text:
I'm afraid that your first sexual experiences will have to be with a trusted friend, family member, or respected community authority figure, rather than the internet...
Got to love the U.K. 'You viewed porn on your computer?! OMG You are a child molester! GAOL 4 U." Don't worry though, the religious right here in the U.S. desires Taliban like laws to the same effect.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-sunny-side-of-smut [scientificamerican.com] is a decent summary of a few studies that pretty much say 'What internet porn problem?'
If you google 'effects of porn on children' you'll get tons of results saying the terrible scary things that will happen, but most made on actual studies read more like this http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov07/webporn.aspx [apa.org] .
So it seems that all this hand waving by Cameron is about getting reelected and society control.
Hell before the Internet there was a family member's dirty VCR tapes you sneak a peak at and before that there was the dirty mags, heel you go back to the first caves humans lived in and they find smut.
So I just don't get the "ZOMFG little Timmy might see a titty!" bullshit, just let Timmy know that the porn is just as fake as every other film and quit having a damned fit already
I'll never forget what Joe Bob Briggs said about America, I bet it applies to the UK too "America: Where you can't show a titty unless there is a knife in it". Personally if it came down to my teen boy watching a porno, preferably one of the educational ones like the Nina Hartley great sex, but hell any porno, even that Avengers spoof where they painted Chyna green, or watching torture porn like Hostel? I'd hand him a bag of popcorn and say "Try not to choke on the popcorn when you see the She Hulk, kinda hard to paint everything lime green ya know"
if there are merry pranksters in the house, I'm pretty sure they would not object to porn.
I'm surprised it's just a question. You can just lie and be done with it. A simple "no" should be enough, but if you want to completely avoid suspicion, try "well, if I had children of my own available, I wouldn't need internet access, would I?".
Nah, this has nothing much to do with porn. It is step one in introducing an "Internet Drivers License". Anonymity is a bitch, you see.
Captcha: terrors
Either a misspelled word, or one of their peers. A lot of porn gets traded at schools.
...For kids of this age it will be a misspelled word that will give them there first experience.
If only you'd waited long enough, that experience could have been yours....
I called Mr. Cameron on the telephone and asked what was behind it all.
Mr. Cameron says the new curbs are actually a safety measure to keep all that Internet traffic from running over the cyber-street-walkers.
Safety first, I always say!
What if you are taking a connection solely for use with Cell phones over wifi for example?
OR some weirdo config of Arch Linux?
Linux is a tool for child porn! Ban it!
Barring that, it would be just loads of fun. In a world where I can't even buy an airline ticket without having to fire up IE and the so-called "support" of pretty much all companies get throughly confused when I say I don't have Windows, It'd be great to say "sure, take me through the legally required steps of securing my computer against evil, evil porn. By the way, I use OpenBSD. Go."
You'll laugh until the steps are:
1. Wipe OpenBSD
2. Install Windows
3. Install this government-mandated software
It was one of the nastier suggestions for use of Trusted Computing and Remote Attestation - if your computer can't provide a valid signature saying it's running a trusted, up to date OS with antivirus etc. then you wouldn't get to connect to the Internet. Then again, if ARM takes over it looks like we can kiss the idea of "alternative OS" good-bye as Apple, Microsoft and most Android handsets are locked to one OS to begin with...
As other comments point out, the story really comes from the Daily Mail, a right-wing total rag of a tabloid. It's typically more accurate than the Weekly World News, but it's not the Times or The Register.
So yes, if they were to literally implement the Daily Fail's description of how service will work, that means that any computer system, operating system or browser you get in the UK would have to have modifications to ask The Kids Question when you install it, and every Internet provider would have to redirect connections for Port 80 to the filter sign-up sheet (because Teh Internet is the same thing as Teh Webz, innit?) Wot's that about links in some arch?
Assuming David Cameron isn't quite is ignorant as the Daily Fail wants him to be, that's probably not something he'll actually propose. (If this were Australia, the answer would be different, because the pro-censorship politicians there really do appear to be that dumb.) Much more likely, if they do anything like it at all, they'll make ISPs offer censorware and/or have filtering set on by default, but filtering at the ISP level is really expensive and the ISPs will push back.
because Teh Internet is the same thing as Teh Webz, innit?
It pretty much is: you have to approach the Internet through the Web. As I understand it, URLs to resources other than those available through HTTP and HTTPS are typically discovered through HTTP or HTTPS.
No wonder the man is still troubled by the thought of free sex.
and David Cameron will go down
But we won't be able to see the video.
In or on?
But... think of the children!
What are they supposed to get off on if internet porno is banned?
Well every attempt to filter the internet so far has failed, even in countries that have constructed vast network censorship infrastructure and thrown vast resources at the problem. Since the British government will just expect the ISPs to do it and they will want to spend as little money as possible the filters will inevitably be useless.
Why aren't government officials trying to keep kids from being exposed to something so dangerous as religion instead?
Because religion is already intertwined with law/politics. Just like how tobacco, alcohol or caffeine are legal substances. If you want something to be legal nowadays you need to already have it established. Imagine if 50 Shades of Grey was written instead of the bible, porn would be what influenced law/politics and religion would be frowned upon.
Because religion is already intertwined with law/politics. Just like how tobacco, alcohol or caffeine are legal substances. If you want something to be legal nowadays you need to already have it established. Imagine if 50 Shades of Grey was written instead of the bible, porn would be what influenced law/politics and religion would be frowned upon.
Be right back. I'm going to the nearest Chapters and then I'm going to go grab a time machine. This is gonna be good.
Because religion isn't dangerous. Crazy people that use religion as an excuse for their actions are dangerous. If anything, we need more Christians that are actually Christians in this country. The kind that understand "judge not lest ye be judged" means something. The kind that understand gossip and gluttony are on the same level as sodomy in the Bible meaning a fat guy has no business being critical of somebody who is gay.
Christians SHOULD be people that everybody on earth is happy to see because we a
Religion indoctrinates people into accepting things without proof, to forego critical thinking for statements from "authority".
The new testament is just fine with saying women are not equal to men, and it justifies such claims with an imaginary force.
Because porn isn't dangerous. Crazy people that use porn as an excuse for their actions are dangerous.
(I know you were being sarcastic and/or facetious, but thought this point was important too.)
The values that make being a Christian in your sense of the word have nothing to do with religion. Plenty of other philosophies that have nothing to do with religion share them.
Religion is simply a way of establishing a hierarchy of control. It is not useful productive or valuable and often leads to creating conflict.
Because religion isn't dangerous. Crazy people that use religion as an excuse for their actions are dangerous. If anything, we need more Christians that are actually Christians in this country.
Let me stop you there. We call this "No True Scotsman." You should read into it.
We call this "No True Scotsman." You should read into it.
Jesus anticipated this. "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will." (Matthew 7:21, NWT) In other words, Jesus knew that people would call themselves Christians despite not making their best effort to uphold God's principles.
No True Scotsman is a crappy fallacy people knowing nothing of church history (hint: there's a *lot* of dissent in it) love to throw at Christians complaining that "too many of us have lost the plot" and please don't judge us all by that lot.
It's pretty common to be part of a group and not want to be thought of as being like members of that group whose actions/beliefs/etc you disapprove of. Think of it like being a US citizen who doesn't approve of your government's actions, or indeed those of your fellow
What you mean is that all families should be forced to be atheist, because you're an atheist. That would, after all, be the effect of banning exposure of religion to children, and your goal is clearly to make more atheists. You are advocating an end to freedom of thought -- forcing your personal beliefs on everyone.
It really is amazing how many internet-atheists (not to be confused with the majority of quite reasonable atheists) are exactly as bad in the exact same ways as the religious people they hate so much.
I'll second this -- and I'll do it openly, not as an AC.
Children should be protected from religion until the age of 18, so they have some chance of actually making an intelligent decision about it, rather than being indoctrinated/brainwashed by it while their brains are still forming.
That doesn't even make sense.
I was going to church when I was a kid, till I was 15. Had to go, everyone considered the bible the word of god and law.
Only problem was, at 15, I decided I was sick of the bullshit, the lies, and that god doesn't exist and religions are very man made.
I wasn't religious to begin with, and no amount of forcing it on me made me religious. I saw it for what it is. Other people? It doesn't matter, they can NOT see it for what it is, just what others want it to be. I'm not su
Reading the Telegraph (fairly respectable paper) article, it actually links back to a story on the Daily Mail.
Since the latter is a hate-filled gutter rag that makes up whatever lies suit its agenda, I'd suggest taking this story with a vary large pinch of salt.
Reading the Telegraph (fairly respectable paper)...
Unless it's talking about anything to do with liberals, the EU, the ECHR, human rights, the judiciary, regulation of the media, the Internet...
But no, this plan has been in the works for a while now - there was a consultation over the summer (run by the Department of Education of all people) on how to protect children from evil things online (including non-traditional religions and political views), and the underlying move to "do something about the Internet" has been around for a few years. I think it is a
Reading the Telegraph (fairly respectable paper) article, it actually links back to a story on the Daily Mail.
Since the latter is a hate-filled gutter rag that makes up whatever lies suit its agenda, I'd suggest taking this story with a vary large pinch of salt.
Correction, the latter is a hate-filled gutter rag read by a huge part of middle class England which believes what it prints (which is the real problem)
Assuming they use the same overkill rules that most online censors do, the Page 3 Girls will get the Daily Mail blocked for anyone who has children. And won't that be a good thing! You'll still be able to get the actual paper copies if you need to wrap fish in it, of course.
Reading the Telegraph (fairly respectable paper) article, it actually links back to a story on the Daily Mail.
Since the latter is a hate-filled gutter rag that makes up whatever lies suit its agenda, I'd suggest taking this story with a vary large pinch of salt.
Correction, the latter is a hate-filled gutter rag read by a huge part of middle class England which believes what it prints (which is the real problem)
So, it's like the Wall Street Journal - especially the Op-Ed pages - as read by rich people in the US ?
"No, I don't have any kids."
At least until it becomes illegal to answer untruthfully.
I don't mind this - I think a lot of people who buy computers are not particularly, shall we say, well versed in protecting themselves. If this could also be bundled with some firm general advice it might help. One of my kids, visiting their grandparents, managed to conjure up some pretty sordid images of bestiality in no time by just googling one of her hobbies, horse riding. It was a bit of a shock for all concerned. No harm done, as far as I can tell (I wasn't there). I am however fairly sure her grandparents would have preferred that this had not happened and were able to take steps to prevent it from happening. At the moment, a lot of people are exposed to the internet in it's raw form and this isn't necessarily something that is healthy - giving people the choice of restricting their browsing freedom might be welcomed.
One of my kids, visiting their grandparents, managed to conjure up some pretty sordid images of bestiality in no time by just googling one of her hobbies
He did it on purpose. Google by default has "safe search" and you have to uncheck it to get porn results. Unless grandpa did it.
In another article on this subject the Daily Mail wanted to show how easy it was to find porn online (and why Google was to blame), so showed a screenshot of a Google search (normal search, not image) for "porn" and highlighted the massive number of results. What they failed to point out was that with safe search on (to maximum) you get 0 results.
Which is kind of silly - you'd think you'd at least get dictionary results...
One of my kids, visiting their grandparents, managed to conjure up some pretty sordid images of bestiality in no time by just googling one of her hobbies, horse riding.
I have safe search turned off in Google and I searched on "horse riding" and I see what you mean. [themetapicture.com]
I really really hope my kids rather watch porn than all the violent entertainment which for whatever twisted reason seems to be OK accoriding to society.
I simply don't undertand how consentual sex could possibly do more harm than violence.
The best advice about porn that I got as an adolescent was really simple: Watch all the porn you want, don't just confuse it with real life. (99% of all porn is rather unrealistic fantasy, after all.)
Grammar is important. "Don't just confuse it" means something rather different from "Just don't confuse it".
Amusingly I would seldom make a mistake like that, but the kids succesfully distracted me, it seems. Must have been thinking in Finnish for an instant there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67MRiMT9cnE [youtube.com]
So here we have a right-wing broadsheet reporting on a story that only appears to be covered in a right-wing tabloid. Are we going to start seeing stories on slashdot about other things the Daily Fail covers, like women apparently being impregnated by aliens (space aliens, not Polish lorry drivers, of course) and the police having the audacity to arrest people for making indecent phone calls?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/05/04/cameron_default_isp_filtering/ [theregister.co.uk]
Wake up man, or at least do a little google-fu, Cameron is all about isp filtering of all sorts.
Yes, because the Daily Mail runs the UK, these days.
You can't regulate people into having common sense.
.xxx domain indeas overseas. Damn foiled again. So now on top of religion being a thorn in the side to the world, we not have to include children as freedom killers?
Oh, they have plenty of interest. It just might not be the type of porn the normal kids want to see.
They aren't worried about kids playing games where all you do is shoot or blow up people, but if they might see 1 nipple or breast we're better off just locking the whole thing down? Does nobody else see how retarded this is? Humanity as a culture is backstepping a lot faster than it's moving forward.
Yeah, because murdering people with a screwdriver or finding out ways to meet kids on Facebook is SO MUCH BETTER.
Ban actual dangerous sites, porn is harmless.
Hell, Facebook alone is far more dangerous than a stupid porn site is.
I'm pretty sure nobody has been murdered / suicided / raped / etc from whacking it to some girl on my free cams.
Meanwhile on Facebook... racist killing bullying suiciding teens all over the place.
So, yes, ban Facebook under this law. Fucking hypocrites.
David Cameron is a total dishrag...the epitome of the 'empty suit'...maybe a Romney comparison isn't out of line
Cameron can and will **roll over** for any interest...he let Rupert Murdoch have his way with the entire country's phone system, now he's helping cover for him...
We have to take a firm hand with England politically....fuck them 2x I say...they should **know better**...hell 1984 was set in England for fuck's sake.
US policy should be almost antagonistic with England...we should work to have them join the EU in the future
...went to the seashore at Southampton and commanded the tide to stop coming in.
So will they need to be a UK ver of windows that adds to this to the install??
As the full windows disk do not have this as part of there installs maybe on the OEM install loaded with bloated software they will ad that but people who build there own PC, who want to do clean install, enterprise installs may not have this.
While this seems a bit poorly thought out, if (and only if) it makes the parents *legally* responsible for anything objectionable their children might find, not the ISPs, not other websites, etc., but leaves all the responsibility squarely on parental supervision, then I could get behind this. Shielding ISPs and web hosting companies from frivolous lawsuits from stupid, irresponsible parents is actually positive.
If, if (and only if) it puts the 'think of the children' squarely on the responsibility of the parents while offering them the tools/filters/guidance to supervise computer use, that could be good. Less "How could you put that up where children might find it?" and more "Why are you not being responsible for your children's activities? You were warned, given the tools, shown how to watch them. Why are you not responsible?"
If this does not provide any additional legal protections for ISPs or such from stupid parents, then, no. This is worthless.
Nondeterminism means never having to say you are wrong.


