell majored in mathematics and computer science, and received an honorary doctor oflaws (LL.D.) degree in 2011. She earned her MBA in finance and investments from Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y.
Bill Moore
VP Underwriting & Medical
Munich Re
Mr. Moore has over 30 years of underwriting experience and a diverse background in managing risk in various market niches including financial institution, brokerage, direct response and captive agencies. He has split his career between reinsurance and direct writing companies.
He has managed underwriting research and development, medical, claims and risk management functions in addition to new business and underwriting. He has experience in establishing underwriting philosophy and guidelines, preferred criteria to meet product objectives and managing automated underwriting systems.
Kevin Oldani
Senior Vice President - Chief Underwriter
Hannover Life Re America (HLR America)
Mr. Oldani joined Hannover Life Re America in April 2009. At HLR America, Kevin is responsible for the overall management of the underwriting department. He has over 30 years of underwriting experience, including management of ING Re's underwriting department, training and mentoring on underwriting issues, conducting client visits/audits, managing client relationships, and underwriting management of the COLI/BOLI line of business.
He is a member of AHOU and the Rocky Mountain Society of Home Office Underwriters. Kevin is past president of The Southeastern Home office Underwriters Association, Past Chairman of the COLI Directors meeting and the executive committee for the Impaired Risk Underwriting Association.
Maurice A. Perkins
Senior Vice President of Federal Relations
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI)
Maurice Perkins is Senior Vice President of Federal Relations and joined the American Council of Life Insurers in 2005.
Mr. Perkins was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President in 2011. Prior to joining ACLI's Federal Relations Department, Mr. Perkins served almost five years as a Professional Staff Member in the U.S. Senate. He first worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - then to Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) on the Senate Banking Committee.
Mr. Perkins had responsibility for legislation regarding national security issues, trade, and international financial institutions. He worked closely with U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of State officials and aided Presidential nominees through the Senate confirmation process.
At ACLI, Mr. Perkins helps to manage a team of federal lobbyists on issues covering tax, financial services, and retirement security issues of importance to the life insurance industry on Capitol Hill, including tax reform efforts, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, the Pension Protection Act, and reinsurance issues.
A native of Miami, Florida, Maurice has a Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in upstate New York and a Masters Degree from Columbia University.
Nardeep Sangha
Managing Director, Global Life & Health Risk Transformation
Swiss Re Services Ltd (London)
Mr. Sangha joined Swiss Re in November 2011 as global head of Life & Health Risk Transformation. He joined from Deutsche Bank where he was a Managing Director in Global Rates and the CEO / CIO of Abbey Life. His professional qualifications include: Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Associate Member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
Upon graduating from Nottingham University with a BSC (Hons) in Mathematics with statistics, he joined the insurance consulting division of Watsons. In 1993 he moved to Midland Personal Financial Services where he qualified as an Actuary before beginning his capital markets career at Sumitomo Bank prior to joining Deutsche Bank in 2000.
Peter R. Schaefer, FSA, MAAA
President and CEO
Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America
Peter R. Schaefer is President and CEO of Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (HLR America), the North American life and health reinsurance subsidiary of the Hannover Re Group. Hannover Re is one of the largest and most financially sound professional reinsurance groups in the world. Rated "AA-" by Standard & Poor's and "A+" by A.M. Best, HLR America offers innovative risk reinsurance and financial solutions for ordinary life, group life, annuities, accident and health, and special risk insurance. HLR America is licensed or accredited in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.
Pete joined HLR America on January 1, 1999 as Chief Actuary and assumed his current responsibilities two years later. He is an active participant in numerous actuarial and life insurance industry committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Council of Life Insurers and is Co-Chair of the Executive Task Force on Global Solvency. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in 1982 with a B.S. in Economics. He and his wife Teresa reside in Orlando, Florida.
Philip Smalley MD, FRCPC
Vice President and Medical Director
RGA International Corporation
Dr. Philip Smalley is the vice president and medical director for RGA International Corporation and managing director of the Longer Life Foundation. He is currently responsible for medical research and assisting in product development.
He is an internal medicine specialist with more than 20 years of insurance medicine experience. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1986. Prior to joining RGA International, he consulted for many direct insurance companies and also practiced medicine at a University of Toronto affiliated teaching hospital. He is also the Past President of the Canadian Life Insurance Medical Officers Association.
Brad Smith, FSA, MAAA
Mr. Smith joined Milliman & Robertson, Inc., now known as Milliman, in April 1986 to open the life/health practice in Dallas. His practice involved all aspects of life and health insurance including insurance industry mergers and acquisitions, product pricing and financial statement preparation. He served as a member of Milliman's Board of Directors from May 1996 to May 1999. In May 2000 he was elected to the position of Chairman of Milliman, and continues to serve in that capacity.
