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Rome was born here! Visit one of the most famous monumental complexes in the world hassle free: Save time and money with our special Colosseum, Palatine Museum and Roman Forum Combo Ticket, including the audio guide for the Colosseum.
Ticket is valid for the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill with the Palatine Museum and the Roman Forum.
Ticket is valid for two days from pick up and allows one entrance to each site.
** Want to combine culture and fun? Skip the Lines at the Colosseum AND at the Hard Rock Cafe! ! We have been noticing how very popular the Hard Rock Cafe is for traveling families and the younger crowd - so we did something about what may seem an unusual venue for us. As of today, you can choose to book your fast access ticket for the Roman Colosseum, skipping the lines, and including a fantastic lunch (or dinner) at the Hard Rock Cafe of the city! With our ticket in hand you will be seated at the first available table.
Reservations must be made with a minimum of 1-day notice.
Reservations are limited to a maximum of 13 persons.
Save time ordering! Add all the museum tickets you want to your basket, then fill in the form and send the request.
PLEASE NOTE: Immediately after submitting an order, you will receive an email with your order summary plus a second email confirming your successful payment. A confirmation email with links to the vouchers will be sent one business day after you place your order (Monday afternoon for orders submitted on Friday and during the weekend). Please make sure that your anti-spam filter does not block automatic emails from firstname.lastname@example.com.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The time you select on the order form is your preferred time. The museum will automatically confirm the closest available time, which can be any time during opening hours on the selected date, if your preferred time is no longer available.
Please read this IMPORTANT NOTE for Colosseum combo tickets: The time and date on the order form indicate the start of validity of your ticket. You must pick up your actual ticket on the date and at the exact time indicated. If you present yourself later than 15 minutes after the indicated time, you lose your admission right. You will receive your actual ticket in exchange for the voucher you will receive from us once your reservation is confirmed.
Ticket office closes one hour before closing time.
Cancellation Policy:
Confirmed tickets CANNOT be cancelled and are NOT refundable.
The COLOSSEUM is probably the most famous monument in the world. With its height of 48 meters (157 feet), the colossal elliptical structure has fascinated humans throughout history.
Construction of the Colosseum was begun under Vespasian as a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. It was inaugurated by Emperor Titus in the year 80 AD. The popular name of "Colosseum" is due to a statue ("colosso") of Nero once situated next to the arena. The original name of this ancient Roman sports arena, the largest arena of its kind, is the Amphitheatrum Flavium.
The exterior borrows elements from Greek architecture. Every arch is framed by columns. From the bottom to the top, the columns are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The attic is decorated with Corinthian pilasters. Here, small windows once alternated with bronze plaques. Marble and metal were taken from the facade and interior of the Colosseum for use in later buildings.
The design of the Colosseum is a triumph of functional planning. The Colosseum consisted of four floors. It stood 160 feet high with four stories of windows, arches, and columns. It could easily accommodate as many as 50,000 spectators who entered through the 76 gates on the ground level. Two of the entrances were used by Emperor Titus and two for the gladiators. Barrel-vaulted corridors gave access to tiers of seats. The spectators were seated by rank with the topmost seats reserved for women and children.
The basement level, now exposed, was covered with a wooden floor strewn with fine sea sand. The level underneath contained elaborate corridors, service rooms, elevators, gladiatorial barracks, and rooms for wild beasts. During the first ten years of its existence, the stadium was filled with water and used for mock naval battles called Naumachie.
Most shows lasted all day beginning with comedy contests and exotic animal shows in the morning and professional gladiator events in the afternoon.
The ROMAN FORUM was the center of political, commercial, and judicial life in ancient Rome. "Forum" was the name the Romans gave to the central square of the urban settlement – this busy, crowded place was in many ways similar to the pulsing center of a modern city. Here the masses would flock to see the meetings of the orators, attend criminal trials, and discuss internal politics or the latest military campaigns, or quite simply to comment on the games or run races (an activity the Romans particularly enjoyed). The largest buildings were the basilicas, where legal affairs were addressed. According to the playwright Plautus, the area teemed with "lawyers and litigants, bankers and brokers, shopkeepers and strumpets, good-for-nothings waiting for a tip from the rich."
As Rome's population boomed, the forum became too small. Julius Caesar built a new one in 46 BC, setting a precedent that was followed by emperors from Augustus to Trajan. As well as the Imperial Forum, emperors also erected triumphal arches to themselves, and just to the east Vespasian built the Roman's entertainment center, the Colosseum. The valley of the Forum followed the course of a stream by the name of Velabrum, which had eroded the bank of volcanic tufa meandering between the Palatine and Capitoline hills toward the Tiber.
The area around the Forum was also home to markets, shops, and taverns. You could also find the typical Thermopolia, the ancient equivalent of today's fast food restaurants. In short, the Forum was the heart and soul of city life.
It was in Caesar's time, when Rome became the capital, that the Forum became a place for celebrations, and Rome became the symbol of the vast Empire. A breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Forum complex awaits you from the magnificent terraces of Campidoglio. From here you see the imposing ruins of the Basilica Emilia – the only remaining republican basilica – as well as the Curia, which was once the seat of the Senate. Nearby you will also note a vine, a fig tree, and an olive tree – three trees cited by Pliny the Elder and replanted in recent times.
The Palatine Hill is located between the Roman Forum, the Velabrum and the Circus Maximus. It is one of the seven hills of Rome, and probably the site of the first settlements of the city. The western side of the Palatine Hill is where Roman mythology places the site of the dwelling of Romulus, as well as the cave where Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf.
The PALATINE ANTIQUARIUM MUSEUM is located on the Palatine Hill, on top of what was once the palace of Domitian. The former Convento della Visitazione was built here in 1868. The museum was set up around 1930 by Alfonso Bartoli. In the beginning, only the first floor was used to exhibit the most important material, including findings from Diocletian's Baths. After WWII, items of greatest artistic importance were relocated to the Museo Nazionale Romano, while the Palatine Museum was dedicated to exhibiting items relating to the topography of the Palatine Hill and its monuments.
The museum was reorganized by the end of the 1960's. After a long closure period and recovery of Diocletian's sculptures, the Palatine Museum reopened to the public showing the artistic culture of the Domus from Augustus to late imperial times.
The Palatine Museum is entirely devoted to ceramics, frescoes, mosaics, inscriptions, sculptures and portrait heads actually found on the hill. Given the lasting importance of this relatively small area of the city, the museum's mere nine rooms offer a remarkably rich and comprehensive tour through ancient Roman history and art.
Full price tickets
Reduced and free tickets can only be purchased directly at museums and monuments in Rome.
Full price tickets
Reduced and free tickets can only be purchased directly at museums and monuments in Rome.
PLEASE NOTE: The Entrance Fee is formed as follows:
Waf.it and Weekendafirenze.com are registered trademark by Weekend a Firenze Srl - Italian Chamber of Commerce permit n. 0469879 - Corporation Stock € 61.200,00 - Copyright © 1995 - 2017 by Weekend a Firenze ® s.r.l. - Via Pistoiese 132, 59100 Prato (ITALY) - Fax +39-0574-401744 - p. IVA 02180560480 - All rights reserved - Information
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Courteney Cox investigating odd Christmas pillow gift
The former Friends star's eight-year-old daughter Coco handed her the present on 25 December (12), as her ex-husband David Arquette looked on, and she still has no idea who it was from.
It led to an awkward few moments.
She explains, "It was a big pillow and it said 'Tonight' and on the other side it said 'Not tonight' and I was like, 'Well, who is going to be tonight and why not tonight. It was so confusing.
"David was also there with me and I was like, 'This is so odd. I don't know who to do it with tonight…' I just didn't know who the person was I was saying 'not tonight' to. It was a weird gift from someone I didn't know… It was awkward."
Cox chatted about the gift during an appearance on U.S. talk show Conan on Monday night (07Jan13) in the hope that the giver would come forward.
She said, "Maybe this will help."

subset: commoncrawl


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Xzibit Presents…Coming Full Circle
I've been on a promo tour for my album Full Circle for a few weeks. I hit up all the radio stations and did some morning television shows to get out there and touch the people. It feels so good to get back out there and touch the fans.
I spent Saturday rehearsing for the show we did at the House of Blues on Sunset last night…The shit was nuts! San Quinn opened the show and came out and put the final "hyphy" touch on "Concentrate." We had the violins for "Family Values" off of my new album and you know we had to do it up on "Paparazzi"! Jelly Roll was out there doin' his thing. We had a good show.
Right now I'm just excited for people to hear the music. The New York Post ran a review of the album on Sunday, and as much as they wanted to hate on it, they just COULD NOT!!
I'm in San Diego tomorrow and then I'll be performing on Kimmel Thursday night. Friday we're tearing down the House of Blues in Anaheim and then we're in the BAY this Saturday at Slim's. Until the next time…
Xzibit "Family Values"
from Full Circle, in stores today.


