text:
Wiles hired for five more years
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Popular principal: Peter Brabant, principal of Altamont Elementary School, dons one of the T-shirts being sold at Village Hall Tuesday night before an Altamont Free Library concert. Soon after a report was released that concluded with cost-saving "scenarios" — four closing his school and one closing Lynnwood Elementary — Brabant said, "The worst scenario would be a fight over this school or that school. If we devolve to that, we won't solve the problem the way we want our children to solve problems."
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Wearing their hearts on their sleeves: Before the library's concert in Altamont Village Hall on Tuesday night, red T-shirts were for sale, emblazoned with the African proverb made famous by Hillary Clinton's 1996 book, "It takes a village." Kelly Abbruzzese, far right, reaches out to buy shirts as Altamont Elementary Principal Peter Brabant, center, chats. A consultant hired by the Guilderland School District made five money-saving recommendations for building use in the face of declining enrollment; four of his scenarios involved closing Altamont Elementary School.
GUILDERLAND — The school board was at once united and divided as it started its new year on July 1.
The nine members on June 16 had unanimously extended for five years the contract for Superintendent Marie Wiles — a vote of confidence for the educator who has shepherded the district through several tough years of cuts, with 180 jobs lost, as annual budgets passed with solid margins.
Current unrest in the district was evident as a score of Altamont residents attended the July 1 meeting and five spoke to the board about the worth of their school in the wake of a consultant's report on building capacity that recommended, in five cost-saving scenarios, closing Altamont Elementary in four of them.
Halfway through the long meeting, Wiles apologized for a comment she'd made in June at a session where the consultant, Paul Seversky, in presenting his report, had come under fire. Wiles had interceded, saying, "We hired Paul because he's really good at getting the data, holding up the mirror to us…We may not like what we see…It may be we decide to spend $1.2 million because we want our kids to have a lemonade stand in the middle of Altamont."
The metaphoric reference was to a recent fundraiser the Altamont Elementary kindergarteners had held on the village green to raise funds to fight childhood cancer, which, in an Enterprise editorial and elsewhere, served as a symbol for the school's interaction with the community. Wiles, the year before, had centered her commencement address on Alex's Lemonade Stand as a sign of hope for the future.
At the July 1 school board meeting, Wiles apologized for what she termed her "unfortunate comment about the lemonade stand."
"It came across as sarcastic and belittling and mean-spirited," she said, "and I did not mean it that way at all. I simply was trying to make a statement symbolizing all the wonderful things that happen in wonderful communities like Altamont, which I get….So my sincere apologies to everyone in Guilderland but most especially the Altamont community, and I hope you accept my apology in the spirit in which it was offered."
She concluded, "I'd like to restart this process in a spirit of trust, cooperation, and a group effort to say we're going to do what's best for our children. That's all I really care about."
Toward the end of the meeting, board member Colleen O'Connell spoke of the moving-up ceremonies she had attended at Westmere and Guilderland elementary schools, replete with hugs and cards for principals. "Let's not just say that Altamont is a community; those places are communities," said O'Connell of the other schools. "They may not have a village, a geographical village, but they are centers."
The board was also united in unanimously re-electing its president, Barbara Fraterrigo, the board's longest-serving member, for a second one-year term. The board was split in re-electing its vice president, Allan Simpson, also for a second one-year term; he garnered five votes to Judy Slack's four.
Split votes
In the midst of routine new-year appointments, which were largely unanimous, the board was deeply divided as it had been last year on two matters: the pay for substitute teachers and giving raises to part-time employees like the district clerk, tax collector, internal claims auditor, facilities coordinator, and continuing-education secretary.
Last year, the administration had proposed a daily rate of $95 for elementary and middle school substitutes, and $100 for a full day at the high school. Board member Christine Hayes had proposed paying the substitutes less as a way to save funds in an era when many teachers are without work and perhaps eager for jobs.
This year, as last year on a re-vote in August, after a heated debate, the board voted, 5 to 4, to pay $5 less in each category. The same members as last year were in favor of the higher pay: Slack, O'Connell, Gloria Towle-Hilt, and Catherine Barber.
And the same members were opposed: Fraterrigo, Simpson, Hayes, and Jennifer Charron. Rose Levy, who had voted with the majority last year, did not seek re-election after one three-year term. She was replaced by Christopher McManus, who had come in second in the uncontested May election for three seats. McManus voted with the majority on July 1.
Hayes pointed out that the district had saved over $68,000 with the reduced pay and said only one teacher had complained to the board about it. The district's budget this year is $92 million.
Slack noted that 287 absences went uncovered last year and said many people had told her they were "hurt or insulted" by the reduction in pay and would substitute elsewhere instead.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Lin Severance said this past school year, there were 7,131 incidences of absent teachers across all seven schools; the percent uncovered doubled from the previous year, from 2.5 percent to 5.2 percent.
"From the principals' perspective, it's been hugely problematic," said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Demian Singleton, far more so than in earlier years.
O'Connell said principals had told her the quality of substitutes had declined.
Wiles, the board was told, had in February "relaxed" the requirements that substitutes stay as long as teachers are required, so that the subs could instead leave when their classroom duties were completed
Still, Wiles said, physical-education classes at Farnsworth Middle School were often doubled up, Lynnwood's small reading groups weren't held, and principals regularly scrambled to find someone to supervise rather than instruct classes.
Simpson repeatedly insisted there was no hard data to show the shortage was due to the decreased pay.
"I'm more than willing to give it another year," said Fraterrigo. "I just see this as sort of a shared sacrifice."
"Data doesn't tell the whole picture," said Towle-Hilt. Gesturing to the contingent in the gallery there to support Altamont Elementary, Towle-Hilt said that there is value in hearing from people in the community.
"Those stories are what helps us make the right decision," she said. "The data should inform us but it doesn't drive our decision. To me, it's much more important that $68,000 be used in a way that's going to benefit children."
Fraterrigo countered that, with a cut of $5 per day, "Nobody suffers greatly" and the money could be better used for a full-time teacher.
"Some children are not receiving instruction," said Barber. "It's the children who are sacrificing."
"If the board decides to stay at $90 and $95, that will be the death knell for substitutes," said O'Connell. "This is our opportunity to get subs back."
Amy Martin had the last word, after the vote, speaking during the rarely used second public-comment session towards the end of the meeting. A fourth-grade Altamont Elementary teacher, who had come to support the school, Martin said she had personally experienced the difficulties and stress of not being able to find a substitute teacher when she had to be absent.
"It was so bad, Peter substituted for an entire day," she said, referring to Peter Brabant, meaning the school was without a principal that day.
She also noted that special education and reading teachers were often pulled from their duties to fill in as classroom substitutes. "It's really stressful and impacts everyone," Martin said.
The 2-percent raises for the part-time non-instructional employees passed, 5 to 4, with Slack, Towle-Hilt, O'Connell, Barber, and Fraterrigo approving the raises and McManus, Charron, Simpson, and Hayes opposing.
Last year, the board had been divided, 4 to 4, at its July meeting, on whether or not to give those same workers 1-percent raises; at the August meeting, the measure had passed, 5 to 4, with the same five members as this year voting in favor.
The raises do not increase the budget because the energy manager "graciously" turned down his, said Fraterrigo.
Wiles explained this week that Clifford Nooney, the district's supervisor of building and grounds who also has a stipend as its energy manager, said that, since the energy conservation program is up and running, he didn't need to be paid as much. "He took a substantial reduction of at least $5,000, which more than funded the modest raise for the others," Wiles said.
"We're still in tough economic times," said Hayes at the meeting, noting last year's raise was 1 percent. "Why was it raised to 2 percent this year?" she asked.
Severance responded that the workers had gone for two years with no increase before the 1-percent increase last year, and she said that the 2 percent was "generally in line with parameters we are given for other bargaining units."
She also said, "This is a group of individuals that don't have bargaining units and no one to advocate for them."
Further, Severance said, "We still realize a savings of $3,318 even with the 2 percent."
"We're treating these people like a unit and they're not. If they're deserving of a raise, we should give them a raise, not treat them like a unit," said Charron, reiterating the argument she made last year.
Charron went on, "I personally know one…She should have a reflective raise. To give her only a few dollars is not the right way to say thank-you for bringing in serious revenue to the district."
Charron advocated for merit raises.
Slack spoke in favor of the 2-percent raise, saying, "I think it shows in these difficult times, we appreciate the work they do…This raise is covered by the generous giveback of one of our employees."
High school seeks new assistant principal
The unexpected resignation of Andrea Gleason, employed as an assistant principal at Guilderland High School since last August, left the board in a quandary.
A former English teacher, who had been an assistant principal and director of high school counseling at Niskayuna before coming to Guilderland, Gleason had been selected from 100 applicants; she was paid an annual salary of $90,000.
Her resignation is effective July 31. Gleason could not be reached for comment.
Guilderland has had three assistant principals, working under Principal Thomas Lutsic. All of them handle discipline problems.
At the time Gleason was hired, Mark Brooks was in charge of master scheduling; Lisa Patierne focused on the transition program, easing students from the middle school to the high school; and Gleason focused on managing clubs and extra-curricular activities.
At the July 1 meeting, Simpson asked, with declining enrollment, if the high school administration could be "downsized" as the middle school's had.
Wiles noted that much study and planning went into reconfiguring the middle-school leadership, and she said of Gleason's resignation, "This is an unanticipated opening."
Wiles also said she had discussed the matter with the high school principal, Thomas Lutsic, who reported that enrollment next year is expected to decrease by 23 students to 1,691.
He said that the 2,028 discipline referrals this year were handled by himself and his three assistants and noted the responses involved a lot of counseling. "You want to prevent that behavior from happening again," he said.
Lutsic also said that social media sites find their way to school and so disciplinary measures now involve more investigation and more students.
He said, too, that new state requirements for evaluating teachers take a lot more of administrators' time. Each observation takes three to five hours, he said, and includes meetings before and after as well as up to two hours of writing reports.
Simpson responded, "A one-year comparison is a very narrow comparison." He suggested going back five years, and called Gleason's resignation, an "opportunity."
"The question is: What do we do next?" said Wiles.
Fraterrigo said the exit survey from the May budget vote had comments from those who voted against the budget, saying the district is "top heavy" on administration. She advised, "Reduce where we can if we can."
O'Connell said she was "stunned by the board's tenor."
She questioned why board members would vote unanimously to extend Wiles's service for five years yet not take her recommendations on the pay rate for substitutes or the need for an administrator.
She said of Gleason's resignation, "It was sudden; it was unexpected" and to analyze the district's leadership structure because of it "makes no sense."
"It doesn't hurt to ask questions because sometimes you flush out ideas," said Simpson.
"I don't see this as an 'opportunity,'" said Towle-Hilt. "This happened and now we're faced with a problem."
McManus said he'd like to know more about the options and the pros and cons.
"We don't meet until August 19 and they have to post something," said Fraterrigo.
Barber suggested the board take up the matter at a July 11 meeting. The board did and, Wiles reported this week, decided to keep the assistant principal job as it had been.
Lutsic supplied figures showing enrollment at the high school won't be declining significantly in the near future. "The work is still there," said Wiles, noting that discipline referrals had decreased, from the 3,000s, since Lutsic became principal several years ago.
The job was posted that day, July 11, with a minimum annual salary of $80,000; the final salary is set by contract, based on experience.
Asked why Gleason resigned, Wiles said, it was "a matter of fit," adding, "It wasn't what she expected."
The "usual process" will be followed, Wiles said, with an interview committee screening the applicants and the district administrators conducting the final round of interviews.
"We would love to have someone on board with the start of school," said Wiles.


