text:
|America's independent, non-partisan advocate for overburdened taxpayers.
|Home | Donate | RSS | Log in
Blog Contributors
Does "Progress" Always Have to Mean Attacking Job Creation?
In the paradoxical category, a new but also not-so-new article from Center for American Progress calls - again - for discriminatory tax policies toward oil and gas companies.
That CAP is attacking the energy sector is no surprise - they release a piece of this nature each time quarterly corporate earnings are published. But it's important to acknowledge the contributions in jobs, retirees' investment returns, and yes, government revenues, that the energy sector is already making now. Implications that the industry doesn't carry its fair share of the tax burden undermine the formulation of effective energy and tax policy. Our recent infographic effectively shows the real story of the industry's economic contribution and tax burden.
Is it just a coincidence that this comes on the heels of the President's call for tax hikes on energy during his State of the Union?
Read more about the need to reform the corporate tax code for all, and end the government's trend of picking winners and losers, in my recent U.S. News & World Report piece.0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
NTU Study on Water, Sewer Bidding Leaves Critics All Wet
After nearly 45 years on the job protecting taxpayers, NTU has encountered several eternal truths in politics, one of which is: if you rile up entrenched interests enough to lash out against you, you're likely succeeding. So it is with an article in a recent edition of the journal published by the prestigious American Water Works Association (a group representing professionals of many disciplines in the water and wastewater sector).
It all began with a four-paragraph mention in AWWA's September 2013 journal (subscription-based) outlining the main findings of NTU's report, Reforming Our Nation's Approach to the Infrastructure Crisis. There we recommended a more transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible system of management for the nation's water and sewer systems, which included more life-cycle cost analysis and competitive bidding in selection of piping materials.
Apparently that article yanked one chain too many, so to speak. The November 2013 journal contained a "Perspective" from AWWA's Kenneth Mercer that claimed a "review" of NTU's report "confirmed" the "concerned responses from some Journal readers who claimed it presented an incomplete picture in advocating for one pipe material over another." The article actually makes many points with which NTU would agree; yet, its implication of bias was something we had to answer.
But before we could do that, we needed another answer – whether AWWA's journal would print our response – and it was a polite "no." Fortunately, Government Bytes is willing to provide a forum instead. Here in its entirety is the text of our response which AWWA did not print:
"December 17, 2013
To the Editor:
The reaction from an unidentified number of AWWA Journal readers (as well as the Journal itself) to National Taxpayers Union's (NTU's) report, "Reforming Our Nation's Approach to the Infrastructure Crisis," only illustrates NTU's point: industry interests should avoid entrenching themselves in positions that are too deeply rooted to fear and orthodoxy ("Choosing the Right Pipe," November 2013). The information we presented demonstrates that there are better strategies to attacking the $1 trillion liability that AWWA itself has identified in its "Buried No Longer" report.
The original article that prompted Mr. Mercer's response (from the September 2013 Journal) actually cited not only a study from NTU, which has 362,000 members nationwide, but also a report from the U.S. Mayors Water Council, which represents all mayors of cities over a population of 30,000. These are diverse voices, but they are speaking from one common source: they're using AWWA's pipe data and cost data.
So why should AWWA, which highlighted this trillion-dollar liability in the first place, be surprised that a nationally-known organization would offer more cost-effective solutions than the federally-funded infrastructure bank that AWWA seems to prefer? How does this possibly answer the two major problems behind the future cost spiral, that pipes are failing from corrosion rather than age, and pipe thicknesses for DI are declining?
We sought some constructive answers. That's why both NTU and the Mayors Water Council reports use the comparison of the two leading water pipes as examples, and then applied open procurement, asset management practices and financial analysis to recommend reforms.
For the record, NTU is not involved in this issue to take sides within an industry. AWWA may represent a collective of water utilities, but in the case of public water systems, the "owners" (rate payers and taxpayers) are on the hook for all utility financial management decisions, including pipes. That's why we're engaging on this and other infrastructure issues at every level, every day.
In fact, AWWA's "review" of our report, which essentially accuses NTU of being biased in favor of one pipe material, seems to have skipped over an important detail – the language of the report itself. Namely, the following, balanced assessment from the author:
The issue at hand is not really the selection of one pipe over another, but the ability for a utility to take advantage of all materials, processes, technologies and products that create the most cost-effective solution while meeting sustainable performance goals. In fact, every pipe has its best use, but no single pipe is best in every situation. Open competition …will really reach the objectives of elected officials, rate payers and developers concerned with the rising costs of water infrastructure capital programs.
If we as a nation are to address the very real challenges facing water and sewer system replacements, organizations like AWWA need to lead the way by providing an open forum to discuss issues such as optimal consultative procedures for pipe selection; or, how the concepts of longevity and reliability are affected by corrosion and water main breaks; or, why AWWA standards and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) are in disagreement over wrapping iron pipe in plastic.
In the absence of this vital dialogue, organizations like my own have to step in and develop a set of criteria, such as the 25-part "Yardstick" that utility rate payers can use to interact with elected officials. Journal readers deserve to know about all of them, but here are just five of those points:
8. Does the utility consider sustainability policies and life-cycle costs in the procurement process?
12. Has every fee and charge been reviewed as to its accuracy in the last 3 years?
16. Does the utility use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to schedule all work orders?
21. Does the utility track and forecast the affordability impacts of current and future rate increases for each major demographic group within the utility's boundaries?
24. Has the utility posted information pertaining to capital improvement plans, master plans, mitigation studies, cost-of-service studies, allocation studies, asset management issues, fee structures, and other key documents of interest to rate payers in an easy-to-understand format on the Internet?
Who can argue with principles like these? Hopefully, no one who reads AWWA Journal. After all, even underground, there ought to be a way to reach common ground."
Perhaps this blog post will be a start in the direction of that "common ground."0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
What Will it Take for Taxpayers to get a Modicum of Fiscal Responsibility on the Hill?
Seemingly right after the "sequester" spending caps were scrapped in the end-of-year budget agreement, we have the House passing a "clean" debt ceiling increase – rather than one with spending reductions to offset the additional debt.
Let's be clear about how significant this is… In 2011 the first big fight over the debt ceiling led to the Budget Control act, and the aforementioned spending caps. This was not ideal in light of the rapid increase in federal spending we saw in 2009-10 (and the general rise during the preceding decade). However, it was the only tangible example of spending restraint America had seen in over a decade!
Now, this current Congress has effectively gotten rid of those spending cuts, and now raised the debt ceiling without any real attempt at attaching budget reductions, in a span of under three months.
Yes, it's hard dealing with a party who has majority control and remains obstinate toward any fiscal discipline (outside of some defense savings). Which means it's probably a good idea to value whatever spending cuts you get out of them, rather than throw them away.
NTU's Vice President Brandon Arnold explained in The Hill last week how to proceed with a debt ceiling deal that included savings, citing U.S. PIRG and NTU's latest joint report with $500 billion in bipartisan cut options.
Working for fiscal responsibility is no doubt difficult, but it's best for the country.
The easy option of throwing America's current and future taxpayers to the debt dogs is a temporary Washington solution, or more accurately, a passing of the problem on to someone else.
Unless Senator Obama from 2006 shows up, it looks like tonight's vote means the debt ceiling is going up with little resistance once again – and right after that same Congress undermined the last victory for taxpayers on this issue.
"The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can't pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies."0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
State Action Heats Up & Obamacare Liberates 1.3 Million from Work - Speaking of Taxpayers, Feb. 7, 2014
Subscribe to NTU's podcast Speaking of Taxpayers via iTunes.
1.3 to 1.5 million Americans will lose work hours, jobs, or never get them, according to a new CBO report on Obamacare. NTU State Affairs Manager Lee Schalk has a big update on the states, with BBA news, unemployment insurance, and more. Plus, NTUF's Demian Brady talks budget, and the Outrage of the Week!0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
Latest Taxpayer's Tab: CBO's Economic Outlook
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its annual Budget and Economic Outlook report this week, and their projections for the next ten years won't inspire much confidence for those concerned with the country's debt and deficits. In the latest edition of The Taxpayer's Tab, NTUF delves into the CBO's report and offers an analysis of the long-term trends they predict, which include steadily increasing deficits after next year and a publicly-held debt topping 79 percent of GDP by the end of the next decade.
Also featured this week:
The full issue, with more information on these bills and the CBO report, is available online.0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
Three Graphs That Put The Recovery In Perspective
Today, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released multiple reports on the state of the U.S. economy. One of them, "The Slow Recovery of the Labor Market," examines current job market conditions and projects where employment figures are heading relative to historical trends. The full report is available online, but here are three quick take-aways summed up in graphical form (visuals courtesy of CBO):
(VIDEO) What's Government Up To This Week?
The first in a new weekly video series from your friends at National Taxpayers Union! We'll keep you updated on what's really going in in Washington, and the issues that will affect your pocketbook.
Whoever Said "Talk is Cheap"? A State of the Union Analysis - Speaking of Taxpayers, Jan. 31 (AUDIO)
$40 BILLION is the cost of President Obama's State of the Union, and that's just what can be quantified - NTUF's Demian Brady explains. Plus, Pete talks Obama's hypocrisy on energy; and the Outrage of the Week goes to the Super Bowl (sort of)!0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
The Lone Savings Proposal in President Obama's Speech
President Obama used last night's State of the Union address to lay out his agenda for the coming "year of action," as he described it. NTUF analyzed the remarks and estimated that, if the 13 proposals we were able to score are passed, federal spending would increase by just under $40 billion per year.
At one point in the speech, the President asked Congress to help him bring stability to housing markets without burdening taxpayers:
"And since the most important investment many families make is their home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill for a housing crisis ever again, and keeps the dream of homeownership alive for future generations of Americans."
There's been legislation introduced in Congress that aims for a similar goal, and NTUF featured it in a recent issue of The Taxpayer's Tab. We based our score of the President's housing proposal on the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) cost estimate for S. 1376, the FHA Solvency Act. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced that bill in order to address financial difficulties facing the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF). The MMIF required a $1.7 billion bailout from taxpayers in 2013 after it couldn't meet financial obligations it took on during the housing market crisis.
Part of the bill stipulates that the troubled FHA program has to maintain a higher capital reserve ratio (three percent) than it has in the past (two percent), in order to ensure it has sufficient funding to cover expected losses. One of the ways in which it does that is by raising premiums on the mortgage insurance it offers.
This doesn't directly decrease federal outlays, but CBO records these receipts as offsets against spending. The higher rates would take effect in 2018, when CBO expects the government to collect $522 million. Meanwhile, the bill's other requirements would increase spending by about $2 million per year.
This proposal was the only one the President made in his speech that NTUF was able to quantify as a net savings measure. Note that isn't because it reduces outlays, but rather, increases receipts enough to offset the program's potential long-term costs.
This could help minimize the risk that taxpayers would be stuck "footing the bill" for the next housing crisis, but would it guarantee that this won't happen again? The FHA guarantees approximately 1 in 5 mortgages for new homes. Fannie Mae, a "government-sponsored enterprise", remains the largest single issuer of single-family mortgage-related securities. Its market share covers nearly half of all new single-family mortgages. As long as federally-backed entities continue to play such a significant role in the market for new mortgages, taxpayers will be at risk.0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts
Keystone Pipeline Clears Key Environmental Review
Yesterday, I wrote that one of the top four ways the President can make good on his promise to uphold an "all of the above" energy policy would be to move forward with the Keystone XL pipeline:
The Keystone XL pipeline would bring with it 20,000 much-needed jobs over time, and support thousands of other jobs in many sectors. That's not to mention an additional 500,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada, our largest and most stable trading partner. This would inject our economy with billions of dollars in additional activity. … President Obama's State Department can stop their delay tactics and approve the pipeline's permit at any point.
Today, the pipeline cleared a major hurdle. The Associated Press reports:
The long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada moved a significant step toward completion Friday as the State Department raised no major environmental objections to its construction.
Of course, this isn't the first time the pipeline has passed environmental muster. During President Obama's first term, the State Department conducted a study and found that the pipeline would not have any substantial environmental impact. However, the pipeline's permit was still rejected by the President, and TransCanada, the company behind the project, was forced to reapply.
TransCanada did so, but the President postponed a decision until after the 2012 election. Meanwhile, other reports have found that the tar sands derived oil that will be transported by the pipeline is no more risky to transport than other kinds of crude oil and TransCanda has agreed to comply with ever more stringent construction conditions. The whole saga is described in greater detail here.
Due to the Administration's past delay tactics, it's too soon for taxpayers to start popping the champagne. But one thing is clear today: the President has run out of excuses to stop Keystone XL.0 Comments | Post a Comment | Sign up for NTU Action Alerts


