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Irmo Police preparing for the worst
Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:57:13 GMT —
IRMO, SC (WACH) --- The Irmo Police Department is training for the worst this weekend.
Officers will see and learn how to handle an active shooter.
On Saturday Irmo Police officers will lockdown Irmo Elementary School and play roles of shooters and cops.
Chief Brian Buck says they'll be shooting blanks and this type of training is something his department does regularly, so they're ready for the real world situations officers respond to each day.
"We'll be able to park police cars in the front, have the blue lights going, have some real world sounds of gunfire and to get the police officers more accustomed to those types of things," said Buck.
The training will start at 8:30 Saturday morning and wrap up around 5:30 that evening.
Buck says you will see police cars and hear gun shots, but not to worry it's just a training exercise.


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AMATEUR historians are busy researching the names of soldiers commemorated on Nailsworth's war memorial.
To mark next year's centenary of the start of the First World War, two volunteers from the Nailsworth Archives group are planning to spend 10 months collating information on each of the 78 men who died in the conflict.
The pair, Mike Harvey and Ros John, are appealing for information, photographs and newspaper cuttings which could help their research.
"We are looking for any snippet of information however big or small so we can start to build a story around each of the names," said Mike.
"We already know some basic information from census records and military records but we want to find out more about these men so they are more than just names on a war memorial."
The group hopes to get schools involved and the finished information will be displayed at locations including the library, the tourist information centre and town hall.
"The men deserve to be remembered, the more you go into this the more you realise what they went through," said Ros.
"What has surprised me is that although the majority were very young, between them they left 42 children behind.
"So we know there are direct relatives out there who might one day want to come here and find out about their ancestors.
"It will be a lot of work but very rewarding."
Nailsworth Archives is run by seven volunteers who meet two mornings a week to work on various projects.
Based on the first floor of the town hall, the group helps visitors from all over the world who are researching people or events with a Nailsworth connection.
Anyone who has information which could help piece together the lives of the soldiers should contact Mike on 01453 832739, email firstname.lastname@example.com or speak to members of the Nailsworth Archives group at the town hall on Mondays or Fridays from 10am to noon.
See the names on the Nailsworth war memorial below.

subset: commoncrawl


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The State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) on Tuesday arrested four Bosnian Muslims in the town of Bihac, in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina, on suspicion of committing crimes against prisoners of war during the 1992-1995 conflict, the RTRS channel reported, citing the police.
The arrested individuals served in the Fifth Corps of the Muslim-led Bosnian Army during the conflict, and are suspected of torturing, beating and humiliating 26 Serbian prisoners while they were being transferred from Bihac to Cazin in March 1995. (continue reading...)(...more)


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In spite of what you have may have heard, General Conference was actually a great experience. And, we did not spend the whole time talking about human sexuality. We spent the majority of the time doing the business of the church, including making plans to provide clean water and education for some of the world's poorest communities, forming partnerships on both halves of the Korean Peninsula for the purpose of bringing peace to one of the most divided parts of the world, commissioning missionaries for work around the globe, and much more, as well as some of the more practical and ordinary business of organizing and running a world-wide church that is able to do extraordinary things because of our connection.
And yes, we did spend some of our time arguing about human sexuality. This led to the body to taking the unprecedented step of asking our bishops to take the lead in helping us find our way to a solution. Our bishops graciously took the challenge and spent many hours praying, debating, and then finally issuing a plan.
That plan includes forming a commission that will include representatives from the various viewpoints within our church. These men and women, led by our bishops, will explore creating a plan forward that is acceptable to all parties.
The special commission removes the pressure of time constraints from the conversation so that we can allow cooler heads and calmer hearts to prevail. In short, it allows us to handle our disagreements as Christians. Over a course of time we can discuss how we either move forward together or how we can part in a fair and equitable way.
So what should our congregation make of this? I see it as a great opportunity. Our congregation has many conservative people. But, we also have many wonderful Christians who are more progressive. We have many different viewpoints within our own church. And, the opportunity, as I see it, is that we have time to focus on what matters most. We have time to think carefully and deeply about those things which unite us, as we prayerfully consider how to be goo partners in the larger conversation our denomination is having.
And, this is how I prepose for us to do that. First, we are going to focus on what it means to be Wesleyan Christians in the 21st century. Being Wesleyan is not the only way to be a faithful follower of Jesus, but it is our way and the tradition of our part of the Christian family. And, the Wesleyan tribe represents more than 70 million Christians around the world. So we are going to focus on what it means to be Wesleyan Christians in our day.
We are also going to talk about what it means to simply be Christian. We are going to spend time exploring the core beliefs that unite the two billion Christians around the world.
We are also going to look very closely at the Biblical foundations for our faith. This will mean looking at the beauty and complexity of the Biblical narrative, as we try to understand ways in which the Bible informs and shapes our faith.
Finally, after having done that work, we will try to give prayerful thought to some of the tough issues facing us today, including the issue of human sexuality.
As we enter into this time of conversation, I want to ask you to be brave, truthful, and kind. I ask you to be slow to speak and quick to listen. I also ask you to be respectful and considerate of those who differ in opinion from you. At the end of this this time of Christian conversation, what Wesley called Christian conferencing, we may not all end up seeing eye to eye. We may not find ourselves able to all think alike but, by God's grace, we may still be able to love alike.
Perhaps we and our denomination will be able to find a way to continue traveling together; but even if we find that we must part and go our separate ways, we will at least be able to part as friends.
I believe that the Holy Spirit has given us an unique opportunity to explore what it means to live in Christian community. What will do with this gift? That is ours to answer.


text: As far as I understand, the goal is not to handle arbitrary Python code, because this would become too difficult as is not necessary when you have a simple math oriented function which you want to speed up. The idea is to create something similar to http://www.enthought.com/~ischnell/paper.html which only handles some restricted Python code, but using LLVM (instead of C) as the target language. - Ilan On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 1:39 PM, Nathaniel Smith <firstname.lastname@example.com> wrote: > On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 5:18 PM, Travis Oliphant <email@example.com> wrote: >> Cython and Numba certainly overlap. However, Cython requires: >> >> 1) learning another language > > So is the goal for numba to actually handle arbitrary Python code with > correct semantics, i.e., it's actually a compiled implementation of > Python-the-language? (I feel like most of where Cython-the-language > differs from Python-the-language is that Cython adds extensions for > stuff where getting speed out of Python-the-language would just be too > hard. Dynamic type inference for numpy arrays is definitely a good > start, but you can't even, say, promote a Python integer to a C > integer without changing semantics...) > >> 2) creating an extension module --- loading bit-code files and dynamically executing (even on a different machine from the one that initially created them) can be a powerful alternative for run-time compilation and distribution of code. > > Totally agreed on this point, the workflow for Cython could definitely > be smoother. > > -- Nathaniel > _______________________________________________ > NumPy-Discussion mailing list > email@example.com > http://mail.scipy.org/mailman/listinfo/numpy-discussion


text: One of the things I liked about my T Prime was instead of having to swipe my finger across the screen to move from window to window, I could just tap the side and it would move over with ease. Since the Jelly Bean update over the weekend this feature is still there, but goes away after some use. I can still slide the display left and right. In the apps screen the tap to scroll still works even when the desktop area stops. Anyone have any idea why this may be happening or know a way to fix it?


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Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino applauds Southampton after 2-0 win over Fulham
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino hailed the tenacity shown by his side during their 2-0 victory over Fulham.
By Ben Hampshire - Follow me: @BH92
Last Updated: 27/10/13 7:38am
Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriquez both scored with headers as Southampton dominated the Cottagers at St Mary's.
Saints went on to create 19 chances in the match and enjoyed 65 per cent of the possession as they moved into third in the Premier League standings.
Pochettino's side are now unbeaten in seven top-flight matches but the Argentinian boss insists it is the players who deserve to take the headlines.
"It's all about the players in the dressing room, they fully deserve all the plaudits today, they played very well," he told Sky Sports.
"They had a great game and put in an amazing performance, I want to congratulate them for the amazing effort they put in today and in training sessions.
"They always put in 100 per-cent but it's not just about the win today, it is about how the win was achieved, we played really well."
Another clean sheet means Southampton have conceded only three goals this term - the best defensive record in the Premier League - and while current progress delights Pochettino, he remains adamant his side are still developing.
He added: "It is a great satisfaction. It is all about the collective work to recover possession, it is all about being in possession and fighting really hard to get it back once we lose it.
"I don't know how far we can go down the season, it is more about the satisfaction of getting the win today.
"It is also the satisfaction of playing well and we just want to keep on learning and improving because there are things we need to improve."


