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Indians set sail on magic carpet ride in 2013
CLEVELAND -- The Indians spent the past year turning the page and turning things around.
The 2013 season was one built around comebacks. Cleveland had an assortment of players bounce back from poor showings in the past, and the organization as a whole did its best to usher in a new era. It began with the hiring of manager Terry Francona and continued with the dramatic retooling of the Tribe's roster.
CLEVELAND -- The Indians spent the past year turning the page and turning things around.
The 2013 season was one built around comebacks. Cleveland had an assortment of players bounce back from poor showings in the past, and the organization as a whole did its best to usher in a new era. It began with the hiring of manager Terry Francona and continued with the dramatic retooling of the Tribe's roster.
The result was an unexpected season for the Indians, who made the struggles of 2012 seem like ancient history. Cleveland won 92 games and made the postseason, and Francona took home the Baseball Writers' Association of America's American League Manager of the Year Award for the team's swift turnaround.
When it was all said and done, the Indians were left wanting more than their brief flirtation with the playoffs. Still, it was a memorable year that ended included a champagne celebration followed by sea of red-clad fans at a sold-out Progressive Field for the AL Wild Card Game.
Here is a glance back at five of the top storylines for the Indians from the past year:
5. Masterson's masterful season
Heading into last season, there were as many question marks surrounding rotation leader Justin Masterson as anyone else on the staff. After a breakout showing in 2011, the big right-hander lost 15 games in '12 and endured an inconsistent campaign, making it hard to predict which pitcher would show up this time around.
Masterson answered that question by piecing together the first All-Star season of his career. The sinkerballer won 14 games and piled up 195 strikeouts in 193 innings, even with September nearly thrown out the window because of an oblique injury. Masterson embraced a leadership role on the mound and in the clubhouse and set the tone for the Tribe's resurgent staff.
Masterson turned in three shutouts, picked up the win in a 1-0 victory three times and served as Cleveland's Opening Day starter for the second straight year. Masterson threw the first and last pitch of the regular season for the Indians, who asked him to fill a relief role late in the season. With the back end of the bullpen in tatters, Masterson returned from injury as a late-inning weapon.
In his final game of the regular season, Masterson induced a groundout that set off Cleveland's Wild Card-clinching celebration in Minnesota.
4. The kids are all right
The Indians spent big last winter -- reeling in veterans such as Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn -- but the 2013 season had a youthful flair to it.
Yan Gomes opened the season at Triple-A Columbus, but emerged as Cleveland's starting catcher in the second half. Rookie reliever Cody Allen turned in a stellar season amidst turmoil in the bullpen, serving as a stabilizing force for the Tribe. Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister developed into steady options in the rotation, providing more hope that the future is in good hands.
Jason Kipnis let the baseball world know that he has arrived, and Danny Salazar made it clear that he is arriving.
In his second full season, Kipnis earned a spot on the AL All-Star team for the first time and captured the AL's Player of the Month honor for June. Kipnis became the first Indians second baseman to lead the team in RBIs outright since 1948 (Joe Gordon), and he continued to show off his blend of power (17 home runs) and speed (30 stolen bases).
The 23-year-old Salazar stormed through Double-A and Triple-A, making mincemeat of Minor League hitters, on his way to a much-anticipated big league debut on July 11. The hard-throwing righty did not disappoint, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning and becoming the first Cleveland pitcher since 1964 to have at least seven strikeouts in a debut. Salazar dazzled, got the nod for the Wild Card Game and is poised for a rotation job next season.
3. Don't call it a comeback
No one knew what to expect from Ubaldo Jimenez in 2013, given the forgettable season he offered the Indians in the previous year. That also applied to lefty Scott Kazmir, who was plucked from baseball's scrap heap, offered a Minor League contract and gifted with the chance to make the rotation after pitching in Indy ball in 2012.
No one saw their comebacks coming.
Jimenez overcame a few early rough patches and turned in a strong campaign, going 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 182 2/3 innings. The right-hander was especially strong in the second half, when he led AL starters with a 1.82 ERA. In September, during Cleveland's run to the postseason, all Big U did for the Tribe was go 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA and 51 strikeouts in six starts.
Kazmir returned from oblivion to win 10 games, post a 4.04 ERA and log 162 strikeouts in 158 innings. The lefty had three double-digit strikeout showings in the season's final month, during which he logged a 2.57 ERA. Jimenez and Kazmir became the first Indians teammates in franchise history to each have a pair of starts with at least 10 strikeouts and no walks.
2. The shot heard 'round Cleveland
It was a home run that will go down in Indians lore as one of the most memorable and important blasts in a regular-season game. On Sept. 24, aging slugger Jason Giambi grabbed a bat, came off the bench and launched a walk-off shot that sent Progressive Field into a frenzy. Giambi was already viewed as a team leader. Now, he was a local hero.
Cleveland looked dead and buried after former Chris Perez blew a save in the top of the ninth to give the White Sox the lead. In a matter of minutes, raucous boos transformed into a celebratory roar with one swing of Giambi's bat. His two-run, pinch-hit homer off Addison Reed sailed over the wall in right field, keeping the Tribe's Wild Card season alive.
Giambi's blast made him -- for the second time in 2013 -- the oldest player in baseball history to belt a walk-off home run. Hank Aaron previously set that record in 1976. It was also one of 11 walk-off moments, including six courtesy of home runs and six that took place in extra innings, throughout the Indians' roller-coaster ride of a season.
During Cleveland's four-game sweep of the Mariners from May 17-20 -- one of seven four-game broomings on the season -- the club enjoyed a trio of walk-off victories. Throughout the year, Giambi, Swisher, Kipnis, Gomes, Carlos Santana, Drew Stubbs, Ryan Raburn, Mark Reynolds and Matt Carson all got in on the fun. The late-inning magic at home helped lead to 51 wins in front of the Cleveland faithful.
1. A Wild finish
It seemed fitting to refer to the 2013 Indians as "Team Lazarus," because the team seemingly rose from the dead so often. Even with a month left to play, making the playoffs appeared to be an unlikely scenario. When the regular season was down to 10 games, October baseball still seemed improbable for the Tribe.
With the odds stacked against them, the Indians pulled it off.
Cleveland rattled off 21 wins in September, representing just the fifth time since at least 1921 that an Indians team enjoyed at least 20 wins in the final month. It marked the first time since 1995 that the Tribe experienced at least 20 wins in any one month. It turned out that the Indians needed every last one of those September wins, too.
The Indians finished their season with 10 consecutive wins to become only the sixth team in the modern era (since 1900) to end a campaign with at least that many wins in a row. It had not been accomplished since the Orioles achieved the feat in 1971.
On the final day of the regular season, Swisher belted a home run, Jimenez struck out 13, Masterson recorded the final out and the Indians captured the AL's top Wild Card spot. For Cleveland, it was the first trip to the playoffs since 2007, when the team came within one win of reaching the World Series.
The Indians then took on the Rays in the Wild Card Game in Cleveland, where a packed Progressive Field witnessed postseason baseball again. Tampa Bay walked away with the win and Cleveland left with a sense that there was much more to accomplish in the years ahead.
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian.


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PEORIA — Superintendent Grenita Lathan didn't mask her disappointment to widespread community reaction in the aftermath of District 150's investigation into testing irregularities at Charter Oak Primary School and the subsequent reassignment of its principal and the transfer of two special education teachers.
"I'm disappointed because I don't believe people want District 150 to succeed," Lathan said Monday night in a sit-down with reporters after a board meeting that veered from tense to poignant to awkward as parents took the microphone to once again blast the district's decision to remove former Charter Oak Principal John Wetterauer from the school.
But the most poignant and awkward moments of the approximate 90-minute meeting had nothing to do with Charter Oak. Matthew and Jody Gama, parents of a fifth-grader at Von Steuben Middle School, pleaded with the board to allow them to speak with teachers who saw what happened after their son had a seizure at school Jan. 30 that left him with a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain.
Whether their son had the seizure before or after he hit the ground plays a role in what kind of medicine the boy should receive, the Gamas said.
Board President Rick Cloyd's efforts to assure a quick response from the district led to a clash with teachers' union president Jeff Adkins-Dutro, who accused Cloyd of bringing the union into the situation without having all of the information. Both Adkins-Dutro and District 150 administrator Tim Delinski left the meeting to talk with the Gamas.
Charter Oak parents raised concerns about Wetterauer, the teacher transfers and the number of substitutes in special education classrooms since two teachers were transferred from the school.
Students have had substitutes five of the past seven days in a transition that began Jan. 30. Part of the reason for substitutes was to give teachers time to pack up and move their classrooms, according to district spokesman Chris Coplan.
Along with others who criticized the district's handling of the Charter Oak investigation, parents continued to accuse Lathan of leading by fear and intimidation.
"There's nothing to fear, there's no intimidation," Lathan said to reporters after the meeting, as long as staff is doing their jobs and willing to go the extra mile for children.
There was never an intent to go after a particular staff member or school, she said, referring to Wetterauer and Charter Oak, and district officials tried to be as transparent as possible only to have it thrown back in their faces.
"We tried to over-communicate and it still wasn't enough," Lathan said.
People have become accustomed to using District 150 as a punching bag, she said, but the district is moving in the right direction. "You can find something positive happening in all 27 schools."
The board approved Wetterauer's request for a leave of absence until June 27. He had originally been placed on paid administrative leave while the district investigated irregularities in how standardized tests were administered to special education students.
The district alleged he failed to train teachers properly on how to administer the tests.
Pam Adams can be reached at 686-3245 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @padamspam.
Lathan: 'I don't believe people want District 150 to succeed'
PEORIA — Superintendent Grenita Lathan didn't mask her disappointment to widespread community reaction in the aftermath of District 150's investigation into testing irregularities at Charter Oak Primary School and the subsequent reassignment of its principal and the transfer of two special education teachers.

