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How far will left go to silence America?
Exclusive: Jim Fletcher reviews Ben Shapiro's 'Bullies'
President Barack Obama is a master of the irrelevant. Breitbart.com editor-at-large Ben Shapiro knows this, and no doubt is on an enemies list somewhere.
Witness the opening salvo from his blockbuster new book, "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans": "On March 10, 2011, President Barack Obama led a White House conference on a crisis plaguing America: the crisis of bullying.
"In the middle of the greatest economic collapse since the Great Depression," Shapiro continues, "with American soldiers involved in two wars overseas, with Iran on the brink of nuclear weapons development, the White House was focused, laserlike, on kids getting thrown into lockers."
Whoa. Gotta love Shapiro's attitude and hilarity in pointing out what a weak leader Obama really is. The radio co-host, attorney and writer knows his subject well, which makes this book fascinating. In fact, you might not believe just how low Obama-ites are willing to go. For instance: When the tea party emerged and surged, thus threatening Obama's approval ratings, he pushed his media attack dogs out in front. "Never negotiate with terrorists," wrote Joe Nocera in the New York Times.
Terrorists! Patriotic Americans were protesting a thoroughly corrupt president, and they are vilified.
As Shapiro so astutely notes, "This was shades of Father Coughlin," the loud Catholic bigot of the 1930s.
Further, Shapiro writes: "Scapegoating and bullying the tea party has remained a mainstay of the Obama administration all the way to the present."
Indeed, there are so many examples of vicious lies coming from the Obama left in this book, the reader will be truly shocked. We hear things bit by bit, but taken collectively, as they are in "Bullies," we see a frightful picture of mendacity coming from the White House, the likes of which the citizenry has never seen. One begins to wonder if this is all TV farce, made up by a Hollywood writer.
However, the tone of "Bullies," is deadly serious, and Shapiro performs a valuable service by pointing out the outrageous ways in which an Obama-led political and media culture bullies real Americans.
Shapiro's wit and devastating counter-punches will inspire the reader, as evidenced by his description of Sarah Palin-hating "comedian" Louis C.K. and various other Republican-haters: "This delightful individual got invited to the White House, too, where he spent five hours hanging out with Obama speechwriter Jonathan Favreau. Betty White took a break from being old long enough to call Palin a 'crazy bitch' on the 'Craig Ferguson Show.' Thankfully, because of the show's ratings, just two people saw it – White and Ferguson."
Funny stuff, but the reader is never far from the thought that the left in America is anything but funny. Instead, their goal is truly to intimidate and frighten and demoralize. And their ringleader in the Oval Office delights in every outrage against conservatives.
Shapiro understands exactly how the left operates with its lies and attacks, and his section on racism is brilliant.
Notice his intuitive understanding of how the left uses the issue: "They manipulate emotion by claiming victimhood, then bludgeon political opponents into submission. Thus a Hispanic man who had his head bashed against pavement by a black man ends up a symbol of white racism – and that racism justifies the entire plethora of leftist causes."
Another gem from "Bullies" is the example of Steve Zwick, a "climate-change guru," who says climate-change deniers should be hunted down!
"Let's start keeping track of them now, and when the famines come, let's make them pay," Zwick declared. "Let's let their houses burn. Let's swap their safe land for submerged islands. Let's force them to bear the cost of rising food prices."
Such examples from "Bullies" should compel the rest of us, those who are still sane, to at least recognize the depth of the problem. If the average person in America understood the level of harmful propaganda employed by the left, perhaps we really would "throw the bums out."
Instead, for the time being, we force brave Americans like Ben Shapiro to be our eyes and ears.
It's time more of us got into the game and opposed these destroyers of America. This new book "Bullies" is our rallying cry.
Get your copy "Bullies" and support WND at the same time by clicking here!
Discover how real and relevant Bible prophecy is to you with Jim Fletcher's "It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine): How to stop worrying and learn to love these end times"


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My recent guilty pleasure has been Bravo's new show called "The Real Housewives of Orange County," although a more appropriate title would probably be "The Really Desperate, Brainless, Insipid Housewives of Orange County who Mainly Look Like 40 year-old Trannies." After a few DVRed, mind-numbing episodes, I feel as if I now killed enough brain cells to give a little rundown of the show. See, the OC is an ok show and Desperate Housewives is entertaining at times, but whoever thought that adding those two shows together and multiplying it by reality TV ending in a television equation that ends in an adult version of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County should be tarred and feathered in the middle of Coto de Caza and then shot to death.
In case you commoners don't know this already: Coto de Caza is supposed to be one of America's wealthiest planned, gated community where houses cost an average of $1.6 million (which in today's market isn't that impressive) and come complete with an equestrian center, tennis courts, etc. I believe the initial concept of this show was to give average Americans a glimpse of "what happens behind the gates" with the "luxurious lifestyles" of five "beautiful" rich women so everyone can be jealous of their lifestyles. After a few episodes I'm now glad these wack jobs live BEHIND gates in their own little zoo. See, they think the gates are keeping us away from them but really we should all be happy that those gates are keeping them away from us. Joke's on you, bitches. So here's a rundown of the cast provided by Bravo and then of course my viewer opinions follow - which is basically unsugarcoating Bravo...
Kimberly Bryant, 45. Bryant may be the only traditional "real housewife" in the show. She has an executive husband, Scott, who earns enough at his Fortune 200 company so she doesn't have to work. Her two kids are Bianca, 13, and Travis, 7. Some might say she's the classic "trophy wife," with blond hair, a nice figure and breast enlargements. She is also quite articulate, feeds her family organic foods and doesn't even have a TV connected in the house. She is a fitness enthusiast, devoting several hours a week to mountain biking, hiking and Pilates. She also has a wild side and likes to let loose with her girlfriends on mini-trips. "It's harmless, it's delightful, it's entertainment," she says about the show. "We're not curing cancer here."
First of all, thank God these women aren't curing cancer because we would have a serious heath crisis on our hands. These bitches couldn't cure a ham. There are three blondes on this show. I can barely tell two of them (Kimberly and Lauri) apart because they both look like the same fake, plastic human Barbie. The third one, Vicki, wants to look like a fake, plastic human Barbie but she too much of a pig nose to be able to pull it off. Kim is supposed to be some "trophy wife" but I thought the key to being a trophy wife was to be young and pretty so I'm still trying to figure that thing out. At least she pretends to be one inside her head. She is the only REAL housewive on the show so I give her major credit for that. I believe Kimberly is the one who always hypocritically talks about how she takes such good care of her health – she had five melanomas but she's still tan and plays tennis in the sun and her fake boobs look like two big rocks hanging off her chest with the potential to cause her to lose her balance and fall forward to the ground at any second. It's happening in the photo above.
Jeana Keough, 51. She's a former model, actress and Playboy Playmate. She appeared in several ZZ Top videos during the band's heyday in the 1980s. She married former major league pitcher Matt Keough, and has lived in Coto de Caza for 19 years. The Keoughs have three kids: Shane, 19, Kara, 17, and Colton, 13. Keough is the prototypical mom in the show, guiding Shane toward a possible career in baseball and Kara through cars and grades. Kara is also an actress – she appeared in the movie "Outbreak" in 1995. Keough dabbles in real estate, selling multimillion-dollar homes to Orange County families. She says living in Coto and dealing in real estate "has taken my shopping to a whole new level." But Keough is realistic about what "The Real Housewives" will and won't do. "Some of us have something to lose if we aren't perceived well."
Jeana is the only wife that doesn't look like she's had fat sucked out of her ass and injected into her face. She is a tad overweight, brunette and extremely confident. My deskchair psychological analysis of her is that she was attractive when she was young and probably got all of the justification she needed as a model to not turn into some crazed, deformed plastic tranny like the rest of them. At times she seems like a mom who relates well with her children, even if her kids somehow missed some important evolutionary steps and a few chromosomes along the way. At other times she seems like a total mom-ster: at one point she said her son would be considered a failure if he did not make it to the major leagues. She's my favorite.
Vicki Gunvalson, 43. She's successful, self-made and no nonsense. Gunvalson is one of the country's top-selling insurance brokers. That allows her to afford a luxurious home in Coto (worth between $3 million and $3.5 million) with a waterfall over the pool. But she rarely gets to enjoy it because of work. Gunvalson is a devout Christian, married for the second time. "I work hard and play hard," she says. "That's my motto. I love to have fun." Gunvalson runs her insurance business out of her home and employs Lauri Waring, another "real housewife." She has two kids, Briana, 18, and Michael, 20, and tries hard to keep them motivated.
Vicki, the pig snout one, is a hideously insecure, demanding bitch who acts like an idiot and prides herself on thinking she's a MILF. She's actually said it aloud...I believe in front of her kids and their friends...more than once. That's like breaking rule #2 in the universal code of MILF conduct. One of the other blonde moms (either Kimberly or Lauri) also talks about being a MILF. What their sad, insecure asses don't understand is that the term "MILF" should really only be used by 16 year old boys. It's pretty depressing when 40+ year old women justify themselves on whether or not underage boys, including their children's friends, think they're hot.
Lauri Waring, 45. She may lead the least glamorous life in Coto de Caza, but Waring used to live the high life. When she was married, she lived in a nice Coto home. But a recent divorce forced her to downsize her lifestyle and move with her kids to smaller digs. A former model, Waring works for Vicki Gunvalson in her insurance business. She tries to balance work with raising her kids and some semblance of a social life. Her kids are Ashley, 20, Josh, 16, and Sophie, 7. Waring goes to great lengths to maintain her looks, including Botox and plastic surgery. "In Orange County, people just don't get old," she says in one of the episodes. "If you want to look 32 forever, that's the price you pay."
Lauri is one of the confusing blondes. She is supposedly a former "model" but she looks more like a former Skinimax star than an acutal model of any sort. She says that if you want to look 32 forever, you have to do something about it. She doesn't plan on ever looking any older than 32. Unfortunately her money has gone to waste because there is NO way anyone would ever mistake her for a 32 year old. Instead of Botox and plastic surgery she should've spent her money on things that most parents would; like a lawyer for her juvenile delinquent son. This "glamorous" mom let a public defender try to get him out of juvenile hall. With priorities like hers, it's no wonder her son is a delinquent and her 20 year-old daughter needs about 6 slaps across the face.
Jo De La Rosa, 24. De La Rosa may be the exception in this group. She's young and not married – she's engaged to successful businessman Slade Smiley. She's also Latina, born in Peru. A graduate of UC Irvine, De La Rosa resists her fiancé's desires for her to stay at home, watch the kids (from Smiley's previous relationships) and clean the house.
Ok, I saved the best for last here. I really can't find any redeeming qualities in Jo so I'm going to go ahead and assume she gives good blowjobs. She apparently works as a "mortgage consultant," which probably means she answers the phone when people call in after they see a DiTech commercial. She looks much older than the 24 years she claims to be. I can assume she's lived in the US most of her life because she doesn't have an accent and she's pretty much an Americanized bimbo who translates the price of everything into the number of Louis Vuitton purses she can buy with the amount of money in question. During one show her fiancée made her dress up in a French maid costume and dust with pledge while he stood around licking his lips going 'oh yeah' like a disgusting pig. When he told her to dust with "Pledge" she said "what's Pledge?" I'm sorry but Hispanics know all about Pledge. Oh come on, she wasn't always wealthy - her parents won the lottery when she was young. But seriously, I have a cleaning lady and I still know all about Pledge. This vapid chica is living proof that just because one has a college education one can still be a brainless bimbo. She is always drinking on the show, assumingly because her fiancée is such a disgusting, nasty man. I give them a few more months before she revolts and goes back to her plastic cup beer drinking frat boy fucking ways. Her fiancée, Slade Smiley, is the most repulsive person I've ever seen in my life next to my ex-boyfriend who I think is Slade Smiley's long lost twin. He's total nouveau rich white trash. He's more like Shade Slimy than Slade Smiley. He treats his fiancée like a submissive, retarded, immigrant sex toy nanny. He drives a Hummer, has a small penis and knows it.
If this is what it 's like to be housewife in Orange County, I'm glad I live in Virginia.

