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Read the original article in USA Today.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Tyler Geving, the basketball coach at Portland State, used to chuckle when the backup power forward would talk about playing football once his eligibility on the hardwood was exhausted. Geving viewed it as more of the bravado he'd come to expect from Julius Thomas, who hadn't laced up a pair of cleats since his mother made him give up football in high school.
"He always joked about it, or we thought he was joking about it," Geving told USA TODAY Sports. "We teased him. We said, 'You'd take one hit and that would be the end of you.'"
Geving shared that memory this week after watching Thomas' breakout performance in the Denver Broncos' season-opening 49-27 rout of the Baltimore Ravens. The former power forward is now a starting NFL tight end who hauled in two of Peyton Manning's NFL record-tying seven touchdown passes during a five-catch, 110-yard evening.
It was Thomas' first extensive action since the Broncos drafted him in the fourth round in 2011. And it comes after he played only a single season of college football at Portland State, a Big Sky Conference school that competes in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Nigel Burton remembers that season – he was in his first year as head football coach at Portland State when he met Thomas in the spring of 2010. Burton knew this: He needed players.
Burton, a former defensive back at the University of Washington, appreciated the size – 6-5 and about 220 pounds at the time – and recognized the athleticism, but he wasn't certain of the desire. Burton knew nothing about Thomas beyond he had played on basketball teams that made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
The football coach had questions. Did Thomas want to work? Could he handle the contact? What was his plan?
So he floated an invitation – a Sunday night at 9 p.m. – to test Thomas' level of interest.
"He was there," Burton said. "From then on, he was our guy."
'Phenomenal' rebounder
Hoping to follow a trail notably blazed by Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, all former college basketball players who went on to become NFL stars, Thomas was installed at tight end.
Burton noticed that Thomas, who averaged almost six rebounds per game as a senior, never allowed a basketball to reach his chest, retrieving each carom with his hands.
"He was a phenomenal offensive rebounder, where you have to have a knack to go get the ball," Geving said. "Offensively, he never took a shot outside of five feet. He was undersized, kind of creative in how he scored. A lot of it was body control, which translates to football."
It showed immediately: Thomas was a natural receiver. Thomas became the pupil of Steve Cooper, the Vikings' wide receivers coach, who gave all credit to his student's ability to see his own future.
"He was smart enough to realize an opportunity to play overseas basketball when he's done is not the same opportunity he'd have playing a senior year of football with us, and look at how that played out," he said. "I think he realized that. I think he knew if he learned this stuff and got it down – taking coaching – he'd be in good shape."
FANTASY: Who joins Thomas on hot list?
STATEMENT: Manning, Broncos crush Ravens
MORE: Reality check for defending champs
The learning curve was steep. Thomas didn't know how to get into a proper stance. Burton said Thomas had to learn the difference between running on turf and on the basketball court – stopping and re-directing on turf takes practice.
But the coaches said Thomas dove into film study and handled instruction as if there was nothing else in the world he wanted to do – which might have been true.
It was his last semester at PSU, and Thomas was only enrolled in the one class he needed to graduate. Every morning, he'd arrive at the coaches' offices, and after every practice, he'd catch more balls or run more routes.
He was a sponge. He's athletic, but his intelligence is the first characteristic Burton and Cooper both mentioned.
"The amount of work that dude put in was ridiculous because he knew he was behind," Burton said.
In one way, his coaches said, Thomas' delayed start was an advantage – football-wise, he was pretty much a blank slate.
"When he talked to the few scouts that wanted to talk to him, they were surprised by his football knowledge," Cooper said. "The bad habits he had? You could correct them. There's this deal we talk about – if you bring in a junior college kid or a 20-year-old young man, teaching him how to catch a football properly is a waste of time. He's going to fall back on old habits. If you bring in a true freshman with bad habits, you might have a chance to adjust that.
"Well, Julius was a 22-year-old grown man who didn't have a bunch of bad habits. He was mature enough to realize that sometimes coaches are on your ass for a reason, and it's positive."
Thomas thrived. Bulked up to 240, he was one of the Vikings' few offensive weapons. While Portland State struggled to a 2-9 record, Thomas earned first team all-conference honors after catching 29 passes for 435 yards and two touchdowns.
Next came an appearance in the East-West Game, followed by a trip to the NFL scouting combine.
The Broncos noticed Thomas, trading up to the end of the fourth round to draft him. He then saw his first two seasons essentially lost to a high ankle sprain that required surgery and rehabilitation.
And now he's a starting tight end in a Manning-led offense, which brings great opportunity. Of the future Hall of Fame quarterback's 444 touchdown passes, 108 have been tossed to tight ends.
"It's a lot of hard work coming together at once," Thomas said this week.
Added Burton: "It doesn't surprise me he's being successful."
Mom knows best
There's an explanation for Thomas' unorthodox path to the NFL – his mom.
Toria Wyrick-Thomas let her son play one year of youth football and another his freshman year in high school, but he began to experience back pain – which was exacerbated through the contact in football – as he went through a growth spurt that saw him shoot from 5-9 to 6-2.
Mom called an audible. She'd seen how damaging the sport could be – Thomas' father and her ex-husband, Greg, played three seasons of college football, the last at the University of the Pacific as a wide receiver, before retiring with a torn meniscus.
She didn't want Julius, the oldest of her three sons, to play football any longer, at least until he was finished growing, anyway.
"He had some pain, but it never prevented him from playing," Wyrick-Thomas said. "I just told him to wait a little longer. He was so passionate about football, but I just wanted him to get to his height before he started getting hit.
"My instinct was to wait. He understood. He's a good kid."
She's proud of Thomas, though she jokes she wishes he were a quarterback. She insists she always knew he'd end up here, a sentiment echoed by others who saw Thomas in high school in California.
"Your eyes immediately went to this kid," said Louis Franklin, athletic director at Tokay High who served as an football assistant coach while Thomas was there. "I used to watch a lot of USC, and when I saw Julius, I was like, 'That's Mike Williams.' That was his body type."
It hasn't been a flawless transition for Thomas – he was arrested recently in Denver for failure to appear in court on a traffic violation – but he hasn't forgotten where he comes from.
Each summer, Burton's freshman recruits arrive on campus early to get acclimated. He receives a check from Portland State to secure housing, but it doesn't cover the entire cost. Burton said Thomas, who will make $555,000 this season, has cut a check since 2011 to cover the expenses. The total ranges from $6,000-$10,000, and Burton said Thomas' generosity has not been publicized.
"Let's be honest, the first two years, he didn't play much – he was hurt," Burton said. "For him to write checks and give back to the program… If you're not making big cheese yet you're still giving back to your alma mater, well, that's him. And he didn't ask for anything – it's not like I have to put his name on anything."
Thomas is simply appreciative. Where would he be without Portland State?
"A couple of people that have been in my corner for a while, always thought I'd be able to have success in the National Football League," Thomas said. "To be able to have a game where I was able to do well, make them look like they're right, it feels good."


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Latest News
Goss' 'Thorn and Blossom' a two-sided Arthurian love story
Double the love story, double the fun for fantasy readers.
"The Thorn and the Blossom" is an accordion-bound two-sided romance. Readers have a choice of whether to first read Evelyn Morgan's story or Brendan Thorn's story.
It could be written off as a gimmicky young adult fantasy with lovers lost in time except that the author, Theodora Goss, raises it a higher level with her eerie writing.
It's a contemporary story of boy (Brendon) meets girl (Evelyn) as she visits Cornwall. She runs away after their first kiss. They meet again years later but obstacles stand in the way of a happy ending — her second sight and his comatose dying wife.
Their story is interwoven with a Goss-created fictional legend concerning the Arthurian knight, Sir Gawan; his love, Elowen, and a curse thrown by a witch that parts the couple for ten generations.
As the dying Elowen says:
"Have patience, love, and we shall meet again
As surely as wild roses have their thorns
For weary years eventually pass.
The modern character of Evelyn comments dryly, "Who wants to wait around for that long for a boyfriend?"
Goss wrote both stories as a diversion as she was finishing her 400-page dissertation on "The Monster in the Mirror: Late Victorian Gothic and Anthropology." She saw writing both sides of "The Thorn" as a challenge. "It can't just be stories from just her perspective. You actually have to read both of them to get the whole story, to understand what's going on," she says.
She comments that there has been a trend in the last 10 years of fantasy growing out its genre roots towards more literary fantasy. "I think when I was growing up fantasy wasn't given credit and now it's being given a lot more credit for sophistication. ("The Thorn") is a literary fantasy."
Brendon hopes Evelyn will get back in touch with him. "They would not live happily ever after, because no one did that. But they would be together, and that was enough."
At the end, Evelyn goes back to the cliff where the legend of the lost lovers was set and muses, "The ninth life would end sadly, with grief and loss. But the tenth life — perhaps that life would end well. Perhaps Elowen would find Gawan again. Sappy, yes. But then, real life was sometime sappy."
Will they end up together? All the young romantics out there will want to know.
"The Thorn and the Blossom" by Theodora Goss; Quirk Books, Pennsylvania (82 pages, $16.95)
Not your typical ghost stories - try China's instead
Here's a Harry Potter book that even Muggles will enjoy
Artistic visions inspired by 'Star Wars': 'Star Wars' Art: Visions