subset: commoncrawl


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David & Eva Kalat - based in Prague,Czech Republic - in business since 1991 - online since 1999
For collector specimens please visit also our other shop at www.ROCKSHOP.CZ
New comfortable fast express 3-5 days worldwide shipping by DHL Express available
Beautiful rare genuine about 6mm square shape faceted Moldavite earings,about 15 mm large (overall size with setting) earings mounted in sterling silver.This item is available in multiple quantity,each earings pair is very simillar,almost the same.Price is per one (1 pair) pair.Free gift box included.
Settings: silver 925/1000 (Sterling silver)
Dimensions (cm): 1.6 x 1.2 x 0.9 cm (overall size)
Weight: about 2.1 gram for complete pair
Origin of stone: Czech republic
We sell real authentic moldavites only.We have to warn everybody,lot of items especialy on ebay or from chinese dealers are fakes,not real moldavites.
If you look for specimens for collection or to make own jewellery,you can check out our main shop at http://www.rockshop.cz/store.
We are IMCA member #2082 (International Meteorite Collectors Association - www.imca.cc )
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tdeangelis needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
2 winners were selected from 66 designs submitted by 26 freelance designers.
We are developing a veterinary community website. This site will not only offer the opportunity for vets to connect with each other but will also provide tools to aid in the daily administration of an animal clinic.
You can see the logo and web page at http://www.vetspace.info
You Expand Now
Desired Color Scheme:
Red, Grey and white
Desired Style:
modern, clean, sober
Accepted File Formats:
Standard Web Formats (.jpg, .gif or .png); Vector Formats (.eps, .pdf or .ai)
We have a basic logo concept that we would like to build upon.  The font for the tag line needs to be fixed.  The logo needs to pop and have some depth. We would like to stick with the colors which are red, white and grey.Â
This is a site where we anticipate veterinarians and their staff will be working on throughout the day. We not only provide a platform for the community to share and gather information but we are providing modules to help veterinarians manage daily aspects of running an animal clinic.
Aspects which are important to keep in mind in order to achieve the look and feel we want are listed below:
- Clean
- Modern
- With Dimension
- Easy to navigate
- Professional
- MedicalHere are links to 2 different sites we like but keep our colors in mind:
- http://www.easygiga.com/index.php
- http://www.floobs.com/index.htmlÂ
This contest was originally listed in multiple categories:
- Logo Design
- Web Page Design
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Consensus Report
Science at Sea: Meeting Future Oceanographic Goals with a Robust Academic Research Fleet (2009)Ocean Studies Board
Each report is produced by a committee of experts selected by the Academy to address a particular statement of task and is subject to a rigorous, independent peer review; while the reports represent views of the committee, they also are endorsed by the Academy. Learn more on our expert consensus reports.
The U.S. academic research fleet is an essential national resource, providing ships that allow oceanographers to collect measurements and analyze data from the near-shore to the deep ocean. Oceanographers are embracing a host of remote technologies that can facilitate the collection of data, but will continue to require capable, adaptable research vessels for access to the sea. Growing awareness of the ocean's critical role in environmental processes means that understanding issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and tsunami generation is an increasingly high priority for national and worldwide health and security, and is likely to increase scientific demands on the fleet. This report recommends that maintaining U.S. leadership in ocean research will require investing in larger and more capable general purpose ships; involving the scientific community in all phases of ship design and acquisition; and improving coordination between agencies that operate research fleets.
Key Messages
- All future University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System acquisitions should involve the scientific community in the pre-construction through pre-delivery phases
- Because of the long life-span of research fleet ships -- typically 30 years or more -- long-term planning is needed to ensure that the fleet remains capable of supporting research needs well into the future
- Many assets are not integrated between organizations, leading to sub-optimal use of the full U.S. research fleet and a mismatch between available ship time and research needs
- Opportunities exist to better integrate icebreakers operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and supported by the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs with the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System's management system to increase efficient use of the fleet
- Overall, the partnerships between federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and private interests successfully serves national oceanographic research objectives and is anticipated to continue
- The fleet of the future will need larger, more capable, general purpose ships in the Global and Regional categories, to support increasingly complex, multidisciplinary, multi-investigator research projects


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LauraL necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 84 diseños de 27 diseñadores freelance.
Leno Corporate Services Limited
A team of individuals looking to start a financial services company specializing in investment and pension management, brokerage and trading, accounting and payroll services and providing financial advice. Our company will be relationship and service driven with a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
Retail - professionals: doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, contractors, etc., non-professionals, families, individuals. Institutionals clients - businesses - small, medium, large. This is an existing market.
We are looking for a logo to represent our financial services company.
We envision a logo to represent what we stand for... a company that connects us (what we offer) with what the client's needs (a bridging).
The logo should incorporate the letters of our company LCS and a few other things to keep in mind
1. Sophistication, elegance yet memorable (when they see the logo they immediately think of Leno).
2. The typeface should be clear, bold and simple.
3. A color that stands out - please feel free to experiment but nothing too loud
Please do not use any stock images or clip art in the logo. Be as original as possible.
We welcome your creativity.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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MS Carpentry & Maintenance24 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
I am a carpenter and joiner 'old school' who cares about his work with 30 years in the trade. I have just finished building my own house. With many years experience maintaining and fitting double glazing, no job is too small for me and I will treat your house as if it were...
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RJ WOOD INSTALATIONS72 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
My name is rob,I am a time served carpenter doing 1st & 2nd fix covering all aspects of carpentry, doors,skirting,roofs, Kitchens,stair refurbishment,I also do patios,fencing,decking, Refurbishments & new builds,big and small.And if I don't do work required then I can...
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Mac build ltd20 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Im Sean and I'm a Carpenter by trade. Been qualified 10 years with the last 8 of them being Self employed. I Have a team of lads working for me now so have signed up to my builder to expand my already fast growing business. Myself and my lads are fully qualified and always...
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PunchLine Carpentry Services17 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Specialists in Custom Interiors, from Built in Furniture to Handmade custom kitchens, wardrobes and unique Wood art. We offer a one stop shop service that can really bring your imagination to life. Everything is made in our state of the art work shop exactly to each...
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Cellan Williams Joinery and Carpentry12 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
My name is Cellan Williams. I am a joiner and carpenter. I did my nvq in joinery and carpentry in Swansea and worked in local joinery shops. I specialise in staircases but also any other aspects of joinery and carpentry undertaken.
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Not Just Wood14 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
We are a carpentry and joinery business based in South Wales, with over 20 years experience. We provide a service from full house renovations to building your flat pack furniture!
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MJD Carpentry and Building Maintenance11 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
My business is carpentry and building work I have over 30 years experience and my work history is fitted kitchens, flooring, doors and general carpentry also fitted Windows, fitted bathrooms, fitted wardrobes all aspect of roofing work and small extensions and garage...
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Stuart Howells Carpentry Services9 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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O.t.k Carpentry & Locksmith20 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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Harries Carpentry10 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Hi, I'm Rowan. I am a time served professional who is competent in 1st and 2nd fix carpentry.I am honest and reliable, but doesn't every tradesman tell you that? It is my passion for the trade that really sets me apart from the rest. Get in touch for a competitive "no...
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Atlas Construction12 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Recently established in Swansea, I have worked in all aspects of construction from small jobs in domestic properties to major building work in larger commercial buildings. I will provide you with a fast, clean and reliable service at a reasonable price.
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G M Building & Maintenance5 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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L.R. Carpentry & Building Services7 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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Pren Caled Carpentry4 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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Andy Thornton Joinery and Carpentry3 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
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However, it is still a module and Intel will not have an integrated LTE solution until 2014, if then. Intel expects the first LTE-enabled phones based on its SoCs to show up next year, but they will not have integrated LTE.
Unlike its previous solutions, the XM7160 supports HSPA and GSM in addition to 15 LTE bands. It also supports VoLTE services. Intel plans to introduce an even more advanced LTE module next year, with support for new advanced LTE features used by some networks. Intel is also offering the M.2 LTE module, which has practically the same hardware packed in a standard mini PCIe package.
Until Intel launches its first truly integrated LTE solution, Qualcomm will continue to dominate the LTE space, virtually unopposed. Intel is not alone though. Nvidia, Mediatek and Broadcom are all behind Qualcomm and they are struggling to catch up.
However, Samsung and Apple are still absent from the list and they rely on discrete solutions, not to mention countless smaller players, so there's still a market for modules like the XMM 7160.


text:
Add to Calendar
Meet at the LC Fairgrounds Hall on Fairgrounds Road Troy on Monday nights from 7 to 9:30p.m. except holiday Mondays. The dance is open to the public. A small entry fee will be charged at the door. For further information, contact Karen at 636-462-6465 Rich at 656-566-6277 or go to www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LCK_dance.


