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Light your way safely
You have the giant Santa, Rudolph, and 400 strings of lights. But before you go transforming your house into a winter wonderland, take a minute to make sure you set it ablaze with lights, not fire. Charlottesville Fire Marshall Steve Walton offers these tips:
*When using regular sized bulbs, make sure they have an "Underwriters Laboratory" label, which means they've gone through a rigorous set of safety checks.
*If you're using indoor/outdoor light sets, check for frayed or damaged cords or missing bulbs. Never use decorations with an empty socket. And if you're replacing a bulb, make sure the set is unplugged. Don't screw light bulbs into a live socket.
* When using extension cords outdoors, be sure to use ones rated for outdoor use. Discard any damaged cords.
* Don't overload a circuit. For miniature bulbs, view manufacturer's recommendations. Usually you can use about three strings per socket. For larger bulbs, sets with approximately 50 bulbs are about the max that can be plugged into one socket.
*Don't place any lights near combustible material. Miniature lights are much safer than larger ones because they build up less heat.
*Don't leave lights unattended, even if they're on a timer. Turn them off when you leave home or go to bed.
* Candles are a no-no. They're safe when they're away from combustible materials, but if they burn down near combustible materials– such as curtains or tablecloths– they will ignite. While this seems obvious, Walton says it's the most common holiday fire hazard.
*Keep your tree watered. Natural Christmas trees become combustible if they dry out. To discourage drying out by Christmas, don't put your tree up too early. A tree put up in mid-December will look better on Christmas morning than one put up the day after Thanksgiving. Artificial trees should be labeled "flame retardant."


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A transnational cooperation project to promote DIY solutions for renewable energy production in rural communities.
Projects & Practice
A transnational cooperation project to promote DIY solutions for renewable energy production in rural communities.
A project to address depopulation and attract new settlers in rural areas of the Aragon region.
RDP support helped a farmer to acquire the necessary equipment and infrastructure to continue expanding his organic beef cattle herd.
In order to maintain the traditional activity of extensive sheep and cattle grazing, the government of Andalusia created a pilot training programme on pastoralism for those that wanted to pursue a new career.
The project aimed to develop local participatory activities within the Natura 2000 sites of Andalusia.
A project that supports generational renewal by promoting employment opportunities in the rural areas of Catalonia.
A cooperation project to promote the consumption of locally produced beef and create economic and environmental benefits.
Investing in new machinery and equipment to allow increase the productivity of a pig farm.
This inter-territorial cooperation project sought to expand a network of co-working spaces in rural Catalonia and raise awareness of their benefits.
Food producers and providers in Spain's Aragon region used RDP funds to promote local food through short supply chains via a coordinated system of local and online outlets across an area larger than the Netherlands

subset: commoncrawl


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The 2011 National Black Catholic Survey (NBCS) is the first national survey of its kind to assess the level of religious engagement of African American Catholics. Visit the for more information. A new survey shows U.S. black Catholics have a greater level of 'engagement' in parishes than white Catholics.
Executive Summary - Key Findings | View Video | NBCC website
Among the 2011 medallion recipients were Dr. Beverly A. Carroll, assistant director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Carroll told CNY, "It really is a privilege to have your work recognized, especially following in the footsteps of the Venerable Pierre Toussaint, who was a great leader in the African-American community."
July 19-22, 2012
Indianapolis, IN
Valerie Washington, 410-547-8496
July 6-12, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
6:00 p.m. Concert
7:30 p.m. Mass
St. Jerome Catholic Church
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Hyattsville, MD
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BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Following Thursday's 2-0 defeat at Real Salt Lake, the LA Galaxy joined the Chicago Fire in the MLS offseason.
Hours before the match though, former Galaxy forward Mike Magee was asked for his thoughts on former teammate Landon Donovan's seeming endorsement of him for the league's 2013 Most Valuable Player award during the team's final media gathering of the year.
A week-and-a-half out from the team's 5-2 season-ending defeat at New York, Magee was more affected by the way the year ended than the praise Donovan bestowed, saying:
"I still have a bad taste in my mouth from the season," he told reporters. "Landon's obviously a good friend of mine, so it might have been more of a friend comment, so I'll take it for what it is. But there's no thought into any individual accolades."
The comment continued to show Magee's team-first mentality, one that's been in place since his first training session with the Fire on May 27.
Though 2013 will easily go down as the best individual season of Magee's 11-year MLS career, after two straight MLS Cup wins with the Galaxy, it doesn't seem like it'll be one long in his memory.
Asked what he planned on doing with his offseason, Magee replied, "Try my best to vacation and find a way to forget about last season. And once that happens, I'll start to ramp up and get fit for next season."


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Review by Sophia Smith
I have had the pleasure of seeing Jane's Addiction before, first at the inaugural Lollapallooza Festival (of which Mr. Perry Farrell is the founder), and in New York - both in larger venues than Artpark. But those, like myself, lucky enough to be at the Jane's Addiction concert on Aug. 20 at Artpark were entertained, dazzled and then some. For those fortunate to be up close and personal, you could feel the energy and the sweat dripping off frontman Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
Farrell shot onto the stage in his baggy-ass trousers and nothing else. A former heroin addict, he looks like he hasn't had a meal in awhile (perhaps he lives on Greek yogurt and tequila?). To the left and right of the drummer, we were regaled by two flying goddesses on swings, swathed in hoop skirts flowing at least 10 feet below them. Talk about theater!
Mr. Farrell is the consummate showman, and put on a show he did. The flying goddesses set the tone for the evening. As the first sound from the guitars strummed, the lights slowly rose and brought forth the sultry sounds of Jane's Addiction we all remember.
Just perfect for Jane's ... who have always been pushing the limit, always a little dirtier and naughtier than one expected. A bit shocking to the prepsters who just like their music, and a coup for the edgier fans who proudly sport their piercings and tatts. After all, Jane's was begat in Los Angeles during the goth rock heyday of the '80s, and Jane's emerged as one of the most significant bands of that time. Punkers, metal-heads and goths all loved Jane's and made them three-times multi-platinum artists. Farrell is founder of the pop-tastic Lollapalooza extravaganza, which is regarded as the catalyst for all modern music festivals.
Navarro, mostly known for his time with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and a brief (or really long in LA ...) marriage to Carmen Electra, kind of slid onstage. He was a sight to behold, covered in rock 'n' roll tatts, and piercings, and finished off with the de rigeur black leather motorcycle pants and heavy eyeliner. Immediately you could see the two vying for center stage, with Navarro a bit beefier and more commanding - but they both need a tan. Which is probably hard if you go to bed at dawn and wake up at dusk regularly.
While promoting their new album, "The Great Escape Artist," the playlist for this concert included all their best tracks. "Jane Says" was one of the first songs, and sounded pretty amazing. "Irresistible Force" was clearly the best song from their new offerings, and Jane's delivered "Pets" and "Been Caught Stealing" as well, to the delight of their fans.
Toward the end of the show, Farrell walked out with a bottle of wine, and sipped on it for inspiration - or thirst quenching. A few songs later, he came back with a bottle of tequila, took a few swigs, and "shared the madness" with the audience! Pretty cool. Imagine his crazy, bulging eyes popping out of his head and offering you a sip from the "fountain of insanity." How could you say no? The eager crowd sipped and passed the agave until it disappeared, but being Perry Farrell, he soon brought out another bottle (of course)!
The sound was a bit off with Farrell's singing; one could not decipher if it was a hoarse voice from heavy touring, or if the microphone was not cooperating, but that did not put a damper on the electrical surge coming out of his body and absorbed by the enthusiastic and charmed crowd. The band was in sync, you could feel the vibe of the part trance/part concert/part show, and it was just all working 100 percent.
If you haven't seen Jane's yet this summer, go to Pollstar.com, buy a ticket, and get your body to a show.


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Book your Train ticket to Sheffield
#1 distributor of train tickets and rail passes
The simplicity of one-stop-shopping
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Sheffield, England's greenest city
Sheffield, England's greenest city
Sheffield is located in central England, in the South Yorkshire region. The city is well known for its steel industry, which held an importance place in its economy during the 19th century. Today Sheffield has a broader economy and is home to excellent theatre and live music venues, world-class sporting events, and great landmarks.
There is plenty to do in Sheffield. Why not start by visiting The Botanical Gardens and next the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre. Afterwards you can proceed to the National Emergency Services Museum, the Shepherd Wheel, The Wortley Top Forge and the famous Kelham Island Museum. Don't miss the peacefulness of the St Peter and St Paul Cathedral, and the original Police Box located in Surrey Street.
Getting to and from Sheffield
|From London
|To London
Train Station(s)
While you're there
Travel forum
From our travel community
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If you haven't already heard, "Governor Baxter Day: Bangor to Katahdin" and
"Top of Bangor Tour" will be held on July 24 in Bangor!
The day will be filled with activities celebrating connections between the City of Bangor, Baxter State Park and the Katahdin region. And in participating, you will be supporting the Plants of Baxter State Park Project, an effort to create the first ever full inventory and field guide of the park's plants.
July 24 might seem far away, but a big part of the event is a photography contest, and submission deadlines are approaching! So, here are the details:
The photo contest has three categories — Wild Bangor, Native Maine Plants and Baxter State Park — and is open to all. Entry fee is $20. You can deliver or send up to three frames photos to Epic Sports at 6 Central Street in Bangor. Deliveries will be accepted July 5-11. For contest guidelines, visit www.friendsofbaxter.org/pdf/InfoPhotographers52513.pdf. Snag an entry form at www.friendsofbaxter.org/pdf/PHOTOCONTEST.pdf.
The exhibit will be on display at Epic Sports from July 13 to 23. All photos will be for sale, 50 percent of selling price going to the photographer and 50 percent to support the Plants of Baxter State Park project. Winning photos will be announced on July 24 the "Top of Bangor Tour" at 51 Thomas Hill Road in Bangor. There will be cash prizes in each category. Photos still available will be sold at live auction during the reception.
Whether you consider yourself professional photographer or a complete amateur, I don't think it matters. I know a lot of people who've have taken some amazing photos of the park and of Bangor. The categories are fairly broad, so dig into your archives and pick something out! It may sound cheesy, but everyone has a unique perspective. I look forward to the exhibit and seeing how different people view Bangor, Baxter and our native plants.
I will be blogging more about "Governor Baxter Day" as we get closer to the big day. To check out the lineup of activities for the big day, visit www.friendsofbaxter.org/pdf/BaxterDayInformation5_14_13.pdf.