subset: commoncrawl


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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa � Mitt Romney returned to Iowa Friday for the first time since he lost the presidential election in 2012 in an effort to showcase U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst to mainstream Republicans, and said he's opening his campaign donor list to the little-known farmer and national guard officer.
"By indicating my support for Joni, as well as some other candidates from around the country, we're encouraging donors to help these candidates," Romney told The Associated Press after headlining a rally for Ernst four days before the Iowa primary election. "Part of endorsing someone is letting the people who know, and who like me, to get involved in the campaign."
It was Romney's first time back in the state since losing Iowa's six electoral votes to Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012, despite focusing money, ads and travel on the Midwestern swing state. He has made only one other appearance at a campaign stop this year, for Republican candidates in Idaho.
Ernst, from rural southwest Iowa, has built a lead in the five-way race for the GOP nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley. They are seeking the seat held by five-term Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, who is not seeking a sixth term. Ernst has emerged atop the large field with catchy ads and a varied background.
She is the first candidate to receive the support of both the Senate Conservatives Fund, a group that spent millions opposing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in his Kentucky Senate primary this year, as well as the mainstream Republican-leaning U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ernst has also been endorsed by tea party favorite Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as well as more mainstream party leaders such as Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has quietly backed her.
"She is uniting coalitions from all ends of the spectrum," Reynolds said at the morning rally in Cedar Rapids. Romney was also campaigning with Ernst in Davenport.
The Iowa open seat is one of several important to determining whether Republicans gain the six seats needed to take the majority in the U.S. Senate, which would allow them to more easily thwart Obama's agenda in his final two White House years.
Romney did well in Cedar Rapids and surrounding eastern Iowa in his two presidential campaigns, beginning with second-place finishes in the 2008 and 2012 caucuses. But Friday's events appeared to be looking ahead to the fall campaign, should Ernst win the primary or be nominated at a state GOP convention. If a candidate does not receive at least 35 percent of the vote Tuesday, the Republican nomination would be decided at convention.
Mark Jacobs, a retired energy company CEO from West Des Moines, has worked in the past two weeks to slow the steady rise of Ernst by criticizing her missed votes in the Iowa Senate this year.
Also running are Sioux City college professor and radio host Sam Clovis, Ames businessman Scott Schaben and former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker.
While Ernst is leading opinion polls, her national donor base is not as strong as Jacobs, who has spent more than $3 million of his own money on the primary, and the Democrat Braley, who has developed a national fundraising network during his four terms in the House.
Romney took a jab at Braley during his talk to about 300 supporters and more than a half-dozen national media in Veterans Hall in Cedar Rapids. "There's nothing wrong with lawyers. It's just we have enough of them in Washington."
Braley's campaign shot back: "Joni Ernst has benefited from millions of dollars in spending from the oil billionaire Koch brothers and other out-of-state groups," campaign spokesman Jeff Giertz said.


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Group identity and relation-specific investment: An experimental investigation
(University of Canterbury. Department of Economics and Finance, 2013)
The hold-up problem has played a central role in the study of firm boundaries, which is a fundamental element of the economic study of organizations. We study a previously unex-plored mechanism by which integration between ...


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Temperatures dipped into the 30s in some part of Southern California and wind speeds picked up early Wednesday as a weather system that is expected to bring cool conditions into the weekend -- and possibly rain -- arrived in the region.
Weather Page: Extended Forecast | Severe Weather Alerts | How Cold Is It?: Send Us Your SoCal Weather Photos
Wind advisories and a freeze warning are in effect for Riverside County. Freeze warnings also are in effect for Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
The coolest conditions early Wednesday were reported in the Antelope Valley and other inland areas.
Temperatures in the mid-30s were reported early Wednesday in Lancaster and Apple Valley.
"This is not the coolest day we'll have," said NBC4 meteorologist Crystal Egger. "It's actually felling like December."
The freeze warning in the Antelope Valley is expected to remain in effect until Friday morning and temperatures in the 20s are likely later this week.
A freeze warning is issued when are likely to drop below freezing over a large area for an extended period. Crops and sensitive vegetation should be protected.
Wednesday's wind advisories are expected to expire before noon. Some of the strongest gusts will reach 60 mph in mountain areas.
"When you get some clearing overnight and the winds eventually relax, that leads to a cold start," Egger said.
Mostly sunny skies are expected until Friday, when the system might bring rain to parts of the region.
An inch to two inches of snow accumulation above 4,500 feet was possible Wednesday in Riverside County mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
More Southern California Stories:


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The latest in an ongoing series about the day-to-day travails of an embattled practitioner. This week: House for Sale
'With time, care, cash, peace, love and understanding it can be as good as new…….' Nick Lowe
A clear, starry sub-zero night…perfect for driving home from a site visit.
Then a surprise. A long-standing landlord client drops me a line about a letter he has just received from Environmental Health concerning a lovely cottage he's rented out, problem free, for 15 years. EH had apparently been contacted by the tenant about the property while the landlord was away. The letter required a long list of works completed if it was to continue as a rental. New to me.
Works required are comprehensive, the existing deemed inadequate
We'd been involved in minor upgrades, nothing significant – so I called Building Control. I thought works to properties flowed from planning or building regs applications. If works are extensive enough it might trigger other improvements, but here EH is demanding works to a property which has provided comfortable accommodation for years.
Works required are comprehensive, the existing deemed inadequate. Building Control said they wouldn't insist in the circumstances as nothing had changed for the worse.
Called EH to discuss the comments from BC. All irrelevant - under the Housing Act EH departments have jurisdiction. Apparently if they're called to a property for any reason however innocent or justifiable that triggers an inspection based on a check-list of about 30 points. Shortcomings have to be made good no matter what. So new fire precautions, new escape routes, insulation, glazing, electrics and so on. Their list makes the cottage sound ropey, it isn't. Both EH and the fire officers I then met on site said it was a credit to the landlord. It will be on the market soon – the costs of the work would take years to recover from the rent.
The costs of the work would take years to recover from the rent
So we have two departments with responsibilities for the nation's property. One specialist, experienced, interpreting considered regulations based on that experience to provide robust realistic outcomes. The other more generalist dealing with all sorts of property and other issues but utterly inflexible – perhaps because they have so many other important matters to deal with?
Having two departments responsible seems difficult enough to understand but reconciling their distinctly different approaches even more so. The Environmental Health approach could spark a bonanza for the construction industry.
Then just like London buses, along comes another shocker……
The EH approach could spark a bonanza for the construction industry
A contractor is handed a letter for the client by a council official. Environmental Health again. A former cottage adjoining an industrial building is being converted back to residential – with recent planning and building regs approvals. The letter says the development is unacceptable as the property is condemned and unfit for habitation. Somewhat alarming.
Phone calls ensue – it turns out the house was condemned over 50 years ago. It was absorbed into the industrial complex until the recent application for change of use to residential.
The property is still listed unfit and work must stop
We referred EH to the recent approvals. All irrelevant - on their files the property is still listed unfit and work must stop. After having taken a hard line an EH official then suggested they could raise paperwork to update their records to make the problem disappear….. Would have been good if they spoke to their planning colleagues before shooting from the hip - as consultees shouldn't they have been alerted to the flaw in their files long before they hand delivered their letter?
In our local caff – four Environmental Health stars for food hygiene - I pondered this duplication of building control and remembered my favourite lawyer Alan Shore quoting his mother - 'This doesn't smell right…. and I'm not going to eat it…….'
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Pandemic Flu Planning Part I: How to Set Up Point of Dispensing Sites
In the event of a pandemic flu, the need for mass immunizations will be vital to containing the spread of the disease and also decreasing the impact to the nation's critical infrastructure. To operate a successful Point of Dispensing (POD), key leaders from all disciplines — fire/EMS, health, law enforcement and emergency management — will need to work together.
Little is written about PODs as their use has been infrequent. However, the military uses the POD concept very efficiently in immunizing deploying soldiers throughout National Guard units. I have had to opportunity to set up a number of these PODs and learned first-hand what works and what can be a setback. This article will offer ideas garnered from real evaluations and research to assist in making your POD operate effectively and efficiently.
The term "Point of Dispensing" refers to a mass dispensing site where immunizations would take place to prevent disease spread or for prophylactic treatment in the event of a terrorism incident. There is a significant difference between dispensing immunizations in a POD as opposed to clinic settings. PODs require a quick setup time and the ability to treat large numbers of people seeking immunizations. Also, PODs will require several agencies working together across organizational boundaries and disciplines.
The first goal in a mass immunization plan is to decrease the pool of individuals who might become ill. This necessitates the need to quickly implement a POD and have it running in a short period of time to immunize patients.
The second goal is providing the public with useable and timely health information concerning what they can do to prevent getting and spreading the disease. The key is providing both information and medication. A dispensing program is not considered successful if it lacks an effective media-public relations risk communications campaign.
Planning Considerations
Planning considerations need to take place well ahead of implementing a POD and several key decisions need to be resolved prior to the emergency. One of the most important is a policy that covers the dispensing of the vaccine that is consistent throughout your system. Every POD within your system needs to be operating under the same guidelines.
This will ensure the public and media view the dispensing system as fair and equitable to all those seeking treatment. If there is a difference in operations between PODs, this information will quickly be discovered and rapidly passed throughout your system. This can cause people to inundate one POD over the others, and there will be a perception of inequity or ineptness within the system.
Basic planning considerations will need to include:
- Consistent hours of operation. Will PODs be operating on a 24-hour schedule or "traditional" clinic hours?
• How will this information be conveyed to the public?
• How will scheduling rotations be accomplished as well as food and breaks? Remember, the pool of available providers may be limited as a result of illness.
- Prior to shutting down POD operations for any reason, where is the point or time when those seeking treatment will be turned away?
• What will those being turned away be told?
- Consistent guidelines for treatment, including if treatment varies by ages.
• For example, if those receiving treatment must be over 65, what about a person who turns 65 next week?
• How will a person's age be verified prior to treatment? How will this information be conveyed to the public as to what information to bring?
- What level of provider can disperse or inject patients? This will vary by state, but are laws in place to waive this regulation in the event of a national emergency?
- Will there be one medical director overseeing each POD or overseeing the system?
- Can residents of other states or countries be treated in your POD? As an epidemic will cross state and national borders, it can be assumed that your system may be treating a region as opposed to just your community.
• Is there an accurate population count for the community and region in the event of national epidemic requiring PODs? This will be important for accurate numbers for coverage.
- Medical take-home information.
- A 24-hour contact number for information that is well publicized in the media.
• This should include a Web site with constant updates and FAQ capabilities.
- If people arrive who do not meet the criteria for receiving treatment but are demanding care, how will they be handled?
• It may be as easy as a consistent statement such as, "We understand your concern and this is scary. However, you do not meet the exposure criteria set up by the Medical Director, and you will not be getting any medication or immunizations today. We want you to take this information package, which lists a 24-hour phone number so you can receive more information."
Depending on the public perception and the availability of treatment, planning for security is another significant concern. In the event of a pandemic flu, law enforcement officers will be a valuable but limited resource. They may not be able to fill all the roles that are required for security at the POD. Arrangements should be made in advance to utilize the National Guard, private security companies, or non-law enforcement personnel to help fulfill these roles.
Every POD must have a security plan to handle different roles at the POD. This needs to be part of the planning process and can be critical to the operational safety of the POD. Some of these roles and considerations include:
- Asset Protection. Medications and supplies may become a highly desirable commodity in an actual pandemic and may need to be protected from theft.
- In addition to asset protection, security may be needed during resupply operations and at stockpile facilities.
- Staff and volunteer identification.
- POD staff protection.
- Help with traffic, parking, and general safety issues when potentially thousands of people are in one location.
- Maintaining civil order inside the POD.
Site Selection
The selection for PODs should be sites that are familiar to much of your population, and that are easily accessible. Places such as schools, malls, voting locations, or other commercial buildings are good examples. Be sure to consider accessibility issues when scouting for potential POD sites in order to provide coverage for people with impaired mobility.
Careful consideration should be taken when planning for the size of the building and protection from elements. The first consideration for the POD is the size of the building. POD sites must be large enough to keep several hundred, or possibly even thousands, of people in one area and out of inclement weather. Protecting people waiting in line from heat, cold, rain and snow is very important as many of those who show up may already be ill. Some large-scale exercises have used PODs as large as 60,000 square feet, and that size may be needed for larger communities. Agreements should be made in advance with building management for the use — or potential use — of their building for a POD.
Each POD site should have the following characteristics:
- Electricity
- Heat and air conditioning units to control room temperature
- Adequate toilet facilities (one for every 40 people)
- A receiving area for supplies that is out of public view
- The appropriate number and types of material handling equipment
- Space for parking at or near the POD
- Water
- Maintenance staff who know the building and how to control heating, air conditioning, lights, and plumbing
- Chairs and tables already on site.
Transportation Issues
It will be important to determine how people will get to the PODs. This will vary greatly as to the number of PODs set up as well as the uniqueness to the sites selected. Consideration will need to be taken for the various types of transportation people will use to get to the POD sites. For example, automobiles are used most often in rural and suburban settings, which will necessitate parking and traffic-related concerns for PODs in those types of locations. However, in urban settings, trains, buses, subways, and taxis are used with much greater frequency. Considerations of PODs in these areas may include providing directions or guides from train, bus, and subway stops to the POD.
Each POD should also have a plan for dealing with abandoned vehicles. In the event people arrive too ill and require transportation to a hospital, their vehicle will be abandoned. If this occurs with any frequency, the parking facilities could be quickly overwhelmed especially since ill patients may park directly in front of the building because they are unable to walk any distance. These abandoned vehicles, even a few, will quickly disrupt traffic patterns and flow.
It cannot be overemphasized that prior planning is critical for the success of implementing PODs for mass immunizations. The planning and distribution of the plan is vital — in the event of a national epidemic, the people who know the plan best may be ill. That is why the plan needs to be simple and cover key elements to ensure success.
This article dealt with goals, planning considerations, site selection, and security for creating a successful POD.
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SCHURTER 2015: Defied the strong Swiss Franc
After a successful 2014 SCHURTER Group with their 20 worldwide subsidiaries had to accept a sales decrease of 6.9 % to CHF 191.4 million. The cash flow amounted to 9.0 % and the profit after tax 4.2 % of sales.
Both Division Components (-7.6 %) as well as Division Input Systems (-5.4 %) had recorded negative growth figures. In particular, the strong growth of the Division Input Systems could not be continued. Calculated at the exchange rates of the previous year a decrease of 0.5% would be obtained for the SCHURTER Group and a drop in sales in the Division Components of 3.2 %, but still a respectable growth in the Division Input Systems of 4.8 %.
The negative influences of the strong Swiss Franc were promptly curbed with countermeasures. In addition, efficiency-enhancing measures with the group-wide implementation of lean management also came in effect. The infrastructure of our Group Company in the Czech Republic has been extended to 100 %, and herewith contributes to additional competitiveness in the global electronics components business. Both in Division components as well as in Division Input Systems promising innovation projects are in the pipeline. These justify the increase in capital expenditures by 12.5 %.
Efforts to coordinate expertise of both divisions and increasingly offer total solutions for our customers, developed very well. The sales volume in the area Solutions increased by 6 %. For 2016 a growth rate of over 20 % is projected.


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The CD version of Trivium's album The Sin And The Sentence.
1. The Sin And The Sentence
2. Beyond Oblivion
3. Other Worlds
4. The Heart From Your Hate
5. Betrayer
6. The Wretchedness Inside
7. Endless Night
8. Sever The Hand
9. Beauty In The Sorrow
10. The Revanchist
11. Thrown Into The Fire
Please visit our FAQs page to see if your question has already been answered.
There is a link to our contact us form at the bottom if you still need your question answered.


