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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- As the U.S. Supreme Court announced several decisions on Thursday, many were wondering if it would issue its opinion regarding the constitutionality of the nation's healthcare law. It didn't come, but many say it could issue one or several opinions regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as early as Monday.
The nearly 2,700-page legislation -- passed by a Democratic congressional majority and signed into law by Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 -- will have large implications for the healthcare industry, insurers and consumers, whether or not lower court rulings are upheld by the nation's high court.
Cavender "Chris" Kimble, a partner at Birmingham law firm Balch & Bingham and co-chair of the firm's healthcare practice group, has been in healthcare practice since he joined the firm in 1989. Kimble, who was a nurse for six years before attending law school at the University of Alabama, has worked with a diverse range of healthcare clients such as insurance providers, doctors and hospitals.
Based on legal arguments, Kimble said nobody knows what will happen, but he guesses the Supreme Court could vote 6 to 3 in favor of upholding the law but declare the individual mandate -- which requires every U.S. citizen to have healthcare insurance -- unconstitutional and sever it from the rest of the law. That would be a worst-case scenario for insurers.
In an interview, he talks about what the Supreme Court ruling could mean for businesses and for the legislation itself.
What do businesses need to know going into the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether to uphold the healthcare reform law?
What they would like to know is what the decision is going to be. It's really hard to tell them what they need to know without knowing what the outcome is going to be. Some things are not going to change. If the statute goes away, some things that may change fairly quickly are that you may see a short-term decrease in premiums. Insurers started jacking premiums up right after the statute passed in order to get ahead of expected costs in 2014.
And if the statute goes away, you may see some short-term reductions in those premiums because they won't be having to stock money away ...
It's kind of hard to predict what they will end up doing. Even if the act is upheld, there are still a lot of things that need to be tweaked by Congress ...
So I guess the takeaway from that, and employers know this, is that there is a significant amount of uncertainty in the short term, and the decision could lessen that uncertainty but it won't eliminate it.
What is your prediction for the outcome?
Everybody's got one. I would preface anything I say by "Who knows?" We frankly don't know. You had two different courts of appeal with fine judges look at it and come to opposite results. Two of those judges in the 4th Circuit (Court of Appeal) who voted to uphold the statute were appointed by President Bush. And they are really conservative guys but couldn't find anything wrong with it.
Title: Partner and co-chairman of the health care practice group at Balch & Bingham LLP
Hometown: Atlanta; lived in Alabama since 1960.
Education: Undergraduate degree from the University of North Alabama and law degree from University of Alabama
Favorite book: "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
What's on his iPod: Dave Matthews
Family: Married with six children; two Chinese exchange students living with them while at Samford University; has hosted nearly a dozen high school students from various countries. "I like to tell people I have children all over the world."
At the 11th Circuit (Court of Appeals), good conservative judges and moderate liberal judges, looked at it and their result was: "Well, it stands except for the mandate, and it's severable." That's not a good result for the private insurance industry, probably their worst-case scenario. It's entirely possible.
The fact that two Bush appointees looked at this and didn't see anything constitutionally infirm about this is not going to be lost on the conservative justices on the Supreme Court ...
I think one of the telling comments by Justice (Antonin) Scalia during the arguments that kind of hit home with me was that he suggested that if the mandate goes away and everything else stays, this will put the private insurance industry out of business, and do we need to be doing that?
Would the better outcome be just to overturn it all and send it back to Congress to take another stab at it? You could read it in a couple of different ways: One is that he was open possibly to a results-oriented decision.
In other words, if the legal analysis is to uphold everything but the mandate but the result of that would put the insurance industry under, he was thinking that's not something Congress intended to have happen.
What are employers most concerned about?
It depends on where you fit in the spectrum of employers. I think for employers who employ lower-paid workers who do not have to compete to hire and keep talented workers by offering good benefits, those folks are more likely to try to avoid coming under the statute. Right now if you have 50 or fewer full-time employees then you are exempt from providing full health insurance to employees, so some folks are getting pretty creative in trying to figure out how to keep their business going but still only show 50 full-time employees or fewer than 50 on the books.
For employers who are maybe a little better capitalized but are still sensitive to the cost of benefits, right now under PPACA there is an incentive for employers to refuse to provide coverage and pay the penalty instead. It's going to be quite a bit more expensive to provide insurance than it is to pay the penalty, so for a segment of employers they would rather pay the penalty and it allows individuals to go to the marketplace and buy in the exchange. I think some employers have seen that as an option for them because they've seen what the penalties are going to be.
Those employers who have to offer benefits in order to get good workers and keep them are still going to do it. They don't have a choice. They can't maintain their business without them so they'll just pass the cost onto the consumer and -- as much as they can -- to the employees themselves, whether we have health care reform through PPACA or something else.
But regardless of the decision this coming week, Congress is likely to revisit the statute, so there is uncertainty remaining even if the statute is completely upheld.
In your opinion, what would be the best outcome?
Everybody has a dog in the fight. I don't have a personal preferred outcome. Obviously there is widespread agreement that this particular statute does some good things and maybe some not-so-good things. Certainly, it could use some tweaking. I think the project needs to continue, and it doesn't end even with a decision on Monday. This is really just the beginning.
So the outcome to look at is really maybe the outcome that makes us better down the road after Congress revisits and tweaks this with the luxury to think things through. Try to get the cost down and the quality outcomes up, so we don't look so bad compared to other industrialized nations. To me that's the best outcome. If we can get more for our money, then that's good for us and good for the country.
Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, it's one outcome. It allows you to stand based on that outcome and go onto the next step so you know what you have to work with. But this isn't the last of healthcare reform. It's just the beginning.
Of the arguments presented before the Supreme Court, which of those made the most sense, both in favor of and against the statute?
From a purely legal analysis, I cannot get away from the fact that a couple of very good judges -- especially conservative judges -- looked at this and found nothing wrong with it, in the appeals to the 11th Circuit and the 4th Circuit. They could find nothing wrong from a constitutional standpoint and so they voted to uphold it.
In my personal opinion, I think the mandate has serious problems from a constitutional standpoint. And unfortunately for insurers, that's the only thing that makes the statute work in private health insurance.
Congress has to have authority for everything it does. Authority for the mandate is the commerce clause, which says the government can regulate commerce between the states. Commerce has typically meant that Congress can police the impediment -- or obstruction -- of commerce which says you can't interfere with commerce.
The mandate though goes a little bit beyond that and actually requires people to engage in commerce. And that's a constitutional issue. I tend to agree with those folks who believe that that's unconstitutional.
Join the conversation by clicking to comment or email Swant at email@example.com.


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Naturally, without the proper tools and equipment it is impossible to properly service your vehicle. It would be impossible to catalog each tool that you would need to perform each or every operation in this guide. It would also be unwise for the amateur to rush out and buy an expensive set of tools on the theory that he may need one or more of them at sometime.
The best approach is to proceed slowly, gathering together a good quality set of those tools that are used most frequently. Don't be misled by the low cost of bargain tools. It is far better to spend a little more for better quality. Forged wrenches, 6 or 12 point sockets and fine tooth ratchets are by far preferable to their less expensive counterparts. As any good mechanic can tell you, there are few worse experiences than trying to work on a vehicle with bad tools. Your monetary savings will be far outweighed by frustration and mangled knuckles.
Certain tools, plus a basic ability to handle tools, are required to get started. A basic mechanics tool set, a torque wrench, and, for later models, a Torx® bits set. Torx® bits are hex lobular drivers which fit both inside and outside on special Torx® head fasteners used in various places on your vehicle.
Begin accumulating those tools that are used most frequently; those associated with routine maintenance and tune-up.
In addition to the normal assortment of screwdrivers and pliers you should have the following tools for routine maintenance jobs (your Acura, uses metric fasteners):
- Metric wrenches, sockets and combination open end/box end wrenches in sizes from 3mm to 19mm; and a spark plug socket. If possible, buy various length socket drive extensions. One break in this department is that the metric sockets available in the U.S. will all fit the ratchet handles and extensions you may already have ( 1 / 4 in., 3 / 8 in., and 1 / 2 in. drive).
- Jack stands for support.
- Oil filter wrench.
- Oil filter spout for pouring oil.
- Grease gun for chassis lubrication.
- Hydrometer for checking the (old style) battery.
- A container for draining oil.
- Many rags for wiping up the inevitable mess.
In addition to the above items there are several others that are not absolutely necessary but handy to have around. These include oil-absorbing material, a transmission funnel and the usual supply of lubricants, antifreeze and fluids, although these can be purchased as needed. This is a basic list for routine maintenance, but only your personal needs and desires can accurately determine your list of necessary tools.
The second list of tools is for tune-ups. While the tools involved here are slightly more sophisticated, they need not be outrageously expensive. There are several inexpensive tach/dwell meters on the market that are every bit as good for the average mechanic as a $100.00 professional model. Just be sure that it goes to at least 1,200-1,500 rpm on the tach scale and that it works on 4 cylinder engines. A basic list of tune-up equipment could include:
- Tach/dwell meter.
- Spark plug wrench.
- Timing light (a DC light that works from the vehicle's battery is best).
- Wire spark plug gauge/adjusting tools.
- Set of feeler blades.
Here again, be guided by your own needs. A feeler blade will set the point gap as easily as dwell meter will read dwell, but slightly less accurately. And since you will need a tachometer anyway ... well, make your own decision.
In addition to these basic tools, there are several other tools and gauges you may find useful. These include:
- A compression gauge. The screw-in type is slower to use, but eliminates the possibility of a faulty reading due to escaping pressure.
- A manifold vacuum gauge.
- A test light.
- An induction meter. This is used for determining whether or not there is current in a wire. These are handy for use if a wire is broken somewhere in a wiring harness.
As a final note, you will probably find a torque wrench necessary for all but the most basic work. The beam type models are perfectly adequate, although the newer click (breakaway) type are more precise and you don't have to crane your neck to see a torque reading in awkward situations. The breakaway torque wrenches are more expensive and should be recalibrated periodically.
Torque specification for each fastener will be given in the procedure in any case that a specific torque value is required. If no torque specifications are given, use the following values as a guide, based upon fastener size:
Bolts marked 6T
Bolts marked 8T
Special tools are occasionally necessary to perform a specific job or are recommended to make a job easier. Their use has been kept to a minimum. When a special tool is indicated, it will be referred to by manufacturer's part number, and, where possible, an illustration of the tool will be provided so that an equivalent tool may be used.
Some special tools are available commercially from major tool manufacturers. Others can be purchased through your Acura dealer.