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Search for Elder Law Attorneys
Spending Down Assets to Qualify for Medicaid
In order to be eligible for Medicaid, applicants must have no more than $2,000 in "countable" assets (the dollar figure may be slightly more, depending on the state). Applicants for Medicaid and their spouses may protect savings by spending them on non-countable assets. The following are examples of such expenditures:
- prepaying funeral expenses
- paying off a mortgage
- making repairs to a home
- replacing an old automobile
- updating home furnishings
- paying for more care at home
- buying a new home
In the case of married couples, it is often important that any spend-down steps be taken only after the unhealthy spouse moves to a nursing home if this would affect the community spouse's resource allowance.
Related Articles
- What Can You Legally Spend Money on in Order to Qualify for Medicaid?
- Transferring Assets to Qualify for Medicaid
- Does a Purchase for Myself Count in Spending Down So My Husband Qualifies for Medicaid?
- Is Transferring Assets to Qualify for Medicaid Against the Law?
- How Can I Spend Down Money to Qualify for Medicaid?


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A detour will be in place tonight, Dec. 7, on State Route 52 west, between Interstate 805 and Genesee Avenue, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Westbound vehicles will be directed to northbound I-805, then west on Governor Drive, then south on Genesee before returning to westbound SR-52.
Vehicles on I-805 seeking to access westbound SR-52 must exit at Governor and follow it to Genesee in order to enter SR-52 west.
Caltrans says that signs will direct motorists through the detours. The reason for the detours is bridgework, according to Caltrans.


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We've got mystery, intrigue, and murder like nothing you've ever experienced before! Your murder mystery party in Los Angeles will be the talk of the town.
The Murder Mystery Company in Los Angeles has the perfect idea for entertainment at your upcoming private event, a Clue style interactive mystery party! When you team up with our mystery experts for your private event, you get a stress free murder mystery party in Los Angeles your guests will be raving about!
We have a plethora of themes to choose from, and each one is customizable to your party. Business event? Fundraiser? Birthday party? We've got just the thing! No matter what the occasion, our Crime Scene Coordinators are ready to start plotting the party of the year with you!
Plan Your Murder Today by Calling 888-643-2583 or Get a Price Quote
The Murder Mystery Company is making waves from coast to coast, and now you can add a tidal wave of fun to your upcoming event in Los Angeles with two hours of interactive Clue style fun you won't find anywhere else. We've been taking over cities all over the west coast, and now a murder mystery party in Los Angeles is within your reach! We can't wait to solve a mystery with you!
Making your party the best it can be is our top priority, and with that in mind The Murder Mystery Company has crafted an exclusive foolproof way to make sure you get the very best entertainment we can offer. We call it the GRIMprov method, and this acting training is utilized to prepare every single one of our performers, so you get top notch mystery entertainment for your murder mystery party in Los Angeles – every time.
To find out more about the precision of our actor training, check out this video:


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The interests and viewpoints of Stepanakert do not necessarily coincide with those of Yerevan and in a number of cases they are absolutely different, Deputy Chairman of Heritage Party Armen Martirosyan told ArmInfo when commenting on the latest statement of Nagorno-Karabakh Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan.
To recall, during an online press conference NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan officially claimed for the first time that even if Nagorno-Karabakh becomes a participant in the negotiations again, the Madrid Principles will be unacceptable to Stepanakert. "I do not think that if Artsakh becomes a party to the talks, the people or leadership of Artsakh will positively respond to the discussions around the principles", said Harutyunyan. When commenting on possible cession of the seven districts to Azerbaijan, the NKR Prime Minister said, "The liberated territories are Artsakh and there can be no other point of view".
"Artsakh has been against the Madrid Principles for a long time. Even the parliamentary factions of the NKR National Assembly made official statements on this. I think discrepancies between the residents of Karabakh and Armenia are possible at least because the first blows in the 1991-94 war were delivered on Karabakh. I am convinced the Armenians of Karabakh should decide what matters more to them in terms of security. Therefore, one cannot speak of a single viewpoint of Yerevan and Stepanakert", stressed the politician.
He also emphasized that not everybody in Armenia agrees to the viewpoint of the authorities in the context of the country's foreign policy, in particular, the expediency of using the Madrid principles. He said that many times the Heritage party came forward against these principles, saying about the non-legitimateness of the Armenian authorities ready to agree to the Karabakh conflict settlement on the basis of the Madrid principles. "The latest presidential election 2013 were fully falsified and the people did not trust in their results. And the president determines foreign policy in Armenia", -he said.
The oppositionist recalled that the situation around Ukraine has demonstrated once again the true cost of the so-called international security guarantees. "In particular, 20 years ago in the Treaty on Kiev's joining the non-nuclear countries, Russia, the USA and the Great Britain in fact came forward as the guarantors of territorial integrity of Ukraine. And today we see how all of them fulfill their obligations. So, against such a background, the territories of Artsakh and its convenient geographical location are the best guarantees of its security", - Martirosyan concluded.
The OSCE Minsk Group (represented by Russian, U.S. and French Co-Chairs) has been engaged in the Karabakh peace process since 1992. The Madrid Principles were suggested by the OSCE Minsk Group in 2007 and updated in 2009.
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Q. This has been a very hard year at work. The company restructured and quite a few people were laid off. The rest of us are under a lot of pressure to do more.
Last winter everything seemed so bleak I talked to my doctor. He prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac), which has made a tremendous difference in my outlook. He also said my blood pressure was up again and put me on a drug called nifedipine (Procardia).
I don't know if it's the stress at work, the medicine or something else, but I'm having trouble sexually. Ever since I was a teenager I could get excited easily. A sexy show on TV, a picture in a magazine, or my wife stepping out of the shower could turn me on.
Lately I've had difficulty with erections and that's discouraged me from sex. I've heard in ads that ginseng gives you more energy and might help with this problem. What can you tell me about it?
A. Ginseng has long been touted as an aphrodisiac, but renowned herbalist and pharmacist Dr. Varro Tyler said, "There is no evidence of enhanced sexual experience or potency resulting from its use."
We suggest you talk to your doctor about your medications. Both fluoxetine and nifedipine have been linked to sexual problems. There may be a different antidepressant (bupropion, for example) that is less likely to interfere with your love life. Different blood pressure medications may also be capable of lowering your blood pressure without reducing your libido or your ability to enjoy sex.
We are sending you our free brochure, "Drugs That Affect Sexuality." It tells which common medicines can alter libido and performance and discusses alternatives and treatments for impotence.
Stress or depression can both impair normal sexual response. If modifying your drug regimen isn't effective, a sex counselor may be helpful.
Is Ginseng an Aphrodisiac?
Q. This has been a very hard year at work. The company restructured and quite a few people were laid off. The rest of us are under a lot of pressure to do more.