subset: commoncrawl


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So is biscotti actually bread?
I just made some biscotti from a recipe I concocted by reviewing many different recipes. I was looking for a way to use my sourdough starter discard. I ended up with a very wet dough that I needed to shape with a wet bench scraper into the logs. The final product is actually almost good.The next rendition will be better. Plus my shaping was atrocious-much too large.I didn't expect them to rise as much as they did.
But I'm still curious what category everyone thinks biscotti belongs in.Perhaps a sweet/quick bread is the closest category by the ingredients and how they are blended.It is flour,water,sugar,leavener (baking soda or powder),usually eggs,sometimes oil/fat,flavorings in the form of extracts,fruit, or chocolate.


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Arthur is officially a hurricane, the first named storm of the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season, with some coastal residents forced to evacuate and the first rain bands reaching South Carolina.
Interested in ?Add as an interest to stay up to date on the latest news, video, and analysis from ABC News.
The storm system, experiencing sustained winds of 75 mph, was centered about 340 miles southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, at 5 a.m., and is moving north at about 9 mph, according to the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center.
A hurricane warning now stretches through most of North Carolina into the Virginia Beach area, with a tropical storm warning in effect for South Carolina, southern North Carolina and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Mandatory evacuations will be underway this morning for Hatteras Island, North Carolina, with a state of emergency for the state's coastal areas.
Arthur is expected to bring pounding rains and heavy winds, with 3- to 5-foot storm surges expected and up to 4 inches of rain in affected areas. Heavy rain should also fall along the I-95 corridor as the storm's tropical moisture interacts with a cold front.
The storm brought a rip current risk to East Coast beaches, with red flags flying along 500 miles of coastline.
Tourists followed the weather forecasts, packed their belongings and filled their gas tanks, preparing to leave Hatteras Island.
The storm rained out July 4th fireworks displays scheduled along the Outer Banks. Boston, which is expected to be drenched by Arthur Friday, moved its Independence Day festivities to today instead.


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The quarter-final clash between the championship side and Ponty was postponed last weekend because of the adverse weather conditions. They will attempt to get a result this weekend, weather permitting.
Swalec Cup: semi-finals
Carmarthen Quins v Ebbw Vale or Pontypridd
Neath v Aberavon
SWALEC Plate: Semi-finals
Rhydyfelin v Ystrad Rhondda
Cwmllynfell v Heol y Cyw
SWALEC Bowl: Semi-finals
Wattstown v Blaenavon or Penlan
Cilfynydd or Cambrian Welfare v Fishguard & Goodwick
All of the above games to be played weekend of 13 April 2013.


text: Hey people. Thought I'd join up to some forums to check what goes on here. My name is Damar Martin. You might know me as Destroyer form Sky1's Gladiators or from The Active Channel Sky 281. I'm over 25years deep in the bodybuilding world so hit me up if you have any questions on training, diet etc.


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Simplicity is often superior to the gutsy or cutting-edge when it comes to fine dining.
Towering over the snack shacks and tacky surf shops on Clearwater beach is the juxtaposed Sandpearl Resort. As you walk through the huge white palm doors, you are taken hostage by the ocean spilling in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and the endless travertine floors. It feels unnecessary to step outside. Why not remain in the realm of ritzy sophistication, where you can walk an endless strip of sandy white beach, high above the rest?
The hotel is beautiful and never relinquishes itself to pretentiousness, except maybe in its fine dining restaurant, Caretta. The travertine floor leads to an entrance that is reminiscent of a bar in the Waldorf Astoria, with dark mahogany and a magnificent mosaic laid to reflect the restaurants name.
Once inside, a VIP room houses a zen-candle chandelier, and a grand u-shaped bar accented with a sleek sushi case makes it easy to pick your poison while watching the chef prep your favorite fish.
Outside, you can comfortably lounge on the restaurant's veranda and watch the sun slip away as you sip your equally colorful cocktail.
The menu spins with Southwest, Caribbean and even Japanese influences and gains momentum with innovation. Even considering the risky dishes the menu proposes, the restaurant seemed promising the night arrived there with my friends for dinner.
The Fried Lobster Mac and Cheese reflected soul food genius, but I was sold on the quirky ceviche and sushi menu, which offered an unheard combination of ahi tuna, yabayaki (a sweet BBQ/eel sauce) marshmallow, and wasabi cotton candy. It was one of those dishes that could be amazing or inedible. I was willing to take my chances. My fellow foodies ordered the Crisp Skin Snapper and the Vegetarian Lasagna.
Although the lasagna was a default for my vegetarian friend, it sounded delicious and interesting enough for a carnivore, posing an unconventional mix of saffron, Japanese mushrooms and pesto. Unfortunately, the dish was dry and tasteless, relative to what it promised. The snapper was somewhat flavorful, not so much crisp and definitely did not take the plate. Ironically, its subordinate, the accompanied vegetable gratin, was moist, perfectly caramelized and completely devoured.
My sashimi was a disaster, but not because of the reasons I anticipated. The amount of tuna on the plate was an ode to the overpriced and played-out, "less-is-more," bourgeois culinary movement. There were maybe two full bites that lingered on the tongue with a waxy feeling, but did not taste fishy. The Yabayaki marshmallow possessed the texture and sweetness expected from the sugary delight, but so much that it drowned any flavor of eel sauce that may have been present. The cotton candy, which I expected to be whimsical, green and fluffed all around my plate, sat in a small, sad white ball and remotely tasted like wasabi. Actually, I think they forgot to put the wasabi in my cotton candy. The whole could have been greater than the sum of the parts if the components were executed as promised.
I looked for redemption in the martinis, but to no avail. We had to send both fruity drinks back, but we were pleasantly surprised when the waitress returned with the most delicious gin and tonics on the beach. Still, while alcohol can help make food taste better, one would have to consume more than a couple to save a meal like this.
In the long-awaited end, the restaurant's ambitious efforts ended up spinning out of control and falling flat, and hard. Although unique in its sophistication, Caretta's ambience and innovative menu are not dazzling enough to blind the diner of a bad meal for long. As a premier fine dining restaurant on the beach, it falters when it comes down to the age old problem of execution. Caretta has so much potential – in fact, it's almost there – but it cannot stand on great ideas and luxury alone. Unless it begins focusing on fundamentals, it will be blown away in the wind. Until then, I would stick to the less pretentious establishments. It might not be pretty, but you know you can never go wrong with fried conch fritters and a frosty Corona, beach-side.
For more information on Caretta and the Sandpearl resort, Click Here, or call 727-441-2425.
Photographs courtesy of Sandpearl Resort and BayNews9.