subset: commoncrawl


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Johannesburg – The new-look Absa Currie Cup competition, with only six sides playing a double round on a strength-versus-strength basis, starts this weekend.
To add to the intrigue, it is only the Golden Lions side that largely resembles their franchise team.
The call-up of the country's top players, by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, and the departure of others to greener pastures overseas, make this a very open competition with many new faces.
The Blue Bulls field only two regulars from their Super Rugby side, Springbok winger Akona Ndungane and captain Dewald Potgieter, who is at No 8.
Wilhelm Steenkamp and Willie Wepener also saw a fair amount of action from the bench this season and there are a few others who played for short periods.
The experienced Griquas will go into their clash at Loftus on Friday night believing they can beat the Blue Bulls.
They have a number of former Bulls players who will want to prove that they were discarded too soon by the Loftus coaching hierarchy.
This match could be decided up front, where the Griquas lineout, in particular, could provide a solid platform.
Willie de Bruyn, this time at fullback, has an experienced JP Nel, Stephan Watermeyer, Rocco Jansen and Francois Brummer from their former Blue Bulls teams to supplement his unorthodox brilliance.
Shrewd former Currie Cup-winning coach of the Blue Bulls, Pote Human, is another plus factor for Griquas.
The Golden Lions go into their clash with the Free State Cheetahs, at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday, with a reasonably established side as they start the defence of their title.
It will be a match where conversion of opportunities could make the difference. Butch James at flyhalf, a scrum that dominated in the latter Super Rugby matches and a resolve to keep their best up for 80 minutes perhaps make the Lions marginal favourites.
The Free State are missing a few stalwarts because of migration to Europe and also through injury, including Heinrich Brussow.
Inspirational captain Adriaan Strauss' international call-up will also affect them.
It is two different-looking sides that do battle at Newlands where the Sharks play Western Province in a different-level replay of the Super Rugby semi-final.
The Sharks have been decimated by national call-ups while Western Province, according to coach Allister Coetzee, will use the Currie Cup to start building for their 2013 Super Rugby campaign.
Blue Bulls v Griquas at Loftus, Friday 7.10pm
Blue Bulls: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Ulrich Beyers, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Clayton Blommetjies, 10 Louis Fouché, 9 Ruan Snyman, 8 Dewald Potgieter (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Cornell Hess, 4 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 3 Frik Kirsten, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Dawie Steyn. Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Grant Hattingh, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Lohan Jacobs, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Jan Serfontein.
Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Luzuko Vulindlu, 13 JP Nel, 12 Stephan Watermeyer, 11 Rocco Janse, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Jacques Coetzee, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Jonathan Adendorff, 6 Justin Downey, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Ligtoring Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Rayno Barnes, 1 Stef Roberts. Replacements: 16 Matthew Dobson, 17 Hanru van Niekerk, 18 Frikkie Spies, 19 Jaco Nepgen,20Marnus Hugo, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Wilmaure Louw.
Golden Lions v Free State Cheetahs at Coca-Cola park, Saturday 5.05pm
Golden Lions: Andries Coetzee, JR Esterhuizen, Lionel Mapoe, Waylon Murray, Anthony Volmink, Butch James, Michael Bondesio, Derick Minnie, Josh Strauss, Cobus Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe, Hendrik Roodt, Jacobie Adriaanse, Callie Visagie, JC Janse van Rensburg (capt.). Replacements: Francois du Toit, CJ van der Linde, Willie Britz, Warren Whiteley, Ross Cronje, Guy Cronje, Ruan Combrinck.
Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Nico Scheepers, 13 Robert Ebersohn (capt.), 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Pieter van Zyl, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Lappies Labuschagné, 6 Boom Prinsloo, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Waltie Vermeulen, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Hercu Liebenberg, 1 Trevor Nyakane. Replacements: 16 Elandre Huggett, 17 Schalk van der Merwe, 18 Francois Uys, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Phillip Snyman.
Western Province v Sharks at Newlands, Saturday 7.10pm.
Western Province: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 JP du Plessis, 12 Marcel Brache, 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Burton Francis, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Tyrone Holmes, 6 Deon Fourie (capt.), 5 De Kock Steenkamp, 4 Don Armand, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Deon Carstens. Replacements:16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Brok Harris, 18 JC Kritzinger, 19 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Damian de Allende.
Sharks: 15 Gouws Prinsloo, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 S'bura Sithole, 10 Riaan Viljoen, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean Deysel (captain), 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Jandré Marais, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Dale Chadwick. Substitutes:16 Monde Hadebe, 17 Julian Redelinghuys, 18 Peet Marais, 19 Francois Kleinhans, 20 Conrad Hoffmann, 21 Marius Joubert, 22 Rosko Specman. – Sapa


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A low-rent recidivist con man who targeted eBay customers was jailed for two years on Tuesday. Phillip Shortman, 20, from Cwmbran near Newport in south Wales, was sent to a young offenders' institution following a conviction for ripping off consumers to the tune of £14,000 and breaching the terms of his probation. Shortman was given an eight-month suspended sentence in January after he was convicted of buying thousands of pounds in stolen fuel cards. He was also found guilty of another £45,000 eBay fraud in 2005, an offence that earned him a year in a detention centre.
This time around the married father-of-two ran bogus auctions for items including 2006 Ryder Cup tickets, a Sony camcorder, and hi-tech mobile phones. He also obtained goods including a £250 laptop and computer parts without payment. Shortman responded to requests for payment for the laptop by sending abusive emails to the seller.
View: The full story
News source: The Reg


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If your child has cerebral palsy, how you learn about your child's condition may depend on the severity of the disabilities, when problems first appeared, and whether there were any risk factors during pregnancy or delivery.
Your doctor may ask you several questions during appointments, including:
If your family doctor or pediatrician believes that your child exhibits signs of cerebral palsy, you may want to discuss the following questions:
It's important to take your child to all regularly scheduled well-baby visits and annual appointments during childhood. These visits are an opportunity for your child's doctor to monitor your child's development in key areas, including:
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.


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Fourth Story from Best Selling Children's Picture Book Series Launches as App
Cologne, Germany
Bastei Entertainment brings a new story from Klaus Baumgart's bestselling "Laura's Star" picture book series to the mobile market with the interactive children's storybook app, Laura's Journey to the Stars, now available for iOS and Android devices.
Recommended for children age's two to five, Laura's Journey to the Stars tells the story of Laura and her little brother Tommy as they blast off into a world of imagination in search of a star! This sweet story of love and friendships is brought to life with easy-to-follow narration (available in English, Mandarin and German), interactive animations, fun sound effects, and casual mini games including 'Match the Sock' and 'Whack an Alien.'
With over 7.5 million books in the "Laura's Star" series sold worldwide, Laura's Journey to the Stars is the fourth book in the "Laura's Star" series to enter the app market.
"We developed the idea for the Laura's Journey to the Stars app in collaboration with the author and illustrator Klaus Baumgart," says Sabrina Glodde, project manager for Bastei Entertainment. "We realized if we wanted the story to reach a larger audience, we needed to use all media channels to do so. The development team was inspired by movies, television and games. And of course, by watching their own children play with apps and seeing what features they enjoyed most."
Features of Laura's Journey to the Stars includes:
- Beautifully drawn illustrations by the popular children's book illustrator Klaus Baumgart
- More than 80 animated scenes, clever sound effects, and engaging mini games
- Captivating narration by native speakers in three languages: English, German, and Mandarin Chinese
- Intuitive, child-friendly controls
- Social media sharing, volume and language controls, and library panel accessible via the title page's teddy bear
- No in-app purchases
Laura's Journey to the Stars is available now for $2.99 in the iTunes App Store, Google Play Store, Samsung App Market, and Amazon Appstore.
For additional information on Laura's Journey to the Stars, including the press kit and screen shots visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7l8ruq1xbei158u/ZD32VTYdFj.
About Bastei Entertainment:
Founded in 1953 and based in Cologne, Bastei Lübbe is one of Germany's leading trade publishers. Home of bestselling authors David Baldacci, Dan Brown, Jeff Kinney, Ken Follett, Lesley Pearse and many more; it publishes more than 700 titles a year. In June 2010, Bastei Lübbe started its own digital department: Bastei Entertainment with the aim of encouraging new innovative product development and the creation of a global digital entertainment experience which covers everything from eBooks to apps and digitally enhanced products. With an in-house development team, unique multimedia content is continuously created with recent examples including Cotton FBI, which reinvents the hugely popular Jerry Cotton novels, first published in 1954, with over one billion copies sold in Germany alone. http://www.luebbe.de/