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Embed Infographic
What do you get when you combine five apes, a hoard of bananas, a huge laser, and one angry crocodile? Well, in reality you'd probably get some socially awkward simians, an unhappy, banana-eating crocodile, and a laser that nobody can operate. But in the magical land of Nintendo, you get what is the harrowing plot of "Donkey Kong 64".
The details of said plot can be seen in the game's introductory video, which– warning– is approximately five years long. Basically, we learn that a crocodile named King K. Rool has tried to destroy Donkey Kong with a gigantic laser called the Blast-O-Matic. The mechanism backfires, leaving our no other choice but to petulantly capture all of Donkey Kong's best friends and steal his precious hoard of gigantic golden bananas.
Which brings us to the start of Donkey Kong's adventure in his famous tree house, a staple in all of the Donkey Kong games. Perhaps it is because I have always dreamed of living in a tree house in the jungle myself, but to me, DK's place, particularly in this N64 version, is the prime real estate in the world of Nintendo—certainly much cozier than Peach's Castle and Hyrule Castle.
And definitely more affordable.
DK's little hut will only set you back a mere $3,800—that's over 271,000 times less than the price for Peach's Castle, 30,000 times less than Hyrule, and easily the least expensive piece of novelty real estate ever featured in Movoto Real Estate blog. (The closest in value was Yoda's hut at $7,762!)
If this is starting to sound good to you, well, read on to find out just how I came up with this price. I wouldn't start packing your bag full of bananas just yet.
It's on like Donkey Kong
As always, in order to find the price of any novelty real estate, there were three things I needed to find the value of DK's tree house. I needed:
- The location
- The size
- Comparable Properties
Location and size were actually pretty easy, but the task of finding comparable properties… well, that last criteria nearly made a monkey out of me. But more on that later, first, let's talk about the location.
The DRC—It's No Monkey Business
I'll start this section out with a riddle that has plagued mankind for centuries: Where can you find a mountain gorilla, lowland gorilla, chimpanzee, small monkey, orangutan, green parrot, crocodile, jungle, waterfalls, palm trees, and plentiful banana trees all within the same habitat? (What, you haven't heard this one?)
The answer is "nowhere," but this was the question I had to ask myself in finding the location of DK's tree house, as all of these guys are important characters and features throughout the game. In the end, though, I found that aside from the orangutan (whom I've decided was just visiting on holiday), this seemingly impossible checklist could be found in one place in the world: the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nowhere else on the planet.
And that doesn't really leave much room for negotiation. So there you have it: The location of the real-world version of DK's tree house is in a beautiful national park… in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo—one of the most volatile, poverty-stricken, and generally least-desirable locations ever (for a person). Now I'd tell you that the poor location of DK's home is well made up for in its size, but if you're at all familiar with the game, you'd know that I'm just monkeying around. But how small exactly is Donkey Kong's tree house?
Bigger than a Barrel of Monkeys
That's right. Donkey Kong's tree house is at least bigger than a barrel of monkeys—but maybe not a barrel of mountain gorillas. You get a pretty good look at both the inside and the outside of the tree house when you're just starting the game. There is a red rug in the center of the floor, a hammock hanging in the corner, a random, giant tire in another corner, and several banana peels strewn about, like DK had a late night banana binge. The floor, walls, and ceiling are all made of wood– very rustic and hut-like in theme. Almost as soon as you take all of this in, though, a green parrot comes flying in, asking DK to follow him outside onto the deck. The camera pans dramatically, showing players a sweeping view of the tree house and the forest around– it's here that you really get a good look at just how big his house is.
Just like I did at Hyrule and then again at Peach's place, I decided to use Donkey Kong as the unit of measurement in my calculations, since a male mountain gorilla is actually quite measurable out in the real world. (Note: Just because a male mountain gorilla is measurable, doesn't mean you should go out and try this.)
The average male mountain gorilla is about 5 ½ feet tall, around 475 pounds, and roughly 2 ½ feet wide at the shoulders. In this photo (right), you get a reasonably clear picture of the house's size compared to DK. By my estimation, it took 8 DKs to cover the width of his house—that's 20 feet.
In this photo (right), you can see that the depth of DK's house is approximately ¾ larger than the width (you also get a really great view of the house from all sides when DK first steps outside.) So, ¾ larger than 20 feet is 35. This brings the total size of DK's hut to 700 square feet.
Hooray math!
To put that into perspective for you, that's about the size of a living room plus kitchen/dining area in an American house, where the average total square feet is around 2,400. Or, it's probably about the size of one of the powder rooms in Princess Peach's castle, which is over 450,000 square feet total.
So how valuable is each square foot in DK's tree house? To find the answer, I had to look for some comparable properties in the area—which really threw a monkey wrench into my research*.
*Monkey Joke number 75.
The Monkey on My Back: Finding the Comparable Properties
Okay, all monkey puns aside, finding the comparable properties really was the tricky part here. If you want to see why, just try searching for homes to buy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Go on, try it. You literally get one result—and the link to this house was posted in 2010 and is broken! So you might think that finding the price for a unique, wooden, hut-like, and yet sturdy house like DK's in particular in the DRC would be impossible. Well, you'd be right.
So I found the closest thing I could. I searched hotels for sale in neighboring Tanzania and came across this gem: It is wooden, it is hut-like, and it even has a terrace, just like DK's… more or less. Here's what else they have in common:
- Both properties have "swimming pools"
- Both are furnished
- Both are surrounded by lush jungle
- Both are located in preserved lands (a National Forest and a Game Reserve)
Now aside from the fact that this hotel is over 129,000 square feet where DK's tree house is 700; and it comes with fully-equipped staff quarters, a boat, and an outdoor shower—this hotel is practically the real-world version of Donkey Kong's tree house. Practically.
It was at least a good place to get an idea of the price per square foot for something "hut-like" in theme, in that general area. The hotel is listed at $900,000 for 129,166 square feet, which comes out to $6.97 per square foot. So if DK's tree house were in Tanzania, it would probably cost about $4,877.
But it's not. Unfortunately for DK, his tree house happens to be in a National Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo—one of the most violent and unstable nations in the world. People simply aren't looking to move here. And you know what that means? A major discount!
Enough Monkeying Around—How Much is DK's tree house?
With all of the undesirable factors of the location taken into account, I took off a pretty hefty discount. In the end, DK's tree house, completely furnished (rug, hammock, tire, and banana peels to boot) can be yours for the low, low price of just $3,800.
Like I said in the beginning, I have always dreamed of living in a tree house in the middle of the jungle. But put that tree house in the Democratic Republic of Congo in today's tumultuous climate? You might just have to pay me to stay there.
No offense, DK. Love what you've done with the place.


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Motley Crue's Vince Neil Breaks Foot During Cleveland, Ohio Tour Stop
The last time Vince Neil fell on a stage, it was into the arms of the strippers at his 'Girls, Girls, Girls' gentleman's club in Las Vegas. However, Neil suffered a more serious injury last night that may have a lasting impact for the singer and the current Motley Crue tour run.
As 'The Tour' featuring Motley Crue and Kiss rolled into the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio last night (Sept. 12), Neil suffered a broken foot at some point during or leading up to the show, although the details are still pretty scarce regarding the specifics of the accident.
Motley Crue are scheduled to play tonight at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto, Ontario, and in a recent Tweet, Vince Neil said the show must go on while apologizing to fans in advance for not being able to give them "the show you deserve."
Including tonight's show in Toronto, there are nine stops left on The Tour featuring Motley Crue and Kiss. The trek is scheduled wrap up Sept. 29 in Mexico City. To see a full list of remaining dates on the tour, click here.
In a statement on Motley Crue's Facebook page, the band announced the following:
While Vince Neil sustained two fractures in his foot during last night's show in Cuyahoga Falls we'd like to let everyone know that this injury will not affect upcoming shows on The Tour with Kiss.
Tonight's show in Toronto will go on as planned, though perhaps with a few less high kicks from Mr. Neil. Vince would like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with well wishes!
Check out Vince Neil's series of Tweets on his broken foot below, plus a picture of his foot before he was fitted for a cast at a Toronto hospital:
Cleveland tonight. Paramedic's think I broke my foot. I hope not. Getting X-ray tomorrow in Toronto. Thanks Cleveland for understanding!!
— Vince Neil (@TheVinceNeil) September 13, 2012
Ok this sucks but doctor just said I broke two bones in my foot! — Vince Neil (@TheVinceNeil) September 13, 2012
To my fans- Thnxs 4 ur support. I have 2 fractured bones. The show must go on!! I'm sorry I won't be able to give you the show you deserve!
— Vince Neil (@TheVinceNeil) September 13, 2012


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About Altisource Residential CorporationResidential is focused on acquiring, owning and managing single-family rental properties throughout the United States. It currently intends to acquire these properties primarily through the acquisition of sub-performing and non-performing loan portfolios. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Those forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical fact, including statements about management's beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results may differ materially depending upon a variety of factors, including customary closing conditions and such other factors as are discussed in the prospectus relating to the offering. Residential undertakes no obligation to update any information contained in this press release.
CONTACT: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth D. Najour Chief Financial Officer T: 561-682-8947 E: email@example.com


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How much of a killer was that timeout that Caldwell called?
It's about time a timeout was used for something good for the Colts.
Not over yet...
Boy, Jax could sure use another timeout right about now...
Looks like Jax could use another timeout right about now...
LOL travmil...get outta my head!
Penalty on the Colts. Running into a cheerleader!
2 down, 2 to go.
I really thought we were going to blow this game. That being said I'm glad we won but we still have to play the Raiders and they can't be underestimated either.
The Raiders did beat the Chargers twice, including by 2 TD's at SD, But they also lost to Tennessee and Miami in huge blowouts. They also blew out the Broncos in a game that surely figured into the decision to fire Josh McDaniels. They also blew out Seattle. I guess the best way to describe them is that they are a very up and down team, but you better hope they aren't up because they will whup you if they are.
I'm confident that we'll win out. If we do that at least we'll get to host a playoff game wild-card weekend. If we win that then who knows what can happen?
Would we still get to host a playoff game if our record is worse than the wild-card team? Because it almost assuredly would be.
Yes, don't you remember two seasons ago? We were a 12-4 wildcard team (Tenn won the division with a 13-3 rec) and had to go out to SD to play the freaking 8-8 Chargers during wildcard weekend.
A division winner is 100% guaranteed a home playoff game, regardless of the record.
That rule, and the rule where you practically have to take the ball home raise it up and put it through college for it to be called a catch. I hate both of those.
i do feel very confident that if we make the playoffs, we might win a game. but after that, all the players we were counting on to make a real push who aren't there to help us will take its toll.
this is not a Superbowl bound team as banged up as it is. this is a team that will be lucky to win a playoff game -if it makes the playoffs (and i hope they do of course)


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Getting online in one of the world's most isolated countries
For many Cubans, getting online has been an impossibility.
The government tightly controls information in the island country, making it one of the least wired countries in the western hemisphere.
But that all changed in June, when the government opened 119 centers where Cubans could finally surf the internet.
"For a while now I have been trying to find a way to get online which wasn't that easy to do," says internet user Arian Bacallao. "Now that the government's done this it's a convenient way to find information."
Convenient, but at $4.50 an hour, it's not cheap for most Cubans, most of whom make less than $20 per month.
"You have to get the money together, it's not easy," says Lisbet Rodriguez. Rodriguez stays in touch with friends abroad via Facebook, a luxury she can only afford twice per month.
While more sites are now available than in the past like those from Cuban government critics, other sites, particularly those in the US that criticize the government, are still blocked.
"Obviously our government promotes certain behaviors regarding ethical and moral behaviors," says government spokesperson Tania Velasquez. "Certain sites that promote violence and immoral behaviors aren't permitted."
Experts say the decision to allow access, no matter how limited, is a sign Cuban officials are slowing realizing that lack of internet access is holding their citizens back.
"I think it's significant in a kind of cat and mouse game between the government and the people of Cuba who regardless of their political ideology really want to be connected to the 21st century and that means the internet, access to the internet," says Cuba social media expert Ted Henken.
Experts say usage will surge once the government lowers the cost of going online. The Cuban government says it is studying the possibility.