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Summit County Police Blotter: Woman causes havoc on the hill
Woman allegedly punches lift operator
A woman who allegedly punched a lift operator while snowboarding Nov. 30 and then disappeared was charged with criminal mischief, third-degree assault and fugitive of justice.
Employees of the ski resort reportedly put the woman on the gondola to be downloaded and called the authorities to escort her off the property, but the woman got off the gondola at the mid-load station on her own, forcing the doors open and damaging the car, according to a Summit County Sheriff's Office report.
She was seen soon after snowboarding down the front of the mountain. A lift operator reportedly contacted her at the bottom, but the woman allegedly punched him in the back of the head and grabbed a handful of his hair when she heard him asking other employees to call the police over his radio, according to the report.
She then left the scene.
When authorities contacted the woman the following day she reportedly said the lift operator had grabbed her and raised his radio above his head, and that she had punched him in self-defense, the report stated.
The damage to the gondola was estimated to be $1,000.
kis, coats stolen from vehicle
A woman reported two pairs of skis and two jackets stolen from her vehicle, which was parked in the South Gondola Lot in Breckenridge Dec. 3.
The woman said she'd finished skiing around 3 p.m. and left her belongings, including the skis and two coats, inside the truck and locked the doors. When she returned the items were gone, although there was no damage to the doors or windows of the vehicle, according to a report from the Breckenridge Police Department.
The woman reported a pair of K2 telemark skis, a pair of Kilowatt Black Diamond skis and two coats missing. Together, the gear was valued at nearly $3,000, the report stated.
Authorities had no leads on the case at the time of the report.
BPD: Window broken at Breck business
An unknown suspect threw a rock through the window of a Breckenridge business the night of Nov. 30.
Breckenridge authorities had no suspects at the time of the report.
The business owner contacted the police on Dec. 1, saying she'd closed the store at approximately 8 the night before and returned that morning to find the window smashed, according to a report from Breck PD.
Officers found a small rock on the ground outside the building and a small hole three or four inches across in the double-paned window.
There were no cameras outside the building and there didn't appear to be any other damage to the store, according to the report.
Vehicle stolen from Silverthorne
A car reported stolen from Silverthorne Nov. 19 was later recovered in Clear Creek County.
The thief had reportedly broken the steering column out of the car to be able to start the truck, according to a report from the Silverthorne Police Department.
The victim reported the vehicle, a company work truck, stolen after he woke up in the morning and realized it was missing.
There were no suspects at the time of the report.
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Watch and Learn
By Christopher Brodie
Benchwarming pays off for the archer fish
Benchwarming pays off for the archer fish
People who throw things for fun or profit—basketball and baseball players, the guy who slings darts at the pub—should respect the archer fish. This species blasts its insect prey out of the sky or off a perch with a quick squirt of water that's accurate up to two meters away (not bad for a fish that averages 25 centimeters in length).
However, these animals start with lousy aim, so they have to acquire the skill over time. What's amazing is that archer fish don't have to rehearse their piscine field goals: They can learn how to hit a fast-moving, flying object by watching another fish do so, according to a paper in the February 21 issue of the journal Current Biology. Imagine a fan who watches a season of hoops on TV, then picks up a basketball and sinks a 40-foot jump shot.
Stefan Schuster and his colleagues at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg discovered this unusual ability when they set out to study how archer fish hit their prey so accurately. The investigators regularly presented small, stationary targets at various heights to young fish, which became quite good at knocking them down over the course of a year. However, a moving target flummoxed them, even when it was going very slowly (five millimeters per second, or about twice as fast as a speeding snail).
With time and extensive training (hundreds of repetitions), the archer fish got better at hitting targets that moved horizontally at constant speed. This feat requires a tricky bit of neural computation that has to account for several variables: the target speed and direction, the changing angle between observer and target (which determines how much light is bent, or refracted, at the air-water boundary), the time of flight and the effect of gravity. As the fish became proficient, each increase in target height or speed erased most of the previous gains in accuracy until the shooter could adjust its calculations.
Based on this pattern, the investigators were surprised to find that the ballistic solution painstakingly learned and revised for horizontal movements could easily accommodate the addition of a vertical component. For archer fish, it seems, movement in three dimensions isn't any more difficult to follow than movement in two dimensions.
Nonetheless, the German team was unprepared for what happened when they began another round of training with a group of five fish unfamiliar with the moving-target game. This trial must have seemed like a busted experiment at first, as the dominant member of the group hogged all the shots and wouldn't let his subordinates line up for even a single attempt at the target. As expected, the one performing fish had learned its skills just fine by the end of training. But when Schuster's team removed the varsity player, the benchwarmers—fish that had previously failed to hit even the lowest, slowest targets and hadn't taken a single shot during the practice sessions—showed nearly the same ballistic prowess as their former leader.
One possible explanation was that the nondominant fish figured out all the angles simply by watching the target while the alpha trained. But in a control group without a dominant fish (experimenters played the same role by nudging the others out of firing position during the training), the spectators performed just like spectators, with dismal hit rates. In other words, the naive fish had to learn by watching a successful group member, and this observation apparently told them all they needed to know about refraction, target speed, rise time and gravity effects.
Archer fish don't have impressive neural hardware to process all this information; like other fish, they have a primitive cerebrum, so the means of performing these computations must already exist in simple nervous systems. At present, Schuster's team is working to identify the neuroanatomical circuits, but he doesn't expect to find distinctive features. The major goal is to "get [our] hands on how a defined network performs in a cognitive task," he says.
His success could be something of a breakthrough: Computational neuroscientists have spent decades figuring out how animals learn new motor skills, and most of their models use some kind of feedback routine that tries to minimize error with each new repetition—what engineers call a "closed-loop" design. But shots from the archer fish are "open-loop"—they don't involve continuous feedback. "That's what I find most challenging," says Schuster, "the fact that [the task] can be done extremely fast and with remarkable precision without adhering to traditional closed-loop design. We hope very much to convince researchers in robotics that much speed can be saved by implementing predictive (or ballistic) shortcuts in the motor guidance of autonomous robots."
Fish aren't particularly smart, but archer fish do seem to have a fairly sophisticated cognitive ability to generalize from one set of circumstances to another and to make predictions based on that general knowledge. They clearly acquire this skill more efficiently than we humans figure out how to swish a three-point shot or to throw a wicked curveball. Can we learn from the fish? Well, Dr. J is a Pisces. And Adrian Dantley, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal are too. So I guess the answer is yes.
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|We've recently completed a major reorganisation of our website structure. Previously we have the large bulk of our images arranged into four folders, with every image named in a format such that the file name began with the letter G. This system dated back to the days when the site was vastly smaller than it is now, and was intended to make it easy to group images together by just sorting files alphabetically. It had become increasingly unwieldy for us to use, with a single image folder having as many as 1,200 files in it, so we have now renamed all the image files to remove the initial letter G and moved them into a whole set of image subfolders, 27 of them in all. This shouldn't make any difference to your experience of the site, but it may have caused the odd broken image here and there. If you notice any images missing or broken, please email us at the link above and let us know. We'll thank anybody who spots one by name in a future What's New entry.
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Senior Loan Officer Survey
The Senior Loan Officer Survey collects information on the business-lending practices of Canadian financial institutions. In particular, the Survey gathers the perspectives of respondents on price and non-price terms of business lending and on topical issues of interest to the Bank of Canada. The survey is conducted quarterly, near the end of the quarter for which the results are reported.
Note: The survey results summarize opinions expressed by the respondents and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Bank of Canada.


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Available Cats
All of our cats and kittens have been tested for FIV, FeLk and parasites (and treated, if needed). Our adoption fee includes those tests, spay/neuter, flea preventative and all age-appropriate shots (including Rabies).
Please understand the statements about this animal are based upon the foster home's evaluation of the animal. The animal might behave differently (negatively or positively) in your home. While the animal might be good with the current foster's dogs, cats, children, etc. it may not be with your animal(s) or children. The animal may be housebroken or litter trained in the home of the foster but my relapse in your home. The animal is represented to the public as it performs in the foster home and any statements made regarding the animal are conditional to that foster home setting. These interested in adopting should have read all information about the animal and understand they cannot claim they did not understand the facts about this animal as understood by Planned Pethood and/or the foster. Planned Pethood and vet(s) do our best to provide accurate age and breed of the animal, but sometimes they are educated guesses. Please understand that statements made regarding this animal are simply overviews and are not guaranteed. Your adoption fee is non-refundable for any reason.
Click on the "More Info" button at the bottom of the cat's picture you are interested in. This will provide you with each cat's detailed adoption information.
Click on the "Add to Cart" button and it will take you directly to the Adoption Application.
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How to Decorate for Thanksgiving with Homemade Pillow Covers
Pillow covers provide you with an easy way to decorate your home for Thanksgiving. You can make several pillow covers to match any holiday or season without having to purchase and store a million different kinds of throw pillows.
To make a removable pillow cover, you need the following materials:
Fabric for the pillow top and backing
Hook and loop tape
Thread (For a no-sew option, use fabric glue.)
Straight pins
Sewing machine (not necessary when using the no-sew option)
Tape measure
Iron/ironing board
To determine how much fabric you're going to need to cut for your pillow cover, use the following measuring guide:
Measure the width of the pillow and add 1 inch: This measurement should be the width of your fabric.
Measure the height of the pillow and add 2 inches: This measurement should be the height of your fabric.
After you calculate the width and height, cut two pieces of fabric to serve as the front and back of the pillow cover. Then cut one piece of hook and loop tape the same width as the pillow (don't add 1 inch).
After you collect all the materials and figure out how much fabric you need, follow these instructions:
Fold the bottom edge of the pillow top 1/2 inch to the wrong side of the fabric and then press with the iron. Fold the edge in 1/2 inch again and press.
Repeat this step for the pillow backing.
Using a straight stitch on the sewing machine, hem the folded edge of the pillow top in place, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
For a no-sew alternative, use fabric glue to bind the hem in place.
Repeat this step for pillow backing.
Separate the hook and loop tape, and then center and pin one piece on the hemmed edge of the pillow top.
Sew around the edges of the hook and loop tape or glue the tape in place. Remove the pins.
Repeat this step for pillow backing, using the remainder of the hook and loop tape.
Place the right sides of the pillow top and backing together, making sure to align the bottom hemmed edges together. Pin the pillow top and backing together around all edges.
Sew or glue around three sides (using a 1/2-inch seam allowance), leaving the hook and loop tape edges open. Remove pins.
Clip the sewn corners and turn the pillow cover right side out.
Insert the pillow and press the hook and loop taped edges closed.
To sew a pillow, nix the hook and loop tape and all the hemming on the bottom edges. Start at Step 4 in the previous set of instructions and adjust the pillow bottom as needed. After inserting the pillow, just whipstitch the opening closed.