text:
Enter your email address so that we can email you the password
Available from Amazon and iTunes
Director: Miranda July. Starring: Miranda July, Hamish Linklater, David Warshofsky, Isabella Acres, Joe Putterlik. Germany/USA 2011. 91 mins.
ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW writer-director July returns in typically charming fashion with a contemplative indie gem about confronting the stark realities of adulthood. After weighing up all the pros and cons, thirtysomething couple Sophie (July) and Jason (Linklater) decide to take the next big step in their relationship: they are going to adopt a cat called Paw-Paw. With the big day marked on the calendar, our couple soon begin to fret over the consequences of their commitment. This mog's going to tie them down; they will be trapped in a round-the-clock routine for years to come. So, in a last-ditch bid to taste freedom, Sophie and Jason quit their jobs, cut off the internet and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Contains infrequent strong language and moderate sex.
Director: Jean-Pierre Améris. Starring: Benoît Poelvoorde, Isabelle Carré, Lorella Cravotta, Lise Lamétrie. France/Belgium 2011. 78 mins. French with English subtitles.
With his beloved chocolate business turning sour, socially awkward boss Jean-René (Poelvoorde, COCO BEFORE CHANEL) decides to enlist an extra pair of hands. Enter Angélique (Carré, THE REFUGE), a chronically shy young woman who shares Jean- René's passion for all things sugar and sweet. She is the answer to his prayers, in ways he didn't realise. Because while he is looking for a sales rep to keep his sinking ship afloat, she is in fact a gifted, albeit covert, chocolatière extraordinaire whose treats are legendary around town. And as the pair become more and more acquainted it is not long before chocolate is not the only sensual element in the air. Now their respective lack of self-confidence is the only thing left standing in the way of the happiness they so crave.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This item is currently out of stock.
Our I Believe In Sweat Short is hot-weather ready. Quick-drying woven fabric with breathable mesh and laser cut venting will keep you cool and dry. Plus, these super lightweight running shorts have a silicone printed inner waistband to keep them in place and there's a handy hidden pocket for keys and cards. Perfect running shorts for any-length run and your favorite workout.
- 2.5" inseam


text:
By Yosef Deutsch (Author)
List Price: $25.99
Online Discount: 10%
You Pay Only: $23.39Catalog #: LLIH ISBN-10: 1578197821 ISBN-13: 9781578197828Binding: Hardcover / Pages: 368Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches / Weight: 1.60 LBSPublished: by ArtScroll Mesorah PublicationsIn Stock?: YES
Read A Sample Chapter The Throne Room
The story of Purim is thrilling and exciting. As the textbook lesson in G-d's constant, though unobtrusive vigilance and protection of His people, the miracle of Purim is the Jew's wellspring of faith in times of exile and danger. Let us not forget that it was the first exile after more than eight centuries in Eretz Yisrael, and bewildered Jews wondered if Hashem had cast them off for good! Then came the climax -- the proof that miracles take place beneath the surface and that the bonds connecting G-d and His people can never be cut. Megillas Esther tells only part of the story. The rest is in the Talmud, Midrash, and the classic commentators. If we could only pull all the disparate sources together into one flowing, coherent whole, we would have not only an absorbing and inspiring lesson in faith, we would enter the spine-tingling world of Mordechai and Esther � the intrigues of the royal court, the Machiavellian swamp of Haman's conspiracy, the thousands of talents of silver tumbling from Haman's hands to purchase the rights to history's first genocide, the bravery of Jewish children unafraid of death. We would exult with Mordechai on the royal steed, led through the streets of Shushan by his arch-enemy. Our hearts would pound as the uninvited Esther risks her life to plead with Ahasuerus �- and succeeds! Yosef Deutsch puts us on the scene. He has accomplished the very impressive feat of canvassing all the sources and retelling the Purim story like a spellbinding novel � except that every word is true! In his narrative, the events come alive for us as never before. Every reader on every level will enjoy this book as a fascinating story and as a great learning experience. For the scholar, the author provides copious sources. For the rest of us, he gives the story of the Megillah with a sweep and level of interest that we have never experienced before. Read this book. You'll enjoy. You'll learn. You'll love it!
Browse Related Books:Books > Holidays > Purim > General Purim TitlesBooks > Holidays > Holiday General ReadingBooks > Stories > Stories - AllBooks > History Books
Other Selected Titles by Yosef Deutsch:
Let My Nation Serve Me
Table of Contents


text:
Skip to content
and found 2 items
1255cc, 96bhp, 145mph, Insurance group
While the rest of the motorcycle industry struggles with inflated pricing, Suzuki is offering the 1250cc, full-faired all-rounder GSX1250F for less than £7k. That's partly because mechanically it's almost entirely a Bandit 1250SA – but the fairing and accessories list make it more useful and sportier looking.
781cc, 107bhp, 155mph, Insurance group 14
In the late 90s the old VFR800 was a great bike but needed updating. Its replacement, the Honda VFR800 V-Tec, is a beautiful thing and rides, goes and handles superbly too, but the Honda VFR800 V-Tec's variable valve timing caused some controversy - it's clever, but is it really necessary?
Save money by comparing quotes. It's quick and easy
Compare and buy 100s of bargain priced products for you and your bike
Motorcycle Cover | Cheap Motorcycle Insurance | Moped Insurance | Scooter Insurance | 125 Insurance | Work Experience


text:
Archive for the 'shoveling injury' tag
Bellevue Seasonal Low Back Injuries
Every season brings unique activities that require us to perform some physical activity we may not want to do but have no choice. As I look outside right now it is snowing here on the eastside and that usually means a bit of shoveling that will need to be done. This seasonal activity is a, "I have to.." activity of daily living (ADLs), rather than ADLs we want to do. Therefore, let's talk about shoveling snow since that time of year is upon some of us, though hopefully on its way out! Of course, if snow is not an issue based on where you live, this information can also be applied to gardening, digging a hole or some other yard related shoveling activity.
First, a few facts that help us appreciate why back pain is so common when we shovel:
1. When we bend over, approximately 2/3rds of our body weight is being lifted in addition to what we're lifting. Hence, a 180# person has to lift 120# of body weight every time he or she bends over.
2. A 5# weight equals 50# to our back when it is held out in front of us – consider the 10-20# weight on the end of a shovel!
3) Our legs are much stronger than our back and arms. If a person can bench press 300#, they can usually leg press 500# – almost 2x more weight. Yet, most of us use our arms, not our legs, when shoveling.
4) Most of us bend over using poor technique, lift the shovel with the arms and back (not the legs), and rapidly extend and twist the back when we throw the substance from the shovel – 3 bad things!
5. To make it all worse we do the same things over and over and over again, with bodies that are not in proper shape to be doing the activity in the first place. So, what do you do about it?
One way to prevent injuries, especially to the low back is to avoid the activities that injure it in the first place. For those of us who can't hire the neighborhood kid to shovel the driveway here are some basic tips. The first fact is, we can't change the fact that 2/3rds of our body weight is above our waist. What we can change right now is just how much you load up that shovel with snow or dirt. Secondly, always bend down using your strong leg muscles, not your back. This reduces the strain that is put on the back while lifting. Take multiple breaks and switch sides so you don't "beat up" the same muscle groups repeatedly.
If you do hurt your back – using an analogy of a cut on your skin -avoid picking at the cut so it can heal. If your back starts to hurt after shoveling, take a break, rest, ice, and then do some gentle stretches- DO NOT go back out and start shoveling again! Some wise considerations for shoveling include warming up before starting, staying "in shape" by regular exercise throughout the year, maintaining a good nutritional diet and getting enough sleep.
Does your pain need a bellevue chiropractor for your pain? Call us today at425-635-0495 to schedule an appointment today.