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Vai's View: Vai's View: Mission could open doors for young hoops phenom
Dennis Harwich, MAMay 23, 2012 6:19 a.m.
I sincerely want to know why this same standard of "every young man should serve a mission" does not apply to Jimmer. Why?
Coach Biff Lehi, UTMay 22, 2012 3:01 p.m.
@Mightymite, well most of us on these boards know you're not about to say anything positive about the church or its programs so we'll condider the source of that little nugget. And yes, a prophet of the Lord did reveal to us that "all" worthy males were to serve as missionaries. That being said, the greatest guy I ever met didn't serve a mission and I owe him a debt that I can never repay. Thanks, Dad.
Florwood American Fork, UTMay 22, 2012 1:56 p.m.
Vai, thank you for the article. Your beginning paragraphs on what you got from a mission were beautiful--I'll be sending them to my son in Mexico City. And I agree that the mission experience is incomparable and can be long lasting.
But I was surprised at how strongly you downplayed the value of your experience at BYU. My experiences at BYU were so good and so important. Being an adult making decisions on my own, being given more responsibility than I had ever had before, hearing gospel truths woven in with secular topics, and having the association of other committed Mormons were all important in my spiritual development. If I understand what you're saying correctly, it makes me sad that you didn't take advantage of the tremendous spiritual opportunities at BYU, and only have vague memories of a few football games.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTMay 22, 2012 10:18 a.m.
@Y Grad/ Y Dad
@fred Vanuaku
He got back from the war around the age I was baptized. He had plenty of time to still serve a mission but he went to school and got married. There's nothing wrong with it, I just think it's an interesting contrast.
But I suppose it's not my place to tell you how to have your religious beliefs, just don't go whining when the already 3:2 single LDS women:single LDS men ratio in Utah increases because guys pressured to go on missions decide against it and then feel ostracized from the church and leave. That'll be your problem (and the unfortunate problem of single LDS women who want temple marriages), not mine.
"I'm sorry that your an ex-mormon... Like leaders of the church said if you find your self not worthy, than start repenting go see your Bishop and do what ever it takes for you to become worthy to server the Lord."
I left the church because I didn't believe in it. At least you didn't insinuate that I just wanted to sin.
J-TX Allen, TXMay 22, 2012 9:42 a.m.
I don't get where you people think Ainge has been any kind of ambassador for the Church. I grew up in Oregon not far from Ainge's family, attended BYU one of the years he was there, and followed his Boston career only because as a Laker fan, I can't stand the Celtics.
Let me tell you, it wasn't until the waning years of his NBA career that he became active or involved in the Church, or even acknowledged being a part of it. Most of his life he set a less than stellare example, certainly not one I would want my sons to follow. As a young man, he was a punk. Don't believe me? Ask him.
Steve Young? I hear just the opposite about him.
fred Vaenuku san mateo, caMay 21, 2012 11:54 p.m.
@atl 134
I sustain President Thomas S. Monson as a living Prophet of God, When he was a young man the war was going on. A lot of young men were drafted into War so thats understand able.............. Now in this generation it is a commandment by our Prophet that every worthy young men should serve. If you choose not too, your just denying blessings from your father in heaven. No money in the world can be bought for the two years a young men has serve. For those who gave up Millions of contract to go on Mission like Mckay Christanson baseball, Will Hopoate Rugby, this person who had a singing contract went on there mission also, and many more,,
I'm sorry that your an ex-mormon I hope and pray that you might find your way back to the church. Some time we make excuses for our decision. Like leaders of the church said if you find your self not worthy, than start repenting go see your Bishop and do what ever it takes for you to become worthy to server the Lord.
thank you @ Y GRAD/ Y DAD for your making that clear,
Y Grad / Y Dad Richland, WAMay 21, 2012 10:00 p.m.
Come on kids, you are being disingenuous here. Our 70 and 80 year old apostles and prophets were missionary aged in a different age. The call for every young man to serve a mission doesn't go back that far. Also, as they served in time of war, most by draft and not by choice, the decision to move on with their lives was not inappropriate.
Not so now.
If President Monson feels no hypocrisy in reiterating the call for every worthy young man (and every young man to be worthy) to serve, I feel no hypocrisy in excusing the members of the greatest generation from service in the mission field.
It really is clear: God has called through a living prophet for every worthy young man to serve. Those who have health issues can be exempted. This is not a matter of me standing in judgment so don't confuse the issue. We are painfully aware of young men who come home early or choose not to go at all. We love and encourage them. But we do not back down from direction given by the Lord through his living Prophet.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTMay 21, 2012 1:35 p.m.
Well, I didn't mean to comment twice, I had figured my first one had been rejected for reasons I wasn't entirely sure of so I tried again. Whoops.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTMay 21, 2012 1:08 p.m.
@fred Vaenuku
"Going on a mission is showing the Lord that we love him, having faith in him, Obedience to our leaders, Willing to sacrifice our time to serve him, and many more......."
"those who are healthy and able, Just admit your exercising your free agency by not wanting to serve. Remember the scriptures says. Many are called but few are chosen and why are they not chosen? because their hearts are in the things of the world.
I could only think that this is how Lucifer was able to convince 1/3 of our brothers and sisters to follow him by reasons, persuasive, and compromise that its okay not to go. "
So you think not going on a mission when healthy is the influence of the devil? Interesting... and this puts me in a weird position seeing as I'm an ex-mormon but I now find myself having to defend the prophet from your attack on him seeing as I think he's a kind, decent man, but you apparently have issues with him because he didn't serve a mission.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTMay 21, 2012 12:52 p.m.
@fred Vaenuka
"I could only think that this is how Lucifer was able to convince 1/3 of our brothers and sisters to follow him by reasons, persuasive, and compromise that its okay not to go. "
You do realize you currently have a Prophet who was perfectly medically capable of serving a mission but didn't, right?
RedBlood Happy Valley, UTMay 21, 2012 7:28 a.m.
Very interesting comments. When all is said and done, President Monson has recently reiterated that every worthy young man should serve a mission. Am I missing something? Lots of comments on either side of the fence. For those of us who are LDS, and especially those of us who have sons, let's not try to figure out a way to rationalize whether or not our boys should serve. Just stop doing that. Raise your boys, in all ways, to be prepared and worthy to go. Then, when it is time, their priesthood leaders will decide whether or not they are ready. Jabari is no different than any other young man. If he is worthy he ought to go - end of discussion. Following the prophet is following the prophet. No questions, no discussion. Follow the Prophet! Surely there may be exceptions. Let's just not try to focus on them and make it our place to create unofficial guidelines for what those exceptions may or may not be. That is someone else's responsibility.
Amy's Mom OREM, UTAHMay 21, 2012 12:54 a.m.
I love your columns! This one should be emailed to every Bishop and YM President!
fred Vaenuku san mateo, caMay 21, 2012 12:27 a.m.
Vai I agree with you all the way! We choose to go on a mission because the Lord said..... Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything shall be added unto you. Going on a mission is showing the Lord that we love him, having faith in him, Obedience to our leaders, Willing to sacrifice our time to serve him, and many more.......
I could understand medical health reason but those who are healthy and able, Just admit your exercising your free agency by not wanting to serve. Remember the scriptures says. Many are called but few are chosen and why are they not chosen? because their hearts are in the things of the world.
I could only think that this is how Lucifer was able to convince 1/3 of our brothers and sisters to follow him by reasons, persuasive, and compromise that its okay not to go.
I'm grateful for Sister Parker for going on a mission and raising their kids in the church and the older son who went on a mission. Thank you Vai for not lowing your standard or giving in to pure pressure. Ofa Atu
Heater BALA CYNWYD, PAMay 20, 2012 11:08 p.m.
@ I'm LDS 2: Glad you liked the SI article but your belittling Vai's opinions in his column is somewhat disingenous. I didn't see you post anything on previous weeks' stories that Vai wrote of Marty Klein and Barbara Nielsen - two obscure people Vai heaped praise upon because of how they helped him in his youth. No, you wait for him to comment on public figure and in that process stakes a claim that his younger sister served with Jabari's mother and you're bent out of shape. Give me a break. I watch Vai on TV in Philly and no one in this market ever complains that Vai knows Andy Reid or has had nephews play for the Eagles. The hate emanating from Provo stinks to high heaven. Change your handle. It's unbecoming of someone who claims the LDS faith.
AZ Blue & Red Gilbert, AZMay 20, 2012 11:07 p.m.
The best nissionary tool I had on my mission was Donny and Marie. I got in more doors with them than anyway else. I think all that can should go but I am thinkful that Donny did not. His show at the time helped me teach more than anything else.
Unless we are in someone elses shoes we can not judge but if you do go you will not regret it. Best and hardest two years of my life.
Y Grad / Y Dad Richland, WAMay 20, 2012 10:44 p.m.
Of course the decision to serve a mission is the decision and business only of the individual.
As is the decision to keep the word of wisdom, not watch r-rated movies (and many pg-13), and remain morally pure. The Lord has spoken through his Prophet (even one who himself didn't serve). Its our choice to obey.
Straitpath PROVO, UTMay 20, 2012 9:58 p.m.
In this discussion I think of Donny Osmond and also of a young man from Springville, Herring?, who opted out of professional play in order to keep the Sabbath holy.
Red Salt Lake City, UTMay 20, 2012 9:28 p.m.
You are spot on! Keep up the good work.
The world of fame, fortune, and glory is always tempting.
This life is not the reward. This life is the test. Let's help each other pass this test by choosing the right things.
Everyone can make their own decision, but if you don't follow the Prophet then who are you going to follow?
awsomeron Waianae, HIMay 20, 2012 7:30 p.m.
The Mission and the Cost of the Mission has to apply differently to every individual, and has too be their choice. Mostly because they are the ones that have to live with the results.