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In these fun birth announcements the news of your baby's arrival is delivered via clothesline. We have separate version for boys, girls and twins. Personalize your text and choose your favorite photo and your eco friendly announcements are sure to be a hit. We'll even plant a tree in your baby's honor with every order.
See how Paper Culture compares to Tiny Prints, Minted, Shutterfly, & Snapfish
- Card Type
- Flat Card
- Card Size
- Cards 6.0" x 4.3" - Flat
- Paper
- 130lb, 100% post consumer recycled paper
- Envelopes
- White envelopes made from 100% post consumer recycled paper.
- Delivery Options
Mailed For You
$0.30 plus the cost of the stamp
Shipped To You
$8.99 flat-rate (via Ground)
- Price Per Card
- 1-10
- $2.59
- 11-20
- $2.29
- 21-50
- $1.99
- 51-90
- $1.79
- 91-199
- $1.59
- 200-299
- $1.49
- 300+
- $1.39
When I was young, I was the kid who scribbled outside the lines, drew pink elephants, and dreamt "impossible" dreams. Now that I'm older, I'm obliged to say that I've pretty much remained the same (albeit in a more grownup, artsy way). I'm still inspired by bold colors and strangely cute creatures – letting my imagination fly in the playground of my mind. It is with these influences that I choose to design – to find my artistic element in the intangible, the original, the abstract, the unreal.


text: Carlos A. Manjarrez has a BA in Sociology and Latino Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an MA in Sociology from Northwestern University, Evanston. Born in Detroit, he traveled back and forth from Michigan to Mexico City as a boy. By day, he directs the research office and the federal statistical program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. His dissertation looks at the role public and private support plays in the growth and clustering of non-profit arts and culture organizations in major metropolitan areas across the United States.


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The color is going from green to brown.
That's the new color the garbage and single-stream recycling receptacles residents of Osceola are going to be receiving by the end of the month.
Waste Management will do their final collection pickup and haul its receptacles away the week of Sept. 23. During this time period, Jim's Sanitation will be delivering and distributing new receptacles for its waste-collection contract with the city.
"The change is coming, and we just want everybody to be ready for that, and be prepared, especially when the receptacle change-out occurs," said Osceola City Administrator/Clerk Ty Wheeler.
Bins — plural
Jim's Sanitation has brown bins. The brown bin with a brown top will be for garbage, and the brown bill with a yellow top will be for recyclables.
Wheeler said Waste Management will most likely follow its regular waste-pickup route during its last contract week, and then, quickly follow that up with the pickup of the receptacles.
"There might be a possibility where folks have a new set of receptacles from Jim's and the old stuff from Waste Management, but it will be just for the week," Wheeler said.
If problems should arise with the changes, Wheeler said for people to contact city hall.
The contract for Jim's Sanitation begins the first week of October.
Staying the same
The waste pickup days will remain the same for everybody, even with the change of different providers.
Everything regarding bulk item pickups, garbage tags for additional garbage and appliance-sticker program will remain the same.
"It's just really going to be with a different color bin," Wheeler said.
Recycling pickup will occur every other week. All the single-stream recycling information will be shown on top of the brown bin with the yellow lid.
"It's everything that we've been able to recycle before, plus cardboard and glass bottles, and then, of course, the aluminums and paper and plastics."
The first week of recycling pickup will be the week of Oct. 7-11.
Wheeler said it would make more sense to give people time to fill up their recyclables bin.
One size
There will only be one size of garbage and recycling bins — 95 gallons. This is comparable to Waste Management's large-size bin.
For the garbage and recycling bins, there will be only one rate — $16.78 per month. This also includes a semi-annual, clean-up day add on.
"Administratively, it's far easier to track and maintain one size of bin versus three. We had had several issues with the three sizes where folks were being charged either for a large and they didn't have one or vice versa," Wheeler said.
Utilize recycling
He added, there is the hope, someday, single-stream recycling will be such a success that the different size of garbage bins will become more easily available for usage.
"This is so much easier now than it has been to recycle," Wheeler said. "You just throw it in. There's no sorting. It's just almost like throwing something in the garbage — just with the recyclable material."
Wheeler said he wanted to emphasize the city's desire to "up" the recycling utilization.
"With the curbside bins that we have now, we weren't recycling close to half of what Corning was recycling, or what we'd been told Corning recycles using the single-stream bins. And, they're not even half our size," he said.


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The lights are on
We've listened to Tim rave about the soundtrack for ToeJam & Earl for years, and figured it was about time to bring out the Genesis to play it for ourselves. When some antagonistic Earthlings stow away as the two aliens head back to Funkotron, it's up to the funky duo to track them down and send them back home.
Watch below to see Andrew Reiner, Tim Turi, me, and special guest Riff Raff check out the Genesis title, followed by the Replay crew receiving their first game pitch from Jody Highroller himself.
Check out more episodes at our Replay hub.


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Dec 23, 2010
GREENVILLE, S.C. - King College has five NCCAA Division I Women's Basketball National stat rankings, the organization released.
The Lady Tornado team ranked eighth nationally with a 72.8 free throw percentage. King added the 19th best assists per game mark with 13.3.
Individually Ashley Deans (Greeneville, Tenn.) was eighth in the free throw category with an 87.7 mark. She also averaged 15.4 points per game to come in 23rd nationally. Derika Mooney (Athens, Tenn.) used 4.1 assists per game to rank 10th.
King, with a 2-12 record, starts 2011 with a 6 p.m. contest on Jan. 3 with Brevard (N.C.) College in Bristol.


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International Dance Festivals
22 March 2013
From youth dance in the UK to Street Dance in France – how dance is feted all over the world
The Euro Dance Festival – Germany
From 14th to 17th February, the Euro Dance Festival took place at the Europa-Park near Freiburg in Germany. Over four days, the world's best dancers ran numerous workshops and courses in a range of styles including Latin, Discofox, Salsa, West Coast Swing, Tango Argentino, Lindy Hop, Hip Hop and Breakdance.
Matthias Blattmann, Festival Director says: "One of the main goals of the festival is to allow dancers from all skill levels, styles and ages to mix and share their passion for dancing as well as their knowledge. After all, dance is a universal language and we believe it should be shared as freely as possible."
"Dance is a universal language and we believe it should be shared as freely as possible"
Juste Debout – France
In France, the biggest celebration of Street Dance takes place at Palais Omnisports de Paris on 10th March. Juste Debout is an international collaboration of Street dancers, gathering more than 3,000 dancers selected after a three-month international tour, who then compete in seven different styles of Street Dance: Breakdance, Locking, Popping, Hip Hop New Style, House, Experimental and Top Rock. The event itself was founded by Bruce Ykanji, with the first competition taking place in 2002, at which 330 participants took part. Today it is the largest Street Dance event in the world.
Every year Juste Debout opens with a spectacular show of various Street Dance styles and this year the opening number mixed light and dance. When not watching the competitors battle, spectators are able to dance alongside the biggest names in Street Dance in one of Bercy's largest studios. Juste Debout's jury includes Bruce Blanchard from Belgium (Hip Hop), Hit Master Fish from the USA (Popping), Mamson from France (House) and Locking Woong from Korea (Locking). The UK competitors who made it through to this year's final are: Badness Crew (Locking), Young Soul (Hip Hop), Holistic & Shawn (Popping), Mogwai & Neo (House) and Ed Spoons (Top Rock).
Flamenco Festival London – UK
The Flamenco Festival London celebrates its 10th anniversary at Sadler's Wells in March this year. Proclaimed by The Daily Express as "an eagerly anticipated annual fixture," the festival includes performances of Flamenco in both its traditional and contemporary forms and attracts a wide variety of audiences, from Flamenco enthusiasts to those who are new to the genre.
This year, eight productions feature in the main house, including a special gala featuring Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodríguez, Belén López and Jesús Carmona. Eva Yerbabuena performs the world premiere of !Ay! while Farruquito, who is regarded as one of the most faithful representatives of flamenco puro, presents Abolengo with guest artist, Karime Amaya, the grandniece of renowned Flamenco master, Carmen Amaya. Rocío Molina Company performs the magnificent Danzaora while choreographer, Rocío Molina collaborates with video artist, Yoav Segal and two Hip Hop artists, Sébastien Ramirez and Honji to produce choreography with a blend of dance styles.
Jacob's Pillow – USA
15th June to 25th August sees the return of America's longest running dance festival at Jacob's Pillow, which includes 350 dance performances, talks, classes and exhibits. The 81st year of the festival will include the world premiere of New York City Ballet star, Wendy Whelan's project Restless Creature, as well as the premieres by Contemporary Ballet choreographer, Jessica Lang, Tap artist Michelle Dorrance and a new work by European master choreographer, Nacho Duato, performed by the Martha Graham Dance Company amongst others. The newly revived Dance Theatre of Harlem will perform at the festival along with Compagnie Käfig, whose performance last year was one of the main highlights of the festival.
"If audiences dive into the range and variety of Festival 2013, it will be an exciting and incomparable dance experience," states Jacob's Pillow's Artistic Director and Executive, Ella Baff. "The best part about a festival is the opportunity to explore and see new artists and dance styles as well as enjoy beloved classics and favourites. I hope our visitors will discover new companies such as Sharon Eyal's intense and provocative L-E-V from Israel, and other new productions. Each festival we strive to bring the best of international dance, dedicated to presenting companies and new works that will only be seen at Jacob's Pillow."
A highlight of the festival will be Compagnie Käfig's performance at the Ted Shawn Theatre between 26th and 30th June. The all-male cast features self-taught Hip Hop dancers from Brazil, with choreography by Mourad Merzouki from France. AGWA uses water as a symbol of precious resource and their stage design features hundreds of plastic cups for the dancers to find innovative ways to dance around them. To close the festival, the Martha Graham Dance Company will re-stage Graham's interpretation of The Rite of Spring, in honour of its 100th anniversary.
ImPulsTanz Festival – Vienna
For Contemporary dancers, there is also ImPulsTanz festival, founded in 1984, which has become one of the largest festivals of Contemporary dance in the world. Over the course of five weeks, more than 100,000 visitors and 500 renowned international choreographers, dancers and artists met in Vienna last year to celebrate Contemporary dance at ImpulsTanz 2012. This year is the 30th year of the festival, taking place from 11th July to 11th August.
Programmes previously included the Choreographic Platform Austria, which created a platform to present work from emerging Austrian artists. This year's programme includes the Prix Jardin d'Europe, which is a European dance prize awarded to emerging choreographers, as well as the new Biblioteca do Corpo. The festival brings newcomers as well as internationally reputed choreographers and dancers such as Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Akram Khan, William Kentridge, Mathilde Monnier, Marie Chouinard, Wim Vandekeybus and many more.
U.Dance – UK
The UK's National Youth Dance Festival, U.Dance 2013 takes place from 19th to 21st July in Leeds. U.Dance 2013 is run by Youth Dance England alongside Yorkshire Dance and a range of other partners for young people aged 11 to 19 and disabled young people up to the age of 24. Performers will be selected to show their work at venues such as the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre and the Riley Theatre. Performances vary from group dances to duets and solos with different length pieces and different styles of dance and youth dance choreography.
This year there is a new performance strand for longer and more developed pieces, called 'New Dimensions', which allows dancers to have a more experimental approach to choreography, with fewer limitations in terms of the number of dancers and the length of the piece. The piece may include up to 30 dancers and it may last up to 20 minutes long (applications are now closed). Youth Dance England is also looking for new dance films made by or featuring young people, to be screened at U.Dance 2013. These films must be less than seven minutes long and must have been filmed in the past two years.
With such a wide variety of dance festivals taking place throughout the year in all corners of the world, there really is no excuse to not attend one this year! Whatever dance style you prefer, whatever level you are, there's something for everyone – even if it's just as a spectator. If you would like to take part yourself in an international celebration of dance at the Royal Albert Hall, then don't forget to register for Dance Proms 2013 and submit your entry by 30th April. Please see the Dance Proms advert on the inisde front cover for full details. We hope to see you there!
Frances Leak