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Joe Drazek's practice focuses on regulatory and litigation matters within the Firm's Environmental Group and spans a variety of industries including manufacturers, mining companies, high technology companies, financial institutions, industrial laundry services, environmental testing laboratories, water companies and real estate developers. Mr. Drazek's experience includes:
- Representation of clients in state and federal Superfund sites.
- Represented developer of large master planned community in connection with the siting of a 500kV transmission line.
- Counseled manufacturing clients on hazardous and solid waste issues.
- Represented steel manufacturing company in state enforcement action of clean air act and water quality violations.
- Represented environmental testing laboratory in state license revocation action.
- Represented national retailer in lease of contaminated property.
- Represented real estate developer in connection with waste water disposal issues.
- Represented clients on underground storage tank removal and clean-ups.
- Represented real estate developers in development of contaminated properties.
- Represented school districts in connection with asbestos removal issues.
- Represented municipality in connection with environmental group's appeal of aquifer protection permit for a wastewater treatment plant.
- Represented mining company in state enforcement action concerning violations of aquifer protection permit.
- Represented mining company in lawsuit by private landowner for off-site releases of contaminants.
- Advised clients regarding environmental and regulatory issues relating to the construction and operation of renewable energy projects.
Legal Services
- Environmental
- Air Regulations & Permitting
- Brownfield Development
- Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases
- Due Diligence and Risk Assessment in Transactions
- Emergency Response & Compliance Counseling
- Litigation − Allocation, Enforcement and Administrative
- Remediation − Superfund and Sediments
- Renewable Energy − Wind, Solar & Bio
- Product Liability
- Energy
- Higher Education
Education and Honors
- DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1981)
- University of Chicago (M.S., 1978)
- University of Michigan (B.S., 1976)
Bar Admissions
- California
- Arizona
- Illinois (Inactive)
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1988
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 1988
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1986
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1982
Professional and Civic Activities
- State Bar of Arizona (Member; Former Chair, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section)
- Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission (Member)
- Maricopa County Bar Association (Member)
- American Bar Association (Member, Natural Resources and Administrative Law Sections)
- State Bar of California (Member, Natural Resources Subsection)
- State Bar of Illinois (Member)
- Maricopa Association of Governments (Former Member, Air Quality Policy Committee)
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Arizona's Top Lawyers list by AZ Business Magazine (2014: Energy and Natural Resources)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (2008-present: Environmental Law / Litigation - Environmental / Natural Resources Law)
- Listed in Chambers USA® (2009-present: Environmental)


text:
On February 12, 1913, representatives from five towns on the St. Andrew's Bay, met in Panama City to select a name for a proposed new county. The name Bay was selected because it was satisfactory to the majority of the citizens and was descriptive of the territory that would be included. On July 1, 1913, Bay County was created by the Legislature from portions of Washington, Calhoun and Walton counties.
Bay County is bordered on the north by Washington County, Jackson County lies to the northeast, Calhoun is on the east, Gulf County is southeast and Walton County is on the west.
We apologize for any inconveniences, but hope that you will use the STATEWIDE RESOURCES for your research. If you have transcribed material of county interest, please consider donating it. Thank you.


text:
NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Santa Clara, CA, United States, 2012/03/08 - Rovis advanced guide now available on Panasonic VIERA connect platform in sixteen European countries (NASDAQ: ROVI) - Rovicorp.com. NASDAQ: ROVI
Rovi Corporation today announced that its TotalGuide solution is now available on Panasonics 2012 Smart TVs and Blu-ray recorders for the European market. Panasonics VIERA Connect platform on these devices features a customized implementation of TotalGuide available as the Rovi Guide application for finding and discovering broadcast TV programs through advanced search and recommendations, and rich TV listings and images.
With Rovi TotalGuide, Panasonic brings the ability for its customers to dive deeper into the entertainment discovery experience with descriptive TV program information on actors, TV shows and movies, and enhanced imagery that helps inform and streamline navigation from one content element to another. TotalGuide also allows Panasonic to offer powerful search and sophisticated recommendations to its customers, helping them to discover new broadcast content that may be of interest to them.
We continue to expand our range of applications available to enhance the consumer experience on VIERA Connect, said Fabien Roth, Director TV Group, Panasonic Marketing Europe. Through our collaboration with Rovi, we are able to offer an advanced guide application that makes navigation easy and intuitive - enabling viewers to further enjoy our excellent range of Smart VIERA TVs.
Panasonic and Rovi share a common vision of continuing to forward the connected entertainment experience for consumers, said Matt Milne, executive vice president, worldwide sales and marketing, Rovi. In todays dynamic market, our TotalGuide solution provides a flexible, customizable technology framework for CE manufacturers looking to quickly deploy differentiated products and services for entertainment discovery and access to all the many digital content options available.
Rovi Guide is available on a range of Panasonic Smart VIERA Connect-enabled Smart TVs in Germany, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and France; and on certain Panasonic VIERA Connect-enabled Blu-ray recorders in Germany, United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland.
About Rovi TotalGuide
Rovi TotalGuide is comprised of customizable components for enabling access to linear broadcast television content as well as access to Internet-based content including pay per view (PPV), video on demand (VoD), photos and music services. TotalGuide features include advanced media search capabilities, personalized profiles, an array of recommendations options, and advanced advertising.
About Rovi Corporation
Rovi Corporation (rovicorp.com) is focused on revolutionizing the digital entertainment landscape by delivering solutions that enable consumers to intuitively connect to new entertainment from many sources and locations. The company also provides extensive entertainment discovery solutions for television, movies, music and photos to its customers in the consumer electronics, cable and satellite, entertainment and online distribution markets. These solutions, complemented by industry leading entertainment data, create the connections between people and technology, and enable them to discover and manage entertainment in an enjoyable form.
Rovi holds approximately 5,100 issued or pending patents worldwide and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with numerous offices across the United States and around the world including Japan, China, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that use the words "will" or "is expected to," or similar words that describe the Company's or its management's future plans, objectives, or goals, are "forward-looking statements" and are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results and/or from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors are further addressed in the Company's most recent report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011 and such other documents as are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time (available at sec.gov/). The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Written by / Agency / Source: Rovi Corporation
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
Traffic Booster: [/] Quick Newswire Today Visibility Checker
Distribution / Indexing: [+] / [Company listed above is a registered member of our network. Content made possible by PRZOOM / PRTODAY indexing services]


text: nwwks.dll Available versions of nwwks.dll How to select appropriate DLL-file version? First, decide what Windows – 32 or 64 bits do you have. It is more likely to install version for special your bits. Second, choose latest version (they are on top). Install it, unpacking .zip file to program folder which requests DLL or C:/Windows/System32. If this doesn't help, try another version or read our article about DLL installation. Version: 5.1.2600.2180File Description: Client Service for NetwareFile size: 62.5 kb ZIP Archive size: 34 kbLanguage: EnglishBits: 32bitDownload Version: 5.1.2600.5512File Description: Client Service for NetwareFile size: 64 kb ZIP Archive size: 34.6 kbLanguage: EnglishBits: 32bitDownload


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Amazon.com is reportedly readying a mobile credit card reader for release in August.
I don't mean for this column to become a running commentary on the latest goings-on at Amazon.com, but there's no escaping the fact that after two decades, the e-commerce pioneer remains at the forefront of digital commerce innovation.
The new Amazon Fire smartphone, introduced at an invitation-only press conference on June 18, includes features specifically designed to encourage shopping on Amazon.com.
Amazon.com is using image recognition technology to allow consumers to simply wave an iPhone in front of a product and automatically have it placed on their Amazon shopping list.
Amazon.com has introduced the Mobile Associates API for Kindle Fire and other Android devices, enabling developers to sell physical and digital items from Amazon.com within their apps and games.


text:
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Absolute Nutrition Absolutely Full - Appetite Suppressant 60 caps
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Other Ingredients: Rice flour, gelatin (capsule) and magnesium stearate.
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***MERIDIAN NATURALS In Control 60 caps has a best by date of 9/12. The price has been significantly reduced until we clear through our short dated stock. Please note we cannot accept returns on this item.***As a dietary supplement, for adults, take two (2) capsules one hour before your two largest meals of the day with a 8 oz glass of water or as directed by a physician. For optimum results, an additional two (2) capsules can be taken before your third meal of the day. Use In Control with a balanced diet and exercise program. In Control can be combined with Meridian NaturalsTM Reveal to support metabolism.
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text:
What is included for the high ($3,500.00) price?
* Room & Board (how many days & meals)? Which hotel?
* Where are the classes held?
* How many classes and how long are the classes?
* Does the price include GcMAF? If so, how much?
* Is any lab wear (glass wear, blenders, hair nets :-) included?
* Are any assays (GcMAF potency) included?
Where is the data that shows that GcMAF can survive the environment in the stomach?
Where is the data that shows that GcMAF can be absorbed in the gut?
How much GcMAF is in a typical batch of "MAF 314". How big is a given batch of "MAF 314"? How much, and how often, does one consume "MAF 314"?