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- Share Your Story: Finding Out, Part 5 (4 is full!!...
- Finding Out, Part 5 (Please post here. Part 4 is f...
- Stupid S#*t Cheaters Say
- Separating/Divorcing Page 9
- Finding Out, Part 6
- Books for the Betrayed
- Separating and Divorcing, Page 10
- Feeling Stuck, Part 23
- MORE Stupid S#*t Cheaters Say
- Share Your Story Part 6 (Part 5 is full)
- Sex & Intimacy After Betrayal Part 2 (Part 1 is full)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Too Much Information? Or Not Enough...
The couple explained that they have total honesty in their marriage (I know, I know. They live in Hollywood...but I'm withholding skepticism!). They talked about how, if they find themselves attracted to someone else, they talk about it.
I was conflicted, at the time. As far as I knew, my husband had never cheated. As far as I believed, he'd never found another woman as attractive as I. (It's almost embarrassing to write that. How naive was I???) And frankly, if my husband did find another woman attractive, I'm not sure I wanted to know about it. After all, I figured, what could be gained by knowing that?
Now, however, I see things a bit differently. And I would want to know. In fact, it's something my husband and I have talked about. And though it kinda makes me squirm (his taste in women is...well...surprising. If I was a man, I'm not sure I'd find the women he likes at ALL attractive. However...vive la difference), I confess I feel "safer" having had the discussion.
Plenty of marriage experts back me up. And plenty others disagree.
The two schools of thought are thus.
#1: No secrets: This school of thought purports that ANY secrets in a marriage can lead to trouble. Lying, or lying by omission, can include anything such as how much money you really spent on a pair of shoes or about whether you'd like to curl up with someone other than your spouse.
I confess I find this a bit drastic. I'm not convinced that my husband needs to know EVERY thought that goes through my head that might be construed as a potential threat...but perhaps it comes down to our own ability to recognize which notions are an actual threat...and which ones are harmless and should be kept under wraps. For example, I did confess to my husband that I was finding myself very attracted to another man. Ironically, that's what initially led us to couples counselling and THEN all the dirt about my husband's extracurriculars came out. But I knew that something was wrong in our marriage and I wasn't comfortable with how I was feeling about this other man...
#2: Judicious sharing: This school of thought maintains that there is such a thing as too much information. Sharing every time we're attracted to someone else can start to seem like manipulation or hurtful – a way to keep a spouse constantly off-balance. I've known couples who do this in the name of being "mature" and "open" but I've also been aware that on some level, it's really only one of them who's sharing the info and the other seems victimized. Perhaps it depends on the level of security both already feel in the relationship.
In any case, I do tend towards the first conviction – I'd rather err on the side of too much information than too little. Especially now that I know what I know...
What about you? If you remain married, do you want to hear every time your husband feels attracted to someone else? If your husband is a sex addict, do you want to know about it every time he feels a desire to act out? Or is that what sponsors and friends are for? Too much information? Or not enough...
3 comments:
I wish i new the answer to that.ReplyDelete
On one hand I don't want my husband attracted to other people. I certainly don't want to hear about it!
Yet it's the secrets the hiding the fantasies that has lead to this- in part. So to put a reality check on a crush or an attraction I would want to hear about it.
However, if my husband did tell me- I would most likely not be able to control my emotions and flip out.
So either way is not going to work here.
I do fall back on the thinking that he just has to get control of his impulses and bloody well grow up and be a man (heads of onto muttering about what my husband really is...)
I have had no troubles as a faithful partner- with my attractions and crushes. I've never had it go any further than being a bit starry eyed from watching Ewan Mcgregor in a movie. Never once have I felt the need to hang posters, gush about or act out in any way from this.
It has not been hard.
I have not worked to do it.
I just expected that from my husband- and still do.
so back to the original problem :(
- TakilasunriseDecember 20, 2010 at 2:26 PM
The only time my wayward husband ever vocalized his "interest" in other woman was when we were watching TV and it was about a celebrity....and it didn't bother me. Like he said, they are the "untouchables", meaning he'd never get a chance to meet them let alone have a chance to be with them. A little different scenario then Will and Jada's! So, in my opinion, I don't mind him verbalizing who he finds attractive on TV, but I still don't want to know who he thinks is pretty when we drive or walk by one. Because now, everytime I see a woman that looks like the OW (multiple) or someone I think he thinks is pretty, I'm going to have a hard enough time not triggering!ReplyDelete
Yeah, I was the same, though I didn't like it when my husband commented on anyone – famous or otherwise – mostly because what he seemed to be physically attracted to (brunette, ethnic) was NOT me (blonde, Caucasian...).ReplyDelete
But I'm easily triggered now, in spite of the fact that my husband's OW was NOT attractive, not even to him. Nor were any of the women that I know about. Still...


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Limiting courts
Having practiced law in Kansas in the Hays area since Feb. 13, 1956, approximately 59 years, I am amused at the gyrations of Gov. Sam Brownback to dilute or redefine some provisions of our Constitution enacted and adopted by the Kansas Legislature.
Most of the background of our constitutional provisions as it relates to education, the court system, Legislature and the executive branches "was patterned after the United States Constitution, which was drafted primarily by our second president John Adams in Philadelphia."
Adams was a trial lawyer in Braintree, Mass., where he maintained a farming operation and a trial practice. He is the only prominent member of the revolutionary contingent of Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and Patrick Henry who had not received a land grant before the revolutionary war. In short, Adams was a self-made man, married to a wonderful woman named Abigail who maintained the farming operation while he rode horseback from Braintree for approximately a 15-day trip to Philadelphia where he primarily was responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence and forming and establishing the United States Constitution. On his second trip to Philadelphia, he devoted most of his time to the separation of powers.
He stated: "Essential to the stability of government and to an able and impartial administration of justice was separation of judicial power from both the legislative and executive. There must be an independent judiciary. Men of experience on the laws, of exemplary morals, invincible patience, unruffled calmness and indefatigable application should be subservient to none and appointed for life. Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially for the lower classes of people, are so extremely wise and useful that to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant."
If the reader of this letter is interested in Adam's exact position, I would recommend the Pulitzer Prize-winning book written by David McCullough, and I might even suggest reading the criteria that was ever so carefully drafted which was the background of our entire government that we enjoy today.
Lastly, I am amused at some of my fellow lawyers who are in the Legislature and who are aligning themselves with Brownback to limit the power of the judiciary and to dictate to the court system how they should govern their particular division of government. In the short time I have been in the practice, I have watched our court system improve steadily under the leadership of judges, particularly those selected under the merit plan we enjoy today.
During the time Chief Justice Fatzer was on the bench, he promoted the merit system for both district and appellate judges, which was a vast improvement to what we had in 1956. Steadily since that time, our judicial system has been nothing but a vast improvement from what existed when I first was admitted. The method of selection of appellate judges and district court judges, as suggested by Brownback, flies in the face of our forefathers who carefully drafted our Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the members of the Legislature who drafted the constitution and statutes in Kansas that govern our judicial system.
In closing let me say this: Brownback is a member of the bar of the state of Kansas, and all I can say to him in all of his current gyrations intending to limit the power of our court is: Shame on you, Gov. Brownback.
Thomas C. Boone