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Tulips, with their smooth, straight stems and brilliant, symmetrical flowers look darn-near picture perfect when in bloom. Unfortunately, tulips are a bit like butterflies with reverse metamorphosis. They start out as beautiful specimens but quickly morph into drab green sticks with small blobs on top. Sticks you're stuck staring at while you wait impatiently for something else to bloom.
But there's no reason you can't have a continuous display of perfect tulips for a solid two months. It just takes a bit of fall planning to ensure you're singing the praises of your stunning tulip bed next spring. So, here's my advice.
The trick to maximizing your tulip floral display is to avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. In other words, don't choose just one variety, even if it's your favourite. Tulips are thought of as early spring bloomers - which is true - but there are considerable differences in bloom times between varieties. That means you can stretch the spring blooming period from three weeks up to eight weeks if you choose early, mid-and late-season tulips.
With this game plan in mind, the first thing you need to know when buying tulip bulbs is that, regardless of variety, they won't bloom if the bulbs are too small. Undersized "bargain" bulbs will often fail to produce flowers regardless of how much water and fertilizer you give them. High-quality, good-sized bulbs may cost a bit more, but will virtually guarantee spring flowers.
The next step is to select your favourite colours and patterns from each bloom period (early, mid and late). You can either mix the three types together in one flower bed, or plant each type in separate areas. Planting the bulbs in groups based on their bloom times requires a bit more organization, and allows for mass plantings of one tulip variety, an effect that some people prefer. If you can't be bothered to figure out which tulips to blend together, there are pre-mixed packages of early, mid and late varieties that are truly stunning, and take the guesswork out of growing.
To further extend your tulip season, factor in which directions your beds face. Tulips in south-and west-facing beds typically bloom weeks earlier than those in east-or north facing beds simply because the sun warms the soil in south and west exposures.
To get extra-early blooms, one trick I've used with great success is to plant bulbs into large pots in the fall. I leave them outside until about midOctober (to let the roots establish), then before the temperatures drop much below -10 C, I move them into cold storage (my minimally heated garage). By late March, I begin warming the pots up to about 15 C, then place them on my deck once the weather is around the freezing mark. In doing this, I have had tulips blooming by April 1 - no joke. Even in years when the temperature dropped below freezing on my deck, the tulips shrugged off the cold and endured.
Whatever strategy you use for your tulips, always plant the bulbs - pointy part up - in a spot with well-drained soil, add a bit of bulb fertilizer to keep them in good shape and give them a good shot of water to encourage vigorous rooting prior to fall freeze-up.
As far as I'm concerned, no plants are greater harbingers of spring than colourful tulips. And with a little succession planning, you'll be able to enjoy that show of colour for a much longer time. Enjoy planting your bulbs this weekend.
To keep abreast of what's new in the gardening world, follow facebook.com/HolesGreenhouses.


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America's warning about jihadis in the military
Fatal attack preceded Nidal Hassan's rampage by years
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bart E. Womack says it was golfer Tiger Woods who saved his life when a grenade landed at his feet.
Womack was stationed in Kuwait before the coalition's invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power in 2003.
He said he was awake in the middle of the night because he is a golf fan. Woods was competing in the Bay Hill Invitational, and Womack knew a campaign was coming, so every swing could have been the last one he would see for a long time.
Then it happened.
"As I concentrated on Tiger's swing and listened for the sweet THWACK of a ball, I heard the tent flap flutter again and a scraping sound as something rolled toward me," he writes in his new book "Embedded Enemy: The Insider Threat."
"The hand grenade rolled between Tiger and me, resting at the tent's edge," he reports. "It is amazing how quickly thoughts can ping through your mind. I knew grenades only took five seconds to blow, and I think I wasted two seconds coming to the shocking realization of what was happening."
Without his desire to watch golf, he said, he would have been asleep when the grenade rolled in.
The attack was carried out by one of his own, Sgt. Hasan Akbar. Born Mark Fidel Kools, Akbar is a Muslim.
He turned off the power to the military compound then lobbed grenades into a couple of tents occupied by American soldiers.
Army Capt. Christopher S. Seifert and Air Force Maj. Gregory L. Stone were killed, Akbar was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, although his case is still under appeal.
Womack's book is a warning to America to be on alert for enemies within.
"I would like to think Fort Hood might not have happened if the book's message had been out earlier," he said.
That was when Maj. Nidal Hassan, another Muslim member of the U.S. military, pulled his weapons, shouted 'allahu akbar" and shot and killed a dozen members of the military stationed there.
Womack said attacks happen without warning and not necessarily in one pattern.
"My point is to be aware of our surroundings," he said.
Watch for a change of habits, a shift in attitudes, disposing of belongings or acquisition of weapons.
"There are signs. When someone gets in their mind they're going to do something like this, everything has to change," he warned.
He stays away from blaming religion
In the March 23, 2003, attack at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait, 14 soldiers also were injured.
Womack tells the story of the unprecedented attack on the U.S. military from within its own ranks.
"Fueled with disdain for the country in which he was born, Akbar … joined the Army and turned on his fellow soldiers during wartime," he said.
Akbar tossed the grenades and then, as trained, "followed up with small-arms fire."
The fallout was that Americans felt less safe and became more careful about whom they trust, he said.
He told WND that such attacks are particularly unexpected from a member of the military, who has sworn an oath to follow the Constitution and defend his or her fellow soldiers.
Womack is the recipient of two Bronze Stars, including one for valor. He was in the Army for nearly 30 years.


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You might not be a movie star, but you can look like one in one of 2011's hottest trends. CHANEL sunglasses are always in style, and this year is not any different. Every woman should own a few classic pieces to accent their wardrobe, pieces that will last and that will still be in style even after several season changes, and that is just what CHANEL is.
One of the trendiest CHANEL sunglasses this year is the CHANEL 5186 sunglasses. A pair of these are beautiful, and they can be worn anywhere, making a woman feel fabulous at the beach or all day in the city. The CHANEL 5186 sunglasses are both sweet and bold, with an acetate frame, with either pretty tone-on-tone or bi-color camellias along both the arms that add a delicate accent.
Not only are the CHANEL 5186 sunglasses beautiful, they are good for your eyes. Rays from the sun can damage the eyes, and sunglasses with UV resistant lenses can help protect your eyes and keep them healthy.
CHANEL sunglasses are one of the most sought-after and desirable eyewear today. They can be sophisticated or flirty, trendy or vintage, depending on whatever mood you're in at the moment. So wear them, and feel beautiful.


text:
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Due to the rising cost of the annual WebCT license fee, limited technical support from the company, and the shrinking number of faculty still using WebCT, WOU will be discontinuing it as of September 1, 2009. Moodle, or what we also call WOU Online, will be the primary online learning management system.
Quick facts:
- There are already 80 faculty with course creator access in Moodle and over 400 course shells, far exceeding the use of WebCT even at its peak.
- Students, faculty, and staff use their Pawprint credentials to login to Moodle, which is less confusing.
- Starting Summer term, courses are automatically populated by CRN -- something we can't do with WebCT.
- This summer there are at least 35 online and/or hybrid courses, 10 in WebCT, 3 homegrown and the rest in Moodle. Most of the faculty using WebCT this term already plan to switch to Moodle in the Fall.
- The renewal cost for WebCT is $15,000 per year. Moodle, an open source program with millions of users around the world, is free.
The level of satisfaction with Moodle is very high. Most of you have already made the switch, but those of you who haven't, please know that I will do all I can to make this transition as painless as possible.
Email me a list of the courses you wish to switch and I'll copy the content over to a Moodle shell to give you a running start. I'll be scheduling some more Moodle workshops later this summer, as well as fleshing out a Moodle 101 online course that's been in the works for a while. The best way to get going, however, is to schedule a one-on-one training session with me. Usually an hour is enough to get you started, and then we can schedule follow-up training as needed.
1. I have dozens of courses in WebCT. Does this mean I won't be able to get to them after September 1, 2009?
A: You will still be able to get to the courses on an as needed basis, though you will have to suffer through a constant barage of annoying "This license has expired" messages. However, I strongly encourage you to get your most important course content transferred before then.
2. My biggest issue is switching over my WebCT quizzes. Is there help with that?
A: I have several tools, including Respondus and Examview, which can help transfer your quizzes. Drop me an email and let me know which quizzes you wish to switch.
3. I've been wanting to get more into video and audio. Is that something you can help me with?
A: Yes. Currently, the most reliable way to put video and audio into your online courses is to convert them to Flash videos. I'd be happy to help with that. You might even consider checking out one of our new Flip video cameras, which are incredibly easy to use and record straight to mpeg. There's also neat free programs out there like Jing, that can make screen capture/narration fun and easy.
4. I'd like to start using Moodle, but I'm a complete neophyte. I don't think an hour or two is enough. Can you help?
A: Yes. Sometimes an hour is all that people need, and then they just call or email when they have questions. Others like to schedule an hour every week for several months. I can help either way. Plus please remember the purpose of the Technology Resource Center: you're welcome to work in the TRC and know that there are people to help when you have questions. I have a number of faculty who have been doing that off and on this summer.
If you have any questions, please contact me. Both myself, Computing Services and the administration at large are committed to helping you make this transition as smooth as possible.