text:
March 1, 2008
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
THIBODEAUX, La. - UT Arlington softball picked up its first Southland conference wins of the season, winning 5-1 in the first game of the doubleheader and 5-0 in the nightcap over Nicholls State on Saturday at Colonels Softball Complex.
With the wins UTA improves to 5-9 on the season and 2-3 in SLC action, while Nicholls State falls to 6-11 and 1-4 on the season.
In game one, the Mavericks win was powered by a three run fourth inning. Two runs came off a Brittany Stevens single down the right field line to bring home April Clougherty and Samantha Chumchal assisted by a Colonel throwing error. Katie Jones followed with a single to centerfield that plated Stevens to round out the inning.
Senior Laura Jones (2-5) picked up the win in the circle for UTA as she went the distance allowing six hits and one run while fanning seven. Sophomore Brittany Washington led the Mavs offense going 2-for-3, scoring two runs with a homerun and an RBI in game one.
Krystalin Ensminger was tabbed with the loss for the Colonels as she threw 3.2 innings allowing eight hits and five runs while only striking out two.
In the second game, freshman Whitney Simpson hit the game winner, a homerun over the centerfield fence, in the second inning.
Senior Amanda Swofford and sophomore Heather Collie added a pair of security runs in the third.
Highlighting the second game for UTA was pitcher sophomore Cara Hulme (1-2) as she picked up her first win of the 2008 season by throwing all seven innings, only allowing four hits, and fanning 11 in the win. Hulme also helped her own cause in the circle as she finished 2-for-3 batting with two runs scored and one RBI.
The Mavs and Colonels will conclude the SLC series on Sunday at noon at the Colonels Softball Complex.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter has been appointed as the new Great Britain team manager, the Advertiser can reveal.
Rossiter takes over from outgoing GB chief Neil Middleditch after beating off competition from former Birmingham team manager Phil Morris, Coventry boss Gary Havelock and Rob Lyon of King's Lynn.
The Robins boss was given the news this morning, after the three other candidates were notified.
Rossiter said: "I really can't explain how proud I feel to have been given this job. I did apply for it five years ago, but now I truly feel it's my time and I can't wait to get started.
"What a great time to take over as Great Britain manager - I'm taking over when we have the World Champion, Tai Woffinden, in our corner.
"Everyone says the Americans over-achieved last year because of their will and their want, and because they had Greg Hancock. But we have Tai, and what he's done should give everyone something to aspire to.
"It's only in the last two years or so that Tai has really raised his game. Everyone should look at what he changed and how professional he is – and also his pure determination and will.
"I'm hoping the riders coming through, the likes of Craig Cook, Richie Worrall, Robert Lambert and several others, can aspire to Tai's achievements, and if that happens we're in a great position."


text:
IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Language: Hindi + English (Original Audios)
Quality: 480p BluRay
Size: 365mb
Director: Peyton Reed
Writers: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish
Stars: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll
Movie Plot: Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
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text:
It's no secret that most video game developers haven't quite figured out how to successfully combine solid gameplay with a riveting narrative. To be perfectly fair, there are a million reasons for this.
For example, some people will say that gaming, as a medium, is still in its infancy – which is true. Others have been known to opine that a complex narrative might possibly get in the way of the one thing that matters most in a game: gameplay. Again, not an untrue statement. And let's not forget that gaming is an amalgamation and an evolution of all the art forms that preceded it. Making a video game in this day and age is an extremely complex task that involves painstaking attention to art style, music composition, color palettes, acting, directing, and convoluted computer code that can adapt to a variety of circumstances as well as player-controlled actions. On top of it all is the crucial gameplay factor, which more than anything, allows the artists behind the game to subtly control the experience – while giving the player the illusion of being in charge. It's not a simple job.
At the end of the day, it's easier (and better, really) to half-ass the story than anything else. How many times have you played a game where the narrative boils down to getting the magical item to the mythical place in order to defeat the monstrous thing? Even fairly open-ended games like Oblivion or Grand Theft Auto have only two basic mission types: find something or kill something. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, Mass Effect comes to mind, and it would be foolish to say that every game needs a compelling story (I'm looking at you, Mario). But even games with a great plot are missing the one thing that could elevate gaming to a whole new sphere as a storytelling medium – and that one thing is character development.
Now don't get me wrong, weaving character development into a medium that has become more and more enamored with open-ended, player-controlled choice is not an easy task. But let's be brutally frank here, all games, at their core, are linear experiences. Some allow you to do things in a different order, or with a slightly different outcome, but no game is entirely devoid of a cohesive plot, the outdated ramblings of Roger Ebert aside.
As of right now, there are three approaches to character development in games and while some are superior to others, not one of them is an entirely complete representation.
The Un-evolved Hero – Mario, Kratos and Master Chief are examples of un-evolved heroes. Mario is just your typical Italian plumber tasked with rescuing a princess. Kratos is just a really pissed-off albino dude with a suicidal streak. Master Chief is just the strong, silent type who's really good at killing aliens. These three are the means to an end and their job is to not change. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Unapologetically one-dimensional, Mario, Kratos and Master Chief are really just supposed to move gamers from one set-piece to the next, and they do an admirable job of that. But that's all they do and anyone claiming that Mario Galaxy, God of War or Halo has a deep, character-driven story needs to catch up on their freshman lit reading list.
The Deceptive Hero – Nico Bellic, Rico Rodriguez and John Marston are examples of deceptive heroes. The deceptive hero arises when a character with apparent motivations is given free reign to do whatever the player wants. The result is an inconsistent mess, at least as far as that character is concerned.
How many times does Nico talk mournfully of his past violence and desire to leave it behind, only to go on a cop-killing rampage or even murder the man that cheated with his cousin's girlfriend? Is the island-nation of Panau really suffering more under the rule of "Baby" Panay as it is under Rico's wanton grappling-hook-impaling and general destruction? Can John Marston be justified in slaughtering scores of Mexican freedom fighters only to switch sides as it benefits him? Instead of the story reacting to the character, deceptive heroes react to the story, and it shows.
The Illusive Hero – Commander Shepard, Demon's Souls Dude and Jack from BioShock are all illusive heroes. Illusive heroes seem to be saddled with a blend of both apparent motivations and player control. The same weaknesses present themselves here as with the deceptive hero, though they are generally curtailed. If you've been playing most of the game as a nice Shepard, some cruel acts will be beyond your reach; they don't make sense with the hero you've heretofore created. Shepard is almost an example of a developed hero – though he's not entirely there.
Demon's Souls Dude is allowed only a certain amount of freedom and is left mostly anonymous, and for good reason. Players are allowed to play him/her as they see fit. Is (s)he a stealthy sniper or a reckless berserker? You decide.
Jack may be the closest to a complete hero that we have in gaming, but that's really only due to the narrative's manipulation of emotion and motivation. The big reveal with Ryan is a commentary on gaming structure, more than anything else, and the subsequent battle with Fontaine feels right because you, the player, wants to nail that jerk to the wall. By using general anonymity and limiting choices, the illusive hero uses the player's imagination to fill in the gaps of motivation. It's the best out of the three, but it's still not an ideal set-up for a developed character.
So how do we create games with evolving, changing, real protagonists? Well, you've got to do a couple of things that may not even be possible at this point in time. First of all, in a game with a linear story, game-makers have to limit the choices available to players while hiding the fact that's what they're doing. In a sandbox game, developers will have to borrow from Bioware's playbook and make sure that behavior has consequences. The game world has to react to the character as much as the character reacts to the world. Easier said than done.
Second, choice needs to be more and more limited as the game progresses, but not in a way that's restrictive. For example, in your life right now, you could drive to Ohio tomorrow but that probably doesn't make a lot of sense. Game worlds need to operate in the same way. Third, the plot of a character-centered game should be subservient to the title's protagonist. Fourth, make more tragedies, almost no one actually learns from their mistakes. Fifth, show, don't tell. I want to see how the world changes in response to my character's choices.
The points listed above are adapted literary and theatrical devices that could change the way that games tell stories. Lastly, people that write games should be writers first and gamers second. Most games have terrible stories and, in all honesty, most books would probably make terrible games. Nobody wants to play War and Peace or Catch-22, but when over half of the Academy Awards for Best Picture have been given to films based on adapted screenplays, there's definitely an argument to be made for quality adaptations.
Continue reading to check out our choices of four novels that would make great games…