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New program will influence the hospital�s culture through interactions shaping patient perceptions.
Call it what you want; it was known as customer service and prior to that, it was hospitality service and patient satisfaction.
Today, it�s called the patient experience, Teresa Sumner, RN and director of value-based purchasing at Lenoir Memorial Hospital, said.
�I think when you say patient experience,� she said, �it just means a whole lot more. It includes quality and safety and the service because all three are important � that we want our patients to get the quality of care. We want them to be safe and we want them to be happy with the care they got.�
The patient experience, a program developed by the nonprofit organization, The Beryl Institute, is defined as the sum of all interactions, shaped by an organization's culture, that influence patient perceptions across the continuum of care, according to theberylinstitute.org.
The program cost the hospital less than $5,000, Barbara LaRoque, marketing coordinator, said. A stay in the hospital is a different relationship than in other businesses, she added.
�When patients come here,� Sumner said, �you know, patients don�t want to have to be in a hospital. � But we want to do what we can to make it a better experience for them.�
The hospital is looking at a variety of ways to make the patient experience a better one. This includes aesthetics, changing processes, building staff morale and creating a patient-focused atmosphere.
�What we�re looking at are different systems,� Sumner said. �What can we do that adds value to the patient? You know, what do patients see that�s important to them?�
For example, in-patients have expressed concerns about noise during the night, LaRoque said.
�So Teresa was trying to figure out what can we do,� LaRoque said, �so our patients have a better night�s sleep because not getting a good night�s sleep impacts their stay. It impacts, perhaps, therapies the next day, the kind of frame of mind they�re in. I mean, everything is impacted by lack of sleep.�
Sumner discovered the noise problems came from delivering ice and emptying trash at night between 2-4 a.m. So the hospital implemented a quiet zone from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Sumner said a noise reduction team was put together to analyze the problem and come up with a solution so staff could get their work accomplished � including patient tests and other routine tasks � yet allowing patients to have a quiet time.
Sumner said the noise reduction team will be assessing the wheels on the carts, such as for blood pressure machines and drawing blood.
�We�ve looked at several different wheel types,� she said, �so that when they roll down the hall, you don�t hear anything.�
Jane Hanrahan, a systems analyst at LMH and former percussion professor at Mount Olive College, has selected a �quiet time� early 1900�s tune to play at about 9:15 p.m. and about 15 minutes later. It will be a time to let patients, staff and visitors know quiet time will be starting.
The hospital�s coordination effort is hoped to improve communication between staff members for the betterment of the patients.
�That�s what this focus is,� Sumner said, �is putting the patient first, it�s working around the patient. � A lot of studies have come out and shown that just how much people feel better with just these little touches, and trying to individualize care.�
Additionally, the patient experience involves making visiting families more comfortable. A whiteboard has been placed in each in-patient room with information about the patient�s diet, pain medicine, therapy and activity levels, and is even used as a tool for communication between families and staff.
�It�s really great,� Sumner said, �because their family members have been using the boards.�
It can save time when a patient asks a staff member for a drink, for example. The employee can scan the board for dietary requirements without having to go to the desk to find out if it�s something the patient can have, she said.
The patient experience is a complementary fit with the Lean program, which the hospital is currently using to eliminate waste and improve value.
�We have a lot of things to do,� Sumner said, �and it�s easy to get task-oriented, and we just want to bring it back to the point of these are our patients and we have relations with them.�
The hospital has a three-and-a-half-minute video designed by The Beryl Institute and produced by Clark Tutt�s TACC-9 to use in orientations for new employees and volunteers and help current staff understand the concept.
Each employee was given a name tag saying �I am the patient experience,� and a kick-off party was held to boost morale and instill the idea that each employee plays an important part � directly or indirectly � in that experience.
Employees throughout the hospital and volunteers participated in the video, smiling and displaying their name tags.
�It�s a proven idea of how it inspires people to want to do better,� Sumner said, �to take that extra time to do what they can for patients.�
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.


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I know puzzleless IF has been a thing for awhile, but I'm not talking about anything artsy here. I still can't help but view good puzzles as like, the foundation of a quality text adventure, but as both a writer and a reader, I've always been just bad at them. They have this tendency to be unwelcome stumbling blocks that either have to be set up or gotten around before I can proceed to the meat of a game. Atmosphere, interactivity and story is what it's all about for me. The problem is I worry it might just be me.
With IF on the brain again I've been trying to think of something simple and fun I could do to re-familiarize myself with the developer, and I realize after all this time I STILL just want to make Walk Around My Incredibly Detailed Fantasy World and Look At Things and Talk to People: The Game.
If the gameplay itself was say, just a matter of finding collections of objects via talking to NPCs and paying attention while exploring, or selling goods to make X amount of cash, would that be enough to hold anyone's interest? (Kind of laid back experience of the Shire meeting Animal Crossing, is the best way I can explain it...)
Or does anyone have any examples they can think of that remove the usual puzzle focus and still leave a satisfying or at least moderately entertaining game behind?
Another possibility I've considered would be a sort of CYOA-IF hybrid with locations to explore interspersed with choice-based segments to move the actual plot along.


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WASHINGTON — JIM RISEN is gruff.
The tall slab of a reporter looks like someone who could have played an Irish Marine sergeant in an old World War II movie.
"Editors think I'm a curmudgeon," the 59-year-old admits, laughing.
Eric Lichtblau, the reporter who sits next to Risen in The Times's Washington bureau and who won a Pulitzer with him for their remarkable stories about the Bush administration's illegal warrantless wiretapping, says Risen revels in his prickly, old-school style, acting contrary on everything from newfangled computers to the Bush crew's fictions about Saddam and W.M.D. to cautious editors.
"He's pushed to go places that often editors are unwilling to go," Lichtblau said. "He's never taken the safe route."
Once Lichtblau took him to a pick-up basketball game and, naturally, Risen got in a fight with a lobbyist about the rules for being out of bounds.
As Carl Hulse, The Times's chief Washington correspondent, wryly puts it: "Whether it's editors or government officials, Jim definitely won't take no for an answer, but he will certainly give it."
Over lunch near the White House on Friday, Risen, dressed in his Men's Wearhouse shirt and khakis and his brown Ecco walking shoes, talked about having the sword of Damocles over his head, as the reluctant star of a searing media-government showdown that could end with him behind bars.
"It's surreal to be caught up in a news story instead of writing about one," he said, in his soft voice.
He said he was inspired by the Watergate hearings to get into journalism and that he inherited his skepticism about government from his mom, who grew up in Indiana during the Depression, the daughter of an Irish railway machinist who was often out of work. Every time she saw the pyramids on TV, she would say, "I wonder how many slaves died building that?"
Risen said he's not afraid that F.B.I. agents will show up one day at the suburban Maryland home he shares with his wife, Penny. (His three sons are grown, and one is a reporter.) But he has exhausted all his legal challenges, including at the Supreme Court, against the Obama administration.
"I was nervous for a long time, but they've been after me for six years so now I try to ignore it," he said, musing that he's already decided what he'll take to prison: Civil War books and World War II histories.
The Justice Department is trying to scuttle the reporters' privilege — ignoring the chilling effect that is having on truth emerging in a jittery post-9/11 world prone to egregious government excesses.
Attorney General Eric Holder wants to force Risen to testify and reveal the identity of his confidential source on a story he had in his 2006 book concerning a bungled C.I.A. operation during the Clinton administration in which agents might have inadvertently helped Iran develop its nuclear weapon program. The tale made the C.I.A. look silly, which may have been more of a sore point than a threat to national security.
But Bush officials, no doubt still smarting from Risen's revelation of their illegal wiretapping, zeroed in on a disillusioned former C.I.A. agent named Jeffrey Sterling as the source of the Iran story.
The subpoena forcing Risen's testimony expired in 2009, and to the surprise of just about everybody, the constitutional law professor's administration renewed it — kicking off its strange and awful aggression against reporters and whistle-blowers.
Holder said in May that "no reporter who is doing his job is going to go to jail," trying to show some leg and signal that his intention is benign, merely to put pressure on Sterling so that he will plead guilty before his trial.
The president and the attorney general both spoke nobly about the First Amendment after two reporters were arrested in Ferguson, Mo., while covering the racial protests in the wake of Michael Brown's death.
Obama said that "here, in the United States of America, police should not be bullying or arresting journalists who are just trying to do their jobs and report to the American people on what they see on the ground."
Holder seconded the sentiment, saying that "journalists must not be harassed or prevented from covering a story that needs to be told."
So why don't they back off Risen? It's hard to fathom how the president who started with the press fluffing his pillows has ended up trying to suffocate the press with those pillows.
How can he use the Espionage Act to throw reporters and whistle-blowers in jail even as he defends the intelligence operatives who "tortured some folks," and coddles his C.I.A. chief, John Brennan, who spied on the Senate and then lied to the senators he spied on about it?
"It's hypocritical," Risen said. "A lot of people still think this is some kind of game or signal or spin. They don't want to believe that Obama wants to crack down on the press and whistle-blowers. But he does. He's the greatest enemy to press freedom in a generation."
Risen points to recent stories about the administration pressing an unprecedented initiative known as the Insider Threat Program, which McClatchy described as "a government-wide crackdown on security threats that requires federal employees to keep closer tabs on their co-workers and exhorts managers to punish those who fail to report their suspicions."
Risen may be trapped in Ibsen, but Obama is channeling Orwell.