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The 2016 softball season is underway and after just a few weeks one thing is certain — the region races and state tournaments are going to be packed with great competition.
In 5A, the top three teams are from Region 4, with Riverton getting the No. 1 ranking thanks in large part to the team's returning talent.
"We are going to be a strong team led by six experienced seniors who are all hungry for a state title," said head coach Katelyn Elliott. "The depth of our team is incredible, which is so fun to have, but can make writing a lineup difficult for any coach."
The team is led by returning pitcher Jordan Lockhart and senior catcher Katie Adler.
Elliott called the duo "a lethal pitcher/catcher combo."
Also returning are senior infielder Al Houston, and senior outfielders HaylieJo Hansen and Kaitlynn Withers. Senior first baseman Sarah Linford will join them in making the Silverwolves a formidable defense of experienced, skilled players.
"These six seniors are going to be extraordinary leaders on this team," Elliott said. "They all recognize the potential this team has this year, and they all have winning in mind."
Defending state champion Lehi is ranked second and the Pioneers return a promising core of leadership and talent.
"Lehi has seven starters returning, including the up-and-coming sophomore Bailey Tahbo," said head coach Tim Kennedy. "The team should battle in playing in the toughest region in 5A and perhaps the toughest non-region schedule."
In addition to Tahbo, the Pioneers will rely on senior outfielder Emme Cluff, senior catcher Brogan Kirby, senior second baseman Abby Padilla, senior thirdbase/shortstop Rylin Roberts, senior pitcher Syd White and senior pitch/thirdbase Stefani Zimmerman.
Third-ranked Herriman is motivated by all the team accomplished last year, but also by what it did not.
"Herriman is hungry after losing to Lehi in the state tournament," said head coach Heidi McKissick. "They are coming back with a tough team this year."
The team returns senior pitcher Bryce Taylor and senior catcher Ashlyn Visser, as well as junior first baseman Mikaela Thomson, junior shortstop Dayna Hokanson and sophomore second baseman April Visser.
And of course, Herriman's offense will be formidable top to bottom.
"The Mustangs' bats are a threat to any team," McKissick said.
Taylorsville and Fremont round out the pre-season top five, and both programs have long histories of success coupled with some talented standouts.
Ryley Ball, senior shortstop; Jessie Wilson, senior second baseman; and Mckenzie Cottle, senior outfielder will lead Fremont this season.
The defending 4A state champion Spanish Fork Dons start the season ranked No. 1. They return a promising core from last year's title team, but their success this season will likely be determined by how the team's younger players develop.
"We should have decent pitching and hitting," said head coach Don Andrews. "But we will be young and inexperienced at some key positions. If our youth doesn't get in our way, we have a chance to be a good team."
Returning starters are junior pitcher Cambrie Hazel, senior catcher/firstbase Taylor Miller, senior outfielder Cheyanne Dowley and senior third baseman Kenzie Branch.
The Dons play in a tough region that includes softball powers like Springville, Maple Mountain (the team they beat for the 4A title last year), Salem Hills and Uintah.
Springville is ranked second, in large part because the Red Devils return nearly all of their returning starters from last year's team.
"With the development of our younger players and almost all of our starters returning, coupled with a successful off-season we are anxious for the 2016 season to begin," said head coach Jill Thackeray. "Despite playing in a extremely difficult region, we are excited to build off last year's experiences and look forward to watching our team compete." The Red Devils will be led by returners that include, senior pitcher Kaycie Jensen, junior catcher Natalie Sumsion, junior shortstop Mary Fredrickson and sophomore third baseman Rylee Harris.
Box Elder is ranked No. 3, while Bountiful is ranked No. 4 and Alta comes in at No. 5.
The Braves are replacing four seniors from last year's team.
"We have five returning starters," said head coach Butch Latey. "The strength of our team will be defense. Hopefully our hitting will improve throughout the year."
Stansbury returns only five starters from last year's team, but if the Stallions have proved anything by winning three straight 3A softball titles, it's that the program develops players.
"We have five returning starters from last year's team, anchored by our infield which are all returning starters, not to mention a very fast outfield capable of tracking down balls," said head coach Bridgett Clinton. "We are fairly young team this year, however we have very talented players and look to be competitive."
The team Stansbury beat in that title game is ranked No. 2 — Bear River. While the Bears also lost a few key players, they retain a core of experienced players, who are off to a great start this season.
The Bears have five seniors with college scholarships — rightfielder Kylie Larkin (SLCC); centerfielder Brenna Hinck (Dixie State); second baseman Oakli Rhodes (UVU); pitcher/first base Kenzi Summers (UVU) and pitcher Sydnie Sorenson (Snow).
"This may be the best hitting team I've had," said head coach Calvin Bingham. "I have eight girls hitting .400 or better. They're just clobbering the ball."
But this year's team is more than just a highly skilled group. They're committed in every way. "This is a really good bunch," he said. "The parents are supportive, the kids are coachable. And my outfield, and this is a bold statement, could compete with some college teams." Two of those outfielders will play college softball next season, while sophomore Mercedes Call, the left fielder, made a name for herself by tying a high school softball record with 27 consecutive games with a hit. Call is batting .450 this season.
"They're smart, they're aggressive," said Bingham. "This is a really talented bunch."
Third-ranked Grantsville will be filling some of the vacancies left by graduation, but like Bear River and Stansbury, the Cowboys will be in the playoff mix.
"We graduated five starters last year so we have some pretty big shoes to fill," said head coach Heidi Taylor. "We will be young with only three seniors. We have a lot of work to do, but I believe in this team and these ladies and am excited to see the progress they will make."
The Cowboys will be led by senior shortstop Sarah Sandberg and senior left fielder Maria Sweat.
Tooele, ranked No. 4, and Juab, ranked No. 5, round out the top five.
In 2A, the top ranked team is Enterprise, a team that placed third last season.
"This year's 2016 team will be strong on defense," said head coach Duane Wallin. "We have good experience in almost every position."
The Wolves have won the Region 13 title for the last nine seasons, and they're hoping to earn that state title trophy.
"This group of girls has played together for a long time and has excellent coaching from little league on and came to us here at the high school very well prepared and ready for varsity action at an early age."
The Wolves will be led by returning starters junior shortstop Lacy Drake, senior catcher Stacie Williams, senior third baseman Madison Laub and senior first baseman Shea Gardner.
The second-ranked team is defending 2A state champion South Summit. The team lost eight seniors from the title team, but with three returning starters, the program has a solid foundation.
"South Summit should be young and inexperienced but talented," said head coach Cody Bowen. "Returning 2A MVP Hannah Peterson will return to the pitching circle and along with returning starters Desmyn Woolstenhulme and Elise Bush, (who) will lead a good batting line up having a nice combination of speed and power. South Summit will be playing in a tough Central Region and looks forward to an exciting year of softball." Bush and Peterson are both juniors, while Woolstenhulme is a senior.
The third-ranked team is Manti.
The Templars are young but talented, and the program has a tradition of success upon which to build. "With only two seniors and one junior on the team, Manti will be very young this year," said head coach Susan Hatch. "However, both the sophomore and freshman girls are strong players, who play well both defensively and offensively on the field."
The Templars will be led by four-year starter Mikaela Cox, who will play shortstop this season, and senior Amanda Naylor and junior Meg Larson.
"Mikaela's speed will be utilized both on offense and defense," Hatch said. "(Naylor) is a great hitter, moves runners, and (Larson) is extremely fast in the outfield and on the bases."
Gunnison and Grand round out the top five, and expect good things from traditional power San Juan, as well.
Email: email@example.com
Twitter: adonsports


text:
I have been a subscriber to National Review since I was a junior in high school or thereabouts, and so that means I have been reading those guys for around 40 years. I think this should give me the right to say something. Well, first, I should say thanks. I owe them all a great deal.
Having said that, let me move on to the cover story in the current edition, a piece called "Defend Her: Obama's Threat to American Exceptionalism," written by Rich Lowry and Ramesh Ponnuru.
First, let me set the pieces on the board. American conservatism is not Toryism, fighting to protect long-established aristocratic privileges. This leads to an obvious question.
"What do we, as American conservatives, want to conserve? The answer is simple: the pillars of American exceptionalism. Our nation has always been exceptional. It is freer, more individualistic, more democratic, and more open and dynamic than any other nation on earth."
And we begin to get gummed up almost immediately. Many of the things that Lowry and Ponnuru point out about the American personality are quite true (at least for the present), and on that level, I found myself agreeing with most of the article. But this language of exceptionalism grates — let us call it our American grateness.
Our nation is still freer (for the most part) than most other nations in the world. True enough. But not all. The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom puts us at #8, right after Canada. That's not even in the medal round. We did better in hockey than we are doing in freedom. We are now ranked as "mostly free," and for those just joining us that is not a good thing. Ahead of us are Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, and Canada. So are those nations ahead of us allowed to begin speaking of "Irish exceptionalism," or "Australian exceptionalism"? Would it grate on our ears if they started to do that? Would we suddenly see the difficulties with the expression?
On top of this, there is the small matter of history. True, we are freer now than the English are. But the Englishmen of several centuries ago were freer then than we are now. So why are we exceptional in this, and they aren't? When they are freer, better, stronger militarily, and so on, is it to be chalked up as a fluke? And when we become the hegemon the credit goes to our own wonderful selves? The language of American exceptionalism doesn't pass the smell test.
So what is the creed of American exceptionalism?
"Exact renderings of the creed differ, but the basic outlines are clear enough. The late Seymour Martin-Lipset defined it as liberty, equality (of opportunity and respect), individualism, populism, and laissez-faire economics. The creed combines with other aspects of the American character — especially our religiousness and our willingness to defend ourselves by force — to form the core of American exceptionalism."
In their description of the American personality, I certainly recognize a lot of my own reactions and impulses in there. I see the same thing in my friends around me — even those who think they have transcended the whole business.
And I also know that by objecting in the way I am, I can just be pointed to as yet another textbook example of American cussedness — and I guess I would plead guilty. But having an ornery cussedness streak is not a creed. It is not Scripture. It is not a flaming torch to light up all those other benighted nations. It is not a gospel.
These things that we have (and we do have them) are blessings. They are gifts. Other nations have had them before we did, and they threw them away by offending Heaven, just as we are currently doing. There is nothing exceptional in this at all. Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked. Nobody names their kids Jeshurun anymore, but they sure could.
"The retreat from American exceptionalism" led by Obama (and lots of other Americans) is one that Lowry and Ponnuru lament, and are trying to stand against. I wish them well, but they really have misdiagnosed the problem from top to bottom. We will not be saved by our American "religiousness." Religiousness didn't bleed and die for us, and religiousness was not raised from the dead on the third day. Religiousness can go to blazes where it belongs.
The article concludes with this:
"But Americans are right not to want to become exceptional only in the 230-year path we took to reach the same lackluster destination as everyone else."
Sir John Glubb once wrote a small booklet called The Fate of Empires, and I referred to his review of western history in my recent book Five Cities That Ruled the World.
"Cities, like the men and women who live in them, have life spans, and that life span is approximately 250 years. John Glubb pointed to this seemingly obvious truth, but one that is still routinely missed: 'Any regime which attains great wealth and power seems with remarkable regularity to decay and fall apart in some ten generations'" (p. xviii).
Whatever you might want to say about it, it is not an exceptional achievement to die right when your insurance company predicted you would.