text:
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text: [email protected] Wharton: "Social media has made it possible to share the details of our lives — both intimate and minute — quickly and easily. But with that convenience comes a host of dangers as people's personal and professional lives, and public and private personas, converge. In "When Worlds Collide in Cyberspace: How Boundary Work in Online Social Networks Impacts Professional Relationships," Wharton management professor Nancy Rothbard, Wharton doctoral student Justin Berg and Ariane Ollier-Malaterre, a professor of management at Université du Québec à Montréal look at the different strategies people use to manage their social media communications, and how those approaches impact the level of respect and liking that professional colleagues have for them. The paper was published in the journal Academy of Management Review."


text:
I am 3weeks 2day post op my full TT& lipo & I look as big as i was b4 the surgery my belly area is not flat @ all. I'm very swollen my stiches opened a lil& I'm having fluid comming out. My sides r hard& buldging instead of being slim. My doc said 2 place a pad on it collect the drainage& keep it clean I have no infection in it& tht the swelling will go dwn but my belly was big b4 that. I'm very sad with my results how long will I c sum kid of results& will lymphatic drainage massege help @all
Had Tummy Tuck & Lipo 2 my Sides & Back is It Normal 2 Look Like This After?
Doctor Answers 2
Tummy Tuck Results?
Thank you for the question.
At this stage of your recovery it is much too early to evaluate the results of surgery. I'm sure you have significant swelling present; this will take months to fully resolve. It will take up to a year for the skin to fully redrape.
I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to rule out and treat complications that may be causing increased swelling. He/she is also in the best position to reassure you if you are progressing normally.
Also keep in mind that it is not unusual for patients who experience severe emotional ups and downs after major surgery; this tends to level out after 2 to 3 months of recovery.
For people contemplating tummy tuck surgery in the future, the following words of advice may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the "problem area" may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel "normal" again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this helps.
Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm
3 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck - When Will I See The Results Of My Surgery?
Dear Nicole, Each person recovers from a tummy tuck and liposuction at a different rate. If there is a bell shaped curve, you may be on the high side of it and you may not see the full positive results of your surgery for 3 - 6 months, or even more. If you had a lot of fat in the upper portion of your abdomen and if your plastic surgeon did a classical abdominoplasty, he or she may have pulled down the fat from your upper abdomen to your lower abdomen, and that, plus swelling, may make it appear that there have been no changes.
Also, your complication with excess serum production may have led to more swelling, and therefore slower shrinkage of your overall girth.
That being said, in my practice, I use post operative ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles), especially on the liposuctioned areas as well as DMSO to decrease swelling, improve blood supply, and even out the fat cells. At times, even a short burst of corticosteroids can kick start the shrinking process. All the above recommendations fit my practice, but not all plastic surgeons would agree with me.
I know you are feeling very frustrated at this point, but recovery from a tummy tuck is a process and not an event. Give it time, things will certainly improve.
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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Court upholds $19 million verdict against 'Girls Gone Wild' founder
LOS ANGELES – An appellate court has upheld a $19 million judgment against Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in a slander case filed over his claims that casino mogul Steve Wynn threatened to kill him.
The California 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles upheld the verdict in a ruling issued Monday.
After a 2012 trial, a jury found that Francis' statements about threats were defamatory. Both men testified during the trial.
Francis appealed the verdict, arguing he first made the comments in a court proceeding over a gambling debt and should not be held liable for them.
Francis claimed Wynn threatened to kill him in subsequent television interviews and confirmed the in-court statements to the celebrity website TMZ.
Francis said he will appeal the ruling.
Note: An earlier version of this article said the verdict was $190 million in the headline. This has been corrected.
© 2014 The Canadian Press


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Kim Davis, the Rowan County, Kentucky clerk who refuses to sign marriage licenses for homosexuals, creates a case full of interesting dilemmas, but she is doing the right thing. I would like to focus on the most important angle, and one which is simply not getting much emphasis in the media. This is a perfect case to highlight the nature of true federalism, the role of the lesser magistrates, and the long road Christians have ahead of them in restoring America.
We are all familiar with the Obergefell Supreme Court decision in favor of homosexual "marriage." We all know Mrs. Davis' case is fallout from that decision. When I first viewed this on the surface, I thought she would be better off to resign. It seemed to me a little self-serving for her to demand her tax-funded salary while defying the law (like it or not) she professes to represent. It's simply contradictory to be a paid representative of the law and yet assert your personal view of the law when you disagree with it.
But then I realized this is not the case at all. It is only the rule according to the Supreme Court's dictates—the dictates of the federal judiciary. Now that may be the last word for many people, but it's not all, and the rest is in Mrs. Davis' favor.
She explained in her comments through Liberty Counsel: "It is a matter of religious liberty, which is protected under the First Amendment, the Kentucky Constitution, and in the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act." While I might demur on a couple points here, the reference to the Kentucky Constitution is fully relevant indeed. It is central.
In 2004, the Commonwealth of Kentucky voted overwhelmingly to include a marriage amendment to its Constitution. It now reads in section 233A:
Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Kentucky. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.
Protecting this Constitutional definition from invasion by outside jurisdictions is a more fundamental provision in Section 26:
To guard against transgression of the high powers which we have delegated, We Declare that every thing in this Bill of Rights is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate; and all laws contrary thereto, or contrary to this Constitution, shall be void.
While there could certainly be room for legal wrangling here, the basic point is that the Commonwealth must not follow any laws contrary to its Constitution, but rather must consider such laws void. In my reading, this would include laws that are attempted to be imposed by an outside jurisdiction, or even an overlapping jurisdiction.
Thus, Obergefell is not merely an "oh well" in a State (or Commonwealth) such as this. It is a genuine Constitutional crisis at the state level. Put simply, this is a matter of States' Rights, and the decision on how to move forward lies entirely in the hands of the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, its government, and its lesser magistrates.
So on second thought, I believe Mrs. Davis is making the appropriate stand. She is an elected representative of her county, and as such, she is to some degree a lesser magistrate. She may be the least of all the lesser magistrates, but that just makes the condemnation of all the inactive or compromised officials above her all the greater—especially if they're professing Christians.
In fact, from this perspective, Mrs. Davis' courage stands as an open condemnation of every Christian in local or state offices who does not stand for their State and people in defiance of Obergefell. What a shame it is that across this nation barely a story has arisen like Mrs. Davis's! Why is she virtually alone in this spotlight? Is there only one or two among us who will risk even this little? Are there really thousands—tens of thousands?—of Christians in local offices across the Bible Belt and heartland who were outspoken Christians and opponents of same-sex marriage one day, then suddenly wilted the day after Obergefell? Who work to find a way to rationalize their newly-compromised position totally opposite of what they professed one day before? Who attend church and bow the knee to Christ on Sunday, then bow to Sodom on Monday? And for the sake of what? A pension?
How easily are we as Christians to be bought off, after all?
But not Mrs. Davis. She won't budge. She stands ultimately under the authority of God, and that authority is reflected in the Kentucky Constitution, section 233A. It is protected from outside jurisdictions by the Kentucky Constitution, Section 26, and by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
While I would argue that the Tenth Amendment was so far compromised from day one it is of little practical use, the concept of States' Rights and separate jurisdictions is still perfectly valid and applicable in general (See my essays on States' Rights in Restoring America, or here).
The only question will be, will the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky stand up and exercise the right they have reserved to themselves in their Constitution? Will the leadership in the Governor's office and Legislature of Kentucky stand for their Constitution? Will the pulpits stand up and motivate both to do so? They could.
Whether or not, it is exactly what should happen. The leadership of the Commonwealth of Kentucky ought to stand up for what their Constitution says, because it is right. They should openly defy the overreaching authority of SCOTUS and force a Constitutional crisis.
After all, the marriage amendment was added in that Commonwealth with an overwhelming 75 percent of the vote. That's not just a victory; that's a state-wide mandate.
Stand for it without compromise! Then the ball is in the Federal government's court. It can issue all the injunctions and stays it likes, but as Andrew Jackson once apocryphally said regarding a SCOTUS ruling he opposed, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!"
Will the Federal government impose sanctions on Kentucky? Deny federal funding (please!)? Depose or imprison officials? God forbid, send in troops?
Because I'll bet you that if the lesser magistrates of Kentucky did this, so would others: Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Utah. You might see a wave of backbone grow across this country—and just the possibility of that is worth the stand by one state. And then what would the Feds do? Send in troops to every State and Commonwealth that resisted?
Should a civil war start over this? Then the Court's interpretation and application of the Fourteenth Amendment could die the same way it was born.[1] Or not. Either way, we would at least have a clear and definitive answer of whether we live in a free society responsive to the basic tenets of Christian culture or a military-backed dictatorship of a few Ivy League rogues in robes.
I don't advocate a civil war by any means. I don't advocate individual vigilantism of any sort. But I do support the biblical and Christian doctrine of the lesser magistrate interposing between the godly will of a people and a small group of tyrannical overlords in high places.
As long as the Commonwealth of Kentucky does not withdraw the state's role in issuing marriage licenses altogether (a solution already employed in Alabama), then Kim Davis is doing the right thing. Every Christian in Kentucky ought to support her in doing so, for she is exercising the role of the lesser magistrate. Every other conservative and/or Christian magistrate in the state ought to do the same thing. And every Christian in America ought to support them all as they do. "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Dear Christians in government bodies: quit looking back.
[1] Btw, we could write a much better one: one that protects the freedoms of all people and races, yet does not create an alleged penumbra for murdering the unborn.