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No other language program is as quick, convenient and effective — in just 30 days you can be speaking the Croatian language in real life situations with the confidence of an expert.
Obtain language proficiently in only 30 minutes a day, without the need for books or memorization.
ICI language programs are not about memorizing or translating, but about learning grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in a natural and exciting way. For each 30 minute lesson, you will interact with a teacher and a native speaker of the language, enabling you to acquire the essential core of the language you are learning. Instead of going through memorization drills, the course trains your ear to capture and retain the sounds of the spoken language you are learning.
By learning a language on several fronts at once (grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation), the language-learning network in your brain internalizes the rules of the language you are acquiring. The result is: you will begin speaking basic sentences and attaining your new language in as little as 30 minutes!
Who uses these language Programs?
Over 25 million people around the world have embraced the learning method we use. The programs we teach are used by government departments (CIA, FBI, diplomats), business professionals, students, travellers, individuals who have married into foreign families, business people, and curious learners alike. Why? Because the learning method work! Endorsed by the Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CTFL). This language program offers the world the most innovative and effective means to learn a new language quickly.
How Will You Benefit?
- Fast track your career and open new business, social, cultural and employment opportunities
- Learn the inside secrets on how to learn how to speak Croatian like a local
- Use a scientifically proven linguistic method to learn a language in weeks and months rather than years!
- Take a proven and tested language learning system which has been developed over 40 years and used by 25 million people worldwide since 1980
- Free up valuable time, don't waste time and money travelling to classes. Audio lessons enable you to study in the car, on the train or even while you travel!
- Study at your own pace whenever and wherever you are
- Have access to a personal tutor for guidance, support and assistance
- Easy interest-free payment plans from as low as $49 per week
Start reaping the benefits by enrolling today!
Career Prospects
In the age of globalisation, international business travel is more common and holidays abroad are more affordable than ever. As a result, learning a foreign language is gaining popularity.
ICI language courses are ideal for those wanting to learn a new language to advance their career prospects or just for fun when travelling, experiencing new cultures or making new friends.
With regular practice, you will be able to communicate with confidence in Croatian in just a few months.
Language Course Levels Explained
This course leads to the awarding of a Certificate.
Basic language proficiency
After finishing a Certificate, you'll be able to:
- Initiate and maintain face-to-face conversations,
- Deal with everyday situations — ask for information or directions and give basic information about yourself and your family,
- Communicate basic information on informal topics and participate in casual conversations,
- Handle basic courtesy and travel requirements and avoid basic cultural errors,
- Satisfy personal needs and limited social demands,
- Establish rapport with strangers in foreign countries,
- Begin reading and sounding out items with native-like pronunciation.
No previous knowledge or experience is required to enrol at ANY course level.
Course Length
The average time within which students complete language studies is:
|Certificate Level
|4 weeks (1 hour a day).
ICI courses allow you to study at your own pace with no deadlines. This means that you determine the pace of the course and within which time period you will ultimately complete your studies in.
- Completing your course with ICI is flexible as you can fast-track and gain language speaking proficiency quickly and graduate sooner rather than later. You complete activities and submit assignments whenever you are ready.
- The maximum time given to complete a program is three years.
Study Mode: Online Learning
This entire course is carried out via Distance Learning. Distance learning is ideal if you need to adapt around work, family, or other commitments. It is also extremely beneficial should you simply wish to fast track your studies (and career) and not be locked into a timetable.
Our course content and learning experience ensure that your course is relevant and interesting. Learning, tutorial assistance, assessments take place whenever and wherever you are in the country or world. It takes place at your own pace on your own terms to fit your lifestyle. As an ICI student, you'll never endure a pop quiz, spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars travelling, and never be late with an assignment or for class.
Recognition & Accreditation
This course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC).
All ICI language courses are endorsed by the Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CTFL).
Various government departments and businesses have enrolled their own staff with ICI for further training and development and are a strong indicator of acceptance and recognition by employers and industry.
The following is a partial list of companies and government departments which have enrolled staff into ICI courses:
- Department of Defence,
- State of Queensland,
- Metcash Trading Ltd Australia (IGA),
- Navman Technologies,
- Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane,
- Colliers International,
- Queensland Compensation,
- Mitsubishi Corporation,
- Response Real Estate,
- British Lolly Shop Franchise,
- Commonwealth Bank
- Clayton UTZ,
- Minter Ellison Lawyers,
- Villari Lawyers,
- Aviva Australia Holdings,
- Uniting Care Institute of Family Practice,
- Federal Workplace Authority,
- Centacare Employment Group,
- Lumen Australia,
- Boys Town,
- MAP Group
- Coca-Cola Amitel
- Coles Myer Ltd, etc…
What Do I Get?
All materials essential for course completion are included in the cost of the course fee. Upon enrolment, students receive:
- All required study materials and audio recordings
- Practical assessments with constructive tutor feedback
- A tutor who will service all of your course and career questions and guidance needs.
On successful completion of the course you will receive:
- A graduation certificate officially recognizing your successful completion of training and language qualification in Croatian
- Transcripts indicating units completed
- Letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
- Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification. For example: John Smith, CertLng(Cro)
What the Students Have Say
Nine out of ten students report they have acquired specific, measurable spoken foreign-language communication skills by the time they have completed the first 30 lessons of a language program. This means that even with as little as 15 hours of training, ninety percent of learners are able to converse comfortably with native speakers.
Very quick start to German. These audio recordings allow you to learn as quickly or slowly as you like. Also, the way that it is presented allowed me to retain the skills much longer than I was able to using book or book-and-audio methods. Perhaps most importantly, by learning aurally and practicing orally I DEVELOPED VERY GOOD PRONUNCIATION.
Damien Del Russo, Dusseldorf, Germany
THE APPROACH IS THE BEST EVER! This is the best program available to learn Korean on the market today. I know because I have audited a dozen of them. It is very simple. Just play a lesson per day.
D. M. Rothschild, MA, United States
LEARNING LANGUAGES WAS NEVER THIS MUCH FUN… I would recommend this to all who would like to begin their study of the Japanese language… the learning approach is very easy to learn from, hear and repeat.
Christopher Muro, Pittsburgh, United States
I found the Portuguese course VERY EASY TO USE. I have other self-taught programs, but this was by far was the best. The speakers enunciated well and allowed you enough time to repeat the phrases without rushing. Using my walkman, I found it convenient to carry with me and listen. The key to this program is the repetition. I enjoy using it.
John Hugo., Burtonsville, United States
It's great! This audiobook made me and my little sister learn the basics of the French language. It's really effective. The learning approach works for both the young and the old. Now, I YEARN TO LEARN MORE.
Leah Nillas, Quezon City, Philippines
WOW, IT REALLY WORKS! Yes, it really works…If the first lesson gives me this fluency/confidence; it goes without saying that the rest will do the same. I started speaking in German with my friends. Buy it, listen to it and find yourself speaking in German.
Ik Soo Lim, Lausanne, Switzerland
What the Critics Have to Say
EXTREMELY ACCESSIBLE…the speakers have pleasant voices, each section within the lessons is short enough to hold our attention, and there is enough repetition to teach even those who consider themselves slow learners…The lessons are extremely thorough and easy to use-quite lively!
Learn French while commuting, German while jogging, Spanish while cooking (or Russian, Italian, and Japanese) all with NO WRITTEN MATERIALS!
This is the easiest and simplest language method… OUTSTANDING!
There's a audio tutorial to suit every need…using a UNIQUE system [the] segments will have you carrying on simple conversations at the end of just four hours.
An excellent set of audio lessons…simply play these in your car each day for a few weeks and in no time at all, YOU'LL BE SPEAKING LIKE A NATIVE.
I would have bet that I'd collect the money-back guarantee, until I played Lesson One… I WAS HOOKED!
Designed for the ear and not the eye…the lessons provide PERFECT 30-minute bites of work.
IDEAL for commuters.
THE MARKET LEADER in self-instructional foreign language lessons.
Learn to habla espanol or parlez français before your next trip aboard…The interactive LESSONS CHALLENGE STUDENTS to use new words in conversation instead of memorize them.
A WELCOME CHANGE from some of the more formal, highly structured language lessons.
Cut Off Date
is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.
Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it's at your own pace and you determine when you finish. Don't miss out. Enrol today!
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Click on one of the Enrol Now buttons below and you could be working on your first lesson – and towards a new career – in a matter of days!
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Kuttner's conundrum: 'Bad boy' blasts the new law
The mayor jokingly calls him the "bad boy" and credits him with anticipating some of today's now City-sanctioned trends of mixing uses and densifying downtown. But while the creative developments of Oliver Kuttner helped inspire the new zoning ordinance, that doesn't mean he has to love it.
"It's a piece of junk ordinance," rages Kuttner. A developer (and race car driver), Kuttner may be best known for building The Terraces, a towering multi-million-dollar mixed-use structure on Water Street.
What has him so irate?
"'Spontaneous' can't be done here," says Kuttner, who believes the amount of red tape a developer must cut through on any project has become unmanageable.
"I don't really want to deal with them anymore," he says of the City.
Kuttner says the new ordinance may be better than the old one in certain ways, but for his Skatetown building on East Market Street, which is zoned industrial, it's been nothing but a headache.
Under the old ordinance, M-1 zoning, which applies to that segment of Market Street, allowed mixed use– business, light industrial, even residential development.
Kuttner says he tried to be forward-thinking when he re-did the building several years ago by constructing loft-type spaces that would allow people to reside in the same space in which they worked.
His plan backfired, he says.
Under the new ordinance, M-1 has essentially turned into the old M-2, which does not permit residential. Though the apartments that already exist are grandfathered in and could remain mixed use, Kuttner says any future work he might do on the spaces could result in a nightmare of paperwork and special use permits.
As a result, he's removed the showers from the lofts and done what he can to make each space "less inviting" as a home.
"What is at one time the good thing to do becomes the bad thing to do," says Kuttner, shaking his head.
And though Mayor Maurice Cox and his wife, architect Giovanna Galfione, praise Kuttner's foresight on The Terraces project, Kuttner says getting the building to completion was an ordeal.
"I was stopped 18 times," he says, citing the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and the zoning department as hindrances.
At the former Downtown Tire building between South and Water streets, Kuttner famously vexed the facade-monitoring BAR by putting all his storefronts behind existing– and therefore off-limits to the BAR– retractable metal loading-bay doors.
He says his South Street parking lot, on that same project, is for sale, and he hopes to find the right developer for that space. He, however, isn't looking for any new projects within Charlottesville's city limits.
"It's too much time spent to get too little done," he says. "Life's too short."
Oliver "Bad Boy" Kuttner