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Pine Tree Precision Drill Team will present "Circus of Wonders" Spring Show during three evening performances at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 10, 11 and 12, at the Pine Tree Road Auditorium.
Precision's Spring Show spotlights the dancing talent of the team as a whole, and includes small group numbers and officer solos. Spring Show is a popular event for Pine Tree schools and the community, and is presented on three dates to accommodate the large audiences expected.Tickets for the Thursday night show are $5 general admission, and Friday and Saturday are $10 reserved seating. Tickets may be purchased online at http://classroom.ptisd.org/webs/ptprecision/home.htm or in person from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 7-9 at the Pine Tree Road Auditorium. For questions, call Kathy Lancaster at 903-738-0049.


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April 4, 2013 — The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday voted to approve Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) amendment that would ban most abortion coverage in private health plans sold through the state's federally run health insurance marketplace, NBC Washington's "First Read - DMV" reports (Carey, "First Read - DMV," NBC4 Washington, 4/3).
Last month, McDonnell proposed attaching the amendment to two identical bills that will establish a framework for operating the health insurance marketplace, which is being established under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148). The amendment also would bar insurers from offering the coverage as separate, optional riders to health plans. Insurers would be permitted to cover abortions in cases of rape and incest or when the procedure is needed to save a woman's life (Women's Health Policy Report, 3/28).
The House voted 55-37 and the Senate voted 20-19 to adopt the amendment (AP/Washington Post, 4/3). The General Assembly had reconvened for a one-day session to consider legislation vetoed or amended by the governor.
Senate Democrats attempted to derail the measure procedurally, arguing that it was overly broad and not closely related to the underlying bill. However, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) -- head of the Senate -- ruled that the amendment was germane (Whack/Kunkle, Washington Post, 4/3).
Delegate Charniele Herring -- chair of the state's Democratic Party -- called the bill "the latest example of Virginia Republicans injecting themselves into decisions that should be between a woman and her doctor." She added that lawmakers "have no place banning any Virginian from purchasing coverage for legal health care procedures with their own money" ("First Read - DMV," NBC4 Washington, 4/3).
Planned Parenthood also criticized the measure for inhibiting women's ability to purchase health care plans that provide a "full range of reproductive health care" (Washington Post, 4/3).
Republicans argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize abortion. However, Democrats countered that the amendment would restrict plans Virginia residents would purchase themselves ("First Read - DMV," NBC4 Washington, 4/3).


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TOWSON, Md. — A Baltimore police officer charged in the accidental shooting of a police trainee has been convicted of reckless endangerment.
A Baltimore County jury on Thursday found William S. Kern not guilty of second-degree assault in the shooting of trainee Raymond Gray of the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police.
Gray was shot in the head on Feb. 12 at the former Rosewood Center in Owings Mills by Kern, an instructor, during firearms training. Gray lost an eye in the accident and has filed suit against the city of Baltimore.
Kern faces up to five years in prison on the reckless endangerment count.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 3rd Jan 2011 11:53 UTC, submitted by SReilly
"In the physical world, we have the right to print and sell books. Anyone trying to stop us would need to go to court. That right is weak in the UK (consider superinjunctions), but at least it exists. However, to set up a web site we need the cooperation of a domain name company, an ISP, and often a hosting company, any of which can be pressured to cut us off. In the US, no law explicitly requires this precarity. Rather, it is embodied in contracts that we have allowed those companies to establish as normal. It is as if we all lived in rented rooms and landlords could evict anyone at a moment's notice." Recommended reading. I'm no fan of Stallman, but despite a bit too much dramatisation towards the end, this article aptly illustrates in layman's terms why the 'net needs to be free, open, and unregulated.
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RE[6]: Nope !
by qbast on Mon 3rd Jan 2011 19:30 UTC in reply to "RE[5]: Nope !"
RE[7]: Nope !
by Kasi on Mon 3rd Jan 2011 21:26 in reply to "RE[6]: Nope !"
RE[7]: Nope !
by anda_skoa on Tue 4th Jan 2011 12:11 in reply to "RE[6]: Nope !"
Requiring approval after the fact? Now that's interesting law.
One of the accusations is that he started to have sex with a woman while she was still asleep, i.e. being woken by or after the inital penetration.
Which would already make this non-consentual since a sleeping person cannot give or withdraw consent.
And I think another detail of that accusation was that she insisted on use of a condom on the evening before, making it highly likely that she would do so again on the next morning. Or would have done so if been given the opportunity to actual participate in this decision.
Edit: I wanted to apologize for continuing this offtopic thread branch, since the article is about kettling Wikileaks by cutting it off from its distribution and supply channels
Edited 2011-01-04 12:13 UTC


text: Listen Special Heroes set to rise at 2012 Floorball World ChampionshipsSpecial Olympics Athletes to Inspire Greatness during World Floorball Championship Athletes to Inspire Greatness2,000 Special Olympics athletes compete in Floorball in 17 countries worldwideZurich, Switzerland: The power of floorball to transform lives for people with intellectual disabilities will be witnessed at the 2012 Floorball World Championships on Saturday, December 8th. Special Olympics athletes will have the opportunity to reveal their skills by competing in a demonstration floorball match during the 2nd intermission of the first Semi-final competitions in Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland. The match will start at 16.30pm local time.Special Olympics Floorball teams from Austria and Switzerland will compete against each other in what promises to be an exciting showdown."It was very important for the International Floorball Federation to include a Special Olympics demonstration match during one of the greatest floorball events of year," says Tomas Eriksson, President of the IFF. "If 'greatness' can be defined as overcoming obstacles with determination and heart, then there is sure to be even more displays of Floorball Greatness at this Special Olympics game."The Special Olympics demonstration match taking place at the 2012 Floorball World Championship is happening almost one year to the day when Special Olympics and the International Floorball Federation signed a proclamation to promote more opportunities in Floorball for people with intellectual disabilities."What a fantastic way to celebrate the anniversary of a great partnership with a demonstration match at the biggest Floorball event of the year." says Mary Davis, Regional President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia. "Working together, Special Olympics and the International Floorball Federation are using the power of floorball to create a world in which the largest disability population on earth lead healthy, vibrant lives grounded in sports, health and the determination to demonstrate their personal best to themselves and their communities."The 2012 International Floorball World Championship will start in Bern on December 2nd with Slovakia playing hosts Switzerland in a sold-out opening match. The title of World Champion will be decided on Sunday, December 9th in Hallenstadion, Zurich. Floorball (referred to in some countries as Unihockey, Innebandy or Salibandy) is the latest sport to be added to the list of 30+ sports offered by Special Olympics. 2,000 Special Olympics athletes compete in Floorball in 17 countries worldwide with numbers expanding rapidly. Floorball is expected to be one of the highlight sports of the upcoming 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games taking place in Pyeong Chang, South Korea from January 29th to February 5th.About Special Olympics Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives through the power of sport by empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to 4 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and related programs. Special Olympics takes place daily, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities all over the world. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter: @specialolympics; Facebook; YouTube, and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.comAbout the International Floorball Federation http://www.floorball.org/The International Floorball Federation is the Head organisation of world floorball. Floorball is a fast growing sport played indoors with sticks. In each team there are five field players and a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper has no stick.The International Floorball Federation, IFF, was founded by Sweden, Finland and Switzerland in 1986. At this moment the IFF has 55 Member Associations. IFF is a full member of IOC, an ordinary member of Sport Accord and co-operates with FISU. IFF now stresses three different fields. These are: marketing, development and politics, the latter meaning in the field of sports.For more information contact:Suzanne Coogan/Special Olympics Europe Eurasia firstname.lastname@example.com Bruun/Information ManagerInternational Floorball Federation firstname.lastname@example.com