text:
Andover Golf & Country Club
Lexington, Ky. • June 27 - 30
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kellye Belcher of Bartlett, Tenn., started the day off not feeling well, but overcame what she said may have been a slight case of nerves as she enters the final round as the two-day Girls Division leader posting a 70-70—140. Chase Wright of Muncie, Ind., shot a 2-under-par 70, 138 for the tournament, to remain leading the Boys Division at the AJGA Andover Open.
Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the AJGA Andover Open is being held at the Andover Golf & Country Club. Ninety-nine junior golfers from 16 states, 25 from Kentucky, are competing in the 54-hole stroke-play event.
Belcher said her iron shots were not landing as close to the hole as she would have liked, but she was able to sink some long putts to stay under par.
"It was more nerve-wracking today," she said. "I hope I can play like I played the past two days and not think about the score."
Brianna Do of Lakewood, Calif., enters the final round second in the Girls Division with a 2-under-par 142. In third place at 3-over-par 147 is Candace Schepperle of Hoover, Ala.
A late afternoon thunderstorm delayed play for 1 hour, 47 minutes, but did not phase Wright as he was able to pick up where he left off on No. 15 by making a 5-foot putt for par when play resumed. Wright said he had his best drive of the tournament on No. 16. and shot par the rest of the way into the scoring tent.
"I started a little shaky. I was one over after the first seven holes, but then eagled eight," he said.
His eagle on No. 8, followed by birdie on No. 9, put Wright at 2-under-par for the front nine. After the turn, he made par on every hole.
"I was able to walk up to the ball all day and know I could hit it where I wanted to," he said. "I played better after the rain delay. Tomorrow, I want to try not to make any mistakes."
In second place, three strokes behind Wright are Alex Volpenhein of Edgewood, Ky., and Steven Drake of Findlay, Ohio, tied at 3-under-par 141. With a 2-under-par 142, in fourth place, is Thomas Buran of Scottsdale, Ariz. Tied for fifth with 1-under-par 143s are Joseph Barr of Versailles, Ky., Kent Bulle of Glasgow, Ky., and Sang Chun of Winter Springs, Fla.
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA, the largest Association of its kind, has a junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,000 junior golfers from 50 states and 30 foreign countries.
Titleist, the AJGA's National Sponsor, has been the catalyst and driving force behind the Association's success since 1989. Rolex Watch USA, a supporter of the AJGA since 1983, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. More than 160 former AJGA juniors currently play on the PGA and LPGA Tours and have compiled more than 300 wins. AJGA alumni include Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Mike Weir, Charles Howell III, Jim Furyk, Dottie Pepper, Grace Park, Cristie Kerr and Beth Bauer.
Final-round tee times will begin Thursday at 7 a.m. The boys will tee off first followed by the girls from 10:00 to 11:03 a.m.. The five leader groups of boys are scheduled from 11:12 to 11:48 a.m.
For more information about the AJGA Andover Open, call tournament headquarters at (859) 263-4335.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It was a maddening game.
You load the bases with nobody out in the sixth inning against the other team's number nine starter and the last reliever in its bullpen and a veteran righthander whose last nine appearances had been in eight losses, and a fourth pitcher in the frame is summoned after the previous two walked the only batter each would face.
You come away with only one run.
The next inning, after allowing the other team to tie the game on a walk, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, and wild pitch, you load the bases yourself again, this time with one out, scoring on a throwing error but coming away with nothing more.
At that point, you've outhit the other guys, 10-3 (and among their three hits were an infield single and a .187/.287/.307-hitting backup catcher's home run), but you have only a one-run lead.
You're then gifted an out and a base when the other team decides to follow a leadoff double with a bunt attempt that's botched by a journeyman who had executed exactly one sacrifice bunt since 2008 (and it came in AAA).
You still hang onto that one-run lead and would have maintained it had your pitcher not failed to beat the number nine hitter to the bag, which kept the inning alive and allowed the next hitter to shoot the sixth straight four-seamer he saw up the middle for a two-run single, bat-flipping and arm-gliding his way to first as the lead changed hands.
But hey, there's still time. Leadoff walk to start the eighth, and you're in business. Then, on the other team's best reliever's season-high 32nd pitch, you rocket a blast that has a shot to land in the bullpen, but the other team's defensively beleaguered right fielder times things surprisingly right and leaves his feet and hauls it in and that's not supposed to happen when it's that right fielder.
Another chance in the ninth, with 4-5-6 due to hit. Two strikeouts, but after that a single to left, and then, with the tying run on base, perhaps your hottest hitter battles their closer for seven pitches.
That battle sucked.
Because if Seth Smith hadn't watched the sixth pitch go by for ball three, running the count full with two outs, Josh Donaldson wouldn't have been running with the next pitch, and if Josh Donaldson hadn't been running with the next pitch, a loopy curve over the plate, he might have taken third on Smith's dumped single to center, but he certainly wouldn't have tried to score. And if defensive replacement Craig Gentry, basically playing on the warning track, hadn't had the ball clank off his torso as he charged in to play the Smith single, Donaldson certainly doesn't even think about what to do next as he approached third, and third base coach Mike Gallego probably doesn't even need to tell Donaldson what to do, but the ball clanked off Craig Gentry's torso and Josh Donaldson, running with the pitch since the count was 3-2 with two outs, decided what he was going to do, in spite of Mike Gallego giving him the stop sign to direct him to do the thing he didn't do, and take a look at the replay and you'll think to yourself that you've never seen a more despondent, detached-looking third base coach as the potential game-tying run or game-losing out raced by him heading toward the plate, and if you've ever read "Infinite Jest" you probably figured out by this point that I'm reading it right now and am inescapably in its clutches as I write maddening sentences like this one.
And Gentry makes a good throw and Elvis Andrus makes a brilliant throw and A.J. Pierzynski blocks the plate and swipes the tag across Josh Donaldson's just-arriving, twisting front leg and if any of those things took a hundredth of a second longer or ended up an extra foot off target, then Oakland's beloved former third base coach isn't hollering and leaping out of the home team's dugout like a school kid while his 36-year-old catcher who watched the game until the 7th and his 38-year-old closer who watched the game until the 9th holler and leap behind home plate as their teammates rush toward them and the rest of us holler and leap wherever we are when we see it all happen, perfectly.
A perfectly maddening day, if you're an A's fan.
It was a loss that felt like so many of Texas's this season.
It was a loss that allowed the struggling Rangers to pull back within a game of the division lead, as close as they've been in nine days. A loss that permitted Texas to win consecutive games for the first time since June 9-10 and to win a series, after having dropped four series in a row.
The A's hadn't dropped consecutive series in more than a month. They have now, losing two of three games at home to Seattle despite beating elite righthander Hisashi Iwakuma, which sounds bad enough until you realize that Oakland came into Texas and beat Yu Darvish – but lost the three games started by Nick Tepesch and Justin Grimm and Josh Lindblom . . . Rangers starters number seven, eight, and nine.
Nothing about that game or that series is going to chip away at Oakland's swagger, but it sure feels like Texas got some of its back.
And it feels very good to dish out a heavy dose of maddening, and not be on the wrong end of it for once.