He is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries (SOA), a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a fellow of the Life Management Institute (LOMA). He recently served as president of the SOA. He has also been an elected section council member of the following SOA sections: Financial Reporting, Marketing & Distribution, and Product Development and served as a member of the SOA's Board of Governors, Director of Publications and chairman of the SOA's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Neil Sprackling
President, Life & Health US
Swiss Re
Mr. Sprackling is president of Swiss Re's Life & Health US Business and a member of the firm's Americas Management Team. With over 27 years' reinsurance experience spanning the UK, Spain, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, Neil's background includes client management, underwriting, and marketing. He managed Mercantile & General's Spanish branch office prior to moving to Australia in 1997 to join Swiss Re.
Neil has led various business and industry programs on behalf of Swiss Re in Australia. Foremost among these is the protection gap initiative addressing the issue of underinsurance, and the extensive review of the income protection market.
Michael E. Sproule, FSA, MAAA
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
New York Life Insurance Company
Mr. Sproule is executive vice president and chief financial officer for New York Life Insurance Company overseeing: the Office of the Chief Actuary; the Controller's Department; Mergers & Acquisitions; Financial Planning Analysis and Budgets; Rating Agency relationships; the Office of Risk Management; the Tax Department; and, the Treasury Department. He became a member of the Executive Management Committee in May 2002.
With 40 years of industry experience, Mr. Sproule joined New York Life in 1999 as Senior Vice President in charge of Mergers & Acquisitions. Mr. Sproule received a bachelor's degree in math and physics and an MBA in finance and marketing from the University of Toronto. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Chris C. Stroup. MBA
Chairman and CEO, Wilton
Operating Partner, Stone Point Capital
Previously, Mr. Stroup was the Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. ("Swiss Re"). Prior to joining Swiss Re, Mr. Stroup served as Chief Financial Officer at Life Re Corporation, and was also a partner with Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Stroup holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Darryl Wagner, FSA, MAAA
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Mr. Wagner is based in the Hartford office of Deloitte Consulting LLP and serves as National Practice Leader for Deloitte Consulting's U.S. Life Actuarial Practice. He has more than 25 years of experience in the life and health actuarial field, including involvement in statutory and GAAP valuation and financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, demutualizations and GAAP conversions for both direct writers and reinsurers. Darryl has extensive international experience, having served clients on six continents, and is the IFRS insurance consulting practice leader for Deloitte Consulting.
Darryl is a frequent speaker at industry functions and has participated in AICPA deliberations various insurance financial reporting and valuation subjects. He currently serves on the SOA Board of Directors and as Chair of the SOA's International Committee. He is also an SOA representative to the International Actuarial Association. Darryl earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in mathematics from the University of Nebraska in 1985. Before joining Deloitte, he worked for CIGNA and Arthur Andersen, both in Hartford, CT.
David Wesley, MD
Vice President, Director of Medical Research
SCOR Global Life Americas
David Wesley, MD, is Vice President, Director Medical Research for SCOR Global Life Americas in Charlotte. Dr. Wesley received both his BA and his MD degrees from the University of California at San Diego. He practiced internal medicine in Syracuse, NY before joining the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York in 1985 as Senior Medical Director. Dr. Wesley went on to serve as Vice President and Chief Medical Director for National Life of Vermont; Cologne Life Re, General Re; Generali USA Life Re; and Transamerica Re.
Dr. Wesley is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Insurance Medicine. His industry activities have included numerous publications and presentations.
William J. Wheeler, MBA
President, Americas
MetLife, Inc.
Mr. Wheeler is the president of the Americas region of MetLife, Inc. As president, he oversees MetLife's insurance and retirement businesses in the United States and Latin America.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Wheeler was executive vice president and chief financial officer at MetLife. Before joining MetLife, he was an investment banker at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. He holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and also received an A.B., from Wabash College, where he is now a member of the board of trustees.
A. Greig Woodring, FSA
President & Chief Executive Officer
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
Mr. Woodring is president and chief executive officer and a director of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated. Prior to becoming President, Greig served as Executive Vice President of General American Life Insurance Company (now GenAmerica Financial L.L.C.), in charge of all reinsurance business. His leadership and experience have been pivotal in helping to make RGA one of the world's leading life reinsurance companies, with more than $2.5 trillion dollars of life reinsurance in force.
He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics from the University of Illinois and an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. He serves as a director and officer of many RGA subsidiaries.