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Area News Digest
Taken from the news columns of area newspapers.
Lexington student takes top honors
COZAD—A Lexington High School student has taken top honors in the state for the annual Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens program. Recognized as both the local and state Good Citizens Award winner was Olivia O'Meara, daughter of Robert and Kristi O'Meara of Lexington. O'Meara was selected on the basis of an essay, completion of a written exam and resume with this year's essay topic, "Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It: Describe the Freedoms and Responsibilities of a Good Citizen."—reported in the Tri-City Trib.
Quilters to stitch along through Nebraska
OGALLALA—Julie Peterson has been rolling out the welcome mat at Silver Thimble Sewing Center in anticipation of the 300 to 350 quilters she anticipates will visit her shop during the 10-day period from April 19-29. The quilters have been participating in the 14th annual Shop Hop with this year's theme as "Quotable Quilts Cover Nebraska." Thirty-eight quilt shops from across the state are participating in the event. Quilters purchase a bag which includes items to help them visit each shop and win prizes. Approximately 1,700 people are expected to travel to all or some of the participating quilt shops.—reported in the Keith County News.
Eustis-Farnam FFA wins 3 state titles
CURTIS—Eustis Farnam FFA Chapter competed at the Nebraska State FFA convention in March where the the chapter won state championships in agronomy judging, meats judging and junior high agricultural Quiz Bowl, and also competed in junior livestock judging. In addition, five seniors were recognized with state degrees, the highest degree the state FFA can bestow on one of its members. To earn the degree, a student must work in excess of 1,500 hours or earn $3,000, or productively invest $3,000 as part of a supervised agriculture experience program.—reported in the Frontier County Enterprise.
Local kindergartner is third runner-up in pageant
ARNOLD—Madison Smith, six-year-old daughter of Dave and Tami Smith of Arnold, and a kindergartner at Stapleton Public Schools, was third runner-up overall in the National American Miss Pageant held in March at the Coco Keys Ramada Inn Hotel. She received second runner-up in the casual wear modeling competition, and was selected as a state finalist in the princess division, which included ages 4-6. Madison's grandparents are Craig and Pam Smith and Don Olson, all of Arnold, and Mildred Smith of Arnold is her great-grandmother.—reported in the Arnold Sentinel.
Two rollover accidents injure one on area roads
CALLAWAY—Two recent auto accidents on Custer County roads injured one. Oconto Fire and Rescue was called for a one-vehicle rollover accident on April 15 where the driver of a 2005 Ford pickup was eastbound on Highway 40, lost control of the vehicle due to water and hail on the road, and slid into the south ditch tipping onto its side. No injuries were reported to the lone occupant with an estimated $8,000 damage to the pickup. Another rollover accident five miles northeast of Callaway on the Callaway Road on April 12 injured the driver, the lone occupant. The driver was westbound in a 2001 Ford Ranger, went off on the shoulder, over-corrected and rolled once into the north ditch. The driver was ejected and transported to Callaway District Hospital, and later transferred to Kearney with unkown inuries.—reported in the Callaway Courier.
Severe weekend storms sweep area
BROKEN BOW—Central Nebraska dodged the proverbial "bullet" this past weekend, and perhaps no one is more aware of that than the Dale Zoerb family of rural Litchfield. The family had just arrived home from church Sunday morning, at about 11:30, when a severe storm hit their farm. It was raining and hailing at the time, when all of a sudden the winds became so strong and loud that the family decided to head to the basement. It lasted only a few seconds, but when it was over the machine shed had been reduced to a pile of rubble, and debris littered the entire property. Pieces of tin and lumber from the machine shed were on top of and, in some cases, through other buildings on the property. Debris was found as far as a quarter of a mile up the road from the farm.—reported in the Custer County Chief.
Latest Headlines
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- Brady places champ and runner-up at State FCCLA
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- Dancing With The Stars changes venues
- Middle-of-the-Pack Finishes For Swede Boys and Girls
- Girls Show Support for Teacher's Cancer Fight


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Hi all.
My band is about to release an album from our US-based record label;
The Colourphonics - Pop Rock
Can download our album for free at the link in my sig if you're interested in having a listen and if you believe like we believe, read the following. if not, ignore the following but play the songs to death anyway.
We're looking to start booking tours and whatnot, initially interstate. Only problem is, we're a bit short of people on the ground so we're looking for people who live in the above locations who'd be willing to help us with various promotional initiatives and dealing in person with venues if the need arises (not often, things are usually done via email).
First off, if anyone knows people in the gig scenes of those places who we can speak to regarding booking gigs, that in and of itself would be a huge help. Or if you're willing to sniff out some for us that'd be great too. We also may need some help with booking agents and an in-person meeting may well be required. I've already enquired about gigs with places like Revolver and The Evelyn in Melbs and The Vanguard in Sydney so any further suggestions for venues who'd suit our style elsewhere would be most welcome. If you're willing to head in and have a chat to the venue operators or booking agents, that'd be great but generally it'd be an email thing from me.
Any of the above would be massive and, tbh, is the bread-and-butter of the band operation more so than anything else.
Now for the more 'extra mile' stuff. Once we have gigs booked, we will get posters and other promotional material to the venues as well as try to get spots on local radio, etc. but what would really help is if we had people on the ground who could get posters up in the surrounding areas, Uni's, etc. We'd send them over or arrange a local pick-up at a printing place so try to keep your costs down to a minimum. Any non-trivial costs we'd reimburse. We have a CD sampler of our material (3 album tracks, not 30 second snippits or lame **** like that) which could benefit from distribution too so if you're prepared to head to a venue and hand out CD's, that'd be grand.
As a reward, you'd be guaranteed an album CD in the first instance, no sweat. As time goes on, there will definitely be t-shirts and other goodies we'll pass on to you. Free tix at the door too, obv.
So, who's in?


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|How are highway numbers assigned?
Highway numbers are basically assigned when legislative approval is given through the California Transportation Commission. The numbers are determined generally by consensus of several agencies on what numbers are available and the location within the state. Numbers are given in the following manner: If the route is determined to be a west to east route, such as Interstate 80, the number will be an even number. If the route is determined to be a south to north route, such as Interstate 5, the number will be odd. However, there are some rare exceptions to that rule, primarily on routes that were created before the rules were established.
All of this is overseen by the California Transportation Commission and you can get more info by contacting the following web site: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
At that site, put a check mark in the box for Streets and Highways Codes. Then click search. On that page click on Article 2, California Transportation Commission Section 70-86. There is information in Sections 75, 81 and 82 that gives more information. If you look through many of the other links there is a lot of helpful information.
In short, the answer to this question is not an easy one. You can get a good idea of the process from the links availabe with the info in the Streets and Highway Code.


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Brazil remembers famed architect with vigil, samba
- Article by: JULIANA BARBASSA
- Associated Press
- December 7, 2012 - 2:56 PM
RIO DE JANEIRO - The city where architect Oscar Niemeyer was born 104 years ago said goodbye Friday with a public vigil, flowers and, yes, samba.
After a viewing in Brasilia, in the presidential palace he himself designed, Niemeyer's body was flown to Rio for a vigil. Men and women filed by his wooden casket covered by a Brazilian flag and three red roses in the City Palace, paying their respects before his burial.
At the Sao Joao Batista Cemetery, a few hundred mourners easily pushed their way into what was supposed to be a closed ceremony, following the funeral procession through the front gates, squeezing into the mazelike space tightly packed with mausoleums and statues.
Some prayed and sang hymns; others waved the Communist Party flag that represented Niemeyer's political beliefs. The traditional samba group "Banda de Ipanema" played at the interment, since the architect was also a patron of the irreverent Carnival troupe.
Niemeyer died Wednesday, 10 days before his 105th birthday, of a respiratory infection.
Most of those honoring him with a last visit were simply thankful for his contribution: creating an architecture that was quintessentially Brazilian and internationally acclaimed.
"His legacy is great," said Julia Fernandes Souza, 67, at the viewing in the City Palace. "It will be with us forever. I am here to thank him."
Niemeyer's unmistakable designs gave the country's capital, Brasilia, a uniquely Brazilian aesthetic. The architect used concrete as it were something malleable, creating great sensuous curves, or letting it flow like water to imbue static structures with a sense of movement. He also designed much of the United Nation's New York complex and works in several other nations.
The extent of national and international regard for the man and his work was clear in the words of visitors and in the cascade of flowers and crowns that flanked his casket, including two from the Castro brothers, Fidel and Raul. In a nod to Niemeyer's communist militance, Fidel Castro's crown was dedicated to "the unconditional friend of Cuba, Oscar Niemeyer." Raul Castro's was sent to "dear friend Niemeyer." Still a third crown came from Cuba's ambassador in Brazil.
Niemeyer downplayed the transformative power of what he did, saying: "Architecture doesn't change anything. It's always on the side of the rich. What's important is believing that life can be better."
It was Niemeyer's political stance and outspoken defense of the poor that moved Neuza Saraiva, 70, to join the many lining up to pay their last respects.
"He was a great artist, an extraordinary human being, and a real communist," said Saraiva, who shared his political affiliation. "I saw in his work the representation of his ideal. Communism is about the people, and what he did, he did for the people."
Just as not everyone loved his unique style — art critic Robert Hughes once called Brasilia a "utopian horror" — Niemeyer's politics also earned him sharp criticism, even on the day he died. A columnist for the conservative magazine Veja caused a stir by calling Niemeyer "half-genius, half-idiot," and saying the man thought and wrote "detestable things," and defended "homicidal regimes."
Much of Brazil, however, seemed ready to put aside differences and celebrate with commemorations for the man who once said, "I love life and life loves me. We're an unbearable couple."
© 2018 Star Tribune