text:
At the core of the creative energy of all Cirque du Soleil shows are athletes, acrobats and stage artists at the pinnacle of their art. These men and women are driven by a passion to continually surpass themselves.
Each artist is part and parcel of the originality of Cirque du Soleil shows, and the Casting team—composed of some 60 people, including 21 talent scouts—does everything in its power to find exceptional artists. In its work of discovering and researching candidates, the Casting team is supported by a global network of partners that act as Cirque's eyes and ears in the field. This structure means we have a varied and continually developing overview of territories and so we are able to discover artists from various talent communities.
An ongoing challenge
The Casting team's overall mission is to discover and recommend talent for current and upcoming Cirque du Soleil productions. With an increasing number of shows lasting 15 years on average, recruiting artists is a challenge. Talent scouts are looking for originality, talent and the unusual. The world is their playground, which they go over with a fine-tooth comb by holding auditions and scouting during competitions, festivals and various events. In some disciplines, the pool of artists is not renewing itself as quickly as replacement needs arise. Talent scouts must therefore pull out all the stops to find artists whose talent meets the level of quality of Cirque du Soleil shows. They are interested in the evolution of artistic disciplines and keep an eye on the development of trends in order to be able to propose new disciplines as required.
Auditions, scouting, conferences and website
The talent scouting team is broken down by speciality, with individual talent scouts in charge of finding artists in their assigned discipline. Cirque du Soleil holds auditions year-round all over the world. These auditions take place over one or more days and involve in-depth analysis of candidates' abilities in a number of different respects. Technical skills are assessed, along with candidates' openness and ability to explore new ways of doing things and to step outside their comfort zone.
Via scouting and conferences, the Casting team also works to promote Cirque du Soleil, its roots, its organization, etc. Many people are not familiar with the company and its various opportunities for stage careers for athletes, acrobats and stage artists. A website dedicated to recruiting was therefore developed to remedy this situation. Available in seven languages, the site is a "virtual talent scout" present on all continents. It informs candidates about the various disciplines sought and the work environment, in addition to providing artist and mentor testimonials, talent scout biographies and instructions for applying online.
Targeted strategies
Over the years, the Casting team has created opportunities and implemented flexible, innovative methods of discovering new artists. Some disciplines require a different recruiting approach, and the strategies adopted vary based on each community's reality. Similarly, the messages communicated via social networking sites, the Casting newsletter and the promotion of recruitment activities are tailored based on the strategy developed to reach the target audience.
Sports disciplines and circus arts
More than half of Cirque du Soleil artists come from a sports background. For many years now, Cirque has offered stage career opportunities for athletes whose competitive career is drawing to an end. This represents an opportunity for them to acquire new skills in the performing arts and to transform their career. This approach opens new doors for sports such as artistic, acrobatic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, synchronized swimming and diving.
This scouting is done with clear ethics in place and the approval of the relevant sports associations, including the International Federation of Gymnastics. Cirque du Soleil recognizes, respects and values the existence of a prior and privileged relationship between the athletes and their national sports organizations— a relationship that contributes to the acquisition of high-level skills and from which the company greatly benefits.
As regards to circus arts, Casting has been developing and maintaining links with circus schools worldwide for many years, and stays up to speed on emerging trends.
In addition, Cirque du Soleil has recently set up delocalized training programs. Located in China and Russia, these first training centres provide complete, customized circus arts training to hand-picked athletes.
Artistic disciplines
Singers, musicians, dancers, actors and clowns play a big role in creating magic in our shows— whether through their musical talent, ability to convey emotion though movement, or aptitude for engaging the audience directly. All these artists have one thing in common—they all hail from the performing arts world.
While complementary, each of these artistic disciplines has its own particularities. This is why the Casting team uses means appropriate to each discipline for recruiting candidates. For example, dancers are used to large auditions surrounded by other dancers, while clowns prefer to be seen in a show, where they benefit from the audience's reaction. We must therefore follow the recruiting trends in each of the talent communities and adapt our approach.
"Casting partners" abroad
In some regions, Cirque du Soleil gives specialists specific monitoring or recruiting assignments. These partners include coaches, teachers, small companies or federations with a good contact network. They are thoroughly familiar with Cirque du Soleil and can convey its philosophy and values in the field. In this way, Cirque has eyes and ears all over the world.
Over the years and through its many recruitment activities, the Casting team has received material from an impressive number of candidates. While not all of them end up in a Cirque du Soleil show, many show promise as potential replacements in current shows or upcoming creations. The Casting team plays a consulting role with the various creation teams, directors and artistic directors by showing them acts or artists discovered at auditions or scouting activities. The creation teams leave it up to the experts to find the talent that will give each show its unique character.
Cirque du Soleil is probably the only company in the world that recruits artists for shows that have such a long lifespan. The challenge is huge, since there is no model to follow or reference in this field. The best way for the Cirque du Soleil Casting team to do its work is to continually renew itself, never compromise on quality, and tirelessly explore new methods!
For more information about Casting and its activities: www.cirquedusoleil.com/jobs
To subscribe to the Casting newsletter, click here.
The Casting team is also on social networking sites:


text:
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 9th May 2011 21:14 UTC, submitted by Elv13
Since Nokia announced its switch to Windows Phone 7, people have been worried about the future of Qt. Well, it turns out Nokia is still going full steam ahead with Qt, since it has just announced the plans for Qt 5. Some major changes are afoot code and functionality-wise, but the biggest change is that Qt 5 will be developed out in the open from day one (unlike Qt 4). There will be no distinction between a Nokia developer or third party developer.
Permalink for comment 472605
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
RE[7]: Meh
by Nelson on Tue 10th May 2011 20:35 UTC in reply to "RE[6]: Meh"
I'd say you don't know what you're talking about. Compile-time type safety is only one of the many benefits of having a type system. Regardless, JavaScript *does* have types, whether or not you personally consider it worthless for it to have one.
For all practical purposes, there is no point in a type system if its weak. The end game here is program correctness, and that is not something that comes out of the box with Javascript.
The types themselves in Javascript don't matter as much as the values of the variables, which is where the problem lies.
The problem is that of undefined behavior from implicit conversions. Because of that, Javascript is effectively typeless for every reason that matters.
This abomination of a language has no place anywhere, at all.