text: Beer Ad May Be Best Ever [VIDEO] By Joe Kelly August 31, 2012 4:58 AM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The dog, the frogs, the lizards, the horses. Some of the many animals used in ads to sell beer. Here's one that features guys and beer. Yeah, that works! Filed Under: Advertising | Beer | Commercial | Guys | TV Commercial Category: News Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! Best of Cat Country 107.3 Recommended For You Best of the Web


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This photo is awaiting approval and will be posted soon.
Play our fun game and find out if the one you like likes you back. Confide in us if you think you'd hit it off by clicking: Yes, No, or Maybe. We'll anonymously find out and let you know if the feeling is mutual. You have nothing to lose!
You've already said YES! If the feeling is mutual, we'll let you both know.
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You both said YES! The feeling is mutual. Now the rest is up to you! Say Hi and get the conversation started.
All about me in 3000 characters or less:
I'm not perfect, but I do not think I'm alone. Growing every day is part of what makes life interesting.
I'm close to my family and friends. I like to travel (but who would say that they don't). My hobbies include but are not limited to: hiking (with small brown dog), taking pictures, a little painting (pictures and work with standard latex on standard wall), a little gardening, sight seeing, reading, writing, and arithmetic (just wanted to see if you were paying attention).
I'm looking for a friendship that can grow into a partnership. For any chemistry enthusiasts out there: I believe a relationship is more than the sum of its parts.
For me relationships evolve and grow over time. It starts with two people who have similar interests and eventually grows into a commitment to a life together.
I would like to share some of the following with someone: hiking, traveling, plays, movies, some dining out, and just hanging out at home gently squeezing the dog. (If you do not already have a dog, one will be provided for you.) I'd like to find someone who enjoys the outdoors (ie nature hikes, small and large fuzzy creatures, but doesn't kill his own dinner)
Qualities that I find important in a relationship: communication, willingness to share (food and feelings), sense of humor (make each other laugh...not necessarily the entire world), commitment, willingness to work through the rough spots, as there are bumps down every road.
My dog is looking for someone who either knows how to play fetch or who is willing to learn. My cat is looking for someone who can provide a good lap.
As one of my professors used to start every class: "Questions, comments, complaints?"
If so, drop me an email.
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Any woman who has more than one child can tell you how different each child is from birth. You are born with your personality intact. The Color Code is based on your natural, innate personality type. Of course, people may change over time, but your Core Color will always remain the same.
Sometimes it is difficult to choose from the four options given, but there is usually one that fits better than the rest, or at least one that you could see yourself as more so than the others. If you're still unsure, try asking someone who knows you well, such as a parent or sibling. They can give clarity on areas of your personality that you may not notice.


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Why don't child care centers have air conditioning?
Question: Why isn't there air conditioning in our child day-care centers? I've kept my child home when the temperature was predicted to be over 90 degrees, but she's still getting overheated.
Answer: The air conditioning question is one that we've addressed before, but we've recently received several inquiries specific to our child care centers, so I want to take the opportunity to answer again.
Although it was a warm summer, generally the temperature at our Point Mugu and Port Hueneme facilities only gets above 80 degrees 15 days out of the year. It's really only above 75 for about 45 days a year, based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's past seven decades of data.
Because of this extremely mild weather, Navy installations in Southern California are expected to start all projects with the assumption that air conditioning will not be included. It's just not the best use of taxpayer dollars.
We do everything we can to keep our children cool and comfortable for those few days a year that the temperature is warmer than usual. Our facilities have childproof fans, and windows are kept open throughout the day. We offer water and ice and conduct water play activities on especially warm days as well.
The Child Development Center at Point Mugu stays a little warmer than the one at Port Hueneme because of its design and location. Due to your concerns and comments, we did submit a request to install air conditioning there, which was recently approved! Although we do not have a start date at this time, we should have the equipment installed before next summer.
We are installing thermometers in all of our care rooms and will have our providers monitor the temperature at multiple times throughout the day. This will help us establish how well our efforts are working and give us a good baseline for any future plans.


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West Greene capitalizes on Geibel mistakes for victory
TribLIVE Sports Videos
Monday`s Section 1-A baseball game between Geibel and visiting West Greene represented a chance for both teams to stay in the thick of the section playoff race.
The Pioneers seized that chance by taking advantage of five Geibel errors on their way to a 9-2 victory.
'Every single aspect of our game stunk,' Geibel coach Jeff McWilliams said. 'Our problem is we take two steps forward and 10 steps back. We continue to make the same mistakes over and over.'
Some of Geibel`s mistakes are mental but others are physical, as evidenced by the team`s five miscues.