David Robinson is a shining exception but he is just that an exception. He came along at a time when there was a draft. Received a Free Education at one of the best Schools in the World, Went places, sat places, slept places,that people of his race could not do at that time and in some cases still cannot do. Some places you can order a meal but it will never come. Some places the last Room was just Rented. We lost your reservation and we are full. Robinson was also a Navy Officer who cut short his Career to play in the NBA. The Taxpayers that put Robinson through a very expensive school and paid him E-5 pay every month along the got vastly short changed in that deal. The NCAA makes an exception because it is a Service School and Treats it like a work study program.
Robinson was watched by both Blacks and Whites to see how he would perform.
I M LDS 2 Provo, UTMay 20, 2012 5:19 p.m.
Great article!
The SI one, I mean.
Vai's articles are OK, but I get tired of the incessant name-dropping. If you believe a tenth of what Vai writes, he is BFFs with every rich and famous person in the Church, the Wide World of Sports, and all of Polynesia combined!
I, too, knew the Finau family. At least some of them. So? Enough name-dropping already.
Rational Salt Lake City, UTMay 20, 2012 3:28 p.m.
David Robinson
- Naismith and Wooden Winner
- 1st pick in the NBA Draft
- Served in the Navy for two years
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- 2-Time NBA Champion
- Hall of Fame
If he can do it, why not a missionary?
awsomeron Waianae, HIMay 20, 2012 3:06 p.m.
Guam Bomb: Thank you I see that so often and see and feel the bias so much. Hunter played in a band on a Cruise Ship, Monson gets a bi because of the War.
However for the vast most part with some noted exception of highly successful converts, a Mission is almost a must.
Perhaps that is a two way street.Population and where you are also have a lot to do with it. Some places almost everyone is an RM. Others the pickings among the faithful is slim. The cream always comes to the to and sometimes an RM expects things because they are an RM. Many are called and serve in many ways. I served 2 Stake Missions. One in Safford one in Vegas, I was a Temple Worker in Vegas. Now I do my Home Teaching and I attend, and that is all I want and can handle, and at times I wounder about even that.
Then I remember that Paul was a Convert and it okay again. Or Ill listen to Monson, or Oaks and others preach truth and doctrine and its okay again.
When your light is dim find a bright bulb.
LValfre CHICAGO, ILMay 20, 2012 10:02 a.m.
It's his choice as HCB63 said and everyone should stay out of it. Of course there will be pressure from the church indirectly and possibly from family and members. There will also be a great pressure to jump into the NBA (if chosen).
Personally I think it would be a shame for him to go on a mission and risk an NBA opportunity. If he does it right he will be a famous strong example for members which is a lot more exposure than a mission for 2 years in another country for example. Also, when he's finished, he can go on a mission. He'll be an adult, confident, famous (big help here!), respected, and effective at converting.
HCB63 Orem, UTMay 20, 2012 9:19 a.m.
I have stated before in previous articles of this sort that it is absolutely NO ONE's business whether any LDS youth serves a mission or not. That decision is solely up to the individual, with the final decision being between him or herself and the Lord. That's it.
If you are truly living the Gospel you will never judge a person for deciding not to serve; but treat them with the same love and compassion you would show to any other church member. If you fail to do that, then that is YOUR problem, and you need to be taking a good hard look at yourself rather than pointing fingers and whispering your disapprovals.
This young man has enough pressure on him without having church members, basketball fans and [supposedly] responsible media leaning on him to serve a mission. Stay out of it. Plain and simple. Allow this talented young man to choose for himself. After all, one of the greatest tenants of the Gospel is that of Free Agency. Who are you to trod on that, then judge them if they choose contrary to your personal opinion?
Smidget Rexburg, IDMay 20, 2012 8:33 a.m.
I am the proud father of an adopted son, who is African American. If we doubled his height from 2, he will be 6'8". Now he is in Kindergarten and towers over is classmates. As parents, with older children as well, we have the philosophy of letting our children choose their interests and follow their passions. Our adopted son may not choose to be an athlete, but at this time is very interested and always has a some kind of ball either in his hands or at this feet. We have enough broken home items to attest to this fact. So, with the assumption that our son develops into one with athletic talent, drive, and opportunities -- I need Jabari Parker, who will likely be somewhere in the middle of an all-star NBA career, to a be both an example of a professional athlete who lives his religion and is an RM.
Thank you Vai for a great article, that articulates our hopes and dreams for any LDS athlete.
eastcoastcoug Danbury, CTMay 20, 2012 7:29 a.m.
While I disagree with Vai's use of a public forum to pressure Jabari, I think what is missing for many here is many is the personal decision a young man needs to make about a mission and life's course. One should seek inspiration and ask the Lord to guide decisions on mission and career. If Jabari is making his statements based on fear that an NBA career will come ONLY if taking the most direct route (skipping both a college degree and a mission), then he indeed has a lot to learn about life and how we gain control by relinquishing it to a higher power. But it's not ours to judge and I leave that counsel to his parents, friends and teachers.
As a side note, I'm completely astonished at all the comments and concern about his mission and none whatsoever about his not wanting to complete a 4 year degree. What a funny focus you all have...
eastcoastcoug Danbury, CTMay 20, 2012 7:19 a.m.
I don't like this conversation with Jabari in a global public forum like this. If you want to say this kind of thing to him, Vai, do it when you have the chance to meet him face to face. Not even in a personal letter. And appeal to what he already does to serve others and how it brings balance to his life.
I think he's a great and unique young man, but worry that basketball becomes too much the center of his life. If he were my son, I would counsel with him about the benefits of a 4 year college degree and a mission as well as being things that prepare him for life and for basketball. And when the basketball ends (especially if it ends prematurely), he will have an even better chance at success in things that matter in life.
I would advise Jabari to read and think about Clayton Christensen's book on "How You Will Measure Your Life". I'm afraid many of our LDS sports stars have lost their luster as examples. Young and Ainge included.
DEW Cougars Sandy, UTMay 20, 2012 6:49 a.m.
Sure every young kids (young men and ladies) should go on a mission but young kids are being advised daily by their parents, family, relatives, group leaders, teachers and their bishop. But you think Jabari Parker might feel very unconfortable being discuss like Vai and others saying of what Jabari should do? Go easy on this young kid.
Guam_Bomb BARRIGADA, GUMay 20, 2012 5:25 a.m.
A little disappointed that William Hopoate was left out of the discussion here. He is to Rugby League in Australia, what Jabari Walker is to Basketball in the US. He walked away from a very large contract in Australia after playing in Rugby leagues top league.(both are of Tongan ancestry by the way) Will be interesting to see how Hopoate fairs after two years.
Guam_Bomb BARRIGADA, GUMay 20, 2012 4:06 a.m.
The biggest factor in whether or not a young man serves a mission is his desire to serve. Have seen too many missionaries who are on a mission for the wrong reasons. Some just aren't ready to go at 19 and may need another year or two.Some don't go for other reasons. What is sad is when those who don't serve missions are often treated as second class members of the church. I would like to remind everyone that Howard W. Hunter and Thomas S. Monson, did not serve missions as young men. Nobody could argue that these men fell short of their potential as they served in the highest office in the church. I hope some future leaders of the church aren't shamed into inactivity because they decided not to serve a mission.
awsomeron Waianae, HIMay 19, 2012 10:38 p.m.
I am Pro Mission, my Daughter just put in her paperwork, she has some medical issues so may not get to go. I also believe its an individual choice. Somethings and some people are on a timeline and there is an urgency of need to get things done.
A Mission is Not something you do because there is nothing better to do, or you can't find a job, or none of the princess in your Ward or Stake will Merry you unless you go on one. Guess what they are liable to Not Do after you get back. If you left with No Job Skills you come back with No Job Skills you are still going to be the bottom of the pile till you get an education. Which is why the Church stresses getting an Education.
The two young men who knocked on my door 25 years ago, had a sure knowledge of the Truth and the Gospel, you know its true because you know its true. Later you might get to smart for you own good, but when your young fresh and in the field you vastly mostly know its true. This Cover did not make Hawaii.
awsomeron Waianae, HIMay 19, 2012 10:22 p.m.
I agree with Vai, a Mission can open many doors.
I think a Mission can be served in many ways.
People who go into the Service or Peace Corps, and keep the Commandments and the Standards of the Church and remain single and chaste, are in a way serving both their Country and a Mission. The biggest problem often being the not so faithful LDS People trying to lead them astray so they will feel better. I saw this 1st hand when I was in the Service in the 60's and early 70's and what I see living in Hawaii not much has changed. The Service people go to some of the Social Events at BYUH some looking for fine upstanding young women and men to merry. If you want to find a good person you go to a good place.
A Mission is an Individual Choice must be that way and one size does not fit all. Pay attention to your own life. A fine young man in my Ward did not go on a Mission for Medical Reasons. He just got married and his young wife is in a Wheel Chair.
A Mission does No Harm.
#1 Champ Salt Lake City, UTMay 19, 2012 10:20 p.m.
I'm kinda happy that Jabari doesn't live in Utah, the pressure to go on a mission would be mounting
Swimmer Honeyville, UTMay 19, 2012 9:44 p.m.
Enjoyed all the comments. My son just completed one year on his mission. Had he not gone he would be competing at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials next month. He never wavered in his desire and commitment to serve. I agree with Vai, my son has had so many experiences on his mission that could never be duplicated anywhere else.
He'll be fine when he returns and I don't think he will miss a beat. But it will take some time to get back in swim shape. 2016 in Brazil will be his time.
I respectfully disagree with Danny Ainge. Every young man should serve a mission. But it's a matter of preparation. Some don't prepare themselves and either struggle with whether to go or struggle once they get out there. Missionary work is very hard work if done properly. I saw plenty that coasted. But I worked myself to exhaustion most days and really enjoyed my mission.