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FRVTA Outlines Agenda For 33rd State Confab
July 16, 2013 by RVBusiness Comments Off on FRVTA Outlines Agenda For 33rd State Confab
The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will be holding its 33rd Annual State Convention at the Sand Pearl Resort on Clearwater Beach, set to run Sept. 5-8.
According to a press release, this year's convention will feature the "brightest and best minds in the RV industry" to bring FRVTA members up-to-date on the state of the industry and what to expect in the coming months.
The general session will kick off Friday afternoon with an industry panel offering representatives from every segment of the RV industry. Members of the panel will include: Ernie Schumacher from Bank of America (retail lending); a representative from GE Capital (wholesale lending); Jayco Inc. CEO Derald Bontrager (RV manufacturers); FARVC Chairman Pat O'Neill (campgrounds); Bill Leonard of Coast Supply (parts and supplies); and Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVDA) Chairman and Campers Inn owner Jeff Hirsch (RV dealers).
RVDA President Phil Ingrassia and James Ashurst, vice president of public relations and advertising for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), will offer an overall industry update. Rounding out Friday morning's general session, FRVTA Education Director Jim Carr and General Council Marc Dunbar will update attendees on the RV training program and the recent legislative Session.
Saturday morning the break-out sessions will bring very detailed information to attendees in smaller, more intimate class-room settings. Scheduled sessions include:
• Allen Monello will cover dealer compliance issues.
• Tom Walworth, president of Statistical Surveys Inc., will take a look at the industry numbers.
• Bill Leonard of Coast Distribution will show how to make parts departments more profitable.
• A representative from the Department of Revenue will cover state issues.
• Erick Swinson from Morgan, Stanley, Smith, Barney will cover investing and the stock market.
• Jerry Mann from Executive Tax Services will go over implementing the new healthcare legislation.
A host of activities and entertainment are also planned, based on the convention's theme of "Taking Care of Business…The RV Way." The 70's theme will feature the "I Will Survive" Hospitality Room along with the "May The Force Be With You" golf tourney and the "Fantasy Island" boat outing on Friday. That evening the "Boogie Nights" Costume/Dinner Party will feature everything from disco outfits to icons of the 70's. "Disco Dave" and his "Dy-NO-mite" Game Show is also on tap.
The convention wraps up Saturday evening with the "Saturday Night Fever" awards banquet and silent auction. The silent auction benefits the FRVPC Fund and features such items as weekend getaways, I-pads, E-readers and Disney gift certificates.
FRVTA still has a few sponsorship opportunities and is also taking prize donations for the silent auction and the game show luncheon. For more information or to make a donation, contact the Florida RV Trade Association at (813) 741-0488.


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ADT Monitored Security Systems for Alabama
Just moving to Alabama? Or have you been a long-time resident and are looking for a better option in protecting your home? With ADT monitored home security available in your area, you have access to the most trusted name in home security.
With more than six million customers across both the United States and Canada, ADT provides 24/7 monitoring, remote access control with ADT Pulse®, and the peace-of-mind that all residents in Alabama and elsewhere deserve.
Wait no longer for the protection that you want to provide your family. ADT monitoring is there for you at all hours of the day, ready to act when danger strikes your property. From crime to weather and more, let ADT show you the true meaning of home protection.
Alabama ADT Monitored Security Systems
Regardless of the package you choose, any Alabama customers registering for an ADT monitored security system to protect their home or business can count on the following equipment standard in their package:
- Digital keypad: Use this control panel to activate and deactivate your system and adjust alarm settings. Installers can also program the keypads to contact local emergency dispatch with one-touch access.
- Interior motion detector: Using infrared beams of light, this anti-burglary device detects movement inside your home.
- Keychain remote: Lets users perform basic security system functions within a 50-foot range of the digital keypad. Also has a panic button feature.
- Points of protection entryway sensors: These devices monitor doors and windows and can be programmed to issue voice alerts.
- Battery backup: Provides up to 12 hours of emergency power in case of electrical outage.
- High-decibel alarm: This electronic siren immediately alerts homeowners to a potential security threat.
Alabama homeowners can also choose from a selection of packages that include weekly monitoring costs starting at around $9. Each monitoring package includes professional installing as well as ADT's Quality Service Plan covering newly installed equipment.
To learn some about ADT monitored security systems in Alabama, look for your city on the list below.


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Previous version Food Street 0.15.3 apk for Android will help you to downgrade or install older app easily. This is one of the best Simulation apps.
You are also available to know the kind of the street food, as in your home. Then, with the great feature, inside this game, you also will be able to make some creations in making the food. There are also kinds of examples of food you might make, such as the corn dogs, French fries, and others. Here, let us see the details of the need of the system. Before installing the Food Street game, it is nice when you see the details of the system requirement. This game is available for the 4.0.3 android OS version.
What is the version of your android, guys? Please check it before. Then, to install it in your phone, you need the 41M in free storage. Do you have an enough space in your storage? You also need to check it. Well, it is because all of it will influence the smooth of its running. Based on the explanation above, you can take this game in your wish list. In order to have the special features of the Food Street for Android, please always update it when the developments are available!Features of Food Street APK 0.15.3
- Free to download – a fun restaurant game with stunning 3D graphics!
- Build, decorate and manage your very own restaurant!
- Collect ingredients and cook delicious dishes from all around the world!
- Customize your staff and serve happy customers!
- Trade ingredients and dishes with friends and other players!
- Collaborate in Food Clubs and compete in friendly competitions!
- Have fun in seasonal events with new dishes and new themed decorations!
New in Food Street 0.15.3 APK Android
- MULTIPLE LAYOUTS: Re-decorate your restaurant but store your old layout! To make it easier to manage, you can also clear, copy and name your layouts!
- Grillmasters Event (players lvl 18+) from June 23-28 (Prep your grill thongs!)
- New items: Rodeo Bull and adorable Pet Ponies (omg!), in store June 21st
- The Hungry Games Community Event (July 1-4)
- Added ability to visit players in other Food Clubs in Food Club search
Apps Reviews
This game is alot of fun. I could never get bored. Lots to do. Really like this game and am not much of a gamer.
Developer: Supersolid Version: 0.15.3 Requirement: 4.0.3 and up Price: Free


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• William Hague denounces "cold blooded murder" of Briton
• Hostages 'wearing explosive belts'
• 'Marlboro Man': one-eyed jihadist behind the raid
• British special forces on standby to mount rescue mission - Times
• Up to 30 Algerian workers escape from compound - Sky News
The Foreign Secretary denounced the "cold-blooded murder" of a Briton at a gas field in Algeria. Armed Islamists are holding dozens of hostages at the gas field - which is jointly-operated by BP - including nationals from the United States, France, Britain, Norway and Japan.
Algerian troops have the site surrounded, deep in the Sahara desert. An unidentified hostage who spoke to France 24 television said prisoners were being forced to wear explosive belts. Their captors were heavily armed and had threatened to blow up the base if the Algerian army tried to storm it.
The hostage-takers said were holding dozens of Westerners including French, British and Japanese citizens, as well as seven Americans in reprisal for Algeria's cooperation with the French military intervention in Mali.
The In Amenas gas field in Algeria close to the Libyan border
The Foreign Secretary described the Islamists' justification as "a convenient excuse" but said the operation was likely to have been planned before French forces deployed in Mali.
"Whatever excuse is being used by terrorists and murderers, there is no excuse. This is the cold-blooded murder of people going about their business," Mr Hague said during a visit to Australia.
"While sadly I can confirm the death of one British national, I can't confirm at this point the exact number of hostages held," he added.
Mr Hague said BP was doing "a good job" of keeping families up to date with developments and vowed to "work around the clock to resolve this crisis".
Statoil, the Norwegian oil group sharing the plant with BP, which has 12 employees involved in the situation, says it has beefed up security at several of its other sites.
Mr Hague would not speculate on whether the interventions in Mali or in Libya may have motivated the Islamic terrorists but noted the attack appears to have been planned before the deployment of French forces to Mali .
"I would be cautious about ascribing this to the French intervention in Mali," he said.
"Of course that is a convenient excuse to put. Usually operations like this take longer to plan than the last week's events in Mali. But we can't be sure about that at this stage… Whatever excuse is being used by the terrorists and murderers who are involved , there is no excuse for this behaviour."
Two Britons were reported to have been wounded in the attack along with a Norwegian and three Algerians.
Mr Hague described the situation as "dangerous and rapidly-developing" and said that the Foreign Office had sent a rapid deployment team of addition diplomats to Algeria.
While Washington and Tokyo said their nationals were among the hostage, French President Francois Hollande said it was not certain that French citizens were being held.
French news channel France 24 reported that Malaysian and Filipino nationals were also among the hostages. The Western hostages were reportedly bound and being kept under close guard by the gunmen.
Sky News however reported, citing Algerian state press, that 30 Algerian workers had escaped from the compound.
Algerian Interior Minister Dahou Ould Kablia, speaking on national television, insisted Algiers would not negotiate with the "terrorists", who he said were surrounded by the army and security services.
The group appeared to want to leave the country with the hostages, which Algiers had rejected, he said. They were "around 20 men from the region", he added, denying that they had come from either Mali or Libya.