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Mississippi's teen pregnancies cost taxpayers more than $154 million annually, a new study says, the greatest losses occurring due to lost tax revenues, incarceration and foster care.
The state has the highest rate of teen pregnancies nationwide, and reducing that percentage is now the top priority of the Women's Fund of Mississippi, the group that released the study conducted by the Mississippi Economic Policy Center.
Mississippi Teen Mom Stat's in 2009
> 76 % of high school students say they have had sex by 12th grade
> State has highest child poverty rate (one in three) nationwide
> One-third of teen moms earn a high school diploma
> Children of teen moms are more likely to perform poorly in school
> Sons of teen moms are 13 percent more likely to be incarcerated; daughters are 22 percent more likely to become teen moms
Source: Mississippi Economic Policy Center
In 2009, 7,078 babies were born to Mississippi teen moms, a rate of 64 births per 1,000 teens, as compared to the national rate of 39 births per 1,000.
Regarding favored solutions to the problem, the Women's Fund favors abstinence-plus education in public schools, access to healthcare and contraceptives, access to economic opportunities and encouragement of parents in their roles as sex educators. The Women's Fund is the only grant-making group in the state solely dedicated to programs for women.
Mississippi has a new law (House Bill 999) requiring public schools to adopt an abstinence-only or abstinence-plus sex education program by June 2012. The curriculums schools select must be approved the state Department of Health, which will be working in the coming months to vet curriculums submitted by vendors.
The health department has been awarded a $2.5-million federal grant under the Personal Responsibility Education Program that can assist schools in purchasing and implementing sex ed curriculums. There is one abstinence-only program that has been approved for PREP assistance.
Mississippi First, a nonprofit focusing on state public policy issues, is partnering with the Department of Health in an advisory role and will help provide technical assistance to schools.
Rachel Canter, director of Mississippi First, said abstinence-only programs try to shame kids into not having sex and are not shown to be effective in delaying sexual activity. Abstinence-plus programs contain more medically accurate information, including facts on sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives.
Studies show that "giving kids all of the information leads to abstinence more than abstinence-until-marriage-only programs," Canter said.
Of abstinence-plus programs, Jamie Holcomb of the Women's Fund said, "Legislators think parents don't want this, but we have found parents do want this."
A teen pregnancy deterrent not mentioned by some advocacy groups is child support program enforcement, a method favored by Rob Wells, president of YoungWilliams Child Support Services, a private law firm headquartered in Jackson that contracts with state government to collect money and promote fatherhood.
All states have federally mandated child support programs per Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. YoungWilliams works with state governments that privatize components of their child support services to make them more effective.
Wells says good enforcement of a child support program deters people having babies they can't afford.
"The focus of the program is for parents to financially support their own children and rely less on government support. A key part is to identify fathers so they will be part of the lives of their children. If done effectively, 'word on the street' ought to be: 'If I don't support my child, the child support program will make me do it. No exceptions,'" he said.


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Although there's an iCloud in the forecast, today will definitely not be a gloomy one for Apple and their followers. Steve Jobs keynote address at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) will provide an introduction to their new cloud computing solution as well as premieres of the iOS5 mobile operating system and the Lion update to the Mac OS X operating system.
And without a doubt, iCloud looks to be the big game changer of the day. What is it? As the name suggests, at its core, it is Apple's latest shot at a consumer cloud computing solution (remember MobileMe?). But iCloud promises to be much, much more than just another online drop box for data. Amping up the hype on this, John Gruber is calling it nothing less than "the new iTunes".
On his Daring Fireball blog, Gruber suggests that iCloud could bring with it central integration for both your desktop and mobile devices, syncing your MacBook, iPad, iPod and iPhone "audio, movies and TV shows, iBooks e-books, App Store apps, contacts, calendars, bookmarks, notes" files… and, well pretty much everything.
But the real game changing element at play here may be the result of Apple's rumored deals with record companies that should give iTunes users true universal cloud access to the music content that they purchased online. Buy once, stream anywhere.
We'll know the real deal at 10 am PT/ 1pm ET when Steve Jobs delivers his keynote and all the rumors and predictions can be put to rest.


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Speed post provides you with the facility of sending your consignments to any corner of the country and many countries across the world. Each and every main city of India and even many towns are provided with speed post centers. Delhi, being the capital city of India, holds quite an importance and need for speed post in the city is thus very crucial.
Given below are some of the speed post centers in Delhi along with their contact numbers:
General Manager - Speed Post
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan
New Delhi - 110 001


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Cavendish Marquees is an independent marquee hire company based in Kent, Surrey and the South East of England. We offer an extensive range of marquees as well as furniture, lighting, flooring and heating to suit all types of event, whether a wedding, private party or corporate function. We also have extensive experience in supplying marquees for Winter events and weddings - please contact us to discuss your event requirements.
Cavendish Marquees
28 Sandown RoadTel: 01732 875558
West Malling,
Kent ME19 6NS
West Malling,
Kent ME19 6NS
© Cavendish Marquees, 2013
Site design Roth Creative


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Garner man accused of spying on neighbor
Posted November 11, 2010
Garner, N.C. — Garner police arrested a man they say peered into the bedroom of a male neighbor.
Elleston St. Patrick Baker, 28, of 905 Seventh Ave., Apt. 16E, was charged with misdemeanor secret peeping.
Baker was given a $3,000 secured bond. His first court appearance was set for Dec. 21.


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803 East Prospect Street
Capitol Hill, Seattle, 98102
Commute to Downtown Seattle
Daily errands do not require a car.
Transit is convenient for most trips.
Some hills, some bike lanes.
About your score
803 East Prospect Street has a Walk Score of 90 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
803 East Prospect Street is a 20 minute walk from the Stcr SLU at the Fairview Ave N & Aloha St stop.
This location is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle. Nearby parks include Bellevue Place, Volunteer Park and Volunteer Park.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from 803 East Prospect Street.
803 East Prospect Street has excellent transit which means transit is convenient for most trips. Car sharing is available from Zipcar.
Rail lines:
Stcr SLU
0.5 mi
0.6 mi
Stcr FHS
0.7 mi
Bus lines:
0.1 mi
0.1 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.7 mi
C Line
1.0 mi
Car shares:
803 East Prospect Street compared to all of Seattle.
Lower crime area.
Lower crime area.
How do you feel walking near 803 East Prospect Street?
Thanks for your feedback!
View all Capitol Hill apartments on a map.
Popular apartment searches include hardwood floor, fireplace and fitness.
Search for homes in Seattle or find a Seattle real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
803 East Prospect Street is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Capitol Hill is the 9th most walkable neighborhood in Seattle with a neighborhood Walk Score of 91.
Moving to Seattle from another city? View our moving to Seattle guide.


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In August 1999, Checkers® merged with Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. making it the nation's largest double drive-thru restaurant chain. As of March 25, 2002, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and its Franchisees own and operate 795 Restaurants comprised of 409 Checkers® restaurants located primarily in the Southeastern United States, and approximately 386 Rally's® restaurants located primarily in the Midwestern United States.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company") is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The Company develops, produces, owns, operates, and franchises quick service "double drive-thru" restaurants under the two brand names "Checkers®" and "Rally's Hamburgers®". The restaurants are designed to provide fast and efficient automobile-oriented service and appeal to customers of all ages. The double drive-thru concept allows Checkers® and Rally's Hamburgers® to capitalize on the fact that approximately fifty percent (50%) of all quick-service food business is drive-thru. Customers can also enjoy a 1950's flashback with walk-up ordering and outdoor dining in the outside picnic area at most locations.
Checkers® and Rally's Hamburgers® feature a limited menu of high-quality hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and specially seasoned french fries. Both concepts also offer related items such as soft drinks and old fashioned, premium milk shakes. All food is made fresh to order and is sold at everyday low prices.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is currently offering franchise opportunities.
Operational qualifications to start a franchise are: personal record of success in business, preferably retail; demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and train an organization; experienced in marketing and understands its importance to the industry; and Director of Operations with multi-unit fast-food management experience and at least a 10% ownership opportunity (equity or vesting in the enterprise). The personal characteristics they are looking for are: has a realistic perspective on and expectation for growth and return on investment; understands the nature of a franchise system and is willing to work within it; and aggressive, passionate yet cooperative.
Contact Information
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc.
4300 W. Cypress St. #600
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 283-7000
Fax: (813) 283-7208


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Epic Records will release the soundtrack to Showtime"s "The Big C" on June 7. The show stars Laura Linney as a patient with cancer, so it makes sense that Epic, Showtime, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, which produces the series, will donate 100% of the net profits from the soundtrack sales to Stand Up To Cancer. The non-profit raises funds for cancer research.
The set features previously released tunes from Sara Bareilles, Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, and Delta Spirit, among others.
Track listing:
1. I'll Take You There (The Staple Singers)
2. Sunshine Goodtime (Minnutes)
3. Katherine Kiss Me (Franz Ferdinand)
4. Let The Rain (Sara Bareilles)
5. People C'mon (Delta Spirit)
6. Little Motel (Modest Mouse)
7. The Last Day On Earth (Kate Miller-Heidke)
8. Game Called Life – THE BIG C Main Title (Leftover Cuties)
9. Don't Hold Me Back (Alex Cornish)
10. Everything's Okay (Lenka)
11. We Turn It Up (Oh Land)
12. Seven Days (Andrew Allen)
13. Say A Lot (Buddy)
14. The Big C Season One Suite (Marcelo Zarvos)


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Throughout the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in all the holiday shopping and gift giving. So why not turn giving gifts into giving back?
SuChin Pak is the chief correspondent at DailyCandy, the digital media brand that helps women discover the latest trends in fashion, food and fun. SuChin stopped by Making it in America to tell us about some hot holiday gifts that give back


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The Community Manager demonstrates a passion for the gaming industry by implementing a love for the game communities and acts as an advocate for Wargaming America (WGA) customers as well as the development and publishing teams.
The WGA Community Manager is the Shepherd, Advocate, Leader of the Wargaming community. The entire scope of care that the community needs must be dynamically employed by the Community Manager to ensure that the player base gets what they need, when they need it, in the forms they need it in. Beyond all tasks and responsibilities, the proper care and feeding of the community is the primary focus of the Community Manager.
Success in this role is measured by the health and vibrancy of the community. A "flat" community may need more direct involvement; a toxic one, a stronger hand. The Community Manager must advocate for what the player-base needs by action, and when blocks to the community's needs are found, the Community Manager must tear them down. A high NPS score indicates that the Community Manager is effective.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree preferred. High School Diploma, relevant training and demonstrated skills aligned to the job requirement.
EXPERIENCE: A strong grasp of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Experience working with task management software such as JIRA, Confluence, and Basecamp. Experience at a video game studio or publisher is required. Experience as a Community Manager is required.
SKILLS: Outstanding communication skills, including solid verbal, written and listening skills and a proficient use of the English language. Capable of speaking and writing Spanish, Portuguese, or Russian a plus.
If you would like to apply for this position, please copy and paste the link below into a new browser:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities required of the incumbents.