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Try-outs for 'A Christmas Carmella' starts Oct. 6
Theatre Works announced open auditions for the second show of its 31st season – Frank O'Donnell's "A Christmas Carmella."
The show, which will open Dec. 6, is a spin-off of the two "Ant'ny Claus" shows written by O'Donnell and presented by Theatre Works in 2011 and 2012. In this one, Carmella – Ant'ny Claus' mother-in-law – is asked to tell her grandkids the classic Dickens "Christmas Carol" but, because she gave the book away, she's forced to tell it from memory.
"This isn't your Grandma's 'Christmas Carol' – but you'll wish it were," according to the Theatre Works press release.
Most roles are open and auditioners will be asked to do cold readings from the script. O'Donnell, who co-directed the first two shows, will direct this new show.
He needs four male and female teenagers; eight 20- to 30-year-old males or females; and 10 male or female 30- to 60-year-old actors. Depending on turnout, some actors could be cast in multiple roles.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, Oct 6 at 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Theatre Works. No appointment is necessary.
Run dates are Dec. 6 to 8; and Dec. 13 to 15.
Theatre Works is in the Masonic Temple at 142 Clinton Street in Woonsocket. Further information can be found at www.twri.org. For audition questions, contact Frank O'Donnell at email@example.com or 447-7589.


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With so many software solutions available on the market that serve different needs of a business, it can become difficult to manage relationships with many different vendors. For this ongoing battle, Acqueon has designed solutions and partnerships for businesses to choose from in an effort to create a one-stop-shop contact center with designated partners and solution packages.
Acqueon is known for its collaborative software solutions, having strong relationships with technology partners around the world, including Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya, Voxeo and Dialogic, and will be demonstrating its products and multi-channel solutions at ITEXPO Miami this week.
"Acqueon is a huge proponent of proactive outbound, relationship-building communication," said David Sokoler, vice president of Product Management for Acqueon. "In every solution we develop, the customer is at the center of the interaction model. In many cases, this includes proactively reaching out to them, learning their needs, and ensuring a productive, intuitive experience via the best channel for that individual. We are looking forward to spreading this message at ITEXPO this year."
Acqueon-iQ (AiQ) is a complete multi-channels SIP-based contact center solution that is designed to promote successful customer experiences, which is the most important part of a business's success. By combining the design philosophies, including Content Awareness, Intuitive Interactions and ProActive Reach, AiQ uses its channels, quality management, inbound/outbound dialer and logic of call routing to strengthen customer relationships in small to medium size enterprises.
The first step for creating a satisfactory customer experience is routing customers to the correct agent the first time, without having to transfer between multiple departments. The AiQ interface makes sure that information is available instantly to agents so that they can present information efficiently, quickly and concisely. To help answer customers questions before they have them, with the ProActive Reach philosophy, agents provide predicted information to customers, reducing the heavy flood of inbound calls.
Stop by booth #516 at the Miami Convention Center this week to see for yourself.


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From the Wires
Newtown High School Graduate Creates Memorial Fund for Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary Tragedy
By: PR Newswire
Dec. 17, 2012 07:29 PM
NEWTOWN, Conn., Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Mauriello, a longtime resident of Newtown, CT and a Newtown High School graduate, has established the Newtown Memorial Fund - www.newtownmemorialfund.org - which is dedicated to ensuring the community has a repository that will honor the memory of the 26 victims who perished at Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14, 2012.
Mauriello, the father of a 6-year-old boy who does not attend Sandy Hook Elementary but a neighboring elementary school in Newtown, felt called to action after his child was spared the horrific events that recently took place.
"I've chosen to do something that I think this community will need — not just today or next year, but for generations to come. We need an enduring memorial fund," says Mauriello. "No amount of money will bring back our loved ones but our hope is that through the centralization of others' gifts and fundraising work, coupled with our own, we will achieve much more. An integrated approach will provide immediate support, while helping to ensure the victim's memories are preserved as we make strides for our community to be improved in the future."
The mission of the Newtown Memorial Fund is threefold:
Mauriello suggests that those interested in helping visit the fund's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewtownMemorialFund. People can donate or share memories and tributes via the Facebook page or the fund's website. Donations can also be made online at http://everribbon.com/ribbon/view/10088.
Donations are also accepted by mail at the following address:
Newtown Memorial Fund
SOURCE Newtown Memorial Fund
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February 2, 2006
CPS Students Get to Work During Groundhog Job Shadow Week
Students with Disabilities Participate in Program for First Time
More than 1,500 students will be "working" alongside professionals at places like Eli's Cheesecake, the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, Fermi Labs, and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, as part of Groundhog Shadow Week, launched today at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111 th St.
TV producer and rancher Bill Kurtis, Jill Wine-Banks, CPS Chief Officer of Education to Careers, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner (MOPD) Karen Tamley and Eli's CEO Marc Schulman were among the many leaders who helped kick off the annual initiative, aimed at giving kids a taste of the real world. Groundhog Job Shadow Week is a national event organized locally by CPS' Office of Education-To-Careers (ETC).
CPS students will be learning from mentors at different sites across Chicagoland, including The Harris Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, and City of Chicago Airport Operations. Among officials to be shadowed by students are Fire Commissioner Cortez Trotter and Police Supt. Phil Cline.
"This event is a fun and meaningful way for our students to get an up-close look at a variety of professions out there,'' said Jill Wine-Banks of ETC. "We are very grateful there are many people, businesses and organizations that are willing to take the time to support and inspire these kids, who are the workforce of the future."
This year, CPS is teaming up with MOPD to encourage students with disabilities to explore employment possibilities. MOPD connected 27 CPS students with disabilities with employers in the public and private sectors, as well as at some advocacy organizations.
Many of the participating students also attended Disability Mentoring Day last fall, which underscored the connection between school and work through a series of workshops that focused on the skills and education needed to succeed in the workplace.
"For these students, Job Shadow Day is a chance to utilize the skills they learned at Disability Mentoring Day in a professional atmosphere," said MOPD Commissioner Tamley. "As part of our efforts to make Chicago the most accessible city in the nation, we promote the full participation and equal access of people with disabilities of all ages, in all aspects of life, especially in the workplace."
Eli's Cheesecake is the partner organization for the Ag School, and Schulman is co-chair of the school's Business Advisory Council. Schulman worked with local businesses to make sure that every junior and senior at the Ag School could have a job shadow assignment this week.
"The Ag School has thrived on its partnerships throughout the year, and it's really been a leader with ETC," Schulman said. "This program is really a way of seeing [business] through the business person's eyes."
Most students begin their job shadowing today, when the program officially kicks off. Many projects will extend beyond this week and some will turn into internships.
The Chicago Public Schools is the nation's third-largest school district and the second-largest employer in Illinois, with more than 43,000 employees. The school system operates 600 schools and serves 426,000 students.