To compound the problem, Geibel`s bats were mostly quiet. The Gators managed just five hits against winning pitcher Donnie White, who worked into the seventh inning to earn the victory.
'It`s tough to play from behind, and it`s tough to play when you`re not hitting the ball,' McWilliams said.
West Greene (5-6, 2-2) built a 6-0 lead through the first five innings.
White walked and scored in the second before C.J. Gillin and Ben Carlisle each singled and scored in the third.
Then in the fifth, Kory Watson capped a three-run inning by ripping a two-run double off Geibel pitcher Peter Tarka.
'That`s what it takes in high school baseball,' West Greene coach John Coss said. 'You just have to be able to make something happen, and we were able to make something happen at the right time.'
Geibel (2-6, 1-3) broke the shutout bid with a run in the sixth when Tarka grounded out to drive in Michael Noonan. But the Pioneers came right back with three runs in the seventh to seal the win. All three runs were a result of three Geibel errors.
'I think our pitching wasn`t that bad, but we have to make the plays in the field,' McWilliams said.
Geibel finished the scoring when Jake Ciaccia singled and eventually scored on a groundout by Jeremy Toth.
West Greene outhit Geibel, 7-5.
West Greene pulled within a game of one of the final playoff spots in the section. Still, Coss knows his team has plenty of work to do in order to finish in one of those coveted positions.
'I thought our pitcher did a great job,' Coss said. 'But we still had some errors, and we have to hit better.'
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Salvation Army Supplies Toys And Food To Needy Families
A volunteer helps a woman shop for toys during the Salvation Army's... News PhotoAdult,Assistance,California,Horizontal,Human Interest,Salvation Army,San Francisco - California,Toy,USA,Volunteer,Waist Up,WomenPhotographer Justin SullivanCollection: Getty Images News 2012 Getty ImagesSAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 20: A volunteer (R) helps a woman shop for toys during the Salvation Army's Toy & Joy Shop Distribution on December 20, 2012 in San Francisco, California. With less than one week before Christmas, the Salvation Army's Golden State division held a Toy & Joy Shop Distribution event that allows families in need to shop for free toys and receive a bag with ingredients to make a holiday meal. Nearly 1,500 families will attend the two day event. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)


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The right job. The right candidate. Every time.
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From light industrial to clerical positions, we can connect employers with the best candidates out there.
Carlton Staffing has been providing staffing solutions to Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth companies for over 30 years.
We understand that there are many staffing companies to choose from, and we hope that the information provided on this site gives you an introduction to Carlton Staffing and the many benefits available to our customers and employees.
Carlton Staffing strives to attract and retain the highest quality employees. We work with the top companies in the market, and are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package.
From outstanding employees to community involvement, we recognize the people and resources that make Carlton Staffing work.
Browse our open positions and connect to a career that works for you!
Carlton Staffing visited the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.
To read more about our involvement please click here.
Carlton Staffing joins staffing companies across the country in celebrating National Staffing Employee Week, Sept. 15-21. To read more about how we are celebrating these important and talented temporary and contract employees click here.


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TV Squad Ten: Canadians who shine on US TV
Since there are more TV shows produced in the US and because actors can make more money down south, a lot of Canadian actors go to the USA. to work (or try to get work in a US show shot in Vancouver or Toronto). Here I present you with ten Canadian actors currently starring in lead roles in various primetime US TV shows. Did you know these ten actors were not from the US?
Reaper: A New Hope (season premiere)
Reaper's back, and our resident lovable losers are in full form: homeless (evicted from their apartment), jobless (though they get them back with a little blackmail), Sam's in the doghouse with Andi, and it's just another devilish day at The Work Bench.
That all may add up to a typical episode of Reaper for you, but they've taken a couple of steps to bring this show to the next level, as well as bringing us everything we loved so much about the first season.
TV Squad Ten: TV's top second bananas
When it came time to put together this list, I wondered if I'd be able to find ten viable and qualified bananas on the airwaves today. But I guess I needn't have worried. It looks like Barney was an inspiration (in more ways than one) to the current crop of second bananas. They litter their peels all over the television landscape, leaving us to trip over in laughter time and time again at their antics. But how do they stack up? Who's the biggest fruit in the tree? There's only one way to find out!
Reaper to return two weeks earlier than expected
There's more good news. The CW says they plan to air all thirteen produced episodes straight through. That means no repeats or months-long hiatuses. Just 13 weeks of fresh, unadulterated Reaper.
TV Squad Ten: Most outrageous characters on TV
Random House defines outrageous as highly unusual or unconventional; extravagant; remarkable. It's as though they've been watching TV, and wrote their definition to fit some of the crazy characters on television shows today.