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June 26th, 2013 by Aaron Hope
Having just seen the SC II follow the Air Revolution in releasing its VNTG colorway at more Nike Sportswear retailers, you had to expect this one to follow. The second classic cross trainer connected to Bo Jackson carries his school colors, as the Nike Air Trainer SC High 'Auburn' comes back in the Auburn Tigers colorway that released back in February in non-VNTG form. These don't carry the pre-yellowed midsole we've come to associate with NSW Vintage drops, but there's a classically styled inner tongue tag that completes the old school vibes. Check out more images after the jump and get ready for these to arrive this Saturday, June 29th at select retailers including Foot Patrol.
Filed under: Just Released Nike Retro Trainer
Tags: Nike Air Trainer SC High
Pages: 1 2


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In Case You Missed It: St. Louis, the Stimulus, and the New Deal
On last night's NewsHour, Paul investigated how stimulus funds are being spent in St. Louis and compared today's projects with those funded by the New Deal during the Depression. Don't miss a special slide show showcasing iconic New Deal investments from around the country.
The piece kicked off a week of NewsHour coverage from St. Louis, where President Barack Obama will hold a townhall meeting tomorrow to mark his first 100 days in office.
Are you aware of our comment policy?
PBS NewsHour allows open commenting for all registered users, and encourages discussion amongst you, our audience. However, if a commenter violates our terms of use or abuses the commenting forum, their comment may go into moderation or be removed entirely. We reserve the right to remove posts that do not follow these basic guidelines: comments must be relevant to the topic of the post; may not include profanity, personal attacks or hate speech; may not promote a business or raise money; may not be spam. Anything you post should be your own work. The PBS NewsHour reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its website or in any medium now known or unknown the comments or emails that we receive. By submitting comments, you agree to the PBS Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which include more details.


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Marilyn Maye to Premiere MAYE-DEN VOYAGE at 54 Below, 3/5-16
54 BELOW, has announced the appearance of cabaret and theatre legend Marilyn Maye and the debut of her new show "MAYE-DEN Voyage" for a two-week engagement on March 5-7 & 12-14 at 7:00PM and March 8-9 & 15-16 at 8:00PM.
To purchase tickets, visit www.54below.com. Doors open for dinner at 5:30PM for the 7:00PM show and 6:30PM for the 8:00PM show. $35-$45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.
"I am thrilled to be appearing at 54 Below," says Ms. Maye. "My new show, MAYE-DEN Voyage, will be, as usual a PARTY of great musical stories. We'll take a trip together to "Broadway and Jazz" in this lovely new club."
This past January, Maye received the Nightlife Legend Award at the 11th annual New York Nightlife Awards. From her first appearance in the spotlight as a tiny pre-teen vocalist in a series of amateur contests in Topeka, Kansas to being dubbed "A National Treasure," Marilyn Maye continues to entertain audiences with her skill of performing. With a Grammy nomination in the mid-Sixties as Best New Artist, a bevy of awards reflecting her showmanship, her illustrious singing career is still going strong after a life-time spent entertaining audiences.
The Smithsonian Institution chose her recording of "Too Late Now" (from her RCA "Lamp Is Low" album) for inclusion in its Best Performers of the Best Compositions of the 20th Century Permanent Collection, along with such other singing greats as Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.
Marilyn's big break arrived in the mid-Fifties when Steve Allen invited her to appear on his television show. When Ed McMahon caught her cabaret act in New York City, he immediately arranged for her to appear on The Tonight Show. In 2006, Marilyn was once again "discovered" when she appeared as a special guest of The Mabel Mercer Society at New York's renowned Rose Hall at Lincoln Center. As a result of this, Marilyn has never been busier.
54 BELOW, Broadway's nightclub, is the new performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, 54 BELOW is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style.
Designed by Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty and architect Richard Lewis, lit by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, and with sound by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, 54 BELOW features an in-your-living-room intimate relationship between its performers and audiences. Tony Award winner Scott Wittman serves as Creative Consultant and MAC Award Winner Phil Geoffrey Bond serves as Director of Programming. André J. Marrero is the Executive Chef of the new venue, which provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. Bringing together his love of the arts with his passion for cooking and hospitality, Chef André has created a market driven contemporary bistro menu that includes ingredients sourced from all over the world.
54 BELOW is owned and operated by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch. 54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly and has audio and video recording capabilities. The cover charge ranges from $5-$85. 54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com.