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Muse Tickets
If you want to stand out from all the polished, cookie-cutter bands that seem so common now, you have to be different, and Muse is exactly that. The British combination of Matthew Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme seemingly came out of nowhere and now Muse concert tickets are in high demand. Just like their music, which might contain anything from church organs to a Latin beat, Muse shows are a unique experience. So if you want to see Muse on their The 2nd Law Tour, check out the available concert dates and order your Muse seats.
Muse Tour Dates and Schedule
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How To Buy Muse Tickets
- Select your Muse Tickets from our inventory
- Select Date and Quantity of Muse Tickets
- Place your order
Shipping & Availability When purchasing Muse tickets online, you will be taken to our Muse Tickets page. You will then be able to pick which Muse event you would like to purchase. All tickets listed are seated together. All of our Muse tickets are shipped via Federal Express. Please note that we do not deliver on Saturday unless, that option is specially requested on your order . Our ticket inventory is updated hourly. If for any reason the tickets are no longer available, you will be able to cancel your order or request a different area.
Muse Tickets
English rock band Muse has been together since the early 90's. With six studio albums to date including four consecutive chart topping releases in the UK, Muse is among the most well-liked groups across the pond. Their popularity isn't limited to Great Britain though, Muse has established a fan base that is spread around the globe.
The band recently released their newest album, The 2nd Law in October of '12. It received mostly favorable reviews from major music critics. The album sold an impressive 100,000 copies in its first week, Muse's best debut to date.
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In preparation for a dinner party, a host carefully considers a litany of possibilities. Deciding the main course is customarily the toughest order of business, followed by choosing complementary side dishes. Perhaps an interesting theme should apply. Then there are the logistics … is the table large enough? Are there enough chairs? Might be nice to start with crudites to whet their appetite …
In the process of dinner planning, there are details that no good host wants to leave to chance. Knowing guests' immediate needs such as food (any vegetarians?), beverage preferences, allergies or accessibility needs, are all taken into consideration as the table is laid for what is hoped to be a fantastic event.
The same can be said that providing quality opportunities for visitors to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the "soup to nuts" in recreation management. Somewhat similar to a dining event, the needs of our guests are paramount in the planning process from designing facilities (the main course) to developing ranger programs (side dishes), web sites and roadside signage (appetizers). However, this analogy doesn't hold up well when you consider the fact that we neither personally know nor choose our invitees — they simply show up. We can't be sure how many will attend or when they will arrive. Our visitors come with a wide variety of interests, desires and special needs. So, if we do not know them, how do we even begin to anticipate them? In a few words, we utilize research, science and partnerships.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from July 2010 to August 2011 to collect data on visitor experiences on 53 refuges across the National Wildlife Refuge System. USGS's mission is to integrate biological, social, and economic research so that natural resource professionals can use the resulting survey information to make informed decisions.
The survey indicates that the majority of visitors to the Kenai Refuge enjoy the activity of hiking (58 precent), followed closely by wildlife observation, photography and fishing. Most hear about us (aka the invitation) through friends and relatives (47 precent) followed by viewing highway signs and reading information we publish.
It was satisfying for us to learn that over 90 precent of those surveyed are pleased with the opportunities we provide at the Refuge, our employees, our conservation practices and the information we deliver. Most (71 precent) of our visitors are personally concerned about the effects of climate change and are interested in receiving more information from the Refuge regarding that research.
A second survey in 2011 specifically centered on the theme of more successfully engaging our visitors in a climate change dialogue. A collaborative effort between the Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, National Science Foundation, and Colorado State University, this survey offers additional "personal" information and suggests some interesting differences between National Park and Refuge visitors.
For instance, visitor gender is evenly distributed in the Park data, but Refuge data show 3 males for every 2 females. Politically, Park visitors are evenly distributed between Democrats and Republicans, but Refuge visitors are slightly more conservative. With respect to ethnicity, 78 precent of Park visitors are Caucasian, while 86 precent of Refuge visitors are Caucasian. A majority of all visitors (51 precent) feel the Park or Refuge is extremely important to them and their family (they really like us!).
The survey found that most Park and Refuge visitors (78 precent) are to some degree sure that climate change is happening. Less than half of visitors (43 precent) think they are very informed about the different causes and consequences of climate change, but only somewhat informed about ways to reduce those effects.
With glaciers as a backdrop on a Kenai Fjords boat tour, it's not a surprise that 78 precent of Park visitors believe some of the effects of climate change can already be seen, compared to 42 precent of Refuge visitors. However, when asked the question, "How important is climate change to you personally?", 50 precent of Park visitors considered it "very" to "extremely" so, compared to a surprising 81 precent of Refuge visitors. When asked about their willingness to change their behavior to help reduce the impacts of climate change, Park visitors (69 precent) were slightly more apt to do so than Refuge visitors (54 precent).
So while we have removed a fair amount of "guess" about our visitors through research, it is still true that many are from outside of Alaska and we don't have opportunity for personal, one-on-one conversations. But reaching out through tools such as this Refuge Notebook series, the Refuge website, our Facebook page and occasional onsite surveys, we continue to strive to provide a welcoming table at which to sit and share meaningful dialogue sufficient to acquire that "personal" knowledge and provide the types of quality recreation opportunities that our visitors most desire and enjoy.
Janet Schmidt is the Supervisory Park Ranger for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. You can find more information about the Refuge at http://kenai.fws.gov or http://www.facebook.com/kenainationalwildliferefuge.


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International News
Zimbabwe: Thousands of HIV-Positive Teens Dying Unnecessarily
February 25, 2014
This article was reported by New Zimbabwe.
New Zimbabwe reported that a Zimbabwe-based HIV and AIDS expert recommended universal testing for children in high-prevalence countries to prevent unnecessary suffering and death. Rashida Ferrand, a specialist in pediatric HIV/AIDS from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, conducted research at two public hospitals in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare in 2010. She found that HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of hospitalization and in-hospital death among teenagers, and 80 percent of older HIV-positive children were undiagnosed. The United Nations (UN) estimated that 1.7 million HIV-positive African children were 1018 years old. In 2012, 97,000 adolescents ages 1019 died from AIDS-related illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa.
The UN estimated that 15 million African children had lost a parent to AIDS. Extended families often lacked the time and money to care for HIV-positive orphans, and missed testing opportunities were a huge issue, according to Ferrand. While approximately 50 percent of untreated HIV-positive children died before the age of two, approximately one-third lived to age 16. Ferrands research indicated that almost half (46 percent) of adolescents admitted to the Harare hospitals had HIV, mostly acquired at birth. Approximately 70 percent had opportunistic infections such as pneumonia or TB.
Ferrand stated that only 34 percent of HIV-positive children under age 15 received antiretroviral therapy (ART), approximately half of the percentage of HIV-positive adults on ART. Although recent initiatives to reduce mother-to-child transmission have decreased HIV rates, only 40 percent of infants born in 2012 had HIV testing within the first two months after birth. Another barrier for children was the issue of obtaining consent for HIV testing when parents were working in another country. Although providers offered HIV testing to 76 percent of children visiting a health clinic, only 30 percent could obtain parental consent for HIV testing.
This article was provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update. Visit the CDC's website to find out more about their activities, publications and services.
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'My Snake Blake'
By Randy Siegel, illustrated by Serge Bloch
Roaring Brook Press/A Neal Porter Book, $16.99, ages 4-6
From the cover on, green and red dominate. The red brings warmth to a boy's receiving of an "Early Birthday" present, bright green Blake, "a perfectly polite, delightful snake," who slips and slides across the pages. Blake is the forbidden fruit of pet paradise, the one your parents would never let you get. Blake helps with homework and with unwanted Brussels sprouts, and offers trivia facts about, who else, "Kenny 'The Snake' Stabler." A dream come true.


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That's what i am hoping. I know it will not be an issue from a business perspective on my level. The people we will be working with if Gish is hired have worked with us both. I'm just surprised and/or nervous no one has said anything to me, and i want to be prepared if they do.
I definitely wouldn't say anything.. to me, approaching HR (especially when it's people you know) for any reason would look like you're trying to point out that you know Gish and are trying to influence them to hire him.
I have some personal experience here as my DH and I have worked for the same company. Very similarly, I already worked there when DH interviewed.Definitely do not seek out anyone to talk about how you working with your SO wouldn't affect work, you're not couple-y, etc. Only if asked about it, volunteer some casual information about how you both separate personal and work life.There was some concern from higher ups about having us both on staff. But I had a good reputation as being professional and drama-free and DH was an excellent fit so they gave it a shot. It has worked out great.Our jobs don't intersect much. But if we find ourselves at a meeting together, we sit separately. We treat each other like co-workers. Definitely no kissy face, hugs, pet names, touching, etc. In fact, unless they're told, most people have no idea we're married. It has led to some really funny conversations when people notice that he and I have photos of the same child in our offices.Good luck - hope he gets the job!
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Sad receive another answer from ISU about France GP . i'm First Substitute on GP , and Because at France left a spot because Johnny withdraw ( Sad for Johnny ) , my federation made a request to ISU for get this spot , that even on our own expenses by our federation not ISU expenses we want to have chance to compete France GP because skater withdrew. Also we have ready done Schengen Visa for travel to France and we right now in Europe,Poland which is 2 hour flight to France . And we can very easy buy ticket find our own Hotel in France , but we hoped that they can give us chance to compete because we are first substitute on GP series. ISU said they have not enough time to do it...so they cant add as to competition .
Second time same answer , at China was like this and now on France GP.
Just forget it... For me any competition is same, but its just sad that spot you should get people are not giving you .
If it's not mine it's fine , but if it's yours why we not get it ?
Feel's worlds skating circle get smaller and smaller , and not bigger and bigger .
Not complains , just talk .
What you think ?


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This blush is very pigmented and swatches exactly as described... It is a beautiful peachy bronze with a lot of shimmer. This would be gorgeous on darker skin tones. However, for more fair gals, you could definitely pull it off by applying it with a lighter hand for a pretty summer-y glow.
While both of these are gorgeous, COPPERTHORN really stands out, both in color and formula. It is so pigmented, so you don't have to keep building and layering to achieve that gorgeous, opaque bronze. NIGHTSHADE is a gorgeous, shimmering plum that while gorgeous, requires a bit of a heavier hand and maybe a few layers to build to the color swatched.
So what do you all think?? Will you be picking any of these up? What are your favorites from this collection?


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"EVA Air is a very good fit for Star Alliance as the airline will add many new routes to our global network, with a specific focus on the growing Far East aviation market. This will increase the choice for our customers and is in line with our mission of being the leading global airline alliance for the international traveller", said Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance.
Since its founding nearly 15 years ago, Star Alliance has progressively built its presence in Asia/Pacific and will have eight member carriers based in this region by mid-2013.
Through its future membership in Star Alliance, EVA Air will be able to offer its customers access to a global network, along with seamless travel and status recognition within the various member carrier frequent flyer programmes.
A"After careful evaluation we concluded that Star Alliance offers the best match for EVA Air. Our networks complement each other and we will expand the existing Alliance flight options in the growing cross-straits market. We look forward to significant synergy in both service enhancement and expansion of our customer base. In addition, our partnership with Air China makes the Star Alliance especially attractive to us", said James Jeng, Chairman, EVA Air.
The integration process will now begin, with the respective teams at EVA Air and Star Alliance commencing the work which needs to be completed before a new airline can join the Star Alliance network. Air China will be assisting in this process as the mentor airline.
EVA Air's network of around 60 destinations will add Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Surabaya in Indonesia as unique airports to the Star Alliance network. In addition, Taiwan's geographic location adds to the quality of the Star Alliance hubs in Asia, is it has the shortest average distance to all major cities in the Asia-Pacific region. In total, the network of 30 airlines (the current 26 and four future members) will offer more than 22,000 daily flights to 1,345 destinations in 191 countries.