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Craigslist on Wednesday made a tentative pledge to again update the security procedures surrounding its "Erotic Services" section after a recent arrest in a murder case.
PCMag reviews products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use.
Craigslist on Wednesday made a tentative pledge to again update the security procedures surrounding its "Erotic Services" section.
"We agree that there is more work to be done, not just by Craigslist but by all Internet-based services, working cooperatively with law enforcement officials, to eliminate illegitimate activity to the greatest extent possible," according to a blog post.
The post was sparked by a press release from Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal that called on Craigslist to make specific changes to the site in the wake of an arrest in a Boston murder case. A man was arrested for allegedly shooting a young woman he lured to a hotel room after finding her ad on Craigslist. The man was dubbed the "Craigslist killer" - a name Craigslist founders disputed.
Blumenthal, a Democrat, proposed several specifics changes to Craigslist to improve safety:
- Eliminate photographs in the "Erotic Services" and similar sections of its site, or use technology that screens pornographic images and pictures before they can be posted.
- Hire staff to screen for images and ads that blatantly violate Craigslist's terms of service.
- Charge a significant fee to the credit card of any individual posting in the "Erotic Services" section found to be in violation of craigslist's rules or terms of service.
- Offer a financial incentive -- from the penalty proceeds -- for anyone who correctly flags and reports prostitution advertisements or ads containing images or other material that violate craigslist's rules and terms of service.
- Implement identity verification technology for users that post in the "Erotic Services" section to confirm real names and addresses.
- Disallow search terms that clearly are associated with the promotion of prostitution.
"Craigslist has the means -- and moral obligation -- to stop the pimping and prostituting in plain sight," Blumenthal said in a statement. "Like any bricks and mortar establishment, Craigslist has the responsibility and power to prohibit prostitution, pornography and inappropriate behavior on its premises."
"Craigslist is fully engaged in pursuing this goal, and has several initiatives underway that speak to the concerns expressed in Mr. Blumenthal's letter, concerns which we also share. Craigslist intends to play an ever larger leadership role with respect to Internet safety and security, and we invite and appreciate any and all input from Attorneys General, from NCMEC, from law enforcement agents, and from non-profit organizations," Craigslist said in its blog post. "We will have more to say on this subject in the days and weeks ahead."
In November, Craigslist started requiring people who post ads on the "erotic services" section of the site to provide credit card verification and pay a fee. In March, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart of Cook County, Illinois filed suit against Craigslist, accusing its owners of knowingly promoting and facilitating prostitution.Originally posted to AppScout.
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I'm sticking with Hong Kong this week, not only because I LOVE it but also because the 1st of July 2012 sees the fifteenth anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule. To mark the occasion, I'm giving you 15 reasons to visit one of the world's most exciting destinations.
The Chinese invented fireworks and they still know how to do it best. Every year, tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars are spent on elaborate exhibitions, usually lasting over 20 minutes with laser lights and music thrown in for added effect. Time your trip right and you can join the half a million people oohing and "waaah-ing "on the waterfront. Four big events include New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, the 1st of July anniversary of the handover and 1st of October National Day celebrations.
This should always be at the top of everyone's HK visit list. Affectionately know as The Peak, it is the island's most famous tourist attraction and one that is loved as much by the locals as it is by the millions of visitors it receives each year. Yes, the Peak Tram will be crammed, the cafes will be packed and you'll have to politely line-up to get that postcard-perfect picture but my goodness, it's worth it.
Hong Kong's much-loved old theme park has recently undergone a massive refurbishment and is now firmly back where it should be as one if the island's top visitor attractions. Cascading across the Aberdeen hillside, Ocean Park is split into two levels; the "lowland" with animal attractions like aviaries, animal enclosures, an aquarium and, the stars of the show, two pairs of adorable Pandas and the "headland" which takes in a marine show and a series of high-octane thrill rides. Both sections are connected by a cable car that bobs up and around the rocky shore and affords amazing views of the south side of the island. Don't miss it!
Most visitors to Hong Kong take a trip on the Star Ferry, and that's great, you should definitely do that, but there are some other options for a fun float about Victoria Harbour. One of my favourites is the 45 minute glide on the glamorous Chinese junk Aqua Luna. With its three traditional red sails lit up in the evening and a chic bar installed for dispensing cocktails, there can't be many better ways to soak up that exquisite skyline.
People are always surprised when I tell them that more than 70% of Hong Kong is undeveloped and not only that, it's actually quite beautiful. There are large areas of rolling mountains, wildlife-packed wetlands and miles of unspoiled coastline. Not to mention the gentle little outlying islands like Lamma, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau, which offer a more traditional slant on this shiny big city.
Hong Kong has a long and strong reputation for being at the forefront of new developments in design, architecture and technology so it's no surprise that this applies to its hotels too. In the last couple of years, new arrivals like The Upper House and it's hip business-orientated baby sister, East, with their apparently effortlessly cool ethos, sublime service and achingly chic decor, have thoroughly shaken-up Hong Kong's hotel scene. While Hong Kong's latest design darling, the Hotel Icon, has shot to the top spot on TripAdvisor's highly-competitive Hong Kong hotel listings.
The Ritz-Carlton, at the top of the International Commerce Centre, claimed the title of world's highest hotel when it opened last year. As you might expect from a hotel slotted between floors 102nd – 118th floors, the views are spectacular but it's a dazzler in every sense; the design is opulent and up-to-the-minute, the bars and restaurants are stellar and the service outstanding. If you can't stretch to a stay, you should at least stop by for a visit to the ESPA spa or rooftop bar, Ozone.
There's no doubt about it, some of the world's best spas can be found in Hong Kong. The city's denizens are quite simply obsessed with health and beauty which means the standards are incredibly high and the choice mind-boggling. The most luxurious spas, however, are generally to be found at Hong Kong's most luxurious hotels. My most memorable experiences have included the Oriental Essence massage at the Mandarin Oriental, a Bamboo massage at the Angasana, an age-defying Carita facial at the Plateau Spa, the Chakra Balancing experience at The Peninsula and a 90-minute Thai massage in the Crystal suite at the Four Seasons which reduced me to a Nirvana-like state of bliss (My, I'm spoiled!).
So, I've already mentioned the pretty amazing rooftop pool at the Ritz-Carlton but Hong Kong has plenty more cool hotel pools to choose from. Making the biggest splash in the city is the lagoon-like offering with waterfalls and split-level sun decks at the Grand Hyatt. While on the other side of the harbour, many a memory card (mine included) has been empty with shots of the Intercontinental's trinity of infinity pools. The Hotel Icon scores major points with its space-age-y outdoor swimming space. The Peninsula boasts a supremely decadent Roman-inspired pool, the Four Seasons a chic, ultra-exclusive harbour-side swimming deck and for a Vegas-style pool party check out "WET", the 76th floor pool at the W.
In a city that likes to eat, and eat well, hotel buffets are big business. As far as Hong Kongers are concerned there are few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than ploughing through course after course of exquisitely prepared food. Most hotels offer buffets in one form or another, take a waterside seat at the Harbourside at the Intercontinental, pull up at the poolside for a barbecue buffet at The Grill at the Grand Hyatt or pop on your best frock for lunch amid the palm trees at the Verandah at The Peninsula.
If you're a regular reader of this blog or follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you've probably cottoned on to the fact that I like the occasional rainbow-coloured cocktail (or two) and where better to kick-back and enjoy than on a rooftop terrace with some killer city views. Hong Kong stand-outs include Sevva, Armani Prive, La Terrazza at Lupa, Sugar at the East Hotel, The Lawn at the Upper House, Wooloomooloo and Ozone – one for every night of the week.
There are few things in life that make me happier than tucking into some really good dim sum. I love to try new places when I'm in town and this trip's finds include some seriously good Har Gau (prawn dumplings) at the off-the-tourist-radar Chung's at Cityplaza in Taikoo Shing, the tastiest, juiciest, most delicious Char Sui (barbecue pork) at Tin Lung Heen on the 102nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton, delicate turnip pastries at Man Wah and succulent Shui Mai (pork and prawn dumplings) at Yan Toh Heen. And a long-time favourite that's always worth a visit is the aptly-named Dim Sum in Happy Valley – home of the best crispy pork belly in town.
I tried lots of great new restaurants while I was out in Hong Kong but one that really stood out was the bodacious little Linguini Fini.
There are so many things to like about this place it's hard to know where to begin. First off, this New York-Italian-style eatery has got a cracking location at the top of Central – an ideal jumping off point for a night on the town. The decor is utilitarian-chic with street art covering the walls, the staff are friendly and stay on the right side of cool and, surprisingly for Hong Kong, there's no annoying service charge added. Billed as an "authentic" Italian restaurant, it really does live up to this title (where so many else fail) with specialities that include "nose-to-tail" cuisine (using the whole of the animal) and just-like-mama-makes home-made pastas. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
I never miss a trip to Temple Street when I'm in Hong Kong. Cutting its way through central Kowloon, it has the colourful, crazy, ghetto-tastic Chinatown feel so often portrayed in the movies. Under the strings of bear lightbulbs, hawkers sell everything from Mao Clocks to counterfeit handbags to oil paintings and underpants. Dai Pai Dongs (outdoor food stalls) rustle up tasty street food, off-duty Opera troupes occasionally wander by, while fortune tellers tout to tell you your future. The best bargains are to be had early in the evening when the market opens (it's considered good luck to make that first sale) and when it raining (for obvious reasons).
Every time I'm in Hong Kong I take it trip to Pedder Street for some aspirational window shopping at Shanghai Tang. However, this year I was dismayed to find that the flagship store had been ousted from its most-glamorous of locations by a (yawn) Abercrombie and Fitch. Thankfully though Shanghai Tang has found a gorgeous new three-storey home just a stone's throw away on Duddel Street. As before, you can smell the heady scent of its signature ginger lily fragrance long before you arrive, while inside it's a design-lovers dream brimming with beautiful ready-to-wear pieces and sino-chic homewares.
Finnair flies daily from Manchester and London Heathrow to Hong Kong.
The below fares are 'starting from' return fares and include taxes and service fees:
Manchester-Hong Kong: Business class: £2326.00 Business class Campaign for Mid Week travel: £2076.00 Economy class: £667.00
London LHR-Hong Kong: Business class: £2321.00 Business class Campaign for Mid Week travel: £2067.00 Economy class: £658.00
For more information call 0870 2414411 or visit www.finnair.com . For up to date offers and news please follow us on twitter @finnairuk. Finnair also have daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai in China. Finnair began flights to new destination Chongqing, China in May 2012. Finnair also fly to 7 other Asian cities too in Singapore, Japan, Korea, India and Thailand.
Tags: Best of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Handover, Luxury Hotels, Luxury Travel