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Say What? Thomas Jane Wants to Be Looked in the Eyes
"I know now what it's like to be a woman because I now have to say during a conversation, 'Hey my eyes are up here!' They don't even know that they are doing this. They look at me like they would someone on TV – 'No actually I can see you too, this reality thing goes both ways.' "
— Thomas Jane, star of HBO's Hung, on fans who are (presumably) checking out the goods. Jane plays Ray Drecker, a washed-up athlete who decides to capitalize on his big penis and become a male escort.
Image Source: Getty


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- Scope of delivery: a zombie pajamas for girls
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|M ca.7-9 years
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Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years, contains small parts that could be swallowed.Keep away from open flames.Only suitable for hand washing.,


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Hundreds of people joined a march in Belfast on Saturday against Israeli actions in Gaza.
The march walked from Botanic Gardens in south Belfast to the US Consulate.
The march was organised by the People before Profit Belfast councillor Gerry Carroll, who called for Israel to be boycotted and the Israeli ambassador removed from the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Carroll said: "There were people there from all sorts of backgrounds, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish and others. Everyone was there to say they have had enough of slaughter in Gaza and war crime committees by Israel. We were calling on the US government to break its ties and its support for the Israeli war machine."
Mr Carroll, 27, said they were also calling for the public to boycott Israeli goods.
No complaints about the protest were received by the PSNI.
Yesterday the former deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Lord Kilclooney, described the conflict in Gaza as "one of the worst tragedies playing out in the world today".
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Sunday Sequence the cross-bench peer said: "It is the slaughter of the innocents in Gaza. It is dreadful what Israel is doing."
He also called on Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, to recognise Israel's right to exist.
He added that there are "two problems in that part of the world" where "one is that Hamas refuses to recognise the right of Israel is exist". The former MP said the "issue of recognition" was a crucial point towards a settlement in the Middle East.
"We know that the issue of recognition is important here in Ireland. We remember that the Republic of Ireland for decades refused to recognise the right of Northern Ireland to exist. It meant that there was no co-operation. Then with the Belfast Agreement, it meant that Dublin had to recognise this state of Northern Ireland. The reality is now we have great co-operation between Belfast and Dublin."


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Seriously, who doesn't like to look at a shiny catalog full of Goodies for cooks and bakers? I certainly do. But, sometimes I just have to draw the line. You might recall how I had a Right Tantrum over those cads at King Arthur a few months ago. I thought I was all Been There Done That. Until now. The Beloved and I were perusing the pages of the latest Sur La Table catalog, and we began thinking that if we were to purchase everything they said we needed, we wouldn't be able to afford la table, let alone notre maison et les chats. Sheesh.
Honestly, you can tell me if it's just me. I can take it. Read what they Expect of Us first. Ahem:
- **D'Artagnan Organic Free-Range Turkey Now, I generally only buy birds that I know were able to stand up on their own, peck about on the gorund and enjoy a happy life before dying to feed me. That means that I buy my poultry at our farmer's market and that it's all happy and free range and organic. It is NOT, however, $110 for a 14-16 pound bird or $125 for a 16-18 pound bird. $7-$8/pound?! No thanks, guys. A quick search of the Hinternet tells me that I can find organic turkeys starting at around $2.50/pound and going up to about $6.00/pound. Of course I'd go with the less expensive happy turkeys, so I'm saving around $70-ish. I could go and give that money to Heifer International and fund 3 1/2 flocks of chicks for people in the developing world. Or, I could just get the D'Artagnan turkey and feel good about myself because it drank spring water while it was alive. **Oh, and listen to this. I just got back from the D'Artagnan site, and I can buy a special organic turkey straight from them for about $5/pound. And now I'm even more upset with Sur La Table. I shake my poing at you, messieurs et mesdames!
- Skybar (TM) Wine System allows me to keep three–count them, THREE–bottles of wine at the correct, varietal-specific temperature for up to ten days. All this for the Rock Bottom Price of $999.95. You read that correctly, just one nickel shy of a cool grand. Awesome. So, for $333.31-ish per bottle, I don't have to strain myself by Lifting the Bottle to Pour. Gee, thanks guys.
- For the Bargain Basement Price of $44.95, I can own a Mini "Slider" Burger Gift Set. Wait–can I own a gift set, or do I have to give it? Well, regardless, I'm pretty sure I–or a hypothetical giftee–don't need a mini burger press. I'm pretty sure I can manage to shape a wee burger for free.
- You guys know about those Shun knives, right? They are Very Cool–we even have an Shun 8″ Santoku knife that I gave to The Beloved (myself) for his birthday (just because). Well, now a dude named Bob Kramer has designed some Stunningly Beautiful yet Ridiculously Expensive knives for Shun. The paring knife alone costs 5 cents shy of $150. I could splurge and get the whole set for 5 cents short of $1500 with free shipping. I'm pretty sure we'd rather pay the mortgage.
Friends, I'm not saying that these Items are not worth the money in any sort of objective way. We all have different budgets and different priorities. I'm just saying that for me, there is no way I'd spend this much money on any of those Items. Sorry, Sur La Table. I'm sure you're all lovely people, but the world isn't exactly rolling in disposable income these days.
If you're looking for useful items that you won't have to spend a bajillion dollars on, you can go and check out my recommendations.
If this is the year that you want to give to a charity or non profit organization in honor of someone else, consider these worthy causes:


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As the Indian government invests more in technology infrastructure and helps more people get online, India is one of the fastest growing cloud computing markets. The cloud computing market is projected to grow 22% annually from 2015-2020. Mohit Pande, country manager of Google Cloud India and ASEAN, is excited about the future of technology and cloud computing in India. During his three years managing Google Cloud in India, he's seen more businesses, startups and traditional companies alike, adopt cloud computing as a strategic move. Here, Mohit reflects on the past, present and future cloud computing landscape in India—and how Google is helping more Indian businesses work more productively.
Mohit is inspired by the people he works with.
Q: What's the best part of your job?
I get to work with the best talent in India and around the world. It's a privilege to work with people who keep me on my toes and break traditional thinking. My team and I work with cutting-edge technology that can transform millions of people's lives. I could spend the next five years in the same position and have the same energy as I did on my first day.
Q: Let's talk about cloud computing. What's the current landscape in India?
When I joined Google, small Indian companies were opening up to the concept of public cloud. Today India's startup scene is as hot, if not hotter than, Silicon Valley, and the startups are readily adopting cloud computing. Over the past three years, cloud computing has started gaining mainstream acceptance among large companies.
Last year, when Google CEO Sundar Pichai visited New Delhi, he said India will continue to be a priority market for innovation at Google.
For instance, Google Cloud will test ideas in India to see if they'll work for the Indian market and will scale worldwide. For example, we tested the differential pricing for G Suite for India and scaled it to other emerging markets once successful. We've also now launched support for 11 Indian languages in Android recently. India is at that start of its transformation journey, and I'm excited to be part of it.
Mohit and his team brainstorm new ideas and talk about recent successes.
Q: You talk to a lot of customers about their experience with Google Enterprise. Can you share a few stories about how cloud computing impacts their business?
Let's start with Hero MotoCorp, the largest two wheeler manufacturer in India. Its salesforce, service maintenance and manufacturing are spread out across the world. In our early discussions, their executives voiced the need to bring the company together across geographies and create a more cohesive company by moving away from legacy technology. The company introduced G Suite and loved the ability to collaborate with teammates via Gmail, Google Docs and Hangouts. Introducing a new technology led to a cultural shift: employees are now more open and readily share their ideas and feedback.
Vijay Sethi, CIO of Hero MotoCorp, created a more collaborative company culture by introducing G Suite.
Another great example is Snapdeal.com, India's largest online marketplace. The company managed two email domains since some customers knew Snapdeal as Jasper, the company that owns Snapdeal, while others were familiar with the Snapdeal brand. The company knew that switching to a single domain would increase collaboration between teams and support company growth.
Since introducing Google Enterprise, employees have been able to focus on building strong customer relationships, instead of worrying if they missed an email that went to a different inbox.
Now, Snapdeal has a strong brand identity, and all customers know the company as Snapdeal. We're seeing incredible adoption across all industries and company sizes, such as Jindal Steel, Welspun, Royal Enfield, OYO Rooms and Freshdesk.
Q: The Indian government is very focused on providing all Indian citizens with access to Internet and technology. How is Google contributing to this initiative?
Roughly 350 million Indians have access to Internet, and the quality of Internet infrastructure is improving, but there are still more people, particularly women and people in remote communities, who could benefit from greater access and education about technology.
In 2013, only 30 percent of active Internet users in India were women. Recently, the government has emphasized educating women to provide them with more skills that improve their livelihood. We started the Helping Women Get Online program to provide resources for women to learn about technology and in the next three years, we plan to reach out to 300,000 villages. Our customers are helping women get online as well. For instance, Meena Bazaar, a high-end retailer of women's sarees and designer suits, use Chromebooks to help female shoppers create an email account when they visit the stores.
Google India has also partnered with RailTel to provide WiFi at 400 railway stations in India. This is one of the largest public WiFi projects in the world.
Google has partnered with various organizations in India to provide more people with access to the Internet.
Q: What do you think work will look like in 2026?
Every company will need to think like a startup. They'll need to be agile and ensure they're always on their toes in order to retain the best talent.
As digital natives enter the workforce, they expect to use the same technology in their personal lives and at work; they expect to collaborate with coworkers halfway across the world with the click of a button. Technology will become a core enabler, not just for reaching customers, but for engaging employees.
Mohit and his family
Mohit Pande, Country Manager of Google Cloud India
G Suite, Innovation, Transformation


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Kanye Has Some Photo Fun With His Leica D-LUX 3
Either Kanye West wanted to capture the moment at the Givenchy show in Paris this week or he was trying to impress the ladies with his beautiful Leica camera. Whatever the reason, he is sure to get some high quality pics from this digital camera. The Leica D-LUX 3 10-megapixel camera comes with 4x wide angle optical image stabilized zoom, a high quality lens and can capture pictures with enough detail for 18 x 24-inch prints—so Kanye can blow up this pic of him, Alexis, Courtney and Mario to ginormous proportions. You can purchase this camera from Amazon for $600. Source


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2014 Myrtle Beach football preview
Thu, 28 Aug 2014 03:47:32 GMT —
Myrtle Beach, SC â?? The Myrtle Beach Seahawks completed the 2013 season with their seventh state championship, which was the second under head coach Mickey Wilson. This season, Myrtle Beach has plenty of talent to repeat.
Lead by quarterback Drayton Arnold, who finished last season with 30 touchdown passes, the Seahawks have more firepower than most. Talented tailback Brandon Sinclair returns. The senior carried the rock for 356 times for nearly 2,000 yards.
Arnold will have one of the most talented receiving corps in the area. CJ Finkley, Malik Waring, Kelton Greene and former Carolina Forest standout Kyle Belack will give this team more options than most. Add in Jake Deskins at tight end, and the Hawks are a dangerous unit for any team they face.
Defensively, Marcus Chestnut will give Myrtle Beach a solid foundation. They return All-State kicker Sean Huggins, who kicked the game winning field goal as time expired in last year's title contest.
Mickey Wilson has won at least ten games each season during his stint on Grissom Parkway. Another ten-win season will put the Seahawks in position to win another title. They kickoff the season Thursday, August 28, against West Brunswick as part of the Carolinas Kickoff Clash.


