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Sunday: last game for some Steeler vets
PITTSBURGH (AP) — For the first time since he was taken in the third round in the 2009 draft, Mike Wallace will miss a regular-season game for the Steelers.
It might well be the first of many games Pittsburgh plays without the speedster receiver going forward.
An injury in his left hip and hamstring area will prevent Wallace from playing in the Steelers' season finale Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. He will be an unrestricted free agent, leaving his status with the team for beyond this season in question.
Wallace isn't the only veteran who might have attended his final practice as a Steelers player Friday. On the heels of a nonwinning season and with salarycap issues upcoming, Pittsburgh (7-8) has some decisions to make on several longtime stalwarts who have been tenured contributors to championship teams.
Wallace, Casey Hampton, Rashard Mendenhall, Max Starks, James Harrison, Larry Foote and Charlie Batch have a combined 59 years of service for the Steelers, 12 starts in Super Bowls for the team and 11 championship rings.
There is reason to believe the game against Cleveland (5-10) will be the final one for many in that group as part of the organization.
"I don't know who's going to be out the door or who's going to be re-signed, but it's always a business first," Foote said. "From a selfish standpoint on defense, we were No. 1 in the league — so bring us all back, keep us all. But I never know what's their plans and (general manager) Kevin Colbert can run a team better than I can."
Starks, who will start his 96th game at tackle for the Steelers on Sunday, and Hampton, the team's nose tackle for the past 12 seasons, both hinted this week they could envision playing elsewhere.
The Stealers' most recent two second-round draft picks — and rookies of the year — are tackles. That doesn't bode well for Starks, who rebounded from injury each of the past two years to become a reliable starter for the Steelers by the time the season ended.
"I think the writing's on the wall, so to speak," Starks said. "I had a great run — nine years here. I've gotten to be a part of three Super Bowl teams and got a chance to grasp two of those Lombardis, so it's an excellent career. If I have to move on, this will always be home for me."
Hines Ward wept at his retirement press conference in March when he said he couldn't envision himself in another uniform. The gregarious Hampton chuckled this week at that notion — maintaining that he'd while he'd like to stay a Steeler, he'd play elsewhere if he had to.
A 35-year-old pending free agent, there's no guarantee the team will make a strong effort to keep Hampton.
Like Hampton and Starks, Foote said on Friday that he doesn't want to be a backup. But unlike Starks and Hampton, Foote can attest to the grass not always being greener.
Foote asked out of Pittsburgh following the 2009 Super Bowl victory because he knew Lawrence Timmons was primed to take his starting right inside linebacker's job. Foote signed with his hometown Detroit Lions, who were coming off an 0-16 season.
A year later, the Lions cut him — and Foote was given a three-year deal from the Steelers. He gradually re-earned a starting job back for this season.
Foote is coming off a solid season in which he led the team in tackles. Also, the player presumably drafted this past April to replace him, Sean Spence, missed the season due to a knee injury.
"Hopefully I'm back, but you've got to approach it that way," Foote said. "Especially being long in the tooth as you say, all the older guys. That's just the nature of the game."
At 34, Harrison is an even older member of the Steelers' linebackers corps. Harrison had back and knee injuries that slowed him early this season, and he has only five sacks.
A former NFL defensive player of the year, Harrison has a projected salary-cap hit of more than $10 million next season. It's unlikely the Steelers would keep him at that number.
"Now, I'm looking forward to finishing, playing this game against the Browns and after that's done I'll get things together as far as looking forward to next year," Harrison said.
Mendenhall was similarly evasive when asked about his future on Friday. The former first-round pick has only 163 yards rushing in five games this season because of injury, deactivation and suspension. A pending unrestricted free agent, he is seemingly destined to be on his way out.
At 38, Batch is the NFL's oldest non-kicker, and the Steelers could add some youth to the quarterback position.
It won't be age that keeps the Steelers from bringing Wallace back. Failure to come to an agreement on a new contract might, though.
Wallace held out through the entirety of Steelers' training camp in Latrobe, Pa., this summer before signing a one-year tender as a restricted free agent. He finished the year with fewer catches and receiving yards than he had in each of the previous two seasons and with a 13.1 yards-per-reception that is well below his career average.
"This year obviously didn't go exactly how I wanted it to go, but I'm happy with the start to my career and I feel like I'm on the right path to do some great things," Wallace said.
But will they take place in black-and-gold? Wallace paused when asked if he'd consider resigning with Pittsburgh.
"I don't know. We'll see," he said. "But I've got big plans. No matter what the situation is I've definitely got big plans for myself and my family."
Like several other Steelers after a rare non-winning season, those plans just might not include Pittsburgh.

subset: commoncrawl


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California's Largest Bank Invests in City of Compton's Future
IFS Securities negotiates note offering
Feb 19, 2013, 09:01 EST
COMPTON, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wells Capital, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, agreed today to purchase $5,000,000 in a short-term security bond offering from the City of Compton, CA, (the City), in a tax revenue anticipation note (TRAN) negotiated by IFS Securities (IFS).
IFS Securities, the City's investment banker, had several buyers interested in the City's note offering. "The city manager's recovery plan and the positive action taken since his arrival last August was a key factor in obtaining the order for the whole note issue from Wells Capital," explained Craig Walker, IFS Securities vice president, public finance. "By utilizing a lockbox structure of revenues which is a first for Los Angeles County we were able to provide security to Wells Capital and flexibility for the City," he added.
The City of Compton's finance team for the offering included IFS, underwriter; Comer Capital Group, LLC, financial advisor; Peck Shaffer & Williams, LLP, bond counsel; Sevfarth Shaw, LLC, special counsel; and US Bank, trustee.
"After an extensive review of the City of Compton's finances, it's great to have one of the largest banks in California validate Compton's credit worthiness, especially in light of the financial rumors the City had to address in 2012," City Manager G. Harold Duffey, said. This is the stated opinion of Duffey as the bank has not expressed a public opinion.
Duffey acknowledged that the TRAN was possible only with the support of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and Los Angeles County's Administrator and Auditor Controller. The County agreed to establish a "lockbox system" in which proceeds that would normally be distributed to Compton would be held in trust and paid directly to Wells Fargo. This process, the first of its kind in Los Angeles County, reduces the creditors risk and allows the City to receive an advance on its tax allocations.
Last summer the City had to fend off speculation that it would file bankruptcy by September. "It's February 2013 and we are still in business," Duffey added. The City, like most cities in California, depends on sales and property taxes that flow from the state or county government and those distributions are cyclical. However, expenses occur on a monthly basis, which sometimes lead to cash flow issues. "Cities usually address cash flow needs by issuing short-term internal borrowing from other funds," reported Brandon Comer, Comer Capital Group, the City's Financial Advisor.
"I think we are moving the City in the right direction," Duffey said. The City hired a new auditor to resolve issues from the unsigned 2010/11 audit. CalPERS dropped its lawsuit against the City and the City is in good standing with its retirement accounts. It's also important to note that this debt will be repaid by June 28, 2013, with remaining 2012/13 property and sales tax allocations.
"IFS is pleased to have served the City and assist in their entry into the capital markets. Institutional credit access is a key component for cities and counties to manage their finances properly. By assisting Compton on their first TRAN we feel proud to have made that capital market access possible with such a high quality institution as Wells Capital," commented IFS Securities President Alex McKenzie.
About IFS Securities
IFS Securities, Inc., is a full-service independent broker-dealer who understands retail and wholesale advisory networks as well as global capital markets. Based in Atlanta, GA, IFS Securities has 32 offices in 17 states and Puerto Rico and is a member of FINRA, MSRB and SIPC. For more information about IFS Securities, visit the website at www.ifssecurities.com or call 678-690-8523.
SOURCE IFS Securities


