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Afghanistan + 28 more
Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2011 - Fourteenth Edition
United Nations appeals for $498 million to address the challenge in 29 countries
GENEVA - Mine action initiatives in 29 countries, territories or peacekeeping missions will cost $498 million in 2011, according to the 14th edition of the annual Portfolio of Mine Action Projects, released today by the United Nations in Geneva.
The portfolio is an annual snapshot of the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war in countries or territories with mine action programmes. The portfolio also provides proposals for mine action projects and details their costs. Countries profiled in the 2011 edition of the portfolio have so far secured about 25 percent of the total funding needed for the coming year, leaving a funding gap of $367 million. The largest funding gaps in 2011 are in Iraq ($44 million) and Sudan ($71 million).
"Remarkable progress has been made in eliminating the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war," said Neil Buhne, Director of Geneva Liaison Office of the UN Development Programme's Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery. "But more work is required."
Buhne pointed out that more than 65 countries are affected by landmines or explosive remnants of war, which together claimed nearly 4,000 casualties-a third of them children-around the world in 2009. "Landmines and explosive remnants of war also take a heavy toll on people's livelihoods, countries' economic and social development, and international peace-building efforts," he said.
United Nations support in this area ranges from building the capacities of national mine action institutions to backstopping humanitarian relief initiatives and ensuring the safe deployment of peacekeepers and UN political missions.
Maxwell Kerley, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service said full donor support for these programmes will contribute to ongoing efforts to realize the Millennium Development Goals in those countries affected by the crisis. "With International Mine Awareness Day coming up on 4 April, the urgent and compelling need to protect civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war is rightly attracting media attention. We must continue to raise awareness about the impact of these indiscriminate weapons," he said.
Many of the projects included in the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2011 will help remove and destroy cluster munitions, teach people how to stay out of harm's way, and assist the victims of these devices in countries such as Cambodia, Chad, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Tajikistan and Somalia.
Fourteen United Nations departments, programmes, agencies and funds are involved in mine action. The portfolio is published jointly by the United Nations Mine Action Service in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations' Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, UNDP and UNICEF. The 2011 edition includes 238 projects covering all five "pillars" of mine action: clearance and marking of hazardous areas, mine risk education, victim assistance, destruction of stockpiled landmines, and advocacy for international agreements related to landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions.
Contact Information
Adam Rogers, Senior Advisor (Geneva)
Tel: +41.22.917.8541 or mobile +41.79.849.0679
email: email@example.com
Mariana Gonzalez Migueles (New York)
Tel: +1.212.906.5317
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
UN Mine Action Service:
Aaron J. Buckley (New York)
Tel: +1.212.963.4632
email: email@example.com
Rebecca Fordham (New York)
Tel: +1.212.326.7162
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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STELLA � For injured veteran Bradley Lang, receiving the keys to a new house means he can once again be comfortable in his own home.
STELLA � For injured veteran Bradley Lang, receiving the keys to a new house means he can once again be comfortable in his own home.
Exactly six months after the initial groundbreaking ceremony, a crowd of veterans and supporters cheered and gave a standing ovation as the Marine staff sergeant was presented by Homes for our Troops with a house located in the Forest Ridge subdivision in Stella.
According to Lang, receiving the gift not only means his family has an accessible place to live, it also allows him to be independent and lead a productive civilian life.
�There are really no words that can express how much this means to us,� Lang said.
Homes for our Troops is a national non-profit organization that provides custom-built houses for severely injured veterans. The homes are mortgage-free and are intended to provide financial and emotional security to those who have served our country.
Lang was injured on July 2011 in Afghanistan while on a mission to safely dispose of an improvised explosive device. After disabling two bombs in the same area, he stepped on an unidentified pressure-plate mechanism and suffered the amputations of both of his legs. Lang was able to use his EOD training to direct his team to safely remove him from the blast site while they performed life-saving measures.
Despite taking fire from insurgents when flying out of the hostile area, he was airlifted to Camp Bastion and given emergency surgery. Once stable, he was transport to Landstuhl, Germany, where he endured even more surgeries. After four weeks of intensive care, Lang awoke in a hospital bed in Bethesda, Md.
�Joining the Marine Corps was about more than ensuring freedom,� Lang said. �It was about protecting my son, your children, and the children of the future so that they are kept from making the sacrifices so many others have made�
According to Lang�s good friend and former commanding officer, Greg Wrubelski, the manner in which the Lang family and their surrounding community banded together after the disaster has inspired him during his own struggles post-deployment.
�The way they attacked a devastating situation transcends words,� Wrubelski said. �There�s never been any bitterness, any anger. It�s always been moving forward.�
Shortly before officially receiving the key to the house, Lang�s wife, Alyssa, said the tragedy brought the couple closer together.
�I remember being so angry. I kept thinking why did this happen to Brad?� she said. �But with the exception of the pain and suffering, this is quite possibly the best thing that has happened to us. It brought us closer as a family, closer as a couple, and made us better parents. So for that, I am very thankful.�
Alyssa Lang was also able to provide a bit of levity during the key ceremony.
�The house is designed for Brad to live in by himself,� she said. �There are no barriers for him now, which translates to no excuses for taking out the garbage or doing the dishes.�
For more information about the project, visit homesforourtroops.org/bradleylang.

subset: commoncrawl


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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Considering World Englishes in our Discussions of 'Culture'
By Keli Yerian
Instructor, English Language Institute
University of Oregon
This last winter term, I taught a Language Teaching Methodology class in which undergraduate students were asked to write a research paper on a topic in language teaching. Several students chose to write about language and culture.
Their papers were heartfelt appeals for teachers to see language and culture as inseparable. They were careful to expand their definition beyond 'big C' Culture, such as traditional holidays and food, to include 'small c' culture, such as the pragmatics of how to be appropriately polite while eating, or to start a conversation with a classmate. One student wrote, "Students cannot fully acquire a second language without also mastering the cultural context from which the language has developed". This argument sounds quite reasonable for those of us who care about our students' well-rounded communicative competence, right?
Meanwhile, as the term was nearing its end, I was able to attend the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) conference in Atlanta, and went to several sessions on World Englishes. Here presenters appealed for more recognition and attention to the many varieties of English around the globe, pointing out that the so-called 'Outer Circle' varieties of English, such as those spoken in Singapore, India, and Hong Kong, have become 'nativized', with distinctive phonological and syntactic features that are only non-normative when compared to 'Inner Circle' varieties. Even 'Expanding Circle' areas, where English has primarily foreign language status, may have distinctive local English uses and features. Since the number of multilingual 'non-native' English users worldwide now far outnumbers 'native' monolingual users, it is argued that these varieties should be recognized and valued more than they typically are (see Canagarajah 2006 for a review of these points).
When I returned home and read the final versions of my students' papers, I realized that despite their good intentions, my students were making some strong assumptions in their arguments about the importance of keeping language and culture tightly linked. They were picturing specific cultures in their minds, cultures of the 'Inner Circle' (such as the U.S., Great Britain, or Canada). They were assuming that without including the social norms of language use and their contexts from these countries of origin, that the language itself would feel, in the words of one student, 'dead'.
But are the English language and the culture of its original communities really inseparable?
Do we need to assume, for example, that English language learners in India will necessarily care about acquiring the current cultural norms of those who once colonized their land and people? Likewise, do we need to assume that two people from different East Asian countries doing business together in English necessarily care about the pragmatics of American or Australian negotiation? Maybe these speakers would care about these things, but maybe also, quite possibly, they would not.
English has been adopted and transformed by communities all over the world to fit into local customs and local cultures. When two Malaysian speakers converse in English, what is important is that they share or negotiate norms of use together, not that they have adopted a specifically British or American set of norms.
At this point it probably sounds like I will suggest we teach language as an abstract, context-free system, since pragmatics and contexts of use are so variable anyway, especially in the case of the all-pervasive English language.
But of course this would be misguided, for at least two reasons. First, from a social standpoint, even though language can be adopted and adapted from its original cultural contexts, language is never free of context or pragmatic norms when used by actual speakers, even when speakers from different 'cultures' interact. No matter who the users are, some level of norm sharing must exist for communication to work at all.
Second, some research on international users of English has shown that pragmatic strategies actually matter more when speakers from diverse linguistic backgrounds interact. When multilingual speakers are sensitive to the possibility that others may use English differently, they may actually become more flexible, supportive, and strategic in their interactions (Seidlhofer 2004).
Consider, for example, how even the simplest act of saying 'Thank you' can be more or less appropriate depending on cultural norms and context. In some places in India (and perhaps also the US!), saying 'thank you' for small things like giving someone a pencil or opening a door may sound excessive and strange. By contrast, not saying 'thank you' in the same situation would likely seem rude in many other English-speaking cultures. If English language learners don't assume that there are fixed cultural 'rules' about when to say 'Thank you', but instead learn that these patterns of use may vary widely across English users, they will be open to learning 'culture' more deeply. Here is where we as English teachers can help students become 'pragmatically flexible' as part of their global cultural competence.
In the end, I wholeheartedly agree with the claims about culture made by the thoughtful students in my class. We can and should expose students to the importance of language use as well as language forms. But we must understand as language teachers that the relationship between language and culture is never fixed nor fully predictable. Although many EFL students may indeed want to become familiar with or even acquire the general norms of British or American users of English (and note how variable even these may be), we as teachers should not assume that these norms automatically count as 'the culture' of English.
Canagarajah, S. (2006). Negotiating the local in English as a lingua franca. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 26,
Seidlhofer, B. (2004). Research perspectives on teaching English as a lingua franca. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 209-239.