text:
You can also read manga online try the Say Say Say (HWANG Mi Ri) manga!
You're reading Say Say Say (HWANG Mi Ri) 36 online. You can try some of the related manga below or try some other manga from our manga list.
Users who read Say Say Say (HWANG Mi Ri) also read Full Moon Joker, Hana ni Arashi, Kindan Wedding, Fly High!, I Want to Know Everything! and Lovey Dovey.


text:
Series 2 Episode 1
In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen: Part 1
President Josiah Bartlet is rushed to the hospital after being shot.
After a critically acclaimed freshman season, the Emmy Award-winning series The West Wing returns for a behind-the-scenes look at another year in the life of the eclectic group of frenzied staffers in the Oval Office.
Suitable only for 15 years and over
President Josiah Bartlet is rushed to the hospital after being shot.
Josh remembers how the team became members of the Bartlet Administration.
The staff makes an all-out effort to pick up Democratic seats in Congress.
Bartlet mediates between the leader of an African nation and a drug company.
C.J. finds a way to stop a retiring general from attacking the President.
A Ukrainian diplomat refuses to leave the White House without meeting Bartlet.
During a trip, Leo stays behind in DC to monitor a tense situation in the Gulf.
Bartlet decides the fate of a container ship full of illegal Chinese immigrants.
Bartlet chides the Russian ambassador for not seeking help.
Leo hires a traumatologist to force Josh to confront his stress.
Bartlet's staff prepares for a meeting with Democratic and Republican leaders.
Leo fails to convince Bartlet of the merits of an expensive defense system.
Bartlet's third State of the Union speech is a major success.
Bartlet gives the order to rescue hostages in Colombia risking a war.
Bartlet asks Surgeon General Dr. Courtney Griffith to resign, but she refuses.
Sam finds out that his father was unfaithful to Sam's mother for 28 years.
A stubborn Senator delays a vote - and the Senate's vacation -for over 9 hours.
Bartlet has multiple sclerosis, a secret that only 16 other people know.
Bartlet reluctantly consults the new White House Counsel.
Toby informs C.J. about Bartlet's disease, she endures Babish's questioning.
The staff debate how to inform the public of Bartlet's multiple sclerosis.
Bartlet must decide whether to run for reelection, most Democrats hope he won't


text:
Drop your device off at one of our convenient cell phone repair locations.
We offer a 6 month warranty period. If the original repair fails because of the quality of a part we installed or due to the workmanship in repairing the device, we will fix it for FREE. No questions asked. You can't beat a guarantee like that!
You only want the best technicians working on your electronic devices. Our highly skilled staff of technicians are true experts and will get your device working like new.
We really know our stuff and this experience shows in the quality and speed of our work. Many repairs can be done same day if you bring them in to one of our locations. We know how inconvenient a broken device can be, so we work quickly to fix the issues and get you plugged back in.
We offer multiple locations and options so that you can get us your device when it is convenient for you. You can choose to drop it off or mail it in. Some repairs can even been while you wait or same day if you bring it in to a store


text:
Luxurious living, scenic mountain setting, entertainment galore. Located on a quiet street in Tahoe Donner, our well equipped modern home is nestled into the wilderness. A babbling creek greets visitors approaching the front step as it collects into a small pond with a cascading waterfall.
Inside, over 3,000 sqft of luxurious living space divides itself between two floors. On the first floor, a beautiful kitchen with granite counters, gas stove and stainless steel appliances opens to a large great room centered around a wood burning fireplace and featuring 30' soaring ceilings. A spacious loft overlooks the great room, showcasing a large poker/card table. Upstairs features a large entertainment room, complete with wet bar, shuffleboard table, and state-of-the-art television setup with surround sound. The scenic backyard is accessible from a large deck featuring a new hot tub with seating for 7.
Property Details
Property Type: House
Floor: 0
Size: 278m² / 3000ft²
Number of Bathrooms: 3.5
Number of Rooms: 4
Bed Types: 4x 2x 1x
Security Deposit: US$1,500 cash What's this?
Processing/Misc Charges: No
Tax: 10.00%
Min Stay: 3 nights
Max Guests: 11
Smoking Allowed: No
Children Friendly: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Check In / Out: 16:00 / 12:00
Cleaning: US$300 (Required)
- Bed Linen & Towels
- Kitchen
- Wireless Internet
- Internet
- Cable TV
- Parking Included
- Air Conditioning
- Washing Machine
- Free Cleaning
- Wheelchair Access
- Pool
- Gym
- Breakfast
- Elevator
- Doorman
- Balcony
- Outdoor Space
Why Roomorama?
A Big Family
We have more than 120,000 professionally managed properties worldwide.
Secure Online Bookings
Manage your bookings safely.
Sign up today for your free account.
Guest Reviews
100% real reviews from real guests.
24/7 Customer Service
We are there for you any time, anywhere.
Enjoy exclusive discounts on activities and services.


text:
Subscribe to Updates
We've added new resources to the App Store Resource Center that make it even easier to promote your apps worldwide. The updated App Store Marketing and Advertising Guidelines for Developers provides helpful information on using the App Store badge—including new localized versions in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese—as well as featuring Apple products in marketing materials, creating custom photography and video, promoting apps with accessories, and more. Visit the App Store Resource Center.
Submissions reviewed in the last 5 business days.
Updated: Apr 18, 2014
Shop the Apple Online Store (1-800-MY-APPLE), visit an Apple Retail Store, or find a reseller.
Copyright © 2014 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.


text:
Found January 02, 2013 on NESN.com:
PLAYERS: Tim Tebow, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III
TEAMS: New York Jets, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers
TEAMS: New York Jets, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers
Two things are readily apparent after Tim Tebow's three years in the NFL. First, he is not ever going to be a good traditional quarterback. Second, he does not want to — or cannot — be used primarily as an option player, such as in wildcat sets. But what is still undetermined is whether Tebow can be a good, run-oriented quarterback if given the right offense. Former Florida coach Urban Meyer, who led Tebow to Heisman and national championship glory in college, says he thinks Tebow still has plenty of room to succeed in the NFL — and it doesn't require a one-of-a-kind situation. Meyer says several other NFL teams are already using systems that could make the most of Tebow's unique skills, and that Tebow's success depends on the next team he plays for taking advantage of such an approach. "We watched [Robert Griffin III] at the Washington Redskins, [Russell] Wilson at the Seahawks, the new quarterback [Colin Kaepernick] at the 49ers, and Carolina [with Cam Newton], and they are actual...
Original Story: http://nesn.com/2013/01/tim-tebow-can...
Comments are closed.
What do you think?To leave a comment, you can:
Sporting goods store mocks Tebow?
Tebow relegated to bench in NYC sporting goods store display
5 things Dicks Sporting Goods can do with Tim Tebow
Video: Tim Tebow and Tom Rinaldi share a moment
Sporting goods store jabs Tebow, Jets?
Dick's Sporting Goods puts Tim Tebow manikin on the bench
Punter outpassed Tebow in 2012
If one factoid perfectly sums up the Tim Tebow Era in NYC, it is most certainly this one.
Dick's Sporting Goods in New York City takes a shot at Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow's Potential 2013 NFL Destination
Is Lovie Smith A Good Hire For The Jacksonville Jaguars After Being Fired By The Chicago Bears?
Speaking like loon, Urban Meyer claims Tim Tebow can excel in a spread offense like Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton have
Tim Tebow's Future, Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. Fight Among Sports Stories to Watch for in 2013 (Photos)
Photo: Rex Ryan has tattoo with likeness of wife, Mark Sanchez, and Tim Tebow
Mark Sanchez Admits He 'Underachieved' in 2012, But Still Feels Jets Are 'Destined for Great Stuff'
Follow us on Twitter
NFL Forum Discussions
4 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
4 replies, 2 days ago
4 replies, 2 days ago
4 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
2 replies, 2 days ago
|Latest Rumors
|The Backyard
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers
Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
What is Yardbarker?
Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.