text:
Nah, accountants build their own games in Excel, such as the ever-popular hits:That's just outreach to all the hardcore gamers in accounting, obviously. Feel welcome guys!
Forward two years from then, and it's Nintendo press conference that made it to the front page, while Sony and Microsoft are nowhere to be found. How things changes...
Nowhere to be found [slashdot.org], eh? Microsoft's conference was last night. Nintendo's was this morning. Sony's is next. Slashdot will cover all three.
I kind of agree with the steering wheel and the zapper shell. The wheel looks more advanced (has buttons and such), but it's still just 'meh.'
The platform on the other hand, is HUGE. Look how many "non-gamers" like the Wii. Now give them an exercise device that is kind of fun to use, lets you do step-robics. It's like the mat from the NES days, but updated. Having all the balancing mechanics in it can open some more very interesting possibilities. It may die a quiet death, but it may be another game change
Revealing? They said the same thing last year (and I think they said it two years ago too), but I suspect the number of people who are taking them seriously has increased a hundred fold.
Right now, today, the Wii supports a web browser that can play back Youtube videos. Make your home media server have an option to render a given video in Flash and point your Wii's browser at it. Voila - home entertainment center.
Of course I understand why they're doing this from a business point of view. But as a long-time, moderate gamer, I don't really care - I'm a fan of their games, not their business - I just want good, engaging, and deep games to play.
I see a lot of new experiences for non-gamers, but for all its promise the Wiimote has yet to really add anything compelling to traditional gaming (waggle doesn't really count). I didn't see anything in that conference to convince me otherwise.
Have you played The Godfather? For me that's the best use of the Wii's controls in a "traditional" game so far and it is very compelling (and by a third party developer). It helps that it's a very "hands on" game (by which I mean the protagonist does a lot with his h
Were there fewer fools, knaves would starve. - Anonymous


text:
Human Rights | LGBT Equality | Indigenous Rights | Fair Trade | Consumer Ethics | Racial Equality | World Hunger | Immigration Policy & Reform | Worker's Rights | Economic Justice
I am certain that the name of this group is enough to assure you that the issues you find here will not be—by their very nature—pleasant to deal with. Man's inhumanity to man is boundless, and everywhere you look there seems to be no end to hatred, conflict, and injustice. To make matters worse, the lines between justice and injustice are often blurred as victims become the victimizers, and the oppressed—once liberated—turn into oppressors themselves.
Such is the story of man.
As decent and moral people, it is, unfortunately, our duty to stand up and speak out against injustice. I say "unfortunately" because it is not only unfortunate that these injustice occur, but unfortunate that we cannot go about the business of living our own lives without trying to right the wrongs committed by others.
These issues are complicated. Our ability to influence others is limited. And far too many things are simply out of our control. Confronting them is by no means an easy task.
Nonetheless, we can attempt to make small efforts to right the wrongs of the world through letter-writing campaigns, petitions, phone calls, and by staying informed on the issues that affect the people around us.
Please contribute as often as you can. News, action alerts, letter campaigns, books, documentaries, and links are all welcome. I have provided some links to external sites below. It is in no way a comprehensive list, but I do welcome any additions you might suggest.
Blurbs & Tidbits – post little news items here
Books & Documentaries – post the basic info here
Favorite Quotes - add your favorite and most inspirational quotes here
Video Thread – post videos here if they don't merit their own thread
Started by Sydni Moser. Last reply by Jean Bodie Jul 9, 2010. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Sydni Moser. Last reply by Bruce Williams May 30, 2010. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Sydni Moser. Last reply by Bruce Williams May 30, 2010. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Sydni Moser. Last reply by Bruce Williams May 30, 2010. 2 Replies 0 Likes