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AMSTERDAM - Millions of Dutch people dressed in orange flocked to celebrations around the Netherlands Tuesday in honour of a once-in-a-generation milestone for the country's ruling House of Orange-Nassau: after a 33-year reign, Queen Beatrix abdicated in favour of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander.
At 46, King Willem-Alexander is the youngest monarch in Europe and the first Dutch king in 123 years, since Willem III died in 1890. Like Beatrix before him, Willem-Alexander has assumed the throne at a time of social strains and economic malaise.
Although the Dutch monarchy is largely ceremonial, he immediately staked out a course to preserve its relevance in the 21st century.
"I want to establish ties, make connections and exemplify what unites us, the Dutch people," the freshly minted king said at a nationally televised investiture ceremony in Amsterdam's 600-year-old New Church, held before the combined houses of Dutch parliament.
"As king, I can strengthen the bond of mutual trust between the people and their government, maintain our democracy and serve the public interest."
Hopes for the new monarch are high.
For most of the 2000s, the country was locked in an intense national debate over the perceived failure of Muslim immigrants, mostly from North Africa, to integrate. In response, politicians curtailed many of the famed Dutch tolerance policies.
More recently, this trading nation of 17 million has suffered back-to-back recessions. European Union figures released Tuesday showed Dutch unemployment spiking upward toward 6.4 per cent. That's below the EU average, but a 20-year high in the Netherlands.
"I am taking the job at a time when many in the kingdom feel vulnerable and uncertain," Willem-Alexander said. "Vulnerable in their work or health. Uncertain about their income or home environment."
Amsterdam resident Inge Bosman, 38, said she doubted Willem-Alexander's investiture would give the country much of an employment boost.
"Well, at least one person got a new job," she said.
Tellingly, one of Willem-Alexander's first diplomatic missions as king will be to visit the country's largest trading partner, Germany.
While many are skeptical that the new king can make a difference where politicians have failed, the celebrations provided a welcome change from the humdrum of everyday life, and the popularity of the royal house itself is not in doubt. A poll commissioned by national broadcaster NOS and published this week showed that 78 per cent support the monarchy.
The royal couple has also been active in the global campaign to fight poverty.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Willem-Alexander and praised the royal couple for supporting the promotion of clean water, sanitation and development. The new king has chaired the secretary-general's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation.
Ban also paid tribute to Beatrix for her "outstanding public service" and "for the important and positive force the Netherlands has been throughout her reign, in promoting international law, the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes."
Most say that the House of Orange-Nassau, which was instrumental in the Dutch war for independence in the 16th and 17th centuries, is a cornerstone of the national identity. It represents something that is both quintessentially Dutch, and above politics.
"I think (Willem-Alexander) is just like his mum — honest, wants to do a lot for his people inside the country and also outside the country," said Ron Pols, who was attending celebrations in Amsterdam.
Willem Alexander's popularity has been steadily rising since his 2002 marriage to an Argentine commoner, Maxima Zorreguieta.
In an interview shortly before his accession, Willem-Alexander turned in a relaxed performance, saying he will not be a "protocol fetishist," but a king who puts his people at ease.
Around 25,000 supporters thronged Amsterdam's central Dam Square Tuesday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the new king or the departing 75-year-old queen, now known as Princess Beatrix.
Millions more watched on television as King Willem-Alexander, wearing a fur-trimmed ceremonial mantle, swore an oath of allegiance to the country and the constitution.
Earlier, the new king gripped his mother's hand and looked briefly into her eyes after they both signed the abdication document in the Royal Palace on Dam Square.
Beatrix appeared close to tears as she then appeared on a balcony decked out with tulips, roses and oranges, overlooking her subjects.
"I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander," she told the cheering crowd, which chanted: "Bea bedankt" ("Thanks Bea.")
Moments later, the generational shift was enacted symbolically. Beatrix left the balcony as King Willem-Alexander, his wife and three daughters — the children in matching yellow dresses and headbands — waved to the crowd.
The highly popular Maxima became Queen Maxima, and their eldest of three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, became the Princess of Orange, the first in line to the throne.
At a sparsely attended anti-monarchist demonstration on the nearby Waterloo Square, protestors dressed in white instead of orange and carried signs mocking Willem-Alexander.
"Monarchy is a sexually-transmitted disease," one sign said. "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others," said another. It included a picture of a pig wearing a crown, with a line crossing it out.
Amsterdammer Jan Dikkers said he attended to show his disapproval for a hereditary head of state, and Willem-Alexander in particular, who he said Dutch people only accept because "people like his wife."
He added that Beatrix is overrated.
"People say the queen did a 'good job', but she didn't really do any job," Dikkers said.
One criticism of the royal house is that it is too expensive, especially in difficult economic times. University of Ghent professor Herman Matthijs estimates that it costs €40 million ($52 million) a year to maintain— slightly more than taxpayers' support for Britain's House of Windsor.
The difficulties facing the Dutch should be kept in perspective. Per-capita incomes remain high, the United Nations says Dutch children are the world's happiest, on average, and the country retains its triple A credit rating.
The celebrations in Amsterdam Tuesday were lively but peaceful, a stark contrast to Beatrix's investiture in 1980. Then, squatters protesting a chronic housing shortage battled police nearly to the doors of the palace.
The official festivities concluded with the new king and queen and their daughters taking an evening boat cruise around the historic Amsterdam waterfront, at one stage climbing out of their boat to join DJ Armin van Buuren and the Concert Gebouw Orchestra on stage at a concert.


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UFO Sightings In The Sky Over Denver! (Launching & Landing)
Strange objects caught on camera flying over the city and nobody can explain it.
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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Make sure your plans this week aren't interrupted with today's leading fresh offering, SkyMotion. The app uses weather radar from across the country to let you know exactly when rain or other events are coming your way. We've also got an updated Huffington Post app for iPad that brings an improved user interface to the […]
Make sure your plans this week aren't interrupted with today's leading fresh offering, SkyMotion. The app uses weather radar from across the country to let you know exactly when rain or other events are coming your way. We've also got an updated Huffington Post app for iPad that brings an improved user interface to the news app's presentation, and Beastie Bay, a simulation title about capturing and battling monsters.
SkyMotion (Free)
What's it about? Weather app SkyMotion uses weather radars from across the country to pinpoint what the weather is like where you are, and more usefully, when rain could start down to the minute.
What's cool? In order to accurately predict exactly when the weather's going to change, SkyMotion taps 200 weather radars from across the country and extrapolates the information they share. The app provides a minute-by-minute rundown of precipitation coming your way, with refreshes on the data coming every five minutes. You can also save an unlimited number of locations, so you can see what's going at a number of places at any given moment.
Who's it for? Anybody who can use minute-to-minute weather forecasts should give SkyMotion a look.
What's it like? Both The Weather Channel and MyRadar Weather Radar are both solid alternatives to SkyMotion.
Huffington Post for iPad update (Free)
What's it about? Online news website Huffington Post's app version brings articles, headlines, and real-time updates to your tablet.
What's cool? Huffington Post provides the iPad users with a mobile experience that's a lot like what's available on the website, but great for navigating with a touchscreen. The news site brings you the latest headlines in a number of categories, from science and politics to national and international news. You can also easily share stories with others across various social networks, like Facebook and Twitter. Huffington Post's new update adds a user interface redesign, the ability to set authors and sections as your favorites, and streaming video from the HuffPost Live online news show.
Who's it for? If you like Huffington Post or staying up on news in general, check out Huffington Post for iPad.
What's it like? You can get more solid news from other outlets, such as NYTimes and CNN.
Beastie Bay (Free)
What's it about? Developer Kairosoft's latest simulator game has players capturing and battling monsters against one another (think Pokemon), while also creating and managing a town.
What's cool? Kairosoft is known for its addictive simulation titles, usually geared around creating towns from the ground up and sending characters to do jobs. That's the core of Beastie Bay, as well – you'll create a homestead on a strange island filled with beasts, which will occupy most of your time. Like other pet battle games, Beastie Bay is all about capturing creatures and training them to fight other creatures, which will allow you to upgrade their abilities over time. Between battles, you'll be managing your town to make help it grow and leveraging its success to make your creatures stronger.
Who's it for? If you like simulator titles like Kairosoft's and monster battle games such as Pokemon, you'll get a kick out of Beastie Bay.
What's it like? Try Kairosoft's other favorites, such as Game Dev Story, and Monster Life for another monster-battle simulator title.