text:
Image: Stockbyte/Getty ImagesLately, I've been finding myself cringing as certain phrases come out of my mouth when speaking to my children. It's not one of those situations where I'm saying things my parents said that I swore I never would. It's that I'm saying things that either I know aren't really accurate or that may be something I want in that exact moment, but not things that I want to instill in my children for the long term. Here are three phrases I'm trying to eliminate from my repertoire when speaking to my kids so that I don't scar them for life.
Read More: STOP YELLING AT ME! And Other Things Our Kids Pick Up from Us
1. "Stop asking so many questions." My son is VERY inquisitive. I don't mind answering questions about the way things work or why we need to go somewhere, but he wants to know every detail about everyone's life whether it is about friends or why my phone just dinged to alert me that I had an email and who was it. "Why can't they play today? What are they having for dinner? Who called? What did they want? Why did they want to know it?" and so on and so on.
Read More: Teaching Your Toddler to Communicate with Sign Language
I'm trying to get him to learn that sometimes we don't need to know the reasons behind people's decisions, and that every time I communicate with someone he doesn't need to know the details. But I don't really want him to "stop asking so many questions." Asking questions is an important part of learning and I fear that by saying this so often he will someday be afraid to ask a question when it's important that he does and that I am squashing his confidence by asking him to be quiet. I must stop saying this.
Read More: Goodbye, iPod: How Singing to Your Kids Improves Development
2. "In a minute." This is my way of saying I'll get to it when I get to it. "Mom, will you get me a drink?" "Mom, can I paint?" "Mom, will you help me with the Wii controllers?" With the hundreds of questions (see #1 above) I get asked in a day, I'm constantly trying to bide myself some time to actually finish writing a sentence, and so my go-to phrase is "in a minute," but both myself and my children know that I don't mean it, and now they're starting to use it when they don't want to do something I ask them to do. Actually telling them that I will do something when I finish what I'm currently working on or giving them a more accurate time frame would make them less frustrated with me, and me less frustrated with them when they come back a minute later and ask me the question again or tell me "it's been a minute."
3. "Just a little bit." I really do believe in saying "no" to my children, but sometimes rather than get into it with them I'll tell them they can have "just a little bit." Them: "Can I have dessert?" Me: "Just a little bit." The answer just needs to be "yes" or "no." Not offering a firm decision reduces my clout as being the one in charge in the house. They can't have dessert or a lot of other things every day, and so allowing them to have some rather than none is not in line with how I really want to parent them. It needs to be all or nothing.
What phrases do you catch yourself saying that you want to remove from your language?
Sarah O'Neill Fernandez blogs at Chateau & Bungalow
Top Articles on Communicating with Your Kids:
STOP YELLING AT ME! And Other Things Our Kids Pick Up from Us
Teaching Your Toddler to Communicate with Sign Language
Goodbye, iPod: How Singing to Your Kids Improves Development


text:
19th FIFA World Cup - South Africa 2010
11 June to 11 July 2010
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)
The two losing semifinalists still had one match left to play before returning home from South Africa for an abbreviated summer rest before the all-too-soon start of the club season throughout Europe and other various points around the globe. Both teams came into the bronze medal matchup with a key component of their respective attacks returned from suspension. For Germany, four-goal wunderkind Thomas Muller was back to provide his electric pace to the offense of Die Mannschaft. On Uruguay's side, Luis Suarez -- the bane of Ghana after his handball on the goal line prevented a sure winner for the Black Stars and much maligned for his comments following the shootout survival of the Charruas -- was back after just one game away despite the threats by FIFA to ban him longer due to the unrepentant, wholly intentional nature of his red-card foul. It would be a wide-open match, neither side holding anything back as both coaches, Germany's Joachim Low and Uruguay's Oscar Tabarez, knew all that was left was this one modicum of pride after missing out on the big final.
It was also a rematch of the consolation final from forty years ago, the last time Uruguay had reached this point of a tournament, when none other than (West) Germany defeated them 1-0 in Mexico City. Then, the only thing that separated the two teams was midfielder Wolfgang Overath's 26th minute score. Uruguay, ultimately, was playing for its first World Cup medals in six decades -- not since 1950, when they defeated Brazil in the Maracana before 200,000 silent hostile partisans, had the nation of just three million and change placed amongst the top three. For Germany, this was familiar territory. Four years ago, as hosts, the German side had lost to eventual champions Italy in extra time before taking their lost-championship frustrations out on Portugal 3-1 in the consolation. Both sides had ample motivation as the match got underway in Port Elizabeth.
The Germans had the better run of things early in the contest. A corner kick in the 10th minute found the head of left back Arne Friedrich. Having scored in the 4-0 blowout of Argentina, it nearly looked like the defender had a second in the tournament... but then it clanged off the crossbar, ricocheting right back to his teammate Thomas Muller on the opposite side. Muller would one-time the shot back toward the net, but it was blocked away and cleared out by Uruguay.
The next gilded opportunity would come eight minutes later in the match, Uruguay now starting to press forward. Of course, throughout the tournament we had seen Germany exploit teams on the counterattack when the opposition dared to swarm up into the attacking third in numbers. On the action that would result in the opening goal, though, Uruguay had plenty of defenders back, seven behind the ball against the six Germany had advanced. Marcell Jansen, with the ball on the left, centered the ball to Bastian Schweinsteiger. The midfielder, taking a few steps to settle, blasted a hard shot on goal that popped through the crowd. Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera, seeing the shot, was unable to control it. The Jabulani bounced off his legs and directly, magnetically, right back to Muller's feet. This time the youngster didn't falter, drilling the rebound into the net for the 1-0 lead.
Less than ten minutes later, Uruguay would level the scoreline. A great slide tackle by Diego Perez at midfield dispossessed Schweinsteiger before he could really get the German attack started. The nest thing the Europeans knew, Perez had flicked on to Luis Suarez, who feinted the two German center-backs before finding Edinson Cavani coming up the left side. With the defender's back to Cavani, the forward streaked into space to take the pass onside. He stormed into the box, unleashing a shot that Germany's keeper, Hans-Jorg Butt (getting his first-ever opportunity to start for Germany in goal in place of Manuel Neuer after an illustrious season at Bayern Munich), was never going to be able to do anything about. The score would stand knotted at 1-1 as the whistle blew for halftime.
Coming back out after the break, Uruguay seemed more motivated to take charge of the match than they had at the beginning of the first half. Cavani got another great chance through on goal three minutes after the restart, Butt getting to the near post to block the effort. The ball was punched right back to Cavani, who slotted it on to the feet of a streaking Suarez. But Butt launched himself from the ground to deny the young Ajax striker as well, preserving the draw. It would last just three more minutes, though, Diego Forlan getting his fifth goal of the tournament to draw level with Muller, Spain's David Villa and the Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder at the top of the race for the Golden Boot as top scorer of the Cup. It came just inside the edge of the box, his first non-penalty goal scored from inside that demarcation line in South Africa. The 51st-minute shot, leaving Butt standing statuesque in goal as the score became 2-1, gave new hope to the South Americans.
It also, however, reawakened the German juggernaut. Within five minutes, the score would be equalized once again as Marcell Jansen rose up to meet a cross from the right flank and beat Muslera's gloves to the ball, a powerful redirection of the ball making the score 2-2 and the match anyone's to win... or lose. Possession played back and forth, neither side cracking the other's defenses. Time wound down, ten minutes left until stoppage time, and then the Germans finally broke the deadlock and prevented the consolation from reaching extra time. Sami Khedira, pressing up on a corner kick, mimicked Jansen's goal perfectly. The ball was stopped in front of him in the box as he stood right in pretty much the exact spot form which Jansen scored, bounced into the air, and Khedira leaped up to nod it on past Muslera for what would ultimately prove the match winner.
Uruguay desperately fought for their own equalizer, but alas it was never to come. Germany would ensure that, for a second straight tournament, all of the podium places in the World Cup belonged exclusively to Europe. For all the talk about Africa's time to shine before the touranment began and South America's dominance heading into the knockout round, the patricians of the beautiful game once again came out doggedly on top. All we have left now to await is to see which of the finalists will end up hoisting the Cup itself as first-time champions...