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Oil Filters, whose is best, and Why?
jodar96 Posts: 400While local K-mart was going out of business, they had Mobile 1 $10 filters for $6, then $4, then $3, and the end for 1$.
Since they had lost the cross ref. book, no one knew what the filters were for. Using Mobil phone#, got cross reference# and bought tons of filters that will last for 5 years for all cars. truck, and van that we own.
At our local KMart, they also have Castrol GTX for $1.29 a qt until next Saturday. I loaded up enough of that to change oil in my two cars for a couple of years.
Our KMart didn't close, so I didn't catch the filter sale. Good move as long as you will have the cars that long.
mcalcankiller Posts: 6You generally get what you pay for!. I recommend Purolator or OEM. I used to use FRAM but their quality has gone down.
Keep it simple: wait for a sale on OEM and stock up. Motorcraft uses the Purolator Premium Plus with the new silicone antidrain vavle. I use them for my 2 Taurus + E150.
Penske and Castrol are both Wix. That's as good as they come. Several others are Champion, also good.
Remember, the car companies do not manufacture filters. They buy them, sometimes from Fram. So OEM is just a low bid deal for the most part, and OEM does not mean the filter is any good. Some OEM are very poor quality, sourced offshore in places like China and Korea.
Do a google for "oil filter test" or "oil filter comparison". You will find OEM is not what you think it is. Wix and Champion manufactured filters almost always come out on top in the filter tests, along with Purolator and a couple of others sold at discount stores and auto supplies.
You will also find out that for the most part, a $3 filter is equal or superior to the $10 ones.
Your #1294-- Amen, Bro! (;oÐ
steve_g35 Posts: 5Does anyone know of any comparisons between premium oil filters, specifically Amsoil SDF, Mobil, and Bosch?
I believe that all of these use sythetic fibers for smaller micron filtering. Does anyone know the difference between these? Thanks.
I've followed this board for a long time and probably your best bet is to go back and dig up past information. The problem is that the published efficiencies become fuzzy because you don't really know what micron size you are dealing with. Also the SAE test has changed somewhat in the last year I believe. The filters you have mentioned are all good filters, near as I can determine. The Amsoil I believe is made by Hastings. Mobil and Bosch are made by Champion Labs. Even though the last two look the same they are different. For sure the cannister thickness of the Bosch is thinner than the Mobil. Since the media and effficiencies are all probably more than adequate, I have honed in on the ones that have a very thick wall. K&N is the thickest at around .020" with Mobil at about .018 most of the rest are at around .012 to .014. Purolator is at the bottom of the list of those that I have measured at less than .010" I will never use Purolator again.
BTW don't rule out the Supertech at Wally worlk- High efficiency and cannister of .017"- made by Champion Labs.
Just curious, but in 48 years of driving and 43 years of owning and maintaining my own cars, I have never had a canister split. Have you? I can see it perhaps under racing conditions, but not in street use unless I have just been unbelievably lucky with the two hundred or so filters of various manufacture I have bought and changed.
I've never had the misfortune of a pressure rupture of a canister, either, but have been advised to use caution in that regard concerning motorcycles. It seems that some lesser thickness and or lesser constructed filters had a streak of failures under competition conditions not so many years back. The result was oil all over the tracks with the implied consequences following!
Two things from the MiniMopar filter report stand out:
1. The Mobil filter was constructed much heavier than other Champion Labs units.
2. The Mobil filter had some disturbing reports of the cannister splitting.
I've always taken this to mean that there may be some dangers in using a super high efficiency filter. Even a 1% failure rate (undoubtedly too high) would more than offset the risks inherent in just going with a medium grade filter like SuperTech and changing more often.
What is the long version of the Mobil 1 M1-103 filter?
You lucky dog! Being able to get the best filters made for those prices should be a crime!
You're absolutely right about Fram filters. They're junk, stay away from them. Mobil's and Purolator's filters are the best, even better than OEM.
As with oil, you get what you pay for with oil filters. $3 filters are not equal to, or superior to $10 filters. There isn't a $3 filter on the market that will compare to Mobil's or Purolator's filters.
joe3891 Posts: 759Some engines are prone to stuck oil pressure relief valves and will split a filter,any filter.
I have never had any fail, but I have heard of others failing. I personally knew of one person who had one split. On the other hand, my main beef is with the Purolator. It's paper thin. I would guess their rupture rate would be higher. The danger would be greatest in GM vehicles as they have an internal bypass and filters specified for GM products have no bypass valve (generally). So If I were running GM vehicles I would avoid Purolators like the plague (which I do). I maintain 3 GM vehicles.
Quote:"As with oil, you get what you pay for with oil filters. $3 filters are not equal to, or superior to $10 filters. There isn't a $3 filter on the market that will compare to Mobil's or Purolator's filters."
As you obviously refuse to believe the results of the minimopar and other tests, there is no way to convince you otherwise. Good luck with your $10 filters.
Lets see, at $7 difference and about 200 filters, I have saved, in todays dollars, about $1400 with not one split case, nor engine failure.
I will go with my 43 years of car ownership experience and stick with the excellent Wix and Champion $3 filters.
1. Purolator has different price points-- not every Purolator is a Pure One.
2. Some brands (AC) aren't always what they seem. Some companies make part of a line and farm the rest out.
3. OEM suppliers aren't reliable, Canadian Honda OEM's are Frams.
4. Apparently the Mobil 1 has a better filtering medium, and it's been described as a better filter (as far as heavy construction) in MiniMopar and Acura (I think) studies, but the stories of splitting are troubling.
5. I agree w. fwatson that there are plenty of good low cost Champion and Wix filters out there, although KMart's dropping of Wix for (gag) Fram is a loss.
6. In the case of Fram, you definitely don't get what you pay for. No Fram is my only rule in life.
In rechecking the famed Allied Signal engineer expose, he referenced Fram (crap) filter was $20Cdn. That's certainly not an example of getting what you pay for...
I thought that report was saying the filter can was leaking at the crimp point around the entry side of the filter, not splitting down the side or anything like that, but I could have read that part wrong .
Since those filters are using thicker sheet metal for the can, it is possible the crimping machine cannot handle that thickness properly when sealing the edges...sometimes over-engineering can be as bad as under-engineering. They are not worth $10 to me, but as with everything else on here....if it makes you happy, use it.
If anyone busts a filter (any filter) due to over-pressure, they have other problems to worry about. The busted filter would have just been a symptom of another problem,,,like a stuck internal pressure relief valve at the pump...
Any filter that filters at too fine a level starts decreasing flow at higher rpm, and does it more as time goes by as it gradually starts plugging up...definitely NOT good for using in extended drain intervals.
Personally I would rather have higher oil flowrates rather than having ultra-clean oil at lower flowrates.
I've read several oil filter tests, and they all said Mobil and Purolator make the best filters. None of them have said Wix and/or Champions were as good.
Like many, I'm frugal, but I won't scimp when it comes to my oil or filters. Those who use $.95 oil and $3 filters are just asking for trouble. You might as well take the money you're saving by buying the cheap stuff, and put it away for for that certain premature engine, or car replacment. I don't get 200+K miles out of my cars by running the cheap stuff!
I don't now why so many people are making such a big deal about the Mobil filter splitting. It was one, isolated incident, which under the same conditions, there isn't a filter made that wouldn't have split.
tntitan Posts: 306actually put 200K miles on not using the cheap stuff. I personally have not ever put 200K on a car but the last two cars my wife and I had both were over 165K when I sold them and both are still running strong using the "cheap stuff".
You are very adamant in your opinion that only $4 oil and $10 filters will keep a car running. I understand you wanting to put the best oil and filter made on your car and commend you for it. I also realize you have read numerous online lab tests that have convinced you of these opinions. I know you will never agree but it is POSSIBLE that other regimens will work just as well - only time will tell.
had to say that, sorry.
You can put a concrete bridge over a 2 foot wide creek too,
don't need to, but you can if you want....
Quote:"I don't get 200+K miles out of my cars by running the cheap stuff!"
Millions of people have. Confusing price and quality only wastes money. I keep my cars until they are no longer worth more than $1500. So far in 43 years I have had one Renault Dauphine that the engine failed. That had nothing to do with the oil or filter. It had to do with a piece of crap engine that was good for about 20000 miles. I have not counted how many cars I have had in my life, around 20 I would guess. But that is the only one that had engine failure, and I have never bought a so called premium filter, or high priced oil.
That said, Mobile 1 is a Champion filter, as is K&N. Contrary to your experience, the oil filter tests I have read have all rated Wix and Champion filters as excellent, and go out of their way to recommend them.
It's your money, spend it as you wish.
I've heard other folks tell me that they thought the gaskets were leaking, but saw oil actually in the rolled seam of the can, nothing catastophic but they were leaking at the seam (this was all a while back),,,,mfgr (Champion) has probably taken care of it by now though I'm sure. Champion also made the AC Delco filters that used to be at Walmart, they were good too)
I'm sure the Mobil1's are good filters, but as always, high filter efficiency has a cost----it shortens the service life of the filter because it DOES catch more particles...unless it REALLY has alot of extra media in it, it will clog sooner. It may do a better job, but it WON'T last forever(3-4k miles may be no problem but 10-15k miles???)..it will start bypassing when it causes enough back-pressure and then the filter game is over until it is replaced anyway...
"Those who use $.95 oil and $3 filters are just asking for trouble. You might as well take the money you're saving by buying the cheap stuff, and put it away for for that certain premature engine, or car replacment."
Are you serious? I guess I'll be as nice as I can and respectfully disagree, as several others have done already.
"Mobil 1
Like the Champ filter, this filter is made by Champion Labs. However, it uses a unique end plate and a thicker can that make it the strongest filter available for wide distribution retail sale. It also uses a synthetic media, which inproves filtration and flow. I'm happy to say that this filter is NOT a fake. It is definitely a unique design.
It uses a synthetic fiber element that can filter out very small particles and is very strong. It is rated just under the Purolator Pure One as far as filtering capability, but is still very much above conventional paper filters. It also has a very strong construction to withstand high pressure spikes during start-up. However, as with all Mobil 1 products, expect to pay 2 - 3 times as much for this filter.
I have received many reports of these filters failing at high pressures. It seems that the seam where the backplate crimps to the case can split."
From the North Texas Acura filter study
The Mobil 1 appears to be of excellent quality. The Bosch, Mobil 1, and STP appear to all use identical materials and construction, with only the Mobil 1 having a different filter media (appears to be coated- darker color). I can't comment on the effectiveness or any additional filtering or benefit to the Mobil 1 filter, though Mobil 1 claims it's more effective. The pleat seperation/uniformity appears better than the or Bosch filter. The Bosch, Mobil 1, and STP bypass valve utilizes a stiffer spring than any of the others and a rubber seat/seal which should help prevent leakage. Check out the last pic for a shot of a used Mobil 1- this is a 1 month old filter with 1000 hard miles and conventional (non synthetic) oil. Let this be a reminder to you to change your filter regularly!"
frule Posts: 82I got 5 AC Delco PF59 filters at Autozone a few months ago.Then I saw a Walmart ST3675(Super Tech).It is IDENTICAL to the Delcos.However,there are 2(or more) versions of the AC Delco PF59.
I went so far as to cut open each(WM and ST).Needless to say,I'm using a $1.78 Walmart(with fiberglass in media).Since the filter is only $1.78,I'll need a new engine even sooner than the $3.00 filter users(bottgers wisdom).
They put the st3980 supertechs on sale and BOOM! I got em...paid $1 each...I'm happy.
They are as good a quality filter as any I have bought in the last several years (I cut them all up to check'em too)...which means I've been getting ABF filters (Anything But Fram!!)...I do the 3k change thing with Havoline/Chevron oil. Some things require High $$$$ parts, some things just require VERY routine attention, which is what I put oil/filters/grease in that category.
Only thing I can actually say good about synthetic oils is that it gives everyone a new bar to check out ....ever see a deer walk up to a fence, sniff it, then jump it?
see ya
If the filter costs less than 3 bucks, it's crap. bottgers said so.
My understanding the media is different from Mobil 1 and has no fiberglass. I could be wrong though. Champion builds Mobil 1, K&N and Bosch and even the cannister thicknesses are different.
Twice now I've changed the filter on a 98 Trooper without changing the oil. Tonight was the second time. First time, dipstick was about 1/4 qt low when I removed filter, and about 1/2 qt oil was drained by removing filter. Tonight, dipstick was about a quart low (must not have checked it in a while-- newer Troopers do consume oil) and only about 10 fl oz, just > 1/4 qt, was drained by removing filter.
I don't understand logically how these things work-- Does a lower dipstick reading at time of filter change explain why less oil came out when the filter was removed?
I thought I was frugal. I could shove a piece of coal up any one of your butts and have a diamond in less than a week! I don't care what any of you say, cheap can be a good thing, but not when we're talking about motor oil and filters. But, use what you want. They're your cars.


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We may be exposing our slightly grandad-ish tastes with this post, but we really like this fair isle cardigan. It may be a little too old school for some, but it's right up our alley.
Our favourite thing about fair isle is that it's one of those patterns that never really go out of fashion. Sure, it goes through its highs and lows in terms of popularity, but it never gets so trendy that it'll fall out of fashion. Universal Works, a relatively new British workwear label, have created our favourite fair isle cardigan – mixing mustard and brown (with SL fave – brown buttons) into the pattern makes it much more interesting than the bog standard grey cardi. Just don't be shocked if your granddad 'borrows' this. (Oi Polloi)
Detailed shots after that leap.