Oh, don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. I love these larger-than-life characters, played to perfection by the talented actors who grace these roles. Some fit in perfectly with their surroundings, others stand out like a sore thumb amongst castmates. One thing they all have in common, though, is that watching them is pure entertainment.
Patrick Jane (played by Simon Baker on The Mentalist)
Jane doesn't quite have the social graces to blend into society, and that's why I love him. The frumpy suits, the obnoxious antics, and the constant pushing of the envelope make for some good TV. From card counting in the casino to reading Lisbon's mind; hypnotizing suspects to making a sandwich in a victim's home, Jane's done it all. Unconventional, to say the least.
On the 6th day of Festivus, TV gave to me ... - VIDEOS
Chats around the watercooler often are about last night's big football game, why Izzie is sleeping with Denny on Grey's Anatomy, or the latest OMG! WTF? twist on Lost. Rare will be the conversations about the latest evil-doer that Sam and his friends had to capture on the latest episode of The CW's Reaper. Thing is, some of us do want to gossip about Reaper, but it seems like we are the only ones around the watercooler to watch it. "How can this be?" we ask ourselves, knowing how cool the show is (especially the Devil)!
Reaper is just an example, as there are tons of shows that people should be watching but seemingly don't. Here I bring you a list of six shows that I think you (or your friends and family members) should be watching and why. I restricted my list to shows that air on one of the major networks - so that everyone has easy access to them - and series that will still be on the air in winter 2009.
All Debbie wants for Festivus
When the rest of the shows-a-stinkin' take up the airwaves, there's always TV on DVD. So, really, is it asking too much to want more from TV for Festivus this year? Speaking as a completely selfish TV watcher, I think not. So with wild abandon, here are my Festivus wishes:
Reaper is finally on the CW's mid-season schedule
Finally, I need wait no more: The CW has finally announced Reaper's timeslot, and it's not half bad. Or, I guess it is half bad, depending on how you look at it.
First things first: it's not on Friday night, which is something I feared because CW's schedule is so wide open on that night. So that's good, right?
According to Jim on DVD. Yippee.
Season one of the ABC comedy (it's a comedy, right?) will be released on Oct. 21, 2008. It's part of a deal ABC Studios inked with Lionsgate Home Entertainment to distribute select titles on DVD. Season one of Reaper is next on Nov. 4, followed by Boy Meets World (which was discontinued in 2006), Hope and Faith, and 8 Simple Rules.
That's interesting, because I've got Season one of 8 Simple Rules here (no, I didn't buy it, a publicist sent it to me), and it's from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. So Lionsgate must be taking over distribution.
CW announces an early Fall premiere schedule
The idea behind the move is that you're already going to be hooked on Gossip Girl and Top Model by the time the other networks get around to premiering their fall shows, sometime around mid-to-late September. The season isn't the only thing the CW is starting early, however. Starting in November, they're also extending prime time, with original programming beginning at 6:30 on Sunday nights.
Check out CW's full premiere schedule after the jump.
Reaper: Cancun (season finale)
(S01E18) "Surprisingly perceptive for a bunch of clowns with pitchforks." - The Devil
I think my favorite part of the opening scene was the look on Tony's face when he saw Sam avoid the washing machine. It was the disappointed look most people get when a politician they voted for gets caught taking payoffs. The look that says, "I pretty much knew it but I never had the proof."
When Ken Marino and Michael Ian Black were added to the cast I had mixed feelings. While I really enjoy Marino, I was never a big fan of Black. Luckily for me, that problem was solved by the devil himself. Not only is Marino hilarious in his role, his character has allowed Reaper to explore elements of the show that would have seemed forced otherwise.
Gallery: Reaper Finale
Buffy the Vampire Slayer vs. Reaper
This season, I was hopeful when Reaper arrived on the scene. It seemed to have some of the same elements that I liked about Buffy: demon lore, a Scooby gang, a story arc, and a lighthearted, humorous side to a subject that could be very dark.
So how does Reaper measure up to Buffy? When I actually did the breakdown, I was pleasantly surprised. A very interesting outcome, indeed....
Gallery: Buffy and Reaper moments
Reaper: The Leak
(S01E17) All things considered, this has been a pretty good week for Reaper. In light of the very real possibility that next week's season finale could have been a series finale, news that the show has been picked up for next season is cause for celebration. Sure, the thirteen episodes for mid-season part isn't ideal, but hey, gift horses and whatnot. I am already looking forward to a Reaper/Supernatural block on Thursday nights. And hey, there was a new episode too. There was a lot going on, but the big news was that after months of patience, there is finally some news on the contract. That, and the rest of the episode, after the jump.