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EDS340 Sociological and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Explores the social/cultural, philosophical, political, and historical context of schooling in the United States. Issues of social difference in education (such as class, race/ethnicity, gender, language, and ability/ disability) are addressed as well as values as they arise in relationships among schools, teachers, students, and communities, in school policies and practices, and in broader educational reform initiatives. Designed for those seeking certification to teach and for others interested in the study of education as a social practice. (Required for teaching certificate.)
- 3
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Canada's Olympic medal goal still possible
The traditional Canadian press conference at the halfway point of the Olympics has been scrapped — possibly because no one knows exactly what to say.
The first week of the Sochi Games has been confusing, mesmerizing, occasionally confounding and so full of rich Canadian stories, it's hard to know where to begin. Or explain what it all means.
Gilmore Junio gave up his place in the 1,000-metre speed skating event so Denny Morrison could race and now Morrison has two medals, silver and bronze. He wasn't expected to win anything here.
Alex Bilodeau and Charles Hamelin, who won gold medals in Vancouver, have won gold medals here. But Hamelin was expected to be the breakout star here, and that's highly unlikely now.
And we discovered, really, for the first time, that our most dominant sport isn't hockey, it's moguls. We are the moguls kings of the world. Gold and silver won by men. Gold and silver won by the remarkable Dufour-Lapointe sisters.
The Olympics got off to such a resounding start for Canada — the best Winter start ever — that some people got carried away. But the truth is this: the schedule played in Canada's favour early.
"That was extremely positive," said Anne Merklinger, the proud CEO of the Own The Podium program. But Merklinger is well aware that the Olympics are all about "celebration and heartbreak" and to date, with 12 medals, four of them gold, there has been no shortage of either.
Will this be the most productive Olympics for Canada? Maybe. Maybe not. The Canadians won't match the 14 gold medals won in Vancouver, even if they have a phenomenal second week. They could have difficulty winning 26 medals in total, the record from four years ago, but it's almost certain they will more than silver medals (seven in Vancouver) and more bronze medals (five in 2010) here than ever before.
"We knew going in we have a number of strong events early on," said Merklinger, "and that the middle part of the schedule isn't our strongest, but we should have a very strong finish."
The goal from the Canadian Olympic Committee heading into the Games was to win more medals than in Vancouver and possibly lead the medal count in total. Right now, the Netherlands and the host Russians have 14 medals to Canada's 12. Germany is tied with 12 and the United State has one more at 13.
I think Canadians need to celebrate the tremendous performances we've had. Some athletes we've identified for 2018 are coming through here: Freestyle skier Dara Howell from Huntsville wasn't necessarily expected to win gold. Same with Kim Lamarre in slopestyle skiing. The events may not be high profile. But the accomplishments should be.
"I won't speculate on where we are or how many medals we'll win, but we need to keep plugging away," said Merklinger. She points to some building sports that may not make a difference here but will make a difference in the future.
Canada finished fourth in three different luge events in the first week. "We're this close now," she said. "In the future, we hope to take the next step.
"It's the Olympics, it's all about the day and performing on that day."
She won't call Patrick Chan's silver medal a setback, even though he knows it is. She won't point to Hamelin's crashing out in a race he hoped for gold stunning: She'll use the word unfortunate.
This has neither been a perfect week for the Canadian Olympic team nor a particularly difficult one. Canada probably leads the Olympics in great stories — see Junio and Morrison, see Justin Wadsworth and a cross-country ski — and that is still what separates this event from any other. It is all about sport, all about stories.
With a week to go, there is still much to uncover. There are four medals to be won or lost at the team sports, hockey and curling, and one of them, the women's hockey medal, assured before the Games began.
There is Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyce, the dominant female bobsled team. There are the defending gold-medal ice dancers, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue, to compete, although they're in tough to repeat as gold medal winners this time.
There are relays in short- and long-track speed skating that should produce medals and then there are the newer Olympic sports to come, ski cross and snowboard cross, other snowboarding events, other freestyle skiing events, which by could produce 14 medals in the final week on the schedule.
Fourteen plus 12 equals 26. If that happens in Week 2, the number ties Vancouver. Can't be unhappy about that.
There was blood on Eduardo Alvarez's swollen lip and clearly his face had seen better days.
Alvarez was victim to Charles Hamelin's fall in the men's 1,000-metre speed skating race. He was in third place in his heat, behind Hamelin, when Hamelin lost an edge, fell and took the American Alvarez out of the race, too.
"I think he made some contract (on me) with his elbow," he said of Hamelin.
"He got me good. My dad would be proud." Alvarez, the Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, might be the least likely short-track speed skater in the world.
But surprisingly, he wasn't bitter about Hamelin taking him out of the race. He was rather resigned to the old axiom that stuff happens in short track.
"He's a great skater," Alvarez said of Hamelin. "This is really unfortunate for him. But it's unfortunate for me. It cost me my day. It's a freak thing.
"Now I have to go clean up my face."
–Steve Simmons


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I am in the process of renovating a rental property that I own, and there is some serious stuff that needs to be done, before I will be able to find another tenant for it. I want to get it done as quickly as possible, because not having a tenant is not a good thing for me. I am checking into local sewer cleaning in Bergen county NJ because one of the main issues that there is with this property is that the sewer drain, that goes down into the sewer obviously, is partially clogged at the moment.
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Drought and strong exports are expected to keep hay prices strong in the West, particularly for alfalfa, according to Katelyn McCullock, dairy economist with the Livestock Marketing Information Center.
With the exception of Texas, most of the country has recovered from a moving drought that hit largely in the Southern Plains to affect the 2011/12 marketing year and centered in the Midwest to affect the 2012/13 marketing year, she said.
A return to normal weather in most of those areas in 2013 is expected to hold in 2014, and LMIC is forecasting decreased hay prices for an annual national average of $135 a ton for all hay, $150 a ton for alfalfa hay and $100 a ton for other hay in 2014.
But a drought in the West, largely centered in California, is expected to keep prices higher in the region. LMIC is not forecasting how high alfalfa prices might go.
Premium alfalfa hay is selling at $195 a ton in Idaho and $300 a ton in northern and central California, according to USDA Market News report.
Prices for dairy quality hay could reach $230 to $250 a ton in Idaho by late summer and $325 to $350 a ton in California's Central Valley, Wilson Gray, University of Idaho extension livestock economist, said on Tuesday.
If California doesn't get much of a crop, the state's livestock producers will import hay from wherever they can get it at a higher cost than those local markets. But they'll have drought assistance to help pay for it, he said.
Several factors will keep prices in the West above the national average, McCulloack said.
California produces 7 percent of the country's hay, and much of that production is in jeopardy with the drought and irrigation water shortages. A huge drop in production could affect hay prices as far east as Kansas, she said.
In addition, 41 percent of national milk production is located in the West, and usage of hay for dairy feed will be a factor in prices, she said.
Western states typically grow more alfalfa than other hay, and alfalfa prices will be impacted more than other hay prices, she said.
Hay exports from the West are also unlikely to slow. U.S. hay exports have had "tremendous growth" in the last several years and a high proportion of those exports come from western states, she said.
Hay exports continued to grow in the last three marketing years, despite record-high prices, and alfalfa demand will continue to be strong. China has ramped up its alfalfa imports from the U.S. since 2011, and its imports of U.S. alfalfa in 2013 were thirty times the amount of those imports in 2008, she said.
Opportunities to export expensive, high quality alfalfa are really good for the Pacific Northwest states, she said.
Nationwide, all hay acreage is up slightly, with alfalfa acres up 2.5 percent compared with last year. Hay stocks on Dec. 1 were up 17 percent from a year earlier, although they are still 14 percent below the 10-year average. But hay prices in the West saw increases the first of the year, counter to the rest of the country, she said.