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Help with health costs
Most NHS treatment is free but there are a number of things for which there may be charges. Find out what services you might be charged for and whether you might be eligible for help with these costs.
You can also learn whether you need to pay for healthcare if you come from abroad.
Help with health costs
Help with the costs of prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses, travel to hospital costs and wigs and fabric supports.
NHS charges and optical voucher values
Link to leaflet from the Department of Health giving charges for prescriptions, sight tests, dental treatment, wigs and fabric supports, the value of vouchers available for glasses and contact lenses and penalties for claiming concessions to which you are not entitled.
NHS charges for people from abroad
Information on charges for NHS treatment for people from abroad including who is entitled to receive free NHS treatment and which treatment is always free.
NHS and social care complaints
When the NHS can pay for ongoing care
Links to the Age UK and Alzheimer's Society websites for information on when the NHS can pay for ongoing care, in a care home or your own home.


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Waterford police are asking for the public's help in locating an "armed and dangerous" man accused of robbing a Waterford gas station at knifepoint Thursday.
A white man entered the Mobil Station at 5995 Highland Road at 11:17 p.m. Thursday and asked the cashier to change a $20 bill. After he selected a drink from a cooler,� he returned to the clerk and purchased the drink.
While the clerk still had the register open, the man produced a knife and said to the clerk, "You're in danger, give me all of your money," according to police.
The clerk complied and the man fled on foot.
A patron pumping gas observed the man holding a knife at the clerk inside the station, and called 911.
The suspect is described as a white man, 5 foot 10 inches, 215 pounds, light complexion with beard, medium build, wearing a black baseball cap with red logo, blue T-shirt, black athletic shorts, and white and black basketball shoes. Responding officers were unable to locate him.
Waterford police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying this man. He is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information or recognize the suspect in the attached photographs, please contact Detective Drumb at 248-618-6053.
-- Staff writer Carol Hopkins


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Cannot Connect to friends server
thingie123 posted 9 years ago in Creating a connection
Ok i play WoW, my friend wants to gimme access to his DB so i downloaded HeidiSQL and i cant seem to be able to connect to his database....... any ideas? thanks
rosenfield posted 9 years ago
Turn on his computer and plug in the network cable.
Please login to leave a reply, or register at first.


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GREENFIELD (THOMAS T.) CEMETERY, Greenfield Bend Road (West) MAURY COUNTY TENNESSEE
This map shows the locator coordinates for this cemetery.This aerial map above shows where the cemetery is located pointed out by a yellow arrow. It is actually a thicket unless it is cleaned up and then one can see the Brick & Limestone Wall surrounding the cemetery. From Williamsport Pike (Hwy 50) in Williamsport, just past the Duck River Bridge, turn (left) southwest onto Greenfield Bend Road and go 1 & 1/2 miles. The cemetery is located in a Soy Bean field about 200 yards from Greenfield Bend Road on left. The red arrow above shows the location along Greenfield Bend Road.
Map from Topozone modified for this site by Wayne Austin. 5 May 2009.
Map from Topozone & MS Virtual Earth & MS Streets & Trips 2005 modified for this site by Wayne Austin 5 May 2009.
Census Records | Vital Records | Family Trees & Communities | Immigration Records | Military Records Directories & Member Lists | Family & Local Histories | Newspapers & Periodicals | Court, Land & Probate | Finding Aids


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The NRPTA Mission
The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
Our Beliefs
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Police searching for suspect and victim in armed robbery
Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:55:54 GMT —
The Myrtle Beach Police Department needs your help in identifying the man in the first picture, who is wanted in connection with an Armed Robbery on Sunday around 9 p.m. at the LaQuinta Hotel on 21st Avenue N. in Myrtle Beach.
The suspect's sweatshirt appears to have a Juggalo design which is associated with the rap group Insane Clown Posse.
The person in the second picture is the victim of the robbery, and he has not been identified. Police released his picture because they say he is wanted for questioning about the case and they are concerned about his well-being.
If you know where police can find the suspect or the victim, or if you have any information about the incident, contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department at (843) 918-1382.


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The Deal
For those who have been told they have a great voice and who want to learn the secrets of being an actor in radio dramas, in games, or that voice-over guy on commercials, Gravy For The Brain introduces customers to their new best friend - the microphone - and how to forge a career in this exciting area. Led by industry professionals Hugh Edwards and Peter Dickson, the 22-module e-learning course is designed with potential future vocations in mind. The syllabus covers everything, from vicariously learning through watching the experts, to microphone techniques, creating dramatic effect, showreel creation, and getting work.
Module 1 – Introduction
Module 2 – How professionals work
Module 3 – What is voice-over?
Module 4 – The skills needed
Module 5 – Applications of VO
Module 6 – Overview of the recording studio
Module 7 – Microphone techniques
Module 8 – The art of good communication
Module 9 – Warm-up techniques
Module 10 – Breathing techniques
Module 11 – VO techniques
Module 12 – Starting the session
Module 13 – Creating characters
Module 14 – Vocal health
Module 15 – Marking up the script
Module 16 – Commercial examples and exercises
Module 17 – Promo and trailer examples and exercises
Module 18 – Narrative/corporate/e-learning examples
Module 19 – Dramatic and character examples and exercises
Module 20 – Gaming examples and exercises
Module 21 – Your showreels and getting work
Module 22 – Contracts and expected earnings
Module 23 – Course summary


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Talk about timing. Sunday's northeaster, which brought more than a foot of snow to spots in New England, was a lot easier to take for most people than last Thursday's commuting headache. The blustery storm carried strong winds, ice, and sleet, and made young skiers and riders count the days until the upcoming vacation week.
Those high winds derailed Loon Mountain's gondola. About 75 people were stranded for 90 minutes before being evacuated, as the winds forced the mountain to close for the day. But the incident in Lincoln, N.H., paled in comparison to another gondola mishap that occurred halfway around the world.
A cable came loose from a pulley last Saturday at Ontake ski resort in central Japan, trapping 90 riders in gondola cars for up to 12 hours. Rescuers had to climb the ice-covered slopes, ascend the structure, pry open the doors, and lower the passengers one by one 80 feet to the ground. Nobody was hurt in either incident.
Other than that, the December snows have been ideal for area ski operators looking for a merry holiday season.
"Even if the snow hadn't fallen and if it stayed cold, our snowmaking has been going very well," said Bill Swain, Sugarloaf's communications man. "We would have increased our terrain without help from Mother Nature, but Mother Nature's help is greatly appreciated."
Vermont hasn't had this much terrain open in eight years, according to the Vermont Ski Areas Association. Killington has 130 trails open, more than tripling last year's trail count at the same time, while Stowe is 100 percent open.
Last season, Jiminy Peak in Hancock, like many other areas, was just trying to stay open during a lackluster December. Now, they are 75 percent open. "Between the two storms we got about 15 inches of snow," said Jiminy's Betsy Strickler. "We have a base of 4 to 5 feet, which is really great for this early in the season."
Waterville Valley's steepest trail, Bobby's Run, is open, a testament to a snowy December.
"That's the mark of a great season, when Lower Bobby's is open before the holidays," said Waterville's Deb Moore.
On the Nordic side, skiers have been making their way through the woods. "There is a lot of pent-up demand from last season," she said. "There is a lot of interest out there."
And it's still autumn. Time will tell what winter will bring when its makes its official entrance Saturday.
Then there were threeTaos Ski Valley in northern New Mexico opened for the season Dec. 14. Not only were skiers greeted with the best opening-day snow conditions in three decades, but management also sprang a surprise announcement on visitors: Starting March 19, the mountain will lift its longtime ban on snowboarding.
According to an explanation posted on the new Taos snowboarding website (ridetaos.org), "For a long time the discussion has been more focused on when we would open, and we feel like now is the right time. Taos has a longstanding tradition of being family oriented, and now with so many young people snowboarding, we are turning away more and more families."
Only three anti-snowboarding holdouts will remain in the United States: Mad River Glen in Vermont, plus Alta and Deer Valley, both in Utah.
Taos officials said they decided to wait until the end of the season to lift the ban because the resort did not want to rile skiers who bought season passes based on the premise that there would be no snowboards on the mountain. The late-season date will also allow management to assess the boarders' impact, enabling the resort to fine-tune issues in time for the 2008-09 season, when snowboarding will be fully integrated with lessons, rentals, and retail sales.
Taos is known for its deep powder and steep ridgelines that allow skiers to hike above the lifts to the daunting off-piste chutes of 12,481-foot Kachina Peak. The mountain has a fervent following of loyalists, and by the time opening weekend ended, more than 500 of them had posted comments on the new website. Sentiments seemed split.
Taos anticipated resistance to the decision.
"Any time you have a significant change, you risk upsetting a group of people," read a statement that accompanied the announcement. "The number of people who will see this change as positive far outweighs the number who will be upset by it. Taos Ski Valley isn't a place defined by keeping people out, we're defined by inviting people in."
White, Bleiler winnersShaun White and Gretchen Bleiler, both Olympic medalists, rode to halfpipe victories in the US Snowboarding Grand Prix event last Saturday at Colorado's Breckenridge Resort.
White entered the contest at the last minute.
"This year I'm just trying to have some fun and not really put too much pressure on things, and so I wasn't going to do the event," White said in a statement on the US Snowboarding team's website. "Then, I just knew, I was here, I felt good, and I just went for it."
White bested Steve Fisher and two-time Grand Prix winner Elijah Teter.
On the women's side, Bleiler won handily with a score of 45.3. The Olympic silver medalist shared the podium with Kelly Clark and Hannah Teter, both Olympic gold medal winners from Vermont.
Nordic ski schoolFormer US Ski Team member Sue Wemyss is the new ski school director at Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, N.H. A longtime GGT employee and ski instructor, Wemyss skied with the US Team from 1983-86 and competed in the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo, finishing 28th in the 20-kilometer race. She also earned an 11th-place World Cup finish that year. Wemyss has two bronze World Masters Championship medals to her credit, won in 2003.
Cheap skiing alertNeed to take a vacation day? Consider using one tomorrow at Cranmore in North Conway, N.H., where the lift tickets will be a cheap $3.30 on ticket roll-back day. Cranmore is kicking off its 70th anniversary with the bargain rate reflecting the price of tickets back when Franklin D. Roosevelt was in the White House. Former area owner Herbert Schneider, son of skimeister Hannes Schneider, is expected to be on hand . . . Sunday River has gone to the dogs, but it's for a good cause. The Maine ski resort is selling $20 identification passes for pups, and the money will go to upgrading a nearby playground in Bethel. The canine passes will be sold year-round, and the resort will partner with a different charity or worthy cause every six months. Passes provide identification in case a dog gets lost, including owner's name and phone number. Apparently, Maine ski resorts enjoy a favorable reputation when it comes to canine endeavors, at least at Nordic areas. According to a site that tracks pet accessibility (dogfriendly.com), Maine leads the nation with the most cross-country resorts whose trails are open to dogs. (Colorado ranks second.) When it comes to individual dog-friendly areas, New Hampshire's Bretton Woods Mountain Resort ranks first on the list because of its "8 kilometers of groomed trails for dogs and on-site fido-friendly lodging." Other resorts that made the top-dog list include Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in New Hampshire, Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont, and Carter's X-C Ski Center and Bethel Inn and Country Club, both in Maine.
Globe correspondent T.D. Thornton contributed to this report.