Gallery: Reaper
The Upfronts: The CW
Returning: Reaper, Smallville, Supernatural, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, America's Next Top Model, Everybody Hates Chris, The Game
Out: Aliens in America, Life is Wild, Girlfriends
New: 90210, Surviving the Filthy Rich, Stylista
More after the jump...
Reaper renewed!
The show has been on the bubble for a little while, and I can postulate the CW's motives for renewal. First, it gives the opportunity to build a name for the show (which is a nice Buffy the Vampire Slayer combination of fantasy and humor). Second, it cuts some slack for the show with regard to any possible developmental interference the writer's strike may have had on it.
The show will return for 13 episodes in the mid-season and will likely run alongside the CW's other fantasy suspense series Supernatural after Smallville finishes its run.
The show has made great strides since its Kevin Smith-directed premiere and really shows promise. The still-struggling CW could use as many hits as possible. It's a good thing that the network is pursuing shows with some degree of sophistication and not abandoning them for mindless drivel (coughcoughrealityTVcoughcough) in the pursuit of cheap ratings.
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When I think about it, I realize I have never, ever said any words directly to my parents. So I push a couple buttons, and the machine speaks the words I've never been able to say.
"I love you" (p 138).
Melody is almost twelve-years-old but she's never walked, spoken, or fed herself and yet she is brilliant. With the support of two loving parents, instruction from a no-nonesense neighbor, aphotographic memory and a lot of spunk, Melody begins to overcome her physical limitations.
It was so easy to slip into Melody's life through Draper's elegant prose, to feel her frustration and desire. I was alternately angery, joyful, ashamed and eager with Melody.
Fuse #8 taped this book early on as Newbery bait and I have no doubt it will appear on mock lists.
Read alikes: Stuck in Neutral, Cruise Control and Inside Out by Terry Truman, So B. It by Sarah Weeks


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One of the most storied programs in NCAA play since joining Hockey East in the 1980s, the University of Maine boasts 17 tournament appearances, including 11 trips to the Frozen Four, five title games, and two national championships.
The legendary Shawn Walsh built the Black Bears into the sport in Maine, and national prominence behind the bench with two of the most memorable championship games in NCAA history -- 1993 and 1999 -- with the latter coming on the heels of an unprecedented three-year tournament drought. Walsh's warriors also lost one in between -- the 1995 thumping by BU, 6-2.
After Walsh lost a courageous battle with kidney cancer 10 years ago, his assistant, Tim Whitehead, continued the program's success highlighted by two gut-wrenching, one-goal title-game losses: in 2002 to Minnesota in OT, 4-3, and in '05 to Denver in a 1-0 final.
The recent 2009 and 2010 teams did not qualify, barely missing the at-large bid that comes off national ranking or winning the Hockey East Tournament and automatic bid.
What's in place and what needs attention with the 2011 team to end this current drought, and assure that Whitehead's team takes Maine back on a deep run into late March and maybe a sixth shot on April 9 for all the marbles in Saint Paul?
"The team has taken a lot of swings," said Whitehead about Maine's 11-7-6 record with 10 games left in the season. His Black Bears are once again on the bubble -- shifting among Nos. 10-15 in the national polls, and in the middle of the league pack.
A surge these final weeks appears in order off a good swing since mid-January after a humiliating 7-1 loss at Merrimack to start the new year.
"The Merrimack game was a good motivator to sharpen the saw and get back to the little things that make any team successful. Fortunately, we got two wins, not just a moral victory of playing hard," said Whitehead about the overtime win at home against Providence, and the rock-solid 4-1 effort two days later over national champion and currently No. 1 Boston College on January 16.
The past two weekends resulted in a 3-3 tie against Northeastern, and a 1-1 knot and 4-3 loss to BU in a back-to-back barnburner last weekend at Alfond Arena.
"The next challenge," Whitehead said, "is for us is to play on the road like we play at home (8-2-3). Not easy but it's our next step."
Not easy, indeed.
That next step is a two-game series this weekend against league-leading and archrival New Hampshire just south of the Maine border in Durham.
"The keys first and foremost, it's intensity and effort," Whitehead said. "We flipped that around for the Providence and BC games. We added the poise against BC to make plays under pressure. Key goals in key games build confidence. I don't think this team will be overconfident."
"We've got some great competitors in a great junior and senior class who I'd go to battle with anytime. I love these guys. It's a question of bringing it on a consistent basis. That separates your good teams from the great ones."