I also agree with Vai that the mission prepares one for marriage, for school, employment and life and it does build in one a confidence that you can accomplish whatever you want to achieve. Good article Vai.
jawico Cedar City, UTMay 19, 2012 9:20 p.m.
Interesting how the Lord told his people not to kill yet Nephi did just that at the Lord's command. Who am I to say the Lord does or doesn't have a bigger plan for his boy Jabari? I hope he goes, but even if he doesn't I'm excited to cheer for him for years to come.
idablu Idaho Falls, IDMay 19, 2012 9:05 p.m.
I tend to agree with Ainge on this one. A mission isn't for everyone, and a lot of kids who do go end up coming home early and feeling shame for a long time. Having said that, not "knowing" the Church is true is NOT a good excuse. That is a cop-out in my opinion. I would venture that more than 75% of these teenagers embarking on a mission don't "know for sure" whether the Church is true or not, but they have that little seed of faith that will develop and grow beginning with the MTC and throughout their missions.
All young men should prepare to go on a mission. I think Jabari would no doubt benefit from a mission. But if he chose not to, I wouldn't judge him or blame him one bit. Both Ainge and Young have been terrific ambassadors to the Church. Would they (and vicariously the Church) have had as much exposure on the public stage if they had served a mission? Who knows.
Chris from Rose Park PROVO, UTMay 19, 2012 5:52 p.m.
Think of how great an example, to those same people ("most urban, many minorities, etc"), it would be for Jabari to serve a mission and then dominate the NBA. Two years away would not necessarily make him lose his basketball talent (a similar situation to Sid Going who dominated rugby). Those people would see, from a top athlete's actions, there are some things more important that sports and being cool. They could also see that sports, coolness, and being religious are not mutually exclusive. With that said, I do believe it is his choice to make with God.
What I love about Vai's articles his that he writes from his heart and gives his perspective and at the same time it's easy to see how much he cares for people. He definitely wishes Jabari well and hopes for him to have the best life possible. I love these articles that he writes and on this one, I agree completely.
GeoMan SALEM, ORMay 19, 2012 3:31 p.m.
What some call encouragement, others call pressure. Everyone should be encouraged, no one should be pressured, but let's not be too hasty to judge anyone's motives on either side of the experience.
A mission is a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful experience for those that go. We need to love one another regardless of past choices. We all make choices that might not be what the Lord would want. Some choices are just more publicly known than others.
Linus Bountiful, UTMay 19, 2012 3:12 p.m.
You would think there would be more unity on the topic of young men serving missions. After all, it was a prophet who revealed the Lord's will on this matter. But, apparently, some know better. By the way, the clarification regarding every young man's duty came from President Kimball. Before his declaration, many worthy young men were denied missionary opportunities due to military draft restrictions.
dprichards Salt Lake City, UTMay 19, 2012 2:27 p.m.
Vai, I agree with most of what you write in your column. And normally I scoff at the "He'll accomplish more for the church continuing to play than going on a mission" argument. However, I think in this case it's a pretty sure bet that he'll be one of the first to do just that. Think of how many young men - mostly urban, many minorities, etc. - would look up to Jabari as potentially the next KD or LJ. His Twitter account alone will likely reach millions.
In fact, as a hardcore BYU fan, I'm okay with him going to play for Calipari or Krzyzewski. The wider his reach and the higher he rises, the bigger impact he can have. With all due respect, we're talking about something potentially much bigger than reaching a couple of pro bowls returning punts. (I do love you, Vai.)
joanbeatri Danville, CAMay 19, 2012 2:03 p.m.
Our Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail yesterday. Often our copy ends up in the trash... sometimes immediately. Not this one! I rushed out to buy more copes, but it's not on the stands yet. Someone who recommended that every bishop get and keep a copy in his office was right on.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTMay 19, 2012 12:37 p.m.
@Steve C. Warren
"Moreover, pressuring young people to go doesn't seem to be working as there are fewer full-time missionaries now than in the 1990s."
Also too much pressure can lead young men out of the church since some might end up feeling shunned if they don't serve. There was some article a month or two ago here that noted that Utah LDS singles was something like a 3:2 women ratio.
Steve C. Warren WEST VALLEY CITY, UTMay 19, 2012 12:25 p.m.
For me, serving a mission was the right thing to do. However, I agree with Danny Ainge that a mission is not for everyone, including those who may be prepared and worthy. President Monson and several members of the Twelve did not serve missions, and I think they turned out just fine.
Also, I think it's a bad idea to pressure young men to serve. When someone who is pressured into serving fails to complete his mission, it can have a major negative impact on his life. Moreover, pressuring young people to go doesn't seem to be working as there are fewer full-time missionaries now than in the 1990s. Maybe it would be best if we simply stop talking about whether this young man should serve.
Kralon HUNTINGTON BEACH, CAMay 19, 2012 11:21 a.m.
I think a mission is very personal and while everyone's experience is different, I think it should be strongly recommended as should any opportunity for service.
Growing up in Utah with moderately active parents I had enough of a testimony to get me on a mission, but not enough to keep me there. With rereading the Book of Mormon in two days and a great deal of passionate prayer my mission turned into a wonderful experience and growth opportunity for me and I will always be grateful to those who helped me get there.
RockOn Spanish Fork, UTMay 19, 2012 11:18 a.m.
Great job, Vai. I tend to agree a "bit" with Danny Ainge. My father in law was a clinical psychologist at BYU counselling students. He once told Elder Hinckley that he counseled some young men NOT to serve missions. Elder Hinckley agreed that some young men were simply not ready or capable in a spiritual and mental sense. That said, those cases are relatively rare.
If a young man has a testimony of the Gospel of Christ, regardless of how strong it is, he will have the chance to get out of his little world of self-serving and have the greatest chance with the greatest reward to serve someone else virtually 24/7 for two years. And for young women, 18 great months.
Yes, a great many of us fail to do all we can do when serving, but value has nonetheless been given and received.
Ten years after ending his career in the NBA vs. ten years after serving a mission, Jabari Parker is more than likely going to have more overwhelmingly wonderful memories of his mission and the people whose lives he's forever changed for the better.
mightymite DRAPER, UTMay 19, 2012 10:06 a.m.
Not such a goog article. This kid has enough pressure on him without someone harping about a mission. Let him be a kid.
FL UTE LARGO, FLMay 19, 2012 9:45 a.m.
Awesome article! Agree with everything you said. Every LDS young man should prepare, and be ready to serve. Those of us who did almost universally cherish the experience and blessing of serving a mission. That service can truly change one's life.
We also need to withhold judgement, and still respect, love, and value those who choose not to, for whatever reason. My Brother in law from SLC went directly into the military out of high school, and has since served as a Bishop among other callings.
A_Zion_State_O'Mind FAIR OAKS, CAMay 19, 2012 8:53 a.m.
Great article as always & very inspirational. Thank you for your comments on the mission thing. I loved my mission but I have 2 sons, who for medical reasons can not serve. As a church we need to not judge why someone did not serve. it's personal between the person & the Lord. I love that I share a faith with folks such as the Skihema's & the Parker's & the Romney's not perfect just trying to do the best we can & humbly do our part.
TheHailstorm South Weber, UTMay 19, 2012 7:57 a.m.
Always good to open the sports page for as good moral lecture. What started out as a comment on young Mr. Basketball ended up with that pesky old free agency slant by Vai hammering his points home.
Coyoteghost Saint George, UTMay 19, 2012 7:10 a.m.
If I were in a position to recommend that every father, mother, Bishop, Stake President in the LDS Church keep a copy of this article in the back of their Book of Mormon, I would do it. Especially for that forseen, or unforseen, time when the answer to that question becomes very relevant.
I would hope that every recruiter, every faculty member, every coach, every ardent fan pushing BYU athletics will do the same.
ed in atl Duluth, GAMay 19, 2012 6:35 a.m.
My daughter came home from her mission in October. Her brother left for his mission in November. He would not have gone without her serving the Lord. Her mission changed & example was the encouragement for him to go at 21. Her mission changed my life for the better.
romorg PROVO, UTMay 19, 2012 4:22 a.m.
I grew up in Provo and went to BYU. Both of my parents taught at BYU. My dad and all of my brothers went on missions. Every man I knew was faithful in the church...it was all I knew.
I had faith that the church was true and always knew that I would go on a mission. I honored my priesthood and lived my life to be worthy of a mission. There was just one problem, I didn't KNOW the church was true. How could I go on a mission and profess to know anything of the divinity of Christ or the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon? To do so would be deceitful and contrary to the basic moral that I was raised with...honesty.
I chose not to go. I think there are a lot of young men that feel just as I did. How can such a person go on a mission? Perhaps that is what Danny Ainge is referring to in his comment about missions. Perhaps more Mormons should contemplate the morality of encouraging young men to profess something is true when they have no such knowledge.
delasalle Sandy, UTMay 19, 2012 12:55 a.m.
Good article Vai. I have to disagree with one point though. A mission was not so challenging that 99% of others could not cope or handle it. Many people just coast through missions without realizing the opportunities before them. In some ways a mission is easier than real life because it is so structured and removes a lot of the individual decision making required as a responsible adult in the world. I'm not trying to take anything away from a mission - it's the best thing I've ever done - but it's not as hard as many make it out to be.
junkgeek Agua Dulce, TXMay 19, 2012 12:18 a.m.
Jabari Parker needs to do something to break the comparison between him and LeBum James.
Cats Somewhere in Time, UTMay 18, 2012 9:58 p.m.
Vai, I read the SI article and it is excellent. So is your article in response. I hope there's a chance that Jabari will read it.