text:
SurvivingInfidelity.com Forum Archives
Huge life decision and I need some good karma and prayers please
You are not logged in. Login here or register.
She11ybeanz posted 11/12/2013 12:56 PM
Okay...so the last 2 years have been really rough for me. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my older sister begged and pleaded with me to watch her for me for free....knowing my financial situation and my over-the-top student loan debt. I agreed...desperate and moved one block away from her. It seemed perfect at the time and it worked well for a while.
Well, fast forward to now. My daughter is 15 months old and my sister and I now fight like cats and dogs.....I have barely been able to make ends meet and have been forced to sell countless things on Ebay including lots of my favorite jewelry just to pay bills. My sister now resents me for not paying her even though I've tried to explain to her that I would if I could. I have medical bills that I am way behind on as it is!
I have felt trapped. Depressed. Suicidal. We fight so much that I have lost hope. I can't win an argument with her. All I want is peace. But, anything I say or do...and I do mean ANYTHING will set her off. She has the shortest fuse on the planet and I have been racking my brain for a solution here. She wants to watch my daughter but hates me for not paying her. She tells me that she considers Piper 50% hers until she dies... but she will throw absolutely EVERYTHING she does for her in my face. If she buys her a toy....or food...or anything (of which she doesn't HAVE to do because I provide everything she needs) I will hear about it in an argument.
So, tonight....after much soul searching....I am going to sit down with my dad....who lives in my large childhood home alone... and swallow my pride....and ask him if I can move back in with him with my daughter for exactly 2 to 3 years. I have an exit strategy. My car will be paid off in exactly less than 2 years as of October 1st. My credit cards will be paid off in exactly 2 years and 9 months.... I will either move out when A. those bills are paid off or B. I can get Piper into a free Pre-K program, whichever comes first.
This plan would benefit all involved because 1st off....I would pay my sister $400 a month to watch my daughter, thus giving her what she wants monetarily (more than she asked of $50 a week DOUBLE actually) AND letting her spend the time with my daughter that she wants to do before her cerebral palsy gets too bad for her to watch her. IF and WHEN the stress and/or physicalness of watching my child becomes an issue.....we can do part-time and I will pay someone else to watch her a few days a week. Whatever. But, I can't afford to live on my own AND pay for childcare as a single mom with as much debt as I have.
I just can't. It is what it is.
I will promise my dad that I will buy all our own groceries, pay for all the paper products, detergent, etc for the house. I will cook, clean, and help him get his house ready to sell in a couple of years.... and help him with utilities and so forth as much as I possibly can.
I feel like this is the best decision for me and my sister. And, best of all...I get my power back. I have felt powerless as a mother.....hopeless... my sister has threatened to not watch my daughter and I've been reduced to begging her to forgive me for things that I knew I was not wrong about. I want my power and control back I AM HER MOTHER! ME! If she and I can't get along, in this situation, I will have the power and the means to pay someone else to watch my child without the constant stress and eggshells of trying to please an unpleasable and drama insatiable individual. This will reduce my stress and increase my happiness.
I may be giving up my independence temporarily... but I will be gaining control, power, happiness, and my sanity. It seems like a win win to me.
Please pray for me that my talk with my dad goes well. If he is not willing to do this....I don't know what I will do.
[This message edited by She11ybeanz at 1:00 PM, November 12th (Tuesday)]
Spirit13 posted 11/12/2013 13:08 PM
It sounds like an interesting plan. Would it make sense to pay someone else to watch Piper and then relieve yourself of your sister's emotional wrath? Is that even financially feasible? That would be the only thing I'd ask to try to make your life easier. Why put yourself through that?
7yrsflushed posted 11/12/2013 13:17 PM
My only comment is please understand that your sister likely isn't going to suddenly change her tune because you pay her. You know her best but my guess is she will start up about something else. Also why pay her more than she asked for. Use the extra cash to get you back on your feet even sooner. Or just pay someone else to watch her.
I wish you the best with your plan. Do you think it would help to have an actual contract with your Father? You could spell out exactly what you will and won't pay for of the household expenses. Also don't oversell what you will or won't do for your Father. I don't know your family at all but you don't want to end up being his Mother as well. He is helping out but you should spend your time and energy caring for yourself and your daughter.
PricklePatch posted 11/12/2013 13:46 PM
My sister also made the same comments. She later decided that she was the better mother. She chose not to have children. She started trying to get my dd to say she loved her more. She ended up trying to gather evidence against us to get custody of our child. She went to friends and neighbors and they said their was no neglect. She felt she could prove it due to my child's illness, which is organic. A friend called an let me know what was happening, this friend was th last approached she. was informed she was going to social services and would be removing my child, 3000 miles away.
My point here is your sister is your sister. As hurtful as it is she is not your child's parent. I in therapy came to realize like my husband, I ha poor boundaries with her. Please move in with your dad. Then look to shore up boundaries with your sister. Hugs
She11ybeanz posted 11/12/2013 13:49 PM
Would it make sense to pay someone else to watch Piper and then relieve yourself of your sister's emotional wrath? Is that even financially feasible? That would be the only thing I'd ask to try to make your life easier. Why put yourself through that?
The only reason that I'm going to try to go this route FIRST is because my sister is dying of a horrible disease...and says her doctors only give her a couple of years.... I don't know how true that is...but she wants "her niece to know her" (her quote). She loves my daughter like her own and is good to her. My daughter loves her very much too....we joke that she is the "baby's daddy" since he is not in the picture. I want to give my sister the option. But, at least now, I won't feel powerless if it doesn't work out. I will have the control and the means to seek help elsewhere without panic. I love my sister and I want her to be happy. So, I'm willing to sacrifice my independence to do this and try to extend one last olive branch. If this doesn't work.....at least I will have somewhere to go and not a deadend street....
My dad is a very giving man....and he will expect very little of me. I will help him when I can...cleaning and cooking I do ANYWAY so that is nothing new.....and helping him out with utilities seems fair. I think he will do this because it will help my sister out and he worries about her health too. And, I know he loves me and Piper and now that Piper is older and sleeping through the night...he won't have a crying baby waking him up at night (at least not often)
And, most of all...I need to reduce my stress. I worry about money ALL. THE. TIME. I need to get rid of the guilt trips that she gives me and the constant hopelessness I feel.... and take back my control over my life. I've typed out a budget of all my bills and hypothetical expenses (childcare to my sister etc and a storage unit) to show my dad tonight....I'm gonna go in with all my I's dotted and T's crossed....and hope he is agreeable to it.... because I NEED this to work!
[This message edited by She11ybeanz at 1:54 PM, November 12th (Tuesday)]
Crescita posted 11/12/2013 14:40 PM
I don't know Shelly, while there may be some financial upsides, this sounds like getting more indebted to family, not less.
Even the financial benefit may be somewhat questionable. You will be paying your sister, contributing to your father's household, probably spending more on gas, running errands for your father, going out more to get alone time, etc...
As soon as you let someone take on an expense (day care, rent) they will question every dollar you spend. While they are trying to help, they don't want to be taken for granted (perhaps this is the tension with your sister?)
It might serve you better to take an honest look at your finances. Downsize your car/apartment, talk to a debt counselor, work on a budget, hold off on more races until you have a comfortable emergency fund, cut down on socializing to give your sister some relief from watching Piper.
You can get out of this on your own Shelly, you've made it this far.
ETA: Mojo and (((Shelly)))
[This message edited by Crescita at 2:48 PM, November 12th (Tuesday)]
cissi posted 11/12/2013 15:33 PM
Your sister's doctor told her she has only a couple years before she dies and yet she is now able to care for your Piper all day long, five days a week? I have a good friend who has cerebral palsy and though I admit I don't know much about the condition, she is in her late 40s and going strong. I would think if your sister only had a couple years left, she would be way too ill to watch your child?
I also think you should consider filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy. I'm not sure if you can include your school loans on that but I know you can include the medical bills. Your situation is exactly why this program was created, so I would urge you to take advantage of the help.
I also would urge you to find someone else to watch your baby girl because your sister doesn't sound normal to me and God only knows what kind of crap she is putting into Piper's head. I think it's a good idea to move in with your dad, too.
[This message edited by cissi at 3:35 PM, November 12th (Tuesday)]
cayc posted 11/12/2013 15:34 PM
It's a decent plan insofar as we all know you need to do something but ...
1. Why pay your sister more than what she asked for? Don't. Pay her what she asked.
2. Ask your dad what he would want from you financially if you moved back for 2-3 rather than offering something upfront. He might surprise you and ask for less, or ask for things that aren't money related (rides, a family dinner once a week, time with your daughter etc.)
I say both of these because, if you try and super-engineer this to ward off sis or dad getting pissed with you (b/c look how $ generous I am dad and sis! I'm not taking advantage of you!), that's not going to happen. Plus, if you super-engineer this that just shifts who you owe without giving you the breathing room you think you're going to get, you're just going to find yourself in a tighter spot.
She11ybeanz posted 11/12/2013 15:52 PM
Right. I agree cayc.
I have to do something. I have cut my budget in my situation as much as I know to and have been eating sandwiches for lunch and leftovers for a year to cut on food costs. But, with my other student loan coming out of forbearance in the Spring....there is no way to cut corners and stay where I am AND pay my sister for childcare too. I haven't been able to pay on some medical bills I have looming over me because my check is literally GONE when I get paid. This is not a rash decision. This is something I have thought about for many many months and racked my brain over every type of scenario from roommates to moving to a 1 bedroom apartment (which would only cut costs a tiny bit) etc etc. This is the absolute best way to reduce stress and give me back some of my control over my life. I feel completely powerless and I hate it. I need to do something and I think this is a good plan.
HeartStings posted 11/12/2013 17:48 PM
Just be prepared for your father to say no. I had a friend in the same situation as you and she went to her parents and asked if she and her baby could move back into their huge house. They told her NO in no uncertain terms. She chose to have a child out of wedlock, so she had to figure it out. They did loan her money, though, so that she could buy an old mobile home to save money on rent. It worked out so well for her that she was able to buy her own house 5 years later.
risingfromashes posted 11/12/2013 21:18 PM
It sounds like you have really thought this through. I am sorry that you have had to make these difficult decisions. Please let us know how your talk with your Dad goes.
I am impressed that you have thought far enough in the future to have an exit plan. You will land on your feet!
SBB posted 11/13/2013 05:24 AM
This sounds like a great plan. I hope it works out.
What are the chances of your sister asking to move in to?
I would reconsider having your sister look after Piper. Certainly not 5 days a week. I would pay her what she asks and find someone else to do a few days a week. I would also tell her this deal is conditional on her NOT overstepping boundaries.
No more fights or you stop spending time together. Come up with a safe-word or something when you each feel the urge to fight.
You are grown women - there is no need to fight like cats and dogs. It is completely inappropriate. I have a sister - I understand the dynamic but that shit needs to end. Think of what you are modelling for Piper. It sounds like an abusive M.