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I think there are three things that possibly lead to this firing:
1. Hiring of Dusty Baker
2. Disagreement over whether or not to re-sign Dunn
3. Krivsky and Jocketty couldn't work together
I think there are three things that possibly lead to this firing:
1. Hiring of Dusty Baker
2. Disagreement over whether or not to re-sign Dunn
3. Krivsky and Jocketty couldn't work together
Too me it was headed in the right direction and as soon as Jr's money was off the books that would have really given Wayne something to work with.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
I've been told this move was made simply for two reasons:
1) Castellini loves Jocketty.
2) Krivsky had serious "people problems"
The word I got is that it really didn't have anything to do with the team's record, that was just an excuse. And that actually makes me feel much better about Castellini.
Go BLUE!!!
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
I won't lament too much if Jocketty shows commitment to young players and re-signs Dunn to an extension.
I don't trust him on either count though. I was not a Krivsky fan, but a dismissal this early in the season reeks.
where can i see the press conference?
Go BLUE!!!
Wayne was talking on Reds Live and said he'll still follow this team and root like hell for them. You could tell he was barely holding back the tears.
Ahh...the sweet smell of dysfunction and chaos, Bob is scary.
Go Gators!
Starting over again
By Hal McCoy | Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 05:05 PM
The first thing that came to mind when Bob Castellini spoke was former Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev pounding his shoe on a podium at the United Nations and saying, We will bury you.
Castellini, his face a solid concrete etched in solemn passion, looked down when asked, Why now? Why fire general manager Wayne Krivsky now?
Then his head shot up and he said, Weve come to the point where we just arent going to lose anymore.
You could almost see Krivskys successor, Walt Jocketty, cringe at those words, although he later said, Im not worried about it, I do it because I want to do it, not that I need to do it.
Castellini said the reason for Krivskys dismissal can mostly be found in the won-lost column. Is that fair? 9-12? Twenty-one games. Even Tony Perez lasted longer than that into a season, 44 games as manager before Jim Bowden fired him.
Nobody in the organization is happy with our 9-12 won-loss record, Castellini said. Weve had two losing seasons under our new ownership and weve started out this season poorly, on a won-loss basis, and thats the primary reason we made the change.
Castellini was testy when asked about continuity four managers and six general managers (two were co-GMs on an interim basis in the last six seasons.
We havent had six, weve had two, he said, using semantics. The organization has had six GMs since 2002 Jim Bowden, co-interims Brad Kullman and Leland Maddox, Dan OBrien, Krivsky and Jocketty. The franchise has yes.
So is he concerned about continuity? Absolutely I am. Absolutely. I respect the question, but this has been a very tough decision. Krivsky did a whale of a job in some areas.
Jocketty jumped to Castellinis rescue.
I believe in continuity, he said. Very much so. But sometime it takes a little time to get thins the way you want. There are a lot of quality people and quite a few quality players here and now we have to find a way to make it work.
Jocketty says he is impressed with the staff, on the field and in the front office, and doesnt anticipate any changes.
Manager Dusty Baker, the fifth manager in six years (Bob Boone, Dave Miley, Jerry Narron, interim Pete Mackanin, Baker) addressed the continuity issue, too. Asked about the importance of continuity, he said, I think it is very important. Wayne did some great things here. He built our farm system. It is very important to keep some consistency, which is one reason I kept the coaching staff.
I mean, you listen to quarterbacks complain about four offensive co-ordinators in four years. Doesnt work. Good organizations keep a lot of the same people for a long period of time, Baker added.
Krivsky appeared in the back of the press box after the Jocketty press conference and said his removal was a shot out of the dark. He said Castellini asked him Tuesday night to meet with him Wednesday morning at 8:30 and Krivsky didnt see the axe above the door.
It came out of the blue, it really did, said Krivsky. Completely shocked. I didnt see this coming at all. What hurts so much is not to be able to see the job through. I had visions of being in the clubhouse with people pouring champagne over everybody. Im hugely disappointed Im not able to finish the job.
I fought for an hour to keep my job, he said. I fought hard for my job. I love it here. I loved my job. And I had laughs. You have to have laughs in this job and I did in two years. I only wish it was 22. It wasnt my call. But I disagree strongly with the decision. I still think Im the right guy for this job. But Bob will admit he is an impatient man. Ill sleep good tonight well, maybe not tonight.
Jocketty is confident he can do in Cincinnati what he did in St. Louis, turning a similar market from moribund into a winner, seven playoffs in 13 years.
This franchise is very similar to what we had in St. Louis, a winning tradition, great fans, great community, but they hadnt won in a long time in St. Louis, either, sjaid Jocketty. There are a lot of similarities between St. Louis and Cincinnati. This is a storied franchise with tradition. Dusty Baker and I are very motivated, guys with a vendette and a little chip on our shoulder.
Thats because Jocketty was fired in St. Louis after last season and Baker was fired in Chicago after 2006.
Asked about his basic philosophy, Jocketty said, Win.
Thats what they all say.
Look at an unbiases source like Baseball America, who had the Reds farm system rated 27th to 30th when I got here, now they rank us in the top three or four, said Krivsky. In two years? Dam right Im proud of that. Im humongously proud of that. Were one of the most respected organizations in baseball and Im damn proud of that.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...articleid=7414As I was getting ready to file this article, the news broke that Wayne Krivsky was going to be fired and replaced by Walt Jocketty. The only surprise is the timing, which seems silly. When Bob Castellini hired Jocketty and Dusty Baker, it was clearly that Krivsky's days were numbered. I can't say I understand the decision to let him go three weeks into the season; it's not like you shake up a team by firing the GM.
Krivsky's work in Cincinnati was a mixed bag. He had an absolutely terrific record on minor deals, acquiring contributors such as David Ross, Jeff Keppinger, Brandon Phillips, Dave Weathers, and others for next to nothing. On the other hand, he may be best remembered for his biggest deal, in which he dealt away Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez in an attempt to bolster the Reds' bullpen back in 2006. The trade was a disaster, and overshadows what was actually a solid record outside of it. Krivsky inherited a flawed team, and if he didn't push it into contention, he made it marginally better over the years by identifying upgrades. Certainly Jocketty has a longer and more impressive c.v., but this decision is more about personal relationships—Castellini and Jocketty go back a long way—than performance. It was inevitable, but that doesn't make the timing any less strange, and in fact, counterproductive. When the Reds win down the road, as they will, Krivsky will deserve a significant piece of the credit that will no doubt go largely to Jocketty.
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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Karla Valas has seen some interesting assets that donors have considered giving to charity in her 15 years with Fidelity Charitable, among them:
- A thoroughbred racehorse
- A seat on the New York stock exchange
- A grain elevator
- An interest in a major league baseball team
- A beach house in Virginia
"Wine, of course, is very popular," explains Valas (left), the managing director of complex assets for the Boston-based firm, noting that a donor once developed an allergy and could no longer partake of the fruity elixir and thus willed his entire collection. "It could be a pile of dirt. As long as something has value between a buyer and seller, and is a 'low friction' transaction, we'll take a look at it."
What she takes is mainly appreciated stock and other corporate assets, usually either from business owners of key executives. And although the assets her clients donate are complex, she insists the process isn't.
"We know what we're looking for, so we pre-scrub everything prior to the donor's liquidity event so it's ready to go and as seamless as possible," Valas notes. "Our due diligence process is board approved and it's one that protects the donor and charity from risk."
Part of the ability to protect interested parties in this manner is due to the fact they don't provide tax advice, and instead rely on advisors to fill that role.
Until recently, complex assets were a largely untapped source of funding for philanthropic endeavors, Valas notes. But more donors and their advisors are becoming aware that they can donate these assets and of the tax advantages associated with doing so and contributions are becoming more common. The trend might also get an added boost from the American Taxpayer Relief Act, she adds, which makes donating these types of assets even more attractive.
"What advisors don't have to do is the heavy lifting when it comes to due diligence and the actual process," she continues. "If they don't want to stumble through the sophisticated process required of some universities to donate, or if they want their donation to go to more than one charity, we can help them streamline what needs to be done. The charity in particular doesn't have to worry about all this, they just receive a check."
It acts as a "multiplier effect" for an advisors business, in that they only have to worry about knowing which of their clients have a philanthropic bent, and then introducing them to Fidelity. They can then market their charitable giving expertise.
"The tax benefit plus the philanthropic benefit makes it a win-win for all involved."
Valas concludes by noting the effect the process has in increasing charitable giving.
"It's completely scalable, and because it's simple, when one company shareholder does it, we can repeat it with others. Word gets out about how easy it was and they then just have to say, "Yes."