Guys like senior horses Jeff Dimmen and junior Will O'Neill on the blue line -- and junior scoring leaders Spencer Abbott and Gustav Nyquist, who led the nation last year with 61 points, and was among the final three for the 2010 Hobey Baker Award as the nation's best player.
"He's huge, a fierce competitor," Whitehead said about his co-captain Dimmen. "Poise under pressure and takes pride in his defense. That type of player can inspire."
Abbott and Nyquist are packaged for speed-skill-kill.
"He has elite skill," said Whitehead about Abbott. "He is such a strong player pound for pound. He used to play lacrosse up in Ontario at a very high level, and you can see that in how he protects the puck. He has ice in his veins in traffic."
Nyquist, assistant captain and a Detroit pick in the 2008 Entry Draft, has Swedish ice in his veins. The Malmo native chose to return to school for another shot at furthering Maine's legacy.
"My family and I made the decision to come back and I was very excited about this year," Nyquist told NHL.com "We have a great team and I want to be a part of that. Our fans show us positive things.
"The last month we've trained real hard. We've been evenly matched and if we keep playing real hard like the past four games, we'll have a good run to the playoffs. The biggest difference between last year is the experience we have."
Except in goal.
That question mark looms big -- and still unanswered in 2011 -- in a program that sports names like Garth Snow, Mike Dunham and Jimmy Howard in its 24-square-foot history.
"It's been a real interesting ride with the goalies," Whitehead said. "We have two freshmen and a sophomore [Dan Sullivan and Martin Ouellette, and Shawn Sirman]; very young and very inexperienced. All three have had some gems with the 'D' playing well."
Into this weekend, the stats for all three in playing time and goals-against average are comparable.
"It's a hard decision to make about which one takes over," Whitehead said. "Sirman was great against BC. I'd like one guy and know who the backup is and the third guy, but we're just not in that situation. It's absolutely wide open. Last year, we had a great team, but goaltending was also a major issue for us."
How do the Black Bears get over such a dilemma?
They'll depend on Mike Cornell and Mike Banwell to complement O'Neill and Dimmen on defense, and look to Robby Dee, Brian Flynn, Tanner House and Joey Diamond to continue the firepower up front to team with Abbott and Nyquist.
"I'm really excited about the last part of the season," Nyquist said. "Our goal is the NCAAs. We have 10 games left and we're all very focused to play our hearts out every game. Then make the run for the whole thing. If we play Maine hockey, I think we're capable of doing that."
"This team has finally recognized that to be successful we have to play great team defense and we have to be in the moment the entire 60 minutes," Whitehead said. "If we can do that we can compete with anybody. That's our challenge. So we'll see how we do."
Walsh would tell the media: "It's how you play in February and March that counts."
It's February.
Time for the Black Bears to come out of their den and play some Maine hockey.
On Campus Clips: Alaska's junior goaltender Scott Greenham made 27 saves Friday in a 1-0 overtime win over Ohio State to set a new program record with his eighth career shutout. ... The Western Michigan Broncos extended the longest undefeated streak in the nation to 11 games (7-0-4) with a sweep of Northern Michigan last weekend, 5-2 and 6-1. ... February brings the stretch run to the league tournaments in early March. The current league leaders are RIT in Atlantic Hockey, North Dakota in the WCHA, New Hampshire and Boston College tied in Hockey East, Yale in the ECACHL, and Notre Dame in the CCHA. ... Current scoring leaders include Miami's Andy Miele with 49 points, Niagara's Bryan Haczyk and Paul Zanette in goals with 22, Miele in assists with 34, and Colorado College's Tyler Johnson in power-play goals with 11. John Faulkner's five shutouts for Nebraska-Omaha are tops among goaltenders.


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i've gotten in arguments about oklahoma, which to me i can see arguments for it being in a couple different regions. but texas?? idaho?? utah?? no no no. as for arkansas, louisiana, and other south of the sweet tea line states - what do those maps call the south if not that??
this is distressing to me.


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Hux Racing Sponsoring Street Genesis Coupe
Hux Racing, a "Quality C.N.C. machining, fabrication, and automotive tuning for the end user or industry" is looking for a 2010 Genesis Coupe to sponsor! They are looking for people that will be active in the aftermarket community that will attend shows, drag events, and drift\road events. Click here to go to our forums and see the details, or click here to check out their website!
2 Responses to "Hux Racing Sponsoring Street Genesis Coupe"
Hux Recing looking for Coupe to sponsor. - GenCoupe.com Forums - March 2, 2009
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Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon Perform the Evolution of End Zone Dancing
Touchdown! When Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon collaborate, dancing, music, and much, much goofiness usually ensue. And that's exactly what happened on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, Sept. 10, when the two buddies treated the audience to "The Evolution of End Zone Dancing," their take on the many different ways football players celebrate crossing the end zone.