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LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former prosecutor-turned-fugitive who once handled the high-profile Las Vegas drug cases of celebrities Paris Hilton and Bruno Mars was sentenced Wednesday to a reduced term of 12 to 30 months in state prison term following his return from Mexico.
David Schubert, 49, fled there to avoid jail after pleading guilty in a crack cocaine possession case. In court Wednesday, he didn't apologize as he stood for sentencing before Clark County District Court Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, defense attorney Louis Schneider said.
"He feels as if he shouldn't have even been there," Schneider said later.
Instead, Schubert told the judge he felt he'd been treated exceptionally harshly for his March 2011 arrest with $40 in rock cocaine and an unregistered handgun in his car.
Ellsworth revoked a sentence that she imposed in February that would have Schubert serve nine months in county jail as a requirement of probation. But she also cut his prison term from a possible 16 to 40 months, gave Schubert 40 days credit for time served and ordered him enrolled in a prison substance abuse program.
Schneider said Schubert was grateful for the reduced sentence and opportunity for treatment and said he hopes to resume practicing law in the future. Schubert's law license was suspended by the state Supreme Court just before he fled to Mexico on Sept. 21. He was arrested at the border Sept. 30 while re-entering the U.S. after spending time in the Mexican coastal resort towns of Rosarito Beach and Ensenada.
Thom Gover, the deputy Nevada state attorney general who prosecuted the case, called Schubert's revised sentence appropriate.
"If the interest of justice and rehabilitation is the goal, one to 2 1/2 years is enough," Gover said.
The sentence was first reported Wednesday by the Las Vegas Review-Journal (http://bit.ly/VEiAxh ).
Schubert resigned from the Clark County district attorney's office after his March 2011 arrest and pleaded guilty in September 2011 to felony unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Felony conspiracy, weapon and drug use charges were dropped under a plea deal that avoided trial.
Schubert expected mandatory probation and a chance to wipe the felony conviction from his record. But Ellsworth rejected the plea deal in February, berating Schubert as "a disgrace to his oath as a prosecutor and a lawyer" and declaring that Schubert wouldn't get special treatment.
Among the high-profile cases Schubert handled were plea deals that spared both Hilton and Mars from serving jail time.
Hilton, 30, was arrested in August 2010 after police said 0.8 grams of cocaine fell out of her handbag following a Las Vegas Strip traffic stop. The celebrity socialite successfully completed a year of probation on misdemeanor cocaine possession and obstruction charges.
Mars, 27, was cleared in January of a felony cocaine possession charge after staying out of trouble for a year and meeting other conditions of a plea deal. The Grammy-winning pop star, whose real name is Peter Hernandez, acknowledged in court in February 2011 that he had 2.6 grams of cocaine after a performance at a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino nightclub.
Schubert told the Review-Journal during a jailhouse interview last month that he was ready to accept responsibility in his case.
"I did what I did, and I accept the consequences," he said. "But I don't feel I was treated fairly by the system."


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partners. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Senior Health
Gyn exams?
At what age can a woman stop having gyn exams if she is widowed and no longer sexually active?
Being a widow and no longer sexually active may seem to be a time when a woman no longer may need to have a gyn exam. However, best practice guidelines in women's health indicate that a female is never to old to have a wellness check up and screening by a gynecological professional. It is important to continue gyn appointments so that if a health change or challenge is discovered, it can be addressed and/or treated early in the process rather than later or at the time symptoms are present.
While widowhood and sexual inactivity may stop the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, these social circumstances do not reduce other health problems that are not unrelated to either situation. It is recommended that women maintain appointments with gynecological health professional at whatever frequency you and your primary health provider decide (once a year, once every other year, etc).
Evelyn L Fitzwater, DSN, RN
Associate Professor Emerita
Associate Director of the
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati


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The executive committee of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology decided not to hold any future meetings in New Orleans owing to "the official position of the state in weakening science education and specifically attacking evolution in science curricula," according to a February 5, 2009, letter (PDF) from SICB's president, Richard Satterlie, to Louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal.
Oklahoma's Senate Bill 320, the so-called Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act, died in committee on February 16, 2009, according to a
report in the Tulsa World (February 17, 2009).
A kilosteve attained!
A new Darwin inaugurates the third century of evolution.
Steven P. Darwin — Steve #1000
CHICAGO -- It was nip and tuck, but when the dust settled, Dr. Steve Darwin was named the 1000th Steve in NCSE's Project Steve.
Kenneth R. Miller was named as the winner of the 2008 Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in recognition of "his sustained efforts and excellence in communicating evolutionary science," according to a February 11, 2009, press release.
National Center for Science Education, Inc.
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Last November, the sheep had a chance to do a litter international traveling. They went to Kitchener, Ontario to see a figure skating competition. Skate Canada International is one of a series of international competitions held each year. This year it was a chance to see an Olympic program in person (without paying Olympic prices!).
The sheep had a chance to meet some other skating fans. Some are more involved with the sport than others! And they were inspired by all the figure skating!