I think your judgement is clouded here. You are in a very vulnerable position and I don't think you can see that what she is doing is abuse.
hemademesingle posted 11/13/2013 07:07 AM
I think it is a great idea, as long as you have a decent relationship with your dad, from reading previous posts it sounds like you do. Talk to him, be honest, let him know what is going on, he may have wanted to reach out to you, but has been hesitant, Let me tell you my experience
I moved back home with my parents when my son was a year old, it was not ideal, having only 1 bedroom for me and my son,by this time in my parents life they were living in a condo,enjoying retirement, but it worked. The love and stability that my son received was the best thing for him. There were times when I would have to have a discussion with my dad that chocolate pudding was not a breakfast item,but once in awhile it was okay, my parents actually loved it, they would get down on the floor and play with my son,they had time and patience,
The thing that was nice for me was having the extra pair of eyes keeping him safe. My parents wouldn't take money so I cooked,cleaned, cut grass, shoveled snow,all while they watched him, I didn't need to wait to get things done till he was sleeping, I would buy groceries, special stuff for them that they may not buy for themselves, order dinner in or take them to a restaurant once in awhile.
As far as the babysitting, I wouldn't pay anymore than what was originally asked for, that extra money can go to pay down a debt quicker, or just be able to breath a little easier. As to your sisters capability health-wise to watch Piper, as long as you feel she is capable and healthy enough to care for her, and keep her safe, and she feels capable and healthy enough to care and keep her safe, if the answer is yes then she would be my first choice, you most definitely need to keep this discussion on the fore front, Piper's care is important and so is your sister's health,
If it were me I would talk to my dad, if he agrees, then I would give notice where I live, let sister know that I will start paying her, I would start to list everything that I could sell that I will no longer need,nor have the place to keep, I would not pay storage, can things be stored at your dad's or sisters? depending on how much space you can get, you might find that you have to downsize to the maximum,I had too, I kept things that were really special, if you all work together as a family it can be a really rewarding situation
million pieces posted 11/13/2013 07:31 AM
I think others have given you good input about your dad and your sister. You are in northern VA or close? I think that may be why you are willing to pay "more" for childcare, because a child her age would cost almost that much a week for full time childcare in the DC metro area (if people don't realize that about around these parts).
Also, if you do move in with your father, make sure he doesn't become too dependent on you. My SO moved in with his parents after his sep. His parents health started failing and when he was ready to move out in ~2 yrs, they had a lot of issues with it. Nothing said out loud, but constant calls to do this or that. He did sooooo much around the house and they honestly just missed his company too. So if you do plan to move out, keep on talking about it, your dad might LOVE you and his granddaughter living with him (who wouldn't!!!!) and not want you to move out in a couple of years But the benefit will be that your dd will have a very special relationship with her grandfather and you will get to know him as an adult. Cherish the time!
[This message edited by million pieces at 7:31 AM, November 13th (Wednesday)]
She11ybeanz posted 11/13/2013 08:18 AM
It sounds like an abusive M.
That's exactly what it feels like at this point. When we fight...it takes me back in time to a time when my mother and my father would fight... my mom (is my sister in this situation) would be the one screaming, slamming doors, being completely unreasonable and always right....and there was no arguing with her...you let her win or the fight escalated until you gave up. My dad knew this and over time I watched him just give in. He never screamed or yelled or fought back. He stood by idly like a whipped puppy saying "Yes dear" "I'm sorry dear" "I love you dear" until she had had enough ass-kissing to pacify her in that moment or he left the house exasperated and in desperate need of escaping peace. I am my dad in this situation. I am 9 years YOUNGER than my sister but I feel like the adult here. I try to find constructive ways to discuss problems we have without yelling and try to come up with mutually beneficial solutions and she is so emotionally immature (as my therapist puts its) that you can't reason with her.
As of right now....I have ZERO power. If she told me today that she either could not or would not watch Piper anymore....I would have to scramble and use my friends mom (who watches her on the weekend and has her own health issues but NEVER complains....I love her so much...she is like a mom to me) to watch her temporarily until I could either A. Get a roach infested 1 bedroom apartment which would only save me a couple hundred a month in my city (I have a decent place to live for what I pay) B. Get a roommate (which could bring all sorts of other problems should the person that I end up with be untrustworthy) or C. Move back in with my dad.
I have weighed all of these options carefully. I don't like the idea of moving out my HOME, giving up my independence, and my pride to live with my father for 2 to 3 years. I hate this. BUT....of all the options I have....that is the best choice for everyone.
He lives in a HUGE house...by himself and has plenty of room for us. I would put most of my things in storage except for what I would need for our bedrooms. I would goodwill a lot of things and throw away a lot of the clutter that doesn't necessarily need to follow me. I would be moving to a better area, with better schools, so that when my daughter IS old enough for school, she can go somewhere much safer and better (meaning moving at school age was a must for me as it is because of where I live now). I only moved to the duplex I am now because its one street over from where my sister lives and when Piper was a newborn and I had to go to work after 6 weeks, it was the most convenient for the childcare relationship. Plus, we had a better relationship at that time and it has only become more bitter and distant as time goes on and my sister feels resentful towards me for me not paying her (despite her having begged me while pregnant to watch her for FREE knowing my financial situation which I reiterated to her over and over and over again telling her that one day it would reach this point ....to no avail - "in one ear and out the other!")
My dad did admit that it would be a big change in his lifestyle and I agreed that it would.....and it would be for me too... but I told him that I would help him clean and cook and paint and do all sorts of things for him around the house! I've decided to offer my sister around what she asked as you all have suggested and tell her I need the extra money to catch up my bills that are behind, pay for a storage unit, and make up for the extra gas mileage to/from dad's house and so forth.
I fully expect her to get mad and try the old statement "Fine then, find someone else to watch her and you can move into grandma's house (which is where she lives...my grandmother's old house after she died and she pays my dad rent) and then I will just move away out of town away from everyone." And, I will just say, "Okay, if that makes you happy."
I have made up my mind on this.... and I think this will be good to help get me back on my feet. If I pay her what she asks and no more than that...I will have enough after catching up bills to SAVE something to help me when I move out again and get a fresh start. If she decides not to watch my daughter anymore, I will have the means and the control to take her elsewhere....drama free. I like that idea. I have come to peace with making a few sacrifices in the short-term in order to build a stronger foundation in the long-term for my and my daughter's future. And, I think this is a step in the right direction.
My dad's conversation ended with us sharing a hug and him telling me he loves me and that everything will be okay. And, I think so too. Thank you all for your great advice... It is very much appreciated!
[This message edited by She11ybeanz at 8:27 AM, November 13th (Wednesday)]
StrongerOne posted 11/13/2013 08:21 AM
Shelly, you might want to transition your sister from being the daycare provider for Piper to being her aunt. Have someone else take care of Piper, while your sister can have Piper regularly but less frequently, for fun aunt-niece stuff.
Cayc's advice about asking your dad what he would like in return for your living at home is a good one. It will put the two of you on a better footing.
Good luck. You're a good momma, and a *cool* one too! (just remembering the pix of you in your wedding dress from the color run!)
ETA: oops, cross posted! Sounds like you have worked it out well. Good job setting boundaries!
[This message edited by StrongerOne at 8:24 AM, November 13th (Wednesday)]
She11ybeanz posted 11/13/2013 08:34 AM
Well, and I think the timing for this is perfect too. My dad won't feel "strapped" like he did when I had to live with him briefly during my divorce because he has turned 65 and is also getting Social Security on top of his full-time salary, which has helped him TREMENDOUSLY...so I won't have to help him financially unless he asks me to. I offered and he declined. But, I CAN help clean, I'm a pretty good cook and he never cooks... and I love to paint and do odd jobs like that....all for free for letting us stay!
My sister isn't going to have a say in this. She is just going to have to accept it or not. PERIOD. It is what is best for Piper and I..... and in the long-run will be for her too. She won't be able to complain anymore and if she does....I can easily go somewhere else.
I'm putting up a hypothetical invisible fence. She is the yipper dog who used to run the neighborhood free to nip at the heels of any passerbys she felt like (mostly me) and now she will be confined to her yard. She can accept it or lie down and pout.... but it is what it is. If she tries to run through that boundary.... I will zap her with my shock collar. Because the shock and reality of this situation is....if she truly wants to continue watching my daughter because she loves her and wants her in her life.... she needs to buck up and act like a respectful adult. We shall see how this goes. Either way, I won't have the horrible stress on me that I have had over the past year any longer and that thought makes me feel at ease.
ajsmom posted 11/13/2013 08:53 AM
I for one am ecstatic you are doing this.
There is nothing like having your child around family, and the bonding that the two of them will have is priceless.
You've thought this out very logically (expected, seeing you're an accountant ) and IMO you have an exit plan which is exactly what this type of situation calls for - something for both you and your dad to prepare for.
Two thumbs up, Shelly!
AJ's MOM
hexed posted 11/13/2013 09:00 AM
Shelly, I think this is the best decision you've made for yourself. Twice in my life I've had to make major sacrifices to my living situation to relieve financial stress. The emotional cost of giving up my independence or in one case my dream house post D, was far less than the cost of the financial stress.
You will be happier and life will fall into place much better for you.
She11ybeanz posted 11/13/2013 09:19 AM
I for one am ecstatic you are doing this.
There is nothing like having your child around family, and the bonding that the two of them will have is priceless.
You've thought this out very logically (expected, seeing you're an accountant ) and IMO you have an exit plan which is exactly what this type of situation calls for - something for both you and your dad to prepare for.
Two thumbs up, Shelly!
Shelly, I think this is the best decision you've made for yourself. Twice in my life I've had to make major sacrifices to my living situation to relieve financial stress. The emotional cost of giving up my independence or in one case my dream house post D, was far less than the cost of the financial stress.
You will be happier and life will fall into place much better for you.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. This was NOT an easy decision for me and I will admit that I kinda broke down crying from the stress of having to even suck up my pride to ask my father for such a HUGE request. But, it had to be done. I know my sister will try to say "You could move in with me" which I would only do if the thought of living in an 8 x 12 cell from being sentenced to 1st degree murder was a fun way to spend the rest of my life on this planet. Because I would give it Ahhhhhh about a week before I killed her or we killed each other.... whichever came first.
I fully expect a fight to come of this...and I will prepare my dad for the initial blow. She is going to try the old tantrum of "kicking and screaming" and "You and dad are against me" blah blah blah.... and I will explain to her calmly how this will benefit her AND me and how I will be helping dad out as well... and the long-term benefits and how it is "once again" NON-NEGOTIABLE. So, regardless of whether she watches Piper or not....we are moving. PERIOD. I am 34 years old and she is not going to treat me like her 8 year old baby sister any longer.
I am an adult making a difficult life decision and am doing what I believe to be best for my daughter and I's life. Simple. As. That.