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Sugar Free Assorted Jordan Almonds (1 Pound Bag)
Product Details
- Approximately 100-110 pieces in a pound.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. We do not recommend refrigeration or freezing.
- This product is certified Kosher Pareve.
Sugar Free Assorted Jordan Almonds (1 Pound Bag)
Extra fine Sugar Free Jordan Almonds made with roasted California Almonds and covered with colorful sugar free candy coating! our Fine Sugar Free Jordan Almonds are perfect for Weddings, Showers and all Special Occasions (about 100-110 in a pound).
Maltitol, Almonds, Soy Flour, Certified Flavors &Colors; Yellow Lake #5 & 6, Red #40, Blue Lake #1 &2, Titanium Dioxide, Gum Arabic & Carnauba Wax. Manufactured in a facility that processes or stores peanuts and other tree nuts, soy and wheat flour. Excessive consumption may have laxative effect.
This product is certified Kosher Pareve.
Nutritional InformationAllergy Information: Contains Almonds. This product is produced at a facility producing peanuts and other nut products. May contain elements of peanuts and/or tree nuts.
Serving Size 40g Servings per pound: About 11
Calories per Serving: 160
Calories from Fat per Serving: 70
Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 0.5g; Trans Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Total Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar Alcohol: 24g; Protein: 3g
% of Recommended Daily Allowance: Vitamin A: 0%, Vitamin C: 0%, Calcium: 4%, Iron: 4%
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Your gifts can be shipped to one location or to multiple locations using our Multiple Addresses checkout option. If you prefer, you can also e-mail us your address list using our corporate order form to email@example.com and we will be happy to drop ship your gifts for you. We can also include a Personalized Greeting Card at no additional cost.
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Note: It's never too late to let someone know you're thinking of them. But if it's too late to get your gift there on time, send an E-Certificate! All you need is the recipient's e-mail address and we'll do the rest. Your gift will arrive in their inbox a matter of hours with your personal message (or on a date of your choosing). It's perfect for last minute purchases.
Due to the perishable nature of our chocolate and candy, we take special care to ensure delivery in perfect condition. If the temperature in our area or yours is above 70F, we only allow shipping using expedited methods (2 Day Air and 1 Day Air) and each box is packed with special insulation and gel ice. There's $5 charge added to the shipping fee to cover for the cost of the added insulation and gel ice. During the summer months, to prevent chocolates and candy from sitting on a truck over a weekend we only ship chocolates and candy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Customer Reviews
Cons: They disappear too quickly because I can't stop eating them!
Neutral observation: The colors of the candy are a little more vibrant than they appear in the picture.
He is a dietatic and he also has celiac (gutten free) which makes his choice of snacks and meals a little rough.
He thoughly enjoyed every one of them and I guarantee we will be buying more.
Thanks for giving him one more snack he can enjoy.


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- New
accueilJJP Black Screw 80-2102
€1.00 Price
New website , we didn't keept the customer account, please create or re create one on our new website version
We always send parcels as long as post works, but the post office is no longer able to ensure the 48h delay for a colissimo (maybe 24..48h more?). Departure times from us may be earlier than usual. No more withdrawal of packages on site is possible of course.
There are 93 products.


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Location – Paris. Cast of characters – 2 sisters & their assorted family and friends. Roxy is newly pregnant and was just left by her husband for another woman. Isabel, the younger stepsister, goes to stay in Paris to help her sister and rediscover herself along the way.
Contrary to what's been posted on the blog, I have been reading. Albeit very slowly and without much interest in the books I've selected. This book in particular is very "Meh." It was engrossing at the time, but I felt it dragged on, the plot rambled and the final resolution was haphazardly thrown together. Throughout the process of the divorce, a valuable painting came into custodial question. I found the storyline about this piece or art, who it belonged to and whether or not it would be snuck out of France back into the US more interesting than the entire rest of the novel. It has been in Isabel & Roxy's family for generations, but is a French piece so therefore it belongs to France as a national treasure. I think the only reason I kept reading was to see how that was resolve itself.
Although Johnson has a way with words, her characters were stale and predictable. I saw the movie a few years ago, and it was a very well done production with Naomi Watts and Kate Hudson as the two sisters. Some of the supporting cast were meant to add color and humor to the novel, but I felt there were pretentious and was glad to see their sections end.
Of the two, I recommend the movie. You get to see some amazing visual shots of Paris without all the fluff that comes with the book.


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High Point
High Point, city (1990 pop. 69,496), Davidson, Guilford, and Randolph counties, N N.C., in a heavily forested Piedmont region; settled before 1750, inc. 1859. It is a trade, industrial, and commercial center for an agricultural area. Noted for the production of furniture and hosiery, the city has become a major center for discounted furniture sales. Semiannual furniture expositions are held in High Point. Of interest is the restored home of a blacksmith (1786). High Point Univ. is in the city, as is the International Home Furnishings Center, the Furniture Discovery Center, and a museum on furniture manufacture.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. Political Geography


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Sage Kiernan-Sherrow
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers or They/Them/Theirs
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Telephone: (503) 838-9642
Office Hours for Fall Term: Wednesday (12-3) and Thursday (4-6) or by appointment
The Northwest Passage is Western Oregon University's student-run literary and art magazine. This is a publication of submitted works from students and faculty of WOU. The Passage has been in publication in one form or another for 73 years, supporting the creative arts every step of the way. You will find a range of creations within the pages of the magazine.
The Northwest Passage is in no way affiliated with any single department at Western Oregon University, and is entirely funded with student fees. The content of the Northwest Passage does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Western Oregon University, its Media Board, administration, staff, faculty, or student body. It does, however, reflect the desire to promote and distribute quality literature and art created by persons from every walk of life. The sole criterion for acceptance of material for publication in Northwest Passage is that of excellence


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New and loyal customers alike can support your brand when they use this Venezia™ Luggage Tag to help spread the word about your amazing company! The PU luggage tag features a clear PVC display window that measures approximately 3.54" W x 2.36" H and an elastic strap (not adjustable) that allows it to be attached to recipients' baggage. This is a great promo tool for airlines, airports, travel agencies and any other businesses that want to extend their reach. Get your promotions on the move!
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Matthew Simms
Class of 2010
Major/Minor: Environmental Studies/Business Management
Campus Involvement
- Major: Environmental Studies
- Minor: Business Management
- Resident Assistant
Hometown? New York City
Favorite thing about Washington College? The teachers
What would you never leave at home for college? My guitar
What not to bring to college? Knives
Why are you an RA? To help keep my residents safe and happy.
Where are you an RA? Chester, first floor
What is one thing you believe the freshmen should know before coming? RAs are not out to get you in trouble; we're here to ensure your well being.