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Author: Sizzling Sarah
Published: 08-Dec-08 Revised/Updated 13-Jul-17
Print: Print This Story
I saw her take a sharp intake of breath as my fingers slid into my panties and opening my legs I allowed Amanda to see my fingers working under my panties, I flung my head back and worked my fingers on my clit and inside my pussy, stabbing my finger in and out, till I suddenly became aware of hands on my thighs and pulling my panties down to expose my pussy and my fingers the panties hit the floor...
* * * * * * *
It had been a good night out good food good wine and great company. Scott & Amanda, Amanda a fiery red head with green eyes 23 years 5'5" 110lbs 34C a UK size 8 or 10 had been my best friend since primary school (1st grade) and Scott 24 years 6' 195lbs, since High School (8th Grade) they married when they were 19 and now the relationship was near breaking, I had been Amanda's sounding block and unknown to her Scott had also talked with me at length about their problem.
As newly weds their sex life was uncomfortable at best and avoided if possible, sex was something neither one enjoyed it soon became easier to not even bother with it, Amanda admitted that if she never had sex again it would not worry her in the least. Scott, confirmed all Amanda had told me, when I pressed him he admitted to masturbating, but only once every 3 or 4 months, and he denied having an affair, sex was something that did not matter to him. Now being a slut I found this had to understand and I made them my special project after all they were two of my best friends. It only took me a couple of weeks till I found out their problem, it was physical. They were both virgins when they married and had no idea what they were doing or how to achieve satisfaction, so began a master class into achieving orgasms.
I invited Amanda over on a beautiful bright Monday morning, we sat and had coffee and I led the conversation to sex, Amanda said she didn't want to talk about it. So I took her hand and led her up stairs to my bedroom and closed the door, sat Amanda on a chair and opened my drawer with my toys in it. Her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates, as I laid a few on the bed, then I pulled my vest top off shimmied my skirt off and stood in red half bra and t-back panties in front of Amanda, I turned slowly allowing Amanda to see every inch of my body, then I laid back on the bed facing Amanda and began touching my breast outside my bra long sweeping motion, watching Amanda as I stroked, her eyes never strayed they followed my hand movements. I let my fingers move down, down to my tummy where with a feather like touch I traced round my tummy button, round and round, then moving further down I ran my finger along the waistband of my panties, watching her intently, Amanda was completely enthralled, I saw her take a sharp intake of breath as my fingers slid into my panties and opening my legs I allowed Amanda to see my fingers working under my panties, I flung my head back and worked my fingers on my clit and inside my pussy, stabbing my finger in and out, till I suddenly became aware of hands on my thighs and pulling my panties down to expose my pussy and my fingers the panties hit the floor and Amanda's hands slid up my thighs again this time she was pushing them further apart, she sat on the floor beside the bed and her finger brushed along my labia slick from my ministration she laid her head on my thigh and began tracing my pussy up down, I slipped my finger out and freed my pussy for her, she obliged and her finger circled my clit then dipped into my open pussy two fingers squeezed inside and Amanda pumped them in and out twisting driving deeper, her thumb bumping against my pink nub making me moan out loud, I wanted to feel her tongue on my lips but I knew she was not ready for that and this hand job was the best I would get today.
As she worked me my hips began to thrust to meet her fingers, as I squeezed and pinched my nipples, I felt my face flush which spread to my chest as I reached my peak I arched my back off the bed and strived to stop myself but the fingers in my pussy took me over the top and I came hard on Amanda's fingers, my legs clamped closed my whole body tensed as I came. As the first wave of my orgasm abated, my body crashed on the bed, I was a floppy doll, my head felt like cotton wool and then the next wave pulsed through me, every nerve tense, muscles taut, then abated as Amanda lay next to me she pulled me to her and held me as my fingers gently played on my pussy, more waves of pleasure rhythmically ran through my body.
As I recovered from my orgasm I lifted my face to Amanda and kissed her neck, she shuddered at my touch, and began to get up, but I held her and kissed her again this time she did not try to get up she relaxed and allowed me to continue, I licked and bit her ear, my hand on her leg moving in a figure of eight, sliding higher a little at a time, she was wearing tights (pantyhose) and panties under her conservative skirt. I stopped everything and sat up and slid off the bed, un hooked my bra and stood naked, I held my hand out and Amanda took it I pulled her off the bed and began unbuttoning the white blouse she was wearing and slid it off her shoulders, my lips kissed her shoulders and along to her throat, I kissed and licked the soft skin, she sighed at my touch, I slid the zip on the skirt down and slipped the hooked the top, freeing the skirt and I pushed it down over her hips, I turned Amanda and pinged her bra open, my hands slid under the cups and held her C sized breast her nipples were already erect and I pinched one between finger and thumb as I kissed her neck, she shrugged the bra down her arms and on to the floor, after a few minutes teasing and toying with her, I ran my finger nails down her sides and along the top of her tights (pantyhose), she shivered and goose bumps rose on her skin. I knelt and kissed her back, as my fingers hooked the tights (pantyhose) and pulled them down over her firm ass and down her long legs, I kissed each firm globe and licked down her thighs, as I lifted each foot and removed her tights (pantyhose).
Amanda naked except for her panties turned and sat on the bed, she pointed for me to sit on the chair, I did and watched as Amanda began to masturbate, she copied my earlier moves, and as she opened her legs I saw her panties were wet, she moved her hand under the panties, her eyes closed, I flung my leg over the arm of the chair and my fingers slid along my slick lips and rubbed rapidly on my clit, every so often then dipped into the pool of lube seeping from my pussy. Amanda stopped masturbating lifted her legs up in the air hooked her panties and pulled them up her legs and off her legs down she spread them really wide and I saw her pussy for the first time, a thick patch of red pubic hair forming a triangle over her mons, she had only trimmed to just under the leg of her panties, her entire sex was covered in red hair, sodden from her masturbation, her labia coral coloured pouted out from the tangle of hair contrasted against the glistening pink opening, she moved her finger into the entrance and with extreme difficulty she pushed it in but only to the first knuckle, she rocked the finger putting pressure on her pink clit which stood guard at the apex of her sex, she moaned quietly and then stopped laid back on the bed and panted her breast rising and falling she covered her face with her arm.
I had three fingers plunging in and out as I watched her, when she stopped I ceased my own masturbating and walked over to the bed. Amanda, lay sobbing, when I sat on the bed she turned away curled into a ball. It took me twenty minutes to get her to look at me, and a further ten before she spoke, she said it was the first time she had masturbated in front of anyone, we both dressed and went down stairs Amanda wanted to go home but I persuaded her to stay and chat. Over several cups of tea her story came out.
Amanda had faked her orgasm by masturbating, she wept as she told me how she had been a virgin before marrying Scott, Amanda was the only daughter of a very strict church going father and mother, who preached almost daily about sins of the flesh. Scott the only son of parents went to the same church , outwardly both looked normal at school but they were never allowed to attend any school functions or the usual birthday parties of school friends. Amanda had never ever masturbated while she grew up, I had only been to her family house once and although her parents were way wealthier than mine the house was almost bare, they never spent money, I remembered how cold the house had been. I chatted to Amanda and invited her round the next day, my intention was to give her an orgasm and free her inhibitions.
I discussed my project with Liz and she offered to help, I thanked her by lying between her legs and licking, sucking and fingering her to a loud satisfying orgasm
My tongue trails into her tummy button, I gently suck and probe, my tongue leaves a glistening trail as it moves down to her thick ginger bush, lifting her lower body up against me, my arms round her waist, my tongue slips between her thighs and her outer lips slowly nibbling and sucking moving down biting the soft flesh of her inner thighs before moving back to her pussy, passing over her wet matted pubes and pouty lips and down her other warm, soft, thigh. My tongue slips between her inner and outer lips, occasionally sucking on the swollen lips, savouring her tasty pussy juices. I spread her open and lap the pink flesh, swirling and dipping inside. She is very wet now, my tongue moves to her pink clit peeking out from its protective hood, rolling my tongue I slip it over the bud and suckle, her hips buck as I cause her clit to become sexually charged and every movement causes the charge to fire through her driving her to an even higher orgasmic peak.
Leaving her clit for a moment I move down to her pussy lips, sucking them into my mouth and running my tongue along the hot puffy lips. I slip my tongue into the entrance of her vagina, it thrusts deep inside, the feeling and taste of the tight, wet pussy, excites me I tense and relax my own pussy muscles. I feel Amanda working her pussy muscles, on my tongue, I suck on two fingers wetting them and replacing my tongue with my fingers in her pussy I encircle her clit with my tongue and suck. My fingers slid easily into her pussy which pulses on them I slowly withdraw my fingers from her wet pussy, and let her down so as she is laid flat on the bed, sliding my fingers back inside Amanda I lifted myself over her to allow my fingers to move freely pumping and twisting deep inside as Amanda moaned and lifted her hips to meet my fingers as I pushed them inside her hot wet pussy, my lips enclosed on her erect nipple as my wet tongue fluttered on it, then sucking and pulling on the hard nub. Amanda's hand moved and touched my wet pussy she nervously ran her finger along the wetness, I encouraged her to let her finger enter me. She entered my pussy with her middle finger, my pussy pulsed on her finger which she began moving in and out. I ground down on her hand, pressing my clit against her palm, as I rode on her finger.
I figured that now was the time to introduce Amanda to pussy sucking, I sat up and moved up the bed and straddled Amanda's head, lowering my wet pulsing pussy and throbbing clit to her mouth and tongue, I had judged it correctly and Amanda began to eat my pussy, even before I could dip my head between her thighs and eat hers. I flatten my tongue and with a long sweep I lick along her wet pussy then back up to her clit. It is peeking out of its hood longing for my attention. Glistening in the sunlight streaming through the windows. I lightly kiss her clitoris, before gently but firmly suckling on it I move my tongue round the trapped bud and left, right up and down, as I spread her labia and slip three fingers into her wet pussy. I feel her moaning against my own wet pussy, as she pulls my pussy down towards her face, shaking her head from side to side, lapping all the juices seeping from my pussy. Amanda stiffens releasing me her hands clasp on the bed cover as she arches her back, she stops breathing and her entire body shakes and then relaxes, from my position I can see her pussy pouting and a stream of girlie cum runs down from her pussy to wet the bed sheet, I climb off her and move to hold her as she is now experiencing her very first orgasm.
I take her in my arms holding her against me, then the next wave hits and she stiffens and shakes, her hand clasps between her legs as she cums.
She cums several more times each wave lessening over the next ten minutes. Tears run from her eyes as she realises just what she has been suppressing sex is good, very good, and something to enjoy, the wet patch under her bottom continues to spread.
I woke and entered the shower. After showering I wrapped myself in a towel, I dried and applied Johnson's baby oil, all over, I was so horny. I wanted nothing more than to lay on the bed open the drawer and use my new remote controlled vibrating egg (Ultra 7), but it was not there! I consoled myself that I was waiting for Amanda, so I put on an emerald green satin babydoll nightie & wrap and when down stairs to make breakfast, I thought about wearing panties but in the end, I decided against it.
Half an hour after I had breakfast the door bell rang, I opened the door, Amanda stood looking stunning her long red hair in a loose ponytail, wearing a black skater skirt, a white blouse with popper fastening under a black linen jacket, and on her feet flat black sling backs, fence net thigh high stockings.
The first thing she did was hand me a tissue, opening the tissue revealed my missing vibrator she smiled. I traced a finger down Amanda's cheek and over her lips. I watched as she opened her mouth and sucked on my finger slowly, sensually, seconds later I removed my finger and put it into my own mouth and suckled on it, looking directly into Amanda's eyes. She moved closer and kissed me, her tongue darted into my mouth, I kicked the door closed, and after some more kissing, we separated. Amanda removed her jacket she was a different person to the woman who came for coffee yesterday.
Amanda followed me into the kitchen, we sat at the table and I poured us both a coffee, Amanda, apologised for taking the vibrator, but she did not have anything at home and she was desperate to have more orgasms. I ordered Amanda to come round the table to me, when she stood beside me, I ran my hand up the back of her leg, my fingers reach the top of her sexy stockings her skin hot to the touch, moving higher my hand passes over her tight panty clad bum before slipping down between her thighs. I felt her pussy under her panties she was quite wet and as my fingers ran over the panties, she squirmed and ground herself against my fingers, trying to manoeuvre me to rub her clit, as she spread her legs wider, and her hands on the table steadying her. I traced along her vaginal crease, Amanda gasped as I moved my fingers to slide under the panties, my finger touching the hot flesh and crinkly hairs covering her pussy. I teased her running my finger between her plump lips squeezing and rubbing, using my fingernails I scraped over her clit, she danced
I turned in my chair, lifted her black skirt, and planted a kiss on her taut ass cheek she wore red semi-sheer booty shorts, which covered most of her bottom in a sheer mesh. The red contrasted with her pale flesh had my pussy flooding she looked so hot. I removed my fingers, I slipped from my chair and knelt behind her, I hooked my fingers in her panties and slowly pulled the tight material down over her hips down to the floor, she stepped out and I spread her white cheeks apart and licked her wet lips, tasting the juices seeping from her inner core. Without prompting Amanda reached back and pulled her cheeks open, with my hands now free I reached for her clit, it seemed much bigger than yesterday; I ground my thumb on the exposed nub, making small circular motions, leant in and lashed her pussy with my tongue. She shuddered as I moved my tongue round her anal bud and back to her hot wet pussy, she almost danced on my tongue. I pressed two fingers into Amanda's pussy, she was tight and I felt the soft inner folds gripping my fingers, I spat on her pussy and my fingers as they appeared and disappeared into her. I It was only a minute of so before Amanda grabbed my hand to stop me pumping as she threw back her head and uttered one word, 'Fuck', before slapping her legs closed then relaxing held up only by her body on the table.
I reached for her and pulled her onto my lap and began kissing her, we were both still dressed except for Amanda's panties which lay on the table, I picked them up and gently coaxed Amanda's legs open and I pushed her red panties between her puffy pussy lips and into her vagina. She was still having small waves of pleasure, and let me push all but a tiny piece of the material inside.
Once Amanda recovered, I stood her up and taking her hand I lead her up stairs to the shower and spread out on the counter was four disposable razors, an aerosol can of shaving foam and several clean towels. I undressed Amanda slowly sensually taking my time and savouring every inch of naked skin.
I popped the studs of her white blouse, under the blouse she wore a red semi-sheer under wired bra and matched her booty shorts, which were still stuffed inside her hot love tunnel. I reached behind her and unhooked her bra, slowly revealing the soft white orbs with the stiff nipples standing erect and inviting, so I nipped each nipple in turn, Amanda moaned softly, she involuntarily drew in her slightly bulging tummy, as I sucked on the hard buds. I unzipped her skirt letting it fall, I bent to lift it as she stepped out of it, this brought me close up with her full bush of pubic hair, matted down with girlie cum, and the tiny scrap of her red panties peeking out from her soft puffy folds. I leant further and bit on to the material and slowly pulled the material out, as I guessed it was soaking wet, sniffed the panties the sexy aroma of a woman filled my nose and made my mouth water, but I had another task to perform.
I removed my nightie & wrap, standing in front of Amanda naked my mons nude and my pussy lips pouting. Amanda gave a cheeky wolf whistle, and I curtseyed, and twirled giving her a full 360 view..
I filled the wash basin with warm water and picked up the scissors and comb, I combed Amanda pubic hair and snipped, I continued until I had trimmed as much as I could, then I laid a towel down and Amanda lay on it legs open. I took a wash cloth and wet Amanda's trimmed pubic hair and sprayed some shaving foam onto my hand and I spread it over her mons and down the sides of her pussy lips, Amanda squirmed when I applied it and closed her eyes, as I lifted the disposable razor and began shaving her mons. Rinsing the razor I moved quickly and purposefully, removing all the small hairs, (my nursing training, good for some things) covering her mons. I took the wash cloth and rinsed and using finger tips I moved over the soft newly shaven mons looking for any missed hairs, then with a new razor I spread more foam and shave again, finally satisfied I asked Amanda to spread her legs wider and with a generous spray I rub foam, along either side of her labia, I begin shaving the razor moves easily as I pull on the soft skin, stretching it taut, my fingers move over her lips Amanda's juices are flowing from her as her breathing begins to race imperceptibly at first but as I continue shaving it and touching she becomes more turned on. Once I finish I rinse her labia and again my fingers move up and down the newly shaven pussy, and a second shave follows, till I am satisfied. Now I have her kneel her head down and that sweet ass in the air, I spray the foam on my hand and using my fingers I spread it over her bottom crease, as I move over her crinkled butt opening Amanda sighs and I can see her labia opening slightly as they puff up even more. Finally I finish and helping Amanda up I led her into the shower and with the shower on pulse I use the hot water on her freshly shaven pussy. Amanda's hand immediately moved to stroke her nude pussy, she clearly loved it and began masturbating, rubbing her fingers over her clit, as I increased the water pulsing, I had woken her libido, she was a sexual dynamo, and within five minutes she had cum and sunk onto the floor of the shower, as I turned the water off, tears were running down her face, Amanda realised just what she had been suppressing and she was going to enjoy catching up.
Once I got her out of the shower we moved into the bedroom and Amanda, pushed me down and lay on top of me her legs between mine as she began kissing licking and moving, breast, nipple she rapidly moved down till her mouth was inches from my pussy, I was on heat now and desperately wanted her mouth on me and her fingers in me, she hesitated and asked me what I wanted her to do, she was making me beg, I was not too proud I begged and she finally planted a light kiss over my clit, slipping her tongue through her lips to tease my pink nub. My already wet pussy gushed, as my pussy generated more girlie cum, mmmmmmm this would be Amanda's sex oral final exam, I had a feeling deep in my tummy, that she was well underway to a first class pass with honours.
The end? or is it just the start...?
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I had a great stay at the Jameson Inn of Ga. It was a clean , newly refurbished hotel with excellent customer service. The staff were very nice and friendly and I would stay here again on my next trip. The hotel is quiet and relaxing with a gym and pool. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The hotel offers a great complimentary breakfast and there are many restaurants in the area. The location of the hotel is also great , near the interstate and near local attractions including lake Lanier. Cant wait to stay here again!
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Top Linksmain detailsbiographyby votesphoto galleryquotes
Filmographiesby yearby typeby ratingsby votesby TV seriesby genreby keyword
Did You Know?photo galleryquotes
Gentlewoman (Character)
from Macbeth (2001) (TV)
FilmographyEdit Credits
- This Is Macbeth (2008) Played by Megan Smith
- Macbeth (2002) (TV) Played by Liuba Chuchrova
- Macbeth (2001) (TV) Played by Polly Kemp
- Macbeth (1998) (TV) Played by Jane Gurnett
- Macbeth (1998) Played by Michelle Simko
- Macbeth (1997) Played by Shona Donaldson
- Macbeth (1983) (TV) Played by Denyse Alexander
... aka "The Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Macbeth" - USA (video title)
- Macbeth (1981) (V) Played by Julie Moss
- A Performance of Macbeth (1979) (TV) Played by Judith Harte
... aka "Macbeth" - UK (short title), USA (short title)
- Macbeth (1971) Played by Patricia Mason
... aka "The Tragedy of Macbeth" - UK (original title)
- "BBC Sunday-Night Theatre"
- The White Falcon (1956) TV episode, Played by Grace Webb
- Macbeth (1948) Played by Lurene Tuttle
Additional Details
Plot Keywords:
Fun Stuff
Gentlewoman: Bless you fair dame. See more »
You may correct errors and omissions on this page directly. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.