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The city of Lafayette was founded by Mary Miller and her husband Lafayette Miller in 1878. The land was initially used for their farming purposes which they acquired through the Homestead Act of 1871. However, they did not stay in the area long, for three years later the family moved to Boulder where Lafayette owned and operated a butcher shop. Upon his death in 1878 his wife and six children moved back to their initial farmland. A few years later coal was discovered on their land and in 1887 the first mine shaft was opened. This brought in the era of coal mining. One year later Mary allocated 150 acres to be set aside for the town of Lafayette, named for her late husband.
By 1914 Lafayette was leading the coal-mining industry and had become a city large enough to accommodate four hotels, two river banks, and brickworks. This industry survived two strikes and almost 40 years, but began to decline in the 1950s due to natural gas becoming prominent and replacing coal as a fuel. It was in this decade that present-day Lafayette defined itself. Its population grew alongside the populations of Denver and Boulder, and its farming industry became small industrial, commercial, and manufacturing.
With a focus on Engineering and International Baccalaureate studies, Centaurus High School in Lafayette offers rigorous academics built on high standards. Centaurus High School's Engineering Academy prepares students for admission to college-level engineering programs. The school also offers International Baccalaureate studies as well as Advanced Placement and Honors classes. In addition to comprehensive academics, Centaurus also has an excellent fine and practical arts program as well as many extra-curricular activities and sports.
Known for its college preparatory curriculum, Lafayette's K-12 Peak to Peak Charter School's focus is on high academic achievement and community responsibility. The school's Core Knowledge elementary program is nationally recognized and prepares students for advanced courses at the middle and high school level. Peak to Peak offers Advanced Placement courses and exams, as well as the CU Succeed Gold program that allows students to take college-level coursework from CU professors. Students are required to perform community service in an effort to promote responsibility and leadership.
Angevine Middle School in Lafayette takes pride in focusing on the whole student as a lifelong learner. Academic achievement is primary through Angevine's diverse and challenging curriculum. Pre-engineering courses are available as well as an excellent arts and music program. Angevine encourages 21st century skills by implementing technology in the classroom. AMS is an inclusive middle school, allowing special needs students to participate in the regular classroom in addition to individual support. Gifted and talented students are provided challenging opportunities.
Since its doors opened in the 1960's, Lafayette Elementary continues to be a safe and nurturing school that focuses on every child as a unique individual. Programs are built around a solid standards-based curriculum and expand into a diverse enrichment program that includes music, arts and physical education. The school encourages social growth through anti-bullying programs, class buddies and character education.
At Lafayette's Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer Elementary, students learn both Spanish and English in a bilingual, multicultural learning environment. Half of the students in the school are Spanish speakers while half are English speakers. A dual immersion program, students learn to read and write in their own first language and also take courses to learn the second language throughout the elementary school years. The school follows BVSD standards and offers a challenging core curriculum.
Students at Ryan Elementary School in Lafayette are provided a strong and challenging curriculum, as well as extended program opportunities in Engineering, Technology, Arts, Science and Math. Technology is incorporated into every classroom in order to prepare students for the 21st century. Special features include a hands-on outdoor science classroom and an outdoor learning garden. The school collaborates with partners in the community to give unique
opportunities to all students.
Lafayette's Alicia Sanchez International Elementary School provides students with a comprehensive curriculum and a nurturing and supportive environment. The school is an International Baccalaureate candidate, and expectations are high for students to excel in reading, writing and math. Students are given extra support in these areas as well as in the arts, sciences and humanities.
Lafayette has the largest art on loan sculpture walk in Boudler Country. This program has become an essential part of this community. Come enjoy Art Night Out on the 3rd Friday, May-September, for breathtaking art, music & community. The heArt Walk map can be picked up at the Lafayette Recreation Center. The map includes a two mile walk through Old Town to view all 16 of the sculptures placed around town. There is no better way to experience art than with your communtiy.
Lafayette's annual Peach Festival is a free event featuring live music, children's entertainment, face painting and, of course, peaches! Thousands of fresh Palisade peaches, as well as peach pie, peach cobbler, and peach smoothies are available throughout the festival. Located in Old Town Lafayette, the festival includes art, craft and food vendors as well as a local farmer's market.
Lafayette's one of a kind Quaker Oatmeal Festival was created to encourage a healthy lifestyle. This family friendly event includes a 5K run as well as a health fair complete with screenings, discounted lab tests and many other services that promote physical well being. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is on site to provide unique educational activities for children. Bonfil's Blood Center hosts a community blood drive during the event. The festival, sponsored by Quaker as well as other local businesses, also holds an oatmeal baking contest.
Numerous homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s can still be found in Lafayette. The city is interested in preserving its rich heritage and many of these homes have been designated historic landmarks.
A tribute to Lafayette's rich history, the Miners Museum contains artifacts and photos that tell the story of Lafayette through the years. Exhibits highlight Lafayette's pioneer years and subsequent coal mining era all the way to present day. The Miners Museum is located in a historic miners home on East Simpson Avenue.
With a variety of fitness and recreation amenities, the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center offers activities for all ages. The facility includes an indoor track, pool, aerobics room, racquetball courts, childcare and more at an affordable price. In addition, the center maintains outdoor amenities including sports complexes as well as an inline skating rink. Sports programs, seniors programs and camps are also offered.
The Lafayette Public Library offers a vast collection of books for every age and interest. Children's programs, teen programs, homework help and adult reading groups are just a few of the special programs available to the public. Library members also have access to an online database complete with magazine articles, downloadable books and music.
The 18 hole Indian Peaks Golf Course was designed by Hale Irwin to challenge golfers of all skill levels by offering four sets of tees. In addition to the full course, a driving range, chipping and practice greens are also available. Indian Peaks Golf Course offers leagues for men and women as well as golf instruction.
Offered at $1,845,000
6 Beds | 8 Baths | 6 Full Baths
Listing courtesy of Re/Max Alliance-Boulder
Offered at $1,999,000
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 1 Full Baths
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Res-Canyonblvd
Offered at $2,495,000
6 Beds | 5 Baths | 4 Full Baths
Listing courtesy of Porchlight Re Group-Boulder
Offered at $2,790,000
4 Beds | 6 Baths | 4 Full Baths
Listing courtesy of Colorado Landmark-Boulder


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What I write that's not my novel
Kalen Series
- by Hermy101
- Rating:
- Published: 13 Mar 2014
- Updated: 22 Mar 2014
- Status: In Progress
When war arrives at your home, no one is unaffected by the devastation. Death is a unavoidable, and when it comes early, it's a tragedy. These are the things that we learn to survive, avoid death and everything that causes it. It's what keeps us human. However, as a Red Cloak, one must learn to accept both, and cast aside their humanity, in order to cling to what remains of their life.
Join MovellasFind out what all the buzz is about. Join now to start sharing your creativity and passion
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Introducing the New Carrier with theComfort and Freedom Pets Crave!
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Take your pet anywhere...with ease!See what some of our customers have to say:Jayne Steffens - Milwaukee, WI:"We just love our new "See-Thru" cat carrier and so do the cats. We keep it set up in the living room behind the sofa and they use it as their "cat house." When it is time to travel in it, it is already home to them."Tricia Imbrillo - Veterinarian Assistant - New Haven, CT:"I use the mesh carrier for my dog, a bichone fraise, and my 2 cats. My dog won't go in any other carrier, but he enjoys the mesh carrier because he can see everything that is going on outside. Also, the mesh carrier is the only
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Prior to his release in 2011, running back Willis McGahee had another role with the Ravens. He backed up Morgan Cox as the team's long snapper.
Since then, however, the identity of the latest backup has been shrouded in mystery. Coach John Harbaugh deferred to special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg, who in turn declined to disclose the reserve's identity.
But the value of a backup long snapper has been heightened after what happened to a pair of long snappers on the first weekend of the regular season.
The Washington Redskins' Nick Sundberg (a former training camp hopeful with the Ravens) broke his left arm during the team's win against the New Orleans Saints and...