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Louisiana And Tulsa Announce Home And Home Football Series
Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun football team locked up a home and home series with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, the university announced on Thursday.
Louisiana will travel to Tulsa on September 9th, 2017, with the Golden Hurricanes visiting Cajun field on September 28th, 2019. It will mark the first meeting between the two schools in football since 1992.
"Tulsa is an outstanding football program that has enjoyed great success for a number of years," Ragin' Cajun head coach Mark Hudspeth said in a press release. "This will be a great head-to-head matchup against a quality non-conference opponent and it will create a very good environment when we play against each other at both universities."
Louisiana leads the all-time series against Tulsa with a record of 5-4.
"We're excited to resume a football series against a school that has a great tradition in Tulsa," Louisiana athletic director Scott Farmer said in a press release. "Our goal is to schedule home-and-home series against teams that our fans will enjoy watching, and Tulsa has had a history of success."
The Ragin' Cajuns open the 2014 Season on August 30th when they host Southern University.
Season tickets are available by calling the Cajundome Box Office at 337-265-2100 or on-line at www.RaginCajuns.com.


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Ornithologists tired of sitting still for hours in wet and windy conditions can now keep an eye on their feathered friends from the comfort of their own homes, thanks to a technology developed by chip maker Intel.
The company has been working closely with scientists at Berkeley University in California and biologists from Atlantic College in Maine to develop miniaturised sensors, known as motes, which can be fitted into birds' natural habitats to monitor their movements, eating and breeding habits.
Until now, biologists have manually monitored petrel seabirds on the remote Great Duck Island off the coast of Maine using a cumbersome camera and an old-fashioned pad and pen. This involved costly trips to and from the island, as well as the risk of damaging the birds' habitat.
The motes, which are slightly larger than the two AA batteries that power them, send information via infrared to a central notebook computer located in the island's lighthouse. This then sends the data back via satellite for analysis at the universities.
"There is nothing [else] like this sensor network available for conservation biologists, nothing that can provide good quality data in such dense numbers," said John Anderson, associate dean and conservation biologist at Atlantic College.
"What's really exciting about this is that we can get a feel for what happens on the island when humans aren't there. This kind of sensor network will have a profound effect on how we view this field of ecology," he added.
Each mote contains sensors which can communicate with each other at 40KBps (kilobytes per second) via radio signals.
Costs and risk of causing ecological damage were minimised by linking the relay sensor (which uses the most power) to a solar panel, leaving the motes to run on the AA batteries for over six months and keeping visits to the island to a minimum.
The motes are self-organising, using their moving sensors to search for signals from neighbouring networks and then adapting to changes in position.
All data collected can be viewed at www.greatduckisland.net.


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Ryan Hunter-Rey topped the final practice session before the Saturday afternoon qualifying session for this weekend's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
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Having finished Friday's two practice sessions with the fastest lap on the timesheets, Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay picked up where he left off by slicing more than eight tenths of a second off his previous best time to emerge quickest in Saturday's sole practice at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course ahead of qualifying.
Hunter-Reay's time in the morning session was 1:05.7082s (123.711s) compared with his lap of 1:06.5316s (122.180mph) on Friday at the 2.258-mile, 13-turn permanent road course. It put him almost a tenth of a second ahead of Ganassi's Scott Dixon who was second-fastest in the 45-minute morning practice.
A late flying lap meant that Justin Wilson was only a fraction off that in third place for Dale Coyne Racing, and after that there was another tenth of a second back to the fourth-fastest man Simon Pagenaud in the Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsport #77.
"We were quick yesterday and we're quick this morning so hopefully we can translate that into what we need when it counts," said Wilson. "That's the key is doing it when it counts. So we'll see what we can do. It's very close right now with the times and one small mistake can catch you out in qualifying."
The session was slightly delayed while an oil spillage from a support race was attended to on pit lane. Once proceedings got underway, everyone improved their times on Saturday compared with their previous outings: of the 22 drivers, all but one were within two-thirds of a second of Hunter-Reay's benchmark time, indicating a very competitive and closely-matched field for Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
Only Jack Hawksworth was outside that range, and in fact he was 1.3237s off the leader's pace as the Bryan Herta Autosport team struggled to get a set-up that suited the driver and the course. There was only a single red flag stoppage this time, after KV AFS Racing's Sebastian Saavedra went off the track in turn 12 and needed retrieving.
Penske appeared to be continuing a curiously low-profile strategy, with leading championship contenders Will Power and Helio Castroneves down in 11th and 15th places respectively, neither man having yet finished in the top ten in any of the times practice sessions at Mid-Ohio. The third member of the Penske squad, Juan Pablo Montoya, was even further back in 18th position in third practice, which is the last chance the cars get to fine-tune their cars before qualifying gets underway.
Showers are forecast to sweep the are shortly before qualifying which will take place at 2pm local time (7pm BST) and follow the familiar format for street and road course events in the Verizon IndyCar Series. That means the field is split into two 11-car groups from which the top six in each progresses to round 2 which consists of a single ten-minute session. The top six from this group go forward to the third and final round, which is the Firestone Fast Six pole shootout.
There will also be a further half-hour warm-up session on Sunday morning before the race itself, which takes place at 3.50pm local time (8.50pm BST) on Sunday afternoon.


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I know, shocking, right? And I hate to break it to ya, but there really are girls on the interwebz. Yup. At least, I don't think I'm the only one…
The other day I read an interesting and entertaining post by Anna of Too Many Annas. You'll want to check it out to fully appreciate my commentary here. (I'll wait, I promise!)
Amusing, entertaining, and a bit sad, wasn't it? (Not Anna's post as sad, the video.)
New Demographic?
While I don't really thing calling women gamers a new demographic is accurate. I think I can agree that it is an expanding customer base. More girls are seeming to find their way into the old gaming boys club, especially as gaming is becoming more mainstream. Or at least, geek coolness. I really think some of these companies may think women are a new market, but it's just that they are finally recognizing that they can sell us stuff. Problem is, the female gaming market is not as easy to pinpoint as say… marketing children's games. We like all sorts of games, just as men (and boys) do.
And not all women are recently converted to gaming. I've been gaming for years. I started with an Atari back in the day. I think I was 5ish when we got it. How I loved Keystone Kapers and Crystal Castles. Oooh and Pitfall. ET sucked though. Zomg and Circus… we had the special paddle controllers for this and it was sooo cool when we got the ginormous trackball controller! Anywho…
So, yeah. I gamed throughout my childhood. I had guy friends in elementary school and junior high that would want to come over to my house to hang and game. Of course, the first time they realized I might beat them was classic. NBA Jam on the Sega Genesis. My friend was boasting how good he was when he rented it. We put in our initials and the stats come up. That's right. Syrana had beaten all teams. /cackle
Oops, losing my focus here.
Of Stores and Such
Fast forward to more recent events. I am no stranger to getting looks when in a gaming store. Over the weekend Sideshow and I went to Best Buy. He was looking for a scanner for preserving family photos and his genealogy blog. The all-in-one printer/scanner/faxes were near some gaming mice and keyboards. For once, we were waiting for someone to ask if we needed help. Usually we are swarmed it seems.
So there I am, looking at the boards and mice with Sideshow not very far from me. A male employee approaches to ask if I need assistance almost as soon as I start touching stuff. Clearly, I'm in the wrong section or have no clue what I'm looking for. I had to direct him to Sideshow… after he and I had spent a good 10 minutes or so staring at the all-in-one's waiting to ask some questions.
Then again, at places like Target… it's like pulling teeth to get someone to ask if they can grab a game out of the locked cases for me… or the looks of shock and surprise when I go hunting for someone. (I should just take Sideshow, his lockpickin' skills are maxed!) I know I don't look like the typical gamer (whatever that means), but it's just odd sometimes the way you are looked at, talked to, and approached (or not). And I'm not usually in my business attire. I'm usually there in jeans and a metal tour shirt.
But you know what's really fun? The looks and questions of surprise when I'm at a resturant, gas station, or store non-specific to gaming. When I hand over my WoW credit card, I get some interesting reactions. The most priceless one was at Best Buy (again). A female cashier was ringing up my purchases. I was getting the battlechest for a second account and when I had to show my credit card she said, "Wow, you must really be a fan." Yep. You could call me a fan. 😉


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St. Louis: April 23, 2011 (9 a.m.) The St. Louis (Missouri-Illinois) metropolitan area is just beginning to dig out of the devastating tornadoes that struck on the evening of Good Friday. Miraculously, there appear to have been few, if any life-threatening injuries. read more »
Devastated St. Louis Airport: Up to the Challenge
by Wendell Cox 04/23/2011


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When you purchase a digital subscription to Cake Central Magazine, you will get an instant and automatic download of the most recent issue.
Thanks to all here for inspiration. This was fun to put together. The pooh is an icing image. Fondant roses, gumpaste bow and banner with edible image of baby's name on it. Love that edible image printer!
(if this is a private computer)
Yes please, register now!