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Here's part two of the list of old tea books that I've reviewed at The English Tea Blog. Most of them are available in free online or ebook editions. Check out part one of the list here.
Tea-Blending as a Fine Art
by Joseph M. Walsh link
An Essay on Tea
By Jonas Hanway link
Tea; Its Effects, Medicinal and Moral
by George Gabriel Sigmond link
Letter to a Friend, Concerning Tea
by John Wesley link
A Popular Treatise on Tea
by John Sumner link
The Book of Tea
by Kakuzo Okakura link
Tea and Tea Drinking
By Arthur Reade link
The Breville One-Touch Tea Maker


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Best Buys: Single-family best buys in Breckenridge
Special to the Daily
This week's best-buy criteria is: the property must be a single-family home with at least three bedrooms, that is not bank owned or deed restricted and is a good value. The house must be centrally located, at least 2,000 square feet and listed for under $600,000.
The first house is a charming 2,288-square-foot, three-story home tucked into the woods. This home has four bedrooms and three baths. The home features solid hardwood floors in the living room and master bedroom. There are three living spaces and a large eat-in kitchen with brand-new stainless steel appliances. The dining room features bench seating with accent lighting.
Although there isn't a garage, a variance has been obtained for a detached garage . The property sits on .6 of an acre with beautiful east- and north-facing views.
This property is located in Breckenridge, however it is in the county, so there is no transfer tax. The town of Breckenridge has a 2 percent transfer tax when you purchase a property (2 percent of the total purchase price).
The exterior needs a little TLC , however, for $497,500, the price and location can't be beat! If you are looking for a charming cabin in the woods, within walking distance to Main Street in Breckenridge, look no further. Kim Hebron, RE/MAX Properties of the Summit lists this property.
The second property is a 2,184-square-foot home with an attached two-car, over-sized garage large enough for an RV, snowmobile or trailer parking. The home borders open space, with amazing mountain views. The property features numerous outdoor decks to entertain, first-floor master suite featuring a walk-in closet. The living area is cozy with a gas fireplace, hardwood floors and numerous windows to enjoy the expansive views. There is also a private office and an oversized laundry room.
This property is centrally located between Frisco and Breckenridge and there is no transfer tax. Don't pass this best buy up for $548,000, it's a great deal! Kathy Christina of Breckenridge R.E. Kompany lists the property.
For more information on these Best Buys or other properties, please contact Leah Baxter, CRS, GRI, of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit, firstname.lastname@example.com, (970) 389-6367 or http://www.leahbaxter.com.
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Checkered Shower Curtain image above is part of the post in Checkered Shower Curtain gallery. Related with Shower Curtains category.
For Shower Curtains, You can find many ideas on the topic checkered, curtain, shower, and many more on the internet, but in the post of Checkered Shower Curtain we have tried to select the best visual idea about Shower Curtains You also can look for more ideas on Shower Curtains category apart from the topic Checkered Shower Curtain.
This post published on . Read Hookless Shower Curtain Liner Replacement or find other post and pictures about Shower Curtains.
Checkered Shower Curtain Gallery


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A stellar rise in state test scores has won accolades for Mount Prospect's John Jay Elementary School, including an Illinois "Academic Improvement Award" and a recent congratulatory visit from the state school superintendent.
But the celebrated gains at John Jay and at schools across Illinois are likely to recede quickly.
Hundreds of thousands more grade school students could fail the Illinois Standards Achievement Tests next month because of tougher passing requirements, a Tribune analysis has found.
The consequences are certain to startle parents used to seeing their children pass, create a public relations challenge for schools and trigger questions about how prepared students are to move on to junior high, high school, college and work.
As once-impressive passing rates tumble, a less flattering portrait of Illinois schools is certain to emerge, experts say.
"It is causing some controversy. I've been getting some hate mail," said state School Superintendent Christopher Koch, who helped push through the higher passing bar for third- through eighth-graders taking ISATs in math and reading. The State Board of Education approved the changes late last month.
Koch and other educators and researchers agree that the passing threshold on the exams has been too low, given that students should be mastering higher-level skills as they prepare to take new, tougher state exams in 2014-15.
But raising the bar will not be without consequences. If the higher benchmarks had been in place last year, about 365,000 students would have failed the math ISATs and 372,000 would have flunked the reading exams, according to a Tribune analysis.
That's compared with 129,000 students who failed math and 186,000 who failed reading on the 2012 test. About 900,000 students took each of the exams.
The Tribune also found that while 76 to 88 percent of students passed ISATs across all grades, those figures would have plunged to 56 to 62 percent under the new passing requirements.
Scores would have dropped substantially in a broad spectrum of schools and communities. In affluent Naperville, for example, 88 to 96 percent of students passed ISAT exams in District 203. But those passing rates would have dipped to 77 to 82 percent under the tougher passing requirements.
Chicago Public Schools passing rates would have dropped to below 50 percent in most grades, and at the state's largest junior high school, in Cicero, they would have plummeted below 40 percent, according to the Tribune analysis.
Those projected scores are significant, not only because they could predict how schools might score this year but because the reading and math ISATs have been a key barometer for more than a decade of how well students, schools and districts are doing. The exams have helped parents gauge whether their children are performing at least at grade level, or have fallen behind and need extra help.
`A great disservice'
The state tests also are used to judge schools, a cornerstone in efforts to comply with the federal government's No Child Left Behind standards enacted in 2002.
The law requires students from all backgrounds to pass state exams. If too many children fail, schools can face sanctions. In particular, schools with high poverty rates that fail repeatedly have to provide special tutoring, or even let students transfer to better-performing schools.
Establishing lower passing requirements on state exams helped Illinois and other states avoid sanctions over the years. Illinois even lowered the passing requirement on eighth-grade math ISATs in 2006, before Koch took over as state superintendent.
Some educators question whether the lower bar helped or hurt students who were scoring well but may not have been achieving at a level that would prepare them for college and work.
"Perhaps we've been doing these children a great disservice, quite honestly," said retiring Superintendent Sandra Martin, who has been at the helm of DuPage's Butler School District 53 for nearly a decade. The affluent district has focused for years on getting students to attain the highest level of performance on ISATs rather than simply passing the exams, she said.
Passing rates hit 100 percent last year for almost every grade at the district's Brook Forest Elementary School. But that performance would have dipped slightly in most grades had the higher bar been in place in 2012. Third-grade results would have dropped the most, to a 91 percent passing rate in reading and math, the Tribune found.
That's lower than this year's No Child Left Behind requirement — a 92.5 percent passing rate on reading and math ISATs — so even Brook Forest could be challenged to meet the federal standard.
Only about 1 percent of schools will likely meet that 92.5 percent passing standard, the lowest performance ever, according to a review by Advantage Analytics LLC, a consulting company that crunches data for Butler and other school districts.
The rest will get failing labels — another piece of bad news for districts to pass on to their communities.
"The public perception is hard," said Nancy Wagner, assistant superintendent in Arlington Heights-based School District 59, where ISAT passing rates at John Jay Elementary School are expected to drop precipitously this year.
Just last month, the high-poverty, mostly Latino school was recognized for passing rates that had climbed to 61 to 89 percent on the 2012 ISATs. With the tougher requirements in place, the passing rates would have plunged to 44 to 67 percent, Wagner said.
"I do think we need to raise the bar. ... I do think it is important for kids to be college- and career-ready," Wagner said. "The problem is that this is so public and it is all at once."
Wagner would have preferred the 92.5 percent No Child Left Behind requirement for last year's tests, so there would have been "less shock to our system."
As it stands now, districts will be hit this year with the 92.5 percent requirement, the tougher passing bar on ISATs and harder questions on the exams themselves.
Standing firm
State officials said about 20 percent of ISAT questions will be more difficult, in keeping with new Illinois standards adopted for what students should know.
For now, passing requirements on ISAT science exams for fourth- and seventh-graders won't change — the state is updating science standards. Nor will they change for the 11th-grade Prairie State Achievement Examinations, which educators say are a good tool to gauge whether students are college-ready.
Several states already have raised the bar on state exams and weathered the controversy of plummeting scores.
New York began using tougher requirements in 2010 and Michigan set higher passing scores in 2011. Kentucky overhauled its tests, set new passing scores and gave students tougher exams last year.
Florida made it more difficult to pass the state writing test, then retreated last spring when too many children flunked.
Koch said Illinois will stand firm on the new ISAT passing requirements.
"We're not going to backtrack on this," he said. "We have to move forward."
The state is urging districts to publicize the ISAT changes as soon as possible so parents aren't surprised when they see test results in the fall.
Wagner said District 59 plans to send out a general letter soon, but "it's not going to hit home until (parents) get a letter about their own child's score."
Naperville's Karen Lindflott, a parent who heads District 203's Home & School Association, said she expects the district to inform parents and prepare them for testing changes.
"I'm not concerned," Lindflott said. "They are getting us ready."
Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Barbara Byrd-Bennett sent a letter to parents Jan. 23 signaling what lies ahead.
"By raising the bar on the ISAT, it is likely that scores for students may decrease," she wrote. "However, even if scores do drop for your child, it does not mean they know less than they did before or are less capable than they were in previous years."
High-stakes testing
Chicago will have a particular challenge because several thousand students score at the exact level needed to pass the state exams. They are the most vulnerable to failing under the new passing requirements.
Some schools have homed in on those students because getting them to pass — even at the lowest score possible — helps the school avoid failure and sanctions.
In Michigan, state Education Department spokeswoman Jan Ellis said those schools took a hit when new passing requirements were put in place.
"If you have a huge number of kids just barely making that old cut (passing) score and they move that up, they just drop off," Ellis said.
CPS officials expect that ISAT passing rates will decline initially but will move up as students adjust to higher expectations.
Overall, the ISAT changes come at a time of increasing frustration with mass testing, in Illinois and nationally.
The Chicago Teachers Union recently launched a campaign in support of eliminating standardized tests that are not required by the state.
CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey and his wife said they are opting out of such tests for their children, though the oldest will take the ISATs.
"We have become alarmed at the incredible increase in high-stakes standardized testing at CPS," the couple wrote in a letter to their children's school. "This year our kindergartner is scheduled to take fourteen standardized tests. Our fourth-grader is scheduled for twenty-four tests. ... It's simply too much, and too much of a drain on scarce resources at our schools."
Koch said he understands the frustrations of school districts struggling with budgets and trying to keep up with the changes in standards, curriculum and testing.
At the same time, he said, "We're doing a lot of things that I do believe are in the best interest of kids."