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FILLMORE, Calif. (AP) — A dog belonging to a California firefighter who disappeared during a backpacking trip was found Sunday after nine days in the wilderness, but his owner remains missing.
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said a rescue effort for Mike Herdman, 36, will be scaled back after days of searching the Los Padres National Forest.
"We will not stop searching the backcountry," he said.
A hiker found the dog, named Duke, in the parking lot where Herdman had parked his car. The dog was exhausted but appeared to be in good health, Dean said.
Herdman and a friend were hiking June 13 when Duke ran off and the firefighter chased after his pet barefoot and wearing only shorts.
Officials have said that Herdman is an outdoors enthusiast with experience backpacking in the backcountry.
Search crews have put in nearly 5,000 hours and scoured 50 square miles on foot, horseback and by air — including the use of two unmanned aircraft.
The dog had been spotted twice before but had eluded capture.
Officials said a helicopter will continue to fly over the search area, and a smaller crew will keep looking for Herdman.


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For those interested in caricatures, www.mccartneysdogs.com does a great job. He has all kinds of breed-specific stock stuff, but does custom stuff also.
Kris got a picture of Cooper and Isis done at a dog show. Took him about 20 minutes. She just gave him a couple pictures and told him Cooper did conformation and she was getting Isis into agility. Please forgive the picture quality. The flash would create a glare on the glass and when I took it without a flash, the color was way off. But you get the idea.


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Kacey Musgraves, "Same Trailer Different Park" (Mercury Nashville)
It's a long way from nowhere Texas to the bright lights of Nashville, Tenn. Well, country music can thank Kacey Musgraves for finding her way, through smart lyrics, arrangements free of bluster and a tone that's all her own on her debut major label release, "Same Trailer Different Park."
You don't have to like country music to love Musgraves' sound. It's light and folksy with glint of Nashville tinsel. And her lyrics, delivered without too many tricks of the trade, easily win over the ear. "Blowin' Smoke" and "Step off" have a salty swagger, but mostly we get a seasoned Musgraves here, as on "Silver Lining," polished as she sings of personal bravery in an uncertain world.
I like my country stars with a few emotional scars and Musgraves sounds like she knows something about that. Taylor Swift's cross-over country sound is musical dessert, but this is a real meal.
Follow Ron Harris: http://www.twitter.com/Journorati .


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Wale Performs At U.S. Army All-American Bowl Kickoff Party For Adidas (Photos)
Wale & adidas surprised some of the best high school football players in the country last night with an intimate performance in San Antonio.
The D.C.-bred rapper hit the stage to celebrat the U.S. Army All-American Bowl kickoff party. Be sure to peep him rocking Big Sean's adidas Pro Model "Detroit Player" shoe.
See a few images from the event in the gallery above
(Images courtesy of adidas)


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Swiss America - Dr. Merritt Collection - Heritage 6/2006:4668, $57,500
Ron Guth:
In 1905, Portland, Oregon hosted the Lewis and Exposition in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the exploration of the Louisiana Puchase by two interpid pioneers, Meriwether Lewis & William Clark. In anticipation of the exposition, Congress authorized in 1904 the striking of up to 250,000 gold dollars to be sold to the public. Not surprisingly, Farran Zerbe had a hand in this legislation, as he did with the gold dollars issued for the 1904 Louisiana Exposition. Unfortunately, sales of the Lewis & Clark gold dollars were disappointing, and the majority of the coins struck were eventually melted. The total number sold of the 1904 Lewis & Clark Gold Dollar is reported at 10,025 coins, a far cry from the 125,000 coins authorized.
This issue is one of the rarest early gold commems, but sufficient numbers exist to satisfy collector demand. Hundreds of them are available in grades ranging from MS62 to MS65. Even MS66 examples are readily available, and only in MS67 does this coin become rare. Quite a few of the 1904 Lewis & Clark Gold Dollars entered circulation, but no more so than any of the other gold commems. Apparently, the prospects of big profits never materialized and many collectors simply spent their coins.
© 1999-2018 Collectors Universe NASDAQ: CLCT


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Basil Lemon green spice body milk of dazzling freshness with a vibrant lemon zest touch.
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- Dermatologically Tested
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- Enriched with Active Plant Extracts


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The presidential debate and health care, from a liberal perspective
Just as conservatives have offered "questions" for tonight's presidential debate, progressives have weighed in too, with their spin, in this case with health care.
From Courtney Law, communications director of Strategies 360:
1) It's a fact, Mitt Romney laid the foundation for ObamaCare with RomneyCare. He created the individual mandate and predicted we would see a nation that would take a mandate approach.
2) If Mitt Romney has his way and repeals ObamaCare current senior citizens will be thrown back into the Rx drug donut hole, insurance companies will again deny people because of pre-existing conditions and young adults up to 26 would be thrown off their parents health insurance.
3) The Romney/Ryan plan will end Medicare. There is no debate here. They take the program as it's existed since it's creation, end it, and turn it into a privatized voucher program.


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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. will lead the world in taking firm action against the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear test. But Pyongyang's isolation from most of the international financial and trading system will limit the impact of sanctions unless China can be persuaded to get tougher on its longtime ally.
The underground explosion Tuesday — pointedly conducted hours before Obama's State of the Union address, one of America's top political events — was quickly condemned by Obama as a "highly provocative act" that threatens U.S. security and international peace. North Korea, which gave Washington about 24 hours' notice before it conducting its third and apparently most powerful atomic test yet, described it a response to U.S. threats.
It marks a culmination of a progressive deterioration in ties with Washington since young leader Kim Jong Un took power a year ago. His tenure began with Pyongyang negotiating then upending an agreement that would have seen it receive food aid in exchange for nuclear concessions. The impoverished, authoritarian state has since honed its missile and weapons capabilities.
Even as a leadership transition in neighboring South Korea offered some hope of improved relations across the divided Korean Peninsula, the North has closed down the space for diplomacy and left the prospects of multinational aid-for-disarmament talks — in abeyance for four years — gloomier than ever.
"The regime in North Korea must know that they will only achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international obligations," Obama said in his annual address to Congress. "Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats."
The test underscored North Korea's determination to develop a nuclear deterrent against what it calls the threat of an invasion by the U.S., its enemy from the 1950-53 Korean War. Pyongyang warned that unspecified "second and third measures of greater intensity" could follow if Washington maintains its hostility — apparently opening up the possibility of further tests.
As the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting Tuesday that strongly condemned the test, U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said Washington would be looking for the council to tighten existing sanctions and augment them.
The backing of China, a permanent council member with veto power, not only will be required to make new measures international law but also critical for their implementation. China, North Korea's wartime ally, is its main source of aid and accounts for more than two-thirds of North Korea's foreign trade.
In the past, Beijing has been reluctant to back more severe measures that could destabilize the North's hardline regime, which serves as a buffer between China and a democratic South Korea backed by U.S. forces.
There are signs that China's patience is wearing thin. Beijing reacted in unusually strong terms to a December long-range rocket launch by the North by agreeing to tightened U.N. sanctions on the country, a move that brought criticism from Pyongyang and was welcomed in Washington.
"China is a difficult position now," said Evans Revere, a former State Department official for East Asia. "They made very public efforts to convince North Korea not to conduct the nuclear test, and they agreed in the previous U.N. Security Council resolution to even stronger measures if it does. China will be hard-pressed not to agree to something beyond what's already in place."
But how far China and its new leader, Xi Jinping, will agree to go is unclear. It has expanded its commercial ties with North Korea in recent years and was quick to endorse Kim Jong Un as Pyongyang's new leader after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011.
George Lopez, a former member of a U.N. Panel of Experts for monitoring North Korea sanctions, said steps that China could take range from greater control over substantial North Korean trade that moves through the Chinese port of Dalian, to restrictions on cash transfers and the travel of scientists and engineers.
Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said she expected Beijing to get tough enough with North Korea to satisfy the U.S., South Korea and Japan but not so harsh as to really put in jeopardy its relationship with North Korea or cause any instability.
Glaser said a key question in the debate at the Security Council would be whether China will back restrictions in the financial sector, which the Obama administration acknowledged could be one area to expand the impact of the sanctions regime that already bars North Korea from arms trading and targets certain companies suspected of aiding its missile and nuclear programs.
China, which likely remains wary of provoking Pyongyang, is thought to have resisted U.S. pressure for financial sanctions in the resolution approved in January in response to the rocket launch.
Punishing banks that hold North Korean funds is one area in which the U.S. — which has minimal trade with the North — has some leverage in terms of imposing its own restrictions if it chooses to, although it's unlikely to pursue such a step before it has exhausted the U.N. route. Republican lawmakers have pressed the Obama administration to do so, and support for such a step is likely to gain strength now.
Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Tuesday that the Obama administration's North Korea policy has failed and it needs to focus on crippling the North's military capabilities "through stringent sanctions that tackle its illicit activities and cuts off its flow of hard currency."
Washington has tried it before, and with considerable impact. In 2005, the Treasury's blacklisting of a bank in the Chinese territory of Macau accused of helping North Korean money laundering and other illicit activities had a major ripple effect. Other banks worried about jeopardizing their U.S. connections voluntarily stopped dealing with the bank and the North. China, however, opposed the step and it proved troublesome to undo when the diplomatic outlook improved.
Other than its efforts to step up sanctions, Revere said the U.S. is likely to boost missile defense capabilities with its allies South Korea and Japan — neighbors of North Korea who host U.S. forces — and conduct more military exercises in the volatile region to serve as a deterrent against aggression from Pyongyang.
Victor Cha, who served as a director of Asia policy in the George W. Bush White House, said the Obama administration needed to make clear that North Korea now constitutes a top-tier security threat to the U.S. and take a strong stance that would reverberate not just in the Security Council but in Beijing.
"I don't think we can wait until they have a finished product (a nuclear weapon that can hit the U.S.) before we say, 'This is serious,'" Cha said. "It's about time that we did and take advantage of the consternation in Beijing about North Korea doing this nuclear test despite high-profile warnings not to."
Matthew Pennington covers U.S.-Asian affairs for The Associated Press.