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December 14, 2012
Top Ten Olive Tree Genealogy Blog Posts 2003-2012
Yes I've been blogging about genealogy for almost 10 years.
Have you read them all? If not, take a peek below and see what other genealogists found interesting.
Pinterest:Time Waster or Useful Utility?
My Top Ten Genealogy Websites
What Type of Genealogist Are You?
What's Your Number? Don't Be Too Shocked if It's Below 30%!
Finding Your Roots - Two Thumbs Down
The Frustration Over Online Family Trees Gone Bad
Sharing Memories (Week 44): I Love Books!
Think Outside the Box When Looking for a Ship's Passenger List
Genealogy and Family Hope Chest Step 6: Treasures
Why Do We Do Genealogy?
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
2 comments:
- Randy Seaver said...
Hi Lorine,
What statistics counter are you using that lets you go all the way back to 2003? The "Stats" in Blogger are spotty for me before 2011. I use the free StatCounter and have from the beginning, but I don't think I can see "All-Time" counts.
- Olive Tree Genealogy said...
I use Google Analytics. It's easy to set up if you are using the blogger platform.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Becoming Mentally Healthy: A Guide for Older Adults
by Rebecca J. Stahl, MA
What does it mean to be mentally healthy? While there are many possible definitions, mentally healthy people can face challenges in a positive way, recover from setbacks, create and maintain good relationships, and find meaning in their lives.
It is just as important for someone in their 70s to have good mental health as it is for someone in their 30s. Being older does not diminish the need for well being. There are steps you can take to improve your mental health, no matter what age you are.
Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health
Take Care of Your Body
Your mental health and physical health are linked. For example, if you have cardiovascular disease or recently had heart surgery, you have an increased risk of depression. Feeling depressed is not a normal part of getting older. Depression itself has been associated with a number of medical conditions, including coronary artery disease (CAD).
So how can you help your body and mind? You can begin by looking at your sleep schedule. Your goal should be to get 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night. If you are having any sleep problems, like difficulty falling asleep or not feeling refreshed when you wake up, try altering your sleep environment. Some small changes, such as relaxing before bed or adhering to a regular sleep schedule, can help. If you still have problems, talk to your doctor.
Exercise is another important ingredient in your healthy lifestyle. Whether you enjoy walking, swimming, or doing yoga, there is sure to be an activity that is a good match for your overall health and fitness level. Haven't exercised in a long time? Make an appointment with your doctor to find out what types of exercises are safe for you. Try not to get hung up on how much activity you should do. Remember that any activity is better than no activity.
Healthy meals give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. You will not have the energy to exercise if you have a poor diet. But what should be on your plate? Many resources recommend that your diet includes a balance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and low-sodium foods. If you are under- or over-weight and need help with your diet, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian to help you with meal planning.
Take Care of Your Mind
Your mind enjoys exercise too. You can challenge yourself by learning a new computer program, taking a watercolor class, or reading a classic novel. Explore your interests and have fun. If there is something you have always wanted to tackle, now is a good time to try it.
Take Care of Your Relationships
Humans are meant to socialize. That does not change with age. Make time for your close family members and friends. While the moments you share can be as simple as getting a coffee together or taking a stroll in the park, the caring and support you provide each other make your life more meaningful.
If your loved ones do not live near you, there are many opportunities to meet people and create positive relationships. For example, you can find out what events are offered at your local senior center, join a fitness group, volunteer, or even work part-time at a job that you enjoy.
If you feel pressure to be everywhere for everyone, know that it is okay to decline invitations or commitments. It is normal to want time to yourself to pursue solitary activities.
Getting Help
If you ever feel concerned about your mental health, know that there is help available. It is a positive step for you to take care of yourself. Many people start by talking with their primary care doctor, who can make a referral to a therapist. There are also organizations online, like the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, which provide contact information for therapists in your area.
Make sure that you manage any chronic health problems outlined by your treatment plan. It is not uncommon for seniors to have an array of prescription medications. If you feel that the side effects from your medications make you feel sick or depressed, let your doctor or pharmacist know. There may be alternative options that include changing to a new medication or adjusting the dose you currently take.
Even if you do not feel that you are struggling right now, it is still a good idea to learn about common mental health problems that affect older adults, like depression, anxiety, dementia, and addiction. Find out what the risk factors and symptoms are. This way, if you do have a problem, you can seek help early on.
Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
Mental Health America
Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental Health Canada
10 tips for improving the mental health of older adults. All About Seniors website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed June 8, 2017.
Improving emotional health. Help Guide website. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm. Updated April 2017. Accessed June 8, 2017
Common mental health problems. Mental Health and Aging website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated February 9, 2006. Accessed June 8, 2017.
Dietary considerations for cardiovascular disease prevention. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated February 23, 2017. Accessed June 8, 2017.
How much sleep do we really need? National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need. Accessed June 8, 2017.
How to sleep well as you age. Help Guide website. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-to-sleep-well-as-you-age.htm. Updated April 2017. Accessed June 8, 2017.
Mental health and mental illness. Mental Health and Aging website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated February 9, 2006. Accessed June 8, 2017.
Physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated May 24, 2017. Accessed June 8, 2017.
Wulsin LR, Singal BM. Do depressive symptoms increase the risk for the onset of coronary disease? A systematic quantitative review. Psychosom Med. 2003;65(2):201-210.
Last reviewed June 2017 by Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 6/8/2017
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WASHINGTON, DC -- This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which calls for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week for adults. That equates to about 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. The guidelines recommend that children get an hour or more of physical activity a day.
Physical activity benefits children and adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group, the report said.
"It's important for all Americans to be active, and the guidelines are a roadmap to include physical activity in their daily routine," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "The evidence is clear -- regular physical activity over months and years produces long-term health benefits and reduces the risk of many diseases. The more physically active you are, the more health benefits you gain."
Regular physical activity reduces the risk in adults of early death, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and depression. It can improve thinking ability in older adults and the ability to engage in activities needed for daily living. The recommended amount of physical activity in children and adolescents improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness as well as bone health, and it contributes to favorable body composition.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. A 13-member advisory committee appointed in April 2007 by Secretary Leavitt reviewed research and produced an extensive report.
Key guidelines by group are:
Children and Adolescents -- One hour or more of moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity a day, including vigorous intensity physical activity at least three days a week. Examples of moderate intensity aerobic activities include hiking, skateboarding, bicycle riding and brisk walking. Vigorous intensity aerobic activities include bicycle riding, jumping rope, running and sports such as soccer, basketball and ice or field hockey. Children and adolescents should incorporate muscle-strengthening activities, such as rope climbing, sit-ups, and tug-of war, three days a week. Bone-strengthening activities, such as jumping rope, running and skipping, are recommended three days a week.
Adults -- Adults gain substantial health benefits from two-and-a-half hours a week of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity. Walking briskly, water aerobics, ballroom dancing and general gardening are examples of moderate intensity aerobic activities. Vigorous intensity aerobic activities include racewalking, jogging or running, swimming laps, jumping rope and hiking uphill or with a heavy backpack. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes. For more extensive health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to five hours a week of moderate-intensity or two-and-a-half hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Adults should incorporate muscle strengthening activities, such as weight training, push-ups, sit-ups and carrying heavy loads or heavy gardening, at least two days a week.
Older adults -- Older adults should follow the guidelines for other adults when it is within their physical capacity. If a chronic condition prohibits their ability to follow those guidelines, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow. If they are at risk of falling, they should also do exercises that maintain or improve balance.
Women during pregnancy -- Healthy women should get at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week during pregnancy and the time after delivery, preferably spread through the week. Pregnant women who habitually engage in vigorous aerobic activity or who are highly active can continue during pregnancy and the time after delivery, provided they remain healthy and discuss with their health care provider how and when activity should be adjusted over time.
Adults with disabilities -- Those who are able should get at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate aerobic activity a week, or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. They should incorporate muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups two or more days a week. When they are not able to meet the guidelines, they should engage in regular physical activity according to their abilities and should avoid inactivity.
People with chronic medical conditions -- Adults with chronic conditions get important health benefits from regular physical activity. They should do so with the guidance of a health care provider.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association gave their support to the guidelines. The organizations, which jointly published physical activity recommendations last year, say the guidelines effectively support each other and are all based on the most relevant science that links physical activity to improved health and wellness.
Related Stories
- New Guidelines Increase Weekly Exercise Quota
- Physical Activity Guidelines Coming in 2008
- Groups Update Physical Activity Guidelines
- ACSM, American Heart Association Support Federal Physical Activity Guidelines
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


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|I posed this question in Twitter today:
Would you prefer 1 new Hero Class or 2 New Races?
Obviously I'm asking this in relation to the next expansion pack to WoW.
Here are the responses I got back, have an opinion? Leave it here below and use the new poll on the right.. There will be no option for BOTH or NEITHER. I don't believe that Blizzard will give us both (although you never know) and I am pretty sure they have to give us at least one or the other. They have specified previously that they would like to have more Hero Classes….
- @molsan : 2 new races
- @Stardancerelf : That is a great question! I would take Fighting Monks over anything else.
- @PixelExecution : oooh, I'm on the fence about that one. New races bring in new starter areas, but new hero classes make interesting raid options.
- @runycat : I want there to be playable dinosaurs
- Or even dragons. There are enough faildragons in WoW that we might as well play them. Look human, shapeshift into DAGRON <i think she meant dragon>
- @aggrojunkie : Races if one is Murloc. Hero class if it's "Master of Cheese".
- But seriously, new profession should be woodworking. Able to make bows, staves, and polearms.
- @kestrelsaerie : 2 new non-hero classes: bard & monk
- @abbort : two more races definitely. ( Excited that ST:TOR will have unique quest lines for all classes, btw)
- @brokenbyclouds : 1 new hero class, specifically a healer hero class.
- @greyseer : HC if demon hunter, races otherwise. Question: what will be the big draw if xpac3 has neither?
- @Arrens : If they did a Bard, I sear to God, I'd have mine singing all sorts of Buffett songs walking through Orgrimmar.
- @psynister : Hero Class, but only slightly and only because I hate DK's so much.
- (supports @aggrojunkie on woodworking profession)
- @tedkulp : Hero class. A healer type would be great.
- @illusionnotchaos : new races, definitely. We don't need a new flavor of the month class.
- @talitalana : new races (with new starting zones and lore)
- @greyemashe : I think there's going to be a new hero class, a caster/healer. I don't see new races coming anytime soon.
And that is just from the first few minutes.. 🙂 Thanks to everyone that participated!


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Eureka provides an easy design environment in Rhino for jewelry designers, even those who are not familiar with personal computers and CAD. The Eureka toolbar layout brings the Rhino commands used in jewelry design to the front and hides less frequently-used commands. Eureka includes unique examples that let you can learn Rhino commands while modeling jewelry parts. You can display those examples from the toolbar with a single click. A separate software package called "Sagi" performs calculations required for jewelry making, such as mass, ring size, and diamond size. In addition, you can automatically render four Rhino viewports, and then use Sagi to combine them into a four-view layout to print on one sheet. There are also album management and template display functions. A single click calls a template displayed in this software into Rhino. A wide range of templates is available. The CD-ROM package includes a Rhino video training course with the contents of a course as taught at Matsumura Gold & Silver Company's Rhino training class. With this you can learn to use Rhino without leaving home. Eureka is only available in Japanese and Korean.
Masahiro Matsumura, Matsumura Gold & Silver Co., LTD.