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The House Education and Workforce Committee endorsed a proposal calling for the Labor Department to establish a government program for aerospace workforce job training.
In its report on the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005 (H.R.27), the committee encouraged the secretary of labor "to fund a pilot project focused on the opportunities for workforce development in the high-growth, high-wage aerospace industry." Committee members also included in the report language that highlights aerospace industry contributions to U.S. economic and national security.
The report also reflected guidelines written into legislation that Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) introduced in February to create an inter-agency task force on "aerospace workforce recruitment, training and cultivation." That bill, H.R. 758, directs 11 federal agencies led by the Labor Department to form a task force to develop strategies to expand public and private aerospace job-training programs.
The Ehlers bill specifically requires the task force to report to Congress each year on the status of federal policies and partnerships designed to advance training programs in the areas of science, engineering, technology, mathematics and skilled trades.
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has endorsed the legislation. Association president and CEO John Douglass, who served on the bipartisan Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry, said "This legislation would bring together the most talented minds in the federal government to produce a national plan for increasing the number of students who choose aerospace-related scientific or engineering careers."
In its November 2002 report to President Bush, the commission recommended the establishment of a multi-agency strategy panel to counter what it termed "the nation's apathy toward developing a scientifically and technologically trained workforce." The commission warned that this apathy could lead to "intellectual and industrial disarmament" and pose a "direct threat to our nation's capability to continue as a world leader."
Douglass also pointed out that the bill responds to a significant shortage of younger, technically skilled professionals in the aerospace industry. The average American aerospace employee is now more than 50 years old. In 2008, 27 percent of aerospace workers will become eligible for retirement.


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Czech foreign minister: The West is losing to Putin
- By Josh Rogin
Josh Rogin covers national security and foreign policy and writes the daily Web column The Cable. His column appears bi-weekly in the print edition of The Washington Post. He can be reached for comments or tips at email@example.com.
Previously, Josh covered defense and foreign policy as a staff writer for Congressional Quarterly, writing extensively on Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantánamo Bay, U.S.-Asia relations, defense budgeting and appropriations, and the defense lobbying and contracting industries. Prior to that, he covered military modernization, cyber warfare, space, and missile defense for Federal Computer Week Magazine. He has also served as Pentagon Staff Reporter for the Asahi Shimbun, Japan's leading daily newspaper, in its Washington, D.C., bureau, where he reported on U.S.-Japan relations, Chinese military modernization, the North Korean nuclear crisis, and more.
A graduate of George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, Josh lived in Yokohama, Japan, and studied at Tokyo's Sophia University. He speaks conversational Japanese and has reported from the region. He has also worked at the House International Relations Committee, the Embassy of Japan, and the Brookings Institution.
Josh's reporting has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, C-Span, CBS, ABC, NPR, WTOP, and several other outlets. He was a 2008-2009 National Press Foundation's Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellow, 2009 military reporting fellow with the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism and the 2011 recipient of the InterAction Award for Excellence in International Reporting. He hails from Philadelphia and lives in Washington, D.C.
Russia President Vladimir Putin is well on his way to reestablishing Russia as a regional hegemon and the West has been too slow to recognize and deal with Putin's strategy, according to the foreign minister of the Czech Republic.
"We are not going back to Stalin, we are going back to Nicholas I," said Karel Schwarzenberg, the Czech minister of foreign affairs, in an exclusive interview with The Cable. "It was under Nicholas that the great part of Central Asia was conquered by the Russians and Putin is quite successfully getting them under the control of Russia again, and the West is losing."
The Obama administration's "reset" policy toward Russia was not enough to influence the path of the Russian government, a path that was set when Putin resumed power, Schwarzenberg said, and now the West must acknowledge and deal with the aggressive autocracy Putin has put in place.
"I have the impression we were a bit too late and too little. We were much too slow and much too little engaged during [former President Boris] Yeltsin's time," he said. "We can't accept this; we can't accept that any world power is dominating his neighbors. We shouldn't have illusions about the regime Putin has installed."
He said that Putin was now reacting to the increasing unrest inside Russia by turning inward and isolating Russia from the influence of Western society, for example by shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development's mission in Moscow.
"By kicking [USAID] out, he indicated himself what he considers most dangerous for his autocracy," Schwarzenberg said. "He is now afraid to meet the people and that indicates that he realizes the opposition exists and that it has become a force in Russian society. Russia is changing much faster than he thought. It is not as easy to be a dictator as it was 40 years ago."
Schwarzenberg was in town to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sept. 21. He said they talked about Syria, where the Czech Republic is America's protecting power because the United States has withdrawn its diplomatic presence in Damascus. The Czechs protect the U.S. buildings and perform consular services for the roughly 3,000 Americans living in Syria.
The Czech Republic is among the only Western country that still has a diplomatic presence in Damascus. Schwarzenberg said that decision was made for practical, not political reasons.
"I think the purpose of the embassy is for the central government to get information and by withdrawing diplomats you lose the source of information," he said. "If it makes sense and as long as we are getting information, that's a good reason to stay. And the ambassador says she is not scared, so we stay there."
Schwarzenberg said the Czech Republic does not support a NATO-led effort to impose a no-fly zone in Syria and he doesn't think that Western countries should arm the rebels.
"I do think they get enough money and supply from the states backing them like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. They are better armed each day," he said. "It is a normal civil war which is more difficult because on the opposition side, there are many different groups, with different aims, financed by different countries."
The Czechs also want changes in an investment treaty with the United States that goes back decades, but the U.S. government is resisting those changes. Clinton also made the case that the U.S. company Westinghouse should be chosen to build the new nuclear power facility in the Czech Republic, rather than the other two bidders, Schwarzenberg said.
Schwarzenberg was the Czech official who signed the agreement with then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2008 to station an X-band missile-defense radar system in the Czech Republic, an agreement that the Obama administration abrogated when it altered U.S. plans for missile defense in Europe.
The Czech defense minister at the time, Alexandr Vondra, famously said that this decision was indicative of the Obama administration's "enemy-centric" policy. Schwarzenberg said he understood the decision and the Obama administration's perceived turn away from Europe towards other regions including Asia.
"I'm a realist and maybe I was not so full of admiration of the United States as [Vondra], who lived inside the Soviet bloc. I consider myself a great friend of the United States but I know that great powers have their own interests and act in accord with them," Swarzenberg said.
"The Pacific basin is now more important than Europe, it's perfectly understandable," he said. "I think in Europe we have to learn that we have to care much more ourselves, for our own security."