text:
In Reason We Trust SC Plates
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Now Showing: Does science make belief in God harder or easier?
Herb Silverman's Darwin Week debate at the College on Feb. 8, 2011 with Dr Karl Giberson, president of BioLogos forum.
Other Videos:
Herb Speaks to Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago
On October 28, 2018, Herb Silverman (founding president of both the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry and the Secular Coalition for America) gave a talk entitled "An Atheist Stranger in a Strange Religious Land" to the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago
Herb Silverman at MMAH
SHL Founding President Herb Silverman visits Mid-Michigan Atheists and Humanists (MMAH) on March 25th, 2018.
Would Society Be Better Off Without Religion?
Herb Silverman debates Karen Swallow Prior, a professor of English at Liberty University, the question of whether society would be better off without religion. This conversation was the 2019 Veritas Forum held on January 30 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Herb Silverman debates Bill Clute on the question `Does the Christian God Exist?'
A debate featuring SHL's founding president Herb Silverman and Bill Clute held on September 8, 2018, sponsored by the United Coalition of Reason, Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and the Piedmont Humanists.
Tales from the Bible Belt / Birmingham Temple / March 2018
Herb Silverman recounts his journey from Orthodox Judaism to apathetic atheism to accidental atheistic activism to candidacy for governor of South Carolina! This event took place on Friday, Mar. 23, 2018 where the Society of Humanist Judaism was founded: at the Birmingham Temple, in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Herb Silverman at Shandon Baptist Church 3/2018
Herb participated in this theological debate at Shandon Baptist Church on 3/4/2018.
Debate: Is America a Christian Nation? Was It Ever? Should It Be?
A debate between Wallace Marshall (Reasonable Faith) and Ed Buckner (American Atheists) that SHL sponsored at the College of Charleston on August 17, 2017. The debate was moderated by SHL Founding President Herb Silverman.
Positive Atheism (Herb in Worcester, Mass.)
On Sunday, April 3, 2016, Herb Silverman delivered the fourth annual Dr. Irving & Annabel Wolfson Lecture at the UU Church of Worcester in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Herb Silverman and Richard Dawkins in Clearwater, FL October 10, 2015
Richard Dawkins and Herb Silverman discuss "Brief Candle in the Dark," Part 2 of Dawkins' autobiography. This presentation was sponsored by the Tampa Bay Coalition of Reason and was held at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater.
Herb Silverman's Darwin Day Talk 2015
Herb gave this talk to the Tampa Bay Coalition of Reason for Darwin Day in February 2015.
Honoring Herb Silverman & 20th Anniversary of SHL
Notable figures (including Hemant Mehta, Barry Lynn, Amanda Metskas, Dale McGowan, and Maggie Ardiente) comment on Herb Silverman for SHL's 20th Anniversary Party.
Silent Heroes: Herb Silverman
This documentary about Herb Silverman was made by a Dutch television crew on and around Day of Reason 2014. (See
for more information.)
Christianity or Atheism: Which makes more sense?
Herb Silverman and Wallace Marshall debate at the College of Charleston on March 20, 2014. The debate was moderated by Adam Parker of the Post and Courier.
Lucien Greaves speaks to SHL
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the The Satanic Temple, speaks to SHL at our February 16, 2014 meeting. Greaves is an atheist and, like SHL members, does not believe in the supernatural. Still, he discusses in this talk why he believes it is important that we understand the false information that has been spread about supposed "Satanists", and why he believes his organization can be politically useful. (Thanks to Dane Sorensen for recording and posting this video.)
CampQuest SC
Camp Quest is a residential summer camp based on humanist values. Amid traditional summer camp activities like swimming, boating, sports, and campfires, campers put their science and critical thinking skills to the test to examine the natural world, collaborate on team challenges, and explore their developing worldviews from a secular perspective. Ethan M. Sigmon and Sam West made this wonderful and very professional video of Camp Quest SC in 2013. (
from Ethan Sigmon
on Vimeo
Richard Dawkins and Herb Silverman: A Conversation at the College of Charleston
The world's most famous atheist and South Carolina's most famous atheist having a friendly chat. This video records a discussion between Richard Dawkins and Herb Silverman with questions from the audience. Filmed on March 9, 2013 at CofC's Physicians Auditorium..
Candidate Without a Prayer (Charlotte Atheists)
On October 26, 2012 speaking to the Charlotte NC Atheists, Herb recalls the fascinating story of his candidacy for the governorship of the state of South Carolina.
SHL Brunch with Richard Dawkins
Recorded by Dane Sorensen on March 10, 2013 at the Renaissance Charleston hotel.
Debate: God or Atheism, which way does the evidence point?
Alex Kasman (SHL) and Wallace Marshall (Reasonable Faith Charleston) debated at the College of Charleston on November 28, 2012.
Mandisa Thomas: How Religion Crippled the Black Community speech
Mandisa Thomas, a founder and current President of Black Nonbelievers, Inc., gave this talk at our March 2012 meeting.
The Great Debate 2011
Jack Hoey Jr. and Herb Silverman debate Sept 29, 2011 at the College of Charleston.
Charleston, SC Interfaith Gathering for Peace September 11, 2011
SHL Board Member Jason Gregory reads from the writings of Carl Sagan at this event to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 2001.
Mr. Deity and the SHL - Part I
Brian Keith Dalton, creator of the Mr. Deity series, gave this talk to the SHL on April 24, 2011, which Dane Sorensen was kind enough to record and post on YouTube.
Mr. Deity and the SHL - Part II
Brian Keith Dalton, creator of the Mr. Deity series, gave this talk to the SHL on April 24, 2011, which Dane Sorensen was kind enough to record and post on YouTube.
Mr. Deity and the SHL - Part III
Brian Keith Dalton, creator of the Mr. Deity series, gave this talk to the SHL on April 24, 2011, which Dane Sorensen was kind enough to record and post on YouTube.
Is America a Christian Nation?
Herb debates Ray Moore, head of Operation Exodus and Frontline Ministries on 10/29/09 at the University of South Carolina.
Herb's Retirement Speech
At his retirement party from the College of Charleston, Herb Silverman was finally able to deliver the speech he had written for his high school graduation.
Does God Exist?
Herb Silverman debates William Lane Craig about the existence of God on March 23, 2010 at UNC Wilmington
Does American Religion Undermine American Values?
Herb Silverman (
wearing a tuxedo!
) debates in Oxford, England on May 26th 2005.
UUC Sermon
Herb gave this sermon at the Unitarian Universality Church of Charleston on February 6, 2005.
The God Debate
Dr. Herb Silverman Debates the existence of God with Jack Hoey Leader on September 24, 2003 at C of C.
Candidate Without a Prayer
On July 28th 2002 at The Center for Inquiry in Los Angeles, Herb recalls the fascinating story of his candidacy for the governorship of the state of South Carolina.
Can We Be Good Without God?
Dr. Herb Silverman and Pastor Conrad Buster Brown debate whether man can be good without God. The debate was held April 1st, 1998 at the College of Charleston and was moderated by Judge Alex Sanders.
Debate on Prayer in School
John Graham Altman argues that prayer belongs in public schools and Herb Silverman argues that this would violate the First Amendment in a debate held on December 1st 1992 at the College of Charleston.
Gubernatorial Debate
On November 11, 1990, SCETV broadcast this debate between Herb Silverman and other candidates running for governor of South Carolina.
Alex Kasman


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NCWRA holds quarterly luncheons with guest speakers presenting a variety of water resources topics. Luncheons are open to members and non-members alike.
Have a water resources issue you'd like to see a presentation for, or have a speaker suggestion? Email Amy Crowley (firstname.lastname@example.com) with your topic suggestions.Online Registration: Online Registration usually ends 5 business days before the event!
Members: You must log in to receive the member price for online payment. Your login is the email address you provided to NCWRA. If you have not received a password in a recent email, you may click the link in the login box to reset it.
Non-members: You do not have to be a member to register online. If you wish to receive the member rate for events using online payment, you must first join NCWRA, then you can register and pay online for the event at the member rate. Sign up and pay for membership by going to the NCWRA Membership page.
Paper Registration: members and non-members can also register offline for events by sending a registration form along with cash or check. A PDF registration form is available for download on each individual event page below.
Multiple Registrations: You can register multiple attendees with a single check by mailing in a paper registration form.
Webinars: NCWRA is pleased to now offer an online viewing option for its quarterly forums. To help manage this offering, please take a moment to read our webinar policies and FAQs here, in particular the details of group viewings.


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some samples to test your theora decoder
a decoder must play all these files without problems to comply with the theora specification.
320x240.ogg [0.3 MB]
- simplest example
320x240.ogv [0.3 MB]
- simple example with Skeleton Stream
320x240.skeleton+cmml.ogv [0.3 MB]
- simple example with Skeleton and CMML Stream; decoders should read the Skeleton stream to identify the other streams in Ogg and ignore those that are not supported by the application
pixel_aspect_ratio.ogg [1.8 MB]
- Aspect Ratio defined in header to 1.82/1 , it also has a theora comment header
videotestsrc-720x576-16-15.ogg [422K]
- Aspect Ratio defined in header to 1.33/1 (PAL DVD format)
322x242_not-divisible-by-sixteen-framesize.ogg [0.3 MB]
- both dimensions not divisible by 16 but still even - if you see a black border around the testimage you should have a look at the Spec/2.2 on page 22, to see how to use: ti.width, ti.height, ti.frame_width, ti.frame_height, ti.offset_x, ti.offset_y
- one dimension divisible by 16 while the other one isn't
- odd dimensions
chained_streams.ogg [2.4 MB]
- all other samples as a chained stream. (see Spec/A.3.1 on page 157)
multi2.ogg [171 K]
- another chained file
mobile_itu601_i_422.ogg [8 MB]
- 4:2:2 pixel format, in the original spec and supported by the mainline decoder since alpha8 and the mainline encoder since 1.1.
ducks_take_off_444_720p25.ogg [7.2 MB]
- Ogg Theora video 4:4:4 pixel format.
stockholm-vfr.ogg [1.8 MB]
- Hybrid 24fps/30fps clip encoded as 120fps with dropped frames.
offset_test.ogv [0.2 MB] (10 frames, 1 fps, no visible movement, visible frame 512 x 512)
- Ogg Theora video with large offset, output should look like offset_test.pass.png, but not like offset_test.fail.png.
sign_irene_cif-3qi-b.ogg [1.3 MB]
- Ogg Theora video using 3qi (adaptive quantization).
Player compliance
- Firefox (3.6)
- Seems to pass all tests (not sure about the 322x242 "not divisible by 16" - there is
a black line ...), but high requirements to play some (especially large) videos, behaves badly if hardware is insufficient to play in real-time
- MPLAYER (r30369)
- 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 do play, but look "strangely" - bad
- Offset test fails, shows what shouldn't be visible
- ...
- DUGL Player
- Offset test fails, shows what shouldn't be visible


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A number of government upskilling programmes have been developed which aim to encourage individuals to continue their learning and increase their skills level. Many of these programmes include financial supports.
If you are unemployed, or want to further your education, there is likely to be a support programme that will help you financially, while doing a course you may be interested in.
Most upskilling courses are designed to assist unemployed people to improve their skills and increase their chances of getting employment. Detailed information on current Employment Programmes can be found in our Job Seekers area.
|For information on Employment Programmes click here
Did you know?
From May 2018 Springboard+ offers 8,088 free places on 245 courses leading to awards at certificate, degree and post-graduate level. The majority of courses are part-time for a maximum of 12 months and are open to all eligible applicants regardless of their employment status.
The following are eligible to apply for courses in 2018/19 academic year (subject to the applicant meeting all requirements, e.g. academic requirements):
|To search courses: click here
MOOCs - Massive Online Open Courses
MOOCs are free courses that are available to anyone. They don't give you a recognised qualification, but they do provide an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of a subject, or if you simply want to upskill. Some MOOCs are designed by the top universities around the world. Here in Ireland, MOOCs are offered by Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), NUI Galway and Trinity College Dublin. All you need to participate is internet access. A searchable database of MOOCs is available here.
Need advice on what to do?
With so many possible courses, and a variety of different financial supports available, many people choose to discuss their options with a local careers advisor. Government based services provide free consultations and are available nationwide.
|Click here to go to Adult Guidance Services