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"We had a very good performance from our team today," said head coach Scott Calabrese. "We did a lot right as we outshot them, had the advantage in corners and had the ball for a majority of the match. The only thing we failed to do was score a goal. When you have so many chances you expect to score on one."
The Bucs (1-4-3, 0-0-1 A-Sun) exploded for 33 shots in the match with six coming on goal, while limiting the Spartans (3-4-1, 0-0-1 A-Sun) to only six shots with none on goal. ETSU also had the advantage in corners, 10-2.
"I think that bodes very well that we were able to get so many chances in a conference game," Calabrese said. "Conference games are usually very tight. We just need have a little more concentration in front of the goal. I think if we play like that for the rest of the season we will have a very successful run in conference. I am very proud of the effort and attitude of our guys today. If we continue to play like that goals will come.
In the first half, the Bucs had a couple good chances but couldn't get a result. Tony Nunes (
ETSU outshot the Spartans 17-4 in the second half as they Bucs held possession for much of the half. Jaron Westrbook (Round Rock,
Late in the second half things looked good for the Bucs as they started pouring on the shots. Alesi Osorio (
The Bucs held USC Upstate shot less in the two overtime periods, but could not get the game-winner as the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
Sean Hoek (
The Bucs are back in action on Friday at 7 p.m. as they head to Mercer for a conference match. For more information on Buccaneer men's soccer and all other Buccaneer athletic news, please visit www.ETSUBucs.com.


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04 April 2007 22:45
Map Showing Las Vegas Hotels - Hotels-Extra.com
Map Showing Las Vegas Hotels - Hotels-Extra.com
1 (1 marks)
Founded in late 2003 and heartquartered in France, we are non-profit and independant.
We believe in the open web, think internet services should be sustainable, build for the long term.
While we are re-launching the service, we only accept new members through invitation.


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Paris: THE Renault Twizy is one of those vehicles you instinctively want to like. The tiny electric two-seater is virtuous (zero emissions), quirky (people sure look at you) and entertaining to tool around in. It wants to be patted, played with and praised. But after buzzing around the boulevards for a couple of days, it became clear to me that to like the Twizy, I first had to figure out what it was.
That's not easy. Sure, it was fun to drive. And easy: push in the hand brake, turn the key, wait for it to go through a brief start-up ritual, push the D (or R) button and nudge the pedal.
The Twizy was designed by Renault Sport Technologies, the hot-rodding division of Renault, so even though the 13-kilowatt (17 horsepower) motor provides the acceleration of a 125 cc scooter, the steering is taut, the center of gravity is low and the contraption is surprisingly composed through turns.
There's no inside rearview mirror (there's no rear window), but given that the vehicle is only marginally wider than the driver, the side mirrors give a good sense of the neighborhood, allowing for some deft weaving through traffic. I found that drivers who would normally try to kill me when I darted in front of them seemed prepared to cut me some slack in the Twizy, possibly because they feared that an unidentified driving object like this might be armed with laser guns.
Around town, the governed top speed of 50 miles per hour was enough, and even on the Boulevard Peripherique, the multilane ring road, I generally held my own.
But the fact is, whatever positive things I imagined saying about the Twizy as I hummed around in it were immediately followed by "But..."
It is emphatically not a car. In France, whence it comes, it is classified as a quadricycle, which means you can't take it on the autoroute superhighway. That eliminates several suburbs from which one might want to commute, as well as quick trips to the airport or to Disneyland Paris.
Not that there'd be any room for any purchases or luggage - storage consists of two glove compartments and a hole behind the "back seat." That seat is actually a scooterlike perch behind the driver, requiring the passenger to straddle the front seat.
The driver, I must add, best have dental fillings firmly glued in, given a suspension that faithfully transmits every contour of the cobblestones below and a seat minimally slathered with padding. Hey, Renault Sport doesn't do soft.
Doors are optional, for 590 euros ($755). I had them, but they were really a bar with a Plexiglas sheet down below and nothing up above.
I confess it was sort of fun to drive with both elbows hanging over the sides, but then the weather was nice. Along with the absence of windows, there's also no heater, no air-conditioning, no radio, no power anything - only a bare-bones pod that shows roughly how fast, or how slow, you're going; how much juice you have left; and whether you're in D, N or R.
The driving range on a full charge is about 60 kilometers (37 miles), after which you need to plug in the Twizy for three and a half hours.
Where to plug it in is, of course, the universal problem as battery-powered cars come of age. Twizys (Twizies?) have a normal European 220-volt plug, which is good if you have a garage. The town hall of each of the 20 arrondissements, or districts, has a pair of outlets for electric cars. I dutifully plugged in my Twizy overnight outside the mairie of the 5th arrondissement, by the Pantheon, but when I got in the next morning the meter hadn't budged. I have no doubt I did something wrong, so I will not hold this against the, um, quadricycle.
Quadri, yes, but cycle, no.
Bicycles, scooters and motorcycles are fixtures on the streets here, and young people moving up from these are the most logical market for the Twizy. But the allure of a scooter is that it can zigzag through urban traffic, can be parked almost anywhere and is cheap. The Twizy fails on all three counts.
Narrow as it is, the Twizy cannot squeeze between cars stuck in a traffic jam, and though it is less than eight feet long and only four feet wide and can turn on a dime, it still requires a real, paid parking spot. And its price, starting at about 7,690 euros ($9,800) without doors (and batteries, which are leased), is more than double that of the basic Vespa scooter, which starts here at 3,690 euros ($4,720).
(There's a cheaper Twizy with a 4-kilowatt, or 5 horsepower, motor that can be driven without a license, but that's really another story.)
Renault has said that it has no plans to offer Twizys in the United States, a market the company abandoned in 1987.
Why would anyone buy a vehicle that combines the disadvantages of a car and a scooter? Evidently, many people are asking the same question, which is why you don't see many Twizys here. That may change as power outlets for electric cars proliferate, but by then there will undoubtedly be many other urban runabouts to choose from.
So what is it? Well, in the end, it's a statement. Renault went out of its way to make the Twizy completely different from anything else on the road. The whole point is to get people to ask questions and to proclaim that the all-electric revolution is upon us - and that Renault is there at the starting line.
In fact, Renault makes two other electric vehicles, the Fluence Z.E. (for zero emissions) sedan and the Kangoo Z.E., a mini delivery van, and a compact car, the Zoe, is on the way. But none of those stand out like the Twizy.
No, I wouldn't buy one, and I wouldn't recommend one. But I did enjoy the smiles, the pointed fingers, the questions and the novelty.
INSIDE TRACK: Go electric go.
© 2012, The New York Times News Service


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James Holmes, the man charged with gunning down a dozen people in a Colorado movie theater, was able to buy 6,000 rounds of ammunition over the Internet in a relatively short period of time. No questions asked.
His relative ease at obtaining more than enough ammo to supply an Army infantry squad going into combat prompted two Democratic legislators to announce they planned legislation to make it more difficult to buy that many bullets that quickly.
But the effort by US Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) of New Jersey and US Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D) of New York faces a tough struggle in Congress, which has shown little interest in passing new gun control legislation. Despite the public's abhorrence over the July 20 shootings, which killed 12 and also wounded 58, support for gun owner rights remains relatively high.
Holmes allegedly used a civilian version of the military's M-16 rifle with a 100-round drum magazine, a shotgun and two .40 caliber semi-automatic handguns in the massacre.
Called the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act, the idea behind the legislation is that federally licensed gun and ammunition dealers would have to alert the police that an unlicensed individual is buying a lot of ammo. What will the police do?
As much as anything Senator Lautenberg sees them as a deterrent: a policeman calling to ask why someone is buying thousands of rounds of ammo might become suspicious if someone gives evasive answers.
"I want them to be real nasty," says Sen. Lautenberg, who, along with Rep. McCarthy, is known for his anti-gun efforts in Washington.
Lautenberg and McCarthy both cited a report that Mr. Holmes had called a gun range to inquiry about shooting there. They said the owner of the range thought Holmes sounded unusual and told his staff to deny him access. The legislators said this showed why face-to-face contact was important in gun sales.
Other parts of the proposed legislation include a requirement that anyone selling ammunition must be federally licensed. Ammo dealers would be required to maintain records. And anyone buying ammunition who is not a licensed dealer would present a photo ID at the time of purchase—something the legislators say would effectively ban online or mail order purchases of ordinance by civilians.
After the attack, a Pew Research poll found 46 percent of Americans thought it was more important to protect American's rights to own guns while 47 percent felt it was more important to control who owns them. Republicans favored the right of gun ownership by 70 percent while 67 percent of Democrats favored ownership control.
Last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada said the Senate's agenda was too packed to consider any gun control legislation. When asked about next year, he replied, "Nice try." It's also unlikely the Republican-dominated House would take up anything similar.
Congressional leaders aren't the only ones reluctant to consider gun control in an election year. Last Thursday the White House said it wouldn't push for any new legislation. Instead, President Obama says existing laws need to be better enforced. White House spokesman Jay Carney says Obama would still like to see a ban on military-type assault rifles reinstated— that ban expired in 2004—but would not push for legislation.
Nevertheless, Sen. Lautenberg says he has had some success in the past including a 1996 law that made it illegal for anyone convicted of the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to own a gun.
"Everyone said it couldn't be done," he says. As for Obama, he says: "I believe the President believes in safety, he just needs to hear from his constituents."
The two legislators will get a better sense of how Congress feels on Tuesday when they return to Washington to add co-sponsors.
Online ammunition sales became legal in the 1986 after the passage of the McClure-Volkmer Act, also known as the Firearm Owners Protection Act.
A spokesman for Ammotogo.com, a large online ammunition dealer in Brenham, Texas that also sells incendiary rounds, said no one was available to discuss the proposed restrictions. A voice mail left with Bulkammo.com was not returned. A spokesman at outdoor goods giant Cabela's, based in Sidney, Neb., did not immediately return phone calls.
The Gun Owners of America, which lobbies against restrictions, says it's not surprised by the effort by Lautenberg and McCarthy to enact legislation. "The bottom line is they don't like guns," says John Velleco, director of federal affairs at the Springfield, Va. organization.
Rep. McCarthy has two other gun control proposals before Congress. One of them would ban the sale of high capacity magazines that hold as many as 100 rounds of ammunition at a time. Another would require a background check on all gun buyers, closing what is known as the gun show loophole, which allows individuals to buy guns from a private dealer without a background check.
The effort to restrict the sale of bulk ammunition, Velleco says, is just an effort to ban guns.
"They (Lautenberg and McCarthy) would never admit that if there was an armed person in the movie theater in Aurora, it might have stopped the attack from escalating," he says.