text:
What Makes Psychotic Teens More at Risk for Suicide Than Other Groups With Psychosis?Apr. 24, 2014 Suicide is a general risk for people with psychosis. According to research, 20 percent to 40 percent of those diagnosed with psychosis attempt suicide, and up to 10 percent succeed. And teens with ... full story
Recurrent Violence Linked to Substantially Higher Rates of Mental Disorders in Post-Conflict CommunitiesApr. 23, 2014 In the aftermath of war, communities who continue to experience repeated violence could have a major escalation in rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe distress, suggests new ... full story
Depressed? Researchers Identify New Anti-Depressant Mechanisms, Therapeutic ApproachesApr. 22, 2014 Breakthroughs that could benefit people suffering from depression are being made by researchers. A team of physician-scientists has identified a major mechanism by which ghrelin (a hormone with ... full story
Almost One-Third of Canadian Adults Have Experienced Child AbuseApr. 22, 2014 Almost one-third of adults in Canada have experienced child abuse -- physical abuse, sexual abuse or exposure to intimate partner (parents, step-parents or guardians) violence in their home. As well, ... full story
Life Stressors Trigger Neurological Disorders, Researchers FindApr. 22, 2014 When mothers are exposed to trauma, illness, alcohol or other drug abuse, these stressors may activate a single molecular trigger in brain cells that can go awry and activate conditions such as ... full story
Mental Illness Not Usually Linked to Crime, Research FindsApr. 21, 2014 In a study of crimes committed by people with serious mental disorders, only 7.5 percent were directly related to symptoms of mental illness, according to new research. Researchers analyzed 429 ... full story
Treating Depression in Parkinson's Disease Patients: New ResearchApr. 18, 2014 Interesting new information has been found from a study on depression and neuropsychological function in Parkinson's disease. The study, which assessed cognitive function in depressed and ... full story
Impact of Childhood Bullying Still Evident After 40 YearsApr. 17, 2014 The negative social, physical and mental health effects of childhood bullying are still evident nearly 40 years later, according to new research. The study is the first to look at the effects of ... full story
'Brain Training' Overcomes Tics in Tourette Syndrome, Study FindsApr. 17, 2014 Children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) may unconsciously train their brain to more effectively control their tics. Teenagers diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) were slower than their typically ... full story
Atypical Brain Connectivity Associated With Autism Spectrum DisorderApr. 16, 2014 Autism spectrum disorder in adolescents appears to be associated with atypical connectivity in the brain involving the systems that help people infer what others are thinking and understand the ... full story
Intravenously Administered Ketamine Shown to Reduce Symptoms of Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderApr. 16, 2014 For the first time, evidence that a single dose of IV-administered ketamine was associated with the rapid reduction of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with chronic PTSD was ... full story
Teenagers Who Have Had a Concussion Also Have Higher Rates of Suicide AttemptsApr. 15, 2014 Teenagers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion are at 'significantly greater odds' of attempting suicide, being bullied and engaging in a variety of high-risk ... full story
Collaborative Care Model Manages Depression, Anxiety in Patients With Heart DiseaseApr. 14, 2014 A telephone-based collaborative care model helped manage depression and anxiety, and improved health-related quality of life in patients with heart disease. Depression following acute cardiac ... full story
Domestic Abuse Linked to Mental Health Problems in New MothersApr. 14, 2014 Domestic abuse is closely linked to postpartum mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, in mothers, new research confirms. The research also found that ... full story
Researchers Search for Earliest Roots of Psychiatric DisordersApr. 10, 2014 A single molecular mechanism in the developing brain has been identified that sheds light on how cells may go awry when exposed to a variety of different environmental insults. The findings suggest ... full story
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder May Reflect a Propensity for Bad HabitsApr. 10, 2014 Two new studies shed light on the propensity for habit formation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These studies suggest that a tendency to develop habits, i.e., the compulsive component of the ... full story
Perception That Eating Disorders Women's Problem Delays Men Getting HelpApr. 8, 2014 The widespread perception that only women have eating disorders is preventing men with these problems from getting the help and support they need, indicates a small study. Estimates suggest that ... full story
Surprising Truth About Obsessive-Compulsive ThinkingApr. 8, 2014 People who check whether their hands are clean or imagine their house might be on fire are not alone. New global research shows that 94 percent of people experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts, ... full story
Intranasal Ketamine Confers Rapid Antidepressant Effect in DepressionApr. 8, 2014 The first controlled evidence has been released showing that an intranasal ketamine spray conferred an unusually rapid antidepressant effect –- within 24 hours —- and was well tolerated in ... full story
DNA Modifications Measured in Blood Signal Related Changes in the BrainApr. 8, 2014 Researchers say they have confirmed suspicions that DNA modifications found in the blood of mice exposed to high levels of stress hormone — and showing signs of anxiety — are directly related to ... full story
- Recurrent violence linked to substantially higher rates of mental disorders in post-conflict communities
- Depressed? Researchers identify new anti-depressant mechanisms, therapeutic approaches
- Almost one-third of Canadian adults have experienced child abuse
- Life stressors trigger neurological disorders, researchers find
- Impact of childhood bullying still evident after 40 years
- 'Brain training' overcomes tics in Tourette syndrome, study finds
- Atypical brain connectivity associated with autism spectrum disorder
- Intravenously administered ketamine shown to reduce symptoms of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
- Collaborative care model manages depression, anxiety in patients with heart disease
- Domestic abuse linked to mental health problems in new mothers
- Researchers search for earliest roots of psychiatric disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder May Reflect a Propensity for Bad Habits
- Perception that eating disorders women's problem delays men getting help
- Surprising truth about obsessive-compulsive thinking
- Intranasal ketamine confers rapid antidepressant effect in depression
- DNA modifications measured in blood signal related changes in the brain
- One in three intensive care survivors develop depression that typically manifests as physical symptoms
- Depression, anxiety linked to poor diabetes management among Mexican Americans
- Inspiration linked to bipolar disorder risk
- Rising awareness may explain spike in Autism diagnoses
- Psychiatric complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome most often linked to menstrual irregularities
- Use of mood-stabilizing drug linked with reduced risk of developing head and neck cancer
- Integrating mental health services in pediatric practices feasible, effective, study finds
- Social groups alleviate depression
- Rush to prescribe: Study questions speed in giving antidepressants to grieving parents
- No evidence that vitamin D supplements reduce depression, study concludes
- Mental health on the go: Reducing anxiety with smartphone app
- Study identifies most common, costly reasons for mental health hospitalizations for kids
- New treatment for binge eating disorder
- Lack of sleep, stress describe a mother's experience after child's ALL treatment
- Improving safety, effectiveness of lithium therapy: Closer than ever
- New gene for bipolar disorder discovered
- Atypical development in siblings of children with autism is detectable at 12 months
- Thirty percent of adults with attention deficit disorder report childhood physical abuse
- Experiential avoidance increases PTSD risk following child maltreatment
- Benefits of community-based treatment of schizophrenia demonstrated by milestone study
- Moving out of high poverty appears to affect the mental health of boys, girls differently
- Rats, frosting helping find genetic causes of binge-eating
- Children with ADHD have higher risk of teenage obesity, physical inactivity
- Mental health of most UK troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq is 'resilient'
- Father's age tied to higher rates of psychiatric, academic problems in kids
- Suicide in apparently well-functioning young men
- New autism definition may decrease diagnosis by one third
- Stigma 'key deterrent' in accessing mental health care
- Increasing brain acidity may reduce anxiety
- Simple waiting room test can help diagnose depression, anxiety
- Music as therapeutic intervention can relieve anxiety, depression in older people
- Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to ADHD in children, researchers say
- Preventing suicide should start in general medical setting
- Higher risks among perinatal women with bipolar disorder
- Could PTSD involve immune cell response to stress? Study in mice raises question
- Schizophrenia: Gathering clues to rare gene variants contributing to disease
- Addicted to tanning? People keep tanning despite known risks
- More educated people from wealthier areas, women, those with no religious affiliation more likely to choose assisted suicide
- Stopping smoking linked to improved mental health
- Diabetes, epilepsy, asthma increase risk of self-harm, research finds
- Understanding basic biology of bipolar disorder
- ADHD drugs not linked to increased stroke risk among children
- New pathway for fear discovered deep within brain
- Depressed girls suffer most: Adolescents with psychiatric problems also likely to suffer chronic pain
- Smoking cessation may improve mental health
- 'Growth charts' for cognitive development may lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment for children with risk for psychosis
- How chronic stress predisposes brain to mental disorders
- Cognitive behavioral therapy benefits patients with body dysmorphic disorder, study shows
- Cognitive therapy 'safe and acceptable' to treat schizophrenia, study finds
- Rural primary care physicians offer insight into rural women's health care
- High pharmacy burden for bipolar patients, study finds
- Despite burden, Sjögren's syndrome may not impede function
- Symptoms of depression causally linked to coronary heart disease, not to stroke
- High media use, reduced sleep, low activity: Adolescents at 'invisible' risk of mental ill-health
- Independent association between diabetes, depression, and impulse control disorders including binge-eating, bulimia, study shows
- Does caregiving cause psychological stress? It depends, says study of female twins
- Worry on the brain: Researchers find new area linked to anxiety
- ADHD medication saves lives on the road
- Less than half of children treated for anxiety achieve long-term relief
- Individuals with ADHD have communicative difficulty, study finds
- New subgroup of schizophrenia patients with motor disorders
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Subscribe for Free
Stay up to date with ScienceDaily's Psychiatry News, delivered daily to your email inbox or RSS reader:


text:
Careers |
Our Foundations |
About PeaceHealth |
For Medical Professionals |
Contact Us
Guest Lodging
Guide to Guest Services
Map & Directions
Phone Directory
University District Campus
Visitor Information
Regional Executive Team
During Your Stay
Medical Records
PeaceHealth PatientConnection
Patient Financial Services
Email a Patient
Gift Shop
Send a Cheer Card
Acute Care for Elders (ACE)
Behavioral Health Services
Emergency Department
General Medicine
Gerontology Institute
Infusion Center
Johnson Unit
Neurosciences Institute
Oregon Rehabilitation Center
Outpatient Therapy Services
Telemedicine Services
End of Life Care
Guest House
Home Health
Medical Social Work
Palliative Care
Spiritual Care
View All Services
View Events, Classes & Support Groups
Events Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
Health Information Search
Buscar en Español
Ask an Expert
Ask a Medical Librarian
Medical Libraries
Medline Plus
News at Sacred Heart Medical Center
For the Media
Amazing Medicine Patient Stories
Community Benefit Report
Behavioral Health provides inpatient care for adults 18 and over, outpatient care for patients of all ages, and promotes early screening and intervention for improved patient outcomes. Our staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, registered nurses and mental health techs. Behavioral Health staff can also be found in the emergency rooms for crisis evaluations and in the community, to assist people coping with major mental illnesses.
The Behavioral Health staff works in partnership with the people and families we serve. Together we create a safe, healing, and accepting environment for those experiencing a crisis in their mental or emotional well-being. We are committed to the treatment and recovery of the whole person through the consistent and collaborative delivery of quality patient-centered care.
Outpatient treatment options include psychiatry, counseling and case management. Clinical staff are prepared to assist with a variety of mental health issues.
Inpatient treatment consists of working with an interdisciplinary treatment team to create goals and interventions geared toward optimizing mental and emotional well being.
Warning signs that your ability to cope may be compromised might include:
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center - Ketchikan
PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center - Cottage Grove
PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center - Florence
PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend - Springfield
PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District - Eugene
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center - Longview
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center - Bellingham
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center - Friday Harbor
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center - Vancouver
PeaceHealth United General Medical Center - Sedro-Woolley
Cot. Grove/ Creswell/Dexter
News Items
Pay Your Lab Bill
Research & Clinical Trials
For Medical Professionals
Volunteer at PeaceHealth
© PeaceHealth Terms & Conditions |
Notice of Privacy Practices |
Contact Us |
PeaceHealth Home
For Employees |
For the Media |
For Vendors