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JUNEAU — The state's public school system needs more funding if goals like the 90 percent graduation rate set by the governor are to be met, the president of a major Alaska teachers' union said Wednesday.
Ron Fuhrer of NEA-Alaska told The Associated Press the state is "starving Alaska students, starving their opportunity for an education and ultimately being a productive member of society."
"Why should Alaska students suffer because the governor is saying we need to be accountable? We'll be accountable," he said. "We're not in disagreement. We want to improve."
Gov. Sean Parnell earlier this month said there have been "record increases" in education funding over the past five years, while graduation rates remain below 70 percent. He said Alaska can do better, and that will take more money. But he said the money "needs to buy results for our kids and our families."
"That's what we'll be focused on," Parnell said.
The governor has proposed a series of budget initiatives to that end, including continued funding for performance scholarships, a pet project of his; digital, or distance, learning; and early childhood education programs.
Fuhrer said he hadn't had a chance to study Parnell's proposals in-depth but said the best education a student can get is one-on-one with a teacher.
One of NEA-Alaska's priorities is an increase in the base student allocation, or BSA, the formula guaranteeing districts a certain amount of cash per student. Without an increase, Fuhrer said, schools will continue to see their budgets tighten, and that will mean increased class sizes, staff cuts and fewer options for students in terms of electives.
There was a lengthy debate over the funding issue last year, with Parnell saying he was open to discussing ways to help school districts meet costs but had problems with increases in formula programs. Both Parnell and some Republican lawmakers, particularly on the House side, said they wanted more accountability for how any extra money was spent.
Lawmakers wound up passing an aid package, fashioned in the House in the waning days of last year's regular session, that included money targeted for certain programs and needs, like vocational education and student busing. The measure also changed the millage rate, which affects the amount districts contribute to their schools.
The House majority, in announcing the package last year, said the House Finance Committee also would put together a working group over the interim to look at education funding. Rep. Bill Thomas, then co-chair of the committee, took charge of that effort but it never got off the ground, Rep. Alan Austerman said. Thomas lost his re-election bid, and Austerman replaced him on the committee.
Austerman, R-Kodiak, said the panel would spend a lot of time talking to the Department of Education about its total budget.
On Wednesday, a group of House Democrats led by Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage introduced legislation that would increase the base student allocation by $286, to $5,966, and have it adjusted annually for inflation. HB95 also would require that districts submit annual plans for achieving their goals and hiring "highly qualified" teachers.
"We've been having this conversation for at least 20 years," said Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage, a co-sponsor of the bill and former Anchorage school board member. She said the "cost of everything" is increasing, from fuel to maintenance costs, teacher salaries to school lunches, leaving districts in a perpetual position of "catch-up."
"Schools need the resources that they can count on," she said. "The BSA is something they can count on."
The bill states the allocation was last increased in fiscal year 2009, a mistake that Gara planned to amend. The last increase was in 2011, according to legislative analyst who researched the issue for Gara.
The analyst, Roger Withington, in a memo to Gara said the allocation for the current fiscal year is $286 less than if it had been adjusted for inflation annually since 2011.
Fuhrer said he would like to see an increase of $400 per student, to allow districts to "catch up and keep up."
There are other elements to education funding. The Legislature also has covered payments into the teacher retirement system and costs like student transportation and major maintenance — helping to increase the overall total spending.
House Majority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, said the Legislature has acted in recent years to help keep costs like that from becoming "hindering factors in being able to educate our kids."
"The Legislature has continued to put in money to make sure that the maintenance, the energy, ... the various costs that have increased are covered," he said, adding: "Obviously, we've put in more than if the BSA were on an inflationary track anyway."
He said he expects continued discussion about targeted funding but also discussion on addressing student performance, which he said is a focus for his caucus.
Follow Becky Bohrer on Twitter at http://twitter.com/beckybohrerap.


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Becoming the first Island town to pass the Community Preservation Act, voters in West Tisbury this week proved they could put their money where their mouth was when it came to affordable housing.
The proposal still needs to win approval at the ballot box, but voters at Wednesday night's special town meeting decided they were willing to pay more in property taxes to help fight the high cost of housing. After a lengthy debate, passage came on a simple voice vote, but it was not unanimous.
In fact, the naysayers had plenty to say as they questioned whether approving the CPA was premature when housing advocates are still waiting on a needs assessment, which promises to quantify the affordable housing dilemma in town and Islandwide. But ultimately, the voices pushing for the CPA were more persuasive.
"We have a crisis in affordable housing," said resident Linda Sibley. "Our community is under assault."
The CPA proposal, enabled by a new state law, would enact a three per cent surcharge on town property tax bills and that revenue would be matched by the state at a rate of about 75 cents to the dollar. In the first year, the town could raise roughly $225,000. The bite taken out of most taxpayers' pockets would amount to about $57 a year, voters were told.
An amendment to the proposal mandated that at least 60 per cent of the funds be set aside for housing initiatives. According to the CPA legislation, the funds would also have to go toward historic preservation and open space, which includes recreation. At least 10 per cent of the funds would have to be spent in each of those two areas.
But it was the housing issue that took center stage. "If this measure is passed, it would be the first dedicated source of funds for affordable housing," said John Abrams, the building contractor who has helped move this initiative forward.
One of the more impassioned pleas for support of the CPA came from Jeff Parker, a Chilmark resident, who has helped crunch the numbers for the tax surcharge plan. "When I was asked to get involved, my first thoughts went to my son, Mike, who moved nine times in one year here," said Mr. Parker. "He was priced out of the market, and he left. In the end, that whole generation left - young people, artists and musicians."
Several voters asked how the CPA funds would create affordable housing, and Juleann VanBelle, the director of the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority, explained that the funds could be used for rental assistance.
"It could help people afford rent when fair market rent is now between $1,000 and $1,500 a month," she said. "For most people, the affordable range would be $600 to $800 a month. This could help a great number of people very quickly."
While that was a straightforward answer, some were still skeptical. The town finance committee did not endorse the CPA, and committee chairman Skipper Manter said the surcharge could overburden taxpayers who are already paying off many capital projects and anticipating more in the future. Mr. Manter reminded voters of the recently completed public safety building and the need to renovate town hall and expand the library.
Others worried that the CPA plan was an unproven approach to solving the problem of affordable housing. "The purpose is highly commendable," said Cynthia Riggs, "but the act is flawed. We've heard that this act is flexible and complicated and we don't know what the results will be."
And Don Keller argued that West Tisbury was not nearly as needy for these funds as some other towns in the state. "To take from the rich and give to the poor is altruistic, but there's a bigger picture," he said. "Other communities in the commonwealth are in harder shape than we are."
But Mrs. Sibley challenged Mr. Keller, pointing out that in recent years, Dukes County has ranked as the second poorest in the state in personal income. "In boom times, we've risen up to the median levels, but our cost of living here is 20 per cent higher than the mainland," she said. "We are substantially below the median income in our buying ability. Our need here is as critical as it is in most cities in Massachusetts."
A succession of voters stood up in favor of the proposal. Abbe Burt urged others to take a "selfless" stance and vote for the CPA. And Eileen Maley said passage of the article would show support for Island children and working people.
If voters approve the measure at the ballots, taxpayers would begin seeing the surcharge on tax bills as early as this summer, according to town treasurer and selectman Cynthia Mitchell. Under the plan, the first $100,000 in property valuation would be exempted from the surcharge. Eligibility for housing programs that evolved from a CPA here would be restricted to people earning 100 per cent of the Dukes County median income. Right now, for a family of four, that figure is $53,200.
A committee of between five and nine people would be formed from among town board members. While that committee would plan how to spend the funds, town meeting voters would have the final say about how the money is spent. Aquinnah, Chilmark and Tisbury will all be considering CPA plans in the next few weeks.
In other town meeting action, voters approved a proposal to allow the regional high school to spend $750,000 in state educational aid. The money will go to purchasing textbooks and to renovating school space to deal with an influx of students at the high school that could push enrollment as high as 840 next year.
The high school needs approval from four of the six Island towns. If voters agree to the proposal, then the high school will allow an additional $350,000 in state aid to go back to the towns.
While voters voiced almost no objection to the plan, finance committee member Sharon Estrella stood up to accuse school leaders of poor budgeting. She said school leaders budgeted for more teachers to lower class size before they had the funding. "You don't spend first and then wonder what's going to happen," she said. "If we all ran our households like that, we wouldn't be here."
School committee member Anna Alley explained that the budget was simply a response to greater numbers of students and the pressure to bring down class sizes. "This year's sophomores must pass the MCAS," she said. "Math and English skills are critical, and there's money involved in this happening."
Finally, voters approved more than $65,000 in money transfer requests, to cover expenses for police overtime pay, property revaluation and computer service.