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September 01. 2014 10:32PM
I-93 driver clocked at 120 mph, charged with transporting drugs
LONDONDERRY — A Salem man is charged with driving a Mercedes at 120 mph on Interstate 93 Monday.
Police said the 19-year-old was also transporting drugs.
New Hampshire State Police Trooper Aaron Richards stopped the northbound 1999 Mercedes CLK vehicle about 3:52 p.m. after he clocked it traveling about 120 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Samuel Larsen of Salem is scheduled to appear in Derry District Court on Oct. 10 on reckless operation and transportation of drug charges.


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Hi Jessica,
This forum is concerned with children law in England and Wales. There may be a similar one in the USA that would be more suitable for your needs.
Best wishes,
I Homeschool My Child…..Should I Care About PARCC or Smarter Balanced Tests?
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10 Listings:
One of the unique features of having Advantage Business Acquisitions represent you is that we have the experience owning and selling small businesses of our own as well in Chicago. We are an entrepreneurial firm and enjoy working with clients that have the same spirit.
Like many businesses, our greatest assets are the knowledge, experience, and
Tony Gavros
Advantage Business Acquisitions
La Salle County, IL
Unbranded gas station doing 15,000 gallons and 70,000 inside sale per month . Absentee owner . Call AJ 916-995-0783 for more information .
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MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a Georgia teenager charged with fatally shooting a 13-month-old baby in the face during an attempted street robbery.
A judge moved the trial of De'Marquise Elkins, 18, to the suburbs north of Atlanta, more than 325 miles from the crime scene where young Antonio Santiago was slain March 21 in the port city of Brunswick. Prosecutors say Elkins and a 15-year-old accomplice were trying to rob the child's mother and that Elkins shot the toddler when she said she had no money.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys began questioning potential jurors Monday at the Cobb County courthouse. They are set to resume jury selection Tuesday morning.
Elkins faces life in prison if convicted of murder. His youth spared him a possible death sentence. At the time of the shooting he was 17, too young to face capital charges in Georgia.
Investigators concluded that Antonio was killed during an attempted street robbery as his mother, Sherry West, was strolling home with the child from the post office. West said a gunman demanding cash shot her baby in the face after she told him she had no money.
"He kept asking, and I just said 'I don't have it,'" West told The Associated Press the day after the slaying. "And he said, 'Do you want me to kill your baby?' And I said, 'No, don't kill my baby!'"
West was shot in the leg, and another bullet grazed her ear. Witnesses called 911 and rushed to her aid. None saw the shooting, but they watched as West tried to revive her son using CPR. "No, the baby's not breathing," one caller told a 911 operator.
Police say Elkins' alleged accomplice, 15-year-old Dominique Lang, has told investigators that Elkins fired the gun. Lang also is charged as an adult with murder but will be tried later. He's expected to be a key witness against Elkins.
Both prosecutors and Elkins' defense attorneys declined to comment before the trial, citing a gag order by the judge. The boy's mother also declined to talk.
Kevin Gough, a public defender who is Elkins' lead attorney, has strongly suggested in pretrial motions that the real killers are the child's own parents.
Defense attorneys also point to lab tests by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that found traces of gunshot residue on swabs taken from the hands of West and the boy's father, Louis Santiago. Reports filed in court say the GBI found a single microscopic particle of gunshot residue swabbed from the father's hands, while more than five particles showed up in swabs from West's hands.