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Pets, Pets, Pets
Henry has turned his misfortune into a mega mission of mercy. This 3legged California cat is a therapist, literary celebrity, and philanthropist. His spunky attitude toward adversity is an inspiration to the disabled and down trodden, all because he had the good sense to step through the right doorway when he needed help. He stumbled on a therapist and a retired doctor with hearts of gold, both dog devotees who didn't really know or like cats. His courage and trust won them over as feline fans. It didn't hurt that their Standard Poodle fell in love with him first.
Two touching booksHenry's World and What's the Matter with Henry?transcend the ordeal of a handicapped cat. His life lessons about transforming tragedy to triumph are for all of us. These not for profit books were designed to disseminate the kindness extended to Henrya symbol of the needywith a goal to raise a million dollars for wounded animals and souls through the sale of both titles, by word of mouth, not in bookstores. Some San Diego vets have a Henry's World Fund, where all monies from the copies they sell assist people who cannot afford veterinary care. The authors donate all proceeds to Katrina animal rescues, Alley Cat Allies, zoos, wounded veterans, HIV charities, and many other grass root organizations. They even send grants to small animal rescue groups so they can buy books and raise more money.
In 2004 as a stray kitten with an injured front leg dangling from the shoulder, Henry wandered into the La Jolla home of C a t h y Conheim, a p s y c h o therapist, and Dr. D o n n a Brooks, a s c u l p t o r and retired OB/GYN. Both are founders of the Real W o m e n Project, a n a t i o n a l movement aimed at promoting positive self-images for all body types, as a means of impacting women's health. Therefore, when the vet gave them the choice to amputate or euthanize, they opted to operate, and then to find the kitten a home.
As Henry convalesced, they saw that the kitten refused to be limited by the loss of a limb. He also refused to be limited by the negative "cattitude" of his rescuers. He overcame the physical barriers of their home while scaling the anti-cat walls around their hearts.
When Cathy mailed me a copy of the new gift/children's book-What's the Matter with Henry? because she saw this column listed in the Cat Writers (CWA) directory, she had no way of knowing that I had just judged children's books for CWA or that I too had a 3-legged cat who needed a leg amputated as a kitten to save his life. Her book's message and photos impressed me
c a l l e d
her that
evening to
find out
w h y
H e n r y ' s
book had not
been entered
in the competition.
checking, we
found that the
book is in another
category. I
wish it had been
in my mine. If I
were still teaching,
this would be my f i r s t day read aloud to set the tone for anew class and year.
Cathy told me that since Henry's spot on CNN in December, his inbox has been filled with thousands of letters from around the world. Henry has become a touchstone. Many find it easier to express their true feelings to Henry as a virtual therapet. Cathy, via Henry, spends hours each day counseling as many correspondents as she can. After 3 terminally ill boys in a Minneapolis hospital read Henry's book, one said that Henry was more like him, than anyone he had ever met.
Cathy spoke of a lady who wrote to Henry as her Siamese cat. In reality, her husband was serving in Iraq and she didn't know how to tell him that she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She confided her fears to Henry first. They became so close that her dying wish was to spend some time with her cat confidante. She came to visit for 5 days. Soon after Henry wrote her eulogy.
When I mentioned that my 3-legged cat was raised by Afghan Hounds instead of a Standard Poodle, Cathy told me about Gary, scientist, who contacted her to help publicize Henry right before his own world fell apart. He was hit by a drunk driver, lost a lifelong partner, and was diagnosed with cancer. All he had left was his beloved Afghan, Dorji. After the recent St. Louis power blackout, an electrical surge set his house on fire. Dorji warned Gary and his newly rescued Great Dane pup in time, but perished himself. Devastated Gary wanted some recognition for his heroic dog. Henry designed an award for Dorji while Cathy contacted the St. Louis newspapers.
Henry has added our local Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation to his charities. Last Hope will be getting a grant for books, but in the mean time, if you visit, www.henrysworld.org, and mention "Last Hope" or this column when you make a purchase by mail or PayPal, all the proceeds will come right back home. These books make great gifts. (By the way, Beluga, the black Lab, and Billy, the shy Collie mix, left Babylon Shelter yesterday to join the rescues at Last Hope.)
As the latest book says: "Henry has shown us that we don't get to decide what happens to us in lifebut we do get to decide how we respond to it." Henry, the 3-legged waif, stands in front of Cathy's stained glass windows and lets the light halo around the trademark tabby "M" on his forehead. St Henry II of Bavaria is the patron saint of the disabled and physically challenged. This courageous cat must know that.
"Maxie", our poster dog this week is at Islip Town Shelter (631-2245660) Denver Ave. Bay Shore. A Good Samaritan found her straying near traffic and was heartened when the shelter recognized her. He was sure that a happy reunion was moments away. To his dismay, her owner decided she didn't have time for this sweet 8 year old Shepherd mix any more and signed her over to the pound. Maxie (Tag #4002) is housebroken, loves kids and babies, and gets along with other dogs. She sits and gives her paw if you bribe her with a cookie. She would make a wonderful companion for someone who appreciates her. The shelter will spay her.
Meanwhile, "Orange" is our poster cat at Oyster Bay Town Shelter (6775784) Miller Pl. Syosset. This handsome domestic longhair (#832) likes kids and has flaming fur that would rival "I Love Lucy" red. There's also a sweet muted calico (#740) that's polydactyl. That means she has extra toes. It's a feline sign of good luck.
Oyster Bay Dog: 2 purebred Beagles"Lulu" (#805) and another older female (#811); "Diesel" (#793)
a purebred fawn Boxer pup; "Sheba"
(#735) the cream Shepherd; & "Jake" (#731) a Chow/Chesapeake mix pup.