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Wade Davis ready for relief role
Rays manager Joe Maddon said the thought of putting RHP Wade Davis in the bullpen has always intrigued him.
And now Davis will get his chance during the ALDS, with Maddon liking the fact he can use a hard-throwing Davis more than once against a predomnantly right-handed lineup. In shorter stints, Maddon believes Davis' velocity can rise up to around 95-97.
Davis said he expected the move coming, and understood.
"I'm happy with it," Davis said. "I knew there was a chance that (LHP Matt) Moore could pitch, and I'm happy with that."
Davis said he's only pitched in relief a couple times, mostly in spring training. "I'll take the same approach, go out and try to get guys out."
As far as maintaining a higher velocity, Davis said, "I think I'll be able to go a little bit harder but at the same time be under control, and things should be good."
Maddon thinks Davis could go on back-to-back days potentially.
"At this point in the season, I'm in shape, arm is in shape and everything is ready to go," Davis said.


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I over-steeped it this time, but it's still rather good. It's very roasty and sweet and creamy, and I can definitely tell it's a green houjicha tea. I like it. I don't know if I'd drink 50g of it, but I do like it when I'm in the mood for it!
Thanks Kat_Maria! (179)


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Tell Me About Your Commute
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,586
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 02:49PM
I live about 4 miles from my workplace, and it would be a 10-minute or so drive if I were going directly there. But, I have to drop off/pick up my kids from two different places (preschool and school), so it's more like 45 minutes, counting walking the kiddos in, etc. But the upside is that my DH and I work at the same place (different departments of a university), so we usually drive in together.
When the weather is nice during Daylight Saving Time, I bicycle in and let DH drop off the kids. Then he bikes home and I pick up the kids. It's a nice system.


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Make Wisconsin Your Home-Away-From-Home for the Holidays
Posted on: 11/20/2012
Looking to shake up your normal holiday routine? Escape the hectic stress of the season? Are you searching for fun things to do with visiting family and friends? Then look no further than Wisconsin. Whether it's a spa getaway to melt away the stress or a family vacation to celebrate the season, Wisconsin has everything you'll need to start new traditions and keep everyone happy and busy this holiday. Check out the following locations to find the true meaning of "jolly."


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This is a guest post written and contributed by Tyler Roberts, President and founder of Lemon Words SEO Tools, a Rackspace Cloud Tools partner.
My experience in the start-up industry as a business minded Internet developer gives me a unique view on search engine optimization and building usable tools for the web. I launched LemonWords.com to help other web developers like myself be more productive with SEO.
We built a collection of amazing SEO tools on top of the Rackspace Cloud that will help developers reach the most achievable SEO goal of optimizing their HTML and content for search engines. Being a web developer is hard enough without checking dozens of pages for missing title tags.
Now we've taken the pain out of website optimization with a quick robot crawl that will check your keyword density, title tags, meta descriptions, links, and website spelling for your entire website automatically.
Some of our tools are:
Keyword Density – Helps focus website content so search engines determine a site's main topic.
Keyword Focus – Helps make sure keywords are used strategically in H1, H2 and title tags.
Bot Browser – Strips excessive HTML so you can visualize what GoogleBot sees when it crawls your site.
Markup Checkup – Helps locate missing HTML tags that are important for SEO like meta-description or titles.
10 Day Free Trial
We're offering a free 10-day trial so you can try out the service and after that, it's just $48 a month. Most people are able to optimize their entire site in 2 or 3 months of using the service, which makes it a great return on investment.
Donating to Feeding America
We are also doing a promotion to help raise money for food banks across America. If you sign up for a trial, we will donate $5.00 to Feeding America. Sign up for the trial and tell your friends too so we can help raise some money for the one is six of our neighbors that are struggling with hunger.
Cameron Nouri, from the Rackspace Business Development team, is your connection to the Rackspace Cloud Tools Partner Ecosystem. If you have developed solutions or services that makes life easier for people to take advantage of the cloud he would like to talk to you! You can contact Cameron any time to learn more about this unique program and the benefits for your business.


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By Bill Tamburrino
Ramona High's boys golf team improved its overall record to 7-1 and got off to a 2-0 start in Valley League play, while recording its two lowest scores of the season.
The Dawgs have matches scheduled for the next two weeks before they have a spring break.
Ramona golfers opened league play at Pauma Valley Country Club where they beat Valley Center 196-209.
"This was a great win by the team. Not only was it our first league match but it was also our lowest team score of the season," said coach Michael Gainey. "Having the opportunity to play at Pauma Valley is always a treat for these players. Walking away with a win made the day that much better."
Jacob Buckley and Ryan Graf shared the medalist honors as each shot a 36 on the par 35 front nine. Justin Graf also shot in the thirties as he carded a 39. Thomas Andrews shot 42 and Kazar Matoian recorded a 43. Cameron Marshall shot a non-scoring 49.
At San Vicente Resort and Golf Club, the Bulldogs beat Oceanside 202-248 on their home course. Ryan Graf again earned medalist honors as he fired a par 36 on the front nine, beating his brother, Justin, by a single stroke. Buckley carded his second round of the week in the thirties as he fired a 39. Cody Anderson-Parks and Michael Smith each shot 45. Dane Harvey shot a 54.


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Crystals 2013, 3(1), 112-119; doi:10.3390/cryst3010112
Solvent-Included Ternary Charge-Transfer Salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5, (BEDT-TTF = Bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene)
Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular Science (BNLMS), Organic Solid Laboratory, Center of Molecular Science (CMS) & Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 27 November 2012 / Revised: 10 January 2013 / Accepted: 25 January 2013 / Published: 18 February 2013
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Conductors)
View Full-Text | Download PDF [352 KB, uploaded 18 February 2013] |
AbstractThe synthesis, crystal structure, and conductivity of a solvent-included ternary charge-transfer salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5 (1) is described and interpreted. Electrochemical oxidation of neutral bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) in the presence of (Me4N)Ga(C2O4)Cl2 in a mixture of C6H5Cl and C2H5OH yields crystals of 1. Compound 1 crystallized as a monoclinic C 2/c space group with cell parameters: a = 47.0615(4) Å, b = 6.7895(1) Å, c = 31.6297(4) Å, β = 132.064(1)°, V = 7503.0(2) Å3, Z = 8 at 293 K and a = 46.4767(5) Å, b = 6.7398(1) Å, c = 31.0778(4) Å, β = 131.630(1)°, V = 7267.4(2) Å3, Z = 8 at 120 K. The formal charge of the donor molecule was assigned as +0.5 from bond lengths in the TTF core. The donor molecules stack with C―···S contacts along the c direction and side-to-side S…S contacts along the b direction to form a two-dimensional donor layer on the bc plane. In the anion sheet, C6H5Cl chain is sandwiched by two GaCl4− chains with Cl…Cl contacts. Compound 1 shows semiconductive behavior with Ea = 124 meV between room-temperature and 150 K and σ300K = 1 S·cm−1. View Full-Text
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0).
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MDPI and ACS Style
Zhang, B.; Zhang, Y. Solvent-Included Ternary Charge-Transfer Salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5, (BEDT-TTF = Bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene). Crystals 2013, 3, 112-119.
AMA Style
Zhang B, Zhang Y. Solvent-Included Ternary Charge-Transfer Salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5, (BEDT-TTF = Bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene). Crystals. 2013; 3(1):112-119.Chicago/Turabian Style
Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Yan. 2013. "Solvent-Included Ternary Charge-Transfer Salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5, (BEDT-TTF = Bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene)." Crystals 3, no. 1: 112-119.
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Ducks vs. Bruins
All done at the Garden. Bruins, 6-0.
10:48 (3). Still no sign of Marc Savard or Milan Lucic in the third.
20:00 (2). After 40 minutes, Bruins with a 5-0 lead. Chuck Kobasew closes out the scoring with a PPG with 15.6 ticks remaining in the second.
* Based on the ruling on Mike Brown (instigating, fighting, 10-minute misconduct), Milan Lucic had a reason to be upset with the Duck's early right to start their fight. The replay showed that Lucic might not have finished shedding his gloves before Brown got in his first pop. That shot prompted Lucic to continue punching Brown when he hit the deck — usually considered a no-no between fighters.
* Anaheim isn't going to get far with the kind of leaky goaltending that Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Hiller have turned in.
* Kerry Fraser talked with George Parros after Kobasew's goal. The refs are clearly hoping to avoid additional fireworks in the third period.
* Monster first shift to open the second by Matt Hunwick, who recorded three blocked shots on Teemu Selanne.
18:01 (2). Bruins, 4-0. Tim Thomas starts the goal-scoring rush with a long-distance pass to Michael Ryder. Puck appears to go in off Phil Kessel's left leg.
15:33 (2). Marc Savard vs. Scott Niedermayer. Both got the gloves off but couldn't engage. Roughing minors for both.
14:49 (2). Big-time flareup between Milan Lucic and Mike Brown. Brown lands a straight right to start, goes down, then gets tagged by a round of bombs. Lucic points at Brown and yells something nasty as the two sit in the box.
8:30 (2). Marc Savard is back on the bench.
8:20 (2). Shawn Thornton vs. George Parros after the Anaheim tough guy runs over Marc Savard. Long fight between the ex-teammates. Savard off to the room.
3:43 (2). Bruins, 3-0. Chuck Kobasew wrists one through. Jean-Sebastien Giguere gets the hook
1:59 (2). Bruins, 2-0. Michael Ryder takes a dish from David Krejci and whistles one in.
20:00 (1). After one period, Bruins with a 1-0 lead.
* Michael Ryder showed how strong he is on his skates on Matt Hunwick's goal. Ryder muscled off a check and wheeled a backhand pass into the slot that Blake Wheeler couldn't handle, but Hunwick jumped up and banged it home.
* Sharp first period from Tim Thomas (10 saves). At the end of the first, Thomas was in position to stop Brendan Morrison's rebound attempt.
17:54 (1). Bruins, 1-0. Matt Hunwick jumps up and puts a shot past Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
10:20 (1). Tim Thomas keeps Todd Marchant from scoring a shortie. Started with Marc Savard not shooting at the other end.
6:24 (1). Blake Wheeler looks OK after blocking a Chris Pronger shot. Didn't miss a shift.
0:00 (1). New Duck Ryan Whitney is in the starting lineup.