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i also have spider veins is exilis valid for me?
Can Exilis Harm my Liver or Kidney if I Applied on my Abdominal Area?
Doctor Answers 1
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Exilis will not harm your liver or kidneys. It does not matter where you are treated.
Exilis will not treat small spider veins.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Grant Stevens
Learn more: http://marinaplasticsurgery.com/
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


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The upcoming Semantic Technology Conference in San Francisco will feature a number of innovative new products. One such product is dotnetrdf, a "free and open source project intended to be a .Net equivalent of projects like Jena and Sesame. It provides a Core RDF/Semantic Web API and a suite of tools aimed at providing the bulk of the tools and APIs a .Net developer needs to work with RDF and the Semantic Web in their applications. The presentation will highlight the major features of the project and new features coming to future releases."
Further information about dotnetrdf can be obtained on the product website. Dotnetrdf will be presented at SemTech by Rob Vesse. Vesse is "a PhD Student in the IAM Group which is part of the Department of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. His research interests are into data and link integrity for the Semantic Web. As a spin off from his work he started the dotNetRDF project."
Image: Courtesy dotnetrdf


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HATTIESBURG, Miss. – National Night Out Against Crime is approaching early August.
The Hattiesburg Police Department is hosting a kick-off party for the city next week.
Everyone is invited to Tatum Park on July 30th for free health screenings, door prizes and food.
HPD wants to send a message to the community about the importance of working together when it comes to neighborhood surveillance.
"It's just basically a time for everybody to get together and find out who your neighbors are and figure how to work together to kept your neighborhood safe. This particular event was actually started to help cut down on crime in your particular neighborhood, find out who supposed to be there and who's not supposed to be there," said Lt. Jon Traxler.
Below is the schedule for Night Out Against Crime on August 5th:
Statements from Officials – 11 a.m. (City Hall Fountain)
Family Fun and Free Food – 5 p.m. (Target)
Neighborhood Block Parties – 6 p.m. (Individual Neighborhoods)
Contact HPD to find out if your neighborhood is registered.


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Gallery: Bar chart + Scarf chart
1 example
View list as: gallery list
Sort list by: A-Z rating date added
How to create your own
Scarf chart of income tax by income level
This chart shows contribution towards total UK Income Tax that each income group (broken down by percentage) makes. From this, we can see that taxpayers with the highest 10% of income paid just over half of all Income Tax for the time period shown. Connectors between the columns therefore indicate each group's relative contribution.
Visual types:


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COMMERCE Snowda Darlene Tootie Milam, 67, of Commerce died March 11, 2007, at Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Kerry Miller officiating. Burial follows in Sonora Cemetery.
The daughter of Alford and Mae Chisholm Snowden, she was born April 7, 1939, in Milo, Mo.
Mrs. Milam was a bus driver for the Neylandville route for the Commerce Independent School District for 17 years, she worked as a secretary for the bus barn, was a substitute teacher and handled paperwork for her husbands auctioneer business. She was a housewife.
Survivors are her husband of Commerce; three sons, Walter Burton Milam Jr. and wife Lynn of Memphis, Tenn., Ricky Lynn Milam of New Orleans, La., and Randall Burton Milam of Commerce; two daughters, Rhonda Lea Milam of Dallas and Rita Krodle and husband Robert of Commerce; six grandchildren, Justin Milam, Lauren Milam, Dustin Milam, Brandon Brown, B.T. Brown and Dalton Krodle; and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Billy Don Richardson; Wesley Ashley; Jay Busby; Pvt. Brandon Brown, USMC; B.T.Brown, Dustin Milam and Allen Roundtree. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Ray Sonny Moore, Second McQueary, Ron Lovelace and Mark Mauldin.


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make your own stethoscope
March 19, 2010
7 comments:
- Amber @ Because Babies Grow Up said...
My husband's in medical school and we ZERO doctor books! Where have I been? I need to get on the ball. I love the stethoscope. My daughter uses anything around the house to be a stethoscope and I think this will be an awesome craft to do with her. Thanks for sharing!
- March 19, 2010 at 8:32 AM
- artsy_momma said...
So cute!
- March 19, 2010 at 3:21 PM
- Kim said...
That is really cute. I bet you guys had a great time making it and playing with it.
- March 19, 2010 at 8:39 PM
- Janna said...
Oh this is such a cute and fun list!
I think we have the vintage Nurse Nancy or something like that and it came with a real bandaid:)
- March 23, 2010 at 2:07 AM
- Janna said...
Ps. I just added a fb fan badge too. A friend told me open up the code and where it says width 300 change the number to 160 and then it should fit neatly into your column. Hope it helps!
- March 23, 2010 at 2:08 AM
- Ashley said...
A great list of "doctor" books. I'll have to keep these in mind for a future unit on doctors!
- March 23, 2010 at 4:08 PM
- Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity said...
This is awesome. I've never seen it before & will defintely put this on my to do list. Thanks for linking up on Tot Tuesdays last week. I hope you'll join me this week for another party. Happy Easter!
- April 4, 2010 at 4:35 AM


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During Tuesday night's second U.S. presidential debate the Republican candidate Mitt Romney, while attempting to answer a question about ensuring equal employment opportunities and pay for women, recalled that during his time as governor of Massachusetts he had been brought "binders full of women" from which to hire employees.
Romney's ill-advised choice of phrase immediately generated a deluge of social media responses, including the Twitter hashtag #BindersFullofWomen, the parody Twitter account @RomneysBinder, and the Tumblr Binders Full of Women, where a rapidly growing trove of political Internet art is being catalogued.
Thus far many of the images being posted involve some combination of stock images of groups of women and binders, as well as female celebrities — from Taylor Swift (above) to Beyonce — images of Romney, and references to existing memes like "In Soviet Russia…" (below) and Texts From Hillary.
Though not as art historically inclined as Pepper Spray Cop or Beast Jesus — at least not yet — Binders Full of Women may be unprecedented for the astounding speed with which it has fostered user-generated digital artworks.
— Benjamin Sutton