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Alive and well: Soccer is king in these parts
"Americans don't like soccer," NPR sports commentator Frank Deford said the other day on Morning Edition. "We know that," he repeated emphatically. "Americans do not like soccer."
Well, I don't know which Americans this guy is talking about. At our house, there is no other sport. My guys play soccer— indoors and out— all year round. They even got up at 6:30 in the morning during summer vacation to watch World Cup games on television.
My kids aren't the only soccer fans around here, either. The Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle (SOCA) supports more than 3,500 players (children and adults) each season. And Piedmont Family YMCA's Y-Rookie Soccer helps new trainees ages 3-7 learn all the basics.
Not long ago, some of these little kickers got together to help local author and photographer Peggy Harrison show the world just how much fun this sport is. Her new book, We Love Soccer, features cherubic photos of local five- and six-year olds in shorts and shin guards having a terrific time dribbling, trapping, and passing the classic black and white ball on familiar neighborhood playing fields.
To celebrate both the sport and the publication of this homegrown book, the Virginia Discovery Museum is hosting "Soccer Mania," an event for fans of all ages. Harrison will read and sign her book (proceeds from the sales will benefit the museum). There will be crafts to make and a drawing for a new soccer ball. Two members of the UVA women's soccer team will also be available on the grass at the amphitheater, running drills and offering coaching advice for neophytes.
So despite what the guy on the radio says, soccer is alive and well, at least in this part of America.
Soccer Mania is free at the Virginia Discovery Museum September 28 from 1-2:30pm. The museum is on the east end of the Downtown Mall. For more information, call 977-1025. SOCA's number is 975-5025. Call Jay Shively at Piedmont Family YMCA 974-9622.


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In the center of the crowded basement cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Big Pot's mobile war room was humming.
While hundreds of congressional staffers lunched around them, a group of foot soldiers in the effort to legalize marijuana stood over a rectangular table cluttered with plates of sushi and documents, busily stuffing white folders with literature about the need for the federal government to change the nation's cannabis laws. Each folder, which would be delivered to a congressional office on one of the floors above, needed a primer on bills that had been introduced to reform banking and tax laws for the cannabis industry, a letter urging co-sponsorship of the bills, a position paper from Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform, and a New York Times story about the burgeoning marijuana industry.
It was the final hours of a two-day Washington, D.C., blitz by the National Cannabis Industry Association, the 3-year-old lobbying arm of the country's increasingly organized legal marijuana industry. With just a few hours remaining until the advocates' scheduled flights home, there were still several offices to visit.
On a laptop at the table, NCIA events manager Brooke Gilbert scanned and updated a detailed Google spreadsheet that listed all the association members who had flown to the capital to help with the group's annual lobby day, ticking off the names of offices on Capitol Hill they had visited and those they still needed to stop by.
Other members of the association — a mixture of pot growers, marijuana dispensary owners, scientists, doctors and activists from around the country — sat at nearby tables and talked excitedly about their own meetings with lawmakers and congressional staffers. By day's end, the members would hold meetings with more than 60 offices about pot and the legal, new, booming industry of growing and selling the psychoactive plant.
The advocates have had great success at the state level. Already 20 states and the District of Columbia allow legal medical marijuana, and Washington and Colorado last year became the first states to make pot legal for recreational use. But changes in federal laws have lagged. That's one reason that, at the end of 2010, marijuana-related business owners pooled their resources to form the NCIA.
Now the cannabis industry is solidifying its presence in the halls of Congress. Late last year, the NCIA hired Michael Correia, a former Republican congressional staffer, to lobby for the industry full time in Washington, D.C. Previously, he worked as a field representative for Tennesee Republican Rep. Diane Black and spent two years as the director of federal affairs for the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council.
The group relies on survey data from pollster Celinda Lake to update its arguments and provide data on the state of play. A 22-member board and a staff of five direct operations from the group's headquarters in Denver, Colo. The group represents more than 400 companies in 20 states that together bring in more than $2 billion in revenue annually.
If there was one feature that stood out most about the marijuana activists last week, it was that they did not stand out at all. With the exception, perhaps, of one woman dressed in a tailored pantsuit and wearing natural red dreadlocks that stretched to her waist, the cannabis industry team was indistinguishable from the routine mix of lobbyists, staffers, advocates and journalists in the Rayburn halls.
That's intentional: The pot lobby is desperately seeking legitimacy — and taking the steps to achieve it.
"We're respectable, responsible businesspeople," said Dorian Deslauriers, an NCIA member who runs a lab in Massachusetts that tests and analyzes medical marijuana. "We are just like the rest of the industries in America."
While the association doesn't own an imposing building on Capitol Hill or K Street that bears its name — Correia works from a small office in downtown D.C. — the NCIA's lobbying tactics mirror those of other industries. For weeks before the group's members arrived in Washington, Correia set up meetings with legislative offices. Over two days, supporters of the cannabis cause targeted lawmakers on the Banking, Finance and Judicial committees in both chambers of Congress, and met with lawmakers who represent states with NCIA members. Most of the meetings lasted about a half-hour, attendees said, and focused on two main priorities: legislation permitting cannabis industry organizations to write off business expenses on their taxes and a measure to allow federally insured banks to work with the businesses, even though they're engaging in activity that's still considered illegal under federal law.
Where they could, NCIA staffers let the business owners do the talking.
"We're not expecting, or even wanting, our members to go in with some perfectly polished presentation. It's not the point," said Taylor West, NCIA's deputy director. "We have the lobbyist who will be there when we leave who can follow up with technical questions. What we want is to communicate that these are very real struggles that responsible business owners are dealing with."
As far as federal law is concerned, much of what these companies do remains illegal. The Drug Enforcement Administration still labels their main product a "Schedule 1" drug along with heroin and LSD. While the businesses that NCIA represents function legally within the states where they are based, they are at constant risk of federal prosecution, should the Department of Justice decide to strictly enforce the law.
Because of this, businesses in the industry can't write off their expenses for federal tax purposes, a benefit offered to all companies, including the legal brothels in Nevada. And banks are hesitant to lend to or allow accounts for these companies, leading some to store massive amounts of cash and place themselves at higher risk for theft.
For now, fixing these issues — not national legalization — is the advocates' top priority.
"It's important that we're treated like any other business," said Ean Seeb, a member of the NCIA board. "That's the consistent message: Treat us like any other business."
Converting congressmen to this way of thinking is slow-going. While there are a handful of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who actively support the cannabis industry, particularly Democratic Reps. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Jared Polis of Colorado and California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, many members of Congress are fearful of touching the issue. Most have opposed efforts to decriminalize marijuana for their entire careers and are unlikely to changes their positions quickly.
But compared to how lawmakers treated industry activists even just a few years ago, recent congressional interest in talking to legalization advocates is stunning.
"We've seen a lot more interest this year and, anecdotally at least, we're seeing more legit senior staff that we're talking to," West said. "Legislative affairs people, not constituent services people."
Said Seeb after a series of meetings on Thursday: "They're finally taking it seriously. They're asking the right questions."
Of course, that's not a universal position, he added: "At the same time, there are people completely dismissing us."
As part of the NCIA lobbying effort, Correia also organized a public briefing in the House Budget Committee room on Capitol Hill, open to anyone interested in the issue. The event included brief speeches from sympathetic members of Congress, a presentation about polling data on changing attitudes toward marijuana and stories from business owners in the industry.
Of all the speakers present, it was the lawmakers, many of whom have worked on the issue for decades without much progress, who appeared the most passionate.
"We keep needing bigger and bigger rooms," an ecstatic Blumenauer said when he looked over the group of about 80 at the briefing. "Isn't that wonderful?!"
While movement on the issue has seemed staggeringly slow — Blumenauer said he cast his first vote to decriminalize marijuana in the Oregon Legislature in the early 1970s — the rapid change in public views during just the past few years has almost caught the pro-legalization lawmakers off-guard. A CNN-Opinion Research poll in January found that 55 percent of Americans believe marijuana should be legalized, a statistic that jumped by 12 percentage points from just a year before.
States around the country are preparing for votes to legalize the drug later this year, opening the possibility for billions more in revenue for those in the industry.
"The public is shifting very, very dramatically," Lake, the pollster, said, citing a trove of statistics about attitudes toward marijuana. "This is an issue that's absolutely at its tipping point."
The good news for pot advocates, she said, was that although many in the U.S. still oppose legalization, they won't take to the streets against it. Unlike hot-button issues like abortion or same-sex marriage, those who oppose marijuana legalization don't come out to vote just because it's on the ballot.
"People don't mobilize or turn out against marijuana," she said. "They shrug their shoulders, they wish their grandkids didn't use it, but they don't vote to beat marijuana."
Washington, however, has been slow to catch up. With nearly $2 billion flowing legally through the economy now that several states have legalized the plant's production and use, the federal government still hasn't decided how to address it. President Barack Obama's Department of Justice has said it won't prosecute businesses in the industry that operate under state law and is allowing banks to do business with them, but pot industry activists say they need Congress to move in order to give banks and business owners further security that their investments will be protected.
"We're in this Never Never Land on Capitol Hill. The administration and Congress is in denial, and we're the problem," Blumenauer said. "We're trying to get the administration to get real."
Accomplishing this, of course, will require support from members of both political parties.
On the right, Republicans have just recently begun to nibble at the edges of reform. Conservatives such as Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah and John Cornyn of Texas have promoted an effort to re-examine sentencing laws for nonviolent drug criminals. Republican governors such as Rick Perry of Texas and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana have also moved forward in their own states to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for drug users.
Fear is one of the main drivers moving against widespread legalization, said Rohrabacher, the California Republican.
"If it were a secret ballot, a majority of my Republican friends would vote for [legalization]," Rohrabacher said. "They're afraid that if they step up to the plate, their next election, they will be portrayed by their opponent as 'The Friend of the Drug Cartel.'"
The task and challenge, marijuana advocates say, is providing lawmakers "evolving" on the issue with the data and information that will help them explain why they've flipped. As with any shift in position, that takes time. After years of opposing legalization, it's difficult for any public figure to suddenly change course.
But the representatives of Big Pot see time, public opinion and data on their side.
"Polling is through the roof," West said. "The elected just have to catch up."
Related video:


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Saturday, June 30
Two Men, a Golf Ball and a Mercedes Set a World Record
F1 LEGEND DAVID COULTHARD CAUGHT A GOLF BALL rocketing through the air using a speedy automobile. A 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, to be precise. In the process, Coulthard set a new Guinness World Record. And why wouldn't he? I mean, how many people are trying this stunt?
The golf ball, struck by pro golfer Jake Shepherd, was clocked at an air speed of 178 mph. Meanwhile, the 571-horsepower Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster was traveling at more than 120 mph. Ball and car met 900 feet down the airport runway in Surrey, England.
(That's 300 yards, right? Nice poke, Jake.)
One more thing: They did it (and set the world record) on just the second attempt of the day. No sense doddling. Well done, men.
2 comments:
- THE GOLF REFUGEES WEBLOG said...
That'll be the Golf Refugees original black golf ball.
- Homeland Golf Course said...
Pretty impressive. What was the World Record though? Longest Drive caught by a moving car, fastest moving car to catch a golf bal??
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Driving a 1950s route
Dennis has been wanting some more work pants, so today I drove up to the VF factory outlet store at Hanson, KY. Since I had plenty of time, I took the two-lane Highway 41 instead of the four-lane Pennyrile Parkway.
Before the parkway went in, Highway 41 was a major north-south route, and you can still see some of the gas stations, cafes, and motels that served the travelers. Most of them closed years ago, of course.
Going north from Hopkinsville, Highway 41 passes through Kelly, Crofton, Earlington, Morton's Gap, Madisonville, and finally Hanson. In addition, there are probably names that I don't know for some of little crossroads communities along the way. The railroad runs alongside the highway, and it goes right through the middle of most of these towns, too.
From Hopkinsville to Kelly, there are far too many delapidated trailer houses, but beyond Kelly, there are interesting things to see: pine-topped hills, long stretches of woods, farmer's fields, and roads that cut off and disappear into the countryside. Hopkins County is coal country, and it feels to me like it's a little higher in elevation than most of Christian County. On the map of Hopkins County, there are several large areas with no roads. I don't know if those are coal mining areas, or if they are just rough terrain where very few people live. (Or maybe both?)
I've always been curious about Morton's Gap because it has an interesting name, so I drove down its main street. I was disappointed not to see anything strikingly picturesque. I saw a tiny vacant building built in the 1920's that was inscribed, "City Hall". A big Catholic church sits on the hillside and a nice old brick house beside it is probably part of the church property. Nearby, I saw the nicely painted house in the photo below.
From Morton's Gap on to Hanson, it could be called "Greater Madisonville" because Morton's Gap flows into Earlington, and Earlington melts into the south side of Madisonville, and Hanson is a suburb on the north side of Madisonville.
On the south side of Madisonville, I saw some of the damage from the bad tornado that hit last fall. Dozens of trees are snapped off and some buildings are still strewn across the ground.
Hanson has several attractive old buildings in the business district. (Part of the north side of the main street is shown in the photo.) The factory outlet store gets a lot of traffic, so they are trying to make the downtown area a secondary destination. There are three antique stores (the doorway of one is shown in in the photo at right) and a couple of restaurants in the one-block downtown area.
I arrived at the outlet store about 9:40 and it didn't open until 10:00, so I parked the car and waited. I had plenty of time to observe the building. It has no architectural pizzazz at all. It's a big, metal building, designed strictly for function.
As opening time approached, more customers began arriving. A van from the Elkton Baptist Church pulled up and half a dozen gray-haired ladies got out and waited by the door. They were ready to do some shopping. I had relished the journey; they were eager to arrive at the destination. (Or so it seemed to me, but maybe they thought they were just beginning their journey. Journey? Destination? Where does one stop and the other begin?)
The doors opened and we all went in. I bought Dennis three pairs of work pants and Isaac three pairs of jeans for school.


text: This very-short-term credit market fuels two common savings vehicles. Thinkstock By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Updated for 2017 The money market is a collective name that describes all the different ways in which governments, banks, corporations and securities dealers borrow and lend money for short periods.QUIZ: Kiplinger's Personal Finance Quiz Money-market loans may be due in a few days, a few weeks or a few months, but never more than a year. Thus, short-term certificates of deposit are considered to be in the money market. Treasury bills, which mature in three, six, nine or 12 months, are money-market instruments. Other short-term investments that could be in a typical money-market portfolio include: Sponsored Content Other federal government securities (short-term securities issued by individual government agencies or government-sponsored organizations such as Fannie Mae). Banker's acceptances (used to finance international commercial transactions). Repurchase agreements, or "repos" (ways of selling financial holdings for a day or two with a pledge to buy them back at a higher price). Eurodollar CDs (issued by the foreign branches of U.S. banks). Yankee CDs (issued by U.S. branches of foreign banks). Short-term municipal bonds issued by state and local governments (money-market mutual funds that invest exclusively in these pay tax-free earnings). Short maturities help insulate the value of a money market portfolio from movements in interest rates. Prices of interest-paying investments such as these fall when rates rise, and vice versa -- the shorter the maturity, the smaller the move. There are two ways individual investors typically participate in the money market, through FDIC-insured bank accounts, or through uninsured mutual funds. Lets take a closer look at each. Advertisement Money-market deposit accounts Money-market deposit account (MMDA) offer federal insurance plus interest that's somewhere between a passbook account and a CD. Banks and thrifts like to boast about the higher rates paid by these accounts, but in fact they rarely compete very well with certificates and routinely lag money-market mutual funds. MMDAs probably compete more directly with low-rate savings accounts and interest-paying checking accounts, except for all the strings attached: You can write a limited number of checks on the account and make a limited number of withdrawals; if you exceed the limit, you pay a penalty. When shopping for money-market accounts you'll want to compare: Annual percentage yield. Minimum deposit. Minimum balance requirements. Check-writing limits. Fees and penalties. Money-market funds If you compare MMDAs with money-market funds, the limits on liquidity and typically lower rates add up to a high premium to pay for federal deposit insurance. Advertisement Money funds generally pay more than deposit accounts, with no significant increase in risk. The minimum initial investment usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, for which you get a slice of a portfolio containing a number of money market investments that you could never afford on your own. One of the most attractive features of money-market funds is that you can redeem your shares anytime by writing a check drawn on your account. You pay no sales fees either buying or selling. SEE ALSO: The Biggest Mistakes Investors Make The funds' managers, who decide which money-market instruments to buy, charge a modest management fee, on the order of 1% or so. All that makes the funds liquid, convenient and relatively economical to own.


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Yesterday over 75 students and community members marched from UH Hilo to The State Building to support Clean (Publicly Financed) Elections. Students carried individual signs that collectively read, "cut big money out of politics," and, "clean elections = clean government."
Amber Shouse, one of the student organizers of the event said, "Clean Elections is the reform that makes all other reforms possible. The pilot Clean Elections program for Hawaii County has worked well, and, as a result, our local government is more beholden to the public than to big money. We ask the state legislature to adopt the Clean Elections program for state races as well as county races."
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Education, Hawaii, Kids, Legal, National Affairs, Politics, State Affairs, UH Hilo Tagged: | Amber Shouse, Clean Elections, State Building, University of Hawaii at Hilo


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Vallone — Sapurik
STEUBENVILLE – St. Peter's Church in Steubenville was the setting for the July 20 wedding that united Alyssa Marie Vallone and Bojan Sapurik in marriage. The ceremony was celebrated by the Rev. Jonas Shell.
Escorted to the altar and given in marriage by her parents, John and Karen Vallone of Steubenville, the bride chose a strapless ballgown with a sweetheart neckline with a beaded bodice, sash and skirt. She carried a bouquet of coral colored roses sprinkled with rhinestones.
The groom is the son of Zoran and Meri Sapurik of Skopje, Macedonia.
Hayley Watson of Columbus served as maid of honor. Annmarie Fatula, Alexis DeVaul, Jennifer Vallone, Brianna Kowalsky, Iva Sokolic and Kim Nguyen served as bridesmaids.
Toma Sokolic of Tallahassee, Fla., was the best man. Groomsmen were Joe Vallone, Lou Almonte, Dave Molesky, Jim Fonow and Phil Brandreth.
Santino and Liliana Diligente were the ring bearer and flower girl, both of Brunswick, Ohio.
A reception followed at the Serbian-American Cultural Center in Weirton.
The newlyweds plan to honeymoon this spring.
The bride is a graduate of Steubenville High School and Franciscan University of Steubenville with a bachelor of science degree in marketing and is employed as a financial analyst at Merrill Lynch.
The groom is a graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central and Mount Aloysius College. He received a master's degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and is a senior associate for Deutsche Bank.
They reside in Jacksonville, Fla.