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Fatty is hilarious. She is a part of another group I'm in and I just live her Witt .
Fatty is hilarious. She is a part of another group I'm in and I just live her Witt .
Also go to the p2 forum and the stickies at the top. Someone posted an awesome spread whee I use everyday.
Whee=sheet. Stupid iPad.
What weight were you the morning you woke up for P3? I weighed 234.6.
Does it make sense to you?
NAME Start Round
P2 Length HhCG/Rx
Delivery Method
ababy Jan 1 R3 HhCG 140 Female agentventi R2 HhCG pellets -8 lbs. Female alcoholswab Jan 1 R2 42 days Rx SQ Injections 233.3 Male altic Jan 1 R2 40 days HhCG SL Drops 200 Male amiinthere Jan 1 bbygrl78 Jan 1 R2 BethSchwReno Jan 6 Female blau texas Dec 31 R2 Rx IM Injections 170 Female cherokee R2 HhCG 185 Male cynm Dec 31 R1 40 days Rx SL Drops 125 Female damom111 Jan 1 R2 daveschwreno Jan 6 R2 electladyj Jan 1 fatfighter Jan 1 R2 30-40 days HhCG SL Drops 139.8 fbb63 Jan 1 R2 40 days Rx SL Drops 170 Female freedomfromfat glinda Jan 1 R2 going4gold Jan 1 R2 gwenna Jan 1 R1 HhCG haveasmile Jan 10 R4 Rx patch isabella Jan 1 R2 40 days Rx SL Drops 125 Female izus Dec 25 R2 jcranbery7 Jan 3 R3 jezebelle Jan 1 R2 kandeekisses Jan 1 R3 kim a. Jan 1 R2 40 days Rx SQ Injections 140 Female ksully Jan 4 R2 ldygeko Jan 1 R7 40 days Rx SQ Injections Female lilmissnea Jan 1 R2? lindsayloo18 Jan 1 R1 40 days Rx SQ Injections 125 Female maggieg Jan 1 R2 mastifflyvr28 Dec 31 R2 40 days Rx SQ Injections 120 Female meladelle Jan 1 R1 40 days HhCG SL Drops 170 Female melissa22642 Jan 7 R2 HhCG SL Drops 170 Female melissab3582 Minerva86 Jan 1 R1 128 Female mini Dec 31 mlove Jan 7 R3 Rx SL Drops 130 Female niane Jan 1 R2 peacewithme piplipa Jan 1 R3 roxies_mom Jan 1 R2 HhCG SL Drops 125 Female sassygirl Jan 1 R2 scorpios Jan 1 R2 43 days Rx SQ Injections 125 Female skeppy Jan 1 R2 sophali Jan 1 srsmith81481 Jan 1 R2 Rx SQ Injections 150 Female sunshine81039 Jan 1 thinontheinside Jan 11 R2 tracyc Dec 30 R2 40 days HhCG valley Jan 1 veronicalodge Dec 31 R2 125 Female
Alchi- is there anyway we can create a link for the grid? I find I have to go back and find the latest grid before I add anyone new. I'm just afraid I'll be copying an old grid, missing a newer version, and then adding the new people, dropping off anyone that may have been added in between. Does this make sense to you? If we had a link, would that always contain the most up to date info? I'll keep going the way I have been, but if there is a way to do it quicker (and not drop any names by accident), by having a link, I'm all for it.
btw...talk about having a monkey on your back. And a real unenthused one to boot! What could have possibly been going on in that picture. ~You and your monkey tag team triathlon? You and your monkey lifeguard try outs? The monkey and his surfboard?~ just wondering.
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
Started R1P2 Oct 11th 2011
Ended R1P2 Nov 21 2011 -57 lbs total R1
R2 Jan 1 2012-New Year's Resolution Loading Group (Starting January 1, 2012)


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Kearney "Releaf" Program Aims to Get Homeowners to Plant Trees Along City Streets
The city of Kearney has created a program to get trees planted along streets throughout the city.
The program, which is being administered by the Park and Recreation Department, seeks to reimburse property owners 50 percent (up to $100) of the cost of an approved street tree.
City officials say Fall is the perfect time to plant trees in Nebraska, but not just any tree will be a good fit for planting near Kearney's roadsides.
To minimize risk of damaging diseases and insects, it is recommended that a mixture of tree species be planted.
The Nebraska Forest Service's ReTree Nebraska program recommends trees each year that they suggest be use more often in local landscapes. The list of 13 trees for 2013 includes: Baldcypress, Catalpa, Kentucky Coffeetree, Elm Hybrids, Sugar Maple, Shantung Maple, Chinkapin Oak, Bur Oak, English Oak, Gamble Oak, and Tree Lilac.
Officials advise that some of these may be better 'street' trees than others and not all of them may be available locally.
Interested residents can find all the necessary forms and an approved tree list at the Park and Recreation office, 2005 1st Ave., or online at www.cityofkearney.org.
Questions about the Releaf Kearney program can be directed to the Park and Recreation Office at (308) 237-4644.


text: A question comes to me and I don't have the answer but I know that you guys will. If I have a router in front of my ISA/SBS server that only allows 4 ports through, how is it that all port scans are reported from IP addresses at Microsoft and the ISP on my ISA server? Is it a false positive? If so, what in the world causes it when there are only 4 accessible ports? Amy Harbor Computer Services Small Business Computer Specialists Client Blog: http://smalltechnotes.blogspot.com/ Tech Blog: http://isainsbs.blogspot.com/ Website: http://www.harborcomputerservices.net/


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The Indwellers, Pg 72B
You can read the next update in its entirety now by VOTING.
SpiderForest Comic of the Week:
dream*scar by Heather Meade.
As Heather herself describes it, dream*scar is "set in a post-modern, alternate reality" where "unhumans, creatures of myth and lore [vampires, werewolves, dragons etc], live openly amongst humans".
It's a premise which promises, and delivers, an intriguing mix of realism and fantasy. The story is engaging from the off, with a habit of disarming the reader with goofy humor before hitting them with tragedy like a ton of bricks. And it has some of the most gorgeous art I've ever seen.


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Vallejo will turn to a federally run mediator service to help smooth relations with its police force, in the wake of a series of recent officer-involved shootings.
Outcry from the public over last month's fatal officer-involved shooting of Mario Romero, 23, is part of the impetus, but not the sole reason to bring in outside help for the city, city leaders said.
"I just want people to know that we are looking at this and ... actually actively moving forward with it," Vallejo City Councilwoman Stephanie Gomes said at the end of Tuesday night's council meting, after announcing city officials' first meeting with the mediator earlier that day.
The mediation would come at no cost to the city, Gomes said. She added that she believes such a program, which does not investigate or prosecute, and is confidential in nature, would help Vallejo with improving its public communications issues.
Though this is not the first time the city has made use of the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Relations Service division's free mediation service, the consultations are not a common occurrence.
Most recently, Vallejo used the service to help with public tensions over police staffing levels early in the city's bankruptcy, police Lt. Jim O'Connell said. The Community Relations Service also assisted Vallejo in 2004, following the death of Andrew Washington, 21, who died after police used a Taser on him during a foot chase. At the time, mediators were asked to ease conflict between the African-American community and the police department, according to a Department of Justice publication. A police-hired consultant demonstrated Taser gun usage at the Oct. 14 session, giving both sides a chance to work through and discuss their concerns, according to the publication.
The service is the Department of Justice's "peacemaker for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin," according to its website, www.justice.gov/crs.
"We're not sitting still in response to the feedback that we're getting," City Manager Dan Keen. "We realize that we need to improve our dialogue with the community ... This is one of several things that we're doing to rebuild and build communications with the community."
Keen said city leaders, including Gomes, Mayor Osby Davis, himself and Interim Police Chief Joseph Kreins, met a second time with the service's local representative Wednesday, and another meeting is scheduled for today. Keen said the next step will be to invite some members of the public in the "neutral conflict resolution" discussions, and evolve from there.
Contact staff writer Jessica A. York at (707) 553-6834 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @JYVallejo.


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Artist Session
HOW TO Get Maximum Texture and Volume on Short Hair
At the most recent ARTIST SESSION, Danielle Keasling was playing around with some of the tools in the goody bag. When she pulled out the HOT TOOLS curling iron and transformed assistant Khristina from sleek to a more voluminous and textured finish, we asked her to share.
"When looking to add volume or texture to short hair, most stylists would first grab a flat iron," says Danielle. "When dealing with short hair, many are afraid that a curling iron will put too much bend in the hair and end up looking dated. If you know how to section and elevate properly, the finished look can look quite modern and fresh."
In this video, Danielle offers a brief demo on how to use a curling iron to get maximum texture, volume and lift on short hair...and how to keep it modern.