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If Sam's aim is to end faith, he must find a way to kill God.
To kill God we need to destroy the mystery of death.
We have killed many gods in the past by solving many mysteries.
Now the last one - death - needs an explanation. Once death is explained we do not need God anymore.
Life is cruel. We need hope (God) to face life's cruelties.
If we kill death we kill God and there is no need of hope or religion.
It is a pity that Sam will be dust before he even starts looking for a way to kill God.
Meanwhile, it is a good idea to sell books… There are six thousand million potential readers…
I think that killing God may be a little extreme in terminology and in method. As we look into the past, we do see this deicide committed in the killing of Zeus, Dagon, Odin, and countless others; but the action used was a forceful replacement of those old Gods with new ones. An on-going tournament has been raging with followers of different religions getting the upper-hand through force, fear, and politics, snuffing out opponents and isolating others into obscure corners. It's this action of replacement of one religion or regime with another that comes to mind when I hear of "killing" of God. But this game got a new competitor, relatively speaking, in the form of science.
Now with science we have the rival to this faith game. Science sits so superior to religion in its transparency, reasoning, and endless self-critiquing that it has built itself into an unavoidable gravitation for humanity. The rising tides of scientific knowledge sends a reeling God off his comfortable plains of significance and onto higher grounds of scientific uncertainty. The question of death, as you made your main point, is certainly a spot where the religious take refuge, but there is no rest on these peaks. As science spreads and reason prevails over dogmatism we'll see an asphyxiation of religion; as his power atrophies every day we can be delighted in our adaptation to this new landscape of a sea of scientific knowledge and grow comfortable with its benefits and hidden gems. I for one, moving from a young believer into a slightly older non-believer, have found sublime beauty and spiritual delight for the vastness of the natural world that's free of an omnipotent puppet-master.
I don't mean to be rebuking in this reply to your original post, as I'm sure you're a reasonable and intelligent person, but I wanted to present an alternative and maybe more hopeful scenario to the downfall of faith. The wheels are already in motion, the human species is naturally curious and will always have an affinity for advancing in knowledge. Our goals now should be to keep that motor burning with education and dismember any road blocks that are frivolously and frantically being erected by the ignorant. I will agree though, a great scientific explanation of death would be a lead life-jacket for religion, but may be unnecessary, as I don't think religion ever learned how to swim.
Thank you for your message.
When I say we need to kill God by killing Death I mean that we need to end the mystery of death by finding out what's behind that wall. We have killed all the other gods by destroying their mystery.
I am not a religious man; I mean I do not follow any religion. I believe all priests are impostors and any religion, when organized, turns into a political party. I believe that chatting about religion is a waste of time. There is nothing more private and personal than this problem. Everybody is a universe in himself, alone and parallel to everybody else's universe; therefore, we never "touch" each other. Language, as we can see, does not help us, but it is always fun to play with it, right?
On the other hand, I don't have any problem with God. He is up there, I am down here, and that's that. I do not have that feeling of superiority you seem to express about your "atheism". Atheism, I believe, is impossible. You cannot deny something just after you have accepted it by naming it. It's the old joke: "I swear I do not believe in God".
People have turned science into another religion and cannot see that science cannot be an answer for this death problem. Wherever you look, you find an immense gap between what is said about science and what science really is and where it really stands. Science is the product of an immense propaganda effort to sell it and its by-products from space travel, quantum math and clones to cancer, allergies and colds. People do not remember even if they suffer from this gap that most of what is said about science is BS created every day to keep this BS alive and to make money. I find it only natural that people have more faith in God than in science. People believe in God because they want to, and that's that, too. He is there, He helps them, they can talk to Him whenever they wish, which is more than science can do. Science is the new a Thousand and One Nights.
On physics, science has lost half a century playing with a blackboard, a piece of chalk and math. It speaks about an infinite number of universes without been able to demonstrate most of the basic "facts" of quantum mechanics among many other "facts". It mounts a fly on a whale full of gas and talks about going to have lunch on Mars. Just by looking at its ship you know that's not the way to space travel. But it has computers to show the whole universe as if it had already explored all universes. It has graphics now and uses graphics every night at seven to fool the ignorant and those who cannot read anymore.
On medicine, it has created millions of zombies and frankensteins older than 70, a legion which will be "alive" as long as their SS checks keep coming to feed their "care givers". Science claims it has made our lives longer, but forgets that such "life" is life no more. It is not life but it is not death. Only billionaires can claim to having enjoyed some benefits from this "science" but, as I am not a billionaire, I have never seen such benedictions, and the same can be said about 90% of the human race. What kind of "science" is that?
This is too long already. Please excuse me.


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57th T-Bone Steak Festival
Giardini del Parterre Cortona AR , –
If you want to celebrate the mid-August bank holiday according to tradition, you cannot miss the "T-Bone Steak Festival", which takes place every year at the Parterre Gardens in Cortona.
This is an important food event for all meat lovers, because these steaks are succulent and underdone in respect of the old Tuscan tradition. You will also have the chance to taste excellent local wines.


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On average, there are 275 sunny days per year in Mammoth Lakes, California, so the odds were in favor of the weekend of the WCI being epic park days under blue skies. But as has been the trend this "spring," it snowed sideways for the better part of the weekend. The contest was on Saturday and thankfully the loose format made it possible. The invitation-only Fiesta de la Pipa doesn't waste time and energy on the formalities of bibs and start lists and heats … or judges for that matter. The riders jam down the pipe for about an hour after which they check a name off the ballot for who they think ripped the hardest. Prize money is handed out … no checks here, just cold hard cash. Done.
The scene at the pipe was just begging for sunshine with piñatas, margaritas, and a deejay blasting beats. In the end, Greg Bretz came in second and Luke Mitrani came in a strong first place. The field was Frend heavy with Mason, Kevin, and Jack; Pat Moore, Shayne Pospisil, and Markku Koski rounding out the notables in the field of 20-something. The pipe got handled considering the conditions—Greg Bretz broke the piñata—and then it was rail jam time down in the village.
The jam went down in the village not under clear skies. The skies opened up and unleashed wind and some moisture on the jam. Just fyi for next year, you can watch the jam live on the Mammoth Village web cam. The rail setup included a big ol' C- rail dangerously close to the edge, a down rail with a surprise donkey D. that sent some riders to their asses (including Mike Casanova on the second drop of the night), and a gapped box. Lot's of fun stuff going on, standouts were Johnny Lazzareschi, Forrest Baily, Zak Hale, Greg Bretz, Cameron Pearce, Trevor Jacob, Eddie Wall, Chas Guldemond, Lucas Magoon … and the winner of the night was Dan Brisse.
We got the insider word from Mammoth's terrain park Czar Oren Tanzer that, as all the votes were being tallied, Mike Casanova and Brisse were tied with one more vote left to be cast—Mike's. So what does Mike do? He votes for Dan. They ended up splitting the 10,000 cash and everyone jumped on the gondola to party with Dilated Peoples.
Six More Weeks of Winter
The season is nowhere near over here at Mammoth, the pipes are in prime condition and the big and little parks are going off. The new 22-foot upper mountain pipe should be open in two weeks and the resort plans to stay open until June 14. You've got six more weeks of boarding. I don't know about you but we've got the fever for a few Mammoth camping/skating/shredding trips. Maybe we'll get in on some of those 275 days of sun yet. Stay tuned for updates!


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The basic design of the Eiffel Tower was borrowed from the work of an ancient designer, the Creator, who engineered the human femur.
What if we could design tape and adhesives that automatically cleaned themselves every time they got dirty or wet?
Read Chapter 5 from Don DeYoung's book, Our Created Moon.
God's creation has inspired many of man's greatest designs.
Flight engineers have discovered another source of inspiration—creatures of the sea!
Christians should uphold the highest standards of excellence in their science, questioning all quirky claims and avoiding hasty conclusions.
Try a complex fold based on the beech leaf that is used for maps.
There have been many attempts to explain the Christmas Star scientifically, and three will be mentioned here.
My scientific belief in creation is largely based on two thermodynamic laws of nature.
It would seem that this everyday gravity force should be one of the best understood concepts in science. However, just the opposite is true.
Scripture gives a refreshing contrast to secular thinking by declaring that earth and mankind are not an insignificant result of accidental evolution.
No results found in .
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