Just how many different happy dances did they come up with? Try 17! -- including "The Touchdown Robot," "The Butt Wax On Wax Off," and "The Old-Timey Railroad Car." Both clad in football t-shirts, the two pals hilariously boogie their way through a compilation of grid-iron dances for the performance, which was reminiscent of their viral "History of Rap" series.
PHOTOS: Justin's style evolution
The most memorable choreography? Perhaps "The Football Spin (Into the Love Scene From Ghost)," which has Timberlake and Fallon reenacting the famous potter's wheel scene between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.
PHOTOS: Celebs in love with NFL players
Watch the video and tell Us: Which was your favorite dance?


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15%, Screwcap, $50
Source: Sample
|Bremerton Old Adam Shiraz. Biggun'
Mostly such a reputation is a good thing, particularly in the context of a wine market that equates quality with flavour density. Yet such density can also work against the wines too, with the recent movement towards more elegant, less oak driven reds ultimately rendering wines like this as old fashioned.
You can see such conflicts in this Shiraz actually for it is a wine that is both impressive for its concentration as well as burdened by it.
You can see such intensity by colour alone, the wine a deep, almost black red colour that just suggests off the scale beastliness. It certainly smells thick too, with a nose of sweetened, liqueured black fruit, and prunish edges, the ripeness of which points towards grapes picked very late (from a warm season) and further sweetened by chocolatey American oak.
Happily, It's a fresher wine to taste though, the palate looking sweeter, softer and more generous than expected, particularly after a day in the decanter, with the finish punctuated by soft and grainy (somewhat oak derived) tannins.
In many ways this Old Adam Shiraz is exactly what it says it is - a massively concentrated and deep Langhorne Creek red that ripples with intensity, the heatwave vintage delivering a huge and beastly red that many will like. The question is, could it have been a better wine with the volume turned down a few notches? 17/90


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New and improved!
Bali has come out with their revamped Roller Shades and Solar Shades line. Fresh fabrics, bigger selection and a new lifting system have arrived.
First about the fabrics: In the Solar Shades line we find new materials that cover the 7% and 5% openness category. Also new: We find texture. Besides the traditional screened Vinyl on Polyester material, we now find texture, warmer colors and grass or woven inspired looks. New materials include Steppe, Shoji, Arbor and more. In the Roller Shades line we also have new fabrics in the offering. New prints and fabrics with sheen, grass-inspired feel, or sheer fabrics have been rolled out. These new fabrics are Tuscan, Gemstone and Fiddlestix. Colors are fresh and modern and work with almost any decor.
Bali is also introducing the new Dual Shade function. The Dual Shades allow you to have two shades in one. Two fabrics can be combined. You now can pair a sheer solar shade material for a screened view out with a darkening material for light control and added privacy. Two shades are sitting inside a decorative large curved cassette, the left chain operates the sheer material, whereas the right shade lowers and raises the room-darkening shade or vice versa.
Also new is the SmatPull retractable cord. To eliminate cord loops which can be a hazard to small children and house pets, a retractable cord has been added to improve safety. This cord always remains at a constant length when retraced.
Bali Roller Shades usually come with the exposed tube. The shade is operated by a plastic or stainless steel beaded chain. Upgrades can be made by ordering the cordless lift, SmartPull or motorized lift for added convenience. Another option is to conceal by adding a curved fabric covered cassette headrail or a square corner valance.
Please feel free to browse the newly added products. We'd be glad to send color samples for you to review. Every shade comes with a Limited Lifetime warranty and is priced just right 😉


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Theatre Design and Technology, 2014
Hometown: Venice, Fla.
High School: Venice High School
Most Influential Professor: Dr. N. J. Stanley has both empathy and high expectations for her students. She's a wealth of information about theatre history, a fantastic director, a compassionate advisor, and a phenomenal teacher.
Favorite Part of Class: The small, discussion-based classes are the best. It's nice to hear more than one person speak for an hour at a time. I also feel that when you actively participate in discussion, you challenge your own knowledge and hone your ability to communicate. Communication is the most valuable skill you will learn in college, no matter your major.
Favorite Campus Event: As a Theatre Design/Technology student, working for the annual Campus Activities Board concerts has been among the coolest experiences I've ever had. In addition to being a great show for the audience, it's also a fun learning experience for the workers. I got to meet Maroon 5 last year!
Advice for Students: Never be afraid to ask for help. Lycoming College isn't just a school; it's a community.