text:
Master carpenter Norm Abram visits Essex's last shipyard. Host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva build shiplap barn board walls and a mantel. Landscape architect Kellie Connelly and landscape contractor Roger Cook show off the finished yard, and project architect Sally DeGan gives a tour of a home with accessible retrofits. Designer Keith Musinski lays out the reclaimed tile hearth.
Visit the Website: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tvprograms


text:
20 U.S. Code § 84 - Plans for buildings and bridges
All plans and specifications for the construction of buildings and bridges in the National Zoological Park shall be prepared under the supervision of the Smithsonian Institution.
Prepared by the President and transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled, June 13, 1966, pursuant to the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1949, 63 Stat. 203, as amended [see 5 U.S.C. 901 et seq.].
All those functions of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia which were vested in the municipal architect of the District of Columbia by the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, c. 355, 37 Stat. 437 (20 U.S.C. 84; D.C. Code [former] § 8–134), in respect of buildings of the National Zoological Park, and all functions of that Board which were vested in the engineer of bridges of the District of Columbia by those provisions in respect of bridges of the National Zoological Park, are hereby transferred to the Smithsonian Institution.
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1966, prepared in accordance with the Reorganization Act of 1949, as amended, and providing for a reorganization relating to the National Zoological Park located in the District of Columbia.
Today, all responsibilities for the administration of the park are vested in the Smithsonian Institution with one exception—the function of preparing plans and specifications for the construction of buildings and bridges at the zoo. That statutory responsibility is now conducted by the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia [now the Mayor].
Under the accompanying reorganization plan, the responsibility for the preparation of these plans and specifications would be transferred from the District of Columbia Board of Commissioners to the Smithsonian. The complete administration of the park would then be vested in one agency—the Smithsonian Institution. This will allow the more efficient and effective development and management of the park.
In 1912, the functions to be transferred were vested in the Municipal Architect of the District of Columbia and in the Engineers of the Bridges of the District of Columbia. In 1952, they were transferred to the Board of Commissioners.
When the 1912 act was passed, the District of Columbia shared the costs of capital improvements in the National Zoological Park. In 1961, it ceased sharing these costs, and the Federal Government assumed complete responsibility for financing the improvements. Accordingly, the District government retains no capital improvement responsibilities for the National Zoological Park except those functions relating to construction plans and specifications for buildings and bridges, as specified in the 1912 statute. Upon the transfer of these remaining functions to the Smithsonian Institution, the administration of the National Zoological Park will, at last, be fully centered in one agency. It is not practicable at this time, however, to itemize the resulting reduction in expenditures.
I have found, after investigation, that each reorganization included in the accompanying reorganization plan is necessary to accomplish one or more of the purposes set forth in section 2(a) of the Reorganization Act of 1949, as amended.
I recommend that the Congress allow the reorganization plan to become effective.
The White House, June 13, 1966.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text:
DIXON – The Dixon School District could spend more than $200,000 a year to run a proposed sports and activities center, officials say.
On Tuesday, Lee County voters will decide on a 1 percent sales tax for school facilities. The revenue would be divided among all Lee County public school districts based on enrollment.
Dixon schools officials say they would expect to use their share to build the sports and activities center, which has been estimated to cost between $10 million and $15 million.
Until this week, though, the school district hadn't released an estimate on the cost to run the center.
Thursday, district officials released estimates for those expenses: $110,000 a year on personnel, and $94,000 on utilities and supplies.
But officials said those numbers were on the high end because they don't include potential income or the center's green features, which could reduce utility costs.
The district expects the YMCA and the Dixon Park District will have programs at the center, particularly on Sundays, which would bring in revenue.
"Although no formal agreements have been reached with the YMCA and the Park District, the belief is that partnerships can be worked out that would allow the facility to be open longer hours and more days without additional expense to the district," the report states.
Under state law, the 1 percent tax cannot pay for running the complex or any other facility.
If the tax passes, the district will issue bonds to build the complex. The district's bond payments are estimated at $1 million a year – less than the $1.2 million a year that the tax is expected to bring in.
The district plans to spend the additional $200,000 on smaller capital projects, Superintendent Michael Juenger said.
The money for such smaller projects usually would come from the district's operations and maintenance fund. So with the new money, the district would have the funds available to run the proposed complex, Juenger said.
Juenger said he doubted the district would ever have to tap the education fund to cover expenses of the sports and activities center. That fund pays for teachers' salaries and other classroom-related expenses.
"We would go to a lot of other funds before we would go the education fund," he said.
Tax opponents say the sports and activities complex would detract from the district's primary mission of education. Supporters, however, point to evidence indicating that sports and other extracurricular activities help students do better in the classroom.
Whiteside County's school superintendents are now considering putting a 1 percent sales tax on the April 9 ballot.


text:
Golf is such a fickle game. Players can toil for years in relative anonymity and then suddenly emerge on the scene.
Robert Garrigus knows this all too well.
He turned pro in 1997, bounced from the Hooters and Gateway tours to the now Nationwide Tour, before earning his PGA Tour playing card in 2006. Prior to the 2011 season, he averaged roughly 26 starts and 16 made cuts a season. In the statistical categories that matter most, Garrigus had a win—the 2010 Children's Miracle Network Classic—a second, two thirds and a bevy of top 25s.
That all changed two weeks ago at the U.S. Open when Garrigus shot four sub-par round at Congressional Country Club, tied for third and still placed 10 shots back of champion Rory McIlroy.
Thursday, Garrigus shot a 2-under-par 68 in the AT&T National's opening round to put himself in contention at Aronimink Golf Club.
"I've had more recognition about the Open than my two seconds and my win. That was a big tournament," said Garrigus, 33, of his Open experience. "A lot of people that don't normally watch golf because Tiger [Woods] and the big guys aren't playing, they were watching last week, and they were watching on Sunday to watch history, and I happened to pop in there for the last couple holes and get a little peek of what it's all about from not winning."
Still, Garrigus, of Nampa, Calif., had a defining moment. On the 72nd hole, Garrigus thought he needed to make birdie to ensure a spot in next spring's Masters. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Garrigus had a cushion.
On the green, he surveyed a 22-foot birdie putt.
"It was a 22-footer that broke three feet, and I just buried it, and I got so excited," he said of a reaction that included an exulted fist pump. It was a genuine show of emotion because that's how I felt. I shot 39 on the front and 31 on the back. I don't think anybody shot 31 on the back on Sunday, so that was a lot of fun."
That Garrigus is even on tour, much less in contention, is a story unto itself. In 2003, after years of alcohol and drug abuse, Garrigus checked himself into Calvary Ranch, a San Diego-area rehabilitation center.
Forty-five days later, he was clean and sober. Today, largely because of his U.S. Open finish, Garrigus is set to play in the PGA Championship and next year's Masters and U.S. Open.
Clearly his career is arching. But even if it were not, given what he's been through, it would be okay.
"If I was 8 over I'd be the same way," he said. "I've always been that way. I've always been a guy that is not going to get down on myself. I enjoy myself. I enjoy everything that I do. I think I'm the luckiest guy on the planet to play golf for a living."
Stuart Hall is editor of the Golf Press Association.


text:
The Bendigo Bank Spirit's hopes of making the play-offs this WNBL season don't rest solely on Kathleen Scheer's shoulders, but partly on her knee.
The Spirit's US import arrived in Bendigo on Saturday under an injury cloud ahead of the team's WNBL season opener on October 5.
Due to a recurring left knee problem, Scheer hasn't played since her US college season ended with Duke University in April.
The 6'2" forward, who turns 23 today, had minor surgery in July last year which allowed her to play all 33 matches for Duke in her senior year.
But the problem flared up towards the end of the season and, despite a two-month break, physical therapy and an injection, it's still causing her problems.
Before her first pre-season training session with the Spirit on Sunday, Scheer hadn't ran for five weeks.
"If I hadn't of got that injection I wouldn't have been able to make it through Sunday, so that was nice," Scheer said.
"I was in a little bit of pain, but I think that's just my body getting used to it again."
Scheer's fitness will be crucial for the Spirit as she is set to provide some much-needed assistance to centre Gabe Richards against the WNBL's tall timber.
But Scheer believes her versatility can make her more valuable than just as a post player.
A prolific scorer at high school level, Scheer was a role player at Duke and as such averaged 2.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in her senior year.
"(In high school) I could score from pretty much any position so I think (the Spirit) want me to get back into that role – be a scorer and a defensive threat – and that's pretty much what I want for myself," she said.
Scheer's cousin is former Bendigo Braves import Luke Meyer, who put her in touch with the Spirit.
Just out of college, this season is Scheer's first outside of the US, but she's not concerned about any expectations placed on her as an import.
"I've never really thought about it like that, I'm just excited," she said.
"The Spirit has been such a great club to work with…they've been very nice and understanding as far as my injury goes – I was very worried about that.
"But as far as expectations go I just want to get out there and play my game and develop my scoring more."


text:
IUCN's Senior Gender Adviser, Lorena Aguilar, explains the importance of women as actors in the climate debate.
After many years of silence and omission of the importance of women and gender equality in the climate change debates, we are seeing for the first time a real possibility of having gender considerations in the negotiation process.
This is not due to a magical formula. Women from all around the world have been developing an advocacy strategy for the past two years. You can see them talking to the Parties, being part of the delegations, performing street theater, among many other ways to convince the decision-makers that gender counts.
We will not lost the hope, the spirit and the energy from the women in Africa that walk eight hours to bring water, the force of the women in Latin America that grow their food during extreme droughts and the fear of the women in flooded areas in Asia are with us, reminding us that we carry this fight for them.