text:
1. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25papablues Jan 27, 2010 11:21 AM (in response to papablues)
Mid install I get a BSOD on 0x00000024. If I don't get this fixed, I'll get some other SSD tomorrow- Non-Intel, do doubt...
2. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25SirPent Feb 2, 2010 7:29 AM (in response to papablues)
I have exactly the same problem with a X25-V 40 GB. The disk just doesn't show up in the selection dialogue.
I HAVE updated both bios on motherboard (GA-790XA-UD4) as well as firmware on the SSD. The SSD is installed in the first SATA port and only share it with a SATA DVD drive. The SATA is in native IDE mode as this is the only mode where Intel's firmware (as well as the ToolBox) updater sees the SSD.
If I install Windows 7 (64-bit) on my HDD I have no problems accessing the SSD from Win 7 once it is installed.
Any help would be welcome!
3. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25stamatisx Feb 2, 2010 1:23 PM (in response to papablues)
Did you try to use AHCI on BIOS? Then enter the win 7 setup, delete all the partitions and format again? Then proceed with the install
4. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25SirPent Feb 2, 2010 2:10 PM (in response to stamatisx)
Hi stama,
Yes, that I tried too.... Win 7 installer doesn't see the SSD no matter what SATA mode I chose. Native IDE is the only mode that works for the Intel software.
5. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25stamatisx Feb 3, 2010 1:19 AM (in response to SirPent)
Just to eliminate the hardware, try to use only the ssd, with nothing else pluged in. Check if it is recognised. If not try a different port and a different cable along with different settings on the bios. If all that don't make any difference try to plug in the ssd on another pc and check if it will be recognised there. If yes then the motherboard is not compatible (not very possible but you never know) or in case not then it's the ssd that has the problem but before that you could try another flashing of the rom on both motherboard and ssd or send it back. Maybe I am wrong but you can give it a shot.
6. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25SirPent Feb 3, 2010 1:53 AM (in response to stamatisx)
Well, the SSD is deteced by the BIOS and I can set it in the boot sequence. It is also available in Win 7 when I install on HDD so I don' recon he SSD itself is faulty but the main reason I bought it was for my OS and that is basically he only thing I can't use it for so I am a bit dissapointed, SSDs aren' exactly cheap / GB! For the time being I will use it for the swap file....
I also made sure to make my OS partition on the HDD the same size as he SSD so whenever there is a tool that will be able to clone to the SSD that might be an option. Right now Acronis doesn't detect the SSD either.... (even though Win does it as well as the Intel Toolbox)
7. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25stamatisx Feb 3, 2010 3:24 AM (in response to SirPent)
Try another computer with a different motherboard and see if you still have problems installing win 7. If the problem persists then it's the SSD. If not and you manage to install win 7 then it's the motherboard
8. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25raks Feb 7, 2010 5:41 AM (in response to stamatisx)
I've have exactly the same problem. I'm using a new X25 80GB, Firmware 20hd. If I try to install Windows 7, I can't see the drive in the setup dialog box. I've tried on three different machines MSI U100, Fujitsu Siemens Livebook 8410 and on my desktop pc (asus p5gd2), everywhere the same behavior.
If I connect the X25 on my running desktop pc (Windows 7), i can see and use the drive without any problems! any ideas?
9. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25stamatisx Feb 8, 2010 7:28 PM (in response to raks)
Can you flash the SSD with a different firmware and try again? I run out of ideas
10. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25raks Feb 9, 2010 6:53 AM (in response to stamatisx)
hi stamatisx,
good idea, I already think about this but I can't find any older firmware release file on intels website. Do you have an suitably download link?
11. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25stamatisx Feb 9, 2010 3:00 PM (in response to raks)
Sorry my friend but I couldn't find the previous firmware version either.
12. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25SirPent Feb 15, 2010 2:00 PM (in response to stamatisx)
Stamatisx, thanks for he suggestions. I really think this is something for Intel and MS to solve - this should work out of the box.
13. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25fheringa Feb 17, 2010 1:33 PM (in response to SirPent)
I've got exactly the same problem. The X25 SSD operates just fine in conjunction with Win7 when Win7 boots from S-ATA HDD. When booting from Win7 DVD for installation purpose the X25 SSD is not recognized. (it is not shown in the list of HDD's). Might it have something to with the protocols used by the X25? At powerup the MotherBoard shows that the SSD uses SCSI while all other drives use S-ATA. The SSD is connected to a Sil3132 e-SATA controller (which is integrated on the Mother Board). When connecting a regular S-ATA drive to the Sil3132 the Win7 installation DVD installs without much hassel.
14. Re: Can't install Windows 7 on X25jonat Feb 17, 2010 7:11 PM (in response to fheringa)
Try connecting the drive to one of the chipset's SATA ports and not one for a separate RAID controller.