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In Poole, the Council is the only organisation which is run by people elected by you. 42 Councillors make up the Council which is the top decision-making body responsible for debating the most important decisions, including the yearly budget, Council Tax and appointing the Leader of Cabinet.
In 2001 Poole people made a major decision about how the Council would be run. You chose a Leader and Cabinet - designed to make the Council more accountable and speed up decision-making. Now each year the Council chooses a Leader and Cabinet who are at the heart of the decision-making process.
Each year all 42 Councillors elect a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Sheriff. They also appoint the Chief Executive, Strategic Directors and Heads of Service Units to ensure that Council services are delivered according to overall aims, objectives and budgets set by Council.
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featuring Dave Bennett & Tad Weed
Please take note, because this is good news of the highest order. Percussionist Pete Siers, clarinetist Dave Bennett and pianist Tad Weed have put together a tribute to drummer and bandleader Gene Krupa, and it's guaranteed to alter your central nervous system in all the right ways. Usually remembered as the dynamo behind Benny Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing", Krupa also attracted attention when he magnified the impact of his own orchestra by featuring Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. Although he began recording as a leader in 1935, Krupa's discography really reaches back to 1927 when he strained the parameters of studio recording technology as a member of the Eddie Condon Mob. Krupa's inspirations and influences constitute fundamental links with the very bedrock of traditional jazz drumming. They included Warren "Baby" Dodds, Zutty Singleton and Chick Webb.
For this project Pete zeroed in on the trio recordings that Krupa made for Columbia and V-Disc in 1945, and for Clef, the precursor to Verve, in 1952. Pete's choices are characteristically insightful and astute. Maybe you'll notice a pair of intriguing titles amongst the more familiar struts, stomps, swing tunes and ballads. "Number Ten Richie Drive" was the street address of Krupa's pad up in Yonkers, while "Fine's Idea", originally arranged by saxophonist Charlie Ventura, is largely based on the chord progressions of Edgar Sampson's "Blue Lou". It occupies a special niche in the collective classic jazz discography alongside "The Count's Idea" and "The Duke's Idea" by Charlie Barnet; the bop standard "Ray's Idea" and something called "Pig's Idea" which was recorded in 1940 by a Chicago-based pre-bop string band billed as the Cats and the Fiddle. Collectively credited to Krupa, Ventura and pianist Teddy Napoleon, "Fine's Idea" is a lively modern-sounding piece of work, very like the mercurial maneuverings of Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five. It's worth noting that during the Korean War, Krupa's threesome took themselves all the way to Tokyo where Ventura startled fans at the Ernie Pyle Theater by whipping out a bass saxophone.
Cut to Southeastern Michigan nearly sixty years later, and if you're like me the Pete Siers Trio's Krupa is likely to knock you on your ass. Tad Weed's creative dexterity is nothing short of breathtaking. A monstrously adept improviser, he is capable of reinventing the wheel while the rig is rolling in fourth gear. Remember how Jaki Byard could invoke the entire history of jazz piano at one sitting, and sometimes within the construct of one tune? Tad is comparably brilliant. Dave Bennett sometimes conveys the impression that he can play the clarinet inside out. Taken in combination with Mr. Weed's disarming ingenuity, Bennett's virtuosity is downright jaw-dropping. He combines the fluency of Buster Bailey, Rudy Powell and Benny Goodman with the early modern sensibilities of Artie Shaw, Marshall Royal and Buddy De Franco. Pete's extraordinary command of the drum kit is the direct result of a lifelong devotion to Krupa and a sanguine pantheon of drummers from all over the traditional spectrum. Watching him at work is always a gas. Last time I heard him with the Easy Street Jazz Band, Pete appeared to be nonchalantly conjuring the spirits of Big Sid Catlett as well as Condon cohorts George Wettling and Davy Tough. How're you going to beat that?
I'm ready to throw done at this point and declare without exaggeration that Pete Siers' Krupa is one of the great jazz albums of the past quarter century. The overall effect is that of a vitamin shot and several deep breaths of fresh night air garnished with black coffee and tiramisu. The ballads are superb, and the upbeat numbers—most of the set—are precisely what the doctor forgot to order. For selection, interpretation, inspiration and sheer musicianship, what the Pete Siers Trio has given us here is an exceptionally wonderful offering. I'm fully convinced that Mr. Krupa would be pleased, proud and thankful.
arwulf arwulf - august 2013
Alex Belhaj's Crescent City Quartet
Sugar Blues
The word tradition is derived from the Latin tradere, signifying cultural elements that are handed along for the good of all. It's the same etymological root as the word trade. Traditions can and do work both ways. The musicians of today give back to musical ancestors who continue to send us gifts and messages. Magic from the dawn of the 20th century re-manifests in the 21st.
Periodically, Alexander Belhaj's strongly steeped devotion to living tradition transports him and his guitar to
where he sits
in and absorbs the continuum firsthand. Alex, like Marty Grosz, is a
predominately chordal guitarist and a devoted follower of the great Al Casey.
Listen deeper and you'll find yourself surrounded by the spirits of Bernard
Addison, Teddy Bunn, Dick McDonough, Eddie Lang and Bill Basie's rhythm man
Freddie Green. Alex is a gentle soul whose friendliness, diligence and
sincerity are all too uncommon in a hard-boiled world. New Orleans
For this recording project Alex assembled an intimate group of skilled improvisers who share his passion for music from the 1920's and '30s. Clarinetist Ray Heitger has served for many years as
grand interpreter of traditional jazz. His inspired solos and visceral vocals
bring caloric urgency to any gathering. Regular engagements with Paul Klinger's
Easy Street Jazz Band, in fact, have sent tremors throughout the far west side
of Toledo, Ohio .
Heitger's playing invites visitations from clarinet legends Jimmie Noone, Rudy
Powell, Omer Simeon and {when Ray really gets to feeling right} even Rahsaan
Roland Kirk. Ann Arbor
Cornetist Dave Kosmyna has devoted much of his life to the early strata of the jazz tradition. His Great Lakes peregrinations include distinguished service in
Toronto, Toledo
and .
While basking in the glow of his horn you might feel Herman Autrey, Lee
Collins, Joe Oliver and Rex Stewart hanging out at the table near the back. Alex
Belhaj's Crescent City Quartet is anchored and illuminated by Hamtramck-based
string bassist Jordan Schug. Also a master cellist, Schug has worked with Paul
Keller's Orchestra and the Hot Club of Ann Arbor .
The interaction between mister Belhaj and mister Schug is particularly
gratifying. Detroit
Alex has selected his weave of stomps, blues and spirituals most carefully. In choosing to perform melodies by Louis Cottrel, Clarence Williams, Artie Matthews and the Mississippi Sheiks, he has demonstrated a keen awareness of our cultural legacy. The heart of this album may be found in the cluster of tunes that includes "Four or Five Times", "His Eye is On the Sparrow" and "Viper Mad", a defiantly hedonistic number premiered by Noble Sissle and Sidney Bechet in 1938. The CCQ's realization of this ode to Mezz Mezzrow's favorite herbal analgesic features a spirited group vocal similar to what Ann Arborites have come to expect from Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings. Impressionable souls may feel the need to stand up and strut around with one index finger in the air.
arwulf arwulf


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As in humans, sleep solidifies a bird's memories
January 25, 2010
As in humans, sleep solidifies a bird's memories
January 25, 2010
Sleeping is known to help humans stabilize information and tasks learned during the preceding day. Now, researchers have found that sleep has similar effects upon learning in starlings, a discovery that will open up future research into how the brain learns and preserves information.
The research, published Wednesday by The Journal of Neuroscience, fills an important gap between human behavioral findings and animal experiments of how the brain changes after learning and sleep.
"We really wanted to behaviorally show that these types of sleep-dependent memory benefits are occurring in animals," said Timothy Brawn, graduate student at the University of Chicago and lead author on the study. "What was remarkable was that the pattern here looks very similar to what we see in humans. There wasn't anything that was terribly different."
In order to survive, animals must be able to learn from experience, and understanding the biology of this process remains an open scientific question. Previous research has demonstrated that sleep plays an important role in vocal learning in birds, and is also important for stabilizing memories in humans.
In 2008, Brawn and co-authors Kimberly Fenn, Howard Nusbaum and Daniel Margoliash found that a night's sleep stabilized the skills of people learning to play a first-person shooter video game. That study built upon prior research from Fenn, Nusbaum and Margoliash in 2003 that found sleep helped college students retain perceptual learning of computer-generated speech.
But sleep-dependent consolidation had not been conclusively proven behaviorally in adult animals. So Brawn set out to replicate the findings of his human study in the starling, a bird known for its vocal production and listening skills.
Starlings were trained to discriminate between two five-second snippets of birdsong in a learning task called a go-nogo procedure. If they heard one song, the "go" stimulus, they would receive a food pellet after correctly poking their beak into a hole in their cage. If the other song, the "no-go" stimulus, was played, it signaled that the bird should not poke its beak in the hole, or else the lights in the cage were briefly shut off.
Groups of starlings were trained in the task at different times of day, then re-tested later to see how well they retained their learning. In all groups, performance on the task improved after the birds slept, relative to their performance before sleep. That result replicated the sleep-dependent enhancement pattern observed in human studies.
Another human learning pattern, called waking performance deterioration, was not conclusively replicated in the starlings. When humans are taught a task in the morning, their performance on some tasks worsen over the course of the day, only to rebound after a period of sleep.
Starlings also showed a slight decrease in their performance of the go-nogo task over the course of a day without sleep, but those changes were not statistically significant. Brawn theorized that the deterioration may be more pronounced in humans because, unlike caged starlings, the human task must compete with the rest of the day's experiences.
"In human studies, we can't control what they're doing throughout the day," Brawn said. "In starling experiments, they don't have any other interactions -- I think there's a much reduced interference effect here." Future experiments with starlings and humans can directly study the effects of interference on learning and how sleep may overcome those effects.
Regardless, the discovery of similar sleep-dependent consolidation of learning in starlings and humans opens up new possibilities for research into the mechanisms of learning and memory.
"The result suggests this is a very broad, general phenomenon that might be shared across a great many vertebrates," said Margoliash, professor of organismal biology, psychology and neuroscience. "It was quite important to show that and it now opens the possibility for mechanistic and behavioral experiments in animals that are difficult to do in humans."
Such exploration will continue a long collaboration between Margoliash and Nusbaum's groups that offers the unique ability to simultaneously study the interaction between learning, memory and sleep in multiple species, with results from bird experiments informing human studies and vice versa.
"There are very few paradigms of research that have unfolded at the same time in parallel between using humans and animal subjects," said Nusbaum, professor and chair of psychology. "These scientific advances suggest that we may be able to use birds to study the role of sleep in vocal learning and language development in humans."
What's clear now from an abundance of data is that sleep is an important stabilizer of learning across species, suggesting a long evolutionary history of this particular function. Brawn said he was convinced enough of the phenomenon to apply it to his own study habits.
"If I have an afternoon test, I want to make sure I've done a lot of studying the day before rather than just doing it the morning of the test," Brawn said.
The article, "Sleep-Dependent Consolidation of Auditory Discrimination in Adult Starlings," will be appear in the January 13 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. The research was funded in part by grants from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the National Institute of Mental Health.


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The Clarence 6-8 Wellington Quay Dublin 2
+353 1 407 0800
+353 1 407 0800
+353 1 685 3498
The Clarence first opened its doors in 1852. The hotel was refurbished in the 1930's and its location on the Quays, the thoroughfare for entering and leaving the city, made it the perfect location for an eclectic clientele, from visiting clergymen to bawdy musicians. This tired and shabby stopover was bought by Bono and The Edge in 1992 and transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel, the kind of place that they would choose to stay themselves, if visitors to Dublin city. Their new Clarence Hotel opened in June 1996.
With 50 bedrooms and suites to choose from, as well as our spectacular Penthouse Suites, The Clarence offers luxurious and stylish accommodation in the heart of a vibrant and dynamic capital city. Within the hotel complex there are a host of experiences from Cleaver East, the tasting plate restaurant by Michelin star chef Oliver Dunne to the vintage chic of our subterranean cocktail and dining bar The Liquor Rooms, the only Republic of Ireland bar to ever be nominated in the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. With 24 hour room service, lots of in-room treats and a warm welcome, The Clarence is a great starting point for your Dublin adventure.


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