text:
phpBB is a UBB-style dissussion board written in PHP backended by a MySQL database. It includes features such as posting/replying/editing messages, private messages, private forums, user and anonymous posting, robust theming, user ranking by posts or by special, admin definable, ranks, and much more.
Citadel is an advanced messaging and collaboration system for groupware and BBS applications. Users can connect to Citadel using any telnet, WWW, or client software. Among the features supported are public and private message bases (rooms), electronic mail, real-time chat, paging, shared calendaring, address books, mailing lists, and more. Unlike other collaboration servers, Citadel provides its own data stores and is therefore extremely easy to install; you don't have to "bring your own" email and database because they're built in. The server is multithreaded and scalable. In addition, SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 servers are built-in for easy connection to Internet mail. Citadel is both robust and mature; it has been in production since 1987.
PunBB is a fast and lightweight discussion board. Its primary goal is to be a faster, smaller, and less graphic alternative to otherwise excellent discussion boards like phpBB, Invision Power Board, and vBulletin. It has fewer features than many other discussion boards, but is generally faster and outputs smaller pages.
miniBB is a flat, linear, highly customizable BB. It features MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MSSQL support, table name definitions, color skins, language packs, HTML templates, access control, smilies, search, basic BB codes, member titles and ranks, moderators, email notification, statistics, encrypted cookie logging, IP and user ID tracking and bans, spam protection, "sticky" topics, a powerful admin panel, and more.
PHPX is a Web portal system, blog, Content Management System (CMS), forum, and more. It is designed to allow everyone to be able to have feature-rich, interactive websites even if you do not know a bit of programming. Some key features include fully-integrated forums, downloads, an image gallery with slideshow and auto-thumbnailing, support ticket system, a GUI interface for Web page content management, news with topics and instances, and a whole lot more. It allows you to fully customize the look of your site.
This program hopes to become a viable MS Sharepoint clone. It is basically a Web interface to a document repository (Frontpage Web), but with many other features. It depends on Frontpage extensions for remote authoring; otherwise it is independent. It includes a forum, calendar, event tracking, announcements, tasks, file check in/check out, user management, email, and more.
OPT (Outreach Project Tool) is a PHP general-purpose virtual commonplace for customers and developers to collaborate in developing projects. The system provides documents archive, e-mail archive, request tracker, task management, knowledge base, news administration, newsletter support, and a lot of other features (some project-based, some system-based).
bbs100 is a BBS in the style of DOC and/or YAWC. DOC is a style that remotely resembles Citadel. What's special about bbs100, is that it's a single process daemon that handles all connections at once, while consuming very low cpu resources ( < 1%). It can handle over a thousand simultaneous users. It is highly customizable, is easy to setup, and has many configurable features. bbs100 is almost a must-have for people that want to run a DOC-style BBS.
Blursoft MetaForum utilizes AJAX to generate a unique forum experience. Threads and posts auto-update in real time, with no refreshing required. User-based moderation ensures only the most interesting topics emerge above your viewing threshold, and private threads invite multiple users to engage in a private conversation. Complete with advanced quoting mechanisms, CSS based templates, and statistically normalized user rankings, MetaForum is a fresh, fast, efficient, and completely new perspective on forums and message boards.
A tool for editing version control repository history.
Mathematical modeling software


text:
ATCEN is Asia's leading people development company and promoters of strategic business training, business events and business advisory for professionals and businesses in the world. Through Business Training, we offer a wide variety of learning programs for people of different backgrounds, industries, job functions and stages of life. The Business Advisory on the other hand, offers solutions that are designed to improve the quality, efficiency and work performance of the workforce to achieve the relevant results. Finally, Business Events provides valuable information, knowledge and niche focused industry insights to delegates worldwide through conferences, summits, congresses and exhibitions.
We believe in making things happen. In our customers' eyes, ATCEN represents enthusiasm, creativity, quality, relationships, not forgetting fun and lots of excitement. We deliver exceptional quality service by empowering our people with the passion to exceed customer delight.
ASTRO Call Quality Monitoring Management
•20th 21st March 2014 : Roshini Visvananthan conducted ...
LEXUS - Lexus Smart Selling Skills
•17th 18th March 2014 : The training was conducted by ...
Bank Rakyat - Problem Solving & Decision Making Skills Workshop
•17th 18th March 2014 : Ken Woo conducted this training ...
Certified Contact Center Manager (WKU)
• 7th 8th April 2014
Facing The Media - Make it or Break it!
• 9th 10th April 2014
Certified Call Quality Management (WKU)
• 21st 23rd April 2014
The Women Leadership Toolbox - Head, Heart & Soul
•7th 8th May 2014
Our Commitment
The following registrations with the relevant authorities
and professional
bodies signify our commitment to our customers and the
industry that
we serve.


text:
Article Last Updated: Friday, January 25, 2013 2:45pm
Courtesy Photo
Josiah Kent Olsen was born to Mark and Valerie (Slyter) Olsen of Schaller, Iowa on Dec. 26, 2012. He was welcomed by his big sister, Eliana, and his big brother, Titus. Tom and Marty Olsen of Newell, Iowa, and Kent and Cynthia Slyter of Cortez are the proud grandparents.
People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to firstname.lastname@example.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.Wednesday, March 26Diane Cherbak will be at the Cortez Cultural Center on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Bird's Eye View Sneak Peak at the 10th annual Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding...


text:
Halloween Costumes / Search Results
Search Results
1 - 21 of 26
Pardon My French Adult Womens Costume
Sweep up the compliments when you slip into this sexy Pardon My French adult womens costume. The flirty mini dress features an attached apron and comes complete with lace-trimmed gloves, a headpiece and feather duster. Youll surely clean up on Halloween.
French Maid Adult Mens Costume
Clean up on Halloween when you don this hilarious French Maid adult mens costume complete with inflatable breasts. Oh la la - it is truly something else! It takes a real man to pull this look off - are you up to the task?
French Beret
Create or complete your French artist costume with this classic black felt beret. Perfect for a painter costume, starving artist or French mime costume.
French Queen Adult Womens Costume
Let them eat cake! And let you drink fine wine and enjoy elaborate entertainment this Halloween wearing this French Queen Adult Womens Costume. Shimmery silver purple dress ruffles at the bodice and hips making you sexy for a queen of your time. Dont think anyone else will mind! Just steer clear of…
French Kiss Can Can Girl Adult Womens Costume
Kick up your heels and shake your stuff in this French Kiss Can Can Girl adult womens costume. The 100% polyester, festive pink, black and red dress features a skirt with elaborate lace trim and comes complete with a matching pink and black choker.
French Maid Kit
Everything you need for your next sexy maid costume is right here in this French Maid Kit. Complete with headpiece, neck piece, apron and duster, youll be cleaning more than just the windows by the days end!
French Kiss Adult Womens Plus Size Costume
Turn up the heat when you don this sexy French Kiss adult womens plus size costume. The black and white, 100% polyester, polka dot print dress with red cherry print trim comes complete with attached puffy sleeve bolero.
Naughty French Maid Adult Costume
Clean up Halloween with loads of compliments when you wear this Naughty French Maid adult costume. The maid dress an attached apron and comes complete with a matching headpiece.
French Maid Corset
Set your hot Halloween costume on fire when you add this French Maid Corset. Black satin bustier features white satin trim along with sexy lace details.
French Kiss Bead Necklace
Embellish your costume with this fun and festive cherry red French Kiss bead necklace and make your mark on Halloween.
French Kiss Black Hairclip
Add a sophisticated touch to your costume when you embellish your hairdo with a French Kiss feathered hairclip.
Parisienne Girl Adult Womens Costume
French is the language of love and theyll all be talking when you arrive in this Parisienne Girl adult womens costume. The black and white stripe dress of this sexy womens costume comes complete with a black beret, red neck scarf, belt and matching cuffs.
La Parisienne Adult Womens Costume
Get sophisticated on Halloween when you wear this La Parisienne adult womens costume. The black and white striped dress features a French flag on the boat neck collar and comes complete with a red belt, red scarf and a red beret.
Black Thigh Highs with White Bows
These stylish thigh high black stockings feature petite, white bow appliques. They are a perfect addition to any of our sexy French Maid, gangster or pirate costumes.
Black Lace Gloves
…costume with these fine lace gloves. Whether for a haunting bridal gown or playing Madonna, circa 1982, these gloves are fit for a Queen. Oh, and her French Maid, too! Let your imagination be your guide!
Dust Bunny Adult Womens Costume
Sweep in and clean up the compliments on Halloween when you wear this adorable Dust Bunny adult womens costume. Strut your stuff in the black and white, 100% polyester, maid uniform, featuring a lace-up bodice and mini apron, complete with a matching headpiece.
Parisian Provocateur Adult Womens Costume
Clean up at the party when you wear this sexy Parisian Provocateur adult womens costume. Get everything you want in the adjustable length, stretch knit dress with floral lace overlay, complete with maid headband, apron, choker, wrist cuffs and feather duster.
Pantyhose Fishnet with Seam
…these Fishnet Pantyhose with Seam. This 100% Nylon hosiery will definitely carry up the rear of the glam girl going out this Halloween in the Sexy French Maid Adult Costume, available separately! Includes: Stockings Only.
White Fishnet Adult Stockings
Jazz up any costume with these wild white fishnet tights! These sexy stockings dress up nurses, nuns, and flirty french maids alike.
Pearl Choker
Complete your outfit with this beautiful strand of faux pearls. Whether a flapper, french maid or any other fancy costume, this Pearl Choker will add just the right kind of accent!
Red Petticoat Adult Plus Size
French Quarter? Folies Bergere? Old time saloon? You can imagine the setting, now set yourself up as a lady who knows her way around! Kick up your heels and strut your stuff in this sassy red layered petticoat that speaks volumes about your sexy style. Enhance any outfit with a saucy red flourish -…