text:
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text:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (UK - BD)
Chris checks out the long-awaited BD release of Ang Lee's acclaimed feature
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a tale of unrequited love set against the backdrop of eighteenth century China, featuring some of the most breathtaking scenery and beautifully choreographed martial arts action ever committed to film. Chow Yun-fat plays Li Mu-bai, a Wudang warrior of legendary skill. Wudang warriors are possessed of incredible reflexes and balance, and their form of weightless Kung Fu allows them to defy gravity itself. Yu Shu-lien (Michelle Yeoh) is an equally impressive martial artist and a proud warrior who has a long history with Mu-bai. Li Mu-bai and Shu-lien have a special bond; a bond that goes deeper than friendship, yet neither can express their true feelings for the other because of their sense of duty and honour.
Li Mu-bai has entrusted his sacred sword (the Green Destiny) to Shu-lien, who is on a mission to bring it to Mu-bai's friend, Sir Te. It is hoped that with the sword in his care the trail of blood and carnage that has plagued its history will finally come to an end. While in the care of Sir Te, the Green Destiny is stolen by a thief believed to be the mysterious Jade Fox. Although confronted by Shu-lien, the thief shows remarkable skill in the art of Wudang and escapes with the sword. This draws Li Mu-bai into the fray as he attempts to uncover the true identity of the thief and return the sword to its resting place. Meanwhile, Shu-lien befriends Jen, the rebellious young daughter of a powerful governor, and over time begins to suspect that there is more to the girl than meets the eye...
I first saw Crouching Tiger during its UK theatrical run. I remember it quite well because it was only playing at one cinema in the whole of the city, and for a limited engagement at that. Still, I'd heard such good things about it that I made the effort and was rewarded with a beautifully crafted tale packed with stunning martial arts action. About half of the audience during the screening I attended was Asian (some of whom were clearly Mandarin speakers), and it was very interesting to compare their reactions with those of the white (presumably British) audience. There were a number of sniggers from the British crowd during the first action sequence, and I distinctly remember hearing some people around me complaining that it was 'unrealistic' because they were 'flying'.
Apart from the desire to bash these people over the head for constantly talking during the film, it was probably the first time I gave any thought to the differing attitudes of Western and Eastern audiences (at least in the microcosm of the Showcase Cinema). While the British audiences seem to have no problem with Batman running around in a silly costume, or Superman flying, they scoffed at the weightless Kung Fu presented in Crouching Tiger. As someone who'd grown up watching a fairly wide variety of films, including fantasy martial arts, I was probably better prepared for those exploits. As far as I'm concerned the characters are no different to our own mythological heroes, be they historical ones like Perseus ( Clash of the Titans was a childhood favourite), or contemporary ones like the aforementioned Man of Steel.
Now I'm not trying to sound hip with the above, but it is illustrative of a number of comments I've heard from people who either disliked the film or flat-out refused to watch it after learning about the wire-assisted action scenes. If you fall into either of those camps I would urge you to take another (or first) look at Crouching Tiger with the same kind of approach that you would take to any Western hero movie. When you accept that the fantastical elements are only a small component of the film you will find that there is much more on offer. It explores themes of love, honour and duty, and was the film most responsible for rekindling my interest in Asian cinema as a whole. Without Crouching Tiger I would most likely have discounted films such as Hero, Battle Royale and Oldboy (to name just three), which will always guarantee the film a special place in my heart.
The 2.40:1 (1080/24p AVC) widescreen transfer is easily the best looking presentation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon that I've seen, although to be fair my previous experience is limited to a theatrical screening and the original Asian DVD release. The print is much cleaner than the DVD release (at least the region three version) and the HD transfer is a clear step up in terms of clarity and fine detail. It's now possible to pick out the intricate decoration on the Green Destiny's blade more easily than ever before, and background details no longer appear fuzzy. With that said, don't expect the sort of razor-sharp clarity associated with the newest all-digital Blu-ray transfers, because Crouching Tiger has always looked a little soft.
Colours are both accurate and natural, whether the action is taking place in the harsh browns of a desert, or in the lush greens of a bamboo forest. It's not the brightest image I've ever seen, but shadow detail remains good throughout, which is important when you consider the number of action scenes that take place at night. Even on my LCD screen, which doesn't have the kind of black level performance offered by plasma and CRT, the action was easy to follow and a surprising amount of background detail was visible. There's plenty of natural film grain and I didn't spot any particularly obvious flaws—edge halos are not apparent, even in the screen captures, and the compression artefacts that blighted the DVD release are gone. Crouching Tiger really is a visual feast and this Blu-ray release offers a very cinematic picture that should please all but the most demanding of fans.
The disc's man soundtrack is a Mandarin Dolby TrueHD 5.1 affair, but there's also an English dub if you feel like listening to some randoms butcher the dialogue. Obviously I went for the original language track for review purposes. Admittedly it's been some time since I last played my DVD version of Crouching Tiger, but this new TrueHD track exceeded my expectations in almost every way. It manages to be both incredibly subtle and very powerful depending on the situation, drawing the listener in with the ambient sounds of Beijing's bustling streets (complete with a particularly rambunctious cockerel crowing) before blasting the cobwebs from your head during the action scenes. Fidelity really is top-notch, with every sword clash sounding clearer than ever before. Bass isn't particularly ferocious, but every every punch is accompanied by a solid thud and the percussive elements of the score provide the subwoofer with a decent workout without overpowering the other elements.
The combination of ambient and discrete effects is most impressive during the fight sequences, where chirping crickets and flocking crows give way to deadly projectiles and leaping Wudang practitioners. One of my favourite elements of the mix is the hauntingly beautiful Tan Dun score, which perfectly balanced between the front and rear of the soundstage, creating a truly immersive experience. If I had one criticism to make it would be that the quality of the dialogue is a bit variable, but I believe this can be attributed to the difference between on-set and looped dialogue and it's never unintelligible. All things considered this is a very impressive soundtrack. It might not have the dynamism of a contemporary action feature, but it is triumph of subtlety.
With this release Sony had a rare opportunity to use the original theatrical subtitles, but unfortunately they decided to stick with the 'dumbed down' subs used on virtually all DVD releases worldwide. The Blu-ray subs are considerably less elegant than the original subs, which were almost poetic at times. Although none of the subs have ever been completely accurate (Yù Jiāolóng has always been mistranslated as Jen Yu), the BD subs take things too far. Governor Yu becomes Chief Yu and May inexplicably becomes Sue, even though both of their names are correct in the credits. There are also a few words here and there that seem incongruous with eighteenth century China. Okay, so the subs aren't completely horrendous, but they are a missed opportunity.
Sony has assembled a modest collection of supplemental material for this Blu-ray release. I'm sure some of you reading this will be disappointed by the amount of extras on the disc, but to be fair they are on a par with most of the DVD releases. It would have been nice to get a new retrospective featurette or documentary, but I don't think that was ever on the cards given the relatively small market for a Mandarin-language film on Blu-ray. Still, what we do get is of reasonably high quality.
Commentary with Ang Lee and James Schamus: The director/writer commentary track is relaxed and very pleasant to listen to. Lee and Schamus have a good rapport and provide some valuable insights into the making of the film, particularly Lee, who contextualises the historical elements and generally provides a window into Chinese culture.
A Conversation with Michele Yeoh (13:50 SD): This is an interesting interview in which the star gets quite animated about the film and her role in it. She discusses her motivation for taking the part, her experiences working on the film, the differences between her character and her own personality, her injury, the stunt team, her co-stars and, of course, Ang Lee.
Unleashing the Dragon (20:47 SD): This is a fairly standard 'Making of' featurette and a completely new feature for me, being that it wasn't present on the region three release. The featurette contains a mixture of on-set and studio interviews with Ang Lee, writer James Schamus and cast members Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat. The featurette touches on the cast, choreography, score and thematic elements, and also includes a truncated version of Coco Lee's music video. Oddly, when film clips are shown the original theatrical subtitles are used, which makes the presence of the 'dumb' subs on the main feature even harder to swallow.
Photo Gallery (06:44 SD): As the title suggests, this animated photo gallery rounds off the traditional bonus material. It's fairly self-explanatory stuff and features a bunch of images from the film set to the Tan Dun score. It's worth watching once if only for the sublime music.
BD-Live: Unfortunately there's no value-added content for Crouching Tiger here, just the customary advertisements for other Sony titles. BD-Live should offer additional content for the film you've bought, not try to convince you to buy other films. This would have been an ideal place to add some of the content available on the region three disc, such as the Coco Lee music videos for 'A Love Before Time', rather than pump customers for more money. To use the current youth vernacular—fail.
It seems like I've been waiting for this release ever since I got my Blu-ray player. It was pushed back more times than I care to remember, but my patience has finally been rewarded with a disc that does the film justice. I was most impressed by the audio-visual elements (particularly the audio), and while the bonus material doesn't look good on paper, the commentary track is great and the featurettes are more informative than the usual fluff that accompanies most DVD and Blu-ray releases these days. In fact, the only real disappointment is the use of the dumbed-down subtitles rather than the more elegant originals, but even they aren't enough to severely hamper ones enjoyment of the film. I think it's fair to say that this one comes recommended!
* Note: The above images are taken from the Blu-ray release and resized for the page. Full-resolution captures are available by clicking individual images, but due to .jpg compression they are not necessarily representative of the quality of the transfer.
Review by Chris Gould
Chris Gould Editor Join Date: May 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 7,171
Apologies if this review seems a little disjointed. I'm suffering with some summer bug at the moment and my head is a little fuzzy!
bradavon Member Join Date: April 2005 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,945
Thanks for the review Chris. I do wonder why the music videos still haven't been included.
I hope the dumbed down subs don't annoy me too much, I've never watched it fully with these subs. I understand the R3 SB has these same subs, meaning it's likely we'll never see the original theatrical ones used again. At least from a technical standpoint they're perfectly fine.
It's good to hear the AV is up to scratch. I wonder if the softness is a stylistic choice, as like you say, it's never looked as sharp as it could.
I hope the dumbed down subs don't annoy me too much, I've never watched it fully with these subs. I understand the R3 SB has these same subs, meaning it's likely we'll never see the original theatrical ones used again. At least from a technical standpoint they're perfectly fine.
It's good to hear the AV is up to scratch. I wonder if the softness is a stylistic choice, as like you say, it's never looked as sharp as it could.
Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over
Disc Details
Release Date: 6th January 2009
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 2.40:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Mandarin, Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 Czech, Dolby Digital 5.1 Hungarian, Dolby Digital 5.1 Polish (VO), Dolby Digital 5.1 Russian (VO)
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Turkish
Extras: Commentary with Ang Lee and James Schamus, A Conversation with Michele Yeoh, Unleashing the Dragon, Photo Gallery, BD-Live
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Cheng Pei-pei
Genre: Action, Drama and Fantasy
Length: 120 minutes
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