text: Free Shipping When You Spend $50 or More! CART MENU Open menu Modern M Toggle search bar What can we help you find? Submit search CART Baby Congrats boy congrats girl congrats Birthday adult birthday asian design birthday hawaiian design birthday kids birthday Holiday Father's Day Occasions graduation shower sympathy wedding misc asian new home retirement Sports Birthday Sports Wedding Sports Thank You asian design thank you hawaiian design thank you general thank you Accessories Post It Notes Japanese Towels Japanese Backpacks Japanese Eco Bags Nav Menu 2 Nav Menu 3 Nav Menu 4 Nav Menu 5 Nav Menu 6 Nav Menu 7 Nav Menu 8 Multifaceted Scarf, Cardigan, Poncho, Vest - Royal Blue Alternative Views: $15.00 Product Code: S_96 Qty: Description Wear as a scarf, cardigan, poncho or vest just by changing the buttons! Features 100% Acrylic Imported Related Products... Japanese Two-Sided Osushi Towel Japanese Checkerboard Towel (Ramen)der Post It Notes + Chopstick Pencil Japanese Two-Sided Hibiscus Towel $8.50 Add $8.50 Add $5.50 Add $8.50 Add Multifaceted Scarf, Cardigan, Poncho, Vest - Red Japanese Purple Stripe Scarf Multifaceted Scarf, Cardigan, Poncho, Vest - Gray Japanese Sushi Towel $15.00 Add $13.00 Add $15.00 Add $8.50 Add Share your knowledge of this product with other customers... Be the first to write a review


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Phoenix to Las Vegas by car
A meandering drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas, stopping at attractions including Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.
It's only 300 miles from Phoenix to Vegas, and the distance between the two along the shortest line could easily be covered in a day. However, the number of sights and the sheer variety of scenery along and around this route is simply staggering, and a leisurely drive gives an excellent introduction to America's Southwest.
There very well could be high winds and unpredictable flash flooding. Also if travelling during the day in the summer bring lots of water just in case and check your air conditioning before leaving town.
Get in[edit]
Both Phoenix and Las Vegas are major transport hubs accessible by plane from all over the United States. Cars can easily be rented at either, and you can usually negotiate a free drop-off at the other end.
Day 1: Phoenix to Flagstaff[edit]
~140 miles
Flagstaff has a better range of accommodation and nightlife, but if you want to drive a little more today and a little less tomorrow, consider continuing on to Sunset Crater and Wupatki and overnighting at Cameron or Tuba City instead.
Day 2: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon via Monument Valley[edit]
~350 miles
Day 3: Grand Canyon[edit]
0 miles — park your car and walk!
Day 4: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas[edit]
277 miles
Stay safe[edit]
Much of the route is in desert areas where summer heat can be fearsome and gas stations are few and far between. Take plenty of water, and fill up your tank before heading off the Interstates.
Get out[edit]


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Rising tobacco epidemic in Asia linked to elevated risk of death
(Medical Xpress)—A new study estimates that tobacco smoking has been linked to approximately 2 million deaths among adult men and women in Asia in recent years and predicts a rising death toll.
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, was led by Wei Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, professor of Medicine and director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, and John Potter, M.D., Ph.D., a member and scientific advisor of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
Wei Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., MPH
Roughly 60 percent of the world's population lives in Asia, where approximately half of men are tobacco smokers. The study's authors, representing more than three dozen medical centers, government health agencies and institutes in the United States, Asia and Europe, credit this rise in smoking among Asians to aggressive product marketing by tobacco companies and a lack of education about health issues related to tobacco.
For this population-based research, investigators pooled data from large cohort studies conducted in Asia and included demographic and risk factor information collected in seven Asian regions from the early 1960s through the late 1990s (although most of the studies enrolled participants after the mid-1980s). The cohorts of 1,223,092 participants who were at least 45 years of age were in Bangladesh, India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
Among men who had ever smoked, there was an elevated risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer or respiratory diseases in all of the geographic regions in 2004. The risk of death due to any disease, however, varied considerably across populations, with the stronger association generally found in Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, compared to that observed in mainland China and India.
The association with cancer risk was quite consistent across study populations. Men who had smoked were nearly twice as likely to die from cancer, especially lung cancer, but there was also an elevated risk of death from cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, stomach, colorectum, liver, pancreas and bladder—all diseases that have been linked to smoking in previous studies, according to the authors.
Men who had ever smoked tobacco were approximately 50 percent more likely to die from respiratory diseases than those who had not smoked.
While women in most Asian regions are far less likely to smoke than men, the study also found an increased risk of death from cancer, CVD and respiratory diseases among East Asian women. Approximately 16.7 percent of lung cancer deaths in East Asian women at least 45 years old were attributable to tobacco smoking in 2004, while for men, this number approached 63.2 percent.
"Our study showed a clear dose-response relationship between the length of time someone smoked and the number of packs they smoked, known as pack-years, and the risk of death from all causes," said Zheng. "Tobacco smoking has now reached epidemic proportions in Asia and it is likely, with the maturation of this epidemic, and the lack of effective tobacco control efforts, smokers will continue to face an increased risk of death from cancer and other diseases."
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Mitt Romney is not very popular with his oceanside neighbors, according to a story in today's New York Times investigating how the Republican presidential hopeful fits in with his fellow La Jolla residents.
Between the Secret Service detail and the massive renovation on Romney's $12 million beach house, it's not hard to see why the candidate is having a hard time making friends.
To make matters worse, Romney reportedly has a habit of demanding that his neighbors quit smoking pot on the beach.
Times reporter Michael Barbaro writes:
"A young man in town recalled that Mr. Romney confronted him as he smoked marijuana and drank on the beach last summer, demanding that he stop.
The issue appears to be a recurring nuisance for the Romneys. Mr. Quint, who lives on the waterfront near Mr. Romney, said that a police officer had asked him, on a weekend when the candidate was in town, to report any pot smoking on the beach. The officer explained to him that "your neighbors have complained," Mr. Quint recalled. "He was pretty clear that it was the Romneys."


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"Dancing with the Stars" may not have sorted out its co-host situation yet, but the cast is taking shape.
Confirming Internet rumors, a source close to the show tells Access Hollywood that former "Baywatch" babe Pamela Anderson will indeed strut her stuff across the ballroom for "Dancing's" tenth season.
Pamela has been seen recently showing off her gams on the runway, having hit the catwalk at a host of fashion shows across the world in the past year, including Wednesday night at New York Fashion Week for designer Richie Rich.
But Access' "Dancing" casting news doesn't end there!
Access has also learned someone who has walked on the moon is set to shake their former-intergalactic groove thing in the ballroom too, the source said.
Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to set foot on the moon, is the favorite, thanks to his regular appearances across television. Although, it still yet could be Neil Armstrong.
Buzz has appeared on "The Simpsons," "Celebrity Jeopardy," "NUMB3RS" and most recently, "The Price Is Right" in November 2009.
When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for the show said they do not comment on casting rumors.
"Our cast will be announced March 1 during 'The Bachelor' finale," the rep added.
Check out Buzz's hip hop skills alongside Snoop Dogg and Talib Kweli, HERE.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Pamela Anderson
PLAY IT NOW: Access Exclusive: Pamela Anderson Talks 'Pam: Girl On The Loose'
PLAY IT NOW: Pamela Anderson Fashion Flashback
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Reality TV - TV - The Bachelor - New York Fashion Week