text:
LeBron doesn't need a second act in Cleveland
The Sixth Man (cont.)
The Sixth Man (cont.)
The Sixth Man (cont.)
This has been the year of LeBron James, who earned the NBA championship, the Olympic gold medal and Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. And as his outstanding 2012 ends, one persistent rumor has taken hold.
A lot of people believe that James will be returning to Cleveland.
"It's the worst-kept secret in the league,'' one general manager said.
There are reasons to believe it, starting with Miami's untenable position as a luxury-tax payer. After next season, the Heat will be among the first teams faced with the new "repeater'' penalty that threatens them with close to $50 million in luxury taxes, in addition to their expensive payroll.
It just so happens that James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after next season, which will serve him and his team with three options: (1) Miami can absorb major financial losses to re-sign James and hold on to his teammates for an extended -- and incredibly expensive -- run at championships; (2) Miami can duck under the tax threshold by unloading salaries that will enable the Heat to keep James and fellow potential 2014 free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, even though the minimal roster around the three stars will reduce the team's chances of winning; or (3) Miami can watch James move in free agency to a franchise that can afford to contend for championships as he plays out the peak years of his career.
When Oklahoma City appeared to weaken its championship hopes in November by trading James Harden, it wasn't a matter of choice -- it was because the team could not afford to pay the oppressive new taxes that his max contract would trigger. The same dilemma appears before Miami and LeBron. If he stays, then the Heat probably won't be able to afford the teammates who can help him win championships.
A lot of teams can have cap space after next season, including the Cavaliers. While he will have the opportunity to return home, will he have motive? The reason for believing that James will return to Cleveland is built on the lingering idea that he needs to go home to make things right. But I disagree with that. James doesn't need to return anymore.
The crucial word here is "need." James' accomplishments this year show that he is far past having to worry about making things right for The Decision of 2010. He brought a lot of pain upon himself for the way he chose to leave Cleveland. It was still haunting him throughout 2011, and maybe at that time it made sense to predict his ultimate return to Cleveland. It made sense because at that time LeBron was incapable of redeeming himself.
But the equation has changed entirely after 2012. Now James can say not only that he made the right move by signing with Miami, but also that he might not have won the championship if he had stayed in Cleveland. Winning the title in Miami wasn't easy. He made it hard on himself, but maybe he needed to go through that pain to remodel his approach and his game. Would he have been forced to make the necessary transformations if he had remained in Cleveland?
The bottom line is that he has no need to revisit his relationship with Cleveland anymore. If you were to bring this issue to people associated with the Cavaliers, I'm guessing they would admit that James doesn't need to come back to make things right. The only reason he would come back is if the team offers him the best chance to win, and/or if he wants to live year-round in the Cleveland area.
LeBron will turn 28 on Sunday, and the years ahead are too precious to be spent worrying about his living arrangements. He is a highly intelligent player -- as revealed by Lee Jenkins' recent profile affirming him as SI's Sportsman -- and neither he nor the NBA can afford for him to surround himself with inexperienced teammates who can't liberate him to achieve the highest levels of play. Cleveland is a young team with one potential star in Kyrie Irving, who hasn't played long enough or with talented enough teammates to prove that he can excel without the ball.
If James were to go back to Cleveland, then he might find himself in the same position he faced in 2010. He'd be held accountable for his failure to carry an inadequate roster to the championship.
A recent story by Todd Jones on SI.com illuminated the relationship between James and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. "The aspect that bothered him most was the lack of personal communication, the basic courtesy not shown by not giving Dan a phone call or telling him the decision first in person before going on TV,'' Quicken Loans VP David Carroll said of his friend Gilbert. ``He was never able to build up a relationship with LeBron, and that bothered him."
If James didn't connect with Gilbert then, why would he be inclined to connect with him now?
LeBron himself has hinted at returning to Cleveland (although he did so before he won the championship that changed the way he is viewed), and maybe that's where he'll wind up. Or maybe Heat owner Micky Arison will find some way to accommodate James and maintain his title aspirations in Miami.
My guess is that Heat president Pat Riley and James will leave together. They'll win one or two more championships through next season, and then Riley will retire while James will go to a place that can afford to surround him with the talent to which he has grown accustomed, the talent that he deserves. The next decision should have nothing to do with the past. For his sake and the sake of the league, it should have everything to do with the future and finding out how well he can play, how much he can achieve and how great he can become.
• Nets fire coach Avery Johnson. This move was signaled by the Steinbrenneresque tweet of Nets CEO Brett Yormark after Brooklyn's 93-76 Christmas loss to the Celtics: "Nets fans deserved better today. The entire organization needs to work harder to find the solution. We will get there." This team has been on a deadline ever since huge investments were made in Joe Johnson (31 years old), Gerald Wallace (30) and Deron Williams (28), who will have only a few years of contention as a group. None of the underachieving Nets -- including Avery Johnson -- was accustomed to the pressure and accountability that comes with fulfilling expectations in the league's most demanding market. They saw the Lakers fire their coach in the early going in pursuit of a championship, and now the Nets are following that example. P.J. Carlesimo will be the interim replacement, but the Nets should focus on hiring Nate McMillan, who has spent years developing a relationship with Williams as a USA Basketball assistant and who can work with the struggling point guard to develop an offense that plays to his strengths.
[Rob Mahoney: Johnson a bad fit for revamped Nets]
• Miami wins fifth consecutive game against Oklahoma City. In the final seconds of their 103-97 Christmas loss in Miami, the Thunder watched Kevin Durant go one-on-one to miss a contested three-pointer over LeBron James; Russell Westbrook then failed to convert his ensuing three-point attempt. It was a meeting of important lessons, as this game reminded the Thunder that they need to run plays for Durant at the end rather than count on him to free himself against Miami's fourth-quarter defense. The matchup also proved once more that the Heat (who went 19-for-19 at the free-throw line and got 20 points from Mario Chalmers) have learned how to squeeze out victories in order to maintain their margin of superiority. "It was a good win for us to put a little more doubt in their mind,'' Chalmers said. When they meet again on Feb. 14 in Oklahoma City, the Heat can believe they should and will win; the Thunder won't be nearly so sure.
• Lakers beat Knicks. The last of Los Angeles' five consecutive victories (the streak ended Thursday in Denver) was by far the team's most impressive: The Lakers beat the winningest team of the East with a strong fourth quarter that showed the importance of Steve Nash. Pau Gasol suddenly had a meaningful role to play, and Kobe Bryant's scoring was viewed as a strength rather than a black-hole weakness. The first impression of Nash's return to the Lakers was noteworthy because (1) he looked like his old self and (2) he and his teammates are sure to grow more cohesive and effective over their next four months together, health permitting.
[Rob Mahoney: Encouraging signs for Lakers]
While the Lakers began to realize that they may yet contend in the West this season, the Knicks received a reminder of their own: They need Amar'e Stoudemire to return and contribute in a big way. Without him, they don't have enough high-level firepower against the league's best. Though J.R. Smith was able to steal a 99-97 comeback win Wednesday at Phoenix in the absences of Anthony and Raymond Felton, those exploits won't hold up in a seven-game series against Miami.
• Celtics break through at Nets' expense. "We're very, very close to becoming a good team,'' Boston coach Doc Rivers said the Christmas victory at Brooklyn. The Celtics held the Nets to 40.6 percent shooting, and Brooklyn had 14 assists and 20 turnovers. Rajon Rondon controlled the pace, and Jared Sullinger (16 points) and Jeff Green combined for 31 points off the bench. Was this a momentary exhibition of pride for the national audience, or were the Celtics on the verge of renewing themselves as a defense-first contender? The Celtics have been optimistic of returning to contention around the championship spine of Rivers, Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, and an upcoming three-game road trip against the Clippers, Warriors and Kings is going to provide confirmation or denial for that optimism. The best hope for the Celtics will be to show improvement month by month, especially when defensive stopper Avery Bradley returns in early January.
• LeBron James commits a foul! He went 254 minutes, 7 seconds without being penalized by the referees. I can't believe this peculiar streak was a priority for the league's best player. While it's good to not put opponents on the line, it's also good to be so aggressive as to make an occasionally intimidating mistake, like a fastball pitcher who misses the inside of the plate every now and then to brush back the hitters. No one was accusing James of passive defense -- indeed, the streak was being used to criticize referees for showing favoritism to the superstar (though the case could also be made that if they were, in fact, consciously favoring James, then wouldn't they occasionally assess a meaningless foul in order to hide their conspiracy?). It ended Tuesday when James fouled Serge Ibaka to prevent him from dunking, which was, of course, the right play.
• Yet another bad week for DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings' talented yet tormented center earned a suspension (which lasted one game) for cursing at coach Keith Smart at halftime Friday. Then he fired agent John Greig, who has preached hard truths to Cousins, and replaced him with Dan Fegan, who is not the preachy type. The easiest prediction in the world is that Cousins will be seeking Fegan's help to leave Sacramento. It may be the best thing for everyone because the Kings have not been able to surround Cousins with mentoring leadership that he -- more than any young star in the league -- appears to need.
• The Rockets surge. Houston beat the Timberwolves 87-84 on Wednesday in Minnesota for its seventh victory in eight games; one day earlier, the Rockets had won 120-97 at Chicago. Houston's three expensive signings -- James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik -- have appeared to be worthy of their investments as the Rockets have climbed to No. 6 in the crowded West.
• Bobcats lose 16th straight game. They are the first team to suffer three losing streaks of 16 or more games in one calendar year. (Which is an insidious stat. Who comes up with these things?) Consider, however, some of the losses in the most recent streak: They cut a 17-point halftime deficit to 84-82 with 7:16 left Wednesday against Miami; they lost by a point at the Lakers, by six to the Clippers, by two to the Knicks and by three at Atlanta. In other words, they appear to be doing the best they can.
The 6-8 small forward is one of the top defenders in the NBA. Mbah a Moute, a 26-year-old prince from Cameroon, is averaging 5.3 rebounds and career bests of 9.8 points and 1.8 assists for the surprising Bucks.