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By DAVID GREEN
Fayette's K-12 enrollment fell by 18 students from a year ago to 448, but the large number enrolled in preschool gives some hope for a rebound next year.
The decrease translates into a loss of about $97,000 in state support.
This year's kindergarten class stands at an unusually low 19 students—17 fewer students than a year ago. Preschool enrollment grew from 18 last year to 31 this year.
The third grade class is the next smallest with 26 students—the only class in the 20s.
The school's largest class—this year's sixth grade—continues to grow, with four more members than a year ago to stand at 51. That makes nine new students in two years.
The freshman class also grew by four to 41, while the second grade, tenth grade and senior class each lost four students over the summer.
Open enrollment figures didn't change much from a year ago, but the gap between those who choose another district vs. those who choose Fayette shrunk by two to 12. Twenty-eight Fayette students chose to enroll in other districts, while 16 students from other districts are attending Fayette.
WIND TURBINE—The supporting tower for the school's wind turbine is scheduled to ship this week, superintendent Russ Griggs said at the Oct. 18 board of education meeting, and the turbine unit will ship the following week.
Excavation should begin next week in preparation for pouring concrete to anchor the unit.
Griggs is working with the Buehrer Group architects to enable the public to monitor the turbine operation via the internet.
"It's going to be exciting, after three years, to see something happening," Griggs said about the work scheduled next week.
CAFETERIA—Participation in the school lunch program has grown, said treasurer Kelly Bentley. A comparison was made between last February and September.
Start-up costs for the new school year came in at $11,000 less than the previous year.
Food service director Marilyn Kinsman is making a good effort to stretch the budget while maintaining quality meals, Griggs said.
ACCOUNTING—Bentley said that more than 200 accounts will either have to be created or altered to meet the state's new "evidence based" accounting model. The plan is designed to ensure that state funding is going for classroom spending.
MATH—Defiance school administrators noted the success that Fayette Elementary School shows on mathematics testing and two Fayette teachers were invited to give a workshop in Defiance. Substitute teachers will be paid by Defiance.
EXCELLENT—Fayette High School maintained its "excellent" status through the state testing program.
TREES—Dan Seiler is planting trees on the school grounds at no cost. Two classes are interested in having trees planted as gifts to the school.
DONATIONS—The Christian Church Women Ministries donated winter accessories for elementary students in need. The Fayette United Methodist Church donated a variety of school supplies.
"We appreciate their contributions," said board president David Brinegar. "It shows what kind of a community we have."
The district also received an anonymous $500 donation for the athletic department.
TRAINER—Board members approved a contract for an athletic trainer at the cost of $17.50 an hour.
VOLLEYBALL—Adult volleyball games will begin Nov. 3 at the school.
RECOVERY—The board approved a "credit recovery" program that could help students obtain needed credit for graduation. Students are able to take a class via the internet in an effort to obtain a passing grade.
DRIVER—Dave Schultz was approved as a volunteer van driver to help with FFA trips.
LEAVE—An extended unpaid leave was granted to Kylie Rufenacht. She will return to work Feb. 1, 2011.
THANKS—Board member Kirk Keiser expressed his thanks to the community, the school staff and students, and board members for their cooperation, support and love during the illness of his son, Kellen, particularly during the past two months leading up to his death.


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YNAB necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 84 diseños de 30 diseñadores freelance.
We are a company that teaches a Four Rule Money Management methodology. We sell software that helps people implement the methodology in their life. The logo needs to represent the foundational methodology that we teach, its simplicity and effectiveness.
You Need a Budget
We pride ourselves on teaching people a simple, new way to manage their money that empowers them -- gives them control to help them reach their financial goals (getting out of debt, saving, finding peace in their marriage re: money, etc.).
We're looking for a fresh logo that exudes simplicity, empowerment, and effectiveness.
The 4-Rule methodology is fundamental to our business model, because the software is based on that methodology:
1. Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
2. Give every dollar a job.
3. Save for a Rainy Day and
4. Roll with the Punches
- Say 'you need a budget'
- Simple, not afraid of whitespace
- Clean
- Professional (but not corporate -- want to be personable)
- Scale at small sizes
- Look great black in white
- Distinctive
- Must be graphical, has to convey visually the message, not just convey the name of the brand.
- Convey only one thing: Simple Methodology
- Don't want it to say 'YNAB' or .com
- Extreme colors
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Stammen impressing with early performance
WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Davey Johnson didn't want to use Craig Stammen on Monday night. The skipper wanted to give Stammen a two-day break, but that didn't happen.
Stammen threw two scoreless innings in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Cardinals, and that left Johnson shaking his head again about how much the right-hander's been helping.
"He can give you a bunch of innings," Johnson said. "He's been a big part of the winning effort here."
Stammen entered Tuesday night's game with a 2-1 record and 3.38 ERA. He had already pitched in seven of the team's 19 games and was very strong in his last three appearances.
Stammen struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings over those three games. In Monday's game, Stammen threw a pair of scoreless innings and got out of a major jam in the sixth inning after coming in for Dan Haren, getting a 3-2-3 double play with the bases loaded and then, following an intentional walk, striking out Cards pitcher Shelby Miller to end the inning.


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A years-long political battle over whether voters should get to elect the chairman of the McHenry County Board will come to a head on the March 18 primary ballot.
Voters will get to decide in a binding referendum whether to elect the County Board chairman for themselves, or continue the practice of allowing the 24-member board to elect the chairman from among its own ranks.
The following is a list of questions voters may have, with answers based on state statute governing elections and county government.
Q: What happens if the referendum passes?
A: If approved by county voters, they will get to popularly elect the chairman to four-year terms, starting with the 2016 election.
The McHenry County Board would be made up of 25 members – the current 24-member board and the board chairman. The chairman in this case will not be a voting member, unlike now.
Q: How is the chairman elected now?
A: The County Board elects a chairman and a vice chairman from among themselves every two years when the new board is seated after each November election. A chairman or vice chairman must have a majority vote, or at least 13 members.
The vice chairman would not be popularly elected if the referendum passes. State law does not provide a mechanism for doing so.
Q: Is this referendum the same as the county executive referendum defeated in 2012?
A: No – that was a completely separate matter. That referendum would have changed county government to an executive form, which creates a county executive who wields significant powers such as the executive branch of state or federal government, hence the name. Only one Illinois county has an executive form of government.
The only thing this referendum changes, if approved, is who gets to elect the McHenry County Board chairman.
Q: What new powers would an elected chairman have?
A: Not much at all.
A chairman elected by voters has the power to unilaterally call special meetings of the County Board. And after each 10-year U.S. Census, the chairman has the option to propose his or her own redistricting map of County Board districts, based on population data. The County Board either can vote to approve it, or reject it and approve its own.
Q: Could the County Board grant the chairman more authority?
A: The County Board, if it wished, could grant the chairman the power of amendatory veto over legislation it passes. But that veto under state law can be overridden with a simple majority, not a three-fifths majority.
State law automatically grants veto power over county board budgets to elected chairmen of counties with 700,000 or more residents, but McHenry County's population is less than half of that threshold.
Q: What are the arguments for popular election?
A: Supporters argue that voters in a county the size of McHenry County should decide the County Board chairmanship, not the members. Direct election, they add, would mean more accountability.
Q: What do the other collar counties do?
A: The Lake County Board, like McHenry County's, elects its chairman. Voters in Kane and DuPage counties directly elect the chairman. Cook County voters elect a board president, and Will County voters elect a county executive – both offices act as an executive branch and wield significantly more power than county chairmen.
Several Illinois counties with larger populations have direct election, including Winnebago, LaSalle, Madison and St. Clair counties.
Q: What are the arguments against popular election?
A: Opponents argue that direct election would require a lot more money to run for the office, opening it up to special interest influence. They also argue that accountability already exists because the chairman is a board member up for election every four years, as are the members who elect the chairman.
Q: How did we get here?
Supporters have been pushing for a referendum since 2010, and brought it up in 2011 during post-census redistricting, when state law allows county boards to go to direct election without a referendum.
State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, in 2012 filed a bill that would have forced popular election in McHenry and Lake counties. The bill got crushed in the House, but Franks spearheaded putting the county executive referendum on the November 2012 ballot. The County Board voted last August, 19-4, to finally put the question to voters this March.
The issue of the chairman's power and incumbency has come to a head in recent years over the power and incumbency of former Chairman Ken Koehler, who was elected to four terms by the County Board before losing his 2012 bid for a fifth.
Some opponents of direct election have alleged the entire issue is a result of what they call a political vendetta by Franks against Koehler.
Q: How long do chairmen stay in office?
A: The average is four years – or two two-year terms – since the County Board went to its current structure after the 1970 Illinois Constitution did away with county boards made up of township supervisors. There have been 11 chairmen since, including current Chairwoman Tina Hill, R-Woodstock.
But tenure has increased over time – Koehler served eight years, while his predecessors, Mike Tryon and Dianne Klemm, served six.


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The disc golf course at Laurie City Park is opening Saturday, April 20. For disc golf novices, demonstrations will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The disc golf course at Laurie City Park is opening Saturday, April 20. For disc golf novices, demonstrations will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Area resident and disc golf enthusiast Dan Adams first brought the idea of a course to the city a few months ago.
Disc golf is a game growing in popularity around the country and the world.
In the game, a flying disc — like a Frisbee — is thrown at baskets set up on a pole. These targets are laid out in a course similar to golf with par counts for each basket, and disc golfers beginning each hole from a tee pad.
Laurie joins the cities of Versailles, Camdenton and Eldon in opening a course for the popular activity. Osage Beach is also working to open a course.
Disc golf at the Laurie park will avoid areas in use for other activities.
The difficulty rating of the course will be around a medium level, according to parks & events coordinator Susann Huff, somewhere between Camdenton's expert course and the easier Versailles course. The difficulty level is based on terrain and natural obstacles, such as trees.
Different types of discs are used depending on conditions and proximity to the basket. Like in golf, there are putters and drivers as well as mid-range discs. The discs fly differently due to placement of weights and different edges.
Since raising the idea of a disc golf course in Laurie, Adams has raised donations from local businesses and individuals to help get the course going.