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Galapagos Islands
Swim with sea lion pups, walk near nesting tortoises, snorkle along side blue-footed boobies...no other place in the world allows such an intimate connection to its wildlife and culture as does the Galapagos Islands. ROW Adventures offers exclusive land-based tours to the Enchanted Islands and pioneered many of the adventure tours it has to offer. So whether you are looking for a Galapagos cruise, our famous Galapagos Unbound tour or even a lodge to lodge adventure vacation, we have the trip for you! Please choose from the many options below.
Galapagos Unbound- Adventure Tour
The first and original land-based adventure, featured in the New York Times and winner of National Geographic "Tours of a Lifetime."
Over the years, ROW Adventures has taken Galapagos tours to the next level. We are the only Galapagos Islands tour that allows beach camping on the islands and we offer a range of adventure activities during our Galapagos Tours. You'll sea kayak around the Galapagos Islands and explore areas where cruises can not access. During your tour you'll enjoy Galapagos Islands hiking from experienced guides while visiting the beautiful mountain areas of the islands. You'll come in contact with wildlife, swim off of sunny beaches, and snorkel your way around new worlds.
More about ROW Adventures' Galapagos Islands Unbound Tour
Galapagos Lodge Adventures
The "Lodge Adventure" programs offer an array of Galapagos Islands vacation options pioneered by ROW Adventures where visitors are not limited to cruises but to more widely experience a vacation on the Galapagos Islands. Daily departures with culinary camping, snorkeling and diving are a few of the activities offered.
This adventure is very flexible and is a wonderful alternative to our Galapagos Unbound (above) that offers daily departures with 5, 6 or 8 day trips to the enchanted islands.
More about ROW Adventures' Galapagos Lodge Adventure
Galapagos Islands Cruises
We also feature a traditional cruise based trip to the Galapagos Islands. Cruises can accommodate 8 passengers (small yachts) on up to 100 passengers (cruise ships) and provide a wonderful experience to the Galapagos Islands. There are few places on Earth where travelers immediately feel a connection and allow such close contact with wildlife and nature. The Galapagos Islands is an iconic destination and on most people's "dream travel spots." A cruise is a great way to dive Galapagos too. Let ROW Adventures help you and your family realize those dreams on a Galapagos Islands Cruise.
More about ROW Adventures' Galapagos Islands Cruises
Galapagos Family Vacations
Our Family vacations to the Galapagos Islands have been guests favorites and kids have the opportunity to be guided by experienced, adventure-loving naturalists and will pose for pictures with tortoises and Komodo dragons, observe birds and sea lions, hike over lava fields, play on sandy beaches, and more. Galapagos family vacations allow families to enjoy each other and bond while exploring another world. These family vacations create lasting memories and ROW Adventures has specialized in family vacations for years.
More about ROW Adventures' Galapagos Family Vacations
Galapagos Islands & Amazon Tour
Exclusively with ROW Adventures, imagine the possibility to see two of nature's most iconic destinations in one amazing kayak and wildlife adventure. In just eleven days you'll intimately experience the Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest as you kayak over untouched water, swim with sea lions, traverse atop rainforest sky bridges and stay at an amazing jungle lodge.
More about ROW Adventures' Galapagos Amazon Tour
Galapagos Islands Vacations from ROW Adventures have been named
National Geographic Traveler's "Tours of a Lifetime"
Galapagos Islands - Travel, History, Ecology and Tourism.
Known by many different names, including the "Enchanted Islands," because of the way in which the strong and swift currents made navigation difficult and also because of the beautiful geography and biodiversity, The Galapagos Islands is located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in South America. There are 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks. Five of the islands are inhabited: Baltra, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.
"Galapago" is an old Spanish word, meaning saddle. The large Galapagos Tortoises on some of the islands had a shell that resembled an old Spanish saddle, thus the name. The tortoise is a unique animal found only in the Galapagos Islands, yet there are no more than 200 in the 13 main islands. In 1959, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people called the islands their home. In 1972 a census was done in the archipelago and a population of 3,488 was recorded. By the 1980s, this number had risen to more than 15,000 people, and more recent estimates place the population around 40,000 people.
The Galapagos Islands are well-known for the diversity of vegetation and animals that is located on the Islands. The Galapagos Islands are found on the equator a little west of the South American coast. The Islands were formed by mantel hot spots, like many other islands. The Galapagos were created by the Cocas and the Nazca plate, which are constantly moving. There are many different species of plants and animals that live on the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos is home to the single penguin that can live in warm waters. The marine iguana eats the seaweed and the famous Giant Tortuous which has evolved many times, to just name a few. There are some amazing plants, for example, the Scalesia also know as the tree daisy, is a beautiful white flower with a light pink pigment. These plants and animals need to be protected if they are to survive any longer.
In 1835, a young naturalist Charles Darwin made a scientific study of geology and biology on the islands. Darwin saw mockingbirds differed between islands. An Englishman Nicolas Lawson, Governor of the Galapagos Islands for the Republic of the Ecuador, met Darwin on an island and as they walked to the prison colony told him that tortoises differed from island to island. Toward the end of the voyage Darwin speculated that the distribution of the mockingbirds and the tortoises might "undermine the stability of Species". When he analyzed his findings on his return to England it was found that many apparently different kinds of birds were species of finches which were also unique to islands. These facts were crucial in Darwin's development of his theory of natural selection explaining evolution, which was presented in The Origin of Species.
Many Galapagos Islands Vacations begin with knowing about the islands from Darwin. The Finches on the Galapagos Islands have evolved over the years because of their beaks. The beaks are larger and much harder to open the larger nuts. There was a severe drought in 1977 which made the vegetation wilt, which left very few soft seeds and a number of larger hard ones. "The birds that survived the 1977 drought tended to be larger, with bigger beaks" (Grant, 1986). These birds survived because of their ability to produce offspring that could deal with the larger harder nuts. The finches are a classic example of Darwin's theory of evolutionary process.
There are different types of threats to the islands population of plants and animals. The goats "devoured the lush vegetation carpeting the flanks of Alcedo Volcano" (Jocelyn Kaiser, 2001), which the Giant Tortuous thrive in and need to survive. To save the natural plants and animal's people have made decisions to rid themselves of these pests. Hunters have come in to shoot and kill the goats but a few remain to clear the brush so the hunters can find the pigs inhabiting the island. "The planned Isabella goat removal is no less than a battle to save the Galapagos' largest remaining population of giant tortoises, an icon of the famous archipelago 965 kilometers off Ecuador's coast" (Jocelyn Kaiser, 2001).
The islands are bountiful in different types of beautiful vegetation for all to see, but these things will end if problems keep up. "There are about 560 native species of plants in the islands, in other words, plants which arrived in the islands by natural means" (Galapagos Flora). These plants include passion flower, cotton, guava, pepper, and tomato which most are only found on the islands. Some of these plants are endangered because of goats and other non-native vegetation. The tomatoes of the Galapagos Islands can grow in the sea and has joint less fruit stalks, these tomatoes have been studied in the development of hydroponic, plants grown in water instead of dirt.
The islands were relatively untouched by people and non native animals. Tourists love to visit this island because of its exotic animals and untouched beauty. Responsible travel is the key to keeping the area pure and beautiful. Overall tourism has been beneficial by providing income and jobs. It has provided a reason to protect the islands against total exploitation by extractive industries like commercial fishing. Yet tourism has brought its own unwanted impacts, such as invasive species of plants and animals and incentives for people to migrate to the islands in search of work.
The following points are tips for ensuring that your vacation to the Galapagos is as positive as possible:
• Ask your tour operator if they have a responsible tourism policy. Only travel with operators, like ROW Adventures, that can demonstrate that they are doing as much as they can to support conservation efforts and ensure that local people benefit as a result of tourism.
• Consider your environmental impact when traveling. Try to lessen the environmental impact that you have by taking highly polluting articles such as batteries home with you where they can be disposed of safely.
• Travel with a local tour operator, ROW Adventures uses local operator and guides. Ensuring that tourism is of maximum benefit to local people is key to the sustainable development of the islands. Viable alternatives to fishing need to be created through tourism and this needs to be done through a regulated framework which ensures that the development of tourism in the Galapagos is managed sustainably.
The Ecuadorian government does restrict the number of tourists each year. The first legislation to protect the Galapagos was enacted in 1934 and in 1936 it was supplemented. However, until the late 1950's there has not been any action taken to control things that were happening to the vegetation. The government of Ecuador with UNESCO sent a group to observe the preservation condition and pick a site for an investigation station in 1957. These provisions help keep the Galapagos Islands as pure as possible.
The Ecuadorian government made 97.5% of the Galapagos land area a national park, except the areas which were already colonized in 1959. The Charles Darwin Foundation was brought about the same year. The foundations main purposes are to make certain the preservation of the Galápagos environments and uphold the scientific observations essential to accomplish its preservation tasks. The foundation made amazing discoveries during this time.
The water surrounding the islands was declared a marine reserve in 1986, which is only smaller than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Islands became a whale sanctuary in 1990. UNESCO recognized the Galapagos Islands as a World Heritage site in 1978 and in 85 was declared a biosphere reserve. The biosphere reserve was extended in 2001 to include the marine reserve. This sanctuary help protect many of the marine animals of the Galapagos Islands. The reserve protects these animals by having fishing regulations and only permitting certain people in the waters.
One of the most popular of the marine animals is a turtle known as a giant tortoise, which has developed into fourteen diverse varieties on the islands of the Galapagos. There are other marine animals which consist of the marine iguana, lava lizards, snakes and geckos. These animals are native to this island and are in danger from divers, fishermen, and other non-native animals. The animals "are fearless due to the lack of natural predators" which makes them easy targets.
ROW Adventures takes special care of all of the places they visit. We aim to keep the integrity of the islands and respect the nature and wildlife that surrounds it. We are also members of IGTOA which is a nonprofit association of travel companies, conservation organizations, and other groups that seek a lasting protection of the Galapagos Islands. We lobby for conservation, fund projects, and promote and practice sustainable tourism.


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The Mark Moore Gallery was the site for Japanese artist Kenichi Yokono's first major exhibition since Art Basel in 2009. "Rise of the Underground" featured more of his signature carved woodblocks as well as the incorporation of several skate decks into his new works. The pieces showcase Yokono's attention to detail as well as his evolution as an artist. Joining him was Jermey Fish, who similarly utilized wood cuts, crafting exquisite and imaginative pieces of pop art. "Rise of the Underground" runs through December 17.
Mark Moore Gallery
5790 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
United States
Photography: Carlos Gonzalez/Arrested Motion


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Publisher: DC Comics
After the villains of the Legion of Doom — led by Lex Luthor and Brainiac — band together to save the world after a shared dream that seems to be a vision of the Earth's demise. They are confronted by the Justice League of America, who doubt their true motives. The true plans unfold as the two teams do battle.
From the Hardcover edition.
You have never seen an epic more beautifully crafted than this one, both visually and structurally. - Library Journal Xpress Reviews: Graphic Novels | First Look at New Books, December 23, 2011