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WILMINGTON, NC August 13, 2014 – Junior striker Katrina Guillou and senior midfielder Stephanie Bronson of UNCW have been named to the Colonial Athletic Association's 2014 Preseason Women's Soccer Team and two teammates – junior defender Morgan Leyble and junior forward Maddie McCormick – have garnered Honorable Mention accolades.
The quartet was recognized late Wednesday in voting by the league's coaches as the CAA's 10 teams conducted final preparations for the regular season. Overall, a total of 15 players were selected to the team and six others picked up Honorable Mention notification.
Guillou, from Ft. Washington, Md., led the Seahawks in goals (10), assists (6) and points (26) last season to land a spot on the All-CAA First-Team. Bronson, a transfer from N.C. State, collected five goals and two assists and also nabbed First-Team All-CAA honors.
Leyble, a Jacksonville, N.C., native, started all 19 games in her second season with the Seahawks, and McCormick, from Newark, Dela., finished second in scoring with 16 points on six goals and four assists in her second year with the team.
The Seahawks play their final preseason exhibition Saturday when No. 18 Duke visits for a 6 p.m. friendly at the UNCW Soccer Stadium. Coach Paul Cairney's club kicks off its 21st season on Friday, Aug. 22, with a 7 p.m. clash against N.C. State in Raleigh.
Player, School Pos. Cl. Hometown
Emory Camper, William & Mary F Sr. Virginia Beach, Va.
Leah Galton, Hofstra F Jr. Harrogate, England
Katrina Guillou, UNCW F Jr. Ft. Washington, Md.
Ashley Herndon, James Madison F So. Ashburn, Va.
Sam Scolarici, Hofstra F Sr. Aldie, Va.
Stephanie Bronson, UNCW MF Sr. Raleigh, N.C.
Emily Market, Delaware MF Jr. Holland, Pa.
Jeannine Molleda, Hofstra MF Jr. Clifton, Va.
Jill Mulholland, Hofstra MF So. Levittown, N.Y.
Bianca Calderone, Northeastern D Sr. Wellesley, Mass.
Melissa Chapman, Drexel D Sr. Lansdale, Pa.
Emily Fredrikson, William & Mary D Sr. Ashburn, Va.
Allegra Gray, Delaware D Sr. West Chester, Pa.
Shannon Rano, James Madison D Sr. Branchburg, N.J.
Caroline Casey, William & Mary GK Jr. Chesapeake, Va.
Honorable Mention (multiple votes): Allie Bunner, So., MF, James Madison; Paige Burnett, Sr., GK, Northeastern; Sam Greenfield, Sr., MF/D, Drexel; Morgan Leyble, Jr., D, UNCW; Maddie McCormick, Jr., F, UNCW; Katie Ponce, Sr., MF/F, Towson
PRESEASON CAA WOMEN'S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Leah Galton, Hofstra


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Upward, behind the onstreaming it mooned
Mirrors and copulation are abominable, since they both multiply the numbers of man.
Observations like this one are the basis for some of the latest scandals to have been reported by the likes of Tyler Cowen at Marginal Revolution and Michael Bérubé at Michael Bérubé.
More here, here, and here.


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Research Topics
Ana Paula Oliveira
Affiliation: Technical University of Denmark
Country: Denmark
Detail Information
- Modeling Lactococcus lactis using a genome-scale flux modelAna Paula Oliveira
Fluxome Sciences A S, Søltofts Plads, Building 223, DK 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
BMC Microbiol 5:39. 2005..Flux balance analysis (FBA) and minimization of metabolic adjustment (MOMA) were used as modeling frameworks...
- Architecture of transcriptional regulatory circuits is knitted over the topology of bio-molecular interaction networksAna Paula Oliveira
Center for Microbial Biotechnology, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Building 223, DK 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
BMC Syst Biol 2:17. 2008..Such approaches systematically integrate the existing biological knowledge with the 'omics' data...
- Metabolic network driven analysis of genome-wide transcription data from Aspergillus nidulansHelga David
Fluxome Sciences A S, Diplomvej, DK 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
Genome Biol 7:R108. 2006..CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that some of the genes are regulated by common transcription factors, making it possible to establish new putative links between known transcription factors and genes through clustering...


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Yoga in the Galleries
Wednesdays, February 6 and 20, and March 6, 10 a.m.
American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center
Admission is free
Drawn to the notion of being mindful, open, and alert, yoga inspires artist Andrea Way's own practice as an artist. Join instructor Stacey Rusch for a series of Vinyasa yoga classes, combining breath and movement, in the galleries.
Event begins at 10:00AM
Presented by: American University Museum