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Ok, I am in a really random mood today, so this is my random post number 2 of 5!
Finally, some other random eyeshadows from Fyrinnae I forgot I owned! No idea if they still sell these, hopefully they do 🙂
Magic Missiles:
A bright sunshine yellow.
The perfect cool metallic silver – reminds me of a cooler version of Newcastle.
A rich dark brown mushroom kind of shade – there's some silver bits in it too.
Its a very rich blue like what a Beetle's shell would look like. Probably.
Platinum is lovely as is Mystic! But they are all pretty lovely pigments!
What do you think?
Which is your favourite?


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Phone Prank: Gettin Macked On The Phone Acting Like A Girl & Falls For It! [Audio]
Posted by @Mahad_worldstar
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text:
As ACORN grew, so did its clout and its problems
WASHINGTON — Long before two conservative young activists strode into an ACORN office wearing a hidden camera, the grassroots organization had been racking up kills in its decades-long quest to protect working-class people from what it saw as wrongheaded corporate interests.
ACORN -- the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now -- was founded in 1970 by a 21-year-old organizer who wanted to try a new way of lifting up low- and moderate-income workers.
It grew over the years, mushrooming from a one-man operation in Arkansas to 400,000 members working in 105 cities -- the largest community organizing group in the nation.
According to Republican investigators and a top ACORN official, the group has received some $53 million in federal funding since 1994. Other funding comes from members' dues and foundations.
Along the way, activists helped pass state laws requiring living wages from companies contracting with state and local governments, and raising minimum wages. They helped monitor banks and lenders on the illegal practice of steering minorities into certain neighborhoods. They forged deals with corporations such as H&R Block to protect low-income earners. And they called attention to the rising scandal of subprime lending and the foreclosures that followed.
The non-partisan group also has helped register 1.7 million voters since 2004, many of them African-Americans and Hispanics in urban neighborhoods who were more likely to vote Democratic.
"(ACORN) has given a voice to people who would otherwise be politically powerless," said Peter Dreier, a professor of public policy at Occidental College in Los Angeles who has written about ACORN's work. "And it's rubbed the powerful forces in American society -- particularly the Republican Party and big business -- the wrong way."
In recent years, the organization also found itself accused of voter registration fraud after some of its canvassers turned in fake names to election offices in some states. And last year, the organization's board pushed out its founder, Wade Rathke, after learning that he had concealed for eight years the embezzlement of nearly $1 million by his brother.
Internal ACORN notes obtained by Republican investigators found some of the agency's top leadership worried about news coverage and angry at the actions of Rathke.
"Leadership has no faith in staff," read the minutes of an August 2008 meeting. "Wade betrayed them."
Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican, used the minutes as part of an 88-page report in July outlining what he called questionable -- even criminal -- practices by the group.
The GOP staff of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, of which Issa is the top Republican, accused the organization of evading taxes, obstructing justice and improperly engaging in partisan political activities.
Weeks after the Republican House report, two undercover conservative activists began visiting ACORN offices across the country posing as a prostitute and her pimp.
At two offices, ACORN workers kicked the couple out and called police. At another office, the couple was asked to leave. But hidden-camera videos released earlier this month show ACORN workers at a handful of offices offering tax advice that appeared to encourage illegal activity.
Washington lawmakers reacted with fury, pushing to deny ACORN the right to receive much of its federal funding in separate votes last week in the House and Senate.
President Barack Obama's spokesman called the video's findings "completely unacceptable." ACORN fired the offending employees and ordered a halt to all new customers at its offices.
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck urged listeners to call their local newspapers and demand that the ACORN stories be put on the front page. Republican lawmakers lambasted the group as corrupt.
"Every day we continue to allow ACORN access to federal funding is another opportunity for this troubled organization to misuse and abuse taxpayer dollars," said House Minority Leader John Boehner.
Rep. David Price, a North Carolina Democrat, said the group bears watching.
"I want to see ACORN police itself; I want to see the federal government police ACORN," said Price, who was one of 75 House members voting against a motion to strip federal funding because of what he considered partisan posturing.
"It may well be there will be serious cutbacks on direct or indirect contract work that ACORN does," Price said.
The massive community group never was launched as a national effort.
It was founded in Little Rock, Ark., in 1970 by Wade Rathke, who had previously worked as an organizer in Massachusetts.
"We were going to work very locally," Rathke recalled Friday in an interview. "I'd hoped that I could build an organizing model. I knew the chances of failure were huge."
Within a few years, the group expanded to South Dakota, then Texas and other states, now 40 in all.
Robert Fisher, a professor of community organization at the University of Connecticut, said ACORN and its budget grew significantly during the second Bush administration as society became more stratified.
"ACORN was being a force for progressive change," said Fisher, editor of an upcoming book, "The People Shall Rule: ACORN, Community Organizing, and the Struggle for Economic Justice," due out next month from Vanderbilt University Press.
ACORN succeeded in part, he said, because it worked as a blend of local activists backed by a national structure.
"In their campaign against H&R Block, they were able to hold demonstrations at Block offices at 55 different sites around the nation simultaneously, so they could get the attention of a Fortune 500 company," Fisher said.
The group saw itself as both radical and practical.
When H&R Block began allegedly over-charging poor workers to help them get their Earned Income Tax Credit, ACORN picketed the group, but also encouraged state attorneys general to take action.
Eventually, ACORN and the company signed a deal to settle their differences and work together to educate low-income earners.
In one high-profile protest, a group of activists in Oakland, Calif., padlocked themselves to a house being foreclosed on earlier this year, working on behalf of a homeowner who was a victim of a "rip-off loan," said Dreier of Occidental.
The group has worked within the mainstream political and economic system as well. Last summer, ACORN chief executive officer Bertha Lewis appeared with big-city mayors at a Washington press conference to tout mandatory settlement conferences between lenders and borrowers prior to foreclosure sales.
Around the country, workers at ACORN offices offer tax advice, loan counseling and housing assistance in low-income neighborhoods -- some of it with federal funds.
In 2007, the group received $1.9 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing counseling, resident support services and Section 8 housing assistance, according to the database FedSpending.org.
ACORN officials say their impact has been significant.
An independent study done on behalf of ACORN found that the organization had brought monetary benefits worth $15.2 billion from 1994 to 2004 to moderate-income families through its work.
"Our mission is to help communities get more of a voice to better their lives, be it through better housing, decent schools or better neighborhoods," said Brian Kettenring, ACORN's deputy director of national operations.
But in recent years, the organization faced difficulties as it grew, say some observers.
"All of a sudden they had this infusion of money," Fisher said. "They became much more of a national force. ... They needed to become more formalized and more careful about what was going on, and they made errors."
According to the GOP investigation of ACORN, an outside legal firm warned the agency in 2008 that it could be improperly co-mingling financial accounts.
Meanwhile, local district attorneys in several states charged some ACORN workers with voter registration fraud. In one highly publicized case, forms were filled out with such names as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Dreier said most of those cases were revealed after ACORN brought the fraudulent registrations to officials' attention.
Consensus on health care still elusive in Congress
Former top IMF economist sees rosy days ahead
There's no denying Obama's race plays a role in protests
U.S. ambassador: Pakistan not backing U.S. goals on Taliban
Follow the latest politics news at McClatchy's Planet Washington