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Johannesburg - A complaint against Carte Blanche by a company offering services to obtain visas has been dismissed, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA) said on Sunday.
"The registrar received a complaint concerning a programme called 'Visa to Nowhere' which was televised during a Carte Blanche broadcast on 28 July 2013," the BCCSA said in a statement.
The complainant, Liam Clifford, the director of Global Visas, said the insert, broadcast on MNet, misrepresented him and was "factually inaccurate".
"The complainant alleged that fundamental material was not put to him, thereby implying that he/Global Visas did not have a reasonable opportunity to respond."
Amongst his complaints, Clifford claimed certain parts of a lawyer's response were not mentioned, and that the programme implied his business was violating the Consumer Protection Act.
Clifford argued he suffered a breach of privacy and a loss of dignity as he felt that the programme suggested he was illegally posing as a director after being barred from being one in the United Kingdom in 2008.
"After viewing the programme and listening to the arguments on both sides, we have come to the conclusion that the comments by Carte Blanche were honest expressions of opinion and were made on facts truly stated or fairly indicated and referred to."
The BCCSA found the Carte Blanche production team gave Global Visas a number of opportunities to respond, which the company did not take up.
"The conclusion that we have arrived at is that the complainant has only himself to blame that no interview was conducted."
The hearing into the matter was held on November 27 and the judgment issued on December 31. - Sapa


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In Ben's latest blog post, he says that he'd hang out with Christian. His not watching a lot of reality TV is coming thru...the cameras never record something that someone *didn't* say. Or expressions that they *didn't* have.
I still don't like Christian. But I would watch Ben Starr any time on any show.


text: Marylene Dastrup Sigurd, UtahMarylene Reeve Dastrup peacefully passed away at home in Sigurd, March 7, 2012, at the age of 89. Recognized not only as the mother of 15 children and several foster children, a loving matriarch, her posterity includes 81 grandchildren and 108 great-grandchildren, with at least 14 more great or great-great-grandchildren expected this year. Marylene was Valedictorian of Hinckley High School's 1940 graduating class, and graduated with honors from Utah State Agricultural College in 1945. Greatly admired and loved for her gentle nature and patience, Marylene's selflessness, generosity, service, hospitality, kindness and patriotism were hallmarks of her character. Marylene was revered by all who knew her for her exemplary Christ-like life. She was no stranger to hard work. She served faithfully in numerous LDS Church callings, especially in her calling as Mother, teaching her family from the scriptures and by example. She was a dedicated Scouter and recipient of the Silver Beaver award. She and her husband Evan worked in the Manti Temple for 14 years, and also served an LDS Temple mission to Seoul, Korea in 1991-93. Marylene was born October 21, 1922 to Arthur Henry and Mary Amelia Cropper Reeve at the family home in Hinckley, Utah. She married Evan Lamar Dastrup on July 2, 1945 in the Manti, Utah Temple and shared nearly 59 years with him until his death in 2004. She is survived by children, Janet Dastrup (Brice) Curtis, Kenn (Jan) Dastrup, Pat (Brent) Groth, Jerald (Judy) Dastrup, Jeanne (Brian) Hatch, Camille (Rodger) Whipple, Scott Dastrup, Sherrie (Neal) Hammond, Deanna (Mike) Messina, Paula (Bill) Larson, Annette (Chet) Wilkins, Kaye (Chuck) Spence and Randy (Elin) Dastrup. She is also survived by her sister, Cherol Blake. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Evan; sons Evan Glenn, James Brian and William Stanley; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and brothers Rex, Thomas & Ronald Reeve.Funeral services will be Friday, March 16, 2012 at 12:00 Noon in the Sigurd Ward LDS Chapel. Friends and family may call at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, Richfield, Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday in the Sigurd Ward, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Sigurd Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. See full obituary at www.maglebymortuary.com


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Steve Clarke happy with business
Steve Clarke has reiterated his delight at retaining the services of Shane Long -- while predicting that West Bromwich Albion's pre-deadline signings are ready to hit the ground running.
• Evans: Transfer review
The Hawthorns head coach will today welcome Long back from international duty with the Republic of Ireland and reassure him he remains very much part of his drastically strengthened squad.
Albion secured the signings of Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe, Morgan Amalfitano and goalkeeper Lee Camp before the transfer window shut a week-and-a-half ago and Clarke is predicting that the new boys will make a quick impact on a side who have plunged to the foot of the table with one point and no goals from their opening three Premier League games.
But he is also insisting that the striker whose move to Hull was dramatically aborted late on deadline night is a key man as well.
"Shane Long is a very, very important member of our squad," he said. "I'm delighted he's here.
"I spoke to him on deadline day but not since because he has been with his country and has had to concentrate on what he was doing with them. We will sit down to have a chat and work out how we go forward from here. He has a big part to play.
"You have to work and get your tactics right from week to week. We haven't done that well enough so far and need to do it quickly to make sure we win games.
"Morgan Amalfitano will surprise one or two. He's a good player, a Champions League quality player. Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon know the league and that should help us in the short-term as well as in the long-term.
"Only Victor has not had enough minutes on the pitch. Morgan and Stephane should be very quickly up to speed, if not this weekend at Fulham. They have been able to train with the group [during the international break], as has Lee Camp.
"We're definitely in a better place as a squad...we're stronger and competitive. We need to get them working together and picking up points. The deadline day was good for us. We've got some good players in and hopefully that will show very quickly in the results."
Albion are in need of inspiration after a start that has been in stark contrast to their form of 12 months ago when they were contending among the league's top sides.
Defeats at home to Southampton and Swansea have come either side of a 0-0 draw at Everton, with the side booed off in their last game ten days ago.
"This year, the break came at a good time," Clarke added. "Last year, we were a bit disappointed it came when it did because we had started well.
"It's nice to have got a little breather, with a number of boys away on international duty and after having a busy transfer deadline day. But we've had some of the new players around to help towards what we hope will be a successful season.
"I will have a few disappointed boys coming back today as the results for their countries weren't too good but Jonas Olsson will be happy because Sweden won.
"James Morrison came off with a groin strain in our last game and is doubtful. Matej Vydra won't make it because of his hamstring. Apart from that, we're looking okay."
Clarke says he is not overly concerned by Albion's plunge to bottom spot. "I don't look at the table at this stage," he said.
"When I was a player, the bonus system didn't kick in until after six games. It's what happens at the end, not where we are in September. This time last year, I said the same thing -- that the table didn't matter yet."
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