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Samurai Shodown II
Review by LordShibas
"Still the Best Samurai Shodown Game"
A year after the semi-colossal launch of Samurai Shodown on the Neo Geo, SNK decided to follow it up with a direct sequel. In 1994 Samurai Shodown II was released and it was superior to the first game in almost every way.
The graphics were given a much needed tweak, the backgrounds were redone, new characters and moves were added, the game was rebalanced, and a new, incredibly difficult end boss sprouted her wings. In my opinion it was a very substantial upgrade and it really fixed a lot of problems that plagued the original Samurai Shodown.
Samurai Shodown II was not purporting to be a direct competitor of Street Fighter II. The original Samurai Shodown had already paved the way for the series, and the series already had a dedicated fan base, whether they were home Neo Geo owners, or arcade goers. By the time Samurai Shodown II was released, Street Fighter II was on its fifth rendition, which was Super Turbo, which was a great game in its own right.
I remember when Shodown II arrived in my local arcade. Almost everyone was more excited for Shodown II than Super Turbo. People lined up to play Shodown II and only a few people were still playing Super Turbo.
Not wanting the arcade goers to get the upper hand on me, I quickly purchased the game for my Neo Geo AES and began playing the game at home for hours and hours per day.
The one thing that differed about the arcade to home version was the initial color of the blood. For some stupid reason, the Neo Geo home version had green blood which just looked incredibly stupid. Luckily there was a code which you could enter to get red blood and it was no longer a problem. Other than that, it was identical to its arcade counterpart and had very few options available, just like most home Neo Geo releases.
I put a lot of time into this game on both my Neo Geo and in the arcade. In fact, it may be the fighting game that I've played most in my life. Due to this, I was ruthless in the arcades, and I've never been as dominant in a game in my life as I was in Samurai Shodown II. I don't think I was ever defeated by a human player while I was being Galford in Shodown II, ever. I always ended up fighting the computer at the end of the night. I used other characters as well, but when I picked Galford, people would take their quarters down from the machine because they knew I was going to spank them. True story.
Anyway, on with the game review.
Graphics 8/10
Shodown II received a decent graphical update, but it still suffered from the same issues as the previous game. While not as bad, there was still a bit of slowdown during some of the fights. Hitting your opponent with a strong slash and then watching everything slowdown was kind of annoying, but it almost added to the intensity. Meaning that the hits felt more brutal when things slowed down, but it made follow up hits and moves almost impossible.
The character models now had smoother animations and had a little more detail than before. Some of the backgrounds were re-used from the previous game, but they were re-drawn and often populated with multiple attractions. My personal favorite background was Sieger's stage, where you fought on a huge castle wall, in front of a king and his knights, very cool.
The character designs are also very cool, especially for the new characters. Sieger is still one of my favorite fighting game character designs ever.
Samurai Shodown II still sports the same camera panning issues that were in Samurai Shodown. Basically the character models look very good up close, but they loose a lot of detail and get pixelated when the characters are far away from each other. Again, this may be a fault of the Neo Geo hardware, it's tough to say.
For the most part, Samurai Shodown II looks much better than Samurai Shodown, and it's one of the best looking and designed games on the Neo Geo, but games like Garou: Mark of the Wolves and Last Blade 2 really make Samurai Shodown II show its age.
Sounds and Music 8/10
This is the main area where I think Samurai Shodown surpasses Samurai Shodown II. The music in Samurai Shodown II is really good, but it's just not as memorable to me as the music from the first game.
The sound effects are about the same and really don't differ all that much from the first game, which is not a bad thing at all.
Controls 9/10
The controls have been kept the same for the most part, but a few new things can now be done. Pressing B & C at the same time produced an overhead hit, there is a way to duck projectiles, and you can now launch a super move when your POW meter is full.
Not too much interesting here since most of this is the same. Subsequent games in the Samurai Shodown series changed the controls, but Samurai Shodown II keeps things true to the original and the game controls just as well, if not better than Samurai Shodown.
The only problem is the slowdown which loves to rear its ugly head, but you will get used to it after a while.
Gameplay 9/10
I'm not sure what it is about this game, but something about it just feels right when you play it. Maybe it's a combination of everything that is done well, or maybe it's the unique presentation, but I could not get enough of this game when I played it. Seeing the two on-screen characters assail to the death just never seemed to get old to me.
You are now able to perform super moves when your POW meter is full. Some of them have difficult joystick motions, but you will get used to them soon enough. The joystick motion and button combination is provided for you at the bottom of the screen, in case you forget it.
The game has been a bit rebalanced and it shows. Characters like Earthquake now have a handful of moves as opposed to 2 in Samurai Shodown, Haohmaru has been toned down a bit, and Wan Fu has been completely nerfed and given a pillar of stone as a weapon. >_>
The new characters fit in quite well with the previous cast in design and style. The game now offers 15 characters to choose from. Three new characters were added and Tam Tam was replaced with Cham Cham, who is slightly different. There is also a way to fight and play as the referee Kuroko, and there is a new end boss to fight, Mizuki.
Mizuki is much more macabre than Amakusa ever was. She uses a baton weapon which has incredible reach, she can throw you through dimensional warps, can bounce you around the screen like a basketball, and has a Hell Hound with her at all times that can attack you as well. She was the first female fighting game boss that I know of, and boy she is one tough cookie. Prepare to have your butt handed to you a few times until you can properly figure out how to defeat her.
So with the rebalanced roster, additional characters, gameplay which feels much tighter, and a nice graphical upgrade, Samurai Shodown II is a great and fun game to play, especially against others. The only area where the game lacks a bit is in the music area, but it's still fairly good music, just not as memorable as the music in the first game.
Longevity and Re-playability 10/10
The single player game offers a very long and grueling time investment to reach the end boss and defeat her. So with 15 characters and a hidden character, there is plenty to do in this game, however, I implore you to seek out human competition in this game.
I've had some of the best times of my arcade gaming life playing this game and beating people senseless. If you have someone to play this game against, it could last you months, if not longer.
Samurai Shodown II is now a classic game in the fighting game universe. If you have never played it, then you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. Not only to see one of SNK's finest hours, but also to play a fantastic, 2D weapons based game with great artistic design and deep gameplay. Some people (like me) even consider it to be the last great Samurai Shodown game. I have not been impressed with a Shodown game since II. I still don't know why they decided to change everything after Samurai Shodown II.
Last Blade 2 has no doubt eclipsed Samurai Shodown II in most areas, but Samurai Shodown II is still a classic game, and should be played by anyone who calls themselves a fighting game fan.
Reviewer's Rating: 4.5 - Outstanding
Originally Posted: 09/25/08
Game Release: Samurai Shodown II (US, 12/02/94)
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Trump says NFL too worried about players' safety
"Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!"
Don Bauder 7:15 p.m., Sept. 23
(Page 2 of 2)
continued "It all comes back to the mayor," Pennell says. "He wants the TOT because the City's broke."
Councilman Faulconer's approach to solving the problems caused by vacation rentals is to go after them for nuisance violations.
"One of the tools that has been used successfully recently is the CAPP program [Community Assisted Party Program] and the administrative fines program," Faulconer says. "That really gets to the heart of it if somebody is not doing what they're supposed to. There's now a new tool for the police to use."
The administrative fines program allows police officers to issue $1000 citations to residents or landlords for loud noise and parties. CAPP enables police to designate a house as a problem, allowing officers who respond to a call to that house to take a zero-tolerance approach, citing or arresting violators.
There are 39 "capped" houses in the 92109 zip code, but CAPP data does not include information on whether a house is a vacation rental.
"I believe one of the administrative fines that they've issued to someone for being too noisy was to a vacation rental home," Faulconer says. "From my standpoint, I want to make sure that we're protecting the quality of life for neighbors and for people who are visiting alike."
Residents say there are a number of problems with Faulconer's approach. First, it allows vacation rentals to exist in single-unit residential zones. Second, it deals only with noise and loud parties. Third, it puts the burden of enforcement on the neighbors. Last, responding to noise complaints is a low priority for police officers.
Penny Campbell has called police numerous times to complain about the noise coming from the vacation rental at 4135 Cass Street.
Originally a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house, the now–four-bedroom, four-bathroom house sleeps up to 12 people and rents for $3900 to $4700 a week during the summer months.
"It can take anywhere between two to seven hours" for police to respond to a noise complaint, Campbell says. "One time the police didn't drive by until a quarter to seven in the morning, when the problem was occurring at one or two in the morning. By the time the police come by, it's a totally different scenario because the response time is so long. One of my major issues, you have no recourse. You can call that number all night long, and no one is going to show."
There are at least seven vacation rentals in a three-block radius of Campbell's house, where she lives with her husband and two young children. She says she was recently asked if her seven-year-old daughter's Brownie troop could have a sleepover in her backyard, but she had to say no because of the frequent late-night gatherings by the vacationers next door.
"My issues have always been the profanity, the noise, and the hours," she says. "There's also an uncomfortability. I don't know who these people are that are next door."
Because of the documented complaints, Campbell, Beckett, and Pennell say, owners and property managers in their areas are now renting to more families, which generally aren't disruptive, but all three are still demanding that the City get to work preserving its single-family neighborhoods. Beckett points out that there are plenty of vacation rentals in properly zoned areas, such as Mission Beach and along Ocean Boulevard in Pacific Beach.
"We've argued that these are illegal in the RS zones, and they tell us there's no ordinance preventing them," Beckett says. "If that's the case, let's write an ordinance and fix the problem."
blah blah, ban.
here is the way you get the police to respond to noise. Call from several numbers (home, cell, friends cell, neighbors phone). If they receive 3 or more calls then it becomes a priority.
Come on San Diego, Let's Vote this Permanent Alcohol Ban down again. The City Council was offered a Holiday only ban and is going straight to taking away our Freedom to enjoy our beaches, bays and parks the way we want. We all pay taxes for these "public spaces" and should be able to have a beer at the park while I wax my car in the summer, while I play volley ball or horse shoes at the beach or after a ride on my jet ski at the bay. Enough is enough! VOTE No on Prop D - Stop the Permanent Alcohol Ban in San Diego.
I am wondering how a local ordinance to ban or restrict a home business such as a vacation rental is reconciled with existing state law on supporting the need for more "microenterprises" for spurring economic growth (see http://www.microbiz.org/ for CAMEO: California Association for MicroEnterprise Oppourtunity, complete with California State Assembly whitepapers...)
I don't have a problem with vacation rentals so long as guests are quiet and respectful.
My family and I rent vacation homes a few times a year and we really enjoy it. It's better for our family to be in a home with a kitchen and more space, than being in a hotel or at a resort.
no one is allowed to have fun anymore, misery loves company.


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Roberto Mancini named best dressed manager
Manchester City manager
Roberto Mancini has picked up his second trophy of the season – the award for the Premier League's best dressed manager.
The Italian, who led City to FA Cup glory last weekend, was named the Premier Leagueâs best-dressed manager in the Golden Scarf Awards, which marks the launch of Lords of Football, a 3D football lifestyle game.Â
He was presented with his Golden Scarf by model Rhian Sugden, in an empty field somewhere.
Mancini â known for his negative on-field tactics â beat Carlo Ancelotti and Fulham boss Mark Hughes in the fan poll.
Meanwhile, in the Football Manager awards, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has been named the most amusing and entertaining boss of the season, ahead of Tottenhamâs Harry Redknapp.
Fans of the management game also voted the spat between Liverpool chief Kenny Dalglish and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger this termâs best tantrum.


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Ali Gulec's SkullsApril 10, 2013
View Gallery
Ali Gulec draws a lot of skulls. His quirky illustrations span a wide range of styles and concepts, and he is constantly pushing his work to new levels of quirkiness. These skulls make up an impressive collection of experiments, each one an awesome take on the ubiquitous symbol of death. Ali Gulec makes illustrations for worldwide textile brands and many Turkish advertisement agencies. Fresh and unapologetic, his work is appealing to all.