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Third-grader Tristan Valverde had it all down: the cute facial expressions and the proper gestures that went with singing that fun song from Grease:
We go together like
Rama lama lama
Ke ding a de dinga a dong
Remembered forever like
Shoo bop shoo wadda wadda yipitty boom de boom.
Tristan and his classmates performed for about 450 rather smitten grandmas and grandpas in the Betmar Acres clubhouse. When it was all over, Bryan Toll, sitting in the front row and wearing a red and white Santa hat, was the first on his feet, leading a rousing standing ovation for the third-graders from the nearby school who came to read poetry and sing songs.
"It's beautiful," said Toll, 74, clapping all the while. "This is a wonderful thing. We can't wait for this every year."
No doubt about it, the annual "Grandma and Grandpa" holiday get-together is something the West Zephyrhills Elementary students and Betmar residents all look forward to. For the past nine years, the two groups have been part of a reciprocal relationship that is helping fill voids for all.
It started when the price of postage went up to $50 to ship the mittens that residents had been knitting for children living on an American Indian reservation in Arizona, said Betmar activity director Dee Payne.
"I was looking for donations for the postage," said Payne, "and one of our residents called and asked me, 'Are there no cold children here in Zephyrhills?' "
So Payne called the neighborhood school, West Zephyrhills Elementary, to ask about that.
"You have no idea," Becky Bishop, the school's parent involvement coordinator told her.
"And that," said Payne, "began the love."
Ever since that conversation, Betmar residents have stepped up as impressive school sponsors for the students at West Zephyrhills Elementary.
"She tells us the need," said Payne of Bishop. "And we're the supply."
Each year Betmar residents collectively donate bunches of school supplies, said Bishop. They help supply snacks, toothpaste and toothbrushes for children in the pre-K program. They drop off carloads of clothing that's brand new or picked up used at a local garage sale. They give their money, too: Close to $1,500 came just last week through collective and individual donations to help needy students and their families through the school's ABC (Assist, Believe and Care) program.
Residents knit mittens, scarves, hats and ponchos throughout the year to help warm students. And they also give their time, volunteering in the classroom, tending to the school garden or perhaps entertaining while playing a toy trumpet, the spoons or a metal washboard tie as part of the Betmar Kitchen Band.
And even in a time of recession, their devotion has never waned, said Bishop.
"This year has just been overwhelming because there's so many needy families and all you hear is nobody is giving this year," Bishop said. "Then you go over there and they just open their hearts."
And of course they top it off with the annual holiday party, at which residents made it a point to get into it big time. There's Jim Millar, from Scotland, who donned a green plaid kilt and hat and played the bagpipes while leading students from their bus to their place on the clubhouse stage. And Luman and Barbara Rockhill, who greeted students, providing the magic of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Fraternal twin sisters Lucy Mastrogiacomo and Connie Johnson stacked up the wrapped presents they purchased for each of the 36 children who came to perform. Also participating was Charlotte Vosburgh, a former elementary school teacher and trumpet player with the Betmar Kitchen Band, who helps knit hats, scarves and sweaters throughout the year to be given to West Zephyrhills students.
"It was great — I feel thankful," said Brook Ankers, 9, who admitted to be "kind of nervous" while performing with her class at the party. "I got to see Santa. I got a present and a hat and mittens."
"It's a lot of fun," said Tristan, 8. "I like singing for them."
And what do the residents get out of it?
Well, the students write thank-you notes, perform on occasion for residents and once a year plant flowers at the park, Bishop said.
Then, of course, there's the intangible kind of gift that often means so much more.
"It brings back good memories," said Lee Hubbard, 79. "When you see the happiness on their faces."
"We get a good feeling that lasts all year long," said Johnson, 69.
"And the fact that you can't be with your own children and grandchildren because they live up North," said Johnson's twin, Mastrogiacomo, "well, this kind of makes up for it."


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One holds steady, one improves, and one takes a dive.
Morningstar's fund analysts cover 2,000 mutual funds. Their full analyst reports, including Stewardship Grades, are available in Morningstar Principia Mutual Funds Advanced and Morningstar Advisor Workstation Office Edition.
With most portfolios still deep in the red over the past year, many investors may not view their funds' Stewardship Grades as a high priority. But whether investments are up or down, you still want to know if your fund is working for you.
We've recently updated Morningstar's Stewardship Grades for the funds that we closely follow at three well-known fund companies. In one case, we've noted some improvements in the way that the funds are caring for shareholders' capital, and in another case, we've been pleased to see the firm stay focused on serving shareholders well even as the firm's ownership has been in flux. Finally, we'll point to one firm whose stewardship seems to be deteriorating instead of improving.
When determining a fund's Stewardship Grade, we analyze five areas: corporate culture, fund board quality, fund manager incentives, fees, and regulatory history. Funds that earn high Stewardship Grades are backed by corporate cultures that are focused on serving shareholders well--not securing more sales of fund shares. These "A" stewards also have independent fund boards that do well for shareholders by negotiating lower fees, overseeing sensible funds, and closing funds that are growing too large to manage well. Funds that earn top grades for manager incentives have fund skippers that are paid to deliver strong long-term performance and also have made big investments in the funds they run. Finally, funds that get the best scores for fees and regulatory history have low expense ratios and no run-ins with industry regulators in recent years.
Holding Their Own
Just this week, we updated the Stewardship Grades for the Neuberger Berman funds. Funds in this family faced a crisis in September 2008 when their owner, Lehman Brothers, declared bankruptcy and bidders lined up to take control of the castoff asset-management firm. We had some concerns about whether Neuberger's new owner would preserve its distinct investor-focused culture, as Lehman had by largely leaving Neuberger alone. But we think that the funds are in good hands because nearly half of the firm is now owned by insiders who certainly have financial incentives to stick around and preserve the culture that's served investors well in the past. (The other half of the firm is still owned by Lehman Brothers, which is in the hands of the bankruptcy court.)
One casualty of the deal was Peter Sundman, CEO and president of Neuberger's mutual fund business, who left shortly after the buyout was announced, but otherwise, the management ranks have been stable. They have not strayed from their proven investment style, and the fund company's limited roster of funds plays to the managers' strengths. Thus, we've maintained the funds' B grade for the corporate-culture section of the Stewardship Grades.
For the Neuberger funds to improve their Stewardship Grades from here, we'd like the firm to revise its pay package for fund managers so that they're paid to deliver strong long-term performance for shareholders. As it stands now, the firm's description of its pay plan in the funds' Statement of Additional Information, a document filed annually with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is so vague that we can't tell whether managers are getting paid primarily for generating peer-beating returns, or whether other factors--like working with Neuberger's marketing team or helping build a bigger franchise--are bigger factors when setting the managers' annual bonus.
Movin' on Up
One fund family with improving Stewardship Grades is Invesco AIM. The AIM funds' scores have moved higher as its corporate culture has grown more investor-focused. The firm was troubled following dismal fund performance and a market-timing scandal in the early 2000s, and we've been looking for signs that the firm had shed its sales-focused, momentum-chasing culture.
Overall, we think that the firm's culture is now heading in the right direction. CEO Marty Flanagan, who joined AIM from Franklin in August 2005, has helped emphasize the firm's areas of strength, which include some of its international growth and core domestic funds. He also brought in new leadership where the firm has had trouble getting traction, including its domestic growth funds. Shareholder communication is improved, and the firm's sales staff seems less set on pushing hot funds and more geared toward sensible portfolio diversification.
To be sure, AIM Invesco still has plenty of room for additional improvement. Its funds' corporate-culture grade improved to a C from a D in recent months, but we'd need to see further evidence that the firm's efforts to improve its research and portfolio management are bearing fruit before we'd raise the funds' corporate-culture grade further. There are additional areas that also fall short of perfect, including manager ownership of fund shares and regulatory history.
Sliding Back
The third firm we've re-examined recently is Putnam Investments, which--like AIM Invesco--has had its share of drama since the early 2000s' bear market set in. Many of the firm's funds that sold well in the late-1990s' bull market sustained steep losses when the tech bubble burst. Then some of the firm's investment personnel, including fund managers, were accused by regulators of market-timing the offerings they ran. These circumstances led to a wholesale change of Putnam's senior management, and frankly, we were hopeful that former CEO Ed Haldeman, who took over after the scandal broke, would be able to reform Putnam by building an investor-focused corporate culture and subduing the firm's go-go sales culture.
Haldeman and his team did make noteworthy improvements at Putnam on the ethical front. But poor performance at key, widely held offerings and continual manager turnover squashed his efforts at broader reform. In mid-2008, Putnam hired a new chief, Bob Reynolds, a former executive at crosstown rival Fidelity. Reynolds has a big hill to climb at Putnam, and he's been quick to make changes, pushing out the firm's chief investment officer, firing a dozen fund managers, and hiring some experienced managers, most of whom have Fidelity listed on their resumes.
We appreciate Reynolds' efforts to quickly clean house, but we're troubled by a few things. First, Putnam has launched a large number of new funds, which seems odd because the firm hasn't done a good job running many of the existing core funds in its lineup. Most of the new funds will be difficult for investors to use well, including sector funds. Meanwhile, Putnam's new Absolute Return funds, which aim to outperform normalized U.S. Treasuries' returns by 3, 5, or 7 percentage points per year, look like they were designed primarily to attract spooked fund investors seeking predictable returns. Putnam hasn't run funds like these before, so it's unclear whether the management team will be able to deliver on the funds' goals. We think that the new funds are a sign that Putnam's sales-driven culture is alive and well.
So much has changed at Putnam in recent years that it's difficult to predict whether their funds will be good stewards of capital. Funds in this family earn F's for the corporate-culture section of the Stewardship Grades.
Laura Pavlenko Lutton is a senior analyst with Morningstar.
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