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This example (http://jazz-soft.net/demo/PlayMidiFile.html) proved to me that it's possible to play base64 strings to external MIDI devices, but I can't seem to replicate the example in a Node project.
I'm confused by the use of "JZZ.Midi.js" and "JZZ.MidiFile.js" as they don't seem to appear anywhere in any of the documentation. Are they necessary for converting the base64 string into a datatype that MidiOutRaw() can take as an argument?
I've tried replicating the "Play MIDI File" example in node and have the following code:
The last line gives me this error though:
Code: Select all
const mozart='\
const Jazz = require('jazz-midi');
const JZZ_ = require('./JZZ.MidiFile');
const midi = new Jazz.MIDI();
const midifile = new JZZ_.MidiFile(JZZ_.MidiFile.fromBase64(mozart));
Do I need to use the "JZZ.Midi.js" and "JZZ.MidiFile.js" in order to play back base64 data to an external MIDI device?
Code: Select all
const midifile = new JZZ_.MidiFile(JZZ_.MidiFile.fromBase64(mozart));
TypeError: Cannot read property 'fromBase64' of undefined
at Object.<anonymous> (D:\Webstorm Projects\JazzMIDI\index.js:287:49)
at Module._compile (module.js:541:32)
at Object.Module._extensions..js (module.js:550:10)
at Module.load (module.js:458:32)
at tryModuleLoad (module.js:417:12)
at Function.Module._load (module.js:409:3)
at Module.runMain (module.js:575:10)
at run (bootstrap_node.js:352:7)
at startup (bootstrap_node.js:144:9)
at bootstrap_node.js:467:3
Thanks for the help!


text:
I was recently browsing on eBay and seller gameconsolehk is selling Toshiba SD-S802A HD-DVD drives for Xbox 360 for less than $100 shipped. At first I thought it was a typo or an unscrupulous seller. But I did some research and apparently it is the drive that Microsoft uses in the addon HD-DVD drives for the 360.
According to captain_video on the HTPCNews forum, the drive does have a non-standard connector, but you can use a laptop drive adaptor to connect it to the standard drive connector in your PC – IDE I am guessing, but possibly SATA? The drive appears to have special mounts on the sides, but maybe you can take them off to mount the drive in your PC? Aside from this, I couldn't find a lot more information on this drive aside from eBay listings and a couple of firmware hackers.
This seems a bit weird. I find it strange that the seller seems to have no shortage of these (there are several listings), especially at such a low price. Also, if Toshiba can sell these at such a low price, why don't they sell these at this price to the general PC user market? They would sell like hotcakes! What's going on here?


text:
Search For Properties In Toscana
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Toscana is one of the most distinguished condominium residences in Highland Beach, with resort-like units, proximity to the ocean and a prestigious address. Lavish living awaits at this exclusive residence with unrivaled amenities.
Real Estate: Toscana has three separate high-rise condominium towers hosting 423 units ranging in size and floor plan layouts. Luxury residences in Toscana feature private elevator access, volume ceilings, walk-in closets, granite countertops, custom marble baths, spacious terraces and much more. Most luxury units in Toscana offer breathtaking ocean or Intracoastal views out of floor-to-ceiling windows in spacious living areas. Residents of Toscana enjoy exclusive living in this private community, whether they live in the Toscana North Tower, Toscana West Tower or the Toscana Tower.
Lifestyle: Residents of Toscana enjoy the community's many amenities, such as swimming pools, a game room, a fitness center, a clubhouse and tennis courts. Additionally, all Toscana residents enjoy access to the Toscana Beach Club, a Mediterranean-inspired beach club located on the white sand beaches of the Atlantic. The beach club offers beachside towel and drink services, comfortable beach chairs, and upscale locker rooms with a sauna, steam room and showers. Toscana is located near the heart of activity in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, providing a plethora of upscale restaurants and boutique shops just minutes away.
Education: Toscana is conveniently located near several public schools, including J.C. Mitchell Elementary School, Boca Raton Community Middle School and Boca Raton Community High School. Nearby private schools include Grandview Preparatory School and Boca Raton Christian School.
Water Access: Toscana residents may access the sparkling waters of the Atlantic in a matter of seconds by simply crossing the A1A. Toscana Beach Club membership enhances their beach experience with its concierge service and luxurious amenities. The condominium's location near the Intracoastal waterways and the ocean make this an ideal residence for beach-goers, yachters and water sports enthusiasts.


text:
Contact Us | About Us
John and Susan Sterne
email@example.com | (303) 948-8811
5102 E. 117th Court, Thornton, CO 80233
It's possible to return from a cruise smarter – or, at least more well-rounded – than when you left. Many cruises include enrichment programs designed to expand your knowledge of topics ranging from personal finance to the latest movies.
Recently, cruise lines have been revving up their enrichment programs to offer more options than ever before. Here's a sample.
Through Crystal Cruises' Creative Learning Institute, you can learn skills in language, music, wellness and art from instructors associated with famous names like Berlitz, Yamaha and the Cleveland Clinic. However, Crystal's enrichment offerings don't stop there: the Crystal Visions program brings guest lecturers on board, including theater and film stars, sports heroes and authors. And, Crystal's Computer University@Sea can teach you to use the latest in Internet-based and digital communications.
Last summer, Celebrity Cruises introduced a new enrichment program, Celebrity Life, which focuses on dining (Savor), learning (Discover) and wellness (Renew). The Savor program includes wine appreciation, cocktail mixology and interactive cooking demonstrations. The Discover program offers a variety of lectures and classes on everything from history to nature to technology. And, the Renew program combines fitness classes with spa treatments and wellness seminars to boost well-being.
On Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, indulge your flair for the dramatic with acting workshops presented by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or, let an astronomer familiarize you with the cosmos in the QM 2's onboard planetarium and during star-gazing sessions on deck.
Princess Cruises' Scholarship@Sea program has an academic-sounding name, but actually focuses on leisure activities. You can indulge in a favorite hobby or find a new one, such as "throwing" clay pots, designing Web pages, or pairing the right food with the right wines.
Note that depending on the cruise line and the program, some enrichment activities are free and open to all passengers; others require advance registration and an extra fee. Ask your personal cruise expert for details on the enrichment activities available on your next cruise.


text:
LocationThurmont, MD
11109 Angleberger Rd.
Thurmont, MD 21788
New 2019 Coachmen RV Clipper Ultra-Lite 21FQoverstocked! sale price reduced to liquidate!
Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite travel trailer 21FQ highlights:
- Dual Entry
- Queen Bed
- Booth Dinette
- Sofa
- Full Bath
Imagine two entries, one near the front queen bed and one near the rear bath, then imagine your family laughing while playing games inside this Clipper Ultra-Lite travel trailer. Model 21FQ offers enough room for 4 sleepy campers, plus the convenience of a full bathroom. There is plenty of storage throughout for all your necessary items, plus some! Let this model be your next RV!
With any Clipper Ultra-Lite you can enjoy a smooth ride with dual Dexter E-Z Lube axles and aerodynamic front profile. Inside you will find 100% adhesion residential grade linoleum and residential laminated countertops for easy clean up after a long weekend of fun. You can enjoy the Jensen AM/FM Bluetooth stereo with App control and an interior command center as well. Come see why this travel trailer makes it convenient to take off and go at any time with your own family vehicle.
good valueLike most: floorplan and price, weight range - Ryan from Hanover, PA
Stock# 38428
|25 ft 6 in
|Ext Width
|8 ft
|Ext Height
|9 ft 10 in
|Int Height
|6 ft 4 in
|Hitch Weight
|414 lbs
|Gross Weight
|7044 lbs
|Dry Weight
|4074 lbs
|Cargo Weight
|2970 lbs
|Fresh Water Capacity
|40 gals
|Grey Water Capacity
|31 gals
|Black Water Capacity
|31 gals
|Tire Size
|Furnace BTU
|20000 btu
|Available Beds
|Refrigerator Type
|Two Way
|Refrigerator Size
|6 cu ft
|Cooktop Burners
|Number of Awnings
|LP Tank Capacity
|Water Heater Capacity
|6 gal
|Water Heater Type
|DSI Gas
|13500 btu
|Cargo Deck Size
|0 ft
|Awning Info
|18' Power
|Axle Count
|Number of LP Tanks
|Shower Type
|Tub/Shower Combo
Coachmen RV is built upon a simple principle … "Dedicated to the enrichment of your life." By providing you with long term value through all that we do, our focus is on providing a product with superior value and backing it through superior service and support. Once you become a Coachmen owner, we are committed to enhancing your Coachmen RV ownership and lifestyle experience… creating friends for life and memories that will last a lifetime.
At Coachmen you will find a rich history of commitment from our Team Members. This commitment extends to our owners and in the pride we have for our brand. The close relationship that we share with our owners and our dealers is a quality that others have been trying to mimic over our 50 year history. Our goals and principles remain well in focus.
We do create customers for life
Beckleys RVs is not responsible for any misprints, typos, or errors found in our website pages. Any price listed excludes sales tax, registration tags, and delivery fees. All prices may not include Beckley's Camping Center's 145 point pre-delivery inspection. Manufacturer-provided pictures, specifications and features may be used as needed. Inventory shown may be only a partial listing of the entire inventory. Please contact us at 833-930-0691 for availability as our inventory changes rapidly. All calculated payments are an estimate only and do not constitute a commitment that financing or a specific interest rate or term is available.


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