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Many Organizations Represented in National Body
In accordance with a resolution adopted at the last annual meeting of the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society of America, Hias, calling upon Jewish national organizations to create an Advisory Council, steps have now been taken, after a number of meetings were held, to organize the Council.
The following national organizations are represented on the Council through their delegates: Independent Order Free Sons of Israel, David H. M. Weynberg and H. J. Hyman; Jewish National Workers Alliance of America, Nathan Zvirin and P. Gingold; Jewish Writers Club, H. Rogoff and H. Lieberman; Independent Order B'nai B'rith, Louis Osterweis and Maurice Bloch; Independent Order B'rith Sholom, Moses N. Helfgott and H. H. Cohen; Independent Workmen's Circle of America, Hyman Hurwitz and Morris H. Tubiash; Order B'rith Abraham, John Afeenkraut and Abraham Wohlegemuth; Order Sons of Zion, David Podolsky and Harry Grayer; Progressive Order of the West, Samuel Epstein and Morris Shapiro; United Hebrew Trades, M. Feinstone and M. Tigel, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein and Morris Engelman, Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, A. Beckerman and A. Miller; Cloth Hat, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union, Max Zuckerman and Jacob Roberts; Francy Leather Goods Workers' Union, Morris Goldberg and Isidore Lefkowitz.
The officers of the Advisory Council are: David H. M. Weynberg, President; Nathan Zvirin, Vice-President; H. H. Cohen and Louis Osterweis, Secretaries.
The organization of the Advisory Council is intended to bring about a democratization of Hias. The organizations that responded, while they have varying views and purposes, are united in the desire to be of service to the Jewish wanderer.
The purpose of the Council is as follows: (1) To act in advisory capacity to Hias; (2) To examine all matters relating to Hias activities whether they be legislative, administrative or financial as well as all matters that have any connection with Jewish migration and wanderers everywhere; (3) To recommend improvements in the administration and operations of Hias and in all affairs relating thereto.
The Council will hold at least one meeting a month.
A suggestion that the memory of the late Jules E. Mastbaum, philanthropist, be perpetuated by having the new Jewish Convalescent Home which is to be near Willow Grove, Philadelphia, under the auspices of the Federation of Jewish Charities, named after him, was made by Albert M. Greenfield, Chairman of the Building Committee of the Federation, in a letter to W. Maurice Steppacher, President of the Convalescent Home.


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Ever since Lott started at the American Enterprise Institute there have been people there who have wanted to get rid of him.
I was forwarded a copy of Lott's final email to AEI staff. It suggests that he was abruptly forced to leave:
From: John Lott
Sent: Sun 4/2/2006 4:00 AM
To: Everyone
Subject: Goodbye
Dear Everyone:
Friday was my last day at AEI. It has been great to get to know many of you over the past four-and-a-half years. If I can ever be of help or you just want to say hello, I can be reached at: email@example.com. I wish you all every success. Thanks.
No farewell, and not even an email announcing his departure beforehand. Did he do something on Friday that proved the last straw? And then the quixotic lawsuit against Levitt a week and half later over book published a year ago. This suggests that the AEI would not allow him to sue Levitt while he was still working for them.


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Training camp begins today.
1) On Saturday, the Giants signed their first and second round draft selections. When the first practice begins at 3pm, first round pick DE Jason Pierre-Paul and second round pick DT Linval Joseph will be on the field.
As per Vacchiano's blog entry, JPP's contract is worth $20,050,000, including $11,629,807 guaranteed. That's right in line with the first-round slotting for a player taken with the 15th overall pick of the NFL draft.
Additionally, Linval Joseph's deal, according to Vacchiano but told via an NFL source, $4.1 million with $2.5 million guaranteed is "pretty close" to what Joseph got over four years.
Since Kenny Phillips is on the PUP list and Chad Jones is out indefinitely, the Giants added safety John Busing.
Hooray! Football begins.
Other noteworthy items:
2) On the New York Times' Fifth Down blog, there is an interesting Q and A with Michael Strahan.
Here is the meaty part of the interview.
Q. The Giants failed to make the playoffs last season. What went wrong?
MS . I think leadership is the key. They fell at the end of the season. They need somebody on the team now or from another team to keep everyone motivated and going. (Bulluck and Grant will step in as leaders.) Last year, they did not have a leader or leaders to step up and say, hey, let's go and pick it up. After Antonio Pierce got hurt, they suffered from lack of leadership.
Q. What do you think about the Giants' top draft choice, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul?
MS. I know he can do some back flips. I'm interested in seeing him on the field. We'll see if he can play pretty soon.
So Strahan has suspended judgment about JPP. Hmmmm. His remarks sound skeptical. Besides being a pass rusher, can JPP play sound run defense?
3) Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant is out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. As a result, Cowboys owner/GM/know it all is fuming. He told ESPN's Chris Mortensen he didn't like that Bryant was out so late in practice after a long first week of training camp.
"I'm not being critical … what I'm being is analytical, or trying to be analytical.
"This is when you all sit down and look at everything you're doing and see if there's some things you can do to help protect your team better, especially during this time five to six weeks away from the opening game."
"This is when you all sit down and look at everything you're doing and see if there's some things you can do to help protect your team better, especially during this time five to six weeks away from the opening game."
Yes, Jerry, you are being critical. Please keep this up! For Giants fans, this is good news. If Jones continues to carp about his coaches especially head coach Wade Phillips, the press will focus on the Cowboys. Therefore, the Giants can slip under the radar.
4) Fat Albert can not get into playing shape. Embattled Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth cannot pass a conditioning test.
Apparently, Albert has pulled a JaMarcus Russell. Take the money and run. A disgusted Mike Shanahan said this about Fat Albert, "Here's a setback already."
Wow. Shanahan is irate with Haynesworth's behavior. This looks like it is not going to end well for Albert in Washingon.


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Communist Party vows to step up anti-corruption and internal disciplinary efforts
Document released by Commission for Discipline Inspection says Party will increase anti-graft efforts
Related topics
Senior officials should know that failing to curb corruption is a "serious breach of duty," according to the communiqué of the third plenary session of the Communist Party Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) released on Wednesday.
According to the party document, the Party will streamline its disciplinary system and step up efforts to scrutinise senior-level officials, hunt corrupt officials who flee abroad, and name and shame officials who violate disciplinary guidelines.
Following President Xi Jinping's call for "strong medicine" to combat the "grim" graft situation, the Party pledged to grant more power to discipline inspection agencies and improve the efficiency of anti-graft inspectors sent to provincial governments and state-owned enterprises.
"Xi is serious about anti-corruption - corruption erodes the capacity of the party as an instrument of control and governance, and he is serious in wanting to strengthen the party's control," said Steve Tsang, professor of Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Nottingham.
Xie Chuntao, a professor at the Party School, told Xinhua that the streamlining of disciplinary agencies would ensure greater accuracy in graft investigations.
"Sometimes a local discipline inspection agency will come across leads that involve officials of the Communist Party committee at the same level. A more powerful superior agency will make sure it reports the leads, smoothes investigation and prevents cover-ups," he said.
During Xi's first year as head of the Party, the CCDI investigated and punished 182,000 officials, 13.3 per cent more than the previous year. Despite the increase, Xi stressed "we should not allow the system to become a paper tiger or scarecrow".
"He [Xi] has been very successful at containing ostentatious displays of ill gotten gains," Tsang said. "We can see certain parts of the Chinese economy hurting because of that – lavish restaurants, mao-tai, etc.
"But corruption has not been eradicated – the temptation is still there, the attitude hasn't changed. The attitude now is 'how can I get away with it?'."
According to Xinhua, Wang Yukai of the National School of Administration said that after several senior officials and executives had been investigated, the trend of corruption spreading further had been reined in, but that the situation was still serious.
Anti-graft work should focus on strength within the system or administration, and strictly supervise and punish without leniency if culprits are identified, he said. At the same time, he added, the efforts should rely more on public pressure, focus on anti-graft efforts online and strengthen supervision by public opinion.
Ma Huaide, vice-president of the China University of Political Science and Law, predicted to Xinhua that this year the Communist Party's anti-graft campaign would continue and as the net tightens, it would be less likely for anti-corruption "safe havens" to appear again.
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Meccano Meccanoid G15KS Personal RobotM6027655 778988112878
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Explore new frontiers in interactive fun with the Meccano Meccanoid G15KS Personal Robot. This toy robot is equipped with a range of features like voice recognition and motion control, and contains over 1220 construction parts that allow you to get innovative with your designs.
Key Features
- Meccanoid G15KS Personal Robot by Meccano is a 122cm unit with 1223 polycarbonate construction parts, 2 robot tools, and building instructions.
- The G15KS is driven by 8 servo motors to showcase realistic movements.
- Embedded on the Meccanoid Personal Robot is the Meccabrain™; a 64MB flash memory that allows the G15KS to learn movements and play back sounds.
- The Motion Capture Feature, which gives the Meccanoid bot the ability to copy actual movements, can be accessed via the Smartphone application (free to download, and compatible with iOS and Android).
- Swipe the on-screen Ragdoll avatar to make Meccanoid twist, turn or dance around.
- Features a voice recognition system that is pre-programmed with over 1000 phrases.
- Suitable for ages 10 and up.
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If you feel your product has failed a Consumer Guarantee (as defined by Australian Consumer Law) then don't worry you can easily return it to your local Harvey Norman store. We'll even pay for the postage if you live in an area where there is no store. Our returns policy covers any purchased item (conditions apply).
meccano meccanoid g15ks personal robot is rated out of 5 by 1.
Rated 4 out of 5 by Craigo from Meccanoid Great robot for the money , highly recommend, very quick in processing your order for pickup at you local store
Date published: 2016-05-04
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