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Tax incentives
Tax incentives
Cycle mileage
Employees who use their own cycle for work (i.e. for cycling on business, not to and from work) are entitled to 20p per mile, tax-free. (N.B. there are different arrangements for self-employed people who use their cycles for business purposes. If this applies to you, it's best to talk to your accountant or tax office directly to find out what you can claim, and what you can't).
If an employer pays less than this, or no cycle mileage rate at all (which is not a good thing, of course!), an employee can still claim tax relief by contacting HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) directly.
For more, see HMRC's guidance for employees who use their own vehicles for work
For Cycling UK's formal policy on cycle commuting and cycle-friendly employers, see our campaigns briefing. This briefing includes facts and figures, along with a range of background information.
Lending or hiring cycles or cyclists' safety equipment
If an employer lends or hires cycles or cyclists' safety equipment to employees, the benefit of this is exempt from tax on employment income. The cycles or equipment should be generally available to all employees, and mainly used for travel between home and the workplace.
The exemption also covers the provision of a voucher for hiring bicycles and equipment.
The relevant legislation does not define exactly what is meant by 'safety equipment', but HMRC says that it includes such things as:
- Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078
- Bells, bulb horns and lights including dynamo packs
- Child safety seats
- Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors
It does not include:
- Cycle computers
- Waterproof clothing that is not reflective clothing
- Cycle training
See HMRC's exemption for bicycles factsheet
Cycle to Work scheme
More and more employers are providing cycle/cycling safety equipment to their staff in conjunction with salary sacrifice arrangements, by subscribing to the Government's 'Cycle to Work Scheme'. (N.B. again, self-employed people can't participate in this scheme, but there are other ways of obtaining tax relief for cycling on business).
Through this scheme, the employee usually pays a monthly rental, which is deducted from their salary before national insurance and income tax. This means that their taxable income is smaller, so they pay less tax and, in doing so, make significant savings on bike itself. The employee should use the bike mainly for commuting to and from their workplace (although using it for pleasure is not disallowed, this should not be its main purpose).
At the end of the loan period, the employer can invite the employee to buy the equipment. HMRC have issued guidelines on the final price, which is based on a valuation of the bike, given its age and condition etc.
VAT: VAT registered employers can reclaim it at their marginal VAT rate on the purchase of the cycle (or related safety equipment), and pass this on as an additional saving to staff.
In an announcement in 2011, HMRC made it clear that it expects employees to pay VAT on their salary sacrifice payments (although people who signed their agreements before July 27th 2011 – and which extend beyond 31 December 2011 – are not affected).
VAT remains due if a cycle is sold to an employee at the end of the loan period.
Reluctant employers? Some employers hesitate to introduce the scheme because they worry about the administrative burden. However, there are a number of companies – or 'cycle scheme facilitators' (usually, but not necessarily bike shops) - set up to help. They are very easy to identify through a search of the Internet.
Some employers are also concerned about encouraging cycling because they think it's risky and that they could be held liable if an employee is injured. As we explain elsewhere, the benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks and cyclists cause very little harm to other road users. It also helps keep the workforce fit, reduces absenteeism and reduces an organisation's adverse impact on the environment. Encouraging cycling is, therefore, the responsible thing to do.
For more on the Cycle to Work Scheme, see:
The Department for Transport's guide to the scheme
Cycling breakfasts
Employers used to be able to provide a tax-free breakfast to cyclists on designated 'Cycle to Work' days, to encourage people to try cycling to work. Sadly, this relief was repealed from 6 April 2013.


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ombre teardrop studs - black and gold
$39.00 Sold out
New release earring - my signature teardrop shape in a dainty stud.
These dainty teardrop shaped earrings are filled with an Ombre colored paper and set under glass. They measure 10mm x 14mm
I have hand soldered on a stainless steel post, machine tumbled and then hand patina'd for an aged vintage look to the metal.
A range of ombre colors available - I'm always up for making custom colors if you are seeking something for a specific outfit or bridesmaid jewellery. And of course my standard teardrop / studs chiyogami paper can be requested.
The last picture is not the pair pictured but intended for size reference on a model.


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A renovation is underway of the baseball and softball fields at the Buys Athletics Complex on the campus of Hope College.
The college has also announced the naming of the two fields in honor of four persons who have been involved in the life of the college for several decades.
The softball stadium has been named in honor Karla Hoesch Wolters, longtime Hope softball coach, and her husband Tom. Both are graduates of the Hope College class of 1973.
The baseball stadium has been named in honor of Ronald Boeve, Hope College class of 1953 and an assistant baseball coach for nearly a quarter of century, and his wife Sonya (Sunny).
"We are pleased to honor these two very special coaches. Both Karla and Ron have been integral parts of Hope athletics as players and coaches. And, because coaching at its best involves spouses as well, we are pleased to honor Tom and Sunny," said President James E. Bultman.
The project at the current fields will include the installation of permanent stands for fans, new press boxes and dugouts. Fans will have an unobstructed view of the playing fields. The softball seating will accommodate approximately 250 fans and baseball will have seating for about 300. Each area will have a patio suitable for tailgating.
"The playing surfaces of our fields are quite satisfactory," said President Bultman. "The seating, however, has always been less than desirable. The major portion of the renovation will, therefore, be to install permanent seating with less obstructive dugouts and improved press boxes. The ball parks will have stadium-like appearances to them."
The work is scheduled to be finished in time for the teams' 2008 seasons.
Ron Boeve has served as assistant baseball coach at the college for more than a quarter of a century. He started as a volunteer assistant coach in the early 1980s under now
President Bultman and has continued to serve under three coaches, including current head coach Stu Fritz the past 14 seasons. He is the team's first base coach and frequently pitches batting practice.
Sunny Boeve has been a faithful attendee at Hope baseball games, home and away, keeping her own scorebook for hundreds of contests.
Ron was a standout Hope baseball player, winning recognition that included
being chosen by his teammates as Hope's most valuable player in 1959 and
selection to the All-MIAA team twice as a catcher. He also lettered in
This past fall the college's Alumni H-Club presented him the "Hope for
Humanity Award" in recognition of his service to others. He has also been
active with the college's Alumni Association.
He and Sunny, who has also been an active volunteer on the college's behalf,
received Meritorious Service Awards from Hope in 1994.
Boeve is a 1953 graduate of Holland High School. He attended Hope from 1953 to
1955, subsequently served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division,
and then returned Hope, graduating in 1960 with a major in business
From Hope he went on to positions with both the Ford Motor Company and Herman
Miller Inc. He became a partner with Woodland Realty (1973-81) and later
Timber Brook Realty (1981-94), and has stayed active in the profession since
Timber Brook was sold to Greenridge Realty in 1994. He was president of the
Holland Board of Realtors and named Holland's Realtor of the Year in both 1982
and 1994. In 1982 he also received the Michigan Association of Realtors
Community Service Award.
Boeve has also been active as a volunteer in the community and with his
church. He served on the Holland Board of Education for eight years, including
three years as president. He is also a past member of the consistory of Third
Reformed Church in Holland and a past member of the board of the Holland Area
Chamber of Commerce.
He and Sunny have three children: Sue, a 1981 Hope graduate; Gretchen, a 1986
AmericanUniversity graduate; and Craig, a 1990 Hope graduate.
Sunny was active in the Women's League for Hope College for many years and
involved with the Reformed Church Women.
Karla Wolters has coached collegiate athletics for 33 years, the past 20 years at the helm of the Flying Dutch softball team. She has guided the fortunes of college athletes as their coach in a multitude of sports. Through the 2007 season, her teams have won a combined 1,076 games led by softball (623) and then volleyball (375), field hockey (40), basketball (24) and tennis (14).
Wolters has brought a new level of success to the Hope softball program. She has led the Flying Dutch to five NCAA Division III tournament appearances (1991, 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2006). The 1991 Flying Dutch finished third in the nation and the 1995 team tied for fifth. Wolters was named the Region softball coach of the year in 1991, 1992 and 1995. The Hope staff was honored by the MIAA this season. Her career collegiate coaching record over 29 seasons is 623-342. Her twenty-year softball record at Hope is 454-264.
She entered the 2007 season ranked the fourth winningest Division III coaches all-time. She is part of an elite group that includes Donna Newberry of Muskingum (781 victories), George Wares of Central, Iowa (753) and June Walker of TrentonState (721).
Wolters taught and coached for 13 years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. She led the Calvin softball team to seven conference championships from 1979-87 and took Calvin to the NCAA Division III playoffs on four occasions (1983-84-85-87).
Wolters is a 1973 Hope College graduate. She was a standout student-athlete during her undergraduate years. In her four years at Hope, she played 13 varsity sports seasons, lettering in tennis, field hockey, basketball and volleyball.
She received the Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1978. She has the academic rank of associate professor of kinesiology at Hope.
In 1986 she was voted the NCAA Division III coach-of-the-year by the Intercollegiate Volleyball Coaches Association. She is among the most successful coaches in the history of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association with 20 conference championships in softball, volleyball and women's basketball.
Tom Wolters lettered four years in basketball. He was captain of the team his senior year and ended his career among the all-time Hope leaders in rebounding. He taught in the elementary and middle school levels of the Zeeland public schools system for 26 years. During his career he also coached track and field. The Wolters reside in Zeeland.


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Re: Automatic switching to insert mode with VAX
When I press Enter to select an item from the "VA Find References Result" to jump to where the reference is, VIEmu switches to insert mode.
I don't know if this is a feature or a conflict with Visual Assist X, but personally I'd rather find myself in normal mode.
Is there an option that I missed, a work around or any plan to handle this ?
Thank you,


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Quick Band Bio: Mike Kinsella is known today mainly for his work with his solo project Owen, but back in 1999 he was a part of a band named American Football. Kinsella worked with Steve Holmes(guitar) and Steve Lamos(drums/trumpet) to complete the band, but they would ultimately only release a single EP and one album before disbanding to approach other projects.
It's easy to lose track of American Football's self titled album because the band called it quits after releasing it and because Kinsella is now more well known for his solo project. American Football does need to be remembered though, even if it forces you to make a conscious effort to do so, because it's indie folk/folk-rock done fantastically well.
Continue reading Essential Albums: American Football- American Football