• He was 13 when he started playing basketball in Cameroon. "My twin brother used to be at a different high school than I was, and they had a basketball court," Mbah a Moute said. "He wanted somebody to play with, so he'd say, 'Let me teach you about this new sport that I've learned.' I started playing with him and next thing you know we were up watching the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan at 3 in the morning and I started falling in love with the game. I started playing for a local team back home and two years later I was leaving to come to the United States to play basketball in high school.
"In Africa, the culture is different, but there are a lot of similarities as well. Integrity and respect -- those are the two main values. When you go to African countries you can see the warmth of people, and how people are joyful. Even with all of the struggles, people still go their way about life as if it were nothing. I think the main thing it teaches you is how to appreciate life and appreciate what you have.
"Being a prince is not like [the Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America, that's for sure. There are a lot of tribes in Africa, and a lot of those tribes have chiefs and kings, and my dad just happened to be one. Growing up, we had to go to different traditional ceremonies and dress up in traditional clothing. But we didn't have any responsibility as far as making decisions. I'm sure later on my dad will choose who is going to be his successor; I don't know if it's me. But it was fun growing up and being in that position.
"I would say I was from a middle-class family. Fortunately, I didn't grow up poor like a lot of kids in Africa. I had something to eat every day, I had stuff that I pretty much wanted, I never needed anything -- but I grew up in an area where a lot of people around me did. So it exposed me to that and made me appreciate what I had because most of my friends and people I went to school with were kids who were struggling to have food on the table. They were having to do a lot of stuff to survive.''
• He moved to America in 2003 to pursue his potential for basketball. "I got good really quickly," Mbah a Moute said. "In two years, I went from being unknown to one of the top kids in my class in Cameroon. That's how I got the chance to go to Basketball Without Borders. I was one of the top kids at the camp, and that's what made me want to really pursue it. I thought, If I can get this good in two years, and if I put in more work and I get in a better situation, how good can I really be?
"It was a big decision, a decision that my dad wasn't really happy with at first. But I knew that's what I had to do because I was in love with the game of basketball -- I still am. I knew I wanted to come to the United States because that was the only place I could play basketball and go to school at the same time. I showed a lot of courage coming to a new culture, not knowing the language, not knowing anybody, just staying at a boarding school. That was tough, but it really taught me about life. It made me grow up a young age and I'm thankful I did that now.''
After two years at Monteverde Academy in Florida, he was recruited to UCLA, where he became the first player in 34 years to start in three straight Final Fours. He joined the Bucks in the second round (No. 37) of the 2008 NBA draft.
"I did not have any expectations as I moved through the stages," Mbah a Moute said. "I was just enjoying the ride. Coming from where I came from, I didn't expect to be where I am now."
• He has earned an NBA starting role as a lockdown defender who can guard four positions. "Actually, when I started playing, I was a really good shooter," Mbah a Moute said. "I was known for my shooting and my athletic abilities, and I could get to the rim whenever I wanted to.
"I wasn't as good a defender as I am now. It's doing my homework -- studying film of guys and knowing their game. To be a good defender you have to be a good offensive player, too. I think I was a good enough offensive player to know a lot of moves that those guys do, and know how to use it and know how to stop it.
"The No. 1 thing is you have to have fun doing it. You get to try different things, to be master of your craft, so to say. I was always trying different things with different guys, and it makes the game really fun.
"It really helped me that I learned the game at home, because in Africa basketball is about team more than anything. In America, I think a lot of kids think about stats and being the best scorer or the best rebounder in AAU basketball and all that stuff. I didn't get a chance to experience that. When I started playing basketball, it was more about winning. That's what really counted. It was about the fraternity that we had on our team, and our friendships. We didn't care who scored the most points. You just wanted to be out there playing with each other and beating the other team. It was about the competition more so than the individual awards, because there were none. There was no such thing growing up as being, like, the best scorer in the league. They didn't keep stats like that. It was really about winning. That's what helped me become a really good team player.
"When I'm done playing in the NBA, I definitely will go back home. The last few years I've been doing basketball camps back in Africa, and I've been helping other kids come over to the United States. Over the last three years we've had six or seven kids in the United States -- two of them are playing in college, three of them are in high school, one [center Joel Embiid] just signed with Kansas. Hopefully, one of those kids one day will have a chance to experience what I did in making it to the NBA. But if they don't, I hope they get a good education and they can go back home and do a lot of great things. The main need is for me to be back home. I can do a lot more as far as helping people and making changes back home than I can do here.''
"This is fool's gold."
-- Chris Paul
The Clippers' point guard was trying to remind everyone in his organization on Christmas that a franchise-record 14-game winning streak wasn't going to mean anything four months from now in the playoffs. "You don't play for the regular season,'' he said. "Obviously, you want to build something."
A 112-100 victory against Denver on Tuesday lifted the Clippers to a league-leading 22-6. Paul has complementary star power in the ever-improving Blake Griffin to go with a deep rotational blend of experience and energy. They're big, explosive and skilled. But neither the Clippers nor Paul knows what it's like to play beyond the second round of the playoffs.
[Ben Golliver: How the Clippers have built the NBA's best record]
It's one thing to play well on Christmas, and another thing to win a Game 5 or 6 in the Western Conference finals against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies or Lakers -- as the Clippers dream of doing this spring. We are seeing why Paul is the most respected point guard in the league. No one at his position is playing better at either end of the court or showing more leadership this season.
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET. The ever-contending Spurs will visit their Texas rivals, who are hoping to reach the playoffs for a 13th consecutive year after Dirk Nowitzki's recent return from preseason knee surgery. An NBA scout breaks down the two teams and the matchup.
"This year the Mavericks have been counter to everything I ever thought about Rick Carlisle philosophy-wise," the scout said. "They're so loose now, it's organized chaos. He used to be precise and focused on execution and there was a reason for every cut and move. And now he's told them, 'Just go!' I don't know if it's the influence of [assistant coach] Jim O'Brien, because that was Jim's way in Indiana and Philadelphia -- just run for more scoring opportunities and more possessions per game.
"Dallas was doing OK while Dirk was out, hanging in there. O.J. Mayo was scoring for them while Dirk was out. Now he ought to fit right back into what they're doing. In any system, if you can make jump shots, you're going to find a place to thrive -- and Dirk obviously can make jump shots. It's kind of like the way New York plays around Carmelo Anthony: They can go into the post to him and spread the floor. Dirk knows when he's got two people on him and when he can still turn away from the help defender and score anyway. It puts pressure on the defense to change where the help is coming from and get Dirk in spots where he has to put the ball on the floor.
"They're going to miss the leadership of Derek Fisher [who asked to be released after injuring his knee] at the point. He's seen it all, he knows where the ball should go and he gets it there. He can reset if he needs to, and if they're running out of clock, he knows what to do. Delivering the ball in the right place at the right time to shooters is a quality that is hard to find. Some people are in such a hurry to drive and score themselves. And when they get to where they can't score, they make that wild pass back out to the shooter that makes him have to bend down and reach out to make the catch. That gives the defense time to come out, and then you don't have that shot anymore. A lot of it has to do with being in control of the shot clock and knowing how you're going to manufacture points.
"It's a matter of experience that every team needs, and it goes to show that there is a quality of youth and quickness that doesn't always jell with winning. But you also need that quickness because you need to have that change of pace. As much as they need a guy like Fisher, there's also a need for the speed that the Mavericks get from Darren Collison, who has the motor to get to the basket and get a layup.
"It's never easy against the Spurs because they're such a good passing team that changes sides of the floor frequently with quick passes. A lot of defenses will tilt or load to one side and try to keep that from happening, but the Spurs can quickly get the ball from one side of the floor to the other and then attack as the defense is coming from one side to the other. That's what makes Tony Parker so dynamic in their early offense -- he gives up the ball and then gets it back quickly so that he's dribbling and cutting back against a defense that's not set.
"Even if you eliminate them from moving the ball from side to side and you're able to keep pushing them out -- so all of a sudden they're 28 feet from the basket as opposed to 23 feet -- then you have to worry about the backdoor cuts that they're so good at making for each other. You push them out farther and farther, you deny and deny, but that makes your susceptible to getting beat on the backcuts.
"The Mavericks have to match San Antonio's transition scoring. You have to go back at the Spurs just as hard as they're going at you, because the Spurs are very good at getting back and playing team defense in the half court with Tim Duncan setting up as the anchor. When the opportunities aren't there to push it back at them and take it to the basket in transition, you have to make jump shots against them in the half court. That's what Oklahoma City did to beat them in the playoffs last year."
The Knicks' star resolved to be a better leader this season, and so far he's come through. The players on this team would do well to follow his example by carrying out an important resolution in the new year.
C DeMarcus Cousins, Kings: Look around, everybody else is controlling their emotions. Why can't you?
F Blake Griffin, Clippers: Approach every day as an opportunity to persuade Chris Paul to re-sign.
F Pau Gasol, Lakers: Remember your unhappiness in Memphis? Adapt, do anything you can, but don't let the Lakers trade you.
G Kevin Martin, Thunder: Keep putting the team first and maybe you'll help OKC go further than James Harden ever did.
G Derrick Rose, Bulls: Don't return until you're ready to become the NBA's version of Adrian Peterson -- which undoubtedly happens to be your goal anyway.
C Roy Hibbert, Pacers: Forget about expectations; play as if you're on a rookie contract.
C Andrew Bynum, 76ers: Focus. No bowling. Focus. No inciting of neighbors. Focus. No anti-Kobeisms. Focus, focus, focus.
F Tim Duncan, Spurs: Whatever it is you're doing to shave 10 years off your game, keep doing it.
F Amare Stoudemire, Knicks: Seek to be a champion, regardless of your stats, and all good things will come your way
G Deron Williams, Nets: You wanted to be a franchise star in the biggest city: Make it happen.
G Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers: No matter what Anthony Davis does in New Orleans, believe you should be rookie of the year.
G Ray Allen, Heat: Pack earplugs when traveling to Boston.