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I'm not sure there's already a thread for this but I think we should all take some time to thank who made this forum possible! Let's also include why were thanking him.
The sheriff not only made this forum possible, but also child-friendly, safe, readable, and happy! This website would flood of swear words, spam, arguments, and hundreds of the same thread if it wasn't for our trusty woody! We should also take the time to thank other moderators for the support that made this place full of that Disney magic.


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(Sinclair Broadcast Group) - There is literally one day a year I don't fast forward through the commercials, and it was Sunday.
While I don't care about football, I will watch the Super Bowl every year to check out the advertising menagerie that showcases some of the funniest, best-produced commercials we'll see all year.
Then again, they better be pretty darn good because, according to Advertising Age, a 30-second spot costs around $5 million in 2018.
Automakers often create some of the catchiest commercials, and this year was no different. From Kia to Ram to Toyota, this year's round of commercials tugged at the heartstrings or went for the laugh – some more successfully than others.
Here's a round-up of the auto-related commercials for Super Bowl LII.
Ref to the Rescue / Hyundai Kona
Hyundai opts for humor with this one in a spot playing just before the Big Game begins. And you get a red card, and you get a red card, and you get a red card Game over. #HyundaiKona
Stories of Hope / Hyundai
In stark contrast to the Kona spot, this ad is a tear-jerker. The two-minute long spot starts with stories of kids fighting cancer, which might seem like a non-sequitur until the end of the commercial when you realize that a portion of the proceeds of every Hyundai sold goes to cancer research. #HopeComesStandard
The Road / Jeep Cherokee
This simple and quick 30-second spot from Jeep showcases the refreshed Cherokee, and while it doesn't quite tug at the heartstrings, it does pull a little bit at your sense of adventure.
Jeep Jurassic / Jeep Wrangler
A little bit of humor, a little bit of adventure and Jeff Goldblum being Jeff Goldblum: How do you like it now, Mr. T-Rex? The new Wrangler sparks some imagination here, and the hunter becomes the hunted.
Anti-Manifesto / Jeep Wrangler
Sometimes long, rambling speeches aren't necessary. In 30 seconds, with some excellent video footage, Jeep did a pretty good job of making everyone who watched the commercial want a Wrangler.
Feel Something Again / Kia Stinger
Kia uses rock icon Steven Tyler to turn back the clock and show off some fancy driving with the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger. Don't miss the Emerson Fittipaldi cameo, and the hidden message if you play the commercial in reverse. #KiaStinger
Black Panther / Lexus LS 500
Part movie promo, part car commercial, Lexus uses its connection to the upcoming "Black Panther" movie to show off the Janus-faced personality of the flagship sedan: one part athletic grace and one part pure elegance. #ExperienceAmazing
Good Odds / Toyota
Talk about tugging the heartstrings! Toyota showcases an amazing athlete – Lauren Woolstencroft who is training for the Paralympic games and has already won eight Paralympic gold medals. Toyota isn't selling cars with this add, it's selling mobility. #StartYourImpossible
Mobility Anthem / Toyota
Continuing the mobility theme, this is another feel-good ad from Toyota – though not nearly as touchy-feely as "Good Odds." The idea here is mobility for everyone, whether you're 1 or 100 – "Because when you're free to move, anything is possible." #StartYourImpossible
We Will Rock You / Ram 1500
How many Vikings will fit in a 2019 Ram 1500? This one-minute commercial is more fun than emotional, and it will give you an idea of cargo space, towing capability and how many fish will fit in a Ram Box. Yep, the new Ram is "Built for the Unexpected." Want to watch the full two-minute version? Click here.
Built to Serve / Ram 1500
Probably the singularly most polarizing advertisement of Super Bowl LII, what Ram intended and what was perceived are at opposite ends of the scale. The commercial was supposed to highlight the spirit of volunteerism, but social media was outraged by the use of Martin Luther King Jr.'s voice to sell trucks. Curious about the conversation on Twitter? Search Ram MLK.


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Column on Lance Briggs debacle.
In less than three minutes, Lance Briggs stammered "uh" at least 15 times. There were another eight "ums" in his impromptu mea culpa Tuesday to the assembled media at Halas Hall. And even though the normally smooth-talking linebacker tossed in no less than two dozen "you knows" (counting a "you know what I mean" and a "you know what I'm saying"), he still managed to craft a more successful bit of damage control than his ever more distressingly smug coach. Somebody please tell Lovie Smith he has done Briggs and the Bears franchise no favors with a blind support made up of ridiculous assertions wrapped in condescension and finished with the piquant whiff of self-importance. Briggs sounded nervous in talking for the first time about wrecking his Lamborghini on the Edens in the wee hours of Monday morning. He should have, considering he was revealing that, after fleeing the scene, he initially told the police the car was stolen before "fessing up that he had been at the wheel." Of course, since he apparently called a tow truck before reporting the car stolen, perhaps he was nervous the members of the press corps would burst out laughing. He should have known they wouldn't, as they'd already shown remarkable restraint a day earlier, when Smith was asked a completely reasonable question about whether alcohol had been involved in the crash, discovered at 3:14 a.m. Monday by state police. "Now how do we get to that part?" Smith said with overripe indignation heavy on each word. "We have a one-car accident and now, alcohol is involved? "I think it's stretching it a little bit to go that far." Please. Most of us have to stretch farther for the remote control than we do to wonder whether alcohol played a role in a one-car crash at that hour of the morning. Unfortunately, it's not that much greater a stretch to wonder whether the Bears, and Smith in particular, have shut off the common sense portions of their brains when it comes to players as talented as Briggs — or, say, Tank Johnson. After all, as he dismissed the very idea of alcohol being involved, Smith said, "What I talked to Lance about was that he's OK, and we're happy about that. ... That's about all I've talked to him about." Yet, on Tuesday, when asked about WMAQ-TV's report that Briggs had been sighted at two Chicago nightclubs in the hours before his accident, Smith labeled the report "hearsay." "I don't go on a lot of that," he added. "The facts haven't come out to me that way." So, to clarify: On Monday, Smith talked to Briggs only about his health. On Tuesday, he knew enough about the facts to completely dismiss the work of a local TV station that does itself absolutely no favors by reporting negatively on the most popular team in town. (For the record, The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the owner of one of the bars cited in the Channel 5 report, while saying Briggs was a regular, denied he was at the establishment on the evening before the wreck.) The tone Smith took was hardly a new one. By turns blank, elusive, imperial and adversarial, Smith routinely gives the public nary a glimpse at the man he seemed so proud to be during the pre-Super Bowl hype: A humble man of God, grateful he and Tony Dungy had the opportunity to show the world one needn't be a bully to be a successful NFL coach. Reasonable questions yet unanswered include these: Who got Briggs home after the wreck? Perhaps a teammate? While Briggs made it sound as if he called for the tow truck and the police shortly after the accident, why did state police reportedly say Briggs didn't contact them until five hours after the car was discovered? Doesn't his initial call to the police reflect something more deliberate than the panic that Briggs claimed caused him to flee? Oh, yes, and are the Bears going to advance him more of his salary so he can cover the deductible? Not that answers of any substance are coming from Smith, who preferred to contend that it was Briggs' idea all along to address the media, adding, "Lance isn't a guy who's trying to run from anything." Except the scene of an accident. And, in a contract dispute, the collectively bargained rules governing his salary. And the media members who would ask him about any of the above. Check that. Briggs did take one question Tuesday, when he was asked if the accident left him a changed man. "It did change me, absolutely," he said. "I'm very lucky to have made it out the way I did, you know?" Sorry, Lance. In the Bears universe, I can't know anything without Lovie's approval. Phil Arvia can be reached at email@example.com or (708) 633-5949. Read his blog at http://blogs.dailysouthtown.com/arvia.


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Pizza Girl: Banana Peppers on Pizza? Yes. And They Are Spectacular
Pizza Girl (Diary of a Pizza Girl) stops by with insights and a behind-the-scenes look into the world of pizza-delivery drivers. Take it away, PG! —The Mgmt.
I tried banana peppers on a pizza last night.
Before now, to me, banana peppers were always one of those unimportant toppings that few people ordered except when they went crazy on our "unlimited" toppings special. Not only that, but they just seemed weird; something about their radioactive yellow hue just screamed "secretly poisonous" to me.
But I am here to tell you that they are delicious!
Halfway between a pickle and a pepper, they are tangy and spicy at the same time. I have no idea how ours are prepared or where they come from. I suppose I could look on the box that our industrial-size bag of peppers comes in for some sort of ingredient list and country of origin (I would not be entirely surprised if every single ingredient we use somehow manages to work in high fructose corn syrup). Either way, they are delicious, and I can't stop trying to think of ways to make their flavor even better.
Since I was just experimenting, I added them to my existing combination of pepperoni and spicy sausage, but I could hardly taste the spice of the sausage at all compared to the peppers. I'm trying to decide if I should keep them on top of the cheese as is standard (and maybe get the pizza a little more well-done to crisp them up a bit more) or hide them under the cheese with the other toppings to create juicy little pickled pepper surprises.
Here's my dilemma: What other toppings go well with banana peppers? I'm contemplating our "beef topping" and onions to go for a cheeseburger twist, but I'm really curious if there is some other unusual topping that I'm just not aware of that would work better. What do you think?
How Much Should You Tip on Pizza Delivery? »
Scary Delivery Situations »
Future Delivery Technology »
I'm Doing for More Than Just Money »
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