text:
Follow @CCU_CAF Follow @goccusports Follow @chaunceyccu
Fall 2010: Won a doubles match at the Wilmington Invitational playing alongside Dominique De Wit (Oct. 29).
Spring 2010: Earned a victory at No. 2 doubles and No. 3 singles in the Chants' 7-0 win over Savannah State (Jan. 31) ... Picked up a win at No. 3 doubles in Coastal's 7-0 shutout of Coker (Feb. 6) ... Won at No. 5 singles in the Chants' 7-0 shutout of North Carolina A&T (March 26) ... Posted a victory at No. 3 doubles in a 4-3 win over East Carolina (April 2) ... Recorded a win at No. 6 singles in the Chants' 7-0 shutout of Presbyterian (April 13).
Fall 2009: Was 3-4 in singles and double in the fall sessions ... Got a pair of wins at the Brevard College Mountain Invitational, defeating Georgia Southern and Brevard ... Also picked up a three-set win over Charlotte at the College of Charleston Invitational ... Teamed with Amanda Malatek for a pair of wins over West Virginia State and Wingate to reach the Consolation Finals at the Brevard College Mountain Invitational.
2008-09: Went 18-8 in singles play and 14-11 in doubles, earning All-Big South honors in doubles with partner Lexi Bolesky after they paired for a 13-7 record in the spring ... Had a seven-match winning streak in No. 4 and 5 singles during the year, including four straight to open the spring season, as well as a segment where she won 10-of-11 matches ... Put together a four-match winning streak twice with Bolesky at No. 1 doubles and teamed to win both matches at the Big South Championship ... Posted a 5-2 singles mark in the fall, while getting one doubles win ... Was 3-0 in the rain-altered UNC Wilmington Tennis Invitational, defeating opponents from North Carolina Central, UNC Greensboro and UNC Wilmington ... Finished 10th at the College of Charleston Fall Invitational after posting a pair of wins over players from Davidson and Charleston Southern ... Four of her five singles wins were in straight sets ... Got her lone doubles win of the fall at the College of Charleston, teaming with Lexi Bolesky to win over Charleston Southern ... Named ITA Scholar-Athlete and to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll.
High School: Played in the VSSSA Pizey Cup Tennis event, serving as the state captain of Victoria ... Also was an Australian Merit Team representative as a junior.
Personal: Full name is Caitlyn Jayne Brooksbank ... Daughter of Ian and Navelle Brooksbank ... Major is undecided.


text:
Don't make target of EPC
It was disturbing to see Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham skewer the Environmental Protection Commission at a recent budget workshop. Higginbotham, as the Tribune's Mike Salinero reports, chastised the agency and said it was "again becoming an impediment" to business. This is the kind of talk commissioners have frequently used when seeking to undermine the agency. Higginbotham stresses he has no issue with EPC's "rules and regulations." He had received complaints and wanted to be sure field workers were prompt and considerate dealing with regulated parties.That's reasonable enough, but the commissioner should have known his pointed comments at the public workshop would rekindle thoughts of past efforts by industry-friendly commissioners to intimidate the EPC. Indeed, business interests have sought to neuter the EPC virtually since former state lawmaker Terrell Sessums established it in the 1960s. A particular sore point with developers is that the EPC has stronger wetlands protections than the state. Higginbotham, to his credit, helped defend the EPC from a 2007 commission effort to eliminate its wetlands responsibilities. The east Hillsborough commissioner, though pro business, is no industry lackey. But at the workshop, he took the EPC to task for two cases, one involving Speedling Inc., a nursery in Sun City, the other concerning the Varn family ranch in Plant City. Higginbotham says he wasn't seeking any special treatment for those operations, and his office had even initiated one of the environmental complaints against Speedling. He just wanted the conflicts to be resolved quickly and fairly. Still, his comments hardly seemed intended to advance resource protection. A memo sent to the commissioners by EPC Director Rick Garrity details a series of air and water violations by Speedling, including discharging wastewater into a stormwater system that runs into Tampa Bay. According to the EPC, it entered into a consent order with Speedling in 2011 over a number of the offenses and assessed the company $34,749 in civil fines. That amount was reduced by 80 percent, to $6,949, when the company agreed to invest in anti-pollution measures. Current issues include the failure to test wastewater and unauthorized discharges into surface waters, a serious matter because it can affect a marine-life-rich stretch of Tampa Bay. In the ranch case, the EPC was willing to approve the harvest of half the cypress trees in a wetland, which hardly seems restrictive. The indulgent state law allows 90 percent of cypress trees to be cut from a wetland. The agency's stance in both these cases does not seem abusive. Higginbotham is adamant he did not want EPC to relax its rules. "I only care about civility and better communication," he says. "I feel it's part of my job to speak out when I hear something is not done right." Higginbotham should by all means be sure affected parties are treated fairly. Regulators should be accountable. But he shouldn't forget a county history where commissioners have used such public attacks to paint a target on the county's environmental safeguards.
Trending Now


text:
Lions-specific availability has died down in Indianapolis with coach and GM availability completed for this year, but Tim Twentyman and Mike O'Hara are still talking Detroit football.
"(He) might still have a place in the Detroit Lions backfield," said Twentyman.
With a New Orleans-style offense imminent under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Leshoure could have a role in different offensive sets.
"If you go back and look at what the Saints did, they used multiple backs in a lot of different ways," said GM Martin Mayhew.
"I'm encouraged about that for Mikel and it could bode well for him in terms of getting more playing time and having a more specific, defined role in our offense"
- Mayhew urged the media not to forget about sixth-round pick
Corey Fullerwho spent his rookie season as a developmental practice squad player.
- One rookie who developed into a regular spot in the rotation last year was defensive end
Devin Taylor. His former teammate at South Carolina, potential first-overall selection Jadeveon Clowney, says Taylor has given him some insight into life in the NFL.
- The Lions have not been shy about their need for a receiver to play opposite All-Pro
Calvin Johnsonand draft prospects know they will have a great situation if they are drafted to be that player.
- Tim Twentyman took a look at each of the NFC North teams and what their prime needs are heading into the offseason.
- Tim and Mike continued their LIVE blogging on Saturday, touching on Clowney's push to be the first-overall pick, Michael Sam's media availability, Michigan State Max Bullough and the impression
Larry Warfordleft on his former competition.


text:
Estranged husband charged in woman's death
Updated 10:56 am, Friday, January 3, 2014
The estranged husband of a pregnant north Harris County woman was charged Thursday with capital murder hours after her body was found in the waters of Cypress Creek.
Searchers recovered the body of Melissa Rene Sowders, ending the eight-day hunt for the mother of four who disappeared after she reportedly went to meet her estranged husband and daughter at a north Houston McDonald's.
Matthew Sowders, 28, was arrested at his home in Humble. The Harris County District Attorney's Office said Sowders was arrested on the elevated charge of capital murder because Melissa Sowders was pregnant, meaning the alleged killing took two lives.
Capital murder charges are also filed in cases involving a child under the age of 10. The district attorney's office said that statute includes an unborn child.
Matthew Sowders is being held with no bail. He will make his first court appearance Monday.
Melissa Sowders, 26, and her husband filed for divorce in the fall after their marriage of nine years had soured.
The couple had four children, the eldest 8 years old. Melissa Sowders was expecting her fifth child this year. Her boyfriend, Jason Sanford, has said he was the father of that child.
Sanford said Matthew Sowders, who had custody of the children, was to have brought the youngest child to the McDonald's restaurant for a day-after-Christmas visit.
"She missed her the most," Sanford said of Sowders' feelings for her baby.
Early in the search for Melissa Sowders, Harris County Sheriff's investigators said they feared foul play. Her car was found Dec. 27 north of Richey Road and near the creek.
At about 9:30 a.m. Thursday, searchers spotted a body floating in the creek near the North Freeway and Paramatta Lane.
Authorities declined to discuss details of the investigation, including what led searchers from the civilian search group, Texas EquuSearch, to focus on Cypress Creek. Melissa Sowders lived a short distance from the creek. Her sister, Amber Newsom, said the area in which the body was found was a favorite fishing spot of the woman's husband.
Melissa Sowders' family members said her relationship with her estranged husband had been tumultuous.
Arrested in driveway
Dustan Neyland, a Houston lawyer retained by Matthew Sowders on Sunday, said his client was cooperating with authorities.
"The Sowders family is grieving over the loss of Melissa," Neyland said. "Matthew's parents feel they have lost a daughter, and he has lost the mother of his children, whom he loves very much. They are very much in mourning. Matthew had nothing to do with the death and maintains his innocence."
Matthew Sowders' father was with him during the arrest. He said the family heard Thursday afternoon that a warrant had been issued for his son and they were going to arrange for his bond.
"I saw an SUV pull up behind me," said David Sowders, who works for the Houston Chronicle.
He said he thought the vehicle was a news truck and was about to maneuver around it.
"Matt told me to stop. He realized it was the police. When we did that, they surrounded us and did what they did," Sowders said, referring to the arrest.
Joyce Bierman, Melissa Sowders' aunt, said her niece had agreed to meet her husband because she "wanted to see her baby for Christmas."
Bierman characterized her niece as "a very sweet girl" who, although she cared deeply for her children, allowed them to stay with their father.
Aunt never met spouse
"She worked at Taco Bell," Bierman said, "and you know the crazy hours they work. She knew it would be hard to care for four babies."
Neyland declined to reveal what Matthew Sowders does for a living, but Bierman said she believes he works as a security guard. But she added, "I've never laid eyes on him in nine years."
Bierman said her niece occasionally attended family gatherings but always without her husband.
Mike Glenn contributed to this report.